3 minute read
We’re back to Warwick Farm on Wednesday with another seven races set to make up the program.
Overcast weather is expected with the track rated a Soft 5 at time of writing.
For thoughts and best bets ahead of every race, continue reading below.
Race 1 - 2:15PM: DRINKWISE PLATE (1300 METRES)
Leconfield is having his fourth start for Chris Waller following a promising return to the races at Kensington last start.
The Snitzel went in search of a run once he rounded the bend, eventually finding clear air to the hit line hard from the 400m mark onwards where he rattled home late into fourth.
He was racing over 1400m that day off a decent break, so this slight step back in trip helps with the class of James McDonald engaged.
With most of his racing also coming on wet tracks, some slight sting out of the ground also strengthens his claims.
1 Unit Leconfield
Race 2 - 2:50PM: SCHWEPPES HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
Komodo Dragon strikes a slightly easier race back to BM68 level second-up.
The three-year-old by Hellbent has featured in the money in all four races since debuting earlier in the year, returning off a five-week let-up for third on the Kensington track last start under James McDonald.
The pair overraced a little in the middle stages but still let down nicely to finish in the money, an encouraging effort with a few extra kilos on board this time.
Drawn to get a soft run in behind the speed from the middle draw, this looks like the perfect race for this boy to make amends.
1 Unit Komodo Dragon
Race 3 - 3:25PM: TRIPLE TIME @ DARLEY HANDICAP (2140 METRES)
Cormac T is a leading contender if he manages to work his way into the field as one of the emergencies.
The Annabel Neasham-trained overseas import had little go his way from a wide gate at Kensington second-up, plugging away only fairly over the final stages to finish 2.2 lengths off.
Jason Collett gets a crack in the saddle now from a much better gate, one that should see the pair quickly into stride and looking to lead.
A truly wet track would be a huge tick in the right box, particularly with some of his best racing occurring at this stage of his prep.
1 Unit Cormac T
Race 4 - 4:00PM: ALL TOO HARD @ VINERY HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
Split Decision returns from a let-up for Matthew Smith and company.
The lightly-raced daughter of Winning Rupert can mix her form, last seen finishing down the order in what was a complete forgive race over the track and distance back in August where she was held up badly over the final furlong.
She really caught the eye winning a recent barrier trial on a shifty track and has put together a pair of wins first-up in the past.
With a few key gear changes made, she's a leading contender to knock off the favourite.
1 Unit Split Decision
Race 5 - 4:35PM: JAMES SQUIRE HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
French Endeavour should be racing with a great deal of confidence after knocking off the girls last start at Kensington.
J-Mac got the best out of Matthew Smith's mare over the concluding stages, pushing the right buttons to lift the daughter of Rubick over the line for a comfortable win.
She's still got scope for improvement third-up and draws to do no work at all back on her home track.
Providing she handles the extra 3kg, there's nothing to suggest she can't go on with the job.
2 Units French Endeavour
Race 6 - 5:10PM: KEENELAND NOVEMBER BREEDING STOCK SALE HANDICAP (1300 METRES)
Restonica could add to what is shaping to be a huge day for the blue colours of Godolphin.
This son of Exceed and Excel is third-up off a last start win at Newcastle over 100m shorter, a race that saw him work hard to find the front approaching the final furlong to win narrowly right on the line.
He looked as though he might be wanting further based on his late sectionals, while it's worth noting this smart four-year-old was runner up to subsequent Oaks winner Zardozi as a three-year-old.
In well at the weights with the claim, and also proven third-up, this looks like a perfect race for him to go on with things.
1 Unit Restonica
Race 7 - 5:45PM: TAB HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
Ambassadorial is somewhat the safest play in a tough race to end the day.
The Waterhouse and Bott-trained four-year-old ran an eye-catching race over the mile here a few weeks ago on return, letting down with a ripping turn of foot to grab the front approaching the 200m mark after stalking the pace.
A wet track shouldn't worry him too much and he's only carrying an extra 2kg with Tim Clark sticking in the irons.
Having raced well in town down in Melbourne last year, the son of Fiorente is more than up to making it back to back wins if he can settle handy to the speed again from a perfect gate.
1 Unit Ambassadorial
