Warrnambool
Race 4 – Maid An Offer
Jockey – Jordan Childs
1400m – Barrier 9
Bon Hoffa gelding Maid An Offer is third-up when he heads to Warrnambool this afternoon. The three-year-old was impressive on debut at Ararat when runner-up, before struggling to make ground behind a dominant leader at Hamilton three weeks ago. Jockey Jordan Childs has drawn awkwardly in gate nine, and won’t bustle out of the gates early, letting his galloper settle where comfortable in the run.
Not a heap of early speed evident in this, with He’s Godspeed as likely as any to roll forward with blinkers on for the first time. He’s fitter for three runs this preparation and can be in this for a long way. An each way chance. Need A Miracle was a beaten favourite when fresh at Wangaratta, but did make good late ground from the back there. Up in trip will suit and he shapes as hardest to beat in this. Active Duty has jumped out well in preparation for his debut. He closed off well in his latest hitout and looks ready to perform well first-up. Concede an each way chance to Merlin’s Melody who won a recent jumpout.
Maid An Offer needs only to repeat his run at Ararat to be right in the thick of things today. He’ll be hoping for a genuine tempo to allow him to balance up and run on in the straight, and if this eventuates, he can make his presence felt late. An each way chance.
Currently, Maid An Offer is a $4.40 chance in the market.
Warrnambool
Race 7 – Irish Butterfly
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
1700m – Barrier 2
Eight-year-old galloper Irish Butterfly is second-up and fitter heading into the Woodford Cup at Warrnambool this afternoon. The gelded son of O’Reilly found his task on heavy ground too much at Ballarat first-up, dropping back in distance to 1700-metres today. Jockey Jaylah Kennedy claims down to 55.5kg and can enjoy a lovely trail on the fence just off the speed throughout the run.
Station One will jump fast and find the lead from an outside draw, looking to control the race throughout. He’s won his past couple of starts in the Dunkeld and Traralgon Cups, and is sure to be in this for a long way again today. Mister Me will come across with him early to find a forward position, while Mystery Island can join Irish Butterfly in a trailing position from a favourable draw. Torranzino showed a good turn of foot once clear when first-up at Ballarat. He gets in with a light weight and will be closing hard late. Mister Me backed up a good run at Geelong with a Donald Cup victory, before a basic effort in the Werribee Cup last time out. Expecting him to bounce back here. Top three chance to Mystery Island, who will be better over more ground.
Irish Butterfly sets up for a lovely run here and will get his chance to run on in the home straight. He’ll find this distance short of his best, but no surprise to see him fill a top three position in this. An each way hope.
Currently, Irish Butterfly is an $8 chance in the market.