Warrnambool Cup – 2022

Track: Soft  Weather: Fine

A race for the stayers and arguably the country’s best at producing them, the Maher and Eustace stable, are represented with the favourite in this. Grandslam put it all together last start and looks hard to beat again. Nerve Not Verve brings in some strong Sydney form while Warning has a lethal turn of foot and will be flying late. Expecting good speed in the race and early tactics battle between Grandslam and Nerve Not Verve who will both be looking to go forward in the run.

1. Warning (3)

Has a lethal turn of foot and can pounce on them late. Drawn well and John Allen booked, good chance at odds.

2. Grandslam (5)

The stable mentioned Grandslam had finally learned how to settle during its races and has put it all together. Coming off a very dominant win, drawn well and Kah aboard. Plenty of ticks however the price is thin enough in a very competitive race.

3. Milford (1)

Has done little wrong thus far in its career and has been racing well lately. Maps to get into the right spot and can figure in the finish.

4. Nerve Not Verve (2)

Top pick based on the price and its form. NSW form often stands up in Victoria and Knights Order has also franked the form since. Drawn perfectly in barrier 2, Bayliss will have options in the run and handles a soft deck. Likeable at the odds and I expect it to be well backed.

5. Future Score (7)

Hasn’t been racing at its best and needs to lift to figure in the finish.

6. Maserartie Bay (6)

Hard to knock and Nugent rides the horse very well. Drawn slightly worse than its rivals but may get one of their backs in the run and wouldn’t suprise at all if it won this at odds.

7. White Hawk (10)

Can’t have.

8. Angel Rock (11)

Coffey rides feature races better than most in the country and he gets another chance aboard Angel Rock. Racing in very good fashion and knows where the line is. Can bob up in this at a likeable price.

9. Queen Takes King (8)

Hasn’t won for a while and I have my doubts on the form. 12 months ago would be right in this race but has gone a little off the boil. I would respect any market moves but does look hard to have off current form.

10. Constantinople (9)

Likely to be scratched due to the expected conditions. Has had just the one placing from 6 attempts on soft ground so it does look hard to back off those statistics and conditions predicted.

11. Witchachar Star (4)

Given an absolute peach of a ride last start and Mertens knows the horse very well. Barrier 4 is ideal and it is a good hope at odds.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
4 Nerve Not Verve	2 Grandslam
2 Grandslam	4 Nerve Not Verve
1 Warning	6 Maserartie Bay
3 Milford	11 Witchachar Star