An eight-race programme on the Vaal Classic track on Thursday 23 October promises competitive racing, and the day could revolve around in-form riders Serino Moodley and Philasande Mxoli, both of whom have been striking up impressive results with their several stables.
Mxoli has been one of the Highveld’s most reliable riders in recent weeks, combining to good effect with trainers Tyrone Zackey and St John Gray.
He should again get off to a flyer for Zackey in Race 1 – as the pair did at last week’s Turffontein meeting – over 2400m aboard Heroic Act. This Captain Of All gelding is the only runner in the field with proven experience over the distance, a key advantage at this testing trip. His stamina and consistency make him tough to oppose in the opener.
Mxoli’s strong association with the Gray yard continues later in the day with two more lively winning chances.
In Race 5 he rides Palace Prince who fluffed his lines over 1600m a fortnight ago but looks well worth another chance. This Potala Palace colt has shown enough ability to win in this company, and though he shoulders top weight of 61kg, the drop back to 1450m should play to his strengths.
In Race 6 Mxoli again teams up with Gray aboard Ice Dragon, a Lance gelding who caused a 50-1 shock when scoring impressively on debut over the Vaal straight 1200m. That performance suggests genuine ability, and while he won’t be anywhere near those odds this time, he should go close again if confirming that promise.
Another rider enjoying a purple patch, Moodley will be confident of adding to his tally with two standout mounts.
In Race 3 he partners the improving Vercingetorix gelding Bellerophon, who justified prohibitive odds last time with a runaway maiden victory over 1500m with the addition of first-time cheekpieces. The Fabian Habib-trained runner now makes his handicap debut over 1600m carrying a light 54kg, and with his progressive profile, he could easily follow up over the slightly extended trip.
Moodley’s second major chance comes in Race 4 aboard World Of Alice, a versatile One World filly who is the best-weighted runner in the field. She underlined her effectiveness in her last two 1400m appearances, finishing second in both – once as a juvenile and the other in the Grade 3 Starling Stakes (before winning at the same level in the Fillies’ Mile) as a three-year-old.
Sean Tarry’s charge should continue to mature this season and will be hard to beat under Moodley if running to her rating.
Clive Robinson
