JOCKEY SPOTLIGHT: MATTHEW POON
Take us back to the very beginning. Do you remember your first winner, and what emotions hit you crossing the line that day?
Yes, a horse called Sutanoc. Can’t believe that I can got my first win in my first meeting! It really was an incredible feeling.
Hong Kong is one of the toughest riding environments in the world. What was the moment you realised you genuinely belonged at this level?
Everything happened very fast. They are very competitive, aggressive and sharp. Very proud to be amongst this talented group.
Every jockey has a ride they still replay in their mind. What’s the greatest moment you’ve experienced in the saddle so far, and why does it stand above the rest?
I would say my first Group 2 winner – STRAIGHT ARRON. Completed within my plan and won by a small margin.
When the pressure is at its highest – big crowd, big race, small margins – what’s going through your mind in the final 400 metres?
I only feel the pressure at the parade ring. Since jump on the horse then all good. Going to the final 400m, I just stay focused and alert.
How has riding in Hong Kong shaped you differently compared to other racing jurisdictions, both technically and mentally?
Riding against with them I must continuously hone my riding skills to stay competitive. Learn how they ride and determine the strategy before the race and to make a quick decision during the race. The intense atmosphere and high expectations from both owners and fans can foster a resilient mentality. Learn how to cope with pressure and maintain focus under stress.
Are there certain trainers, horses, or riding styles that have played a major role in your development as a jockey?
Richard Jolly who was my master when I was in Adelaide, Australia. He probably was the major role in my career. He taught me how to read and ride a race.
Setbacks are part of the sport. What’s been the toughest period of your career to date, and what did it teach you about resilience?
After becoming a professional jockey, it was the most difficult time for me. When I didn’t have an allowance anymore, I needed to regain the support and trust of trainers and the owners. The only way I could do that is work hard, stay positive and rebuild support step by step.
Away from race day, what does a typical week look like for you in terms of preparation, fitness, and studying races?
Doing physical therapy, doing exercise to control weight, and watching replays.
Looking ahead, what ambitions are driving you right now? Is it premierships, Group 1 success, riding internationally, or something deeper?
I got a few things want to achieve – Group 1 success of course, represent Hong Kong to ride overseas, enhancing the strength and status of local Hong Kong jockeys in the world.
When your career is eventually looked back on, how would you like Matthew Poon the jockey to be remembered within Hong Kong racing?
I hope to achieve some success in Hong Kong horse racing so that future local Hong Kong jockeys can take it a step further.
Happy Valley Track Spy: Wednesday, 4 February
Video Stars
Race 6 – 11 PI LEGEND
He has been far from disgraced in both local starts, jumping cleanly to settle on the speed from wide draws on each occasion before the early work took its toll late, weakening inside the final 150m to finish fifth and eighth over 1200m at Sha Tin.
The drop to 1000m looks more suitable, and with a smoother run in transit, he should be right in the mix.
Race 7 – 4 POWER KOEPP
A wide draw blunted his winning chances last start, forcing him to race wide without cover throughout. As a result, he ran out of condition inside the final 200m, beaten three lengths into seventh over this track and distance.
Having slid down the ratings, he looks well placed in this week’s field and could surprise at value with better luck in running.
Sectional Stars
Race 5 – 1 AESTHETICISM
Despite failing to place in recent Class 3 runs, he has still clocked fast final 400m sectionals and was not beaten far on either occasion. The drop back to Class 4 — a grade in which he boasts a strong record — is a major plus, making him one to watch this week.
Race 8 – 3 INVINCIBLE SAGE
He showed marked improvement in a Group 3 feature at Sha Tin last start, finishing strongly late to claim third over 1000m. Making his Happy Valley debut this week, he should prove highly competitive against a more manageable field, and a win would not surprise.
Last-start winners value for follow-up Vaal victories
Punters hunting value on the Highveld’s midweek fare on Thursday 5 February are spoiled for choice at Vaal’s Classic track where an honest eight-race card features several last-start winners who look ideally placed to go back-to-back, alongside a couple of Gavin Lerena rides whose progress it could pay to follow.
The follow-up theme kicks off in Race 4 over 1800m with Dimako’s Jet, who did everything right when scoring over the same distance on New Year’s Day. The lightly raced daughter of Ideal World finished off strongly under Muzi Yeni to account for Future Date, who is now 1kg worse off after franking the form with a subsequent 2000m victory. Yeni’s decision to stick with Dimako’s Jet is a telling pointer.
Weichong Marwing’s mare absorbed a five-point penalty for that win but she remains progressive, especially with blinkers – worn in her last two starts – sharpening her focus. She looks like a confident banker in exotic bets.
A similar profile belongs to Merryweather who lines up in Race 5 over 1800m. Johan Janse van Vuuren’s improving Gimmethegreenlight filly was good value when beating male opposition over 1600m last time and a modest two-point rise shouldn’t stop the roll. This is her first attempt beyond 1600m, but her pedigree screams stamina (her dam is a full sister to 2016 SA Derby runner-up Rocketball) suggesting she’s only just getting started. Off a career-high mark, she still rates a value follow-up play.
Never Never Land announced himself as one to follow when justifying solid market support under Lerena four weeks ago. The Stuart Pettigrew-trained Ideal World gelding quickened nicely to win over 1200m and the extra 250m in Race 7 looks tailor-made. There are three other last-start winners in the line-up, but none with the same scope for improvement – save perhaps recent maiden scorer Gulf Of America. Lerena staying loyal is another box ticked.
In Race 6 over 1600m, Lerena also reunites with the ultra-consistent Max The Magician, and the return to 1600m could be decisive. Roy Magner’s charge was outsprinted late over 1200m last time when a close-up fourth under Yeni, but the longer trip, a plum draw in gate 2 and Lerena back in the irons make for a compelling winning recipe.
Clive Robinson
Kamchatka ready to erupt
There is nothing anti-climactic about Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth card, with a competitive 10-race programme highlighted by the Clapham Stakes (1600m) in race 8.
Kamchatka headlines the meeting after a sharp drop in class following two strong stakes efforts. She finished 1,5 lengths behind Cape Town Met runner Legal Counsel over this course and distance before holding her own in the One Voucher Victress Stakes over 1800m. Despite top weight of 60kg, she looks well placed under Serino Moodley for Andre Nel. Notably, she is the only runner older than three in the race, and recent three-year-old form appears some way below the best fillies seen earlier in the season.
Beach Verse continues to improve steadily and remains unbeaten outside the top four. While she has faced modest opposition, her pedigree—by Vercingetorix out of Beach Beauty—demands respect. Educator is another with claims after a convincing last-start win, where she beat Boozy Suzie with something in hand. With Craig Zackey aboard, further progress is possible.
Race 7 sees Empire State as the top choice. Now third run back from a seven-month break, he shaped encouragingly when fourth behind Demanding Dave and should be nearing peak fitness. Three Tigers, Gold Giboski and North Point are promising sprinters who will be well tested here.
