Warrnambool
Race 5 – Morpurgo
Jockey – John Allen
2350m – Barrier 4
Last start winner Morpurgo gets out in trip to 2350-metres at Warrnambool this afternoon. The gelded son of Toronado was strong when winning comfortably at Mount Gambier last start, always cruising when camped outside the lead and holding a margin on the line. Jockey John Allen can rinse/repeat today, able to sit up on speed from an ideal barrier from the outset.
Fifth Husband may roll across in the early parts and make a nuisance of himself up the front, while Alibey has shown a willingness to race on speed this preparation. This runner was a big maiden winner two starts back before a sound runner-up effort behind Space Equity at Horsham last start. That galloper was well-beaten in the Horsham Cup yesterday, but this is a significantly weaker event. He can figure in this. Stablemate Handshake chased Morpurgo last start without threat and looks suited up in trip today. Races well here, but wants the sting out of the ground. An each way chance. Zaynudin comes right back in class for this following sound showings in town. One win from twelve starts is a query, but cannot be discounted in this grade. A winning hope. Anewdaydawning is two from two at this trip, while Perle Bleue will appreciate the extra distance here. Both with each way claims. So too Navajo Warrior who is racing well of late.
Morpurgo was impressive in winning last start and races like the rise in trip will suit. He’ll get every chance from up on speed and is fit for recent racing. A chance to make it back-to-back wins this afternoon.
Warrnambool
Race 9 – Shakib
Jockey – Tahlia Hope
1700m – Barrier 12
Ex-Kiwi galloper Shakib has his third go at resuming today after two false starts this preparation. The gelded son of Proisir has been a late scratching at both attempts to make his Australian debut, last time owing to the track upgrade at Swan Hill. He gets a lovely surface at Warrnambool today, and jockey Tahlia Hope can come out neutral from a wide gate and let her six-year-old find his feet.
Joes Giggle will jump fast and roll across from an outside draw early on, while Vivacious Award can punch through from nearer the inside and hold a forward position in the run. This galloper comes back in grade today, having been competitive in stronger races of late. She’s drawn for a nice run in transit and looks one of the main chances in a very open affair. Bellakai sat on speed and won well at this track on debut, can only assume they employ similar tactics again today. She’s up in trip and will get every chance from the front. Morrissette was a convincing jumpout winner a fortnight ago and has won fresh previously. Straight to 1700-metres looks ideal. Lord Turnbury and Dustland Fairytale both with claims in a race that could go many ways.
Shakib will find today’s trip short of his best and be better suited out over more ground later in his preparation. He’ll settle in the second half of the field and warm up late, and will benefit from the run this afternoon. Waiting for later to back him.
Currently, Shakib is a $34 chance in the market.