Gavin Lerena some interesting comments ...

Bob Brogan
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Gavin Lerena some interesting comments ...

8 years 11 months ago

about Hong Kong racing

Lerena said about his stint in Hong Kong, “It was a fantastic experience, but it was very tough to break in. All the holes are plugged and the trainers have got their jockeys. But I would love to go back in a year or two’s time when I will know what to expect.”

Lerena said current Hong Kong champion jockey Joao Moreira was so in demand he was effectively controlling the market.

Most Hong Kong races are “class” defined and there are five classes from one to five.

Lerena said in each of these class races there were usually about four horses capable of winning and Moreira would often be offered the ride on all four. After choosing one he apparently often advises the owners of the other three of his willingness to ride their charges in forthcoming races. The owners of these three then often scratch due to this commitment. When this scenario plays out, Moreira’s mount now effectively has what would have been the fifth favourite as the main danger. The competition is thus being taken out of the racing.

Lerena clarified, “I am not saying it happens every race, but I would say about 60% of the time.”

Lerena pointed out even thirteen-times champion jockey Douglas Whyte had been battling to get good rides lately. Other jockeys who are in demand are Zac Purton and apprentice female Kei Chiong and Lerena pointed out the latter was allowed a ten pound claim, despite having previously ridden 43 winners in New Zealand.

Lerena rode five winners in his stint in Hong Kong, which began in late February, and was proud of his place strike rate of 33% considering his lack of opportunities.

He said, “You have to up your game in Hong Kong.” This is due to the level of competition and improvement in many areas is a natural consequence. He pointed out judgement of pace became almost an automatic skill for a jockey who had ridden for a period in Hong Kong.

Lerena is looking forward to partnering Master Sabina in either the eLan Gold Cup or Champions Cup. “I love riding this horse,” he admitted.

He said he had been forced to take Master Sabina back early in the Vodacom Durban July, so was considerably further back than he had wanted to be, but said the Jet Master six-year-old, on whom he landed his second career Sansui Summer Cup, had run on really well in the straight to finish a 3,35 length ninth.

Lerena will head to the UK for the Shergar Cup in August and is hoping to land a few rides in France before coming home to chase the championships.

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rob faux
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Re: Gavin Lerena some interesting comments ...

8 years 11 months ago

#625362

Bob Brogan wrote: about Hong Kong racing

Lerena said about his stint in Hong Kong, “It was a fantastic experience, but it was very tough to break in. All the holes are plugged and the trainers have got their jockeys. But I would love to go back in a year or two’s time when I will know what to expect.”

Lerena said current Hong Kong champion jockey Joao Moreira was so in demand he was effectively controlling the market.

Most Hong Kong races are “class” defined and there are five classes from one to five.

Lerena said in each of these class races there were usually about four horses capable of winning and Moreira would often be offered the ride on all four. After choosing one he apparently often advises the owners of the other three of his willingness to ride their charges in forthcoming races. The owners of these three then often scratch due to this commitment. When this scenario plays out, Moreira’s mount now effectively has what would have been the fifth favourite as the main danger. The competition is thus being taken out of the racing.

Lerena clarified, “I am not saying it happens every race, but I would say about 60% of the time.”

Lerena pointed out even thirteen-times champion jockey Douglas Whyte had been battling to get good rides lately. Other jockeys who are in demand are Zac Purton and apprentice female Kei Chiong and Lerena pointed out the latter was allowed a ten pound claim, despite having previously ridden 43 winners in New Zealand.

Lerena rode five winners in his stint in Hong Kong, which began in late February, and was proud of his place strike rate of 33% considering his lack of opportunities.

He said, “You have to up your game in Hong Kong.” This is due to the level of competition and improvement in many areas is a natural consequence. He pointed out judgement of pace became almost an automatic skill for a jockey who had ridden for a period in Hong Kong.

Lerena is looking forward to partnering Master Sabina in either the eLan Gold Cup or Champions Cup. “I love riding this horse,” he admitted.

He said he had been forced to take Master Sabina back early in the Vodacom Durban July, so was considerably further back than he had wanted to be, but said the Jet Master six-year-old, on whom he landed his second career Sansui Summer Cup, had run on really well in the straight to finish a 3,35 length ninth.

Lerena will head to the UK for the Shergar Cup in August and is hoping to land a few rides in France before coming home to chase the championships.

Thanks Gav................that suggests that Moriera should have a strike rate of at least 60%.............THAT IS A PUNTING OPPORTUNITY!

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Marsellus Wallace
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Re: Gavin Lerena some interesting comments ...

8 years 11 months ago

#625372

interesting read, it seems like every owner/trainer wants a piece of Moreira. it shows just how much difference a jockey makes on a horse.

most of the time we lose not bcos we are stupid with our selections but because our selections receive a stupid ride.

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Bob Brogan
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Re: Gavin Lerena some interesting comments ...

8 years 10 months ago

#628459

Gav has arrived in London

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TSants18
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Re: Gavin Lerena some interesting comments ...

8 years 10 months ago

#628612

Thanks to the guys at EI Bloodstock, they have given us a small preview of Gavin Lerena's Shergar Cup Rides! You can find them on Twitter @EIBloodstock

2:15 - 5f handicap

No Ride

2:45 - 2m handicap

Arch Villain - high in the weights, Lingfield and all weather specialist. Not yet as good on turf but could easily run better here as since the Royal surface was re-laid it has always suited all weather horses.

3:20 - 1m 4f handicap

Baadi - upwardly mobile 4yo handicapper early this season with two wins at Windsor. Impressive on his 2nd start pulling well clear in the style of a progressive individual. Progression stalled somewhat last time at the Berkshire venue but that is easily forgiven as the ground was extremely soft & as a son of Dansili he was always likely to struggle. Still has plenty of room to maneuver from a mark of 88 & back on genuine fast ground he could easily get back on the winning trail.

3:55 - 1m handicap

Glory Awaits - long underperformed since his staggering run in the 2000 Guineas as a 3yo behind Dawn Approach in Group company & handicaps. Leap of faith required to fancy him now although hopes hinge on an easy lead.

4:30 - 1m 4f handicap

Danehill Kodiac - steady rate of progression in handicaps this season including a very decent run at the Royal Meeting when the trip in the soft ground exposed his stamina limitations. The falsely run race last time out didn't suit either, so back on firm ground in what looks set to be a strongly run race, he has chances.

5:05 - 6f Sprint handicap

Exceed The Limit - struggled throughout most of this season although did appear to run better than his mark in a decent handicap two starts ago. Failed to back that up last time & has to prove that was not a one off here.