WAGGA TOWN PLATE PREVIEW
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
By GRAEME WHITE
Odds of more than 200-1 are on offer for trainer Kerry Parker winning both feature races at Wagga this week with Well Timed and reigning cup victor Flying Bandit.
Parker has confidence in Tooheys Wagga Town Plate topweight Well Timed performing up to expectations on Thursday, while he has made some changes in the hope of sparking Flying Bandit into action in the FSD Electrics Wagga Gold Cup the following day.
“It’s a lovely race for Well Timed and he usually races handy and from barrier six I can see him being right on the speed,” Parker said.
Flying Bandit will also jump from gate six in the Cup as the stable tries to win with the gelding for the first time since last year’s success.
“I’m hoping the blinkers help him produce his best. He hasn’t run a place since last year and he will need the speed on,” Parker said of Flying Bandit.
Followers of the stable can grab massive odds for the big race multi.
“I’m sure Flying Bandit was my first Wagga Cup runner last year and he won and I don’t think I have had a runner in the Town Plate before,” he said.
“I have had a few starters in the Wagga Guineas so having two in the main two races is good for the stable and the owners.
“Well Timed has had a few wide draws and copped some interference last run.
“He was very good winning the start before at Kembla Grange.”
Point And Shoot beat Well Timed to the finish last start at Rosehill on April 6 and is the second favourite on the NSW TAB at $5.
Rue De Royale ($4.80) is the favourite with Royal Insignia ($5.50) and Bandis Boy ($8.50) under double figures.
Gravina ($12) is back for a third tilt at the Town Plate having finished second last year to Compelling Truth and third at his first start for current trainer Matthew Dale behind the recently retired The Prodigal Son.
“He has been close-up in a lot of nice races for me including placings in the past two Plates so hopefully he can win,” trainer Matthew Dale said.
Love Shuck ($61) gained a start after winning the prelude in a tense and tight finish.
“He drops four kilograms and Shaun Guymer will ride him because he has only 54 kilograms,” trainer Todd Smart said.
Harry’s Bar ($12) is a talented mare coming off a last start fifth in the Provincial Midway Championships final.
“It was a great run last time and I expect her to run well again,” trainer Paul Murray suggested.
Last year’s winner Compelling Truth didn’t accept resulting in the weights being raised by two kilograms with Well Timed now carrying 58 kilograms.
Cavalier Charles, a stablemate of Gravina, won his maiden on debut at Wagga in January of 2020 and ran fourth in last year’s Town Plate.
The veteran is listed as a $26 chance from the outside barrier.
Dale will also be represented by Super Norwest (($14) who is first-up off a break.
