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Vaal Horse Racing Tips - Get all the racing tips for Thursday, 27 August

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 26 Aug 2026

Simon Lewis 26 Aug 2026

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Astrophile is backed to take what looks a tight opening race of the day.
Gallic King has been running consistently and could convert that into a win in Race 2.
Lightinthewoods has had three Top 3 finishes in four races.
There are nine races at Vaal on Thursday starting at 12:10 SAST.

Expired

There are 9 tight races set for Vaal on Thursday (Getty Images).

Best Bet of the Day - Vaal

Best Bet of the Day - Vaal
Race 1 – Astrophile (6)
Race 2 – Gallic King (1)
Race 8 – Lightinthewoods (3)
Race 9 – Late Bloomer (3)
Vaal Racing Top Odds - Thursday 27 August

Race 1 – Astrophile (6)

Jockey: Phelisile Mongqawa | Trainer: A. P. Peter

The 3-yr-old Astrophile looks the standout in the opener after finishing second at Vaal in July before a sixth-place finish at the same track later in the month. She is short in the market and looks well placed to hold off Surreal Song and Pennys Choice.

Race 2 – Gallic King (1)

Jockey: Callan Murray | Trainer: M/M de Kock

The 4-yr-old Gallic King brings useful maiden form into Race 2, with recent figures of 5-6-3-2-5 showing he has been knocking on the door. The Bachelorette and Autograph look the biggest dangers if Gallic King cannot turn his consistency into a win.

Race 8 – Lightinthewoods (3)

Jockey: Muzi Yeni | Trainer: S. G. Tarry

Lightinthewoods is a 3-yr-old filly with strong recent form with finishes of 2-4-2-1 and looks one of the better picks on the Vaal card. Her latest run was a win at Turffontein and she gets the vote to hold off Delaware River and Miss River Dancer.

Race 9 – Late Bloomer (3)

Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane | Trainer: A. P. Peter

The 4-yr-old Late Bloomer comes into the final race with improving form after a win at Turffontein in June. Blindfire arrives off a strong second at Vaal and looks a serious danger, while Elusive Red is also prominent in the market.

Vaal Racing Top Odds - Thursday 27 August

Time SAST	Horse 1	Odds	Horse 2	Odds	Horse 3	Odds
12:10	Astrophile	1.90	Surreal Song	2.80	Pennys Choice	5.00
12:45	Gallic King	3.00	The Bachelorette	4.50	Autograph	5.00
13:20	Royale Jacket	3.50	Midnight Show	5.00	Echo Of The Wild	5.50
13:55	Elisa Mbali	3.00	Empress Of Peace	5.00	Northern European	5.50
14:30	Bay Empire	4.00	The Mightiest	5.00	One State	5.00
15:05	Prince Of Kildare	5.00	Sky Pilot	5.50	Spirit Of Gabz	6.00
15:40	Trip Of Faith	4.50	American Beauty	5.00	Lady Elliot	5.50
16:15	Lightinthewoods	2.40	Delaware River	5.50	Miss River Dancer	7.00
16:50	Late Bloomer	4.00	Blindfire	4.50	Elusive Red	5.00

Verdict

Vaal Racing

Consistent runners are likely to turn wins over on Thursday, and I’m backing Astrophile, Gallic King, Lightinthewoods and Late Bloomer for wins.

Astrophile Win

Race 1

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Lightinthewoods Win

Race 8

@2,40 - 1 Unit

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Gallic King Win

Race 2

@3,00 - 1 Unit

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Late Bloomer Win

Race 9

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Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

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