Warrnambool
Race 1 – Wannon Rebel
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2000m – Barrier 1
Rebel Raider gelding Wannon Rebel is second-up at Warrnambool today, six weeks after a sound debut effort over this trip at Ballarat. The four-year-old galloper was only getting warm at the back end of that race, and similar is expected of this promising stayer this afternoon. Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from the inside alley and will be outsped early, finding a position midfield or worse on settling.
Sardonian gets blinkers for the first time, expecting him to roll across from the outside in the early parts. This galloper has been solid at two runs in this time and looks ready for the rise to 2000-metres on his home track. He can control the race from the front and prove hard to run down late. A top hope. Peaky Ridge was beaten a nose when runner-up out to a mile last start, beating home Highland Glory who has since run well. Quickly up in trip and should enjoy a soft run in transit. She’ll get the last crack at Sardonian. These two look the main hopes. Concede each way chances to Lord Protector who was doing his best work late at Ballarat three weeks ago, and Dempsey Girl who will appreciate the extra ground second-up.
Wannon Rebel will be better for the run today, likely to find a few of these too sharp at the distance. He gets a big track and nice surface, but waiting until later when fitter and over more ground.
Currently, Wannon Rebel is a $31 chance in the market.
Warrnambool
Race 4 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1400m – Barrier 8
Improving galloper Off The Deep End is second-up and fitter when she gets out to 1400-metres at Warrnambool this afternoon. The four-year-old daughter of Deep Field was sound at Kilmore on debut, finding 1200-metres too sharp when finishing midfield behind an impressive winner. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from an outside draw today and will drift back to midfield or worse with cover from the outset.
There’s a host of debutants here so the early speed is unclear, but expecting Betty’s Reward to punch through from the inside with blinkers applied first-up. Tricky race to sort out. Of the raced, Spiritual Thinker was four-times placed from five starts last preparation and has jumped out well for her resumption. She has form around plenty of subsequent winners and finds a winnable race on her home track today. Hardest to beat. Lively and Whistle Down have both jumped out well enough to suggest they’ll be around the mark on debut, as has Brain Fog, who was pushed out to win a 1400-metre jumpout in good style. A bit to learn from this one.
Off The Deep End will appreciate the steadier tempo up in trip today and can be closer to the leaders turning for home. She’ll be better again next start when out over a little further, but no surprise to see her bank a cheque for connections today. Each way claims.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $19 chance in the market.