Warwick Farm and Sandown Lakeside are the feature meetings this Wednesday. With the current racing season entering the final furlong, and with premierships on the line, who is going to stand up and make a name for themselves? Find out below who our experts are expecting to take home the mid-week cash!
Warwick Farm Race 5
#2 Mortlake
Mortlake was ultra-impressive in his Australian debut. The Churchill gelding savaged the line late and caught the eyes of most astute punters. His second-up record must be respected, and he looks incredibly well placed in this company. The inside draw is advantageous, and his camp are training winners for fun present. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Travolta is over the odds. His recent barrier trials have been first-class, and he traditionally motors fresh. The Lope De Vega gelding was ok without threatening in strong form races last campaign, and I suspect he will appreciate meeting easier opposition on Wednesday. The 1400m is ideal fresh, and he has been specked at a price. Take on trust.
French Marine is flying at present. The Epaulette gelding recorded back-to-back victories at his latest outing, and he deserves his shot at this level. The 2kg apprentice claim puts him into all winning conversations, and I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals. The awkward barrier draw and class rise are among his biggest obstacles.
Suggested Bet: Mortlake @ $7.00
Warwick Farm RACE 6
#2 Nana's Wish
Nana’s Wish can run big race at a decent price. The Belardo mare was a resilient last start winner at Canterbury, and with even luck in-transit on Wednesday, she can continue on her winning ways. The 1600m looks ideal at this stage of her campaign, and the 2kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference. From barrier ten she will roll forward and pilot the field, and if she can pinch a margin before they run for the doctor, she may prove hard to run down. Acid test.
Last Command will have supporters after an honest campaign to date. The Tassort gelding savaged the line at his latest outing, and the form around him has repeatedly stood up. The 3kg apprentice claim puts him into the mix, and I suspect he is ready for further at this stage of his career. Jumping from a different postcode is the biggest deterrent.
Hopper will start as the race favourite after producing several good performances in this preparation. The progressive Snitzel gelding has plenty of upside, and the camp have a high opinion of the lightly raced three-year-old. His racing pattern and style will always require an element of good fortune, and I suspect the predicted rain will make his assignment a tricky one.
Suggested Bet: Nana’s Wish @ $15.00
Sandown Race 6
#4 Bluestone
Bluestone is a model of consistency at present. The Reliable Man gelding hit the line hard at his latest outing, and he put the writing on the wall for a next start victory. The 3kg apprentice claim plays into his favour, and I expect the big boy to eat up every inch of the 2400m trip. The versatile four-year-old handles all conditions, and he has the ability to overcome any inconveniences during the run. Hard to toss!
Hollandia can run a drum at the cricket-score odds. The So You Think gelding was good without winning at Pakenham at his latest outing, and his brilliant victory two starts back at Geelong is still fresh in the memory bank. His record at the trip must be respected, and I suspect he will get the run of the race from a perfect inside draw. The significant class rise is his biggest challenge.
Tishman brings winning form to the table. The Dundeel gelding showed a blistering turn of hoof to score at Sale, and I expect him to thrive over the 2400m for the first time. He is well weighted for his city trip and has been well supported since fields were finalised. Jumping from the carpark, and meeting harder opposition, are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Bluestone @ $5.50
Sandown Race 7
#9 Prevailed
Prevailed can cause a major upset. The Justify gelding is having a breakthrough campaign and looks suited in this class. His winning record at Sandown reads well, and he looks the likely leader on paper. From barrier six he will roll forward and control the tempo, and if Brad Rawiller presses the go button at the right time, he can upset his more fancied rivals. Over the odds!
Haraldus is ready to win. Both runs this campaign have been good without threatening, and I suspect he has been trained to the minute for this third-up assignment. The step out in trip is perfect at this stage of his spell, and barrier one should give his key rivals sleepless nights leading into Wednesday’s event. He tends to find one or two better at the pointy end of the contest.
Flying Mikki is coming off a forgive run with genuine excuses. The Mikki Isle gelding is racing better than it reads in the form guide, and I suspect his next victory is just around the corner. The current track conditions will suit to a tee, and I expect his quote to shorten significantly if the rain continues. A must for broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Prevailed @ $27.00
