Horse Racing Today
Thursday’s horse racing action is available from Gauteng, with an eight-race program from the Vaal Classic track. Racing begins at 12:25 and includes five competitive MR 64-66 Handicap events. Below are our South African horse racing tips, predictions and suggested bets for the day’s racing. If you are following our tips and placing bets today, good luck, and hopefully, it’ll be a winning day for all.
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Vaal Selections
Race 1 – 1450m (Maiden Handicap)
HIGHVELD STORM improved in his last start and is my top choice in the opener. That finish was more impressive as he finished third and ran with an open wound. Carrying 55kgs, he can cause an upset in this open maiden handicap race.
Suggested Bet – HIGHVELD STORM EW @ 5/1✅ EW Place
Race 2 – 1450m (Maiden Handicap)
I think there is some value in PERINI PALACE to finish in the placings. The filly runs with a low mass of just 51.5kgs and can sneak a place. I am taking an alternate place bet on her to finish in the first five. You can find alternate place bets at all leading betting sites, such as Tic Tac, Hollywoodbets, SoccerShop and Playa Bets.
Suggested Bet – PERINI PALACE to finish in top five @ 25/10 ✅
Race 3 – 2400m (Maiden Plate)
TAXHAVEN ran in a Grade 3 last time on Durban July day, so he merits healthy respect. However he is too short in the betting at 7/10. I searched for EW value and found PLUM PUDDING. The filly has decent form and is taking on male rivals. She gets a weight advantage, which could prove the difference.
Suggested Bet – PLUM PUDDING EW @ 8/1✅ EW Place
Race 4 – 1800m (MR 66 Handicap)
It is a competitive race, so go wide in the exotics. I like DAMOVA to run well, thanks to the appie claim. With 52kgs, she is weighted to go close and represents excellent EW value.
Suggested Bet – DAMOVA EW @ 7.5/1❌
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Race 5 – 1600m (FM 64 Handicap)
BEGUILING comes in with bottom weight, running with a low mass of 49kgs. She has the weight to cause a big upset and, with some luck in running, can finish in the money.
Suggested Bet – BEGUILING EW @ 12/1❌
Race 6 – 1450m (MR 66 Handicap)
RISKY BUSINESS is overdue her next win and is the one to beat here. She has solid form and will love the rise to 1450m. She has excellent course and distance form and is my top choice to beat this field. At 5/1, she represents excellent EW value, and I expect her price to shorten come race time.
Suggested Bet – RISKY BUSINESS EW @ 5/1✅ EW Win
Race 7 – 1200m (FM 64 Handicap)
RED CARPET GIRL has decent form and has run well against males. She is back against her sex here and can be competitive. She has a good draw of three, so she will be well-placed when the gates open. With some luck in running, she can upset the favourite DANCING DORA.
Suggested Bet – RED CARPET GIRL EW @ 5/1❌
Race 8 – 1000m (MR 66 Handicap)
The last race of the day is for apprentices and young jockeys. I searched for value and found a lunatic in SMELTING. Her form is not good, but she does carry just 48kgs and jumps from pole. She has early gate speed, so in this sprint, she could be hard to catch at the finish. I suggest two bets on her: an EW play at 20/1 and an alternate place finish (top four) at 35/10.
Suggested Bets – SMELTING EW @ 20/1✅ EW Place & SMELTING to finish in top four @ 35/10✅
Note: Betting odds are correct at the time of writing, but odds are subject to change.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the online casino and sports betting industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including the Canadian, UK, South African, African and New Zealand markets. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Rugby, American Football, Basketball and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
