South Africa Horse Racing Previews: VAAL@2023.05.16
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 1, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R80.000, 12:25GMT+2
Race Summary: Half the field of 10 are first-timers – watch the money market. Of those who have raced, REAL RELIEF rates the one to beat – he was backed on debut but found one better. HAWKBILL was close up in both starts and should make his presence felt. PIED KINGFISHER wasn’t disgraced on debut but was rested thereafter. He should know more about it. SUPER AWESOME and EMPORIUM are looking to improve.
Selections:
#5 Real Relief, #3 Hawkbill, #4 Pied Kingfisher, #10 Thomas Rainwater
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 2, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R80.000, 13:00GMT+2
Race Summary: Watch the previous race for a guide line to the draws. WUGUG was close up in both her starts and should be thereabouts again. However, DOLCEZZA finished a length behind her on her debut, appears drawn better and could turn it around. DAKOTA CAT (blinkers back on) was runner-up in her last two and could get into the action. SUGARY SWEET has an outside draw and could get into the picture. PHANTOM EXPRESS disappointed in her 2nd run but is better than that. Watch the 6 newcomers especially SILVER HUNT.
Selections:
#4 Dolcezza, #16 Wugug, #3 Dakota Cat, #13 Silver Hunt
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 3, Gallops, 1700m, Turf, R80.000, 13:35GMT+2
Race Summary: The youngsters are out to prove their stamina. BATTLE OF KURSK went furthest but never kicked late, however he can only improve. WE ARE THE LOGANS was run out it last time and should be involved. WILLIAM IRON ARM drifted in the betting when not disgraced on debut and should come on over this distance. BRENHEISEN and AMPERSAND are bred for this distance – respect. Watch newcomer DHONI.
Selections:
#7 William Iron Arm, #6 We Are The Logans, #3 Brenheisen, #1 Ampersand
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 4, Gallops, 1700m, Turf, R80.000, 14:10GMT+2
Race Summary: WOODLAND GLADE found support on debut but had to settle for 2nd place. She travels over further and should hold GODSPEED, SHILPA’S MOON and BE REAL. The one to beat. KEY ELEMENT found problems last time and should relish the extra. MY SOUL MATE is another crying out for the extra – respect. LEONESSA must have a money chance if settles early.
Selections:
#10 Woodland Glade, #4 Key Element, #6 My Soul Mate, #5 Leonessa
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 5, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R90.000, 14:45GMT+2
Race Summary: On the outcome of the Gold Bowl, three-year-olds proved their ability against older stayers. On this, GOOD COUNCIL has the form but has to give 10kg to proven and in-form stayer AFRAAD as well as 12kg to Spook Express runner-up KIND JUDY. Big ask. OPERA GLASS and CAPTAIN CHORUS could get into the Quartet.
Selections:
#5 Kind Judy, #3 Afraad, #1 Good Council, #6 Captain Chorus
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 6, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R70.000, 15:20GMT+2
Race Summary: Stable companions TROPPO VELOCE and WAR EMPRESS come off maiden wins and could go in again. Preference goes to two-year-old TROPPO VELOCE. PENDRAGON is holding form and a big run is expected. WHAT A TIGER, FEATHER THE NEST and MERCER GIRL are more of many looking for minor money.
Selections:
#2 Troppo Veloce, #1 War Empress, #3 Pendragon, #9 What A Tiger
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 7, Gallops, 1100m, Turf, R80.000, 15:55GMT+2
Race Summary: READY TO CHARGE found support and won on debut. She has scope for improvement and is taken to go in again. SIBERIAN STEEL found problems last time but holds VAVA VEGAS on earlier form. GOLIATH HERON is holding form and finished ahead of HOUSTON on recent collateral form. PINCH HIT and BLACK EGRET are looking for Quartet money.
Selections:
#6 Ready To Charge, #5 Siberian Steel, #1 Goliath Heron, #2 Houston
Vaal, 16.05.2023, Race 8, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R90.000, 16:30GMT+2
Race Summary: DUKE OF SUSSEX runs well at this track and could contest the finish. Stable companion KINKY BOOTS shoulders 10kg less and could challenge. CALIBRE CREST is maturing now, hasn’t got the best of the draws but could go in again. BEY SUYAY has not won at this track but cannot be ignored for money. WILLOW EXPRESS, BARD OF AVON, CIAN THE CONQUEROR and ZUZAN could pull it off.
Selections:
#14 Kinky Boots, #1 Duke Of Sussex, #15 Calibre Crest, #16 Zuzan
Best Win: #10 WOODLAND GLADE
Best Value Bet: #4 DOLCEZZA
Best Longshot: #4 DOLCEZZA
