In-form gelding War Charm is an unlikely starter at Rosehill on Saturday with trainer Danny Williams leaning towards sending him for a short freshen-up.
The three-year-old is the $5 second favourite with TAB Sportsbet for the McGrath Handicap (1400m) after taking his record to four wins from five starts this preparation with an impressive victory at Rosehill on January 21.
However, Williams said he wasn’t completely happy with his charge after he worked on Thursday morning.
“It’s a combination of the wet track and the fact I haven’t been as happy with him as I’d like,” Williams said.
“He’s just looking a little bit tired. I think his last run took a fair bit out of him.
“I worked him this morning and he’s not bouncing back as quickly as he normally does.
“At this stage he’s probably not running.”
Despite the likely absence of War Charm, the McGrath Handicap is shaping as an intriguing race.
Big Time ($13), winner of the Listed Dulcify Quality for John O’Shea at just his fourth start in the spring, will make his debut for new trainer Chris Waller.
He will be joined by stablemates Said Com ($3.80 fav), Hoylonny ($8) and Mickelberg ($21), while Gerald Ryan will saddle up promising filly Angel Of Mercy, a $7 chance.
The Anthony Cummings-trained Fontelina is also being kept safe in betting at $9.50 after returning from a gelding operation to score a smart first-up win at Canterbury last month.
AAP TURF
