Lerena on his Hollywoodbets Durban July rides

GAVIN LERENA and Richard Fourie, who are two of the three protagonists in the thrilling chase for the national jockeys title, cut contrasting figures towards the end of Sunday's Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting as the former spoke confidently about his Hollywoodbets Durban July rides, while the latter confirmed he was "feeling terrible" after being booked off his last few rides.

- DAVID THISELTON

Lerena's one winner on Sunday followed a five-timer on Saturday and with Fourie and Zackey also each having one winner on Sunday the situation is now Lerena on 243 wins achieved at a strike rate of 25.26%, Fourie on 239 at 25.16% and Zackey on 236 at 17.57%.

Lerena said about the championship race and whether he would travel to all centres, including the East Cape, from now onward, "It's not easy to get rides. Durban hasn't been very kind to me the last couple of weeks either, but we'll ride wherever we can. it's still a long month to go, but I'm just enjoying the racing and enjoying the competitiveness of it and may the best man win."

Lerena has some fine rides on Hollywoodbets Durban July day.

In the big one he rides the Frank Robinson-trained Madison Valley.

Gavin said, "His gallop was very good. He's sound, he feels very well and he's very fit, so I am looking forward to riding him with 54kg"

Mambo In Seattle

The Clifton Stud-bred Mambo In Seattle gelding has some good formlines as his Betway Summer Cup run puts him ahead of Royal Victory, See It Again and Atticus Finch at the weights in the July.