Warrnambool
Race 1 – Irish Butterfly
Jockey – Willie McCarthy
3200m Maiden Hurdle
Maiden hurdler Irish Butterfly has his fourth go over the obstacles today, finding a suitable race to open his jumping account. The eight-year-old son of O’Reilly has been twice runner-up when sent out as favourite in all three attempts, going well on each occasion but just falling short of a win. Jockey Willie McCarthy sticks on and can let his mount roll along near the speed, looking to control the race throughout.
Irish Butterfly will have Wilewink for company somewhere near the lead, while Buffalo Bill may elect to roll forward in his twenty-ninth attempt at breaking his jumping duck. Wilewink has been a beaten favourite at both hurdle starts, not beaten far as runner-up on both occasions and a win is not far away. Sure to be around the mark again today. Pearl Rain has her first go over the obstacles on the back of some promising trial form. Her last run on the flat was solid and she looks to have jumping ability. Must be considered. Crux jumped soundly in his most recent trial and won’t shirk the task at 3200-metres today. Hard to enthuse others.
Irish Butterfly has he benefit of jumping experience on some key rivals here and can use that to his advantage here. While punters won’t send him out odds-on again today, he’s capable of putting this field away if he jumps cleanly. Big chance.
Currently, Irish Butterfly is a $3.90 chance in the market.