Earlier on the card, Sweet Green and Hero’s Journey look the main players in the 1000m opener, with Sweet Green’s early speed possibly decisive. Swift Serenity appeals in race 2, taking on males with a weight concession and Gavin Lerena aboard.
Cantona is expected to build on a surprise debut second in race 3, while Ferryman’s eye-catching debut makes him one to watch in race 4, boasting elite family connections.
Viva’s Liberté returns from a break in race 5 and is highly regarded despite this being a low-pressure run. Supreme Fate stands out as one of the best bets in race 9, while Flying South is a tentative selection in the closing event.
Hot Sauce is an Enchanting Choice
Trainer Alan Greeff and stable jockey Richard Fourie have had a quiet time of late. Punters were getting used to three or four winners a meeting but it has dried up this month.
Every trainer goes through quiet times and once in a while it does happen to the Eastern Cape champion trainer.
That should also start to change very soon and they can have a couple of winners on the Fairview Polytrack on Tuesday.
It can start as early as Race 3, a Pinnacle Stakes over 2000m, where Greeff has four of the seven runners.
Best of them is clearly Enchanting Choice, booked to jockey Kendall Minnie at the moment. This five-year-old mare is carded to run on Friday 30 January but do not be surprised if Greeff pulls her out for Friday and runs her in this instead. A change of riders could also come into effect.
The Rafeef mare has been very good in her two starts on the Polytrack, winning once and finished a close-up third to Splicethemainbrace.
The step up to 2000m on Tuesday should play to her strength as she packs a decent finish.
Greeff does have decent back-up in the form of First Wish, the ride of Andrew Fortune, Walkonthewildside (Richard Fourie) and Green Isle (Xolane Ndlovu).
None of Enchanting Choice’s stable companions would be surprise winners.
Filly Hot Sauce represents the Fourie-Greeff combination in Race 7, a MR 86 Handicap for over 1200m.
The well-bred three-year-old filly won on debut and has not been disgraced in her three starts since then.
The daughter of Canford Cliffs returned from a break and found some speedy fillies and mares a bit quicker than her on the day but was reportedly coughing so that run is easily ignored.
She chased home a fast filly in Danish Dynamite in her only run on this surface and that form is good enough to suggest Hot Sauce is worth a bet.
Once again Greeff does have back-up in the form of much-improved Happy Wives.
If nothing has panned out until the last race it might pay to go each-way on Palancar.
Trainer Cliffie Miller has his runners in good shape and Palancar is a course-and-distance winner. He has cracked pole position draw, and his last run is best ignored.
Clive Robinson
Sha Tin Track Spy: Sunday, 1 February
Video Stars
Race 5 – 3 CLOUD NINE
He had genuine excuses last start and that performance is best forgiven. Near the 300m, he copped a nasty check and was squeezed onto the rail, losing vital momentum. By the time he regained his balance, the race was over and he had to settle for seventh.
Prior to that, he made the running and finished a solid third on debut, and should be right in the mix if things fall his way.
Race 10 – 9 THE RED HARE
After recording a narrow yet impressive win two starts ago, he endured a luckless run last time, being held up between the 300m and 150m. Once clear in the closing stages, he finished strongly into third, beaten just 1.75 lengths over this distance.
Well weighted this week, he finds a winnable race and looks capable of making amends with a cleaner passage in transit.
Sectional Stars
Race 2 – 13 GANGNAM STAR
Last time out, he was disappointed for a run near the 450m and remained awkwardly placed between the 450m and 350m, before clipping the heels of another runner and blundering badly. On the strength of his fast-finishing third two starts ago, he deserves another chance.
Race 9 – 7 RAGING RAPIDS
Despite being hindered by wide draws of late, he has won once from his past three starts and comes off a fast-finishing fourth over this distance, recording the second-fastest final 400m in 22.86 seconds. In what shapes as an open contest this week, he must be considered a strong contender.
February 1 Perak Preview By Mark Lydeamore
Local trainer Asogan Thangaraja has had a relatively quiet start to the season after posting a personal best 33 winners last year striking at 14%.
Seven-year-old mare FLAMING PHOENIX has performed well in four runs for the camp since November and is a chance to break an eighteen-month drought in the 1400m Class 5B (Race 1). Descending to a career low rating of 27 points, she comes off three minor placings in a row and drops back to the “B” division of Class 5.
Another Ipoh trainer, William Looi will be represented by a couple of veteran campaigners at ten years of age this Sunday in the form of SALAMENCE in Race 2 (1400m Class 5A) and BIONICS engaged in Race 4 (1100m Class 5B). SALAMENCE has not scored since winning at his first couple of Malaysian runs back in March last year when prepared by Richard Lim and recent form suggests he is nearing a win. The gelding has started seven times recording three placings for the Looi stable and the former Class 2 performer is a definite watch, fifth start back in his grade.
BIONICS has won three times from six attempts at the track and distance and like his stable mate, is also searching for his first success since March last year. The Hinchinbrook gelding has also descended to a career low of 26 points and looks well weighted with the 54.5kg. One horse to watch here is LAXON, which resumes and has been working well at the track in recent weeks. The five-year-old races best when freshened and may provide the value.
From the trial session conducted at the track here on Tuesday morning, GOLDEN SHOW and SILVER JOY both performed well recording sub-minute performances for the their respective 1000m trial wins on the sand. Both runners clashed in a 1200m contest on January 4 with GOLDEN SHOW finishing 3rd and SILVER JOY 4th, a further 1.5L behind in the race won by Legend Of The Sun. The rematch occurs in the 1400m Class 5B contest (Race 8) as they go up against recent winner, ELECTRONIC BOOM who possesses a good record over the 1400m trip.
Former Macau galloper FLAWLESS, engaged in Race 9, created an immediate impact on the local circuit when scoring by eight lengths in a Class 3 on his Malaysian debut back in November 2024 before following up with further success in a Supreme B contest for trainer Ricky Choi. The horse was known as Revue back then before a change in name and ownership developed early last year and the horse was transferred to Wayne Lim for his 2025 campaign. Since then, the seven-year-old has performed admirably without winning against the high graded opposition contested in Selangor and despite a couple of unsuccessful visits to Ipoh recently, the Delago Deluxe gelding may find his niche back in Class 4. His former stable mate, WHO LOVE TO DANCE is coming off a recent 2nd here two starts back will be looking to break his Malaysian duck. The locally trained BRANDENBURG is racing well since joining the Khor Peng Hwa stable chalking up a 5.25L win over this track and journey on December 28 prior to his last start defeat.
Tarry, Zackey to dominate Turffontein card
Sean Tarry and Craig Zackey look primed to run the numbers again when Turffontein’s Standside track hosts a competitive nine-race programme on Sunday, 1 February – and from a betting perspective, the pair are hard to oppose for multiple strikes.
Fresh off combining to land last Tuesday’s Vaal Classic opener, Tarry can set the tone early in Race 1 over 1160m with Trail Runner, a filly whose form stands out on this card. The lightly raced daughter of Lancaster Bomber has finished second twice in her last three starts, including a bold runners-up effort over course and distance against the boys five weeks ago.
