Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Thursday’s $300k Warrnambool Cup with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps his South Aussie classic. Good luck!
Warrnambool R9- $300k Warrnambool Cup 2350m
1. MANKAYAN (1) 12159×0334
T; Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace / J: Ben Melham (60kg)
Has the big weight but his prep for this day has been spotless. Should strip super fit following a good finishing 4th in the Easter Cup behind a real star in White Marlin. Must be in your numbers.
2. THIRD REALM (14) 4x319x64x0
T: Team Freedman / J: Ben Allen (60kg)
English import won has won up to 2412m. Only Aussie start was at Randwick in a Gr 3 when on pace until they turned and weakened to last. Prefer still to see if he has adapted to our way of racing.
3. AURORA’S SYMPHONY (5) 83807×1128
T: Symon Wilde / J; Nash Rawiller (58.5kg)
This is the horse they all have to beat. Won the 2000m Colac Cup with 59kg, then travelled to Tassie and won the Launceston Cup over 2400m before going to Adelaide and running the gamest of 2nds in the Adelaide Cup over 3200m. Is very fit and today, walks 25m to the races as he is trained here!
4. SWORDS DRAWN (18) 00×7522138
T: Michael Moroney / J: Dan Stackhouse (57.5kg)
Is a good stayer. but this draw makes it hard. Will probably have to go right back from here, however can run on. Has won $520,000 in stakes so has shown his talent. Did win at The Valley in strong open grade over 2500m in Feb. If he gets cover he’s a player.
5. CADRE DU NOIR (19) 051128×099
T: Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace / J: Jordan Childs (57kg)
Talented stayer, well was a year ago but at past 4 starts hasn’t shown any fight in the straight. On his best he is right in this but his best may be past him. Ran 9th at Randwick in the mud last start.
6.NOT USUAL GLORIOUS (10) 11615×7431
T: Travis Doudle / J: John Allen (57kg)
Stayer of some repute and seems to be getting better. Peaking perfectly for this with a solid and powerful front-running display to easily land the Terang Cup over 2150m in the mud with 61kg. That’s what is needed to win this but will have a rival for the early lead.
7. HEART OF PUISSANCE (7) 521x2x2x96
T: Maddie Raymond / J: Declan Bates (54.5kg)
Interesting 6YO. Former emerging stayer with talent 2 years ago but is trying to come back with a new trainer. Ran an even race when 6th in the VGold Mile last start, his 4th start in the past 2 years. Has won at 2500m.
8. MAHAMEDEIS (4) 1439x0x095
T: Nick Ryan /J: Billy Egan (54.5kg)
Handy staying type on his day but hasn’t raced well for a while and this looks a big test also.
9. LE BAOL (17) x835593x59
T: Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace /J: Carleen Hefel (54kg)
Doesn’t race a lot but when he does he shows up. Ran 5th in the Gr 1 Sydney Cup last year and last start ran on well even though 9th in the Gr 2 Chairmans at Randwick. Might well be the dark horse here.
10. CABOCHE (11) 4533×68719
T: Chris Waller / J: Pat Moloney (54kg)
Even these 2nd tier Chris Waller stayers are chances in these races. Won at Bendigo in BM84 grade which is pretty handy when being 3rd throughout over 2400m. Well beaten last start in Mornington Cup but this is slightly easier.
11. IRISH BUTTERFLY (6) 56×0421411
T: Henry Dwyer / J:Celine Gaudry (54kg)
Is extremely fit and is racing in career best form. Is up in grade but deserves to be following 3 wins from past 4 starts. Can stay and is a fast stayer. Will probably lead these and will take beating with this light weight. Likes it damp. Big show.
12. EXTRA ELUSIVE (9) 77×77770234
T: Symon Wilde /J: Linda Meech (54kg)
Didn’t really appreciate the heavy track last start when a fading 4th in the 2150m Terang Cup. Bazini beat him home that day. Can stay when track is drier and is a place show.
13. ROLLS (15) 174136×513
T: Maddie Raymond /J: Harry Grace (54kg)
Is a good solid, stayer and this looks a good race for him. Can sit up on pace and can also tough it out. Ran 3rd in a strong VGold Mile last start. Has won at 2008m and could test these.
14. MYSTERY ISLAND (12) 223518×675
T: Shane Jackson / J; Beau Mertens (54kg)
Handy handicap type who can really stay and he is on an upwards curve. Trained here now too which makes him a bit of a place show.
15. GLITTER ‘N’ GOLD (13) 0x7211x716
T: Lindsey Smith / J; Dean Yendall (54kg)
This may be a bit hard. After winning a Bool BM58, she finished 6th in the bush Oaks. So this is a step up in grade but goes very well this track.
16. BAZINI (16) 6311x326x2
T: Symon Wilde /J: Craig Newitt (54kg)
Can run all day and is trained here, two things that are big advantages. Ran 6th here in the 4652m Jericho Cup then 2nd in the mud in the Terang Cup. A win would surprise but he is very fit.
17. ESSENTIAL SKY (3) 4115×60736
T: John Sargent /J: Micky Dee (54kg)
Handy staying mare down from Sydney who is very fit. Can run on but has been racing in weaker grade and not winning.
18. FEUERMOND (8) 97828×7142
T: Lindsey Smith /J: Tom Madden (54kg)
Rising a long way in grade here from recent starts but he does have a strong finishing burst. This is hard though.
19. LORD GOLDBERG (2) 434×514126
T: Andrew Bobbin / J: – (54kg)
Useful hurdler but will find these far too slick should he even gain a start.
