Horse Racing News: Sandown Softness Suits Warrnambool Galloper’s Return
Warrnambool-based trainer Maddie Raymond is looking forward to the prospect of a soft track at Sandown on Saturday, as she prepares to send her galloper Heart Of Puissance to contest the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1800m).
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s racing action, Raymond expressed her confidence in Heart Of Puissance’s chances, particularly if the track remains on the softer side. “I think he’s finally finding a bit of form,” the trainer noted. “He ran second last start and is going along really well, but he just needs some soft ground, which we haven’t had a lot of lately.”
As a backup plan, Raymond has also entered Heart Of Puissance in the Thomas Farms Handicap (2000m) at Murray Bridge in South Australia on the same day. However, the trainer’s preference is for the horse to run at Sandown, where leading apprentice Celine Gaudray is booked to ride.
“It was 2000 metres last start and the 1800 metres at Sandown is pretty tough,” Raymond said. “If there is cut in the ground, I think he’ll run up to his best.”
Heart Of Puissance is looking to break through for his first win since joining Raymond’s stable, after starting his career with trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. The horse was successful over 2500m at Flemington and ran second in the Warrnambool Cup before spending time on the sidelines and then linking up with Raymond.
Punters will be keeping a close eye on the track conditions at Sandown on Saturday, as Raymond’s confidence in Heart Of Puissance’s chances could hinge on the softness of the surface.
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