King Harald's bold bid for second win

A GRADUATION PLATE over 1400m is the highlight of the meeting at the Vaal Classic track today and could see the three-year-old King Harald claiming a second career victory.

- DAVID THISELTON

Gavin Lerena has jumped ship from Winds Of Change to ride King Harald who has been quite close to the like of all of Gr 2 winner Tin Pan Alley, dual Gr 1 winner Jan Van Goyen and Gr 2 winner Chronicle King in races from 1400m up to 1600m.

He has a tricky draw of five out of seven and is officially 2kg under sufferance with Winds Of Change, but Gavin Lerena knows him well and he should make a bold bid. He should appreciate this step up to this trip.

Winds Of Change

Winds Of Change was staying on over 1000m last time and although both of his wins were over 1160m, he did finish a 3,70 length fifth in a Grade 2 race the only time he went further than a sprint and that was over this 1400m trip.

He could mow down the others in the finish from a wide draw of six out of seven.

Paul Revere is way out at the weights but is drawn in pole, was 2,5kg under sufferance in the Grand Heritage when finishing just 4,50 lengths back, so could be in the shake up here.

Clever Trevor is also way under sufferance but is on the up. I'm A Fireball is third best in at the weights but in his only try at a trip beyond a sprint, in the Gr 2 Golden Horseshoe, he was well beaten, although he did have a wide draw then and has a middle draw here on this more galloping track.