3 minute read

Tips and race by race preview by Ray Hickson for Wednesday’s Warwick Farm meeting. Selections based on a good track.

Race 1 - 2:20PM KIA ORA PRAGUE HANDICAP (1400 METRES)

3. The Englishman chased the smart Zou Tiger home on debut then rested. Returns with a couple of trials under the belt and he stoked up well from the back in the latest. Whether he goes forward or back will be interesting. Looks a middle distance type in the making and can run well fresh.

Dangers: 7. Huracanevo made some nice ground from well back on debut at Randwick on Boxing Day, strikes a likely different tempo from the 1400m chute start in a smaller field so he could be a big improver. 1. Step Aside has been beaten on his merits at both starts as favourite and while he will be competitive again he rises 2.5kg for last week's effort. However, no surprise if he breaks through. 4. Gago is on debut and he showed enough in his latest trial to suggest he could show up and another stablemate 8. Utopian Spirit trialled impressively enough last week to throw in the mix in a wide race.

How to play it: The Englishman WIN ($3.80 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Race 2 - 2:55PM MICROPHONE FIRST YEARLINGS HANDICAP (1400 METRES)

1. Maritima is overdue for a change of fortune and things might have fallen into place. Almost bucked he rider off at Canterbury two back then too far back last time while the winner, who has won again, had an easy path close to the pace. Draws well and has a good chance.

Dangers: 5. Vincetta is looking for the 1400m and more and she might have been a bit close in the run when an even third at Canterbury on New Year's Day. Barrier likely sees her quietly ridden and look for her hitting the line. 2. Moonlight Grace comes through the same race where she was a $4 chance and made ground into second without getting near the all the way winner. Not far off a win and is one of the main chances. 3. Marelle was narrowly beaten first-up as an odds-on favourite before an ordinary effort at Randwick with some excuses on Boxing Day. Favourite there again so a bit costly this time in. Give one more chance.

How to play it: Maritima E/W ($5.50 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Race 3 - 3:30PM FURPHY HANDICAP (1400 METRES)

4. Reformist produced an encouraging effort first-up behind Gundy Bridge three weeks ago. Found a good spot and was left to chase the winner. Fitter and while second-up record doesn't read flash he loves this track and has found a very winnable race.

Dangers: 7. Nickelback probably won't get a better chance to break through but he has had his chance in two Sydney runs this time in. Just didn't dash last time in this grade at 1500m at Randwick, goers up 2.5kg but has blinkers on. Entitled to perform. 3. Hollywood North was an upset winner two back at Kensington over this trip then a sound enough effort in the Gundy Bridge race here. Always one to include in this sort of race. 5. Optimo resumes with an honest record and a couple of trials under his belt. Last couple of placings have come at Eagle Farm in lesser races but might be one to keep an eye on fresh.

How to play it: Reformist WIN ($7.00 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT

Race 4 - 4:05PM NEW TAB APP HANDICAP (1600 METRES)

5. Chenin could well get some control here as she did when leading all the way over this course back a month ago. Ignore last run in Group 3 company where she couldn't get near the pace. Rolls forward from the outside gate and can take running down.

Dangers: 1. Claim The Crown is a big watch in a race that doesn't look overly tough to win. He's an import with the Neasham yard and while he hasn't shown up in his two trials he'll appreciate the 1600m a lot more than 1030m and 804m. Watch for any support. 3. Field Legend disappointed a little when resuming at Randwick but gets the blinkers back on in a race will less depth. Can race handy if needed and worth another chance. 7. Bowery Breeze ran on without threatening in the same race but she's the type that can bob up here without surprising. Good track stats a bit of a worry.

How to play it: Chenin WIN ($2.80 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: ODDS.

Race 5 - 4:40PM VALE SIR PATRICK HOGAN (1400 METRES)

4. Miss Lenorr was a bit unlucky not to score at Randwick last start, she was held up at vital stages before bursting through only to be nabbed by a horse with unimpeded momentum. Comes back to mares grade here and should be in the finish again.

Dangers: 1. Elettrica has had some misfortune at her last couple and was a beaten favourite here last week in a similar race. Wonder where she'd have finished, probably wouldn't have won but certainly in the placings. Interesting to see how she goes if she gets a clear shot at them. 2. Anagain is fitter for two runs back and she wasn't disgraced running fifth, finishing alongside Elettrica, at Randwick on Christmas Eve. Will relish the 1400m and can't be overlooked. 6. Summerbeel is the probable leader and she's one to watch first-up at this trip. Failed fresh last time in but that was at 1100m then won second-up at 1400m. Can give a sight.

How to play it: Miss Lenorr WIN ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Race 6 - 5:15PM YES YES YES FIRST YEARLINGS HANDICAP (1000 METRES)

6. Command Approved couldn't have been more impressive in his dominant first-up win at Wyong over the short course. Sat outside the lead then raced clear in the straight. Up in class of course but has all the upside here and the tactical speed to be wherever needed. Go well.

Dangers: 5. Zain's Girl powered over the top to win nicely first-up at Randwick on Boxing Day and a repeat could be on the cards if they overdo it up front. Does have to carry an extra 3.5kg but fitter. Wouldn't be leaving her out of anything. 3. Not Another Reiby is a potential ambusher resuming. He has a handy enough record and does tend to race well fresh. Will do no work from the barrier and be hitting the line strongly. Keep safe. 2. Miss Fox was runner-up in this class two runs back before a midfield finish in a Midway at Randwick over 1100m. Yet to miss top two at the 1000m and is an each-way chance.

How to play it: Command Approved WIN ($3.60 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Race 7 - 5:50PM VINERY YEARLINGS HANDICAP (1200 METRES)

4. Think About It is a promising type who demolished his rivals at the provincials at his first two starts before an unlucky third here over 1300m in August. Has trialled well, small field suits and has the draw to be in a striking position. Should take beating. Read trainer Joe Pride's comments here.

Dangers: 1. He's A Hotshot is consistent without winning and wasn't able to be on top of the speed at Canterbury last time out when favourite and finishing a close fourth. Strike rate of 5 from 42 is a little concern but this is a good chance for him. 6. Recommendation is another lightly raced gelding who won his first two at Gosford and Muswellbrook before beaten just over a length in an open two-year-old at Eagle Farm in July. Gelded and is trialling nicely. Must be respected. 3. Mission Value posted an upset win on Boxing Day at Randwick but there was no fluke about it and he can only be fitter. Won second-up last time in off a failure so with such a positive return any improvement has him hard to beat.

How to play it: Think About It WIN ($2.40 TAB Fixed Odds). Odds & Evens: SPLIT.