Blinkers went on that day and are retained, while the winner has since franked the form by running a close third on handicap debut behind a smart three-year-old. That line is the strongest on offer, and Trail Runner looks ideally placed to finally shed her maiden tag under Keagan de Melo.
A similar profile applies to Space Mission in Race 2 over 1160m. Well-related and consistent without winning, the Willow Magic gelding drops back sharply in trip after competing up to 1700m. First-time blinkers could be the catalyst, and with Zackey back aboard, this looks a calculated move by Tarry to strike while the conditions suit.
Zackey’s dominance in the saddle remains a major storyline. His two-winner haul at the last midweek Highveld meeting pushed his season tally to an imposing 137, opening up a healthy 29-win gap over Richard Fourie (108).
That buffer could grow further courtesy of Paris Fun in Race 7 over 1600m for Tony Peter. The improving Futura filly caught the eye when charging home for second under 61kg on her return from a three-month break.
She was beaten just 0.50 lengths over 1400m and now steps up in trip with fitness assured, an unchanged mark, and a much friendlier 57.5kg on her back – all strong positives.
The Tarry-Zackey combination resurfaces in the Race 9 finale with progressive Tintin, whose wide-margin last-start victory over dual subsequent winner Quickfreeze marked him as a horse on the up.
That said, this is no gimme. Class-dropper Chieftain’s Shield brings stronger exposed form into the 1400m contest, suggesting a straight win bet may be risky. The value play looks to be boxed Swinger and Exacta bets, covering the obvious pair in what should be a competitive closer.
Clive Robinson
See It Again can do it again
Despite a stellar record with multiple Group 1 wins, See It Again has sometimes disappointed, including recent issues with the starting stalls. A change of routine, climate, and trainer to Justin Snaith’s Phillippi yard has revitalized him. He has run two solid races, finishing close up but unlucky in both.
Andrew Fortune takes the ride, known for getting the best from his mounts. With stablemate Okavango likely to set the pace, See It Again could have a clear run from a wide draw in the 11-horse Group 1 WSB Met on 31 January, aiming for a second Group 1 victory.
Other notable runners include last year’s Met winner Eight On Eighteen, who should improve after a five-month break, and The Real Prince, peaking for trainer Dean Kannemeyer. Gladatorian, despite a disappointing King’s Plate, remains dangerous with his proven turn of foot, while Garrix and The Equator could upset if favorites falter.
The supporting feature is the Group 1 Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes, where Double Grand Slam seeks redemption after a hot defeat in the Paddock Stakes. Oisin Murphy rides, while Mon Petit Cherie and Quickstepgal, trained by Tienie Prinsloo, are expected to challenge over the mile. Asiye Phambili, in strong form, completes a competitive lineup.
If See It Again repeats his best form, he could overshadow the field, while Fortune could claim both Group 1 races on the day.
Newnham arms four-pronged attack on Hong Kong Classic Mile
The advantage lies with championship leader Mark Newnham as the Four-Year-Old Classic Series gets underway with Sunday’s (1 February) HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin.
The Australian handler, who currently holds a narrow one-win lead at the top of the trainers’ standings, goes into the weekend’s feature with four of the 14 runners prepared in his yard.
Newnham, who has been steadily arming his stable with young talent throughout his almost three-year stay in the city, said stockpiling exciting prospects was part of his broader strategy, an approach that has come to fruition during a breakout campaign.
“I think you’ve got to have a plan for your season, and you’ve got to have a plan for the horses you buy,” said Newnham, who has accumulated 33 wins so far in 2025/26. “The Four-Year-Old Classic Series is very popular with Hong Kong owners. So you’ve got to buy horses with that in mind.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have a good group of horses that I’ve had from the start, that have made the race.”
Newnham will be represented by Invincible Ibis, who will be ridden by Hugh Bowman, Crimson Flash (Andrea Atzeni), Infinite Resolve (Alexis Badel) and Winfield (Lyle Hewitson) in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series opener, the race that brought his first major Hong Kong success, when My Wish prevailed by a neck last season.
That gifted galloper would go on to register a second place in the second leg of the Series, the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), before going down by the narrowest of margins to Cap Ferrat in the showpiece HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
In this year’s renewal, Invincible Ibis, who drew gate 11, is expected to be one of the market leaders when betting opens. With four wins on the spin, the storming finisher arrives as the form horse in the field. In each of his four wins, the Hellbent gelding has rallied late to claim victory.
Newnham could have a telling influence on the pace the race is run at: in addition to Invincible Ibis’ typical late closing, Crimson Flash, drawn seven, has raced on-pace in each of his three wins so far, Infinite Resolve (gate three) parked midfield in his sole Hong Kong win to date, while Brazilian import Winfield (gate eight) dismantled a Group 1 field in his last win on home soil, dominating from the front in the G1 Jockey Club de Sao Paulo (2000m) to score by over five lengths easing down.
While Newnham acknowledged the various pace options he had at his disposal, he revealed there was no grand strategy in place for Sunday.
“You’ve got to give every horse their best chance (of winning),” Newnham said. “But for different horses, how the race unfolds will be better-suited if there’s more pace, less pace, and if they’re coming from back in the field on the day, how the track’s playing … But you’ve still got to ride the horse to its strengths.
“We’ve got a couple of on-pacers and a couple of back-markers. So hopefully it works out for one of them.”
Newnham’s runners are set to meet Sagacious Life, Little Paradise, Beauty Bolt, Patch Of Cosmo, Public Attention, Akashvani, Top Dragon, Circuit Grand Slam, Shanwah and Windlord in what is expected to be one of the most compelling runnings of the Hong Kong Classic Mile in recent years.
Sunday’s (1 February) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 12.30pm with the Class 4 Clear Water Bay Handicap (1000m). The HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) jumps at 4.05pm.
By Paul Ryding
Are you sure it’s a Roman Agent
It is back to turf racing at Fairview on Friday, with eight interesting races on the card. There are two attractive feature races, and Roman Agent should go close to winning one of them.
He competes in Race 7, the Fairview Merchants over 1200m. This four-year-old gelding has won three of his 19 starts and has been particularly consistent for trainer Kelly Mitchley.
He won on stable debut over this course and distance in October, beating the highly rated Pop Chart. His three subsequent runs, all on the Polytrack, were good efforts without managing another victory.
Current rider Muzi Yeni has partnered the Vercingetorix gelding three times for a second and a third-place finish. He receives 9.5kg from main rival Mercantour, which could be telling in the closing stages.
Mercantour won all three legs of the recent WSB Polytrack Challenge before running unplaced at Turffontein. The Var gelding has also won on the turf and will not be troubled by this course and distance, so he remains a threat.
In the other feature race on the card, the Alan Greeff-trained Zinovi can bounce back and take out Race 5, the Fairview 1600m. This five-year-old gelding has won two of his five starts for Greeff, with both victories coming over this course and distance.
Interestingly, jockey Louie Mxothwa takes the ride on the Heavenly Blue gelding, and the pair were impressive when scoring together back in August.
