Vaal 17 January 2026

Going: Good

Instructions

1

09:25 Vaal (RSA) (2YO only)

4Racing Welcomes You Maiden Juvenile Plate

4f 214y

Winner 77,192ZAR - 7 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

CATFISH finished 2nd on debut, ahead of BUFFALO KING CODY, and could confirm his superiority with natural improvement expected. MOOSALEKKA will also know more about it after an introductory outing. However, a bigger threat could come from well-bred Rafeef debutante FLOWER ISLAND who benefits from a sex allowance. Watch the betting on fellow newcomers COUNT OF CAPRI and SHERLOCK HOMES.

2

10:00 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

Racing Today Graduation Plate

5f 212y

Winner 77,192ZAR - 5 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

ZALATORIS makes his first start for the new stable and will appreciate the drop in class to a more suitable trip. Last-start winner CHAPBOOK has the form to be competitive, especially with weight off his back. THE LAST DUKE is distance suited and remains open to improvement so warrants respect. ANTONIO GAUDI and UMZINGELI WENYATHI are carded to run at earlier meetings but have means to get into the picture.

3

10:35 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

Guineas Day 7 February Progress Plate

1m 99y

Winner 89,071ZAR - 4 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A hard race to assess. MY LUCKY CHARM has an earlier engagement and a bit to find at the weights but is open to improvement so dangerous to discount under bottom weight. TAEGAN'S CHAMP had legitimate excuses for a disappointing last run and should fare better in these calmer waters off a reduced mark. Consistent BRISTOL HERCULES finished ahead of that rival last time and has the form to fight out the finish. ZANTHAR could have a role to play if confirming the improvement of his latest outing.

4

11:10 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

Classic Day 7 March Mr 84 Handicap

1m 99y

Winner 74,222ZAR - 9 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

OPEN HIGHWAY is at the top of his game and could have more to offer stretching beyond 1600m for the first time. Class-dropper ON TARGET bounced back to form last time and will benefit from his rider's 4kg claim. TOMMY SHELBY, ROBERT BROWNING and GUERILLA WARFARE are hard-knockers who will be competitive if repeating improved recent performances. Progressive 3yo geldings BUDDY BOY and FORCE PUBLIQUE are open to improvement over this extended trip, so they have to enter calculations too.

5

11:45 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

SA Derby 4 April Mr 74 Handicap

1m 1f 208y

Winner 59,373ZAR - 9 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

REAL STUNNER acquitted himself competitively in a stronger race on handicap debut and a repeat of that effort off an unchanged mark could suffice. REPETITION caught the eye on his Highveld debut in the same race but is 1.5kg worse off. SKY PILLAR ROCK, ROMEO'S MAGIC and last-start winner CREPUSCOLO have the means to be competitive, as do class-dropper BELLEROPHON and recent maiden scorer COPPER CLIFF.

6

12:20 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

For Hospitality Bookings Call 011 681 1796 Mr 66 Handicap

6f 211y

Winner 53,433ZAR - 8 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

None of these inspires any confidence but it could be worth siding with GOLDEN ASPEN who has found form and consistency off her current mark. BLOOMINGTON, CAN'T CATCH ME and COMMANDER OF ALL are closely matched with the selection on recent form and also have the credentials to win a race of this nature. NORTHERN KITTEN makes most appeal of the remainder.

7

12:55 Vaal (RSA) (3YO only)

Betway Swallow Stakes (Listed) (3 Year-Old Fillies)

5f 212y

Winner 133,595ZAR - 9 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Good quality for a Listed race. ONE FINE WINTER was dual Grade 1 placed as a 2yo and confirmed that promise with a winning 3yo reappearance against male rivals. With further improvement expected, she will be hard to beat on favourable weight terms. Both ANCHORAGE and unbeaten RIFLE QUEEN have shown enough to make life difficult for the selection. PERFECT MIRACLE, MALIBU and JAZZ PIANIST can also get into the picture.

8

13:35 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

Tab 4Racing App Mr 84 Handicap

4f 214y

Winner 74,222ZAR - 10 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Several with chances in a competitive lineup. Lightly raced XENOPHON is effective over this shorter trip and on current form should play a leading role. Last-start winners DONTSHOOTTHEBARMAN and PLUS FOUR remain competitive off their revised marks and will likely acquit themselves competitively too. VANAKKAM, HALBERDIER, KIA KAHA and returning CAROLINE ISLAND also have the means to make their presence felt.

9

14:10 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

youcanbetonus! Fm 80 Handicap (F & M)

5f 212y

Winner 66,797ZAR - 14 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

MAVERICK QUEEN is very consistent and should make a bold bid at beating these rivals. CAPTAIN SELVIE may have just needed her last run and should contest the finish. QUIET WINTER has scope for improvement and was not beaten far last time out. PLAY WITH THE WIND has ability and would not be a surprise winner. CLAIRWOOD ROSE and WAITING ON CHARLIE are capable of running well.

10

14:45 Vaal (RSA) (3YO plus)

Next Vaal Racemeeting Tuesday 27 January Mr 66 Handicap

5f 212y

Winner 53,433ZAR - 15 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A very tricky race. TIGER STORM is consistent and deserves a second winning turn. UNIVERSAL GIRL does look capable of better than her last run and could be a threat. MISTY METAL is not reliable but does know how to win races. LEGENDARY remains in good shape and can be a threat yet again. HIGHWAYTOTHESKY, TIME FOR CHARITY and PROPHET are all capable of earning some money when showing their best side.

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