FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER
By GRAEME WHITE
Villasaurus returns to racing at Wagga on Friday in the feature event the Riverina Tool Centre Stan Sadleir Stakes (1400m).
The five-year-old broke his maiden status at Wagga Aad is yet to finish outside of the top three at the course.
In fact, he has finished in the top three at nine of his 13 starts with his two latest starts below his best at Warwick Farm and also Flemington.
The gelding was sent for a spell after his latest start on May 17 and has since finished second in a barrier trial at Albury behind Canny Hell whom he opposes on Friday.
Canny Hell ($5 NSW TAB) has had a couple of starts back from a spell finishing fourth first-up at Wagga in the Ian Reid Sprint and last at Flemington on September 13.
Trainer Kym Davison has Canny Hell ready to go with the top weight of 60 kilograms – three kilograms more than Villasaurus ($4.20 NSW TAB)
Canny Hell excels at this level having won the Country Championship qualifier where he accounted for Villasaurus which ran third.
“I’m happy with him and it’s this time of the year where these country races are on and they suit him,” he said.
Canny Hell and Villasaurus are likely to also contest the Gundagai Snake Gully Cup (1400m) on Friday November 14.
It’s the 40th year for the two-day carnival which will offer $500,000 prize money.
Wagga galloper Future Fund is the $4 favourite for the Stan Sadleir which honours the long term treasurer of the Southern Districts
Meanwhile, in terms of longevity it’s hard to not be drawn to Will To Excell in the Delta Star Designs The Road To The Jericho Mountaineer Cup (3200m).
This is the fifth consecutive year Will To Excell has run in the race winning in 2022 and again last year.
“He has also finished third twice when it was over 2500 metres. He is one of the old horses who keeps chipping away and if the speed is on it suits him,” trainer James Ponsonby said.
“He likes the long straights and if the track keeps improving with the good weather it is ideal for him.
The top one Scarli Japali is the horse to beat on her recent runs in better company. She has to give Will To Excell five kilograms which is a fair bit of weight over the two miles.”
Will To Excell is a last start winner at Wagga over 2400 metres where he defeated fellow contender Goofinator.
Will To Exccell is raced by Ponsonby’s wife Keryn as well as friends John iNgram and Jackson Smart.
The track is rated as a soft five with the rail in the true position for the Tradies Raising Hope For Steph race day
