A patient approach with an imported galloper could be rewarded at Warwick Farm this Wednesday, with the lightly raced Man Of Worth poised to make a significant return to the track.
Patience the key for imported contender
The Irish-bred five-year-old, now with premier trainer Chris Waller, has had just one start in Australia since arriving in early spring of 2024. That run resulted in a close second in a modest country Victorian maiden nine months ago before he was sent for a spell.
His form prior in Ireland, across four spaced runs, was moderate but showed enough potential for connections to sell him to Australia. His pedigree is undoubtedly classy, being by the unbeaten Group 1 champion Sea The Stars and out of a mare by fellow UK star Tamayuz.
That bloodline convinced his new team to exhibit considerable patience. That wait may finally pay off in a 1400m Maiden Plate where Man Of Worth, with the benefit of two improving trials, can announce himself as a potential summer prospect.
He is well treated at the weights after apprentice jockey Siena Grima's 3kg claim. Punters face a tricky puzzle in the race, however, with the Waller stable having accepted for 10 of the 14 original runners.
Market movers and key chances
In early betting, Man Of Worth opened around the $6.50 mark. He sits behind stablemate Pink Persuasion ($4.20), with the Ciaron Maher-trained War King and another Waller runner, Miss Lola, both around $5.50.
The meeting is expected to be run on a firm surface with little rain forecast in the lead-up. The rail will be in the True position.
Race-by-race selections for Warwick Farm
Race 1: The progressive filly Misty Veil from the Ciaron Maher yard gets the nod. She missed by the narrowest of margins when resuming at Wyong and is set to peak. First-starter Ice Kool is a betting watch, along with the returning Farnished for the Waterhouse-Bott stable.
How to play it: Misty Veil to win.
Race 2: The focus is on Man Of Worth as a significant market watch off two strong trials. His stablemate Pink Persuasion is well drawn and placed to strike at her third start, while Botanist and War King are also key chances.
How to play it: Man Of Worth to win.
Race 3: Swordplay from the Bjorn Baker stable can make it two wins from three starts this preparation. She led all the way to win fresh at Newcastle and was only run down late at Canterbury last start. The drop back in distance is a major plus.
How to play it: Swordplay to win.
Race 4: Miss Hades finds a more suitable race after being beaten a long neck in stronger Saturday grade company 18 days ago. She has the tactical speed to sit handy.
How to play it: Miss Hades to win.
Race 5: Provincial mare Bestower is bursting to win a third race. She has been charging home late in tougher metro company and the longer trip suits. The emerging stayer Black Babylon, chasing a hat-trick of wins, is the clear danger despite carrying 60kg.
How to play it: Bestower to win.
Race 6: Livin' Thing is unbeaten first-up and has won both lead-up trials. The removal of blinkers suggests he will be switched on. The in-form Tequila Baby, who won a quality mares race in the city last start, is the main threat.
How to play it: Livin' Thing to win.
Best Bets and Value
Best Bets: Race 3 - 4. Swordplay; Race 5 - 2. Bestower.
Best Value: Race 6 - 3. Livin' Thing.
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