Race 6 – CMV Truck and Bus Warrnambool BM62 Handicap (1200m)
1. Grassmere Jewel – $13 win / $3.90 place
Veteran local mare who has a solid record at this distance but struggles to win at Warrnambool. Carries topweight again but was far from disgraced last start behind Big Sexy in stronger grade. Has fitness and track familiarity on her side, and with Brad Rawiller sticking, could surprise in a blanket finish.
3. The Narrator (NZ) – $6 win / $2.20 place
Lightly raced 4YO who showed good gate speed and tenacity to win on debut in soft ground at Ballarat. Has impressed in recent jumpouts and now draws out but possesses the pace to cross. Improvement likely with race experience and looks a genuine contender if he holds form.
5. Foragoodcause – $3 win / $1.70 place
Consistent type with three straight placings this prep and now gets Dean Yendall in the saddle. Races back but has been finishing off strongly in BM66s, including close-up efforts behind quality types like Trembles. Drops slightly in grade and maps to get cover midfield. The one they all need to hold off late.
Race 7 – Warrnambool Sheetmetal BM62 Handicap (1700m)
4. Seethru – $1.80 win / $1.20 place
Absolute standout here. Has been running blinders in stronger metro grade, including narrow second placings at Sandown in BM70 and BM66 level. Loves being on speed and gets the gun draw to control things under Will Gordon. Back to the Bool where he broke his maiden dominantly over this trip. Hard to beat.
7. Tremamore – $11 win / $3.30 place
Honest mare who has struggled to string wins together but rarely runs a bad race. Won two back at Geelong and has been grinding home fairly since. Drawn to get a nice trail, and Ryan Hurdle knows her well. Needs pace on to figure.
8. Matrooshi – $3.10 win / $1.60 place
Another consistent Wilde runner who likes this track. Strong second here over 1400m last start and steps up slightly in trip. Maps well from gate 6 and gets Declan Bates again. Likely to stalk the speed and get every chance to finish over the top if Seethru overdoes it.
Race 8 – TAB We’re On BM62 Handicap (1400m)
5. Showmara – $5 win / $2 place
Has been freshened with jumpouts after a string of competitive runs in tougher company. Narrowly beaten at Kilmore last start over 1200m and steps up to a more suitable 1400m trip. Has early speed but needs luck from the wide draw. A knockout hope with cover.
8. Calypso King – $7 win / $2.30 place
Broke through in nice fashion here last start over 1300m and sticks to similar grade. Maps to sit handy again and looks to have turned a corner. On the quick back-up and will be in this for a long way.
9. Cash Converter – $5 win / $2 place
Racing well this prep with consistent form across synthetic and turf. Was wide and working last start and still stuck on well. Barrier 1 is the key today – if he holds the rail and finds a spot behind the speed, he’s a major player in the finish.
Rusty’s Plays
Best Value: Calypso King (Race 8)
Best Bet: Seethru (Race 7)
Best Each Way: Foragoodcause (Race 6)
