Vaal Race 2 - Racing240 Mdn Plate
THE BUFFALO (15) is the top pick despite a plain first-up finish, with the market move around him at Vaal suggesting more was expected than ninth over 1000m. He has been freshened, gets to 1200m second-up and finds a race where improvement can quickly change the picture. SENDAI (1) resumes off mixed 1400m form, but he has placed twice in the past 12 months and his best figures make him a serious fresh chance if he overcomes the wide draw. FREDERICO CAGISHAS (11) was backed on debut before finishing seventh, so natural improvement from a Tony Peter-trained three-year-old keeps him right in the contest. SMUGGLER (2) returns from eight months off after a firming-favourite fourth here over 1600m, and that exposed form gives him enough substance to win fresh.
Jockey: Kyle Strydom
Weight: 60kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a lengthy spell after finishing fifth in a MPLTE over 1400m at Vaal, beaten just over eight lengths behind Sky Pilot. The start prior was a plain last at Turffontein Standside, but he had been sent out favourite there and his past-year record shows two placings from six runs. The drop back in trip is a query, though he can roll forward and his best form is good enough to make him a live winning chance fresh.
Last Starts 126 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 28/05/2026 | 39 | MPLTE | $9,690.00 | Vaal | 1400m | Good | Serino Moodley | 60kg | 1:23.67 | - | 1 |
| 8.4L | $15.00 |
| 10/10 | 19/04/2026 | 15 | MPLTE | $10,110.00 | Turffontein | 1400m | Y | Muzi Yeni | 60kg | 1:26.99 | - | 5 |
| 30.0L | $3.00 |
| 3/7 | 04/04/2026 | 52 | MPLTE | $10,110.00 | Turffontein | 1400m | Good | Muzi Yeni | 60kg | 1:27.31 | - | 4 |
| 1.9L | $9.00 |
| 8/9 | 11/02/2026 | 21 | MPLTE | $11,790.00 | Durbanville | 1800m | Good | Rene Piechulek | 60kg | 1:48.27 | - | 1 |
| 12.2L | $26.00 |
| 6/11 | 21/01/2026 | 74 | MPLTE | $11,794.00 | Durbanville | 1600m | Good | Nicola Yuen | 57.5kg | 1:36.15 | - | 4 |
| 6.8L | $9.50 |
| 2/12 | 08/11/2025 | 60 | MPLTE | $11,794.00 | Kenilworth | 1600m | Good | Nicola Yuen | 56.5kg | 1:40.37 | - | 1 |
| 2.3L | $67.00 |
| 6/8 | 09/09/2025 | 27 | MPLATE | $9,270.00 | Durbanville | 1400m | Good | Luyolo Mxothwa | 60kg | 1:25.77 | - | 7 |
| 8.2L | $101.00 |
| 9/11 | 13/08/2025 | - | MPLATE | $9,270.00 | Kenilworth | 1200m | Soft | Muzi Yeni | 58kg | 1:14.73 | - | 1 |
| 16.1L | $15.00 |
Jockey: Philasande Mxoli
Weight: 60kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a lengthy spell after a fourth here over 1600m, beaten just under four lengths behind Palace Guard when a firming favourite. His earlier fifth to Agoge was sound enough from a big price, and the Sean Tarry stable profile adds respect despite the absence. The back in trip and 60kg are fair questions, but his exposed form still reads strongly for a maiden of this shape.
