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The first leg of the quaddie at Warwick Farm has been decimated by scratchings with the Chris Waller-trained Said Com the main beneficiary.
Said Com has performed well throughout his five start campaign to date without winning although has run in some strong contests.
Respectable results behind the likes of Ninth Legion, White Sage and Messene read well and augers nicely for Said Com’s chances in the Western Sydney Handicap.
Originally a ten horse affair, the field has been decimated by the scratchings of Gangster’s Choice, Honourable Aussie, Jacquinot Bay and Imperil.
Even before the scratchings of the above mentioned horses Said Com looked an excellent chance to claim an overdue win on Saturday.
Instead just taking on five rivals, Said Com will be given by far the easiest assignment of his latest campaign to date.
His opposition have a number of convictions against them ranging from poor form this prep to lengthy winning droughts.
On ratings, Monton shapes as the clear danger however two years between wins hardly inspires confidence.
Glyn Schofield jumps aboard Said Com on Saturday in what shapes as a tactical affair.
There is zero speed in the event on paper but being one who appreciates cover, expect Said Com to be positioned third or fourth behind the lead.
While Monton on ratings is the main danger, other opposition in Eigelstein, Kontiki Park, Sainthood and All Legal have four pounds or more to make up on Said Com.
It appears unlikely they can produce that improvement so quickly off their respective last start flops and that should be proven not long after straightening.
Better than even money is still available about Said Com at present in a race he really should win by default.
Agadir’s dominant first up success at Kembla Grange on December 21 was eye catching to say the least.
He appeared to do it with a bit in reserve and considering anticipated improvement second up can play a leading role in the Vinery Yearlings Handicap (1400m).
The Peter Snowden-trained three-year-old is unbeaten from two starts having debuted as a juvenile in winning fashion at Muswellbrook last June.
Agadir has run strong time figures during both victories and is already one of the better rated gallopers in this field on weight adjusted ratings.
He is one of the more lightly raced types in the field and is perfectly poised down on the limit weight.
Expect jockey Kerrin McEvoy to position Agadir handy and the pair will no doubt be prominent throughout.
Double figure odds were available about the Bernardini gelding earlier in the week however the each way quote as of Friday evening is still appealing.
Rule Book was tremendous last start at Randwick however perhaps just temper expectations in the TAB Rewards Benchmark Handicap (2400m).
The Gai Waterhouse-trained five-year-old delivered his best effort to date last start since arriving in Australia, running second contesting a Randwick Benchmark 75 over 1800m.
The UK import now rises sharply in distance third run from a spell four weeks since his latest raceday outing.
It shapes as a relatively even race on paper Rule Book could be left wanting over the final stages.
Rule Book ran well above expectations last start over an unsuitable distance and while the display was full of merit, he now lines up in what looks an open contest.
His main rivals are no doubt rock hard fit having anywhere from either their fourth run from a spell through to their seventh.
Rule Book is currently equal second favourite with Celtic Prince who last start confirmed his ability over 2400m with a win at Randwick.
Race favourite Pentometer is quickly working his way through the grades this campaign and is bred to relish getting out to 2400m fourth run from a spell.
Adam Hyeronimus will likely set the tempo aboard Rule Book where it will be the final furlong which should prove telling as the challenges begin.
Sydney Specials
BANKER: R5, #2 Said Com @ $2.15
PLAY OF THE DAY: R3, #9 Agadir @ $6.00
LAY OF THE DAY: R2, #2 Rule Book @ $4.00