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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL@2026.10.01
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R110.000, 12:30GMT+2
Race Summary: VISION OF GOLD was an encouraging 3rd on debut over this trip and would have benefitted from that experience. She is open to improvement with a tongue-tie fitted on her reappearance following a subsequent 14-week break. GO FOR BROKE and MULHOLLAND DRIVE have shown enough to pose a threat, though any of the newcomers could make their presence felt too, especially if the market speaks in their favour. SUN SEEKER, STANISLAVA, ROOIROK BOKKIE, RESOLUTE BAY and PRINCESS DIOR warrant respect before any betting clues.
Selections: #13 Vision Of Gold, #2 Go For Broke, #9 Resolute Bay, #3 Mulholland Drive
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R115.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: LUCKY AWESOME performed creditably in defeat in his last 2 starts before a 15-week absence (during which he was gelded) and is open to further improvement. SMUGGLER, TWO TIGERS, ALL TIME LEGEND and SMOKING GUN have earning potential with experience on their side. However, a bigger threat will likely be posed by one the newcomers, of whom RAFEEF’S VICTORY and KINGS MOUNTAIN make most appeal. Well-related CAPABILITY BROWN is also bred to be useful so cannot be underestimated. Follow the betting moves for clues!
Selections: #3 Lucky Awesome, #9 Capability Brown, #12 Kings Mountain, #14 Rafeef’s Victory
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R128.000, 13:45GMT+2
Race Summary: TROMPE L’OEIL was a fast-finishing 2nd over track and trip last time, and a repeat of that performance could suffice. SANDS OF VALHALLA has solid form credentials and may enjoy reverting to a sprint trip. Debut winner WALKINGINTHEWOODS and fellow last-start scorer GONE COLD could hardly have been more impressive when opening their accounts as juveniles. Both would have improved since and it is encouraging that the form of their maiden victories has been franked by subsequent winners. Fillies IMPRESSIVE and STAGGERWING also have the means to make their presence felt.
Selections: #3 Gone Cold, #1 Trompe L’Oeil, #4 Walkinginthewoods, #2 Sands Of Valhalla
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R90.000, 14:20GMT+2
Race Summary: NKANDLA GOLD was dominant start-to-finish winner over course and distance last month and, on that evidence, a 6-point penalty may not be enough to prevent him from following up. Runner-up BELL OF ANGELUS is weighted to get closer on 1kg better terms but class-dropper ROYAL HORIZON will likely pose more of a threat off her reduced rating. DARING ACT was the subject of betting support last time and could improve to have a say in the outcome.
Selections: #1 Nkandla Gold, #5 Royal Horizon, #7 Bell Of Angelus, #8 Daring Act
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R100.000, 14:55GMT+2
Race Summary: TAKING A RISK is as honest as they come. She finished runner-up for the third time in a row and that last effort was after a break. She should strip fitter and has every chance of notching up her next win. It has been a while since LONELY AS A CLOUD tasted success. As with TAKING A RISK he jumped from the widest draw in his last start and a lot more can be expected, especially if the going isn’t soft this time around. SURREAL SONG and ECHOES OF WAR show good pace and must be included in this. Watch out for USHOULDBEDANCING who lost her edge after impressing on debut.
Selections: #4 Taking A Risk, #5 Lonely As A Cloud, #7 Surreal Song, #8 Echoes Of War
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1500m, Turf, R135.000, 15:30GMT+2
Race Summary: MASTER SPY ran a cracker on his seasonal return. That was over 1200m which would have been short, he should relish the step up in trip and must have a big winning chance. SECRET CHORD is in good form and finished well ahead of COMMAND PILOT so should hold that rival. But MASTER CHRISTMAS who has been knocking at the door of late could have his measure as he is 4kg better off with SECRET CHORD for a 1.30 lengths beating. FUTURE GAMBLE is not one to take lightly even if this is a bit short. She is best weighted and may enjoy a faster run heat.
Selections: #2 Master Spy, #4 Master Christmas, #1 Secret Chord, #9 Future Gamble
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R110.000, 16:05GMT+2
Race Summary: FEAST OF BERRIES fought on to win her maiden but the form line has worked out well. She is a well-bred Vercingetorix filly with plenty upside, and she is the one to watch after a rest. GLAMOROUS LADY has fitness on her side. She disappointed a bit last season but ran an encouraging race from a wide gate last time and should have every chance in this. This track and trip suited SWORD OF LIGHT a lot better last time as she ran out an easy winner. If allowed her way up front she could make things tough. All of SIKELOI, TOP SHELF TEDDY and ALTA CAPITANA need to be respected.
Selections: #8 Feast Of Berries, #5 Glamorous Lady, #9 Sword Of Light, #2 Top Shelf Teddy
Vaal, 01.10.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R100.000, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: Fire Away gelding NOBLE SAINT came on in leaps and bounds to win his maiden. He looks progressive and could repeat the performance in what is a competitive heat. PROPER is held in high regard and has improved with each start. He is dropping in distance but is back from a rest and is another to watch out for on handicap debut. SALUTE THE FLAG has also drawn towards the outside. He won well over shorter last time and could reward supporters again. SEA SHANTY would be deserving on current form and his inside draw could assist. More with earning potential.
Selections: #4 Noble Saint, #8 Proper, #1 Salute The Flag, #3 Sea Shanty
Best Win: #1 NKANDLA GOLD
Best Value Bet: #2 MASTER SPY
Best Longshot: #2 MASTER SPY
