Stawell
Race 3 – War Service
Jockey – Mark Pegus
1600m – Barrier 4
Merchant Navy gelding War Service steps out to a mile for the first time today on a rain-affected track at Stawell. The three-year-old was sound two starts back when running into third on his home track at 1400-metres before racing wide at Mornington three weeks ago. The rise in trip should suit this Dwyer runner who will enjoy a steadier tempo today. Veteran hoop Mark Pegus rides from gate seven and with blinkers going added will be looking for a position on or just behind the speed here. Lips Don’t Lie is drawn to Pegus’ immediate inside and will roll forward from the outset, while Typically Brazen will hold it’s spot from an inside draw. Vanbrugh Castle is another that will press forward from outside War Service, giving the Dwyer runner the opportunity to kick-up and race inside it. Lips Don’t Lie was a badly beaten favourite first-up but her runs in spring suggest she has some ability. If she can rediscover that form she’s hardest to beat in this. Vanbrugh Castle has been sound at two runs this time in and a win looks close. She may well win this but can’t have her at the short quote in heavy/soft conditions. Longwarry best of the rest if they’re positive on him from the get-go. War Service is drawn to get a good run in this and is not without claims. He’s a bit of an unknown in these conditions but if the stable are willing to run him it’s usually a good sign. An each-way contender today.
Currently, War Service is a $9.50 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Brungle Raider
Jockey – Josh Cartwright
2700m – Barrier 7
Five-year-old gelding Brungle Raider faces a stern test when he steps out to 2700-metres this afternoon at Stawell. The son of Rebel Raider hasn’t raced beyond 2000-metres in his career so far but he is hard fit and deep into his preparation, and the stable are keen to learn more about this galloper. Jockey Josh Cartwright will push forward from a middle gate and look to land outside likely leader High Ferocity who is drawn to his immediate inside. This is an open affair with many runners here on paths to Warrnambool and beyond over the obstacles. Vividredsky chased the Adelaide Cup winner two starts back before an even effort at Sandown when it was near impossible to make ground. He hasn’t found the winner’s stall in over two years but will appreciate the wet conditions today and must be considered a leading chance. Stablemate High Ferocity has a pair of hurdle trials under his belt and is another that will relish getting his toe in. He’ll keep kicking from the front and take running down. Maatsuyker has been mixing form of late but looks ready for the rise in trip. Brungle Raider will be given every opportunity to run well today with a positive ride from the gates. His form in the wet is good and he may have a fitness edge on a few of these. A genuine each-way chance.
Currently, Brungle Raider is an $8 chance in the market.