Mid-week racing returns to Warwick Farm and Sandown Hillside this Wednesday. With competitive programs at both venues, find out who our experts expect to stand up and make a name for themselves!
Warwick Farm Race 5
#1 The Milkybar Kid
The Milkybar Kid is knocking on the door! The Reliable Man gelding has been racing extremely well this campaign without winning, and he will appreciate the significant class drop on Wednesday. His record at the distance must be respected, and I expect the Gai Waterhouse factor will attract further market support. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous; he will lead them a merry dance on top of the speed. Hard to toss!
Little Mix is ready to peak. Both runs this campaign have been full of merit, and she finds her pet distance third-up from a spell. From barrier seven, she will sit midfield with cover, and if she is presented with her run at the right time, she can figure in the finish. Her recent winning record is the primary concern.
Shafty is flying at present. The Shaft gelding has impressively won his latest two outings, and he finds a very winnable Benchmark 72. He can sit in the box seat from barrier three, and if the gaps appear as the field runs for home, he can figure in the finish. The class rise is his biggest challenge.
Suggested Bet: The Milkybar Kid @ $4.40
Warwick Farm RACE 6
#6 Very Sharp
Very Sharp is on a hat trick! The Bull Point mare made it back-to-back wins at Scone in fine style, and the consistent six-year-old looks well placed to continue on her winning ways. Her record at 1100m is exceptional, and she traditionally performs well at this stage of her campaign. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference, and with even luck in transit, I expect her to figure in the finish.
Sumptuary can resume a winner after a string of impressive barrier trials. The Snitzel mare is drawn to get all the favours and usually performs well fresh. The distance looks ideal first-up, and I suspect she is in for a successful spring campaign. Big watch!
Afterlight is the interesting runner. The I Am Invincible mare finally broke through for a maiden win before heading to the paddock for a holiday. Her recent jump out was first-class, and I am confident she is ready for a first-up tilt. The Chris Waller factor can always be considered, and it may pay dividends to watch for any significant market support.
Suggested Bet: Very Sharp @ $14.00
Sandown Race 5
#1 Boldinho
Boldinho has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at his previous two outings. He is ready to win, and the 2kg apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke. The Brazen Beau gelding meets easier opposition and looks well-placed in this company. From barrier eleven, he will drift back and watch the race unfold, and if he doesn’t get too far out of his ground during the middle stages, he can figure in the finish. He needs to put another win on the board.
Craft Star is racing in great spirit. The Starcraft gelding has won two races from three attempts this preparation, and he turned heads at his latest outing. He deserves his shot at this level, and with the in-form John Allen aboard, he can make his presence felt. If the leaders spend their pennies too early, he will storm over the top of them late.
Little Miss Gutsaa was good without winning first-up at Geelong. The So You Think mare races well second-up, and the 1300m is in her wheelhouse. The enigmatic six-year-old will roll forward from the middle gate, and if she can control the tempo throughout, it could be curtains a long way from home. This is her acid test.
Suggested Bet: Boldinho @ $2.90
Sandown Race 8
#1 Taramansour
Taramansour was a brilliant winner fresh at the track over a mile. The Dansili gelding races well second-up, and the 1800m is ideal at this preparation stage. The 3kg apprentice claim puts one hoof on the till, and if Sheridan Clarke can get the big boy to the middle of the track at the right time, he can greet the judge before his opponents. His inconsistency is the primary concern.
Rick’s Cafe won well last start at the track. The Americain mare strips fitter, and I expect her to produce a peak run third-up from a spell. The evergreen eight-year-old is undefeated at the track and is arguably racing in career-best form. I am yet to decide if an inside gate will suit her racing pattern and style.
Sir Rockford is a must for all broader multiples and exotics. The Shocking gelding savaged the line at his latest outing, and he looks dangerous jumping from barrier four. I suspect he will have the fitness edge on most of his rivals, and he has been well-specked since markets opened. Big watch.
Suggested Bet: Taramansour @ $9.00