Stable jockey Richard Fourie partners stable companion Joker Man, who has run well on the Polytrack in both starts for his new yard. Joker Man has won five times on the turf, so he is clearly a danger. Another serious threat is Lanciafiamme, representing the in-form Cliffie Miller yard.
The Fire Away gelding has been consistent all season in feature races and deserves a winning turn. He receives 10kg from Zinovi.
Trainer Zietsman Oosthuizen could win the last race with Are You Sure, who makes her debut for the yard. She has only won one of her 12 starts so far but is often competitive and could score in this low-level handicap.
Clive Robinson
A MET Built on Momentum and Muscle
By Scott Bailey
The Cape Town Met is always a race that asks the same question in a different accent: class or craft? Speed or patience.
Saturday’s Grade 1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (2000m) is worth R5 million, and it reads like a greatest-hits list of recent big-race winners, hard-luck stories and horses still learning how good they might be. The headline is simple — the horses arriving off winning form are not the only ones with claims but there is a clear thread: the recent winners are bringing confidence, and their wins have come in races that matter.
The freshest winner in the race is The Real Prince, who arrived on the Met scene the old-fashioned way by winning the right race at the right track. His nail-biting success in the King’s Plate over 1600m at Kenilworth on 10 January was the kind of result that makes a horse instantly more interesting at 2000m. He’s already proven he can win under pressure, he can handle Kenilworth, and he’s got the kind of late composure you want when a Met turns into a tactical chess match from the 600m. That Plate win is also a form magnet: several of Saturday’s rivals were behind him there, and the Met now becomes the rematch with an extra 400m to expose stamina, positioning and decision-making.
If The Real Prince brings the momentum, Eight On Eighteen brings the profile. He’s the horse in this field who has already been dominant and unbeaten at the Kenilworth 2000m distance, smashing a Greyville feature (the Daily News 2000) by 3.8 lengths back in May, and he hasn’t exactly been hiding in the interim he ran second in the Durban July over 2200m, a run that reads well in any form guide. On paper, that’s the most “Met-shaped” résumé in the line-up: proven at the trip, proven in elite company, and partnered by a rider who understands big-race rhythm. He doesn’t need to improve as much as some of these, he just needs the race to suit.
Then there’s Okavango, a horse who has quietly built the sort of form that punters love because it feels honest. He won the 1800m Premier Trophy at Kenilworth on 10 January from the front not stealing it, winning it and that matters because the Met can be won by a horse that controls the tempo if the field lets him. The 1800m-to-2000m progression is classic, and he comes here with the confidence of a recent win at the venue, which is never a small thing when Kenilworth is asking questions late in the day.
The plot twist horse is Gladatorian, because his recent winning form is not what you’d call orthodox. He’s been winning — the latest a fast 1200m feature at Greyville in November — and it takes a brave punter to back sprint form into a 2000m Group 1 without a strong belief in class and versatility. But his record tells you this isn’t a one-note animal. He has also won at 1800m, and his overall strike-rate says he knows where the line is. If the race becomes messy and the main hopes start searching for a passage, the tough, adaptable horse can suddenly look very appealing.
The horse who is a winner on the page but still a question at Met level is Cosmic Speed. His last win is some time ago, but he has been competitive in the right races, and his profile suggests there’s a ceiling still to be found. The warning sign is that he’s stepping into a Grade 1 over 2000m without having ticked that box in public. The counterpoint is that he’s trained by a stable that knows how to set one for a day, and he’s partnered by a jockey who rides Kenilworth like he owns the map.
And sitting in the shadows is Sail The Seas, who hasn’t won recently but has been consistently close enough in the right races to make you believe he isn’t far away. He was second to Eight On Eighteen over 2000m earlier in the year, and his recent Kenilworth runs keep him in the conversation. He’s the type that can drift in betting and then suddenly appear on your screen at the 200m when the race opens.
That’s what makes this Met such a good one: the recent winners bring confidence and form, but the race itself promises complexity. The Real Prince has proven he can win a Kenilworth war; Eight On Eighteen has the 2000m authority; Okavango has the map advantage; Gladatorian has the wildcard profile. And behind them sit horses who don’t need to dominate the narrative early to win it late.
Zackey to tighten title grip at the Vaal
Midweek racing at the Vaal rarely lacks betting angles and Thursday’s eight-race Classic track card is no exception.
With value scattered through the programme, the smart play may be to follow the country’s form jockey Craig Zackey, who arrives at the Vereeniging-based circuit with a book of rides that demands close attention.
Zackey has already ridden 132 winners this season (at the time of writing) and seems to be cruising to a maiden National Jockeys’ Championship title.
His 26-win buffer over Richard Fourie (106) underlines the consistency, but it’s the quality of his mounts that continues to separate him from the pack. He has six rides on the card and at least three seem capable of rewarding supporters.
His afternoon gets interesting early in Race 3 over 1000m with Perfect Sky, a debutante daughter of Vercingetorix from Sean Tarry’s in-form stable. She’s bred to be smart and the stable doesn’t waste bullets. This is, however, no soft introduction as she takes on experienced male opposition over a sharp trip. Any market confidence would be significant, though she may be one for the notebook rather than a maximum bet on debut.
The first serious betting opportunity comes up in Race 4, also over 1000m, with Stoneywood. Since gelding, Lucky Houdalakis’ charge has found his groove, finishing second in back-to-back starts, both with Zackey aboard. Those efforts suggest he’s knocking loudly on the door and he won’t need to improve much on either effort to open his account. With natural progression, this looks his race to lose.
Zackey then links up with Joe Soma’s intriguing runner Gimmeachoice in Race 6 over 1800m. Soma makes the trip south from his Turffontein base with just one horse — a move that usually speaks volumes — and Gimmeachoice appears poised to strike. The five-year-old Gimmethegreenlight gelding ran a cracker on his return from a three-month layoff, finishing second after a long, sustained duel with re-opposing The Playboy Bomber. He’ll be sharper for that encouraging comeback outing and meets that rival on 0.5kg better terms. Everything points to a peak run.
Zackey could round off a profitable day in Race 7 over 1600m aboard class-dropper Agoge, another well-bred Houdalakis inmate whose profile suggests his limit is far from being reached.
A maiden winner over this course and distance two starts back, Agoge was thrust into the deep end of a three-year-old Grade 3 over 1400m – a trip and test that probably found him out at this stage of his career.
Back in calmer waters and over a more suitable trip, the Gimmethegreenlight gelding looks solid value and a horse worth sticking with as his education continues.
The Vaal Classic track can be unforgiving, but with form, fitness and jockeyship all aligning, Zackey has the ammunition to extend his championship lead and give punters a tidy midweek return if they play it right.
Clive Robinson
No hiding from The Mask
Punters face a tricky poly card next Wednesday, with the market likely the best guide.
In the opener, Snow Queen underperformed on her KZN debut but could bounce back, while Predator’s Surprise and Nebulous are both capable of improvement. Harpa, Calli Bullet, and Miss Danon are the main players in race two, with each showing promise in recent runs.
Ms Galore tackles males in the first Pick 6 leg and looks set for a big run, with Desert Dog and poly debutant Light The Fire also of interest. The consistent The Mask carries a big weight but receives 4kg relief and looks tough to beat in race four, while Master Silvano and Professor Lupin could threaten.
