Vaal Thursday 19th now on Classic track

4Racing Media Release

Vaal Meeting Track Changes

Johannesburg, 17 October 2023

Further to the press release dated 4 October 2023, racing at the Vaal has moved to the Classic Track from 12 October in order to allow the maintenance team to start the Vaal Main Track mini treatment early.

The treatment has been administered and an inspection of the Vaal track was conducted on Tuesday, 17 October 2023. The conclusion was drawn that the Vaal main track needs additional time to fully recover.

As a result, a decision was made to move the meeting for 26 October 2023 from the Vaal main track to the Vaal Classic track.

Additionally, the meeting for 2 November 2023 will be moved to the Turf inside track.

We will be back on the Vaal main track 7 November 2023.

We continue to strive to provide the best possible racing surface for our horses and riders.

4Racing Operations Team.

ENDS

# Vaal Classic Thursday 19 October 2023 – Comments by David Thiselton

RACE 1     


Preview: MARY’S GREENLIGHT (7) has fair form in the context of this race and looks the one to beat. RUGGER LOVER (8 ) enjoyed the step down to 1000m last time and looks to be the chief threat. TOGETHER AGAIN (6) has improved a bit with blinkers and could earn a cheque here. (David Thiselton 7-8-6)


RACE 2     


Preview: BREEZE OVER (3) is a decent stayer with plenty of scope for improvement and he is not only best weighted but is due a win. MAMBO COME TESIO (4) is also a good stayer in the making and should be right there despite officially having a slightly tougher task at the weights than Breeze Over. NAMAQUA BLOSSOM (5) has always struck as a decent stayer and could be in the shake up, although it won’t be easy against the boys. (David Thiselton 3-4-5)


RACE 3     


KAMBULU (1) has always been held in high regard and a layoff could have benefited him and he does not face a strong field. EMBLEM OF WAR (6) made a fair debut and should appreciate the step up in trip. OFFICER IN COMMAND (7) is by Flower Alley so should improve with this step up in trip (David Thiselton 1-6-7)


RACE 4     


SILVANO’S SONG (6) is knocking on the door and now gets pole position over an ideal trip off a competitive merit rating. VIVA BRAZIL (8 ) has his first run out of the maidens and has plenty of scope and should enjoy the step up in trip. PEWTER SKY (2) has a form chance of earning although he looks held by Silvano’s Song on their last meeting over 2000m.


RACE 5     


KIND JUDY (4) has been performing below par recently over further but has not had much luck and now from draw two off a decreased merit rating she runs over the trip of her last win, which was way back in September last year. COLORADO CREEK (2) beat a decent field second time out over 1160m but being by Galileo sire The United States she should enjoy the step up in trip. BURMESE TIARA (7) has been consistent in her last three from 2000m to 2600m and should be effective over this trip too. (David Thiselton 4-2-7)


RACE 6     


Preview: MEMORIAL DAY (8 ) went close in her penultimate start over 1600m and is now three points lower and well drawn and she has gone close over this trip before. CORAPI (11) won over 2400m last time but has been effective over this trip before too. LEAO ALADO (1) won a fair race in the maidens and could earn here. (David Thiselton 8-11-1)


RACE 7     


Preview: PERILLA (1) went close in her first start on the Highveld and has a better draw this time. COUNTESS DANZA (4) has improved and from a good draw will be a threat over an ideal trip. GIMME THE FLAME (9) has a chance on the form of her last run but does have a tough draw to overcome. (David Thiselton 1-4-9)


RACE 8     


Preview: IN THE ETHER (11) is knocking on the door and should be right there. BROSNAN won well over course and distance in his penultimate start and there is nothing between him and In The Ether at the weights. AXEL COLLINS beat Brosnan last time so can’t be ignored. (David Thiselton 11-3-4)

Hope all goes well as we did have some rain in the last week.

I watched a few races from Hong Kong with SA jocks on Wednesday in torrential rain.

Ascot on Saturday may also have to change the track due to heavy rain.
The clash between PADDINGTON and TAHIYRA might not happen as the trainer, not the jockey might withdraw TAHIYRA........🤞

Race 4 : Big money on Greenlight Magic 20/1 into 8.5/1 .On collateral form with Silvano's Song ,I can't see Greenlight Magic reversing the form. Silvano's Song a strong WIN chance with Romeo's Magic to run a place .

Little concerned I hear that on Sunday the Tractor Driver accidently dropped a small bottle of Mineral Water at the 200 meter mark while driving the Classic Track. Jockeys may have to check after the 1st race has run. Good news is the sun is out and the Boats and Jet skis are ready and primed for the jockeys to enjoy if they get the afternoon off.

DEEZ'S BEST BETS
R4 Silvano’s Song
R7 Perilla

Place Accumulator 2-8
1st : 2,5,6
Net Pool = R 294235.57
Tickets left = 40319.90
Min. Dividend = R 7.30

BREGARDT places

Some well backed winners today - Parker Getrix supported in from double figure odds, but the coup of the day has to go to Clint Binda - backed in very late to start 3rd fav in the last at 13/2 - sadly I missed both of those betting moves