Moonee Valley
Race 5 – Wuddzz
Jockey – Jye McNeil
2500m – Barrier 2
Lightly-raced six-year-old Wuddzz returns to The Valley, looking to go one better than his runner-up effort at this track and trip four weeks ago. The gelded son of Complacent had a fierce bias against him that day when he ran on from the second half of the field, finishing a clear second in front of some key rivals he meets again today. Winkers are applied for the first time on raceday, and jockey Jye McNeil can position closer to the speed from an inside barrier this afternoon.
Bainbridge and Magnaspin will punch forward early from their low draws and look to take up the lead, while Ferago and Swelter Magic will roll across from out wider on the track to be prominent in the run. This could set up a lovely trail for Wuddzz, two or three pairs back on the fence, stalking the leading division. Pearl Rain and Bainbridge filled the quinella here a fortnight ago at this distance, the latter drawn better today and can turn the tables on his rival. Both go in with each way chances. Magnaspin was a strong winner here last start over 2040-metres, though had conditions heavily in his favour that day. First go at the trip and racing well, but can’t dive in at the price. He’ll be made to work for the lead here. Zaynudin rises in class but shouldn’t be discounted as an each way hope.
Wuddzz doesn’t get the rain-affected surface he was hoping for this afternoon but is far from hopeless on top of the ground. His effort on an improving surface last start was encouraging, and a recent Geelong jumpout with the winkers on suggests he’s ready to fire in this competitive event. If he can be close enough to apply some pressure and pick runs through the field rounding the home bend, he’ll take holding out in the concluding stages. A genuine each way chance.
Currently, Wuddzz is a $5 chance in the market.