Race-day favourite for the 2023 Jericho Cup, Guido will look to secure redemption this Sunday when he contests the 2025 edition of the race.
Owners and connections were left stunned in 2023 when Guido was scratched just 45 minutes before the event, following advice from stewards after his mandatory trot-up. Having demolished a quality field by eight lengths at The Valley only two weeks earlier, the late withdrawal was a bitter blow – particularly as he was strongly favoured to replicate that effort in the Warrnambool feature.
Win at The Valley in 2023.
This weekend, Guido returns to Warrnambool aiming to finish what he started. He arrives in solid form, having progressively built his fitness and confidence. As was the case two years ago, he is once again a last-start winner – though not quite as commanding as his Valley performance. On November 9 at Ararat, jockey Joshua Parker gave him a superb ride, guiding him to a 2.25-length victory over one of Sunday’s rivals, Salsita. Guido was strong through the line, suggesting that the demanding 4600m Jericho Cup is well within his reach.
Guido wins last start at Ararat.
In early markets, Guido has been priced at $8, with last year’s winner Farag heading the betting. Notably, the dominant 2023 champion Nassak Diamond also takes his place again this year.
The Warrnambool Racing Club has assembled a strong nine-race program to support the Jericho Cup, including the OTI Racing Jericho Cup Consolation, run over a slightly less testing 3400m. OTI Racing is once again proud to support Bill Gibbons’ vision through this event, and we look forward to enjoying another outstanding day of racing.