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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2026.02.10
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R150.000, 11:40GMT+2
Race Summary: ARISTOTLE stayed on gamely from a handy position to win an 1800m Listed race last time. He is 6kg worse off with BAKWENA but is more likely to appreciate this extended trip than that rival. The latter is the best-weighted runner in the race and the removal of the blinkers should help her see out the extra 400m. Consistent KUDZU and rating-dropper CHESTNUT BOMBER complete the shortlist.
Selections: #1 Aristotle, #6 Bakwena, #3 Kudzu, #4 Chestnut Bomber
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R105.000, 12:15GMT+2
Race Summary: SLENDER SILHOUETTE has been sparingly raced as a 3yo but she won’t need to improve much after a 14-week absence to make a winning reappearance. EL ZANI will likely fight out the finish with natural improvement expected after a promising debut 2nd over track and trip. MASTER’S LADY wouldn’t be winning out of turn and her rider’s 4kg allowance will aid her cause. ELEGANT EDGE had excuses for disappointing recent performances, and could make the presence felt if bouncing back to earlier form.
Selections: #1 Slender Silhouette, #5 El Zani, #3 Master’s Lady, #4 Elegant Edge
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R120.000, 12:50GMT+2
Race Summary: KING REDOUTE was fancied on debut but showed signs of inexperience. He would have benefitted from that outing so should improve to play a leading role. KAMBATI and POWER OF TIGER have the means to pose a threat, especially with improvement expected of them in first-time blinkers. MRS STORMIATRIX appeal most of the remainder.
Selections: #4 King Redoute, #6 Power Of Tiger, #1 Kambati, #5 Mrs Stormiatrix
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R130.000, 13:25GMT+2
Race Summary: UMZINGELI WENYATHI won on the Polytrack in KZN recently and is engaged to run there before this, so his participation has to be monitored. CHAPBOOK won a similar contest over this trip with blinkers fitted last month so it wouldn’t come as a surprise were he to play another leading role under similar conditions. AFRICAN PRIDE and TRAJANUS are held on that form but better off at the weights, therefore they should have a say in the outcome.
Selections: #3 Trajanus, #1 Umzingeli Wenyathi, #4 Chapbook, #2 African Pride
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R125.000, 14:00GMT+2
Race Summary: CAROLINE ISLAND finished 2nd over track and trip at a higher level last time, albeit against same-sex opposition, and a repeat of that effort off a slightly higher mark could suffice in this grade. Well-bred STONEYWOOD is progressive and likely to remain competitive on his post-maiden debut, even over a shorter trip. Returning PIVOTAL ROLE impressed when winning a course-and-distance maiden and is open to any amount of improvement after a subsequent absence. Hard-knockers KIA KAHA also have the means to stake a claim.
Selections: #1 Caroline Island, #6 Stoneywood, #8 Pivotal Role, #9 Kia Kaha
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R135.000, 14:35GMT+2
Race Summary: Highly rated STORMY DAY blotted her copybook on a rain-affected track in a 1400m Grade 3 when last seen but she could be worth another chance reverting to a sprint trip after a subsequent break. PERFECT MIRACLE bounced back to form with a good 4th in a 1200m Listed race last time and a repeat of that performance off a reduced mark should put her right in the mix. However, a chance is taken on older rival TUSCAN ROMANCE who gets weight from those 3yo rivals. The latter has thrived on the Highveld and is unbeaten over track and trip. THERE SHE GOES is in good heart so isn’t taken lightly either.
Selections: #4 Tuscan Romance, #3 Stormy Day, #5 There She Goes, #2 Perfect Miracle
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R105.000, 15:10GMT+2
Race Summary: SEASON’S GREETINGS ran well to finish 3rd in a Listed race over this trip last time and a 3-point rise for the effort isn’t likely to prevent another forward showing. She is held on earlier 1000m form by PLUMBAGO PARK who should also remain competitive on current form. Class-dropper MISS NOVAX will appreciate reverting to 1200m off a lower mark, so she should make her presence felt too in her peak outing. However, it could pay to follow the progress of unexposed LOVABLE who is open to any amount of improvement off a lenient opening mark.
Selections: #7 Lovable, #4 Plumbago Park, #3 Season’s Greetings, #2 Miss Novax
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R110.000, 15:45GMT+2
Race Summary: Cases can be made for most of these familiar foes, though none appeals more than hat-trick-seeking CARTAGENA who won a similar course-and-distance event last time. She renews rivalry with ARLINGTON ACTION and CHABAL and is weighted to confirm her superiority. EUPHRATES have earning potential too over this distance.
Selections: #7 Cartagena, #1 Arlington Action, #10 Euphrates, #4 Chabal
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 9, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R100.000, 16:20GMT+2
Race Summary: JAFFA was heavily supported but too far out of his ground when a fast-finishing 3rd over 1700m last time. On that evidence, this extended trip should unlock the improvement needed to resume winning ways. Lightly raced FORCE PUBLIQUE could also have more to offer over this distance, Class-dropper STEP INTO IT is dangerous to discount in his peak outing off a reduced mark.
Selections: #6 Jaffa, #5 Force Publique, #8 Step Into It, #2 Redlightgreenlight
Vaal Classic, 10.02.2026, Race 10, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R80.000, 16:55GMT+2
Race Summary: NORTHERN KITTEN won at a higher level last time so should remain competitive in this grade under a 5-point penalty. Last-start winner GOLDEN ASPEN and in-form CAN’T CATCH ME are closely matched on recent form and both have the means to play leading roles too. SPIRITED GIRL will likely make their presence felt too, if building on improved recent efforts.
Selections: #2 Northern Kitten, #9 Can’T Catch Me, #5 Golden Aspen, #8 Spirited Girl
Best Win: #6 JAFFA
Best Value Bet: #7 CARTAGENA
Best Longshot: #7 CARTAGENA
