South Africa Horse Racing Previews: VAAL CLASSIC@2023.02.14
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 1, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R85.000, 12:40GMT+2
Race Summary: Good opening contest. Both GREENBACKCURRENCY and BATTLEGROUND lost the opposition when opening their accounts, however, the former did it on the Polytrack. The latter takes on stable companion NAMAQUA BLOSSOM who has met stronger, including BANHA BRIDGE, who beat her by 2.75 lengths over this course and distance and meets her at the same weights. AFRAAD, DARK TRAVEL and ROSY LEMON are looking for minor money.
Selections:
#2 Banha Bridge, #5 Namaqua Blossom, #4 Battleground, #1 Afraad
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 2, Gallops, 1800m, Turf, R110.000, 13:15GMT+2
Race Summary: Small but competitive field and all 7 runners are capable of getting into the action. TOTAL PROTECTION appears a difficult ride but if in a relaxed mood could be right there. DIESEL AND DUST was runner-up in his last two starts and hoping to go one better. BILLY SPELLBOUND finds problems but if trouble free must be in with a big chance. LAGUNA VERDE found support and fared well last time after a break – respect. PERFECT WITNESS could feature if puts it in.
Selections:
#1 Total Protection, #2 Diesel And Dust, #7 Billy Spellbound, #4 Laguna Verde
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R110.000, 13:55GMT+2
Race Summary: MOVER AND SHAKER is the runner to beat on recent form. The remaining 6 runners are capable on their day but all are lacking current form. Stablemate EXISTENTIALIST needs to find form. ROCK ON CAPTAIN has the speed to be up with the pace but comes off good Polytrack form after nearly 7 months off. TWIN STRIKE needed his last run and could get into the money.
Selections:
#1 Mover And Shaker, #4 Rock On Captain, #3 Twin Strike, #2 Existentialist
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 4, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R85.000, 14:30GMT+2
Race Summary: INSATIABLE proved a difficult ride when just behind SAMOA last time and could reverse the position. However, she races before this, and the form must be updated. Stable companion ROSE VELVET also makes an appearance before this – watch. LET’S CRUISE showed determination in opening her account and could go on. BEADED GOWN is one of many looking to get into the money.
Selections:
#5 Insatiable, #6 Samoa, #7 Rose Velvet, #4 Let’s Cruise
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 5, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R110.000, 15:05GMT+2
Race Summary: SILVER MENSA was never under pressure when sporting blinkers for the first time and has lots of scope for improvement. MAY QUEEN never got into it after a slow start last time but before that accounted for slow starter ROSE FOR TRIPPI and BIG EYED GIRL. She needs to confirm. ROZARA (coughing last time), QUEEN OF GAUL (new yard), FENNEC FOX (bled last time), SECOND BREATH (not striding out last time) are all capable if problem free.
Selections:
#8 Silver Mensa, #3 Rose For Trippi, #4 Rozara, #7 Second Breath
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R95.000, 15:40GMT+2
Race Summary: Competitive. SOUTHERN BLAZE won well last time and beat INDUS KNIGHT (1.5kg better off) by 3 lengths. The latter didn’t start well and could get a lot closer. RIVER ROMEO needed his first run as a gelding and will come on heaps. DUKE OF RAIN found problems last time and is one for the shortlist. INVINCIBLE WARRIOR comes off a lengthy lay-off and could just need it. Look for improvement from FIELD OF VISION.
Selections:
#2 Southern Blaze, #6 Indus Knight, #7 Duke Of Rain, #4 River Romeo
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R120.000, 16:10GMT+2
Race Summary: MERIDIUS is holding form and from a good draw will have the run of the race. However, TRIDENT KING won’t let him out of his sight and could get up and complete a hat-trick. INDLAMU has the class but has 61.5kg to shoulder – difficult. FATEFUL DAY showed good improvement last time and with WHISPERS OF WAR, who could appreciate being back over a preferred trip and EXPRESSFROMTHEUS (not striding out last time) are more to consider.
Selections:
#7 Meridius, #9 Trident King, #1 Indlamu, #3 Fateful Day
Vaal Classic, 14.02.2023, Race 8, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R85.000, 16:40GMT+2
Race Summary: STROKE OF MERCY did well in his post-maiden and should be involved in the finish. SMITH AND WESSON was narrowly beaten in a bunched finish last time and could chalk up a deserved 2nd win. COVERT OPERATOR is carded to race before this – watch. BIG CITY GIRL is best over this distance and could flash up late. POWER RANGER could get into the money.
Selections:
#1 Smith And Wesson, #2 Stroke Of Mercy, #9 Big City Girl, #4 Covert Operator
Best Win: #1 MOVER AND SHAKER
Best Value Bet: #2 SOUTHERN BLAZE
Best Longshot: #2 SOUTHERN BLAZE
