Winifer To End Maiden Tag
With a patient approach, trainer Trevor Andrews says Winifer can get the monkey off her back and end her maiden tag at Ascot on Wednesday.
After a hat trick of minor placings, Winifer is the hot favourite to win the Budget Car & Truck Rental Handicap (2200m) at her 10th career start.
With the scratching of Golden Bonney, Winifer will jump from barrier one. Paul Harvey will have his first ride on the Blackfriars mare.
Winifer is a $1.95 to open her winning account. Andrews is confident she can validate the faith of supporters and post an overdue win.
“She is showing good things on the track and her gallops have been good,” Andrews told Tabradio.
“All her runs this time round have been really pleasing.
“The only issue we probably had is her better runs have been when she is ridden more patiently.
“She has taken up forward positions in slowly run races.
“I think she is better ridden a bit more conservatively.
“I will just say to Paul (Harvey) in a small field to be just a bit patient on her.”
Andrews also expects Dance Cockey, with an improved barrier draw, to rebound in the Summer Twilight Racing Handicap (1100m).
A winner two starts back, Dance Cockey weakened to 10th behind Zenaze last-start, but can rebounded in easier company.
To jump from barrier three in a field of seven starters, the three-year-old colt carries 58.5kg with the claim of apprentice, Jade McNaught.
“Last start he drew wide and had a tough run,” Andrews said.
“But the run was still full of merit.
“He looks to get a good run from the draw so it’s all good.”
Dance Cockey is $7.50 with Tabtouch.
Julio Santarelli