Midweek racing heads to Warwick Farm and Sandown this Wednesday! With Christmas fast approaching, find out who our experts are expecting to take home an early present!
Warwick Farm Race 4
#5 Sumo Star
Sumo Star is ready to win. Both runs this preparation have been excellent, and I suspect he has been trained to explode third-up from a spell. The Maurice gelding will appreciate the longer trip, and he looks ideally placed jumping from barrier two. His winning record is the biggest deterrent.
My Truth is over the odds. His fresh run was better than it reads in the form guide, and his second-up record must be respected. From barrier one, he will roll forward and pilot the field, and if he is left to his own devices throughout, he will look the winner on straightening. The grandstand weight is his biggest challenge.
Lemaire is too consistent to dismiss. The Zariz gelding finds a winnable assignment, and he meets easier opposition. The current track conditions play into his favour, and he looks dangerous jumping from an inside alley. Unfortunately, he doesn’t win out of turn.
Suggested Bet: Sumo Star @ $3.60
Warwick Farm RACE 6
#5 Crystal Waters
Crystal Waters has shown glimpses of her best during this preparation. She doesn’t know how to run a bad race, and her next victory is just around the corner. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and she finds her pet distance on Wednesday. From the middle gate, she will lead the field a merry dance throughout, and if she can slow the clock down during the middle stages of the race, she may prove hard to run down. She needs to put another win on the board.
Miss Checkoni was good without winning last-start at Rosehill. The Nicconi mare strips fitter, and with the sting out of the track, she looks great each-way value. She will sit in the box seat from barrier four, and if the gaps appear as they run for the judge, she will figure in the finish. Her record at the distance is the primary concern.
Denarau is knocking on the door. The So You Think mare savaged the line last start at Orange, and she traditionally races well at this stage of her campaign. The 1400m will suit, and the 54kg on her back looks luxurious. If the peloton burns the turf during the race’s early stages, she can gobble up her rivals in the shadows. The class rise is her biggest hurdle.
Suggested Bet: Crystal Waters @ $8.50
Sandown Race 5
#15 Tango Jewel
Tango Jewel caught the eye first-up at Ballarat. The Winning Rupert mare was game in defeat, and she put the writing on the wall for a breakthrough campaign. From the carpark draw, she will roll forward and take up a prominent position, and if she can find the front uncontested, she will look at the winner at the top of the final furlong. If you have a live ticket with her name on it, look away the last 50 meters.
Lang Park will start favourite after recording back-to-back victories. The Flying Artie gelding has had a little freshen-up since his latest outing, and I suspect a barrier trial last week will have him cherry-ripe for this event. From barrier eight, he will spring the lids and fight for the lead, and if he can win the early speed battle, he will be there when the whips are cracking. This is his acid test.
Squami can bounce back after a flat first-up performance. The Squamosa gelding meets easier opposition, and the 1200m is in his wheelhouse. The apprentice claim could prove a training masterstroke, and he has been well-specked at a price in early betting. Over the odds!
Suggested Bet: Tango Jewel @ $10.00
Sandown Race 7
#3 Whisky On The Hill
Whisky On The Hill makes his Australian debut for the Moroney camp. He put a hatrick of victories together in Ireland before landing down under, and he looks well placed in his Victorian debut. His best form looks superior, and the 2kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference. The 1400m is well short of his favourite distance, however, I have a feeling he may run a cheeky race fresh at a decent price. The Ribchester gelding could be one to follow over the summer months.
Mr Blackwood can run a big race at cricket score odds. The Tavistock gelding finished his last preparation with back-to-back wins, and he can run a big race if he is set for a first-up tilt. From barrier six, he can sit midfield with cover, and if he is presented with his run at the right time, he can savage the line late. He may be a better investment over further and deeper into his campaign.
Who Dares looks poised to strike after a string of narrow misses. The Deep Field gelding has been screaming out for the 1400m all preparation, and I suspect he entered most punters’ blackbook after his latest sizzling and eye-catching performance. With only one victory from fifteen career starts, he looks under the odds. Take on trust.
Suggested Bet: Whisky On The Hill @ $21.00
