Warwick Farm hosts Sydney’s midweek meeting on Wednesday with seven races, starting at 2:20pm AEDT. The track is rated a Good 4 with the rail in the true position for the whole circuit. It should race evenly, although horses that settle in the first six usually have a slight edge.
Chilli Margs in Race 6 is our best bet. Priory Park (Race 3) and Quarterback (Race 1) are the shortest-priced picks on the card. Zonkstar (Race 4) and Shady Road (Race 5) look the value plays. Several horses in the early races are also entered at Canterbury on Friday, so check scratchings before betting.
Race 1 - Tropicus @ Vinery Stud Maiden Handicap (1400m)
Selection: Quarterback Current odds: $2.15
Quarterback raced well against good three-year-olds first up, then had a run to forget second up when it never got clear. It now meets a maiden field, James McDonald rides, and it should be very hard to beat. Shahaameh is the main danger. It was only just beaten as a heavily backed runner at Newcastle, draws barrier 1, and puts blinkers on for the first time. Bogey Free was beaten a neck on debut at Warrnambool. This race could change if some of the Waller runners are scratched.
Selections:
- Quarterback - $2.15
- Shahaameh - $5.50
- Bogey Free - $4.60
- Palm Tree - $4.40
Race 2 - Racing And Sports Maiden Plate (1200m)
Selection: Water City Current odds: $4.60
This is a very even race, with most of the field between $4 and $6. Water City has placed at both of its starts and was only just beaten as favourite on a soft track at Hawkesbury last time. Barrier 9 makes it harder, but it has the most reliable form in the field. Rishaka is a well-bred debutant by Frankel from the Waller stable, with McDonald riding after some good trials, so it is the main danger. Single Ladies should get a forward position first up for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. With the market this even, keep the stake small.
Selections:
- Water City - $4.60
- Rishaka - $4.40
- Single Ladies - $5.50
- Oakfield Virginia - $8.00
Race 3 - Kia Ora Bloodlines To Headlines Handicap (BM68, 1200m)
Selection: Priory Park Current odds: $1.60
Priory Park won by more than four lengths at Kembla Grange first up and ran a fast time. It finished that race strongly, which suggests 1200m second up will suit. It is short, but it is the most likely winner on the card. Regal won by seven lengths at Kembla Grange in its last start, but it meets better horses here. Letters Patent resumes after placing in its trials and draws the inside. Kosei Top is a long shot worth watching after a good debut win.
Selections:
- Priory Park - $1.60
- Regal - $4.80
- Letters Patent - $6.50
- Kosei Top - $18.00
Race 4 - TAB Handicap (BM72, 2110m)
Selection: Zonkstar Current odds: $4.40
Zonkstar has won twice from four runs this preparation and ran second over this course last start, after racing on the worse part of the track. It is fit and should go close. Blenheim Girl is the favourite after winning strongly here last start, but she goes up in weight and draws wide. Hallowed Halls had no excuses last start and James McDonald rides. Rye Manhattan won its maiden at Hawkesbury and has different form lines to the others.
Selections:
- Zonkstar - $4.40
- Blenheim Girl - $3.20
- Hallowed Halls - $5.00
- Rye Manhattan - $5.50
Race 5 - Ranvet Handicap (BM72, 1300m)
Selection: Shady Road Current odds: $3.00
Shady Road was just beaten first up over 1100m here on a soft track and the extra 200 metres should suit it second up. The apprentice’s claim also helps. It draws well and should get a good run. Stealthfire is the danger at the price. It resumes after a 27-week break with winkers on for the first time, and its trials have been good. Duvana and Big Tiger are also first up. Big Tiger has been off for almost a year but puts blinkers on.
Selections:
- Shady Road - $3.00
- Stealthfire - $9.00
- Duvana - $7.00
- Big Tiger - $7.00
Race 6 - Asahi Super Dry Handicap (BM72, 1600m)
Selection: Chilli Margs Current odds: $2.90
Chilli Margs is our best bet at Warwick Farm. First up she ran on well despite a strong bias towards horses on the speed. Her second-up run over 1400m can be ignored. She now steps up to 1600m from barrier 1, which suits her, for the in-form Bjorn Baker stable. Naina is the main danger. It finishes strongly, has a good draw over the mile, and James McDonald rides. Leica Storm has placed three times this preparation and has the speed to be handy.
Selections:
- Chilli Margs - $2.90
- Naina - $3.50
- Leica Storm - $7.50
- Sneaky Choice - $15.00
Race 7 - Drinkwise Mile (BM64, 1600m)
Selection: Made In Italy Current odds: $5.50
Made In Italy won its maiden at Wyong last start and has plenty of confidence going into its first race in town this preparation. Aladdin’s Girl is the value bet in the race. She ran on strongly for third behind two good horses here last start, should improve over 1600m, and James McDonald rides. Aura has very good form for this grade. Outta Line is the favourite after placing in a recent trial. Barrier 12 makes it harder for Made In Italy, so keep the stake small.
Selections:
- Made In Italy - $5.50
- Aladdin’s Girl - $6.50
- Aura - $5.00
- Outta Line - $4.00
