Darren Weir’s fruitful Warrnambool carnival looks set to continue in this afternoon’s time-honoured Galleywood Hurdle (3200m) with nine-year-old Gotta Take Care.
The Ballarat trainer prepared a double yesterday and also boasts leading Wangoom Handicap chance Anlon this afternoon.
That’s not to mention Akzar and Shiny Buttons, who take the top two spots in Warrnambool Cup betting tomorrow.
Weir has saddled an Australia-high 186 winners this season, 23 more than leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller.
And that number should climb again if everything goes to plan with Gotta Take Care.
The son of Rubiton tuned up for this ideally with a narrow win over 2600m on the flat at Flemington on Friday.
The run produced a weight-adjusted Timeform figure of 86 but more importantly it suggested he was fit enough for the two miles of today’s Galleywood.
Two years ago Gotta Take Care ran very well in this race, beaten just 1.3L by jumps champion Black And Bent.
Without Black And Bent in the field this time around, it’s his for the taking.
He’s won six of 14 over the jumps and two times at Warrnambool and is perfectly adept in the wet having won three times on a rain-affected track.
The Weir party looks set to continue this afternoon.
Gai Waterhouse enjoyed a strong opening to the carnival yesterday when Tenby Lady saluted, and she also has a live chance in the Galleywood with Valediction.
The six-year-old won a maiden hurdle here two back running to a weight-adjusted figure of 72 before finishing 7.4L behind Gotta Take Care on the flat at Flemington on ANZAC Day.
Valediction is fit, and capable of getting a bit closer to Weir’s champion today now they’re back over the jumps and with a 4.5kg weight swing.
Keep an eye out for Montgomery who has shown promise as a hurdler in two efforts over the jumps.
He won a restricted hurdle back in August leading all the way in the wet to finish eight lengths clear, then was beaten only 1.3L in the Australian Hurdle at Sandown.
He’s been given three runs over the flat so far this campaign and looks ready to get back over the jumps now.
Expect him to give a sight.
