Race day focus: Best bets, inside mail for Warwick Farm
After scoring over the same track and distance last start, a Chris Waller-trained gelding can go back-to-back. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
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Form analyst Mitch Cohen gives his best bets and runs the rule over every race for Warwick Farm.
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WARWICK FARM
BEST BET
Race 4, No.3: VILLADEN
Winner at the track and trip last time, the Chris Waller-trained galloper meets another winnable race.
NEXT BEST
Race 5, No.6: ROSOVO
Godolphin galloper dropping back to the mile. Loves the trip and racing well.
VALUE BEST
Race 7, No.9: CATAPULT
Two time winner at this trip on his home track. Ready to peak third up from a break.
QUADDIE
Race 4: 3, 5.
Race 5: 1, 6
Race 6: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Race 7: 2, 9, 12
JOCKEY TO FOLLOW
James McDonald is riding back in Sydney for the first time since a Christmas Eve double but should land at least one for Chris Waller.
THE INSIDE MAIL FOR WARWICK FARM
RACE 1
In a tricky race, Mad Darcey has shown the most of any runner this preparation. Made up good ground at Wyong when third last start over 1100m. Steps back up to 1200m here and ready to peak third-up from a break. Chris Waller-trained pair Mezidon and Different Road are having their first starts for the leading yard. Both have trialled well enough in the lead up. Barmera is first-up for 601 days but also has looked okay in a few trial appearances while Mr Showman was good late at Hawkesbury when fresh from a break.
Bet: Mad Darcey to win.
RACE 2
Chris Waller has four runners here and Step Aside is the pick of them. While he was a beaten favourite on debut, he did enough to suggest a win wasn’t far away. It took a gutsy Victory Lane to beat him on after leading the field up. J-Mac should go forward here and take some catching in this. Stablemate Chouilly showed promise with a first-up third on debut. Given three trials to prepare for her latest prep and looks to have some ability. Burnt By Bernie is having his stable debut for Annabel Neasham. A son of Dundeel, the 1400m first-up shouldn’t be an issue. Poetic Drama has five placings in 13 starts. Still chasing that breakthrough but can run well.
Bet: Step Aside to win.
RACE 3
Sweet Mercy was heavily supported when narrow edging out Kouklara to win last time at Canterbury. There was a clear margin back to third on that occasion. The daughter of Capitalist should take plenty of confidence from the triumph and can win again from a favourable draw in barrier 3. Banana Queen made the perfect return from a break winning on the Beaumont course. A repeat of that performance will see her going close again. Former Kiwi galloper Electrica wasn’t disgraced by the highly promising Sunshine In Paris. Should find the drop in grade to her liking.
Bet: Sweet Mercy to win.
RACE 4
Punters should be feeling a sense of deja vu after Villaden runs on Wednesday. The Chris Waller-trained galloper won at this same track and trip last start and can certainly do it again. The 2200m trip holds the key. Endorphins is another one who will relish the journey. With three runs under her belts at shorter trips, she will find this more suitable. The country form of Shafty will be put to the test when David Blundell brings his in-form stayer to town. The Gundagai galloper has put three wins together in the bush. Real Peace has talent on his day but has been mixing his form.
Bet: Villaden to win.
RACE 5
Rosovo has never raced at Warwick Farm in nine career starts but can make a winning debut at the venue. Had to sustain a long run in a last start seventh over the Canterbury 1900m but was runner up at two runs before that. Should love the drop back to a mile. The Milkybar Kid left a strong impression in his first Aussie prep, winning three and placing in two more. Returns from a 161 day spell with 61kg on his back. Baltic Coast and Duke Of Bellingham come through the same Warwick Farm event but were comfortably beaten, finishing midfield. Estreet is better than what he showed first-up.
Bet: Rosovo to win.
RACE 6
Hamaki has been backed from $10 into $5.50 in early betting with TAB. The Snowden Racing galloper’s first-up win at Hawkesbury indicates his returned a more complete galloper. Must make the jump from maiden into city grade but gets the benefit of an inside draw. Chipper scored by a whopping five and a quarter lengths at Wyong. Should go forward and be among the chances. Iron Will has shown plenty of promise in the bush. He’s two-for-two now and will jump on two Hamaki’s outside. The promising Zanzibar Gem has only had a handful of starts but has performed well in stakes races when right.
Bet: Hamaki to win.
RACE 7
Catapult reserves from his best racing for his home track. The Richard Litt-trained seven-year-old has won twice from three attempts at this track and trip. Was doing his best work late when third at Canterbury second-up and can improve again. Huon has been racing in excellent form this prep, with two wins and two seconds. Certainly one of the chances from a good draw however has to carry the 61kg now. Cadetship got the maiden out of the way in style on the Beaumont course. Gets J-Mac and gate three here – both big ticks. Rockribbed was a beaten favourite first-up and now must overcome barrier 12 if he is to bounce back.
Bet: Catapult each way.
The Valley Friday night tips: $5.50 best bet
A Ciaron Maher-trained galloper could build on a fighting first-up win when he heads to The Valley on Friday night.
Future is looking bright for Wadick
Apprentice Zac Wadick thought he might be a chance to land a lightweight Group 1 ride during the spring carnival but never expected to pick up one of the favourites for The Metropolitan.