Seymour
Race 4 – War Service
Jockey – Liam Riordan
1600m – Barrier 3
Merchant Navy gelding War Service stays at a mile today following a forgive run over this trip at Stawell three weeks ago. The saddle slipped forward on that occasion, giving the jockey little control over the three-year-old who overdid things in the early and middle parts, leaving nothing in the tank for the final four-hundred metres of the race. Liam Riordan will be hoping for no such misfortunes today, jumping from a good gate and able to land in a forward position in the run. Speed is drawn outside with Our Duke, Anarya and Tulip Miss all likely to push forward and be prominent in the early running. The Dwyer runner can settle on-speed or one or two pairs back in the running line and enjoy a lovely trip throughout. Anarya is a short-priced favourite having gone close to a victory at Kilmore last start. She wasn’t in the best ground there but fought hard to be run down on the line. Has to contend with an awkward draw but will be hard to beat if she gets the right run. Mutsuhito finished alongside Anarya two starts back after tailing off last on the home bend. He has since run well at Bendigo when not having the clearest path home and will be finishing off hard here. Inside draw the concern. Concede a chance to Tenace back in trip today with Sturdy Time the best of the longshots. War Service has shown enough to suggest he can win a maiden like this. He needs plenty to be in his favour but a good draw and solid tempo today can play into his hands. While a win wouldn’t surprise, he’s a good each way chance.
Currently, War Service is a $9 chance in the market.