The Roy Magner-trained two-year-old Twice Over colt Taikonaut opened up a big lead under a hands and heels ride from Gavin Lerena at the Vaal yesterday against older horses in a Classified Stakes race over 1100m before being eased down to win by 4,75 lengths.

The Cheveley Stud-bred Robert Chung-owned colt looks likely to be aimed at the BSA Yearling Sales Race over 1300m on Hollywoodbets Durban July day.

Magner, after thanking Hong Kong-based Chung for his continued support of SA racing, said, “Well done Robert, you deserve it … he is going to go places this boy.”

Lerena scored a treble at the meeting to go to 101 winners for the season at a strike rate of 17.29%.

Two of his wins were for Magner.

Magner has now had 37 winners this season at a strike rate of 12.37%.

Leading trainer Paul Peter also scored a double and went to 189 winners for the season at a strike rate of 18.71%.

Picture: Taikonaut toys with older horses at The Vaal today when 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse in the Classified event running off his 84 merit rating (JC Photos).