Rafiki, The Gliding Fish, Ultra Quick, and Lou The Legend headline the fifth, with Dapper, Prince Of Troy, Parmenion, and Charlie Croker also worth attention. In race seven, Magic Surprise and Grand Appeal are down in class and competitive, while Rafa’s Boy, Ibutho, Fate Of Fortune, and Winter Waves all have claims.
Austrian Beauty could finish the day strongly, with Grand Force, Time In Paris, and Trafalgar Square also capable in the closing open handicap.
Hayes eyes Sha Tin 1400m record after Ka Ying Rising’s historic...
Moments after Ka Ying Rising forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 January), David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break Sha Tin’s 1400m course record next month.
Reacting to Ka Ying Rising’s effort to post a 17th consecutive victory to match the winning streak of Silent Witness from 2002 to 2005, Hayes believes the superstar galloper can threaten Sha Tin’s 1400m record of 1m 19.92s – jointly held by Encouraging and Packing Hermod – when he contests the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February.
“Last year, he worked a bit and won it (Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup), and I think he’s a stronger, better horse this year,” Hayes said. “I think he will handle the 1400m beautifully. I’m really excited for the next race. It’s another dimension for him.
“Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400m, and I think if the conditions are right, he can go close again.”
Ridden by Karis Teetan in last year’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup in the absence of regular rider Zac Purton, who was injured, Ka Ying Rising clocked 1m 20.33s.
Ka Ying Rising today clocked 1m 07.66s – outside his own 1200m Sha Tin turf track record of 1m 07.20s – after being allowed to coast to the line in defeating Helios Express by one-and-a quarter lengths with Fast Network a further two lengths back.
Moderately away at the start, Ka Ying Rising quickly mustered speed to lead before Matthew Chadwick drove Beauty Waves to the front. Aware of Luke Ferraris and Lucky With You lurking to his outside, Purton ensured Ka Ying Rising had clear running before unleashing the gelding from the 300m.
Exploding clear, and with the race at his mercy with a four-length lead, Purton eased up noticeably over the final 200m, clocking a modest 11.47s.
“The winning margin wasn’t probably the greatest, but it’s probably the most Zac has ever eased him down,” Hayes said. “So, he had a very easy last 200 metres and he dominated as the market suggested he would. Just nice to see him do it.”
Ka Ying Rising improved his record to 18 wins from 20 starts and is unbeaten since the 12 February, 2024 with career prizemoney of HK$129.8 million.
Celebrating his fourth win in the race after victories with Aerovelocity (2016), Lucky Sweynesse (2023) and Ka Ying Rising last season, Purton said: “What can I say? We’ve said it all with the horse.
“I just had to make sure my bloke was in a rhythm. I’m surprised he run the time he run because it didn’t feel like he ran that quick sort of mid-early in the race. Yeah, he just different class.
“I never thought I would see it (a record-equalling 17th win in a row), to be honest. It’s very, very rare what Silent Witness did and what Ka Ying has been able to do so far – and let’s hope he can keep going on with it.”
“After Silent Witness, I don’t think anyone thought they would ever see it again. Fortunately for us who are involved with the horse, he’s equalled him and can hopefully put his own benchmark.
“It’s pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you’re a long way in front, I can tell you. A race is a race. You’ve still got to go out and do it and hopefully he can hold his form, which we will expect he will.
“He’s got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he’s up for it.”
Summing up the mood of the six beaten jockeys, Helios Express’ rider Hugh Bowman said: “Another sound, consistent performance. The slower pace didn’t suit, neither does the fast pace when you’re chasing that horse.”
The Centenary Sprint Cup was the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which also includes the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April.
A HK$5 million bonus is on offer to the winner of all three legs.
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday (28 January).
By Leo Schlink
Lots of value at the Vaal
Just about anything can happen at the Vaal on Tuesday. There are decent sized fields in the nine-race programme and most of the races appear wide open so catching a TAB exotic bet could be quite rewarding.
Maria La Gorda and two Tony Peter charges – Caroline Island and Blindfire – appeal look worth following.
Alec Laird has a few decent looking sorts running on the day. Maria La Gorda, who has always been beaten for speed in sprints, is now going a bit of ground and she could make dramatic improvement in Race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1450m. She is not meeting a strong field.
Maria La Gorda is by Cape Guineas winner Act Of War out of Caya Coco, who is related to Cape Met winner Martial Eagle, and should go further than 1450m. But importantly, her form is decent, she was fourth to Vamanos in her penultimate start and there have been numerous winners to come out of that race.
Laird has two promising three-year-old males, Texas Missile and One More Star, in Race 4, a Middle Stakes over 2000m, and after winning over the same distance coming back from a rest, Texas Missile can dominate now stripping fitter.
Caroline Island, who lines up in Race 5 over 1000m, showed promise as a youngster but must have had a setback as she had been off almost a year. Racing off a merit rating of 88 her comeback was in an ultra-competitive race, but she caught the eye staying on in fourth against males even though capable of speeding along in front.
It is a good sign that she is backed up just 10 days later and back against her sex in this Divided Handicap where she receives weight from all she could be the one to catch.
Blindfire could be easy to back in Race 7, a MR 66 Handicap over 1000m. She finished 10th in her last start, and it has been a while since her only win. But amid all the other runs, in her two races over the course and distance, she was a different horse.
She flew at the finish when the line came in time for Miss Munroe in October and in her penultimate start, she was beaten in a close call behind Deal Maker who runs in a stronger race just prior. In fact, Blindfire takes a sizable drop-in class overall.
Clive Robinson
Japan Express Form (Kawasaki) – Friday, February 6
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Today’s races are held at Kawasaki.
France Express Form & Race Previews (Chantilly/Pornichet) – Thursday, February 5
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RACE 1: DU CARREFOUR DES CHARMES CLAIMING STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 1) – 1900M – TIME: 19:17 PRIZE MONEY: EUR22100
Siska (FR) Decent second over 1800m at Deauville in a Claimer on her second start on 17 December . She can keep on improving and be hard to beat. Paddington (FR) In form, with two wins of late in Claimer races, the most recent over 1800m at Deauville on 16 January. Track and trip winner in December . Key chance. I Am Still Standing (FR) Shaped well to win a Maiden at Lyon La Soie over 1800m on 21 January. Ought to be involved in the shake-up. Must Be Crackers (FR) Got off the mark over 2200m in a Claimer at Lyon La Soie on 21 January. Lightly raced and has more to come.
RACE 2: DU ROND FILLE DE L’AIR MAIDEN STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 2) – 1600M – TIME: 19:52 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24700
Vadirouma (FR) Two placed efforts so far , the latter when second over 1500m in a Maiden at Deauville on 2 December . Hard to ignore. Run Victoria (FR) Showed promise when sixth over 1500m at Saint-Cloud in a Condition on 9 July. Can improve and be ready for her return to action. Mystery Day (IRE) Nice effort when second over 1600m in a Maiden at this track on 10 January. Ought to be thereabouts. Do For Love (IRE) Finished fifth last time over 1400m at Deauville in a Maiden on 9 August. Among the leading each-way options.
