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Vaal Horse Racing Tips - Get all the racing tips for Thursday, 3 September 2026

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 02 Sep 2026

Simon Lewis 02 Sep 2026

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Periodic Table is the strong favourite in Race 1.
Steel Spring offers value at a bigger price in Race 6.
Go For Broke is the best bet of the day in Race 4.
There are eight races at the Vaal racetrack on Thursday starting at 12:40 SAST.

Expired

Racing at Vaal (Getty Images).

Race 1 – Periodic Table (1)

Jockey: Keagan de Melo | Trainer: Johan Janse van Vuuren

Periodic Table has been knocking hard on the door with form figures of 2-2-2-3 and returns to the shorter 1000m trip after a break. The four-year-old has been remarkably consistent without winning and this looks an excellent opportunity to put that right.

The drop back to a sprint should suit Periodic Table, who is rated 70 and has established the strongest form in the field. Treasure State is interesting on her return and Autograph and Elegant Edge have claims, but Periodic Table looks the runner they all have to beat.

Race 4 – Go For Broke (9)

Jockey: Gavin Lerena | Trainer: Michael Nicholas Houdalakis

Go For Broke is the best bet on the Vaal programme after producing two very encouraging performances at the start of her career. She followed a promising fourth on debut over this distance by finishing a close second last time.

A repeat of that latest performance could be enough for Go For Broke to open her account. Knockin' Boots looks the principal market danger, while Northern European also has the ability to challenge if taking her place. Go For Broke is a strong early favourite and looks difficult to oppose.

Race 6 – Steel Spring (4)

Jockey: Muzi Yeni | Trainer: Fabian Habib

Steel Spring produced a major improvement when fitted with headgear for the first time, winning over 1600m to shed his maiden tag. The compression hood is retained and the step up to 2000m could bring about further progress.

The market has Steel Spring at a considerably bigger price than several rivals, which makes him particularly interesting from a value perspective. Hopscotch, Itsnowornever and Ghostbuster are shorter in the betting, but Steel Spring could have more improvement to come than his more exposed opposition.

Race 7 – Gallic Victor (2)

Jockey: Muzi Yeni | Trainer: Fabian Habib

Gallic Victor caught the eye when making his Highveld debut for new connections and should be capable of improving on that effort. His recent form culminated in a second-place finish and the step to 1600m looks suitable.

Special Envoy commands respect after an impressive debut victory, while Top Floor also has plenty of ability despite returning from a break. Gallic Victor, however, arrives with race fitness on his side and should be firmly involved in the finish.

Vaal latest racing odds

Race	Favourite	Odds	2nd	Odds	3rd	Odds
R1 – 12:40	Periodic Table	1.91	Autograph	4.50	Elegant Edge	4.50
R2 – 13:15	Midnight Special	1.73	Dash Eight	4.35	Amadioo	6.50
R3 – 13:50	Steel Pier	3.25	Noble Saint	5.00	Prince Ivar	6.50
R4 – 14:25	Go For Broke	1.45	Knockin' Boots	4.00	Northern European	7.00
R5 – 15:00	Azaleas For All	2.63	Art Nouveau	2.75	Free In Seattle	4.35
R6 – 15:35	Hopscotch	4.50	Itsnowornever	5.50	Ghostbuster	6.00
R7 – 16:15	Gallic Victor	2.63	Special Envoy	4.00	Top Floor	4.50
R8 – 16:50	One Tiger	4.50	Sea Shanty	4.50	Longsword	5.00

Verdict

Vaal Racing

Go For Broke is the standout runner of the day, but I’m also backing wins for Periodic Table, Steel Spring and Gallic Victor.

Go For Broke Win

Race 4

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Periodic Table Win

Race 1

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Gallic Victor Win

Race 7

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Steel Spring Win

Race 6

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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.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.