By Nick Berney
All eyes will be on Nasturtium’s highly-anticipated return on Wednesday which has seen punters warm to the consistent galloper at Warwick Farm in the St Mark’s Basilica at Coolmore Handicap (1000m).
The five-year-old has been well-supported in early markets after trialling well to win a recent heat at Rosehill Gardens in fast time/sectionals.
Warwick Farm will host a seven-race card on Wednesday.Credit:Getty
Nasturtium was impressive last preparation, winning three out of his four starts. He was on an upwards ratings spiral before his final campaign run, which subsequent Group 1 winner Mazu won.
The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou training partnership is renowned for having their runners fit and ready to run well first-up, and Nasturtium maps to control the pace from barrier one.
In addition, he has key attributes, gets in well at the weights after the astute claim for apprentice jockey Dylan Gibbons and will take some catching.
Super Bright looms as the main danger and is wound up for this event after two solid trials.
She progressed through her grades on the country/provincial circuit last preparation and deserves her shot at the metropolitan level.
Prior to spelling, she produced a career peak figure and if she can reproduce that form expect her to be savaging the line.
Exciting prospect Scientist will look to bounce back in the Bowermans Handicap over 1400m.
The colt started a well fancied $2.50 favourite on debut at Canterbury 14 days ago and was honest in defeat, running third in a high-rating race relative to the day.
Further, he sat outside the leader at a very fast pace and never shirked his task to the line.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained runner will undoubtedly benefit from that race experience, and the step up in trip onto a bigger track is ideal.
In addition, the tricky draw is of little concern, with a long run to the first turn coming out of the back chute.
A quick mention of Insurrection and Sha Of Gomer, representing value in the Vinery Stallions Handicap (1200m). Expect them to run improved races with the benefit of fitness and are coming out of time races.
Best Bet: Race 6 # 1 – Nasturtium
Next Best: Race 1 # 6 – Scientist
Best Value: Race 5 # 6 – Insurrection & # 7 – Sha Of Gomer
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter
