Since the inaugural running of the Warwick Stakes back in 1923, the best of the best have etched their name on the honour. Amounis, Chatham, Bernborough, and Tulloch, Kingston Town, Super Impose, Sunline and Lonhro have all won this very prestigious race at least once.
On Saturday, 12 horses will attempt to add their name to this impressive list while Trusting is attempting to become the 12th horse to record multiple victories in this race after taking it out as a three year old in 2009. So who will take it out in 2011? Here is a runner by runner preview.
Black Piranha – Multiple group one winner who always seems to run a good race without winning. Was a bit unlucky in the Ramornie at Grafton but was never going to beat Jerezana. Trialled well on Monday at Rosehill behind Manawanui but the wet track is a worry, as is barrier one as he is a get back/run on type. But one thing in his favour is that he will be more forward in condition than most of his rivals. First four hope.
Centennial Park – Looked like he had a tummy on him in the Missile behind Rain Affair so I’d expect him to be a bit more sharp for this. Having said that, he’ll need this run as well, but he doesn’t mind some give in the ground and is drawn well. A definite knockout hope.
Hawk Island – Looks like a horse to follow if it is a wet spring, but not here. They’ll be to nippy for him.
Maluckyday – Was the major disappointment of the Autumn after finishing runner up in the Melbourne Cup behind Americain. I have serious doubts as to whether or not he is a WFA horse or is he just a handicapper. I wouldn’t rule him out for later on, but again, he’ll find these too quick.
Pinwheel – A gem of a horse. Ultra consistent. He was very good in the Missile after a six week break. Big worry is 1400m at WFA, but if ever he was going to do it, this is the race because most of his rivals are just getting fit while he is just about 100% ready to go. Big threat.
Gathering – Brilliant winner of the Railway at Ascot last year. Not sure where they are going with this one, but races like the Epsom and Emirates sound appealing. Trials have been good, Williams sticks with him, I give him a place chance. He gets through the heavy going well which is a bonus.
Triple Elegance – Was never sighted in the Missile. Second up form reads well (3:2-1-0) but he’d need to improve big time if he is to threaten the big guns here. A major positive is that Nash jumps on . At his best, he’d just about win this, but I am not sure how well he is going.
Trusting – Since his win in this race two years ago, he has been oh so disappointing. Trials have been solid enough, whiz kid James McDonald jumps on, but I am happy to watch this talented, but frustrating galloper at this stage until he finds some winning form.
Ironstein – Nice stayer that will more than likely go to a race like the Metropolitan, so you’d expect he’ll struggle here, even though he has won fresh before. I don’t think WFA is his go either, but look for him to run on at the end.
Ilovethiscity – Likely favourite despite the drama that took place yesterday with him losing a shoe before he trod on a nail. From all reports, no harm was done and he is right to go for this. His trials have been great and he looks a bigger, more powerful horse this time in, making him an ideal candidate for the Epsom and/or the Cox Plate. He tends to struggle first up but he gets a perfect chance to change all that here.
Shootoff – Nice type getting ready for the big ones in Melbourne. Hasn’t won below 1550m so I’d be very surprised if he won, but a possible exotic chance with the right run.
Startsmeup – If the track was dry, I’d be all over this horse. I’m still going to back him, but with not the same amount of confidence if the conditions were better. Should have bolted in first up behind Excellantes before being given a gun ride by Jarrod Fry to score last start at Doomben. Drawn wide, that won’t matter by the time this race is run as the track will be chopped up. Doesn’t have the quality of some of these, but he does have the fitness and turn of foot to win at a good price.
Sacred Choice – Sunline and Super Impose from memory are the only horses to do the Doncaster/Warwick double in the same year. This mare is striving to do that and she has the conditions to suit. Probably running third behind Black Caviar and More Joyous as the best mare in Australia. If she does have any sort of fitness in her, she’d go close to winning this. But from I’ve seen at the trials, she might need this run.
SELECTIONS:
I like Startsmeup. His overall form is excellent. His run in March in the Australian Guineas was one of the runs of the year by a beaten horse because he was wide throughout on a ferociously fast tempo and fought on to be beaten just six lengths. No denying his talent and he gets a great chance to record a group win. The dangers for me are Centennial Park, because he can bob up every now and then and this race suits. Pinwheel is always in the finish and although he may struggle over 1400m at WFA, the fitness factor helps. Ilovethiscity is a lovely horse who is sure to win his races this prep. He’ll get back and charge home while Sacred Choice gets a wet track to show her class and talent.
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