Hollywood Racing has two runners carded at Vaal Classic on Thursday, 08 January 2026. See what we are expecting here.
Thursday, 08 January 2026
Vaal Classic
Race 4 – 14:00
1800m – Racing240 Maiden Plate
14 – Special Al
Breeding: Rafeef (AUS) – Lady Al by Captain Al
Trainer: Mike & Mathew de Kock
Jockey: Keagan de Melo
Wgt: 58.0kg
Draw: 3 (15 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
He was disappointing on debut over 1160m at Turffontein but not much went right for him in the race. He is working very well at home and will love the step up to 1800m. He jumps from a good draw of three and if not too green around the turn, he should be a huge runner.
Winning Form Comment: Brother to:WINTER WAVES8g(65: 9,25),WARRIOR ROYALE4f(10: 4, 3),LADY YUSRA7m(14: 2, 9). Is related to multiple winners. Can improve.
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Race 5 – 14:35
1800m – TAB 4Racing App Graduation Plate
6 – Read All About It
Breeding: Hawwaam – Picadilly Miss by London News
Trainer: Mike & Mathew de Kock
Jockey: #Mickaelle Michel -1.5kg
Wgt: 55.0kg
Draw: 8 (8 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 15/10
His last two starts over 2000m have been good. He drops to 1800m which may be on the sharp side for him. The stable is using this run as a build up to future feature races coming up. SplashOut-sponsored Jockey Callan Murray rides and he is expected to be competitive.
Winning Form Comment: Gelded 2025.04.23. Best MR:101. Beaten narrowly in last two starts. Is likely to race on the speed and should go close.