RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2024.01.11
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 1, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R80.000, 12:35GMT+2
Race Summary: PLAY WITH FIRE looks the one to beat in the Work Riders opener, however, the blinkers are off and she will need to keep her mind on matters. RED KNOT can improve if she can settle early. TEO TORRIATTE and ARCTIC VIXEN improved in their last respective performances and could have a say. VOSHAARNOOI is held on form but could do enough for the Quartet.
Selections:
#6 Play With Fire, #8 Red Knot, #4 Teo Torriatte, #5 Arctic Vixen
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 2, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R105.000, 13:07GMT+2
Race Summary: There was shrewd money for SAKHALA IS’CATHULO last time. She raced in blinkers for the first time but failed narrowly. The blinkers are off. In the same race stablemate SMASHING was disappointing but her saddle did slip. SEA SHANTY is sure to improve and could make up the difference on the first mentioned – consider for honours. Another runner sure to give an improved performance is MAJOR STRIDES who should be cherry ripe. VATHOMVLAFFIE disappointed last time.
Selections:
#1 Sakhala Is’Cathulo, #2 Sea Shanty, #5 Major Strides, #7 Smashing
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R95.000, 13:39GMT+2
Race Summary: Difficult to assess. THING CALLED LOVE was heavily backed in her second start. She has obvious ability but comes off a long break and deserves respect. Also off a lengthy lay-off is ARTICUNO – she comes from franked form. Respect the money. SOMEDAY MAYBE is still waiting for her day but has a Trifecta chance. JUMPING ANALIA and OUT THE MIST should get close together and either could take home a cheque. MAGICAL STONES and FEATHER DANCER could place.
Selections:
#1 Articuno, #8 Thing Called Love, #5 Someday Maybe, #2 Feather Dancer
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 4, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R110.000, 14:11GMT+2
Race Summary: ABSOLUTE VALUE and BATTLEGROUND look to fight it out again and either could come out tops. On collateral form PROFESSOR SNAPE shouldn’t be far off them – respect. POSITIVE ATTITUDE is improving again and cannot be ignored. The remaining 4 runners could battle for Quartet money.
Selections:
#2 Battleground, #1 Absolute Value, #3 Professor Snape, #5 Positive Attitude
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 5, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R95.000, 14:50GMT+2
Race Summary: Good race. On collateral form THREE STRANDS, ARIEL’S JET and UNIVERSAL LOVE should be on top of each other. GLOBAL CHOICE jumps up in distance and is bred to stay – she could upset the three above. ROSE TINTED, BURMESE TIARA and MEMORIAL DAY could find minor money.
Selections:
#3 Ariel’s Jet, #6 Universal Love, #2 Three Strands, #1 Global Choice
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 6, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R110.000, 15:25GMT+2
Race Summary: Another competitive race. With 4kg off her back, ICE STAR could take advantage and record a deserved third victory. VIRGINIA BEACH only gets 0.5kg from her and it may not be enough. MIDNIGHT FUSION and LAW OF SUCCESS should finish on top of each other on recent form which obviously brings HAPPY ANALIA into it. MYTHICAL DREAM has blinkers on and could improve. TAYOOBA needs to bring her A-game to score. WHITE HILLS can get into the mix.
Selections:
#1 Ice Star, #3 Virginia Beach, #8 Midnight Fusion, #9 Law Of Success
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 7, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R85.000, 16:00GMT+2
Race Summary: NETTLETON is in form and could go in again, however, EMPRESS GAME receives 6kg from her for 2.8-lengths and could turn it around. On collateral form WAR QUEEN comes into the reckoning and should be involved. CUE THE REBEL races before this – watch. LADY ELLIOT, BEADED GOWN, IN THE ETHER and RISKY BUSINESS could make the money.
Selections:
#5 Empress Game, #4 War Queen, #1 Nettleton, #8 In The Ether
Vaal Classic, 11.01.2024, Race 8, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R90.000, 16:35GMT+2
Race Summary: COLORADO CREEK finished a length behind GODFATHER recently but will be at peak fitness here and could turn it around. JUST NUISANCE won his maiden easily and could follow up. ROYAL EDITION needed his last outing and despite the worst of the draw could challenge. Stablemates SOLO DIVA and LIBECCIO could make the frame.
Selections:
#2 Colorado Creek, #8 Godfather, #6 Just Nuisance, #1 Royal Edition
Best Win: #6 PLAY WITH FIRE
Best Value Bet: #5 EMPRESS GAME
Best Longshot: #5 EMPRESS GAME
