3 minute read
Winter racing took place at Sandown-Lakeside and Warwick Farm on Wednesday and we’ve got a horse to follow from each meeting.
Sandown-Lakeside Race 7- Fifth Position
This was a nice return from a horse that has promised a fair bit but is yet to win a race in Australia. The race hasn't rated particularly well overall but the winner, Vitruvius, is handy and Fifth Position led at a slow tempo, which isn't his preferred race shape. He's shown the ability to close off strongly when ridden a bit colder, however it's always good to see a horse show some tactical speed if necessary. The key to Fifth Position is wet ground- he's a horse with issues and an awkward stride and needs to get his toe in to be effective. If he can find a soft track 2nd or 3rd up at open handicap level down on the minimum weight, he can break through in Australia.
Warwick Farm Race 2- Kibou
This looked the win of the day at Warwick Farm, with Kibou tracking a strong speed and relishing the conditions to win in dominant fashion. This was just his 2nd career start after debuting in the Group 3 Breeders Plate (1000m) at Randwick, struggling after a tough run behind the talented Sejardan. Kibou was gelded leading into this preparation and posted a strong speed figure with Racing And Sports, a promising sign for a two-year-old. Given he started $5 on debut and the strength of his win here, the G Waterhouse & A Bott stable must have an opinion of him, and it wouldn't shock to see him return to Group class company early in his three-year-old season.