Good rides for Lerena
On a difficult card it might pay to wait for the lucky last race before striking the main bet of the day and Brett Warren-trained and Craig Zackey-ridden Cool Fantasy is the choice.
This six-year-old mare competes in a MR 62 Handicap over Turffontein today and her recent form suggests a win is likely in the very near future.
Cool Fantasy was runner-up behind Seal My Fate in September and followed up with a close third to Barcelona Babe at the Vaal. But it was her recent runner-up berth behind improving Naivette that is the choice form of the race.
Zackey now knows how to get the best out of Cool Fantasy and this course and distance should suit.
There are dangers, with Ribbon of moonlight and Balalaika just two of them.
Earlier on the card there could be two bankers for exotic bets in the form of Al Hamd in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1450m, and Brave Nation in Race 4, a Maiden Plate over 1200m.
Al Hamd did well in his first two starts then surprisingly put in a very bad effort at this course in November. Clearly that run is best ignored and he returned earlier this month and was only just touched off by Urban Myth.
The very consistent Jackman is the danger but may need to do more to beat Al Hamd.
Trainer Geoff Woodruff has many runners entered for this race meeting and the best could be Brave Nation.
This Var gelding should be well suited to this course and distance and is up against some modest rivals.
The biggest opposition will come from Flying Russian but that rival jumps from an awkward stall and has lacked extra when he has needed it most.
Flying Russian could add another runner-up berth to the four he already has to his name.
Brave Nation is one of a few of good rides on the card for jockey Gavin Lerena.
Trainer Sean Tarry is another with many runners and his first winner could come as early as Race 3 as Tandana could win in a weak field.