Since arriving in Australia, Welwal has shown a clear preference for rain-affected tracks, something his trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have been eager to capitalise on.
The six-year-old gelding made a stunning debut for the stable when claiming the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in November on a heavy track.
Since then, finding those conditions has been the key focus.
“We have been hanging out for a heavy track for this horse,” Kent Jnr said.
“He won for the stable first start on a heavy track in the Group Three Kevin Heffernan and all prep we have somehow been missing out on wet ground.
“The horse is really going well. We’re tickled pink with the way he is training.”
After a couple of underwhelming performances early this campaign, Welwal surged back to form with a flashing second behind Headley Grange in the Civic Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, finishing strongly from near the tail of the field.
Now set for Saturday’s Winter Stakes (1400m), Welwal is expected to be highly competitive, even with 60kg and his trademark get-back style.
“Things didn’t work out his first two runs because he got too far back, but last start was telling of how well he has been going at home. He really hit the line strongly,” Kent Jnr said.
“The heavy track and smaller field on Saturday really brings him into it.
“He has a nice middle draw and if he can just hold a spot midfield, I know he’s got a lot of weight but he is a class horse and he seemingly loves heavy going.”
Having already won over the Rosehill 1400m trip, Welwal looks well placed for his fourth run this campaign, with his previous efforts spaced to keep him fresh.
“He’s has been prepared beautifully for this race,” Kent Jnr added.
“He’s had three runs in and hasn’t been overtaxed. He is still on the way up and I reckon it’s a lovely race for him.”
Stablemate Grand Impact has been withdrawn from the Winter Stakes and will instead contest the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at the Sunshine Coast.
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