Warwick Farm and Sandown Lakeside are the feature meetings this Wednesday. With jockey and training premierships on the line at both venues, July racing is starting to heat up!
Warwick Farm Race 5
#2 Villa Treville
Villa Treville is flying at present. The American Pharoah mare is chasing her fifth consecutive win, and she looks well placed in this company to continue on her winning ways. The talented four-year-old will roll forward and pilot the field, and if she is left to her own devices, she may prove hard to run down. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and her record at the distance is outrageous. Hard to toss!
World Alliance will have supporters after producing a stunning first-up victory at Hawkesbury. The Rubick gelding traditionally races well second-up, and he looks dangerous jumping from a perfect inside draw. Dropping back to the 1000m is the slight query.
Hi Dubai was slightly disappointing fresh. The Highland Reel mare only whacked away late; on face value, there weren’t any excuses. The step back in trip is a positive, and the current track conditions play into her favour. Barrier two should ensure a soft trip in transit, and I am expecting a sharp improvement from her first-up performance.
Suggested Bet: Villa Treville @ $6.00
Warwick Farm RACE 7
#4 Hanau
Hanau will start favourite after a teasing first-up performance at Rosehill. The Snitzel gelding has trialled exceptionally well since, and the step out to the 1300m looks ideal at this stage of his preparation. From barrier nine, he will drift back and watch the race unfold, and if he doesn’t get too far out of his ground during the early stages of the race, I expect him to fight out the finish. His racing pattern and style will always require an element of good fortune.
Sweysive is over the odds. The Sweynesse gelding is a 1300m specialist, and I suspect he has been set for a first-up tilt. A recent jump out turned heads, and he has been specked at a price since markets opened. Being untested on wet tracks is the primary concern.
Lang Park can run a big race at cricket score odds. The Flying Artie gelding savaged the line to place at Moruya last start, and he finally finds his pet distance on Wednesday. I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals, and he is too consistent to leave out of any wider multiples and exotics. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Hanau @ $3.50
Sandown Lakeside Race 6
#2 Frenchmans Bay
Frenchmans Bay is ready to win. The Helmet mare was brilliant late fresh at Ballarat, and her record second-up at the distance looks ominous. The 3kg apprentice claim brings her into all winning conversations, and the current track conditions puts one hoof on the till. From barrier seven, she will sit midfield with cover, and if she is presented with her run at the right time, I expect her to fight out the finish. She looks excellent each-way value.
Written In Code will start favourite after producing an eye-catching performance at Mornington. The I Am Invincible mare is lightly raced, and I suspect she has plenty of upside and improvement to come this preparation. From barrier nine, she drifts back and finds her hooves, and if she can produce her customary turn of foot, she will be there when the whips crack. He winning record is the primary concern.
Starianne is a proven fresh performer. The Sebring mare is too consistent to pot, and her best form reads well for this event. The Busuttin and Young camp are training winners for fun at present, and I suspect the enigmatic four-year-old has been set for this first-up assignment. Over the odds!
Suggested Bet: Frenchmans Bay @ $10.00
Sandown Lakeside Race 7
#5 The Open
The Open is one consistent customer. The Deep Field gelding has won three out of his last four appearances and looks well placed in this company. His latest performance at Caulfield was game in a hot form race, and I suspect he is ready to produce a peak performance for the campaign on Wednesday. The 3kg apprentice claim should give his rivals sleepless nights, and I suspect his quote will shorten significantly before the barriers open.
Keitel is racing well at present. The Hellbent gelding looked home and hosed at his latest outing, and he found a very winnable assignment on Wednesday. From barrier four, he will occupy the box seat throughout, and if the gaps appear as they run for the doctor, he may great the judge before his rivals. He usually finds one better on the day.
Colsridge can run a drum at a ridiculous price. The rising eight-year-old doesn’t know how to perform poorly, and I suspect he has been trained to the minute for this event. His performance in the Golden Topaz was honourable, and if he can find a position in the running line throughout, I expect him to be threatening late. Over the odds!
Suggested Bet: The Open @ $4.00
