3 minute read
Speed machine Quartzite shapes as a strong each way play in the final event of the program at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding embarked on a breakout preparation early this year where he went about quickly working through the grades.
The son of Exceed And Excel recorded wins at Gosford, Wyong and Newcastle before concluding the preparation with a career best success in a 1000m Benchmark 85 Handicap at Randwick.
In readiness for his latest campaign, Quartzite has been given two trials in readiness and has won each.
Both trial wins have been produced in clinical fashion and all signs point to the gelding having returned in excellent order this preparation.
Jockey Christian Reith has rarely let the sprinter out of his sights since they first teamed up together at Wyong in February.
The pair boast a perfect record from two raceday outings with Reith also riding Quartzite in each of his trial wins, the latest at Hawkesbury on August 24.
One of the main reasons for the gelding’s success last preparation was the superb early speed he produced out of the barriers.
While there is speed drawn inside, Quartzite may still have enough of it to roll across and find the front.
Even if not able to lead, Bjorn Baker’s sprinter will be right up there in the first few and from there can keep a close eye on some main rivals he faces contesting the Hyland Race Colours Benchmark 80 Handicap (1000m).
Klammer shapes as a main danger as he looks for a third straight success.
The four-year-old was gelded in his latest freshen up and connections have been rewarded for the decision with consecutive wins over 1000m at Hawkesbury.
Race seven at Warwick Farm does represent a noticeable rise in grade however and while we are seeing a more ‘focused’ version of Klammer after the ultimate gear change, Gerald Ryan’s runner will have to lift once again if he is to claim a hatrick to open his season.
Corsica Lad has done plenty of travel this campaign and racetrack results suggest he has coped with it just fine.
The gelding recorded narrow seconds at both Grafton and Caulfield before rising in grade for a midfield sixth at Flemington.
The son of Shamardal should find this contest easier and has the services of Blake Shinn which can only be seen as a positive.
There has been early money for the John O’Shea-trained Orujo despite having mixed his results noticeably so far this campaign.
On best 12 month weight adjusted ratings, Orujo would take a power of beating however the question is just how much can he be trusted.
Veteran sprinter Grand Condor was excellent on resuming when placing behind Fell Swoop at Randwick 18 days ago.
Form out of the race has since held up ideally with the winner going on to win The Cup Club Stakes at Moonee Valley last Saturday.
While hardly the most fashionable sort, the first up display from Grand Condor warrants respect and on it, should be kept safe in the final event of the program at Warwick Farm Wednesday.
The Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1000m) is shaping as a hotly contested affair however the each way odds about Quartzite resuming on his home track do appeal.
