3 minute read

Rich River is the main beneficiary of numerous scratchings in Thursday’s Hygain Benchmark 70 Handicap at Ballarat.

The Darren Weir-trained gelding has performed well below his best this campaign with and goes into this race off a midfield sixth at Warrnambool last start.

He found himself caught back and wide throughout and made no impression.

It is a far cry from where the four-year-old was last preparation where he was competitive against strong opposition and performed admirably at stakes level.

On Thursday, Rich River does get a chance to bounce back sharply in the Hygain Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m).

Originally a field of 11, the race has been decimated by four scratchings.

A majority of them were considered main chances heading into this affair.

In their absence, Rich River seemingly gets his chance to capitalise.

Usually one to get back, the son of Choisir won’t have to be too far off the lead even if settling towards the rear.

Overlooking his latest run at Warrnambool, Rich River rates well amongst this field on prior efforts this campaign at Flemington and Echuca.

His best efforts this campaign are completely overshadowed by his best effort last preparation at Morphettville in the Port Adelaide Guineas.

With the scratchings of Epic Saga, Artie Mortie and Kiss Me Ketut namely, the depth of the race falls away leaving Rich River with the perfect opportunity to regain some confidence.

Subiaso has held form this campaign and shapes as one of the better chances along with the lightly-raced Da Paolino.

Mr Journeyman drops backs to lesser company after a fading seventh at Moonee Valley and can return to the winning form he was enjoying beforehand.

Markets as of Thursday morning have Rich River as the clear favourite and anything remotely close to his best form should see him taking out the Hygain Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m) at Ballarat.