High Church from the record-breaking stables of Darren Weir is early favourite to take out the Warrnambool Cup 2017 on Thursday handing his trainer a fourth straight win in the race.
2017 Warrnambool Cup betting favourite High Church is prepared by the race’s four-time winning trainer Darren Weir. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
One of the key features of the hugely popular Warrnambool Racing Carnival each May, this season’s $200,000 Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) features a line-up of 14 stayers.
Sitting top of the latest Warrnambool Cup odds at Ladbrokes.com.au is six-year-old High Church ($3.30) for Weir who has prepared the past three champions with Master Of Arts (2016), Tall Ship (2015) and Akzar (2014).
Weir also won the Warrnambool Cup for the first time back in 2005 with True Courser and so chases his fifth success in the winter showdown this week.
Dubbed King of the ‘Bool, Weir has also accepted for fellow single-figure fancy Unfurl ($8) in this year’s Warrnambool Cup field.
His best chance of extending his domination in the race, High Church was last seen running a brave fourth behind Observational in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on April 15.
Thursday marks the horse’s first trip to Warrnambool and High Church rises from 54kg last time out to 56kg with Damian Lane coming aboard for the ride.
Stablemate Unfurl meanwhile gets in on the 54kg minimum with Group 1 winning hoop Dean Yendall to ride the Raise The Flag mare who comes off a last start win over 2400m at Bendigo from April 19.
It is an open first-half in Warrnambool Cup betting this season with High Church followed closely in the markets by his last start conqueror Observational ($4.40) and early mover Grey Lion ($6.50).
Caulfield’s John Sadler prepares Galileo six-year-old Observational who chases a third win on the trot having also won the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo two back.
After carting 55kg to victory in the Easter Cup, the challenge on Thursday for the galloper will be giving away the kilos as jockey Craig Newitt prepares to ride Observational on the 60kg top weight.
Grey Lion carries the second highest weight with 59kg, Craig Williams booked to partner the Matt Cumani-trained stallion who is out to atone for a second last (15th) in the Easter Cup.
That was the import’s third run down under following his brave second to Qewy in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) and failed 14th to Almandin in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) last spring.
Check out the full Warrnambool Cup 2017 field, barriers, jockeys, weights and latest Fixed Win odds below with pricing provided by Ladbrokes.com.au.
