Vaal runner comments, 3 Sept 2026

Mike and Mathew de Kock have a pair of runners in two races at the Vaal this afternoon.

The Lucky Fish ambassadors start with Handsome Badger and Prince Ivar in Race 3 over the straight 1400m, both having their second career runs following moderate debuts.

Mat commented: “Handsome Badger has improved on his first run. He is set for a forward showing today, though needs further still. We’re putting blinkers on Prince Ivar. He has been in and out in his track work and raced below expectations when we expected much better first time out. If the blinkers make a difference, he will be in the firing line, but if they don’t have the required effect he will be gelded.”

Scopey sorts Top Floor and Special Envoy won their Maidens at the Vaal and it will be interesting to see how they shape in a Novice Handicap, Race 7 over 1600m.

Mat said: “Top Floor has come back very well from his rest and while he will improve with today’s run, a competitive effort is expected. He’s a horse that will come into his own over further later this season, but has done enough to be considered today.

“Special Envoy doesn’t give away much at home, which was the case when he won nicely on debut recently despite being green. The form was franked when Mirum won last week. This race will show us what Special Envoy is about, as he steps up in a handicap against stronger and comes into the reckoning off a handy galloping weight. It remains hard to predict how he will go, however.”