RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2020.10.01
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 1, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R70.000, 11:40GMT+2
Race Summary: ARABELLA QUEEN hurt her mouth last time and returned blowing. She should do a lot better here. SIGNED AND SEALED was coughing in her last start and could get into the reckoning. FORWARD MARCH hasn’t been far behind in all her 4 starts and could get off the mark from pole draw. LOVE OF LONDON can only improve on debut. Watch newcomer MAPLE SUGAR.
Selections:
#2 Arabella Queen, #6 Forward March, #1 Signed And Sealed, #9 Maple Sugar
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 2, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R70.000, 12:10GMT+2
Race Summary: PETERSHAM has dropped in distance from as far as 2400m down to 1200m here and it could be the right move. HARLEQUIN JACK was never going well last time but could comeback fresh and strong. FORBE’S QUARRY has had his chances but has a definite money chance. Look for improvement from BATTLE FORCE. Watch newcomer BIG SPLASH.
Selections:
#1 Petersham, #5 Harlequin Jack, #2 Forbe’s Quarry, #9 Big Splash
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 3, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R77.500, 12:40GMT+2
Race Summary: LAETITIA’S ANGEL has been running close up and with a 4kg apprentice claim could chalk up her 2nd victory. THE FIFTH WAVE is rarely far off them and should again be thereabouts. SOUL OF WIT was slightly disappointing last time but could feature. TWELVE OAKS could get into the Trifecta. MAKARA could just need it.
Selections:
#5 Laetitia’s Angel, #1 The Fifth Wave, #6 Soul Of Wit, #3 Twelve Oaks
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 4, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R70.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: Many hard-knockers in this race and both ON A HIGH NOTE and MARENGO have most scope for improvement. The former won on debut while the latter opened his account on the 3rd time of asking and both are having the next run after. BRIDGE OF SPIES could turn it around with MR HUGO who has a bad tendency to hang out, while ALEX THE GREAT should finish on top of them. PEARL OF SIBERIA could feature.
Selections:
#6 On A High Note, #1 Marengo, #4 Bridge Of Spies, #12 Alex The Great
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 5, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R77.500, 13:50GMT+2
Race Summary: WINTER SMOKE is well above average and could have too much in hand for this field. She is coupled with CAPTAIN HINDSIGHT who is no slouch. SPANISH BOY has come well and a fast early pace will be to his liking. Stablemate GALACTIC WARRIOR is in form and will pace it out in front. WHORLY WHORLY is running well and claims 4kg. RING OF FIRE races before this – watch.
Selections:
#3 Winter Smoke, #7 Spanish Boy, #1 Captain Hindsight, #2 Whorly Whorly
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 6, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R77.500, 14:30GMT+2
Race Summary: DANCE CLASS is all heart but has it all to do to extend her winning sequence to seven. Last time she beat ODD ROB by 1,25 lengths, GOLD GRIFFIN by 2,30 lengths, BRAND NEW CADILLAC by 2,50 length and FIFE, who pulled up fatigued. The slight increase in her weight should see any of them give her a go.
Selections:
#7 Fife, #2 Dance Class, #1 Odd Rob, #3 Gold Griffin
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R70.000, 15:05GMT+2
Race Summary: ICE LORD tired late after a long layoff and has had enough time for this run. He should make a bold bid. ETCHED IN BLUE beat TIGER’S ROCK by 4,75 lengths this course and distance but the latter will be cherry-ripe and could turn it around on 4kg difference. MAJOR RETURN could get into the action. BATTLE CREEK tries 1600m for the 1st time and with WILLO’THEWISP could make the Quartet.
Selections:
#3 Ice Lord, #4 Tiger’s Rock, #1 Etched In Blue, #6 Major Return
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 8, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R77.500, 15:40GMT+2
Race Summary: Despite there only being 8 runners this is a good race. NAFOORAH has most scope for improvement and should see out the longer distance. With 4kg off her back HEART STWINGS comes into the picture. LORD MELBOURNE has a handy weight and should make his presence felt. GREEK FIRE sports blinkers now and could get his mind on the job at hand. AFRICAN ADVENTURE is holding form.
Selections:
#7 Nafoorah, #1 Heart Stwings, #8 Lord Melbourne, #3 Greek Fire
Vaal Classic, 01.10.2020, Race 9, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R70.000, 16:20GMT+2
Race Summary: Lightly raced 5-year-old SUN GIANT should benefit from an inside draw and could have the run of the race. Stablemates ROCKY PATH and IN FOR A PENNY should run well. The former ran a shocker last time and the run must be ignored. The latter just needed his last run and should come on. PUCKER UP and WESTERN DANCE could renew battle. ANCIENT ROME improved in blinkers and could go on. Many others could pop up.
Selections:
#5 In For A Penny, #12 Sun Giant, #1 Rocky Path, #13 Pucker Up
Best Win: #3 WINTER SMOKE
Best Value Bet: #5 LAETITIA’S ANGEL
Best Longshot: #5 LAETITIA’S ANGEL
