Appeared has been identified as the standout selection for Wednesday’s seven-race meeting at Warwick Farm, with the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding expected to benefit from a return to a longer distance.
The five-year-old will contest the 2,200-metre Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap after recording two wins and a third from four starts. Dylan Gibbons takes the ride from barrier six, and Appeared is being tipped to make a strong return after finishing second over 2,070 metres at Gosford last Friday.
His record suggests the step up in trip should suit. Appeared has already won over 1,900 and 2,400 metres, while his latest run indicated he has retained his form following a 20-day break.
Warwick Farm selections for Wednesday
Mazis is the preferred each-way play in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap over 1,600 metres. Trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the five-year-old has won four of 11 starts and resumes after placing third at Warwick Farm over 1,400 metres.
The wide barrier nine is the obvious concern, but apprentice Braith Nock’s 1.5kg claim reduces the weight burden. Mazis has also shown that he can race prominently or settle off the pace, giving him options if he is caught wide early.
Sea Admiral is another considered capable of outperforming his price in the final race, a 1,400-metre handicap. The John Thompson-trained runner has drawn barrier one for Alysha Collett and returns from a spell with a recent Randwick trial win behind him.
Sea Admiral has won twice in three first-up attempts, both over the same distance, and is expected to secure a favourable position from the inside gate. His early price was about $14, although betting markets are liable to move before the race.
Sumac has been marked as the roughie in the 1,400-metre Asahi Super Dry Handicap. The filly finished her previous campaign in the Group One Champagne Stakes and has since had two trials, including a useful 1,320-metre hit-out at Rosehill.
Her juvenile form included efforts in the Group Three Baillieu Stakes and Fernhill Stakes, and the return to 1,400 metres is viewed as a positive. Sumac was available at about $23 in early betting.
The meeting is scheduled to be run on a Good 4 surface, with the rail positioned three metres out for the entire circuit, according to Racing NSW. The card begins with the 1,200-metre Keeneland September Yearling Sale Handicap, where Blessed Eagle and Bring Me Chocolate head the early considerations after recent wins.
Queen’s Gamble is the obvious market runner in the middle-distance events after winning by two and a half lengths at Warwick Farm, but Kwirky Smile offers the value alternative in the Benchmark 72 over 1,400 metres. The latter drops in class, has drawn the inside gate and will be ridden by Rachel King.
With several runners returning from lengthy breaks, including Appeared, Mazis and Sea Admiral, fitness and trial form are expected to play a decisive role. The strongest early recommendation remains Appeared, with Mazis, Sea Admiral and Sumac providing the principal alternatives at more appealing odds.
