The curtain comes down on the 2025/26 Highveld season at Thursday’s nine-race Vaal Classic meeting, and punters can expect a fitting finale.
With several progressive youngsters lining up alongside improving handicappers, the card offers plenty of betting opportunities, highlighted by a potential treble for Kabelo Matsunyane and a value-laden double for trainer Alson Ndzilana.
The opening maiden over 1200m looks an ideal chance for Rafeef’s Queen to break through. Stuart Pettigrew’s well-bred daughter of Rafeef has shown enough to suggest a maiden win is close after finishing an encouraging second over 1000m last time. The step up to 1200m should suit perfectly and, with Gavin Lerena aboard, she looks ready to convert promise into victory.
Rafeef can complete an early juvenile double through Tenareef in Race 2. Johan Janse van Vuuren’s gelding impressed on debut before confirming that promise with a close third over this trip last start. Keagan de Melo keeps the ride and, on exposed form, Tenareef sets the standard. He need not improve much to lose his maiden status.
Matsunyane’s afternoon could begin in earnest aboard Two Tigers in Race 3. Robyn Klaasen’s Flower Alley gelding has steadily worked his way into form with three encouraging performances, culminating in a solid effort over 1450m in stronger company. His earlier form suggests the drop back to 1200m will suit and he looks capable of rewarding followers at attractive odds.
Ndzilana’s stable also deserves close attention, with Vixeninthevineyard one of the better each-way propositions in Race 4. The yard has consistently punched above its weight this season and another bold showing would come as no surprise from the What A Winter filly, whose maiden success appears overdue.
Matsunyane can strike again aboard Art Nouveau in Race 5 over 2000m. Tony Peter’s Querari filly has been a model of consistency at the trip, finishing runner-up in three of four starts and third in the other. Her latest second under top weight against males reads particularly well, and dropping back into fillies’ company with just 55.5kg makes her a strong win chance.
Race 7 presents another opportunity for Matsunyane aboard the progressive Cover Charge. Corne Spies’ son of Erik The Red appreciated the step up to 1800m and the addition of blinkers and a compression hood when winning convincingly. The move to 2000m on handicap debut promises further improvement.
Ndzilana can round off the campaign with Dear Doc in the closing race. Like stablemate Vixeninthevineyard, he appeals as a value each-way proposition and looks capable of giving supporters a profitable farewell to the season.
As the Highveld season reaches its final chapter, progressive youngsters, proven staying form and an in-form Matsunyane provide a compelling blueprint for a successful day’s racing.
Clive Robinson
