With numerous runners in various states, it should be an exciting weekend of racing ahead. Romancer will start in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield and will again run against high odds. Vardani and Aesop will carry the colours in South Australia, hopefully bringing home a win (or two).
Saturday, April 23
Morphettville
Current Track Rating: Good
Vardani
Vardani is out to prove himself over a true staying journey, though there’s no doubt he has the class to take out this race. Hopefully, he can find his fourth win of the campaign.
Race 1 – 12:22pm | 2500m BM82 Handicap | T: Archie Alexander | J: Zac Spain 59.5kg
| Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 2
Aesop
This talented stayer resumes having had just one trial, a trial which he won in good style. He is sure to improve for the run and trip interstate, but a forward showing would give us confidence he can make it to an Andrew Ramsden Stakes.
Race 9 – 5:25pm | 1600m BM82 Handicap | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Zac Spain 54kg | Barrier 15 | Saddlecloth 8
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Mirann
There is no doubt Mirann is a horse with a great deal of ability, and we have confidence that he’s in for a good preparation in the care of John O’Shea. He’s likely to really hit his straps 3rd and 4th up, but is capable of running a race fresh over this journey.
Race 4 – 1:05pm | 1800m BM88 Handicap | T: John O’Shea | J: Brenton Avdulla 58kg | Barrier 6
| Saddlecloth 3
Kembla Grange
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Funambulist
Funambulist impressed in his Australian debut, closing off well for 2nd despite having good improvement to come. He appeals second-up with a slight rise in trip, and Louise Day knows him well (pictured below)!
Race 6 – 3:25pm | 1600m Maiden | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Ms Louise Day 59kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 2
Doomben
Current Track Rating: Soft
Never No More
Never No More has been knocking on the door lately, having finished 2nd in his past two starts. He enjoys having his runs spaced, looks in fantastic order and is expected to be closing off strongly again. A win would see him aimed up at loftier targets.
Race 9 – 4:28pm | 1350m BM90 Handicap | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Regan Bayliss 58.5kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 3
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Soft
Romancer
Romancer, the ‘Quaddie Killer’ is ready for another fruitful campaign in the hands of Grahame Begg. There’s no doubt 1100m is short of his best, but he’s trialled up very well ahead of his return and is capable of giving a sight. He will no doubt enjoy getting back to Flemington second-up.
Race 9 – 5:10pm | 1100m Listed Bel Esprit Stakes | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs 58kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 1
Sunday, April 24
Wagga
Current Track Rating: Soft
Kharchin
Kharchin has caused a few frustrations over the past two years but now in the hands of Mitch Beer, we look forward to seeing him get his preparation underway. He is a horse who will likely need 1600m and beyond to be competitive, so this race should bring him on for more suitable contests.
Race 2 – 1:20pm | 1200m Maiden | T: Mitchell Beer | J: Jason Lyon 59kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 2
Ballarat
Current Track Rating: Soft
Raffish
Raffish will enjoy the rise to 2000m following his return run, but given he’s coming back from a long break, he is expected to improve again for the outing. If he’s staying on well, we’ll be confident wherever he heads next start.
Race 4 – 2:40pm | 2000m Maiden | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates 59.5kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 3
We wish all of our connections the very best of luck this weekend!