How good is the Bool?
Day 1 of the infamous Warrnambool racing carnival kicks off this Tuesday afternoon and our full 2021 Beierly Steeplechase Day Preview can be read below.
Race 1 – 11:20AM – Maiden Hurdle (3200M)
This is a tricky way to start day 1 at The Bool but I’m happy to take on the favourite.
Out And Dreaming made his hurdle debut last start at Pakenham when he found one better over 3200m.
He rocketed home late in the race after being 8th at the 400m mark and the sting out of the ground will only help his chances.
Race 2 – 12:00PM – Maiden Hurdle (3200M)
Wil John comes into this event fresh which is usually how he does his best racing.
The Maher and Eustace trained five year old has been placed in 12 of his 18 career race starts and he has a second placing from just the one start over two mile.
If he handles the jumps for the first time, he will right in this.
Race 3 – 12:40PM – Maiden Hurdle (3200M)
Eight year old grey gelding Mawaany Machine has been a fairly consistent galloper throughout his career but he has made his way to the Ciaron Maher stable since his last start in Queensland.
He will be making his debut over the jumps this afternoon second up after finishing third at Flemington on Anzac Day.
He has a class advantage over his rivals here and if he makes the transition to jumps racing well, he will be tough to beat.
Race 4 – 1:15PM – Maiden Plate (1200M)
Under The Tassels finished fourth on debut back in September last year before being narrowly denied at Mornington at her only other start.
We have no trial to go on and she will only be better when rising in distance but she represents nice each way odds in a race that lacks a lot of depth.
Race 5 – 1:45PM – VOBIS Gold Strike (1000M)
This is a tricky little race over the short course here at The Bool with limited exposed form to lead us in.
Cardigan Queen is clearly the best of the horses that have been seen at the race track, coming from last at Bendigo on debut to finish less than a length from the winner.
The daughter of Sebring will take plenty of benefit from that experience and will no doubt have a fitness edge over most of these runners.
Race 6 – 2:20PM – Brierly Steeplechase (3450M)
Bit Of A Lad was last seen at the races when winning by six lengths at this track and distance back in July 2020.
He carried 72kg that day on the heavy 10 track proving just how tough and versatile he is and his record over this trip is very good (3 wins and a 2nd from 3 attempts).
Race 7 – 2:55PM – Benchmark 78 Handicap (2350M)
Heart Of Puissance is quite a talented young horse who is putting together an impressive racing resume.
The four year old gelding was a winner at Warwick Farm just two starts back and he should be plenty fit at this stage in his prep.
He’s one from one at The Bool in his career and John Allen has options from barrier six.
Race 8 – 3:30PM – Magic Millions National Sale Handicap (1700M)
Whenever Australian Bloodstock debut their newest import, you have to sit up and take notice.
Fifth Position will be making his Australian debut having preferred this race to the one that they accepted at Sandown on the weekend.
He was under a big hold when crossing the line in a recent Cranbourne trial and the early market support suggests he will run well fresh.
Has been gelding since his last start also.
Race 9 – 4:00PM – Benchmark 70 Handicap (1200M)
Realeza is a lightly raced four year old gelding of some ability.
The son of Bel Espirit has won three of his five career race starts now after winning first up Geelong carrying the big weight.
He drops a kilo for this assignment and depiste the wide barrier, is still the horse to beat.
Race 10 – 4:30PM – Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100M)
Mckeever could not have been much more impressive when the three year old gelding won on debut at Bendigo by almost two lengths.
The son of Deep Field loomed up to them on the straight having done a fair amount of work three deep for the entire trip, and he put them away with ease.
This is a tougher ask but we are getting a nice price to finish the day on a winning note.