Winning Form selections for racing from the Vaal on Thursday 15th January where there are huge prizes available in the free to enter @Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge
Race 1
This is a weak Maiden Plate and caution is advised. The tentative first selection is INDIAN SPICE from the St John Gray stable. He was disappointing over this distance at Turffontein last time. If finding the form of his penultimate run, he can shed his maiden tag in this field.
SAMUEL SHARPE was in need of his debut effort over 1200m. He returns from an 11-week break, during which time he was gelded. He should enjoy the rise to 1600m and can show good improvement.
JABBERWOCKY has moderate recent form lines to his name. If finding the form of his effort when third on 28 October 2025, he should have a say. He is carded to race on 08 January 2026 and his progress in that race will need to be monitored.
Race 2
QUICKFREEZE produced an encouraging debut effort over this distance. He raced from a prominent position, but found one too good in the form of Tintin. The son of Querari would have gained from the experience and with the natural improvement that is expected, he may be the one to beat.
QUEVANO ran a good race when returning from an 80-week break. It must be noted that the horse that finished second that day has come out and won since. He will strip much fitter and is one of the leading contenders.
SKY PILOT showed pace over 1160m at Turffontein last time and stayed on to finish third. He finished 0.6 lengths behind the top choice in his penultimate run. The pair meet on the same weight terms today and there should not be much separating them at the finish.
Race 3
PRECOCIOUS is better than her last two starts in the Western Cape. She showed promise when second on debut over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. She is carded to race on 11 January 2026 and her progress in that race will need to be monitored.
ANAHITA ran a good race when third over 1600m at Turffontein last time. She drops to 1200m and gets the services of Gavin Lerena. She is one of the leading contenders.
ELEGANT EDGE has produced two decent efforts to date. She should enjoy the step up to 1200m. The daughter of Pathfork is carded to race on 11 January 2026 and her progress in that race will need to be monitored.
Race 4
CARTAGENA was an easy winner of her last start over this distance. She showed a good turn of foot and won with a ton in hand. She is in a good space and can follow up with another victory.
PARTY PUNCH finished 2.7 lengths behind the top choice last time. She is 2kgs better off at the weights today and should finish closer as a result.
COPPER PLATE is better than his last start behind the top choice. If finding the form of his penultimate run when second over 2600m on the Turffontein Inside course, he should be the first male past the post.
Race 5
DIESEL‘S SHADOW was a shock winner in his last start over 1800m on the Turffontein Inside course. He received a five-pound penalty for that victory. Apprentice Savanna Valjalo takes the 4kgs off his back which will assist his cause. From his good draw of two, he can follow up with another victory.
FLASHY APACHE stayed on when fourth over this distance at Turffontein last time. He finished 2.25 lengths behind the top choice, three runs ago. He is 4.5kgs worse off at the weights today and may battle to turn the form around.
ONE MORE STAR won his last start over this C&D, under Callan Murray. He received a three-pound penalty for that victory. He does have a wide draw to overcome, but Callan Murray should give him all the necessary assistance from the saddle.
Race 6
GIMMETHEGOODLIFE raced from a prominent position over 1000m at Turffontein last time and tried hard all the way to the line. Two of his five career victories have come over this distance. Rachel Venniker takes the 1.5kgs off his back and the combination may be hard to peg back.
LEAD THE CHARGE was doing his best work late when sixth over 1160m at Turffontein last time. He finished 0.85 lengths behind the top choice in his penultimate effort. He is 0.5kgs better off at the weights today and there should not be much separating the pair at the finish.
BLACK EGRET showed signs of needing his last start over 1000m. He finished second in his only attempt over this C&D. Raymond Danielson steps back into the saddle and he should be competitive.
Race 7
ESQUEVELLE has produced three good runs since returning from a 13-week break. He tried hard when third over 1160m at Turffontein last time. It must be noted that the horse that finished second that day has come out and won since. Two of his eight career victories have come over this C&D. He may be the one to side with.
RAFA BAY has good consistent form lines to his credit. He challenged strongly last time, but found one too good in the form of Plus Four. Should the top choice fluff his lines, he may be the one to pick up the pieces.
ENSUING showed good improvement when third over this C&D last time. He runs well for Gavin Lerena and the combination merit obvious consideration.
Race 8
KING HARALD is better than his last start over 1160m at Turffontein as he was reported to be not striding out. He has been gelded since that outing which may have done the trick. Gavin Lerena steps back into the saddle and he is the best-weighted runner. If not in need of the run, he can notch up his second-career victory.
WINDS OF CHANGE stayed on strongly when third over 1000m at Turffontein last time. He finished second in his only attempt on this course. He has class about him and should go close.
I’M A FIREBALL finished 2.4 lengths behind the second choice last time. He is 1kg better off at the weights today and should finish closer as a result.
Race 9
AZALEAS FOR ALL stayed on at the finish when third over 1800m at Turffontein last time. She has won twice, finished second once and third twice from nine starts on this course. She drops back in class and can return to winning ways.
NKWENKWEZI is better than her last start over 2000m on this course. She has won once, finished second three times and third once from seven starts over this distance. Calvin Habib steps back into the saddle which is a big plus.
OPEN SESAME should have finished closer to the winner last time as she had to be steadied at the 400m mark. She is having her peak run today and will be cherry-ripe. With luck in running, she should be competitive.
Race 10
EXPRESS YOURSELF produced a good first run for the Candice and Tammy Dawson stable. He set the pace and stayed on nicely at the finish. The son of Trippi would have come on from the outing and should strip much fitter. Ryan Munger retains the ride and he may be the one to side with.
MOCHA FRAPPE rallied late when third over this distance at Turffontein last time. He finished second in his penultimate run on this course. Gavin Lerena may be able to get the best out of him where it matters most.
EIFFEL TOWER ran a fair race over this distance at Turffontein last time. The son of Potala Palace has dropped to a competitive rating and should have a say in the outcome of this contest
