The market suggests the final event at Warrnambool is an open affair which makes Rich River’s near each way odds appealing.
Of the ten horses lining up in the Gillear Lime and Sandstone Quarries Showcase Benchmark 70 Handicap (1700m), seven as of Friday morning are quoted at single figure odds.
Rich River shapes as the most appealing of those seven.
Near each way odds are available about the Choisir gelding who contests the event third run from a spell.
He has been solid in each of his two runs from a spell, with both runs yielding a Timeform rating of 83.
Encouraging about this is the four-year-old possesses a master Timeform rating of 99 recorded when closing well for fifth in the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m).
Prior to that display, the Darren Weir-trained runner returned ratings of 85 and 86 in performances at Sandown.
It all suggests Rich River is open to further improvement here and for that reason, warrants plenty of respect.
With added fitness and rising in trip, it is shaping as a case of third time lucky this preparation for Rich River.
While drawn wide, Brad Rawiller has options aboard the gelding knowing he can be effective settled both back in the field and up near the speed.
Rich River does have a genuine sense of timing at Warrnambool on Wednesday and due to the strength of his opposition, there are generous odds available about him.
Percy On Parade was a first up winner at Ballarat.
It was an eye catching display over seven furlongs which based on pedigree is an unsuitably short trip.
Percy On Parade can continue on his winning ways second up and rising to 1700m.
The Ten Bob stuck to his task well at Morphettville last start.
He should be around peak fitness fourth run from a spell and stays under notice.
Artie’s Shore was working home solidly at Moonee Valley last start.
He was simply positioned too far back in transit to make any genuine impression at the finish but now drops back noticeably in grade.
The quick five day turnaround is interesting however is still worthy of consideration particularly considering his strong course credentials.
It is Rich River though who looks most likely to reward punters in the final event at Warrnambool on Thursday.
