Warrnambool
Race 6 – Riding High
Jockey – Will McCarthy
3450m – Brierly Steeplechase
Returning jumper Riding High sets his sights on a cracking edition of the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool this afternoon. The Raise The Flag gelding has been sound building fitness on the flat this preparation, looking very good at a pair of jumps trials in between runs. The nine-year-old chaser was last seen on the jumps circuit winning the Spencer Memorial Steeplechase at Pakenham over twelve months ago, before succumbing to a tendon injury that put an immediate halt to his career. Today he’s back over the obstacles and finds a very competitive race to resume, with track conditions playing a key role in determining how the contest will play out. The track is currently in the soft range, bringing Valac right into calculations. He started favourite in this event last year before faltering at the second last jump when in winning contention. He is again at the top of the market but tread warily, the big grey is prone to making a mistake. The Preusker pair of Inayforhay and St Arnicca will be competitive in soft and heavy going. The last two Grand Nationals have been split between these two but leaning towards Inayforhay as that stable’s best chance in this. If the rain comes and we’re on a heavy deck, Flying Agent is the one to beat. He looks to be in terrific order and loves to get around in a bog. The Dwyer camp will be keen for the track to stay in the soft range to give Riding High the best look at winning. He is a tremendous jumper who comes here looking a treat and at peak fitness. The stable have set this as a target race for a long time and couldn’t have him going much better. It’s a tough race but his class will take him a long way. A genuine each way chance in a strong field.
Currently, Riding High is an $11 chance in the market.
Warrnambool
Race 7 – Wuddzz
Jockey – Ben Allen
2350m – Barrier 10
Ex-kiwi galloper Wuddzz looks to break his Australian duck when he steps up in distance at Warrnambool later today. The five-year-old son of Complacent has been sound at two runs back this preparation, given no chance in a leader-dominated race at Sandown last start yet still reeling off the fastest last 200-metres of the race. Jockey Ben Allen draws gate ten and will drift back in the early parts, looking to slot in with cover in the second half of the field. Fellow Ballarat gallopers Festivus and Boyszee will engage in the early speed battle from immediately inside the Dwyer runner, with Lord Goldberg likely to kick-up and hold its position on the fence. This is, like most races at the ‘Bool this week, a very competitive event and we’ll know more by this stage how the track is playing. If there is any indication it’s a leader-friendly track, the three mentioned horses will be in this for a long way. Leaning to Boyszee of the trio with Festivus dropping right back in distance and Lord Goldberg looking outclassed. A fair track brings horses drawn low like Brawl and Feuermond into play, though the latter won’t mind hooking to the outside and running on down the centre. Wuddzz will be hoping runners can make ground up the middle of the straight and overhaul the leading contingent. He is fitter for two runs this campaign and the way he attacked the line in town last start suggests he’s ready for the extra ground. Any rain a bonus but will be happy enough in the soft going. He’s a talented galloper and it would be no surprise to see him run home over the top of his rivals today. A good each way chance in a tough race.
Currently, Wuddzz is a $9 chance in the market.