Spud O’Reilly looks well placed to break through for a maiden win when stepping out in the Related @ Hollymound Stud Maiden Plate (1600m) at Kembla Grange
The Chris Waller-trained runner has produced some good results in metropolitan company recently and dropping back in grade today will be hard to hold out.
The three-year-old gelding did not have a great deal of luck when resuming with a second placing at Warwick Farm before going on to run third at the same course last start (1400m).
With Jason Collett to stay on board, Spud O’Reilly steps up to the mile for the first time which should suit the son of O’Reilly based on recent efforts.
Waller has applied the blinkers for the first time which may well help Collett settle him closer today, having got back in the run his last two outings.
The recent form of Spud O’Reilly rates well on weight adjusted Timeform ratings and against these gets his best chance to break through.
Mackinac Island looms as the biggest danger having placed in two of his three runs this campaign, the most recent coming at Goulburn over the mile.
From barrier four, the Anthony Cummings-trained runner is likely to settle up on the speed and will take plenty of running down.
Should be around peak fourth up from a spell and is likely to be somewhere in the finish again today.
Captain Manering has placed in each of his three runs this campaign, the latest at this course and distance.
Should be around peak fitness fourth up from a spell and on what he has produced in recent times looks right up to fighting out the finish of this one.
Six of his seven outings have come at the course, placing in four of them and he is proven at the trip, placing at two of three attempts.
These look the main chances however Diretto from the Chris Waller stable also rates a mention as an each way hope.
Well beaten when third at Gosford first up but was far from disgraced when fourth at Wyong last time up.
Unplaced his only time at the trip but worth including in the multiples today based on best form.
Lightning Gail and Our Sassy Girl the best of the rest but Spud O’Reilly looms as the pick of them in this company.
