The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival rolls around again this week, and many convoys will make their way west along the Princes Highway to take in the 28-race carnival. A handful of OTI ownership groups will join them in what has become a most popular bucket list item for racing enthusiasts.
The OTI silks won’t be seen on Tuesday, but we have assembled a promising hand for Wednesday and Thursday, in the hopes that we can replicate last year’s successes of Kimmorley, The Creator and Green Fly.
WEDNESDAY
Race 2 – Kingsford
The Matt Williams / OTI Racing combination has made a habit of winning the 1400m Maiden on Day Two of the carnival in recent years, with Harbour Views and Toregene both taking out this race in recent years. In Kingsford, we feel we have a strong opportunity to complete the treble.
Arriving in Australia in early March, following a 2nd-placed effort on debut in New Zealand in February, Kingsford has pleased Matt Williams no end. Two strong trial efforts in preparation for his Australian debut hold him in good stead, and with Dean Yendall on board from barrier 8, he is expected to be one of the leading chances.
Kingsford wins his trial at Terang (OTI colours).
Race 9 – Kimmorley
Looking to make it back-to-back carnival wins in the 1700m BM64 Handicap, Kimmorley has prepped up nicely for this race for Maddie Raymond & Patrick Bell. Close up in two efforts at Sandown and Donald, the additional distance is sure to suit him and any rain in the lead up would also assist.
Late in the day on Day Two of the carnival, the track should be starting to chop up and Kimmorley is a strong chance to take advantage of that, with leading jockey John Allen in the saddle, jumping from barrier 3.
(Note Kimmorley has also accepted for a 1700m Benchmark 70 – Race 6 – on the Thursday card).
Race 9 – Charities
Charities, who is currently the third emergency, has not yet been assured a start in the same 1700m BM64. She’s had a very productive preparation, finishing in the first five in 7 of her 9 starts this campaign.
Should she gain a start, barrier 12 would likely see her ridden by Dean Yendall in the second half of the field to finish off strongly. She is yet to prove herself over the 1700m journey, but a close-up effort over 1600m three starts back gives some confidence she can be competitive.
(Note Charities has also accepted for a 1400m Benchmark 70 – Race 4 – on the Thursday card. She is in the field on Thursday but is relying on scratchings for Wednesday).
THURSDAY
With fields for Thursday now finalized, OTI has another horse in mind to potentially add to our entourage.
Race 5 – Revolver
A last-start winner at Geelong, Revolver heads to Warrnambool with his tail up. This four-year-old has barely put a foot wrong in his career, winning twice and placing twice from his five starts. Confidence is high that Revolver can continue that progression in this 2000m Benchmark 64 Handicap.
Revolver wins last start at Geelong.
We expect to see Revolver push forward to sit on the speed. John Allen should then have a horse under him that could prove challenging for his opposition to run down. As is standard for this carnival, this looks as strong a quality Benchmark 64 as you’d find.
Whatever the result, we wish all attendees an enjoyable carnival.