The Vaal hosts an intriguing eight-race programme on Thursday, with several progressive horses looking set to continue their rise, while trainer Sean Tarry and jockeys Keagan de Melo and Mickaëlle Michel hold strong chances of doubles.

Race 1 could offer value with Corsaro Super in the 1000m juvenile contest. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained son of Erupt has yet to show his true ability, but there were excuses for both previous starts. Significantly, De Melo keeps the ride after a 13-week break, suggesting confidence the colt can improve sharply in an open race.

The in-form Stuart Pettigrew stable looks well represented in Race 2 with Midnight Special. The Fire Away filly made an encouraging debut when runner-up and is expected to improve with the experience. Craig Zackey retains the ride, and she rates one of the stronger bets on the card.

Bristol Hercules is the standout in Race 4 over 1600m as he bids to complete a hat-trick. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained gelding has returned from a break in excellent form, winning consecutive 1400m races at the Vaal, including his latest under a penalty against stronger opposition. Although carrying 62kg after another ratings increase, he drops in class and the step up to 1600m should suit. By Lancaster Bomber, he has been finishing strongly and looks capable of extending his winning streak under Callan Murray.

Another Lancaster Bomber runner to follow is Warning Sound in Race 6. The Sean Tarry-trained filly produced a career-best performance when winning over 1450m at Turffontein’s Inside track off a career-high rating. A four-point penalty makes life tougher, but she remains lightly raced and still has scope for improvement. French rider Mickaëlle Michel keeps the partnership, and her 1.5kg allowance could prove valuable.

Tarry’s strongest chance may come in Race 7 with Greenandgold. The R2.6-million National Yearling Sale purchase has steadily improved with each run and relished the step up to 1400m when making all to win her maiden in convincing fashion. The 73-day break should have helped her strengthen, while an opening handicap mark of 75 appears fair for a filly with her pedigree and potential. If she progresses again, Greenandgold can complete a profitable stable double for Tarry and De Melo.

Back on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf on Sunday, trainers have unleashed runners saved for grass racing, creating a highly competitive nine-race card. The opening two juvenile maidens feature many first-timers, making betting markets an important guide.

In Race 1, Dancing Partner appeals after improving nicely at her second start, while Iceberg Rose can bounce back after failing as favourite over a longer trip. Asgardian Queen brings valuable experience, and Lady Jerome could improve back on turf after a disappointing polytrack run.

The first leg of the Bi-Pot is equally tricky. Benny And Paul should strip fitter after a comeback run and the drop in trip looks suitable. Prized Possession attracted strong support on debut and is expected to improve, while Old Harry Rocks and Yukinko are others worth monitoring, especially if supported in the betting.

Red Hot Miss shapes as a popular banker in the Place Accumulator after finishing runner-up in her last two starts. She stays the distance and has drawn ideally. Indignation showed improvement over a mile last time, while Anything But Love has been consistently competitive and should feature again.

The Pick 6 opener may revolve around Day Two and Princess Palace. Day Two is lightly raced, stays well and ran a strong second against tougher opposition last time. Princess Palace was disappointing in stronger company but is capable of much better here.

Race 5 is one of the highlights. Ovation Star remains lightly raced but already boasts a lofty rating after a close second last time. However, she faces Grade 1 hopefuls Ladyofdistinction and Educator. Kannemeyer’s Educator is the highest-rated runner, arrives off a convincing polytrack win and still looks progressive. Ladyofdistinction can improve sharply on her latest effort, while the in-form Gran Occasion is capable of causing an upset.

The final three races are competitive handicaps. In Race 6, Hunga Tonga is consistent and should go close after strong recent performances. Open Sesame has improved with blinkers, Blue Poppy is remarkably reliable, and Past Is Prologue has proven course form despite a difficult draw.

Race 7 could belong to Major Tommie, who is better than his recent form suggests. Hah Lah, Best Of All and Military Command all have strong claims.

In Race 8, Cavalry Commander continues to thrive for Mark Dixon. Street Outlaw, Little Boy Blue and returning runner Luneluck are key dangers.

The finale is wide open, with Arverni Princess, Jane’s Vision, Night Tiger and Bless Me Fred all holding realistic winning chances.

The Vaal Classic track hosts a competitive nine-race programme on Thursday, but there appear to be several solid betting opportunities, with leading jockeys Craig Zackey and Gavin Lerena both holding strong chances of doubles.

The meeting opens with what looks an ideal opportunity for Molten Rock to finally break her maiden. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained daughter of Erupt has improved steadily with racing, finishing fourth in a strong maiden before following up with a creditable third against another competitive field. Her recent form over 1000m stands out in this company and she sets the benchmark in Race 1.

Zackey could strike early in Race 2 aboard Snap Your Fingers, who is worth another chance after disappointing as a beaten favourite against winners last time. That effort was below expectations, but she now returns to maiden company where her debut form remains among the strongest in the field. Sean Tarry’s well-bred daughter of Futura has shown clear ability and a return to her first-run performance should make her hard to beat over 1500m.

The middle section of the card contains several competitive handicaps, but Zackey’s strongest ride may come in Race 6 aboard the ultra-consistent Father Christmas. The Tony Peter-trained son of Gimmethegreenlight has thrived since relocating to the Highveld and has become one of the most reliable performers in his division. Zackey has partnered him three times for two wins and a second, highlighting their strong partnership.

Father Christmas scored impressively over the same 1450m trip on Turffontein’s Inside track before finishing a respectable fourth on the Greyville Polytrack. Returning to a distance and surface that clearly suit him, he looks capable of returning to winning ways and completing a double for Zackey.

Gavin Lerena also has strong claims later on the card, particularly in Race 7 aboard Winds Of Grace. The Mike Azzie-trained gelding had been threatening to win before finally breaking through over 1450m at Turffontein last month. The manner of that victory suggested there is still more improvement to come.

Although the handicapper has raised him three points, the penalty may not be enough to stop his progress. With Lerena taking the ride, confidence is boosted further and another bold performance looks likely.

While the card features several tricky contests, Molten Rock, Snap Your Fingers, Father Christmas, and Winds Of Grace stand out as some of the stronger betting propositions and could provide a straightforward path for punters looking to navigate Thursday’s Vaal meeting.