Jumping kicks off the Warrnambool Carnival with three maiden hurdles to open the first day. Tim Hickman looks at them, as well as the time honoured Brierly Steeplechase, the feature on the opening day.
Race 1 – Unbooleivable Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
Like Pure Deal in the opener. There was nothing wrong with his debut third at Pakenham in a race that was dominated by two runners on the speed. Expect him to only be improved by that and this appeals as a winnable race. Any debutant from the Maher/Eustace stable has to be respected with Steve Pateman up so King’s Charisma has to be a chance, while Vividredsky has nice trial form but is probably short enough now.
Strategy: Back Pure Deal.
Race 2 – George Taylor Memorial Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
Teofilo Star is the one to beat here. Early betting has very little between him and Reserve Street but the latter is a highly doubtful stayer to my mind, even though he has been trialling well enough. The gelding has never even won beyond 1600m and hardly raced over longer trips, and he’s eight years old. Teofilo Star made an excellent debut at Pakenham and gets talented young rider Campbell Rawiller. If there is to be an upset, I think it might be Killourney who has been trialling very well. Aquileon rounds out the winning chances.
Strategy: Back Teofilo Star and save on Killourney.
Race 3 – Choices Flooring Maiden Hurdle, 3200m
Impulsar is a well performed debutant from the Maher/Eustace stable with Pateman on, but it hasn’t been missed in the market. The one I like at a big price is the imported mare Quiet Escape. She is eight years old but didn’t debut until two years ago in Ireland where she won a couple of bumpers (flat races for jumping horses). This is her hurdle debut and her trials have been excellent, plus her recent flat form has been solid. Huge odds,
Strategy: Back Quiet Escape each way.
Race 6 – Brierly Steeplechase, 3450m
What an outstanding field this is. By far the strongest Brierly that I can remember, The one I like is the old warhorse Flying Agent. The ten year old boasts a phenomenal record around this track and has won this race before, in 2021. Has to carry the 71Kg, but he can do it. The value for mine is St Arnicca. At his only start over fences he won the Grand National Steeplechase! Huge overs at double figures. Inclined to oppose Valac (does too much wrong) at his current price.
Strategy: Back Flying Agent and save on St Arnicca.
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