RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2024.01.16
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 1, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R100.000, 12:30GMT+2
Race Summary: YOU BRING ME JOY ran a much better race second time out and is improving with each start. She should relish the extra on pedigree but all of GOLDEN CHANDELIER, BELLISSIVAR and FORCE EIGHT finished ahead of her on debut. All look set to come on and support for any could be indicative of winning work back home. But there are plenty first-timers in it as well and the betting market may be the best guide to their chances. Corne Spies does well with his juveniles and RADIANT HEAT could be the one to watch. One World fillies SENSORIA and WILLOWILD could be speedy as well.
Selections:
#4 Force Eight, #5 Golden Chandelier, #14 You Bring Me Joy, #2 Bellissivar
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 2, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R100.000, 13:05GMT+2
Race Summary: PROCEED was supported on debut but met an impressive sort on debut and had to be content with the second prize. It was, nevertheless, a very good run and she rates the one to beat. READY SET FIRE came on from her debut with a good second place finish in what looked a competitive race. She should be right there over the longer distance. GUERILLA WARFARE should also be in the money. But more of a threat could come from one of the unraced individuals. WING WALKER and MESSALINA are bred for speed.
Selections:
#4 Proceed, #5 Ready Set Fire, #6 Wing Walker, #7 Messalina
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 3, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R140.000, 13:40GMT+2
Race Summary: MONDIAL has won three of his five starts and could up his game further as he looks to have the credentials and draw to win again. MARDI GRAS has given signs he could score an overdue win. Along with TWIN TURBO he is weighted to turn the form around with MONDIAL but has drawn wide and it would be a first win over this distance. TWIN TURBO holds consistent form and should be right there. GEORGE HANDEL needs a test and he could get the race run to suit. Watch out for DUKE OF SUSSEX who loves this track. He could also get away with this slightly longer trip.
Selections:
#7 Mondial, #9 Mardi Gras, #12 George Handel, #6 Twin Turbo
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 4, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R110.000, 14:15GMT+2
Race Summary: Undefeated colt TAEGAN’S CHAMP has done everything asked of him but this race will test him as some of the runners he faces have run well at the highest level. The Gimmethegreenlight colt could be up to the task. GUY GIBSON got his confidence boosted last time. He has some cracking juvenile form in the bank and with maturity could rise to the top. Older runner EAST COAST is best weighted and has run in races like the SA Classic, Daily News and Summer Cup. If back to his best he could be dangerous. STORM BRASCO won by a street and could be anything. MY SOUL MATE is no slouch. Great race!
Selections:
#3 Taegan’s Champ, #2 Guy Gibson, #1 East Coast, #8 Storm Brasco
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 5, Gallops, 1500m, Turf, R80.000, 14:50GMT+2
Race Summary: Open fillies and mares handicap in the lower division. WOODLAND GLADE is better than her recent form. She is dropping in class and back against her sex and a better performance can be expected. MIGHTY GODDESS did everything but win when dropped in distance at this venue. She can make amends with a repeat of that effort. GILDA GRAY has a 4kg apprentice claim and will be out to maintain her unbeaten record over the course and distance. DELLA’S SWORD hasn’t been convincing but has a decent draw and could pinch a break at the right time. Many more with earning potential.
Selections:
#1 Woodland Glade, #3 Mighty Goddess, #4 Gilda Gray, #11 Della’s Sword
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 6, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R105.000, 15:25GMT+2
Race Summary: SLINKY MAPIMPI couldn’t find a way through at Turffontein last time. He could have done a lot better and is the one to watch. WILLOW EXPRESS is knocking at the door again. There has been betting support for him from time to time and he could reward followers. PRESLEY overcame a wide draw and won his maiden well enough to suggest he could follow up. Filly FORGIVENESS proved too good in her fourth career start and could keep improving. She is, however, dropping in distance. POCKET WATCH has done little wrong and needs to be included.
Selections:
#2 Slinky Mapimpi, #6 Willow Express, #7 Presley, #9 Forgiveness
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 7, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R90.000, 16:00GMT+2
Race Summary: Lightly raced TURBO POWER is the one to keep an eye on. He showed ability in his first two races but then disappointed. He could go well with a light weight after a rest. LINKIN NAVIGATOR ran a decent race behind a well weighted classy filly and is now back over a more suitable trip. He rates the form choice. REAL RELIEF didn’t do badly over further but may be a better proposition over the shorter distance again. A wide draw is the only concern. RICHARD THE FIRST has very good form but has drawn wider out. RED HOT ROSE could find herself in the money again.
Selections:
#9 Turbo Power, #5 Linkin Navigator, #4 Real Relief, #2 Richard The First
Vaal Classic, 16.01.2024, Race 8, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R97.500, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: Competitive fillies and mares handicap to end. MIA FIORE has run two decent races in a row and will be looking to turn it around with horses like SIGRID SWING, THERE SHE GOES and DIVINE MOONLIGHT. However, she is dropping in distance and will need to time her run right. SIGRID SWING ran well from a wide draw last time and this time drawn well could get her head in front at the right time. BERENGARIA caught the eye last time and could be ready to challenge for the win. Watch out for DOLCEZZA who could relish being back in a sprint. She has a bit of class about her.
Selections:
#10 Mia Fiore, #5 Sigrid Swing, #2 Berengaria, #1 Dolcezza
Best Win: #4 PROCEED
Best Value Bet: #9 TURBO POWER
Best Longshot: #9 TURBO POWER
