Warrnambool
Race 3 – George The Giant
Jockey – Damien Thornton
1200m – Barrier 12
Four-year-old gelding George The Giant is fresh into today’s race, carrying residual fitness from his winter/spring preparation. The hulking son of Sports Edition has shown great improvement away from the track and is starting to understand what the racing caper is all about. This maturity will hold him in good stead this capaign and the stable are confident he’ll progress from maiden grade sooner rather than later. Today’s race will likely be short of his best but Damien Thornton will give his mount every chance by looking forca forward position from a wide gate. There’s a nice long run to the turn from the 1200-metre starting point so he shouldn’t need to gas him to find a spot outside or just off the speed here. Captain Britain and Sevillana dominate the betting and look the main chances, but George The Giant can make his presence felt with a top four finish if he runs up to his work at home.
Currently, George The Giant is a $35 chance in the market.
Race 4 – Quick Fingers
Jockey – Liam Riordan
1400m – Barrier 10
Caravaggio filly Quick Fingers faces a tough maiden today on the back of a good run at Bordertown last start. The three-year-old was a mile off the leaders turning for home there and made many lengths to finish runner-up over 1200-metres in a fairly moderate event. The extra furlong and bigger track will both suit this runner who will again drift back for jockey Liam Riordan from a wide draw. Ex-kiwi filly Ripple Effect is an interesting runner here who will shape as one of the main dangers. Lindsey Smith has Van Scotia and can’t be ruled out on his home deck. Quick Fingers will need another powerful finish to feature here but if she can build enough momentum is a good chance of running into the placings.
Currently, Quick Fingers is an $11 chance in the market.
Race 7 – Brungle Raider
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
1700m – Barrier 2
Rebel Raider gelding Brungle Raider is searching for a return to form when he steps out in the last at Warrnambool today. The five-year-old strung back-to-back wins together at the start of his spring campaign but has failed to beat a runner home in two starts since, prompting Dwyer to apply blinkers in the hope of a form reversal. Jaylah Kennedy’s 4kg claim brings him in well at the weights, and Kennedy can be positive from a low draw here. The young hoop will apply the pressure early in this event, making it a truly run contest from the three furlong marker. Lindsey Smith’s gelding Likely Suspect is the one to beat here but if Brungle Raider can pinch a break heading for home he has a great chance to upset the local favourite.
Currently, Brungle Raider is a $9 chance in the market.