RACE 3: DE LA ROUTE CHARLEPONT CLAIMING STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 3) – 1600M – TIME: 20:27 PRIZE MONEY: EUR18200
Kiaro (FR) Two nice wins of late, both at Deauville in Claimer races, the latter over 1500m on 16 January. Can get a hat-trick. Abelard F (IRE) Finished fifth over 1800m in a Claimer at Deauville on 8 January, course winner in a Class 2 Handicap in November , and is hard to rule out. Neyshapur (FR) Ran well to be second last time out over 1700m in a Condition at Dortmund on 18 January. Can be on the premises. Dapango (GER) Placed third last time out over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 3 Claimer on 16 January. Can make the Top 3.
RACE 4: DE LA PORTE DES MARCHANDS HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 4) – 1600M – TIME: 21:12 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24000
Tornado Alley Ran well to be third on his third run over 1600m at this track in a Maiden on 10 January. Leading contender on Handicap bow. Wolverine Unplaced last time, second before that over 1800m in a Maiden at Lyon La Soie on 17 December . Found the trip too far last time and warrants respect back down in trip today. Off To Dubai (FR) Placed third over 1600m at Pornichet in a Handicap on 27 January last time out. One to look at each way. Ocean Star (FR) Finished third over the track and trip in a Handicap on 10 January. Course winner over 1800m in November of a Handicap. Player .
RACE 5: DU MARAIS DU LYS STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 5) – 1900M – TIME: 21:47 PRIZE MONEY: EUR17400
Starac (FR) Fair effort to be fourth over 2400m in a Class 2 Handicap at Deauville on 16 January. Lightly raced and has plenty more to come. Fearless Cheetah (FR) Nice win two runs back over 1800m at Deauville on 23 December in a Class 3 Handicap. One to pay attention to. Melbora (FR) Finished fourth over 2000m at Cagnes-sur-Mer on her latest start in a Class 3 Handicap on 27 January. Capable of being competitive. Treasure Keeper (FR) Two unplaced runs since a fourth over 2400m at Lyon La Soie on 17 November in a Class 3 Handicap. Ought to be on the premises.
RACE 6: DU CARREFOUR DU CLOS-LA-BARRE MAIDEN STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 6) – 1600M – TIME: 22:22 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24700
Maui Good fourth on his debut over 1600m at Deauville in a Condition on 22 October . Capable of getting off the mark with progress expected. Freerider (IRE) Showed promise when ninth on his sole start over 1300m in a Condition at Saint-Cloud on 12 September . Can improve and warrants respect. Nashoba (FR) Finished second over 1600m in a Maiden at Vichy on 25 July on his last start. He can be expected to be ready to go and can make his presence felt. Forest Galore (IRE) Placed on the two runs, fourth on the latter over 1600m in a Maiden at Chantilly on 10 January. Hard to discount.
RACE 7: DE LA ROUTE DES GENETS HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 7) – 1600M – TIME: 22:57 PRIZE MONEY: EUR22100
Ambra Antica (FR) Back to form when third behind MODERN SPIRIT (2) over 1600m in a Class 3 Handicap at this track on 10 January on her last run. Can get back on track and score. Modern Spirit (FR) Unplaced last time, a win before that over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Leading contender. Lelio (FR) Credible sixth over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January on his last start. Each way player. Ace (FR) Placed fourth over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Capable of making the Top 4.
RACE 8: DE LA ROUTE DES GRANDS CHENES HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 8) – 1600M – TIME: 23:32 PRIZE MONEY: EUR28800
Bin Zarak (FR) Solid effort to be second over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 3 Claimer on 16 January. Track and trip winner in November . Hard to ignore at this track. Send Wood (FR) Four unplaced runs since a fourth over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 3 on 23 October , sixth at this track in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Can be involved. Clavis Aurea (FR) Placed third last time out over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Hard to rule out of the Top 3. Mondo Boy Unplaced last time, a win before that over 1800m at Deauville in a Handicap on 28 November . Can make his presence felt.
RACE 9: FLEUR DE SEL HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM PORNICHET RACE 1) – 1700M – TIME: 00:07 PRIZE MONEY: EUR16300
Golfeur A runner-up in a Handicap over this track and trip on 7 January. Likes this surface and can go one place better . Icalero (FR) In very good shape and was runner-up in a Handicap over this course and distance on 26 December . Be right there at the finish. Sleipnir Normandy (FR) Not reliable but was runner-up in a Handicap over this track and trip on 27 January. Can be competitive again. Iscreamforicecream (FR) A winner of a Condition over this track and trip on 24 January. Tackles tougher but is not out of it.
RACE 10: DE LA FLEUR D’AJONC HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM PORNICHET RACE 2) – 1700M – TIME: 00:42 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14400
Lovecayan (FR) In good form and was runner-up in a Handicap at this track over 2000m on 24 January. Be right there at the finish. Zaahir (FR) Not disgraced when fifth in a Class 4 Condition over this track and trip on 27 January. Can be competitive in this line-up. Queen Lady Gold (FR) Not reliable but was runner-up in a Handicap over this course and distance on 7 January. Can contest the finish once again. Peyton Place (FR) Only modest of late and finished seventh in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 21 January. Capable of making the frame.
RACE 1: DU CARREFOUR DES CHARMES CLAIMING STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 1) – 1900M – TIME: 19:17 PRIZE MONEY: EUR22100
Siska (FR) Decent second over 1800m at Deauville in a Claimer on her second start on 17 December . She can keep on improving and be hard to beat. Paddington (FR) In form, with two wins of late in Claimer races, the most recent over 1800m at Deauville on 16 January. Track and trip winner in December . Key chance. I Am Still Standing (FR) Shaped well to win a Maiden at Lyon La Soie over 1800m on 21 January. Ought to be involved in the shake-up. Must Be Crackers (FR) Got off the mark over 2200m in a Claimer at Lyon La Soie on 21 January. Lightly raced and has more to come.
RACE 2: DU ROND FILLE DE L’AIR MAIDEN STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 2) – 1600M – TIME: 19:52 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24700
Vadirouma (FR) Two placed efforts so far , the latter when second over 1500m in a Maiden at Deauville on 2 December . Hard to ignore. Run Victoria (FR) Showed promise when sixth over 1500m at Saint-Cloud in a Condition on 9 July. Can improve and be ready for her return to action. Mystery Day (IRE) Nice effort when second over 1600m in a Maiden at this track on 10 January. Ought to be thereabouts. Do For Love (IRE) Finished fifth last time over 1400m at Deauville in a Maiden on 9 August. Among the leading each-way options.
