This Saturday’s Sydney meeting will be held at Warwick Farm. The course proper was rated a Good 4 on Thursday and with overcast weather in Sydney leading up to the weekend, Warwick Farm is likely to border on Good/Soft condition on raceday.
The in-form Bjorn Baker stable can take out the opening event with Lagarde (Sydney Race 1, 1200m). This Hinchinbrook filly finished a good 2nd on debut (1000m) two weeks ago and stepping up to 1200m 2nd up will suit. The inside gate (1) would be an advantage for the young horse as she can follow the fence. Andrew Adkins’ 1.5kg claim will reduce Lagarde’s weight to 52.5kg. Adkins will settle just behind the leader with plenty of cover and Lagarde will be full of running in the straight. Lagarde is currently at terrific odds at $13.00 in the fixed odds market.
Sparky Lad is the class runner in the TAB.com.au Handicap and he should win accordingly (Sydney Race 2, 1600m). This Waller-trained 3YO has been very consistent with 2 wins and 2 placings from 6 career starts. Sparky Lad was a last start winner over 1400m at Rosehill a fortnight ago. Stepping up to the mile looks perfect. Josh Parr will take the gelding back in the field but with a small field of only 5 runners, Sparky Lad won’t be too far off the leader. Watch him run over the top of this field in the last 200m.
Test The World is a very honest mare having never missed a place in 10 career starts, winning 6 races in the process, and she can continue her good form in the Hyland Boxing Day Sale Sprint (Sydney Race 6, 1200m). The 4YO was impressive winning last start beating the boom Newcastle horse Bon Amis over 1100m at Rosehill two weeks ago. Stepping up to 1200m 3rd up is ideal, and Test The World also has a mighty record over the trip having won 3 and placed once from 4 attempts. Test The World can handle any track conditions and will have home track advantage on Saturday. From barrier 1 in a race without much pace, Blake Shinn may take the mare straight to the lead and Test The World could prove hard to catch.
By Owens Wong, Editor
