Two promising runners hit the track today looking to continue the stable’s good run of form.
Flemington
Race 2 – Wuddzz
Jockey – Ben Melham
2000m – Barrier 7
Ex-kiwi galloper, Wuddzz, steps out for the second time in the Dwyer silks today following an excellent fresh run at Geelong a fortnight ago. The gelded son of Complacent sat rearward in that event before picking his way through the field and finishing strongly into third place in an eye-catching performance. He has earnt himself a place at Flemington on the last day of the Carnival, something that wasn’t originally in the plans for this five-year-old stayer. Jockey Ben Melham takes the ride today and will plot a similar path to the Geelong run, looking to sit quietly in the second half of the field and finish strongly down the straight. Out to 2000-metres today is a plus – both his wins across the Tasman came in this distance range. Phillip Stokes will have the race favourite here with his runner Aesop, who clearly looks the hardest to beat. Outside of him the field really opens up and Wuddzz has a great chance to add to his prizemoney tally this preparation.
From the trainer:
It was never on the radar this race, but he ran so well first-up we thought we’d continue to it.
Strong enough race…but I really don’t know where his ceiling is.
He was super first-up.
Currently, Wuddzz is a $7 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 2 – Martha Lavinia
Jockey – Jack Hill
1212m – Barrier 11
Four-time runner-up Martha Lavinia will look to get the monkey off her back today and crack her maiden when she runs first-up at Geelong. The four-year old mare looked good in a recent Horsham jumpout where she was given a squeeze and finished off nicely, suggesting she’s ready to perform at the races. Her raceday record reads six starts for five minor placings, the only miss coming at her last start before she spelled, beaten less than two lengths. The stable have been keen to get her back to the races but have waited for a dry track which she’ll get today. Jockey Jack Hill takes the ride hot on the heels of riding a winner for the stable at Swan Hill yesterday, but will have to drift back from a wide draw today. Hardest to beat will be Midtown Boss who ran well at his only start in July in what has proven to be a slick form race. Conceding chances to Abu Simbel and Glass Slipper, but Martha Lavinia must be in contention as one of the main chances.
From the trainer:
In an ideal world she’s midfield with cover in the three-wide line, and finishing off down the outside and getting over the top of them.
She can win on ability…she’ll run well.
Currently, Martha Lavinia is a $5.50 chance in the market.