Last Starts 238 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 05/02/2026 | 56 | MPLTE | $10,110.00 | Vaal | 1600m | Good | Philasande Mxoli | 60kg | 1:39.09 | - | 8 |
| 3.9L | $2.80 |
| 5/11 | 11/12/2025 | 21 | MPLTE | $10,110.00 | Vaal | 1600m | Good | Keagan De Melo | 59kg | 1:39.07 | - | 4 |
| 5.4L | $21.00 |
| 7/12 | 20/11/2025 | - | MPLTE | $10,110.00 | Vaal | 1400m | Y | Philasande Mxoli | 58kg | 1:23.22 | - | 9 |
| 9.7L | $21.00 |
Jockey: Chase Maujean
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Finished sixth in a 3yo MPLTE at Turffontein Inside last start, beaten just over four lengths by Erikson at big odds. That was a clear improvement on his previous Vaal run, where he finished last and was beaten over 19 lengths. First-time blinkers and a class drop offer some help, but he has only one placing from seven starts and profiles as a minor-money chance.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 | 19/09/2026 | 9 | MPLTE 3 | $9,880.00 | Turffontein | 1200m | Good | Chase Maujean | 60kg | 1:13.88 | - | 2 |
| 4.2L | $41.00 |
| 9/9 | 10/09/2026 | 14 | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Vaal | 1200m | Y | Calvin Habib | 58kg | 1:11.53 | - | 1 |
| 18.8L | $15.00 |
| 5/12 | 27/08/2026 | 21 | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Vaal | 1000m | Good | Craig Zackey | 58kg | 0:58.20 | - | 2 |
| 2.6L | $8.50 |
| 3/9 | 06/08/2026 | 26 | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Vaal | 1200m | Good | Muzi Yeni | 58kg | 1:10.07 | - | 8 |
| 3.4L | $5.00 |
| 5/9 | 11/07/2026 | 14 | MPLTE 2 | $10,740.00 | Turffontein | 1160m | Good | Kyle Strydom | 60kg | 1:08.29 | - | 8 |
| 4.6L | $101.00 |
| 8/17 | 27/06/2026 | 13 | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Turffontein | 1160m | Good | Kyle Strydom | 57kg | 1:06.95 | - | 3 |
| 5.7L | $76.00 |
| 8/10 | 14/06/2026 | - | MPLTE 2 | $10,740.00 | Turffontein | 1000m | Good | Jacey Botes | 57.5kg | 0:57.58 | - | 8 |
| 11.6L | $61.00 |
Jockey: Jeffery Syster
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Improved sharply first-up when third at Vaal in a MPLTE, beaten two and a half lengths behind God's Country after being unwanted in the market. His previous seventh over 1000m here was plain, but second-up improvement and the class-drop setup give him a more appealing profile. He is still lightly raced and looks a realistic place hope if he repeats that latest effort.
Last Starts 14 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 17/09/2026 | 77 | MPLTE | $6,440.00 | Vaal | 1200m | Y | Sam Mosia | 58kg | 1:14.74 | - | 4 |
| 2.5L | $21.00 |
| 7/9 | 02/07/2026 | 47 | MPLTE 2 | $10,740.00 | Vaal | 1000m | Good | Blaine Marx-Jacobson | 60kg | 0:58.86 | - | 2 |
| 6.6L | $6.00 |
| 12/13 | 16/05/2026 | - | MPLTE 2 | $10,530.00 | Turffontein | 1160m | Good | Callan Murray | 60kg | 1:07.32 | - | 11 |
| 22.3L | $15.00 |
Jockey: Girish Samo-Burthia
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up after finishing seventh in a Maiden at Turffontein Inside, beaten over 11 lengths behind Elisa Mbali despite attracting some support at long odds. His previous run was also well below the mark, with a long-way defeat over 1600m. The apprentice claim and class drop are small assists, but he must lift substantially to trouble the main chances.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 12/09/2026 | 100 | MDN | $7,300.00 | Turffontein | 1450m | Good | Muzi Yeni | 52kg | 1:31.64 | - | 7 |
| 10.7L | $34.00 |
| 7/8 | 04/06/2026 | 14 | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Turffontein | 1600m | Good | Callan Murray | 56kg | 1:39.01 | - | 2 |
| 22.8L | $67.00 |
| 8/11 | 21/05/2026 | 21 | MPLTE 2 | $10,530.00 | Vaal | 1400m | Good | Muzi Yeni | 60kg | 1:22.23 | - | 11 |
| 16.2L | $67.00 |
| 5/7 | 30/04/2026 | 35 | MPLTE 2 | $10,950.00 | Turffontein | 1160m | Good | Mickaelle Michel | 60kg | 1:09.78 | - | 7 |
| 9.3L | $101.00 |
| 8/8 | 26/03/2026 | - | MPLTE 2 | $10,950.00 | Vaal | 1000m | Y | Callan Murray | 60kg | 0:57.14 | - | 6 |
| 30.0L | $26.00 |
Jockey: Malesela Katjedi
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Back after two months on the sidelines following a well-held last at Vaal over 1000m when sent out at long odds. He was also last in a 2yo PLATE at Turffontein Standside before that, again beaten a long way. The fourth-up profile and class drop are positives in theory, but his exposed form leaves him with a steep task.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 13/08/2026 | 47 | MPLATE | $9,880.00 | Vaal | 1000m | Y | Malesela Katjedi | 60kg | 0:58.07 | - | 1 |
| 27.8L | $126.00 |
| 6/6 | 27/06/2026 | 13 | PLATE 2 | $12,030.00 | Turffontein | 1160m | Good | Kobeli Lihaba | 55kg | 1:06.88 | - | 1 |
| 30.0L | $67.00 |
| 10/10 | 14/06/2026 | - | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Turffontein | 1000m | Good | Mickaelle Michel | 55.5kg | 0:58.39 | - | 7 |
| 11.3L | $67.00 |
Jockey: Blaine Marx-Jacobson
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Debuts for Fabian Habib with a strong pedigree page, being from Indira and the same Flower Alley cross as Group 2 winner Maharanee. The trainer's debut runners have a 13% win rate and 35% place rate from 23 starts, which gives some grounding. With no race experience to assess, he is more a watch-and-learn runner unless the market says otherwise.
