South Africa Horse Racing Previews: VAAL CLASSIC@2023.02.21
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 1, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R90.000, 12:25GMT+2
Race Summary: SIMPLY MAGIC has been knocking and deserves her exit ticket from the maiden ranks. SILK GARDEN is another who is threatening and should make a race of it. However, they both need to contend with DAMNED IF I DO who has the most scope for improvement. PRIMROSE PATH and RIO SUPREMO are looking to improve. Watch first-timer HAVE A PARTY.
Selections:
#1 Simply Magic, #3 Silk Garden, #7 Damned If I Do, #6 Rio Supremo
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 2, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R90.000, 13:00GMT+2
Race Summary: BLACK EGRET has been in the money in all 5 starts and should get his consistency rewarded. FISH EAGLE showed improvement last time and could challenge. PRIVILEGE was supported in both his runs but something went amiss. He returns from a year off – respect. NAZARE races before this but if takes his place should make the frame. MAGIC PRINCE can improve more. Look for improvement from LETSGOGLOBAL who was not striding out on debut. FULL GO is looking for Quartet money.
Selections:
#2 Black Egret, #1 Fish Eagle, #11 Privilege, #3 Nazare
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 3, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R80.000, 13:35GMT+2
Race Summary: LUSHOZI SHOOP was heavily backed to win on debut and duly obliged with consummate ease. She is carded to run before this – watch. WHATYOUWAITINGFOR will take full advantage if she doesn’t take part but does have breathing problems. THERE SHE GOES is holding form and is looking for Trifecta money. Stablemates SPLENDID SEASON and WELCOME BREEZE, as well as LOLLAPALOOZA, SAMOA, LAETITIA’S ANGEL, FEATHER THE NEST and MIX THE MAGIC, are looking for minor money.
Selections:
#1 Lushozi Shoop, #2 Whatyouwaitingfor, #3 There She Goes, #8 Laetitia’s Angel
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 4, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R110.000, 14:10GMT+2
Race Summary: RARATONGA ROSE is unbeaten over this distance, including one at this track and looking to make it four from four. SILVER HILLS and QUIET REBELLION renew rivalry and there is nothing between them. All of OPERA GLASS, KIND JUDY, LADY CALAVERA, TRUMP MY QUEEN, APACHE FIGHTER and THREE STRANDS are looking for minor money.
Selections:
#3 Raratonga Rose, #5 Quiet Rebellion, #4 Silver Hills, #6 Lady Calavera
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 5, Gallops, 2000m, Turf, R85.000, 14:45GMT+2
Race Summary: All 12 participants are capable of pulling it off. RED MAPLE showed marked improvement sporting blinkers last time and has most improvement to come. Despite not well treated at the weights, could go on. Bottom-of-the-weights LIDL MISS SUNSHINE (races before this) should see out the extra. FIELD OF VISION needed her last run. CALL THE WIND, STUNNING KITTEN, BURMESE TIARA, ARDEN PARK and ANGEL’S WISH are more for the shortlist.
Selections:
#1 Red Maple, #12 Lidl Miss Sunshine, #10 Angel’s Wish, #7 Field Of Vision
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 6, Gallops, 2400m, Turf, R80.000, 15:20GMT+2
Race Summary: NAMAQUA BLOSSOM was runner-up in her last 3 runs and should be hard to oppose. She rates a banker bet in exotics. DARK TRAVEL and ROSY LEMON try the marathon distance and should have no problem with it. GO FLICHITY, PACIFIC EXPRESS and GO DREAM MACHINE could produce their true form.
Selections:
#2 Namaqua Blossom, #1 Dark Travel, #5 Rosy Lemon, #3 Go Flichity
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R95.000, 15:55GMT+2
Race Summary: CELESTIAL CITY looked to have the race in the bag last time but never kicked. She has been costly to follow but should be given another chance over the 1600m trip, if ridden with cover. BUSHVELD impressed when opening his account and should be right there off 52kg. CLIMATE CONTROL runs before this – he is above average so respect. TOFFAS is another on the up and if behaves could feature. RIVER ROMEO needed his last run. IN CAHOOTS could place.
Selections:
#9 Celestial City, #12 Bushveld, #1 Climate Control, #3 Toffas
Vaal Classic, 21.02.2023, Race 8, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R75.000, 16:25GMT+2
Race Summary: Tricky race to end. MR MALONY is running well but has a wide draw to overcome. TIMEFORTHAT was hampered last time and should be involved in the finish from pole draw. BIG CITY GIRL kept on over this trip last time and could confirm with OYSTER KING. LUTHULI sports blinkers now and any improvement could see him in the money. Look for an improved effort from JUST EMINENT.
Selections:
#7 Timeforthat, #15 Big City Girl, #1 Mr Molony, #4 Oyster King
Best Win: #2 NAMAQUA BLOSSOM
Best Value Bet: #1 RED MAPLE
Best Longshot: #1 RED MAPLE