RACE 3: DE LA ROUTE CHARLEPONT CLAIMING STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 3) – 1600M – TIME: 20:27 PRIZE MONEY: EUR18200
Kiaro (FR) Two nice wins of late, both at Deauville in Claimer races, the latter over 1500m on 16 January. Can get a hat-trick. Abelard F (IRE) Finished fifth over 1800m in a Claimer at Deauville on 8 January, course winner in a Class 2 Handicap in November , and is hard to rule out. Neyshapur (FR) Ran well to be second last time out over 1700m in a Condition at Dortmund on 18 January. Can be on the premises. Dapango (GER) Placed third last time out over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 3 Claimer on 16 January. Can make the Top 3.
RACE 4: DE LA PORTE DES MARCHANDS HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 4) – 1600M – TIME: 21:12 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24000
Tornado Alley Ran well to be third on his third run over 1600m at this track in a Maiden on 10 January. Leading contender on Handicap bow. Wolverine Unplaced last time, second before that over 1800m in a Maiden at Lyon La Soie on 17 December . Found the trip too far last time and warrants respect back down in trip today. Off To Dubai (FR) Placed third over 1600m at Pornichet in a Handicap on 27 January last time out. One to look at each way. Ocean Star (FR) Finished third over the track and trip in a Handicap on 10 January. Course winner over 1800m in November of a Handicap. Player .
RACE 5: DU MARAIS DU LYS STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 5) – 1900M – TIME: 21:47 PRIZE MONEY: EUR17400
Starac (FR) Fair effort to be fourth over 2400m in a Class 2 Handicap at Deauville on 16 January. Lightly raced and has plenty more to come. Fearless Cheetah (FR) Nice win two runs back over 1800m at Deauville on 23 December in a Class 3 Handicap. One to pay attention to. Melbora (FR) Finished fourth over 2000m at Cagnes-sur-Mer on her latest start in a Class 3 Handicap on 27 January. Capable of being competitive. Treasure Keeper (FR) Two unplaced runs since a fourth over 2400m at Lyon La Soie on 17 November in a Class 3 Handicap. Ought to be on the premises.
RACE 6: DU CARREFOUR DU CLOS-LA-BARRE MAIDEN STAKES (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 6) – 1600M – TIME: 22:22 PRIZE MONEY: EUR24700
Maui Good fourth on his debut over 1600m at Deauville in a Condition on 22 October . Capable of getting off the mark with progress expected. Freerider (IRE) Showed promise when ninth on his sole start over 1300m in a Condition at Saint-Cloud on 12 September . Can improve and warrants respect. Nashoba (FR) Finished second over 1600m in a Maiden at Vichy on 25 July on his last start. He can be expected to be ready to go and can make his presence felt. Forest Galore (IRE) Placed on the two runs, fourth on the latter over 1600m in a Maiden at Chantilly on 10 January. Hard to discount.
RACE 7: DE LA ROUTE DES GENETS HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 7) – 1600M – TIME: 22:57 PRIZE MONEY: EUR22100
Ambra Antica (FR) Back to form when third behind MODERN SPIRIT (2) over 1600m in a Class 3 Handicap at this track on 10 January on her last run. Can get back on track and score. Modern Spirit (FR) Unplaced last time, a win before that over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Leading contender. Lelio (FR) Credible sixth over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January on his last start. Each way player. Ace (FR) Placed fourth over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Capable of making the Top 4.
RACE 8: DE LA ROUTE DES GRANDS CHENES HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM CHANTILLY RACE 8) – 1600M – TIME: 23:32 PRIZE MONEY: EUR28800
Bin Zarak (FR) Solid effort to be second over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 3 Claimer on 16 January. Track and trip winner in November . Hard to ignore at this track. Send Wood (FR) Four unplaced runs since a fourth over 1500m at Deauville in a Class 3 on 23 October , sixth at this track in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Can be involved. Clavis Aurea (FR) Placed third last time out over the track and trip in a Class 3 Handicap on 10 January. Hard to rule out of the Top 3. Mondo Boy Unplaced last time, a win before that over 1800m at Deauville in a Handicap on 28 November . Can make his presence felt.
RACE 9: FLEUR DE SEL HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM PORNICHET RACE 1) – 1700M – TIME: 00:07 PRIZE MONEY: EUR16300
Golfeur A runner-up in a Handicap over this track and trip on 7 January. Likes this surface and can go one place better . Icalero (FR) In very good shape and was runner-up in a Handicap over this course and distance on 26 December . Be right there at the finish. Sleipnir Normandy (FR) Not reliable but was runner-up in a Handicap over this track and trip on 27 January. Can be competitive again. Iscreamforicecream (FR) A winner of a Condition over this track and trip on 24 January. Tackles tougher but is not out of it.
RACE 10: DE LA FLEUR D’AJONC HANDICAP (FIBRESAND TRACK) (FROM PORNICHET RACE 2) – 1700M – TIME: 00:42 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14400
Lovecayan (FR) In good form and was runner-up in a Handicap at this track over 2000m on 24 January. Be right there at the finish. Zaahir (FR) Not disgraced when fifth in a Class 4 Condition over this track and trip on 27 January. Can be competitive in this line-up. Queen Lady Gold (FR) Not reliable but was runner-up in a Handicap over this course and distance on 7 January. Can contest the finish once again. Peyton Place (FR) Only modest of late and finished seventh in a Handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 21 January. Capable of making the frame.
South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Vaal) – February 5
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RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2026.02.05
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R100.000, 12:35GMT+2
Race Summary: ANNEWITHAN E caught the eye when staying on to finish third in this headgear last time and she won’t need to improve much on that effort in her peak outing to resume winning ways. FALCONFLY was a fast-finishing third over 1600m on her handicap debut and she remains open to improvement over this extended trip. PEACE TREATY and CREPUSCOLO are all engaged to run at earlier meetings but would be competitive if taking their place.
Selections: #2 Annewithan E, #6 Falconfly, #5 Peace Treaty, #9 Crepuscolo
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R105.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: UTSAAH improved in first-time blinkers to finish a career-best second over track and trip last time and a repeat of that performance should suffice. Stablemate GREENSIDE GIRL is held on that form but open to improvement in just her third outing. WINTER WEDDING could have more to offer over this extended trip, so could get into the picture. MADE TO MEASURE completes the shortlist.
Selections: #1 Utsaah, #7 Greenside Girl, #2 Made To Measure, #4 Winter Wedding
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R120.000, 13:45GMT+2
Race Summary: INDIAN SPICE hit the frame in both course-and-distance appearances with blinkers fitted, and he sets the standard on the strength and consistency of that form. TERRENCE failed to confirm the promise of his debut over 1160m last time but the step up to this trip should, on pedigree, be more to his liking. Returning PALACE GUARD (gelded) and unexposed SMUGGLER remain open to improvement too.
Selections: #1 Indian Spice, #10 Terrence, #3 Palace Guard, #9 Smuggler
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R135.000, 14:20GMT+2
Race Summary: Muzi Yeni rode FUTURE DATE and DIMAKO’S JET to last-start victories so his decision to stick with the latter is significant. ART NOUVEAU and stablemate ANCIENT WISDOM are closely matched with those rivals on recent form and are weighted to be competitive on these revised terms.
