RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2024.05.28
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 1, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R75.000, 12:00GMT+2
Race Summary: This won’t take much winning. CALLABURN fluffed her lines on the Greyville Polytrack last time but, on the strength and consistency of his earlier form, has every chance in this lineup. JAPANESE MAPLE is open to improvement over this distance so has to be respected, while ANGEL OF MY HEART is 2.5kg better off with TEO TORRIATE and should get closer as a result. The latter has improved stepped up to 2000m and could have more to offer over this extended trip.
Selections:
#3 Teo Torriatte, #1 Callaburn, #5 Angel Of My Heart, #2 Japanese Maple
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 2, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R75.000, 12:35GMT+2
Race Summary: Tricky. SAFE SPACE made an encouraging stable debut at a slightly higher level over 1800m and will appreciate reverting to this distance, so is high on the shortlist. GIMME THE FLAME was returning from a break when 4th over 1450m last time and should be competitive with improved fitness on her side. CARNELO benefitted with this headgear fitted to finish 3rd in a stronger race last time and need only confirm that improvement to fight out the finish. FULL GO and VAVA VEGAS complete the shortlist.
Selections:
#5 Carnelo, #3 Gimme The Flame, #1 Safe Space, #7 Full Go
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 3, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R75.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: AMERICAN REBEL was heavily supported when only 4th from a wide draw earlier this month but could repay his followers with a better starting stall on this occasion. PATH OF POWER and ROLL OF THE DICE could get into the picture if building on recent improvement, although a bigger threat is likely to come from CHICAGO LASS and youngster ULTIMISSIMO.
Selections:
#1 American Rebel, #9 Chicago Lass, #12 Ultimissimo, #2 Path Of Power
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 4, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R75.000, 13:45GMT+2
Race Summary: Weak race. SMASHING has acquitted herself well in stronger maidens and needn’t improve to play a leading role. COMMANDER OF ALL has shown signs of progress in this headgear and ought to have a say in the finish with a repeat of her improved latest performance. SOMEDAY MAYBE had legitimate excuses for a disappointing last start but will be suited to a return to this trip if she has overcome her recent issue.
Selections:
#3 Someday Maybe, #2 Commander Of All, #1 Smashing, #4 State Of Play
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 5, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R75.000, 14:20GMT+2
Race Summary: Consistent last-start maiden winner IN A BLUE MOON concedes weight to all on her handicap debut but should remain competitive in this lineup. KAKIEBOS finished behind NUCLEAR FORCE last time and is worse off at the weights, so unlikely to turn the tables. FLAG BEARER and GUY ALEXANDER are dangerous to discount after encouraging recent efforts, while COROMANDEL need only confirm the improvement of his last start to make his presence felt. ZOOMBOMBER has been in good form on the Polytrack recently so shouldn’t be underestimated either.
Selections:
#4 Nuclear Force, #2 Kakiebos, #8 Coromandel, #5 Martinique
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 6, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R75.000, 14:55GMT+2
Race Summary: BE REAL bounced back to form last time with blinkers refitted and Piere Strydom in the irons, so is likely to acquit himself competitively with both headgear and rider retained. Maturing RED KNOT will appreciate this step up in trip and could return to winning ways with any improvement. DYNAMIC LASS is still a maiden but warrants serious respect on the strength of her form before a layoff. IDEAL FUTURE, ANGEL’S WISH and ONE RELIGION are also capable of making their presence felt.
Selections:
#3 Red Knot, #7 Angel’s Wish, #1 Be Real, #8 Gilda Gray
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 7, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R70.000, 15:30GMT+2
Race Summary: Last-start winner SNEAK PREVIEW has the most scope for improvement of these runners and is good value to make a winning handicap debut. GOLDEN ASPEN is 2.5kg worse off with LADY ELLIOT after a 5-point penalty for her recent success but the latter is drawn widest of all so will have her work cut out to revers that form. Versatile DELLA’S SWORD and SOUTHERN STYLE, after an improved/encouraging last start, are also likely to have a say in the finish.
Selections:
#1 Sneak Preview, #11 Della’s Sword, #2 Golden Aspen, #7 Southern Style
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 8, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R80.000, 16:10GMT+2
Race Summary: AMERICAN BISCUIT and GOLDEN PAVILION renew rivalry after disappointing recent performances. Both are capable of better and shouldn’t be written off. Preference, however, is for improving APACHE SON given the form of his last-start maiden success has been boosted by subsequent winners from that race. FAST DUTY has dropped to an attractive mark and is ideally positioned in gate No 1, so has to be included in all permutations.
Selections:
#6 Apache Son, #5 Golden Pavilion, #9 Fast Duty, #3 King’s Ransom
Vaal Classic, 28.05.2024, Race 9, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R75.000, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: Youngster PEACE OF MIND wasn’t winning out of turn last time (having finished 2nd in 3 consecutive outings) and is likely to continue her progress, especially from an inside gate with the hood retained. Hard-knockers COUNT YOUR CHANCES and RED CARPET GIRL have the form and experience to pose a threat. Last-start winner THE NAVY LARK has a wide draw to overcome but benefits from her rider’s 4kg allowance, which should stand her in good stead.
Selections:
#6 Peace Of Mind, #8 Count Your Chances, #4 The Navy Lark, #7 Red Carpet Girl
Best Win: #6 PEACE OF MIND
Best Value Bet: #3 SOMEDAY MAYBE
Best Longshot: #3 SOMEDAY MAYBE
