# Vaal Classic Tuesday 3 October 2023 – Comments by Andrew Harrison
RACE 1
Summary: BABYLON (3) was a beaten even money favourite last start. Runner-up at his last two and can go one better. KINSHIN SHA (2) has been touched off at his last three and will be a threat. The blinkers go back on BREGARDT (4) and Piere Strydom stays aboard which is a good sign. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-4).
RACE 2
Summary: There are a number of unraced runners so what the betting. WHITE HILLS (3) returns from a break but is by far the highest rated maiden in the race. She could prove a touch too classy. BEST INTENTIONS (4) is improving with each outing and should strip at her peak. The blinkers come off EMPRESS GAME (2) and she can improve while FLYING PUMA (1) was second best in a work riders race last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-2).
RACE 3
Summary: ROYAL EDITION (2) was a little disappointing last run when trying much further after a close-up second at his penultimate start over this trip. That form has since been franked with the fourth-placed runner winning next time out. BREATH OF MAGIC (3) was a close-up fourth last run behind surprise winner Calida. He should make a bold bid. BATTLEOFBARBERTON (6) is a well-bred first timer that comes from a strong stable with Strydom aboard. One to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-6).
RACE 4
Summary: LIFE LESSON (3) has improved with each outing and the step up in trip should suit. LORNA LILY (1) has come to hand of late and has finished runner-up at her last two over the distance. She has the best of the draw. VILLA SEMAYA (4) is seldom too far back and can finish in the money. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-4).
RACE 5
Summary: Three Betway Summer Cup hopeful line up here. All three are borderline entries so a win will help their chances of making the line-up. ZEUS (3) was a comfortable winner over 2600m at Turffontein last time out and is in good form. FLYING BULL (2) has been rested and has his first run for Tony Peter. He stays well, the stable is in form and the fact that he jumps straight into a 2400m contest suggests that he will not need the run. ARUMUGAM (1) was runner-up in the World Pool Gold Cup but has not been out since. If fit and well he should go close. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-1).
RACE 6
Summary: ASSENKEHR (1) landed the odds when favourite last time out and has been consistent. Apprentice Trent Mayhew takes 4kg off his back for a stable that is in cracking form. CLIFF HANGER (4) was narrowly beaten when giving weight in a Graduation Plate. He is over his optimum trip. ROSDE FOR TRIPPI (3) was a length behind Cliff Hanger when last they met. The filly is now 1kg worse off at the weights to unlikely to be able to turn the tables. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-3).
RACE 7
Summary: Wide open handicap. COMING IN HOT (3) was touched off in a tight finish behind consistent Whirly Whorly last time out. He has been consistent and with a 1.5kg claimer aboard he can go one better. METEORIC (4) was an upset winner last run when down in class and a repeat could see her home. DARK TIDE (6) has earned a cheque in his last six starts. His last win was on the Greyville poly but he looks handily weighted here. HERE WITH ME (2) is lightly raced. He ran a fair race behind Meteoric last time out in his first jump out of the maidens and can still improve. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-6-4).
RACE 8
Summary: Open. Calvin Habib has jumped ship on INVENTRIX (3) to partner STORMY CHOICE (2) which could be the right move. She has run two good race since shedding her maiden and was a close-up seventh last time out a length ahead of SMELTING (8 ). The latter has a 1.5kg claimer aboard and only 52kg to shoulder. TWICE AS WILD (7) was not far back to stronger last run and can do better in this line-up. Andrew Harrison: 2-8-7-3)
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