South Africa Horse Racing Previews: VAAL CLASSIC@2023.03.23
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 1, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R90.000, 12:30GMT+2
Race Summary: Both MAITH AN CAILIN and IMPRESSION showed vast improvement in their last runs and either could take the honours in the Work Riders opener. IMPRESSION finished 3 lengths ahead of QUEEN BRITANNA so should confirm. ON THE GUEST LIST shouldn’t be far off and could challenge.
Selections:
#2 Impression, #1 Maith An Cailin, #3 Queen Britanna, #4 On The Guest List
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 2, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R95.000, 13:00GMT+2
Race Summary: BANHA BRIDGE is honest and if taking his place (carded to race before this) should go close. CAPTAIN CHORUS has been slightly disappointing lately but is capable of a lot better. EARL needs to reproduce his penultimate performance. AFRAAD had breathing problems last time. GREAT AFFAIR did better last time but needs to confirm. The remaining two runners, LIBECCIO and ANGEL’S WISH could make the Quartet.
Selections:
#3 Banha Bridge, #1 Captain Chorus, #5 Afraad, #4 Great Affair
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R90.000, 13:30GMT+2
Race Summary: Of the 11 runners carded, 9 have yet to compete. Watch the betting and respect the money – especially on REAL RELIEF who is reportedly doing well. Look for improvement from filly ROSE TINTED who bled on debut.
Selections:
#9 Real Relief, #11 Rose Tinted, #6 King Rahul, #4 Galladorn
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 4, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R90.000, 14:05GMT+2
Race Summary: Of those that have raced, CALLMEWHENUNEEDME is the form choice, however, watch the first-timers, especially WUGUG, MARY’S GREENLIGHT and CHROME TOURMALINE. ARCTIC FLAG, DIVINE MOONLIGHT, ENCHANTING LADY and WINTER PATH are looking to improve.
Selections:
#2 Callmewhenuneedme, #12 Wugug, #8 Mary’s Greenlight, #3 Chrome Tourmaline
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 5, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R90.000, 14:40GMT+2
Race Summary: PUERTO PLATA will prefer the little shorter trip and if handling the wide draw should make his presence felt. NGOKUSHESHA has a shout if sustaining his effort. MISS CHRISTMAS was cut into last time and should do better. TIME TO MEDITATE is running close up and has a money chance. WONDERWORLD is better than his last run and with PINK DIAMOND as well as HAZLO GRANDE could make the frame.
Selections:
#1 Puerto Plata, #2 Ngokushesha, #10 Miss Christmas, #3 Time To Meditate
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R110.000, 15:15GMT+2
Race Summary: DESTINY OF SOULS took a walk in the betting last time. He never got into it but was reportedly blowing after. The shorter trip should suit. STRATOSPHERIC lost the opposition when opening his account last time but is in stronger company, however, he could go in again. Stablemate NAPOLEON needs to keep up the gallop. CRIMSON KING is having his peak run – respect. INVINCIBLE WARRIOR never showed in his 2 runs after a rest but could get back on track. LILLIANA could need it.
Selections:
#4 Stratospheric, #1 Destiny Of Souls, #2 Crimson King, #7 Napoleon
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 7, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R85.000, 15:50GMT+2
Race Summary: TIZONA disappointed last time but could continue his fresh wins for the Tony Peter yard. GOLDEN SPOON and MCEBISI race before this – watch. VITELLIUS wasn’t disgraced in his post-maiden and could challenge. BLACK EGRET comes off a maiden win and looks to have scope for improvement. MR MALONY, IN CAHOOTS, SPLENDID SEASON and SAGE KING are looking for Quartet money.
Selections:
#5 Tizona, #6 Vitellius, #2 Golden Spoon, #3 Black Egret
Vaal Classic, 23.03.2023, Race 8, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R85.000, 16:30GMT+2
Race Summary: Full field for a tricky last. LAETITIA’S ANGEL is holding form and should be involved again. She beat VAR PARK by 1.1 length but is 1.5kg worse off. It could get close. MIA REGINA was coughing last time but fared well on debut in her new yard. Stablemate AXEL COLLINS forms a strong back-up. WESTERN WISHES never beat much on her debut win but can only improve. SAMOA cannot be ignored for money. SMITH AND WESSON is better than his recent form. Watch the reserve runners especially PHINDA MZALA.
Selections:
#3 Laetitia’s Angel, #14 Mia Regina, #10 Western Wishes, #4 Var Park
Best Win: #3 BANHA BRIDGE
Best Value Bet: #5 TIZONA
Best Longshot: #5 TIZONA
