Vaal Tips on October 1st - Best Bets and Predictions

MIZZEN SWORD should have finished closer to the winner over this C&D last time as he was eased at the 300m mark. The son of William Longsword is a progressive type and in this field, he can shed his maiden tag under Muzi Yeni.

GIMMEACHOICE is lightly raced with some good form lines to his credit. He has been carded to run twice since his last outing but has been scratched after travelling to the racecourse. The son of Gimmethegreenlight drops to 1400m and the blinkers should sharpen him up. If keeping on a straight line, he should be the one to beat.

The combination of Mike and Adam Azzie hold a strong hand in this contest and can saddle the first two past the post. EMBLEM OF WAR has produced three good runs to date. He returns from a lengthy 47-week break, during which time he was gelded. He gets the tongue-tie fitted which should assist. He returns over 1800m and if not in need of this outing, he should be too good for this field.

SECRET CHORD finished 2.4 lengths behind THE NAVY LARK last time. He is 3kgs better off at the weights today and that should be enough for the tables to be turned. He has won twice and finished second twice from as many starts over this distance. The combination of St John Gray and Muzi Yeni are in top form. He can notch up his third-career victory.

DYCE quickened up well when returning to winning ways in his last start over 1000m on the Turffontein Inside course. He has won once and finished second twice from four starts on this course. It is encouraging that Piere Strydom retains the ride. He is the class horse in this race and should take a power of beating.