Horse Racing Today
Thursday’s horse racing action is available from Gauteng, with an eight-race program from the Vaal Main track. Racing begins at 12:30 and includes a competitive FM 96 Handicap event in Race 5. 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 – 1200m (Maiden Plate)
A work rider maiden plate opens racing on Thursday, and there is a short-priced favourite. Vibe SA is priced at 4/10 to win, and I would not recommend anyone to take those odds. He should win, but he represents no value. Instead, I like Hat Man to run well with a 1.5kg claim. His last run was good, and that form line is strong. With some luck in running, he should finish in the placings.
Suggested Bet – Hat Man EW @ 8/1❌
Race 2 – 1700m (Maiden Juvenile Plate)
Hat’s Queen is another hot favourite but is too short to back at 6/10. Emblem Of The Sun took on winners in her last start and was not disgraced. She has fair form and could fill out the exacta in this race.
Suggested Bet – Emblem Of The Sun EW @ 5/1❌
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Race 3 – 1700m (Maiden Juvenile Plate)
I Belong has decent form, and I expect him to challenge the two favourites. His last start was impressive, and multiple winners have won since. He is a progressive colt and can cause the upset in this race.
Suggested Bet – I Belong EW @ 4.5/1✅ EW Win
Race 4 – 1200m (Maiden Plate)
I think there is value in Ice Cap to run a place in this maiden plate. The filly is still a maiden runner after 13 starts but has fair form. She took on winners last time in a handicap race and ran into the money. With 57.5kgs, she is a lurker in this race and represents excellent value.
Suggested Bet – Ice Cap EW @ 15/1❌
Race 5 – 1200m (FM 96 Handicap)
It is a competitive FM 96 Handicap race, and you should go wide in the exotics. Midnight Gem is an eight-time winner and has consistent form. The mare carries a handy galloping mass of 56.5kgs and can run well. She is drawn well, and with some luck in running, she should finish in the top three and hopefully find the winner box.
Suggested Bet – Midnight Gem EW @ 11/1❌
Race 6 – 1200m (FM 78 Handicap)
Yet another race to go wide in the exotics, with many winning chances. It is a big field, and we are getting five places for an EW bet. What A Lucy has won her last two races and looks like a progressive filly. She could still be ahead of the handicapper, and I expect another top run from her. At 6/1 and an EW bet paying five places, this is an ideal bet for some returns.
Suggested Bet – What A Lucy EW @ 6/1✅ EW Place
Race 7 – 1700m (MR 80 Handicap)
Viva De Janeiro has strong form and ran well in his last start. He will love the 1700m and should run well with some luck. He is taking on stronger but carries a handy weight and should be competitive.
Suggested Bet – Viva De Janeiro EW @ 14/1✅ EW Place
Race 8 – 1400m (MR 73 Handicap)
Walled Garden was unlucky not to win his last start, as he had no running room in the last 300m. His last three starts have been good, and he looks primed to run a big race here. If he gets better luck in running, I expect him to finish in the top four and give us some EW returns.
Suggested Bet – Walled Garden EW @ 7/1 Void-Scratched
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!
