William McCarthy ready for tactical battle to win Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool
After leading all the way to win the Brierly Steeplechase, jockey William McCarthy wants to avoid a speed duel with jumps star Stern Idol in the Galleywood Hurdle.
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Jockey William McCarthy knows he faces a battle to repeat his Brierly Steeplechase success in Wednesday’s Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool.
McCarthy led nearly all the way on Duke Of Bedford in the Brierly Steeplechase on the first day of the May carnival and will be aboard bold frontrunner Fabalot in the Galleywood Hurdle.
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However, the high-class jumper Stern Idol is also a natural leader and looms as a massive obstacle to McCarthy’s tactics aboard the Symon Wilde-trained Fabalot.
McCarthy said the first few hundred metres would determine whether he took on Stern Idol for the lead early in the $150,000 feature.
“If Stern Idol is going quick in front of me and I’m happy with my rhythm in behind him and I’m not pulling on my horse, I’ll quite happily take a (sit),” McCarthy said.
“If Stern Idol is going too easy and I’m having to fight my horse, to save energy, I’ll be letting him find his rhythm.”
McCarthy and Stern Idol’s rider Steven Pateman need to be careful any early duel does not hand an advantage to their talented rivals, including the smart The Cunning Fox, unbeaten over jumps, and Affluential.
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“It’s a pretty serious race and it’s going to be a fast race,” McCarthy said.
“They’re all good horses in it and it just depends on the pressure early and they can sort it out, Stern Idol and Fabalot to decide who’s going to lead.
“It could set it up for something in behind if the pace is too strong.”
Fabalot has eased from $15 to $23 in Galleywood Hurdle markets.
Affluential has been the best backed in early betting, firming from $4.80 to $2.70 while Stern Idol has also been well supported with punters backing from $3.50 to $2.80.
The Cunning Fox has also been a drifter with his price now sitting at $3.60 after opening at $2.60.
Originally published as William McCarthy ready for tactical battle to win Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool
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