Exciting newcomer Nymeria, recent Group 2 Maitland Cup winner Spacecraft and in-form Irish Whip headline a terrific Monday night’s racing at Wentworth Park tonight.
Nymeria (box eight) is the focus of attention in the night’s opening race after her outstanding 29.50 performance trial over the 520m at Dapto last month.
Irish Whip deserves just as much respect, however, with the flying sprinter seeking a third consecutive victory after following up an outstanding victory at Maitland on their cup night with a triumph over 530m at Canberra last Sunday.
Trainer Jason Platts said Irish Whip, who has three wins and two minor placings from eight starts and was a finalist in last month’s Group 3 New Sensation, can triumph again here in race six.
“I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t run a good race,” he said.
“In his last two races at Wentworth Park he had boxes one and two, but I think he wants to move up the track.
“Wherever he jumps from he will run straight, so I can’t see box five being a problem.
“He’s really started to put it together (and) I couldn’t have him looking any better."
Irish Whip already has a 29.86 run at Wentworth Park to his name and won his only previous start from box five.
The son of Premier Fantasy and Whip It Up won impressively at Maitland over 565m two starts back and looks head and shoulders above these.
Spacecraft jumps from box four in race seven aiming to return to winning ways after a disappointing trip north.
Lorraine Atchison’s star sprinter finished seventh on a first visit to Albion Park last Thursday but is back on familiar turf here.
He has won on three previous visits to the Sydney track and with a decent record from box four can salute here, although the ever-dangerous Winsome Prince (box seven) looks tough.
Melinda Finn’s sprinter is returning after a spell and from out wide may just have too much for Spacecraft in what looks a cracking contest.
Winsome Prince’s kennelmate, Winsome Amanda, has been running well and looks a strong chance to take out the 10th.
Mark Gatt’s Ritza Star had a sub-30 second victory at Dapto on debut and looks strongest in race two.
Best bet of the meeting looks like Justin King’s Fraudulent, who jumps from box two in the fourth race.
The son of Magic Sprite and Florinda Belle ran a strong second place on debut before missing the kick and finishing well off the pace last time out.
He has had a spell since that disappointing outing and should win here.
For Wentworth Park Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
