Winning Form selections for racing from the Vaal on Thursday 2nd July where there are huge prizes available in the free to enter @Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge
Race 1
CORSARO SUPER has had excuses in both his efforts to date. He was reported to be shin sore last time and the 13-week break would have done him the world of good. The son of Erupt has plenty of scope and if fit, he can show good improvement.
ASTROPHILE is an unraced daughter of Heavenly Blue from the Tony Peter stable with Kabelo Matsunyane in the saddle. Her mother, Victoria Tower was a four-time winner over 1000m. If not in need of the experience, she should start her career on a positive note. The betting market will be the best guide with regards to her and the other first-timers.
AU CONTRAIRE is a son of Canford Cliffs from the Mike and Mathew de Kock yard with Gavin Lerena up. His mother, Un Deux Trois was a five-time winner from 1450m – 2400m. He may be at his best over further, but does not meet a strong line-up and can produce a positive showing.
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Race 2
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is the top bet on the programme. She produced a promising debut effort over this distance at Turffontein. The manner in which she stayed on at the finish was encouraging. The daughter of Fire Away would have gained from the experience and with the natural improvement that is expected, she can go one better.
SATISFIED was a tad disappointing over 1160m last time. It must be noted that the form of that race has been franked. On the form of her debut run, she should pose a massive threat.
CALADRIUS showed good improvement in her last start over this distance at Turffontein. She would have come on from the outing and will strip much fitter. She is drawn on the outside of the track and may be hard to catch.
Race 3
COVER CHARGE should have finished closer to the winner over 1600m on this course last time as he hung outwards in the final 400m. The son of Erik The Red is bred to love the rise to 1800m. Callan Murray rides and he may be able to coax that little bit extra out of him where it matters most. He is carded to race on 29 June 2026 and his progress in that race will need to be monitored.
KNOWMORE found one too good in the form of Winding Power last time. He would have come on from the run and should strip much fitter. He is carded to race on 29 June 2026 and his progress in that race will need to be followed.
EPIDAURUS has finished second in his last two starts. Marco van Rensburg retains the ride, and he can earn another cheque for his patrons.
Race 4
BRISTOL HERCULES is a winner of his last two starts over 1400m on this course. He received a three- pound penalty for his last victory. He has won once, finished second twice and third three times from seven starts over this distance. He is in a good space and can notch up the hat-trick.
QUICKFREEZE finished 1.8 lengths behind the top selection last time. He is 2kgs better off at the weights today and there should not be much separating the pair at the finish.
WAR REPORTER has won his last two starts. He raced from a handy position over 1700m last time, moved up well and lasted long enough. The son of Vercingetorix takes a rise in class, but he is in a good space and merits healthy respect.
Race 5
PRINCESS LOLA was slow into stride over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside course last time, but stayed on to finish second. The daughter of Royal Mo takes a drop back in class and 2.5kgs claiming Apprentice Girish Samo-Burthia retains the ride. If getting away on terms, she should give the males a run for their money.
AINT NO DOUBT showed good improvement when shedding his maiden tag over 1600m on this course last time. The son of Elusive Fort takes on stronger, but he is a progressive type and should be up to the task at hand.
GOLDEN ASPEN stayed on when third over 1400m on this course last time. She won her only attempt over this C&D. The daughter of Pomodoro is carded to race on 25 June 2026 and her progress in that race will need to be monitored.
Race 6
WARNING SOUND was given a peach of a ride when winning her last start over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside course. She received a four-pound penalty for that victory. The daughter of Lancaster Bomber is in a good space and can follow up.
SONIC JET ran a good race over this C&D last time. She would have come on from the run and should strip much fitter. Anaas Mosaheb takes the 4kgs off her back which will assist her cause.
CAPE SAFFRON finished 2 lengths behind the top selection last time. She is 2kgs better off at the weights today and there should not be much separating the pair at the finish.
Race 7
PRINCESS ILARIA stayed on when fourth over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside course last time. She has won twice, finished second once and third twice from 11 starts over this distance. Gavin Lerena is booked to ride and he may be able to coax that little bit extra out of her where it matters most.
GREENANDGOLD is a progressive type and won a good race over this distance at Turffontein last time. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight takes on stronger, but she has plenty of scope and should be up to the task at hand.
BEAUTIFUL RANIA stayed on when sixth over 1200m on this course last time. She would have come on from the outing and should strip much fitter. She is likely to be settled near the rear of the field and will be mowing down the frontrunners.
Race 8
JET CAT finished 0.3 lengths behind TIME WILL TELL last time. He is 1kg better off at the weights today and there should not be much separating the pair at the finish. Two of his five career victories have come over this C&D. The 10yo gelding will be finishing strongly and may find himself in the winner’s enclosure.
TIME WILL TELL challenged strongly over 1000m on the Classic course last time, but found one too good in the form of Magic Carpet Ride. If repeating that effort, he should go close. He is carded to race on 25 June 2026 and his progress in that race will need to be monitored.
READY SET FIRE showed good signs of a form return when third over 1160m at Turffontein last time. It is encouraging that Craig Zackey keeps faith in the ride. He is carded to race on 25 June 2026 and his progress in that race will need to be followed
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