Warrnambool Sunday racing preview & best bets | December 31, 2023

December 30, 2023 8:59 am.

Warrnambool racing tips

What	Warrnambool Races
Where	Warrnambool Racing Club – 2-64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280
When	Sunday, December 31, 2023
First Race	2:05pm AEDT
Visit Dabble

The Woodford Cup headlines the traditional New Year’s Eve meeting at Warrnambool on Sunday afternoon as part of a competitive eight-race meeting. Perfect conditions for racing are forecast for the day, and despite the track coming up a Soft 6, we expect to be racing on a Soft 5, bordering on a Good 4 on raceday. The rail will stick in the true position throughout, with action commencing at 2:05pm AEDT.

Woodford Cup Top Tip: Station One

The Liam Howley-trained Station One has been successful in the Dunkeld Cup and Traralgon Cup at his last two starts with determined front-running efforts. There looks to be no reason why he cannot pick up a third straight Country Cup on Sunday, with Alana Kelly looking to continue their undefeated affiliation. From barrier seven, the pair look to be the only ones who will take up the running, and with an uncontested lead, Station One can pinch the Woodford Cup under a perfectly-timed ride.

Woodford Cup

Race 7 – #2 Station One (7)

5yo Gelding | T: Liam Howley | J: Alana Kelly (59kg)

+360 with Neds

Best Bet at Warrnambool: Thailess

Although Andrew Bobbin’s Thailess was beaten a nostril at Stawell last time out, she now has the opportunity to break the maiden ranks at start five. Having enjoyed the run of the race and looking like the winner, the Needs Further filly found one better in the final stages. She draws to gain a similar run in transit on Sunday under Jack Hill, and considering the third-placed horse from that Stawell affair has since come out and won, the form suggests Thailess is the one to beat over 1100m on the weekend.

Best Bet

Race 3 – #13 Thailess (5)

3yo Filly | T: Andrew Bobbin | J: Jack Hill (56kg)

+180 with Picklebet

Next Best at Warrnambool: Ring Bearer

Ring Bearer showed enough on his debut at Werribee to suggest he was worth following, having settled up on speed over 1400m, and as he steps up to the 1700m, he looks hard to beat. He was headed inside the final furlong but kicked back to be defeated by under a length, suggesting he may have above-average talent. He retains the services of Linda Meech, a jockey who rides front-runners better than anyone else at Warrnambool, and from barrier nine, the pair will look to dictate terms and make all, or sit outside the lead. Ring Bearer looks to have the most upside amongst this lot, and he should be winning here.