Selections: #2 Dimako’s Jet, #1 Future Date, #5 Art Nouveau, #6 Ancient Wisdom
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R105.000, 14:55GMT+2
Race Summary: LADY BLUNT and MERRYWEATHER won at this level last time and should remain competitive off resultant penalties. The latter remains open to improvement and this extended trip could be more to her liking. The step up to this distance should also suit KENSAL GREEN whose fast-finishing second over a shorter trip last time was encouraging. SURPRISE PARTY also have solid claims.
Selections: #3 Merryweather, #10 Kensal Green, #2 Lady Blunt, #5 Surprise Party
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R155.000, 15:30GMT+2
Race Summary: MONEY HEIST was touched off at level weights by a progressive 3yo in a stronger contest over 1450m last time. He is equally adept over this extended trip so should be hard to beat off the same mark with a 4kg claimer engaged. WAYNE had legitimate excuses for his no-show in a 3yo Grade 3 last time, and the step up to this distance with a tongue-tie fitted could unlock any amount of improvement. PLAYER and MAX THE MAGICIAN are consistent hard-knockers with legitimate earning potential.
Selections: #1 Money Heist, #8 Wayne, #3 Max The Magician, #7 Player
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R105.000, 16:05GMT+2
Race Summary: NEVER NEVER LAND was backed and won full of running over 1200m last time and a 3-point penalty isn’t likely to halt his momentum over this extended trip. Consistent PEREGRINE FALCON stayed on encouragingly to finish a close-up third over 1200m in first-time blinkers (retained) and a repeat of that effort will put him right in the firing line. Recent scorers GULF OF AMERICA and LIBECCIO aren’t taken lightly either off their revised ratings.
Selections: #2 Never Never Land, #6 Peregrine Falcon, #9 Gulf Of America, #11 Libeccio
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R100.000, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: PRECOCIOUS was an easy winner on her Highveld debut after a layoff and she is open to any amount of improvement, especially with a 4kg claimer taking weight off the back. PIVOTAL ROLE confirmed the promise of his debut second with a last-start maiden win over 1000m. He hasn’t been seen since but is unexposed and would’ve strengthened during his time off. LONELY AS A CLOUD and BLINDFIRE can have a say in the outcome if building on the improvement of their recent outings.
Selections: #1 Precocious, #2 Pivotal Role, #4 Lonely As A Cloud, #5 Blindfire
Best Win: #1 MONEY HEIST
Best Value Bet: #3 MERRYWEATHER
Best Longshot: #3 MERRYWEATHER
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: VAAL CLASSIC@2026.02.05
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R100.000, 12:35GMT+2
Race Summary: ANNEWITHAN E caught the eye when staying on to finish third in this headgear last time and she won’t need to improve much on that effort in her peak outing to resume winning ways. FALCONFLY was a fast-finishing third over 1600m on her handicap debut and she remains open to improvement over this extended trip. PEACE TREATY and CREPUSCOLO are all engaged to run at earlier meetings but would be competitive if taking their place.
Selections: #2 Annewithan E, #6 Falconfly, #5 Peace Treaty, #9 Crepuscolo
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R105.000, 13:10GMT+2
Race Summary: UTSAAH improved in first-time blinkers to finish a career-best second over track and trip last time and a repeat of that performance should suffice. Stablemate GREENSIDE GIRL is held on that form but open to improvement in just her third outing. WINTER WEDDING could have more to offer over this extended trip, so could get into the picture. MADE TO MEASURE completes the shortlist.
Selections: #1 Utsaah, #7 Greenside Girl, #2 Made To Measure, #4 Winter Wedding
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R120.000, 13:45GMT+2
Race Summary: INDIAN SPICE hit the frame in both course-and-distance appearances with blinkers fitted, and he sets the standard on the strength and consistency of that form. TERRENCE failed to confirm the promise of his debut over 1160m last time but the step up to this trip should, on pedigree, be more to his liking. Returning PALACE GUARD (gelded) and unexposed SMUGGLER remain open to improvement too.
Selections: #1 Indian Spice, #10 Terrence, #3 Palace Guard, #9 Smuggler
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R135.000, 14:20GMT+2
Race Summary: Muzi Yeni rode FUTURE DATE and DIMAKO’S JET to last-start victories so his decision to stick with the latter is significant. ART NOUVEAU and stablemate ANCIENT WISDOM are closely matched with those rivals on recent form and are weighted to be competitive on these revised terms.
Selections: #2 Dimako’s Jet, #1 Future Date, #5 Art Nouveau, #6 Ancient Wisdom
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R105.000, 14:55GMT+2
Race Summary: LADY BLUNT and MERRYWEATHER won at this level last time and should remain competitive off resultant penalties. The latter remains open to improvement and this extended trip could be more to her liking. The step up to this distance should also suit KENSAL GREEN whose fast-finishing second over a shorter trip last time was encouraging. SURPRISE PARTY also have solid claims.
Selections: #3 Merryweather, #10 Kensal Green, #2 Lady Blunt, #5 Surprise Party
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R155.000, 15:30GMT+2
Race Summary: MONEY HEIST was touched off at level weights by a progressive 3yo in a stronger contest over 1450m last time. He is equally adept over this extended trip so should be hard to beat off the same mark with a 4kg claimer engaged. WAYNE had legitimate excuses for his no-show in a 3yo Grade 3 last time, and the step up to this distance with a tongue-tie fitted could unlock any amount of improvement. PLAYER and MAX THE MAGICIAN are consistent hard-knockers with legitimate earning potential.
Selections: #1 Money Heist, #8 Wayne, #3 Max The Magician, #7 Player
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1450m, Turf, R105.000, 16:05GMT+2
Race Summary: NEVER NEVER LAND was backed and won full of running over 1200m last time and a 3-point penalty isn’t likely to halt his momentum over this extended trip. Consistent PEREGRINE FALCON stayed on encouragingly to finish a close-up third over 1200m in first-time blinkers (retained) and a repeat of that effort will put him right in the firing line. Recent scorers GULF OF AMERICA and LIBECCIO aren’t taken lightly either off their revised ratings.
Selections: #2 Never Never Land, #6 Peregrine Falcon, #9 Gulf Of America, #11 Libeccio
Vaal Classic, 05.02.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R100.000, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: PRECOCIOUS was an easy winner on her Highveld debut after a layoff and she is open to any amount of improvement, especially with a 4kg claimer taking weight off the back. PIVOTAL ROLE confirmed the promise of his debut second with a last-start maiden win over 1000m. He hasn’t been seen since but is unexposed and would’ve strengthened during his time off. LONELY AS A CLOUD and BLINDFIRE can have a say in the outcome if building on the improvement of their recent outings.
Selections: #1 Precocious, #2 Pivotal Role, #4 Lonely As A Cloud, #5 Blindfire
Best Win: #1 MONEY HEIST
Best Value Bet: #3 MERRYWEATHER
Best Longshot: #3 MERRYWEATHER
Australia – Sunday 1 February
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| Sunshine Coast | |
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Australia – Saturday 31 January
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| Rosehill | |
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| Ascot | |
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| Eagle Farm | |
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Australia – Sunday 25 January
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| Wyong | |
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