Warwick Farm Racing Preview: Vella's Best Targets Fourth Consecutive Victory
Just over a week after trainer Gratz Vella nearly stole the spotlight at the Golden Slipper with Music Time's third-place finish, he returns to Sydney racing action with another promising contender. Vella's Best is set to extend his winning streak at the Warwick Farm meeting on Wednesday, showcasing the Canberra trainer's rising form in the sport.
The four-year-old gelding, who was an all-the-way first-up winner as an odds-on favourite at his home track three weeks ago, will chase his fourth straight victory in the Brave Smash At Yarraman Handicap over 1000 metres. Vella expressed confidence in the horse's condition, noting a dominant previous win and a strong jump-out session last week. "It was a very dominant win and he pulled up good after it, everything is spot on," Vella said. "His benchmark is high in the country now so I had to find a race for him. This might be the one."
Vella's Best, like his stablemate Music Time, won the Black Opal Preview but faced setbacks due to a leg problem that kept him off the track for nearly 12 months between mid-2024 and last winter. Upon his return, he showed promise with a close third to King's Secret and Spywire at Rosehill, though subsequent runs in town were disappointing. "That was an enormous run and I thought 'hello we're going somewhere this time in'," Vella recalled. "Then we struck those two races we ran last. One was on a bog track at Canterbury and he couldn't handle it, the other one he went a bit too hard. But he's really bounced back for me."
Vella views the horse as a specialist sprinter, effective up to 1100 metres but likely challenged beyond 1200 metres. Jockey Damon Budler retains the ride after piloting Vella's Best to victory first-up, marking the gelding's fifth win in 10 starts. With barrier one, Vella plans to utilise the inside draw strategically. "I left it up to the owners. I rang them up and said it was your call, I was happy to leave Damon on and give him the opportunity," he explained.
Meanwhile, Music Time is enjoying a break after Vella resisted the temptation to enter him in this weekend's Group 1 Inglis Sires'. The trainer aims to target early three-year-old races like the Rosebud or San Domenico Stakes upon his return. "People were trying to convince me to put him in the Sires but I thought I'd just look after the horse," Vella said. "He's pulled up enormous and gone to the paddock happy."
Race-by-Race Tips for Warwick Farm Meeting
Selections are based on a soft track condition.
Race 1 - 1:45PM HYLAND RACE COLOURS HANDICAP (1300 METRES)
- 9. Seraphox trialled well before a tough debut in the Todman, not disgraced despite a wide run. Back in grade, he has potential to shine.
- Dangers: 13. Switch On, 7. Lafite, 4. Don Valiente.
- How to play it: Seraphox WIN.
Race 2 - 2:20PM DRINKWISE PLATE (1300 METRES)
- 9. Blitzgal has shown excellence in trials, working home with purpose. From the draw, she could be a solid each-way chance at odds.
- Dangers: 6. Mr Miller, 5. Marchon, 4. Graffiti Tycoon.
- How to play it: Blitzgal EACH-WAY.
Race 3 - 2:55PM ASAHI SUPER DRY HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
- 4. Natoya is a handy mare resuming at a suitable trip. Lightly raced and competitive in similar grades, she should be hard to beat if in order.
- Dangers: 8. Oso Spirited, 6. Mighty Myrtle, 1. Malabar.
- How to play it: Natoya WIN.
Race 4 - 3:30PM RANVET HANDICAP (2200 METRES)
- 8. Mirzann looks ready to win after three runs back, narrowly defeated at Wyong over this trip. With a good draw, this could be his chance.
- Dangers: 10. De Louviere, 9. Suit Of Armour, 3. Stylebender.
- How to play it: Mirzann WIN.
Race 5 - 4:05PM BRAVE SMASH AT YARRAMAN HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
- 9. Casserousse is an interesting runner with talent shown in big wins last campaign. Nice trials suggest he could run very well, with late betting significant.
- Dangers: 7. Rantan, 6. Vella's Best, 4. Nesrine.
- How to play it: Casserousse WIN.
Race 6 - 4:40PM BISLEY WORKWEAR HANDICAP (1300 METRES)
- 1. Deep Pleasure has a handy record including a stakes placing. Won first-up last time in and trials have been pleasing, with jockey booking adding interest.
- Dangers: 4. Metallic Cat, 2. Vienna Vixen, 8. Manaajem.
- How to play it: Deep Pleasure WIN.
Race 7 - 5:15PM TAB HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
- 5. Call Me Gorgeous was impressive on return from Hong Kong, romping in at Newcastle. If he brings that form, he'll be hard to beat from any draw.
- Dangers: 4. Bryant, 8. Young Mister Grace, 10. Castlejohn.
- How to play it: Call Me Gorgeous WIN.
Race 8 - 5:50PM HAWAII FIVE OH @ VINERY STUD HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
- 1. Formal Display was too strong when resuming at Wyong and can hold form with fitness improvement. The claim helps, making him a good chance in a winnable race.
- Dangers: 3. Hanau, 11. Unique Ambition, 2. Montpellier.
- How to play it: Formal Display WIN.
Disclaimer: While horse racing offers excitement, gambling should be enjoyed responsibly. Tips are for informational purposes only and not financial advice. If affected by problem gambling, seek help from GambleAware NSW (1800 858 858) or Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858).
