Vaal Classic Thursday 5 February 2026 – Comments by David Thiselton

PUBLISHED: 04 February 2026

RACE 1

6 FALCONFLY 2 ANNEWITHANE 5 SKY PILLAR ROCK 1 PEACE TREATY

Preview: 6 FALCONFLY ran well first time out the maidens and will enjoy this step up in trip. 2 ANNEWITHAN E  is in fine form and should be in the shake up from pole position. 5 SKY PILLAR ROCK is capable of better than last time and will enjoy the slight step down in trip but does have a tricky draw. 1 PEACE TREATY is in good form and should be involved in the finish. (David Thiselton 6-2-5-1)

RACE 2

1 UTSAAH 2 MADE TO MEASURE 7 GREENSIDE GIRL 5 COOL REGGAE

Preview: 1 UTSAAH has improved and should go one better than last time. 2 MADE TO MEASURE has shown some ability and could earn here. 7 GREENSIDE GIRL has not been disgraced in two starts and could earn a cheque here. 5 COOL REGGAE is moderate but has a chance to earn in this line up. (David Thiselton 1-2-7-5)

RACE 3

1 INDIAN SPICE 9 SMUGGLER 2 MILLENNIUM WARRIOR 3 PALACE GUARD

Preview: 1 INDIAN SPICE has shown enough to be able to have a winning chance in this uninspiring line up. 9 SMUGGLER ran a decent race behind a promising sort second time out and has a chance. 2 MILLENNIUM WARRIOR was not far behind Smuggler last time. 3 PALACE GUARD has not been disgraced in three starts and can earn here. (David Thiselton 1-9-2-3)

RACE 4

1 FUTURE DATE 2 DIMAKO’S JET 5 ART NOUVEAU 7 BOOM BOOM

Preview: 1 FUTURE DATE is a progressive sort and can overcome a four point raise for her good win last time. 2 DIMAKO’S JET beat Future Date the last time they met and is now 1kg better off but the latter would have improved since. 5 ART NOUVEAU is 1.5kg better off with Future Date for a one length beating. 7 BOOM BOOM has the potential to be a runner here but the wide draw is a concern. (David Thiselton 1-2-5-7)

RACE 5

4 DUCHESS OF PALOMA 2 LADY BLUNT 8 ROSY LEMON

Preview: 4 DUCHESS OF PALOMA is a progressive sort who can win again. 2 LADY BLUNT is in cracking form and will love this trip. 8 ROSY LEMON is an admirable sort who is always capable of earning a cheque. (David Thiselton 4-2-8)

RACE 6

8 WAYNE 1 MONEY HEIST 6 BIRTHRIGHT

Preview: 8 WAYNE disappointed last time but showed plenty of ability before that and can bounce back. 1 MONEY HEIST has the ability to be a contender here from a fair draw and a 4kg claimer relieves the 63kg he has to carry. 6 BIRTHRIGHT has plenty of ability and and can earn here if able to overcome a wide draw. (David Thiselton 8-3-1-6)

RACE 7

6 PEREGRINE FALCON 4 MONKEY PUZZLE 3 LONGSWORD

Preview: 6 PEREGRINE FALCON is knocking hard and could earn over a suitable trip if able to overcome a draw. 4 MONKEY PUZZLE has shown enough to be able to earn in this line up. 3 LONGSWORD is capable of a strong finish and could be in the shake up. (David Thiselton 6-4-3)

RACE 8

1 PRECOCIOUS 3 MAGIC CARPET RIDE 5 BLINDFIRE

Preview: 1 PRECOCIOUS won well last time and can follow up off an 86 merit rating. 3 MAGIC CARPET RIDE is capable of a much better than last time and can bounce back. 5 BLINDFIRE with likely give it and has an outside chance. (David Thiselton 1-2-3-5)