The Hollywood Syndicate has seven runners carded at Vaal on Saturday, 17 January 2026. See what we are expecting here.
Saturday, 17 January 2026
Vaal
Race 2 – 12:00
1200m – Racing Today Graduation Plate
2 – Chapbook
Breeding: Rafeef (AUS) – Leaves Of Grass (AUS) by Poet’s Voice (GB)
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: #Rachel Venniker -1.5kg
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 6 (8 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 7/1
He won a good race over 1000m at Turffontein last time. He has taken that run well and Rachel Venniker retains the ride. We have healthy respect for Zalatoris and The Last Duke. We are hoping to see him follow up with another victory.
Winning Form Comment: Blinkers OFF. Best MR:97. Won a similar event last time. Can follow up.
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Race 2 – 12:00
1200m – Racing Today Graduation Plate
6 – Umzingeli Wenyathi – SCRATCHED (Insufficient Recovery Time)
Breeding: Buffalo Bill Cody (IRE) – Risk All by Captain Al
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane
Wgt: 57.0kg
Draw: 7 (8 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
He won a good race over 1200m on the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack on Wednesday. The stable will have to see how he comes out of that race before deciding on whether he will take his place here.
Winning Form Comment: Gelded 2025.08.06. Best MR:84. Won over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday.
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Race 2 – 12:00
1200m – Racing Today Graduation Plate
8 – Kaalvoet
Breeding: Elusive Fort – Ideal Lady by Ideal World (USA)
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 56.0kg
Draw: 1 (8 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 14/1
He finished behind Chapbook over 1000m at Turffontein last time. The stable has opted to remove the blinkers as he steps back up to 1200m. SplashOut-sponsored Jockey Calvin Habib retains the ride, and he is expected to run well.
Winning Form Comment: Gelded 2025.06.03. Blinkers OFF. Best MR:99. Is 4kgs better off at the weights with number 2 on latest.
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Race 3 – 12:35
1700m – Guineas Day 7 February Progress Plate
6 – My Lucky Charm – SCRATCHED (Insufficient Recovery Time)
Breeding: Master Of My Fate – Seventh Heart by Seventh Rock (AUS)
Trainer: Mike and Mathew de Kock
Jockey: *Mickaelle Michel -1.5kg
Wgt: 53.0kg
Draw: 5 (6 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
He is carded to race on 15 January 2026. The stable will need to monitor how he takes that run before deciding if he is going to take his place in this contest.
Winning Form Comment: 3rd run after rest. Gelded 2025.10.06. Best MR:82. *Carded To Race – 15.01.2026.
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Race 4 – 13:10
1700m – Classic Day 7 March MR 84 Handicap
7 – Buddy Boy
Breeding: What A Winter – Monte Carlo Girl by Trippi (USA)
Trainer: Mike and Mathew de Kock
Jockey: Callan Murray
Wgt: 56.5kg
Draw: 2 (10 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 4/1
He was touched off in his last start over 1600m at Turffontein. He is in a good space and jumps from an ideal draw of two. SplashOut-sponsored Jockey Callan Murray knows him well and he has a strong winning chance.
Winning Form Comment: Gelded 2025.11.10. Best MR:90. Touched off in a tight finish last time. Can make amends.
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Race 8 – 15:35
1000m – TAB 4Racing App MR 84 Handicap
1 – Dontshootthebarman
Breeding: Visionaire (USA) – Aquila Jet by Jet Master
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 64.5kg
Draw: 9 (11 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
He won his last start over this distance at Turffontein carrying 65.5kgs. He has come through that run well and SplashOut-sponsored Jockey Calvin Habib retains the ride. If everything goes his way, we are hoping to see him follow up with another victory.
Winning Form Comment: Best MR:92. Won with a hefty weight last time. Can follow up.
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Race 8 – 15:35
1000m – TAB 4Racing App MR 84 Handicap
9 – Kwagga Blitz
Breeding: Captain Of All – African Honey by Silvano (GER)
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Chase Maujean
Wgt: 58.0kg
Draw: 3 (11 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 25/1
He returns from a 10-week break after two runs in Cape Town. The son of Captain Of All runs well for Jockey Chase Maujean. He is expected to need the run, and this outing will bring him on for future races.
Winning Form Comment: Rested 10 wks. Best MR:84. Can show if reproducing his KZN form.