Thursday’s eight-race Classic track meeting at the Vaal (24 July) offers several attractive betting opportunities, with standout rides from jockeys Chase Maujean and Kabelo Matsunyane worth following — particularly in multiple bets.
In Race 1, Empress Wu looks ready to break her maiden after four consecutive seconds. She was runner-up over this course and distance two starts ago and finished behind Red Hot Kisses at Turffontein last time, despite reportedly coughing. Improvement is expected, and Maujean could guide her to victory.
In Race 3, Matsunyane sticks with Copper Eagle, a surprise debut winner at 20-1 for trainer Robyn Klaasen. The son of New Predator finished strongly despite a wide draw and should be even better over the 1600m trip. His win was franked by Tommy Shelby — who placed third that day and later won by over six lengths. They meet again, with Copper Eagle just 1kg worse off.
Race 5 brings Matsunyane aboard Peregrine Falcon, a promising type with strong Western Cape and KZN form. Now trained by Fabian Habib and returning from a short break, the Gimmethegreenlight gelding drops in class and could deliver a bold showing at value odds despite fitness concerns.
In Race 6, Maujean partners the consistent Damova, a course-and-distance winner who’s taken two of her last four. The six-year-old mare is well-weighted and thrives over 2400m, making her a solid eachway contender.
With a mix of strong form and sneaky value, Maujean and Matsunyane could be the key to a profitable day at the Vaal.
Clive Robinson
