3 minute read

Racing and Sports provides two horses to watch coming out of midweek racing on December 8.

Warwick Farm

Race 1: Fireburn

One to keep an eye on from Wednesday's Warwick Farm meeting is the Gary Portelli-trained Fireburn.

On debut over 1100m, the two-year-old filly jumped on terms in the small field but was quickly restrained by jockey Robbie Dolan in order of gaining cover.

Settling a clear last, Dolan improved the position of his mount passing the 600m but was soon checked when getting too close to heels.

Regathering her momentum, the daughter of Rebel Dane rounded the home turn the widest runner.

Although having next to no luck in what was a stop-start run in transit, the two-year-old was game enough to put in a resolute effort down the outside and continued to make ground on her rivals to the line.

Unlucky not to finish in the placings, the filly was beaten just under a length in fourth.

Fireburn's debut effort was extremely encouraging and full of merit. She will undoubtedly take great benefit from this run and prove tremendously difficult to beat next time out.

Warwick Farm

Race 6: Tonneofgrit

Another one that caught the eye from Warwick Farm is the Hawkes-trained Tonneofgrit.

Out of the Michael & Wayne & John Hawkes camp, the three-year-old gelding was one of the slowest away on jumping.

Under the heavy riding of jockey Josh Parr, the son of Winning Rupert was able to slide up from his inside draw and land just worse than midfield when settling.

Last on the rails when straightening the three-year-old was seemingly travelling, steadily making ground toward the inside but in dire need of clear running.

The gelding remained boxed up until entering the final 100m. Edging out off the leader's back, Parr was finally able to ask his mount for a full effort.

When popped the question the gelding let down powerfully in between runners, in what was a savage attack of the line.

Beaten half a length, there is little doubt that had Tonneofgrit attained clear running in ample time he would've won the race.

Third-up in his next run, Tonneofgrit will be cherry-ripe in his fitness and should prove extremely hard to hold out.