THE Standard's racing reporter TIM AULD provides a glimpse of all the insights leading into day two of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
LOCALS PROMINENT
South-west trainers played a major hand on the opening day of the carnival with Ciaron Maher dominating and plenty of others chipping in.
Maher scored with Will John ($2.60), Mawaany Machine ($1.60) and Bubbly Lass ($2.20) in a winning running treble from race two, that allowed punters to build a bank.
The locals then dominated the last three races with Aaron Purcell scoring (Patch Adams at $81), Lindsey Smith saluted with La Vina ($2.80) and Symon Wilde scored with Dinga ($15.50).
IN FRONT
Bookmakers just got their noses in front of punters after 10 races on the opening day of the May Carnival, but it only happened very late in the day. Punters were well clear of the satchel swingers until race eight when the rank outsider Patch Adams scored at odds of 100/1.
He was completely unloved in betting, with many bookies claiming to have not written a ticket on him.
RECORD
Racegoers flocked to the Warrnambool race course after COVID-19 pandemic forced a crowd-free two-day carnival last year. Nearly 6500 patrons attended Tuesday's races which was well up on the 2019 figure of 6200.
The club would have to be delighted and many of the punters commented on the plush new surrounds of the revamped Matilda Room.
HUNGRY
Champion jumps jockey Steve Pateman has been on a strict diet of fish and soup, but it's paying dividends.
Pateman scored on Maher's two jumps winners and finished second on Bit Of A Lad in the Brierly Steeplechase on Tuesday.
But, he's got some work to do, having to get down to 66kgs to climb on Galleywood Hurdle favourite Saunter Boy on Wednesday. On Tuesday Pateman revealed he weighed 67.5kgs. He also rides top hope Yensir in the Grand Annual Steeplechase at 66.5kgs.
The three-time Grand Annual winner said he would have no problems making the weight for either horse.
THE TRACK
Jockeys reported the Warrnambool track surface held up well and raced truly despite the district receiving up to 38mm of rain overnight Monday.
The track was rated a heavy nine. Track manager Daniel Lumsden reported after the last workers had raked and rolled the track and it is expected to be a heavy 8 for Wednesday's racing.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
