We can say, albeit unofficially, that the Spring Carnival is under way with a cracking card of races at Sydney’s Warwick Farm this Saturday. The highlight of the day will be the running of the WFA Warwick Stakes which sees several smart gallopers commencing their spring campaigns. Chris Waller is well placed to figure prominently with six of the fourteen runners being from his yard however, it’s local trainer Joe Pride’s Rain Affair who is the one to beat according to early markets at $2.00.
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1. METAL BENDER – T Clark (11)
We haven’t seen this now 8yo since he narrowly won the G1 George Ryder in 2012. He’s had two trails this month where he wasn’t asked to do much in either. It would be a huge shock and a tremendous performance by both horse and trainer if he were to win first up.
2. FORETELLER – G Schofield (10)
Son of Dansili who, at 30/1 claimed the G1 Ranvet Stakes last preparation but proved it no fluke with tremendous subsequent efforts in G1 The BMW and Doomben Cup. First up last preparation he competed over this track and trip and, under 59kgs, flashed home to run second to the more than handy, Merlin Mustang. Would expect again to see him finishing hard late.
3. RAIN AFFAIR – N Rawiller (13)
Frustratingly for connections, this son of Commands has run second four times at the elite level but, judging by his first up win in the G3 Missile Stakes at Randwick a fortnight ago, he may soon be set to break that record. He bolted in by 5 ½ lengths in the Missile and has won three from four at this track. The wide draw, from this start at this track, shouldn’t be too much of a concern and he’ll be able to cross the field then give them plenty to catch.
4. BEATEN UP – J Bowman (1)
Arrived in Australia at the start of this year from the United Kingdom and the son of Beat Hollow has had four starts since for Chris Waller, with the most recent, being a victory in the G1 Doomben Cup back in May. He couldn’t have been more impressive in that brief campaign and it’s hard to imagine he would not have had come on since then with a break under his belt. Expect a big run fresh and some bigger things during the spring.
5. VEYRON – C Reith (2)
Group 1 winning New Zealand galloper who travelled across to have a crack at the George Ryder Stakes earlier this year. He belied his quote of 30/1 to finish within two lengths of Pierro. He’s had one start, back in NZ since then which was six weeks ago now where he had to lug 64.5kgs in running fifth of eight. Probably need this run and a touch further.
6. KELINNI – J Collett (9)
A very consistent galloper and he’s the fourth of Waller’s representatives in the race. After a very successful spring campaign last year, which culminated in him running fourth in the Melbourne Cup, the son of Refuse to Bend struggled to a degree in making the step up to the WFA races during the autumn. Returning to handicap condition saw him claim the JRA Plate (2000m) under 60kgs and expect him to better for this hit-out.
7. MORIARTY – K McEvoy (12)
Waller’s fifth runner, this former import is Improving all the time and has won seven of his past fourteen starts including, at his most recent outing back in June, the Group 2 Brisbane Cup. He’s had two trails in preparation for his return here and followed a similar pattern to produce impressive first up performances in the past, albeit in weaker races than this. He is an improver – and a winner – and specked at big odds in early markets.
8. GLENCADAM GOLD – T Berry (8)
He burst onto the Australian racing scene for trainer Gai Waterhouse when recording four straight wins including the G1 Metropolitan Handicap. The Metrop win saw him start 7/2 fav in last year’s Caulfield Cup where he failed but bounced back with an improved effort in the Melbourne Cup, running sixth. He’s two efforts returning in the autumn of this year were poor, very poor, and he was immediately spelled again. He has looked good in two solid trail hit-outs but prefer to take a wait and see approach.
9. SNEAK A PEEK – J Parr (14)
Former Italian galloper who had four starts in Australia during the spring of last year for Peter Moody. He finished mid-field in the Dato’tan and Turnball Stakes as well as the Caulfield Cup which was the last time we’ve seen him. Hasn’t been produced at any trails and would prefer to wait.
10. CENTENNIAL PARK – B Avdulla (4)
He ran fifth in this race last year to Pinwheel after having run a good second in the Missile. He’s follows a similar pattern this year but his first up run in the Missile, on a slow track, was nowhere as good as last year’s effort. He’ll appreciate the firmer footing but a combination of one win from nine second up starts and, no wins from eight starts at the track are against him.
11. TREMEC – N Berry (7)
Son of Zabeel who won four of his six starts last preparation which culminated in a head win in the G2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m). Only lightly raced and if he continued to improve at the rate of last prep there is a good race for him over the spring but it’ll come over much further ground than this race.
12. HAWSPUR – J Cassidy (3)
The final Waller representative this son of Purrealist rounded out a winter campaign by winning three on the trot including the G1 QLD Derby (2400m). He’s only had a brief let up of eight weeks and two barrier trails this month so would expect him to be forward in condition. From a good draw he may sit handy and at this stage of the spring, might be capable of producing a cheeky effort first up but he is facing is stiffest test to date.
13. TOYDINI – P Robl (6)
Very impressive in winning the G2 Phar Lap Stakes last season as a 3yo and was better again in winning the Carbine Club (1600m) at his following start – defeating Hawkspur in the process. He has a very neat turn of foot and Robl was on board when he competed in the most recent of two trials he’s had this month. A forward showing wouldn’t surprise.
14. STREAMA – G Boss (5)
The only female in the race, she had very little luck during an autumn/winter campaign that saw her place in three G1 races. One of those was her most recent start, a second to Red Tracer in the Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) in June. She looks set for yet another competitive spring judging by her length win in a barrier trial here at the start of the month and from five fresh runs, has yet to miss a place. Drawn well in five, Boss to ride and she should figure in the finish.
OVERVIEW
Drawing the second widest gate will not pose a problem for Rain Affiar. This 1400m chute here, gives runners a straight run to the home turn and plenty of time for Rain Affiar to amble across the field and lead. He’s Missile Stakes win was a beauty and that run under his belt, up against most who are resuming, stands him in good stead. Would not leave Beaten Up out, especially from a good draw where he should be placed to advantage throughout. He couldn’t have done anymore in four runs since arriving in Australia and the best appears to be before him. Rounding out the trifecta selections are Streama and Toydini. Both smart performers who are suited here first up and drawn well.
- RAIN AFFAIR
- BEATEN UP
- STREAMA
- TOYDINI
