Best bets and value tips for racing from the Vaal on Thursday 17th May with selections provided by Winning Form as well as their back page tipster, Magic Tips.

Winning Form Best Bets

Race 1: BARAHIN(1)
Race 2: ABELIE(1)
Race 3: MR TINSEL(3)
Race 4: BANANA REPUBLIC(7)

Magic Tips Best Bets

Race 1: WHITE BOOK(12)

Jockey: M V.Rensburg   - Trainer: D St John Gray

The solitary filly in the contest WHITE BOOK quickly bounced back to form with a creditable last run over this trip and the grey should go well from pole position on her track debut. The likely favourite BARAHIN finished strongly for a close 4th when fancied on debut over a similar trip recently and the de Kock inmate should make natural improvement.

TOP BET

Race 3: LIMESTONE MASS(9)

Jockey: B Fayd'Herbe  - Trainer: M De Kock 

D' ARRIVEE progressed smartly with each of his three efforts late last year but the well-bred bay was gelded during his lengthy 23 week absence and will need to prove his fitness today. That said, he represents a form yard and his conditioner will have him fit and well.

Race 4: BANANA REPUBLIC(7)

Jockey: C Maujean   - Trainer: G Alexander 

BANANA REPUBLIC had an eye-catching last effort at handicap level and the 3rd placed entrant Snow Path boosted that formline with an impressive subsequent victory. This daughter of Mullins Bay drops back into maiden company here and she should be highly competitive if reproducing that performance.

Race 6: KUNGFOOFIGHTING(9)

Jockey: C Maujean  - Trainer: D Sham 

KUNGFOOFIGHTING has reached a competitive merit rating and it showed after the bay filly produced a much improved last effort over this distance. She was docked a further two pounds in her rating and should be heavily involved in the finish of this low-key affair.

VALUE BET (EACH WAY) FOR TODAY:

Race 5: SHEEMA(11)

Jockey: G Wrogemann  - Trainer - M De Kock

SHEEMA drops in class and to a suitable distance after her last flop in mixed company. She made eye catching late progress behind subsequent winner Quebec Queen over this c & d in her penultimate outing and the de Kock inmate should be a threat with blinkers fitted.

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