Jockey: Jason Gates
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Debuts as a What A Winter gelding out of Mohave Princess, with half-brother Mohave Prince a five-time winner. He made 140000 at sale, but the stable's debut record shown here is modest at no wins from 17 starters and one placing. There is enough family depth to monitor, yet he looks one who has to prove himself under race pressure.
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up after being backed from a bigger quote on debut at Vaal, where he finished seventh in a MPLTE and was beaten seven and a half lengths by Willow Charm. The margin was plain, but market confidence and natural improvement from a Tony Peter runner make him a legitimate improver. From a kinder draw, he can take a strong step forward.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 10/09/2026 | - | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Vaal | 1200m | Y | Kabelo Matsunyane | 58kg | 1:11.53 | - | 5 |
| 7.5L | $8.00 |
Jockey: Keagan De Melo
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Debuts for Mike & Mathew De Kock, and the stable's debut record of 12 wins from 65 starters gives him some profile straight away. The Vercingetorix stable combination is also sound at 19 wins from 98 runners, while Keagan De Melo is a strong booking. Without race form he cannot be pushed too hard, but the setup points to genuine place claims.
Jockey: Kobeli Lihaba
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a three-month break after finishing last in a six-runner MPLTE at Vaal, beaten over 20 lengths by Glastonbury Fire when unwanted in the market. His debut at the same track was no better, finishing last and beaten a long way behind Sands Of Valhalla. Barrier one helps with economy, but he has a lot of ground to make up.
Last Starts 70 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | 23/07/2026 | 63 | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Vaal | 1300m | Good | M Jafta | 57kg | 1:17.54 | - | 2 |
| 20.0L | $51.00 |
| 15/15 | 21/05/2026 | - | MPLTE | $9,690.00 | Vaal | 1200m | Good | Blaine Marx-Jacobson | 54.5kg | 1:09.43 | - | 9 |
| 32.3L | $126.00 |
Jockey: Muzi Yeni
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Debuts with a notable pedigree and price tag, having made 1000000 at the 2025 National Yearling Sale. He is a half-brother to Pure Predator, a Group 2 winner and G1 runner-up, so there is quality in the family. The trainer's debut strike rate listed here is 8%, however, so he remains a watch runner until he shows race-day polish.
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Weight: 59kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a five-week freshening after finishing ninth at Vaal over 1000m, beaten seven lengths behind Time To Fire after firming near the top of an open market. His debut was too bad to take literally as a guide to his level, and the step to 1200m is a question only if he fails to settle. Second-up with market respect behind him, he gets a strong chance to show the improvement expected.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/12 | 27/08/2026 | 93 | MPLTE | $9,880.00 | Vaal | 1000m | Good | Gavin Lerena | 58kg | 0:58.20 | - | 4 |
| 7.0L | $5.50 |
| 12/13 | 26/05/2026 | - | MPLTE 2 | $10,530.00 | Vaal | 1000m | Good | Marco V'rensburg | 60kg | 0:56.15 | - | 3 |
| 11.4L | $34.00 |