Vaal Classic Tuesday 27 January 2026 – Comments by David Thiselton

PUBLISHED: 27 January 2026

RACE 1

4 MASTER SPY 6 ROYALE JACKET 12 EMERALD FORGE 2 KAMBATI

Preview: 4 MASTER SPY went close in his third start and although he now returns from a six month layoff he faces an uninspiring field and Zackey is up. 6 ROYALE JACKET was disappointing last time but before that ran a cracker over1600m. 12 EMERALD FORGE has shown ability and should enjoy the step up in trip. 2 KAMBATI has run two fair races and should appreciate the step up in trip. (David Thiselton 4-6-12-2)

RACE 2

3 BABETTE’S FEAST 1 SWEETSUMMERLOVE 2 LADY LANCASTER

Preview: 3 BABETTE’S FEAST is knocking on the door and gets a vood opportunity here. 1 SWEETSUMMERLOVE ran an improved race last time out and can earn with a repeat. 2 LADY LANCASTER has scope for improvement and could earn. (David Thiselton 3-10-1-2)

RACE 3

5 WAR TALK 2 ASIAH’S TIARA 6 CHICKASAW 3 COOL REGGAE

Preview: 5 WAR TALK has finished two close seconds in last two over 1800m an will enjoy this trip but does have to overcome a wide draw.  2 ASIAH’S TIARA is knocking on the door and will enjoy the trip but also has a wide draw. 6 CHICKASAW has a fair draw and should be right there. 3 COOL REGGAE could earn as she has 1,90 lengths to find on Chickasaw. (David Thiselton 5-2-6-3)

RACE 4

6 TEXAS MISSILE 8 ONE MORE STAR 4 DANCE KING 5 VESUVIO

Preview: 6 TEXAS MISSILE goes for a hattrick and can do it off a six point higher mark because he enjoys the trip and is progressive and well drawn. 8 ONE MORE STAR is also in fine form over this trip and has a fair draw. 4 DANCE KING is a capable sort and from a fair draw over and ideal trip should be in the shake up. 5 VESUVIO has the form to earn here if reproducing his best. (David Thiselton 6-8-4-5)

RACE 5

2 POBLANO 4 BOSUM BUDDY 3 ROAMING SPIRIT 1 MISS LIA

Preview: 2 POBLANO has plenty of pace and will relish this course and distance from a nice draw. 4 BOSUM BUDDY won well last time over course and distance and off a three point higher mark could be in the shake up. 3 ROAMING SPIRIT is 1,5kg better off with Bosum Buddy for a 1,40 length beating, so there is not much in it. 1 MISS LIA is capable of earning if reproducing her best. (David Thiselton 2-4-3-1)

RACE 6

6 PLUMBAGO PARK 7 TEMPRANILLO 3 THERE SHE GOES 1 DEAL MAKER

Preview: 6 PLUMBAGO PARK is in fine form and is the one to beat. 7 TEMPRANILLO was a bit disappointing last time but can do better. 3 THERE SHE GOES is in good form but has to overcome a five point raise for her last win. 1 DEAL MAKER was a touch disappointing last time but will go close if reproducing her win before that. (David Thiselton 6-7-3-1)

RACE 7

6 TIME FOR CHARITY 2 BLINDFIRE 3 IN THE ETHER 1 MISTY METAL

Preview: 6 TIME FOR CHARITY has a nice high draw and has a good form chance. 2 BLINDFIRE is capable of earning if reproducing her best over an ideal trip from a middle draw. 3 IN THE ETHER is capable of s strong finish if it pans out well. 1 MISTY METAL could earn if reproducing her best. (David Thiselton 6-2-3-1)

RACE 8

1 DONDOYAKI 2 FALCONFLY 5 GIFT OF ROYAL 9 COMMANDER OF ALL

Preview: 1 DONDOYAKI has been transformed lately over a step up in trip and should go close again. 2 FALCONFLY starts off on a reasonable 65 merit rating after a maiden win over 1450m. 5 GIFT OF ROYAL won well last time and looks to be improving. 9 COMMANDER OF ALL should be in the shake up in this line up. (David Thiselton 1-2-5-9)

RACE 9

10 QUICKFREEZE 1 SALUTE THE FLAG 8 CONTINENTAL KING 7 LAUGHING WILLIAM

Preview: 10 QUICKFREEZE won impressively second time out and has pole position over a suitable trip. 1 SALUTE THE FLAG went close last time over this trip category and has a similarly tricky draw. 8 CONTINENTAL KING looks to have plenty of ability and should enjoy this trip, although he has a tricky draw. 7 LAUGHING WILLIAM can go close if repeating his last start and he now has a plum draw. (David Thiselton 10-1-8-7)