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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2026.02.24
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R105.000, 12:40GMT+2
Race Summary: MRS STORMIATRIX built on a pleasing Highveld introduction to finish 2nd over track and trip last time behind an unexposed male rival, so she won’t have to improve much if at all to open her account. WISPINTHEWILLOW remains open to improvement but has already shown enough to challenge the selection. JAWBREAKER will likely fight out the remaining Trifecta and Quartet berths.
Selections: #3 Mrs Stormiatrix, #5 Wispinthewillow, #2 Jawbreaker, #4 Hurricane Power
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R105.000, 13:15GMT+2
Race Summary: STAR BLAZE justified market support by finishing 2nd on debut over this track and trip. She would have benefitted from that experience and with natural improvement, could go one better. EMPRESS WU and returning DUCHESS DI have the form and experience to fight out the finish too. Newcomers NATIONAL BLISS could also have a say, especially if the market speaks in their favour.
Selections: #5 Star Blaze, #4 National Bliss, #2 Duchess Di, #1 Empress Wu
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R130.000, 13:50GMT+2
Race Summary: Stablemates DEAR DOC and NIGHTSHINE have shown promise in 2 introductory sprints and are bred to improve over this extended trip. Both have wide starting berths to negotiate but that shouldn’t prevent them from playing roles. EHHFIFTEENKJOE fit similar profiles and have earning potential too, though a bigger threat to the principals will likely come from newcomers COVER CHARGE. Watch the betting for clues.
Selections: #4 Dear Doc, #9 Nightshine, #2 Cover Charge, #5 Ehhfifteenkjoe
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R105.000, 14:25GMT+2
Race Summary: BLOOD OF EDEN and GREENSIDE GIRL are open to improvement stretching out to this trip for the first time. SHADOWLINE produced a career-best effort in her only outing over this distance, so a repeat of that performance under a 2.5kg claimer could suffice. Older rivals COOL REGGAE also have the form and experience to make the presence felt.
Selections: #2 Shadowline, #4 Greenside Girl, #1 Blood Of Eden, #5 Cool Reggae
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R120.000, 15:00GMT+2
Race Summary: VIXENINTHEVINEYARD has found one too good in each of her last 3 starts, so she wouldn’t be winning out of turn. Younger filly WAR TALK fits a similar profile (2nd in 2 of her last 3 starts) and could make amends after her disappointing latest outing. THOONSIL and INCLUSION remain open to improvement but have already shown enough to be competitive.
Selections: #9 Vixeninthevineyard, #8 War Talk, #4 Inclusion, #2 Thoonsil
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R160.000, 15:35GMT+2
Race Summary: MOVER AND SHAKER sprung a 50-1 surprise when winning over track and trip last time, beating RAFA BAY and MAGIC TATTOO. He is weighted to confirm his superiority and needs only to confirm that last-start improvement to win again. Versatile PLUS FOUR had excuses last time but should have a role to play if bouncing back to earlier form.
Selections: #1 Mover And Shaker, #4 Rafa Bay, #5 Plus Four, #2 Magic Tattoo
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R120.000, 16:10GMT+2
Race Summary: PRECOCIOUS has thrived since relocating to the Highveld and confirmed as much with a winning handicap debut over track and trip earlier this month. She remains open to improvement and, despite a resultant 8-point penalty, looks good value to complete the hat-trick. Fellow 3yo GASLIGHT DANCER is also bidding to complete a 3-timer after consecutive course-and-distance wins, so she is expected to pose a threat. MYSTICAL MISS and PLUMBAGO PARK acquitted themselves well at this level last time and aren’t taken lightly off reduced marks.
Selections: #1 Precocious, #2 Bosum Buddy, #3 Gaslight Dancer, #5 Mystical Miss
Vaal Classic, 24.02.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R80.000, 16:45GMT+2
Race Summary: ANGEL’S OASIS has run well in 2 starts at a higher level since relocating to the Highveld and a repeat of either performance off a slightly reduced mark should suffice in this grade. TIME FOR CHARITY all have the means to pose a threat. BLINDFIRE and QUEEN’S PACT could also make their presence felt if building on improved recent performances.
Selections: #8 Angel’s Oasis, #10 Time For Charity, #3 Blindfire, #6 Queen’s Pact
Best Win: #3 MRS STORMIATRIX
Best Value Bet: #2 SHADOWLINE
Best Longshot: #2 SHADOWLINE
