3 minute read

Lightly raced galloper Volcanic Warrior can break through for an overdue win in today's De Bertoli Wines Handicap (race 5) at Gosford.

The race, a Benchmark 60, is a heat of the rising stars series where 2kg claiming apprentice Lauri Wray takes the mount on the topweight.

Prepared by Mark De Montfort at Warwick Farm, Volcanic Warrior is fitter for one run back from a spell and looks hard to hold out over the 1200m journey.

Last campaign, the gelding's sole win was fresh up at Canterbury then he ran mostly in town again without winning but he did run some good races.

Second up was a fourth at Warwick Farm, before a close up fifth at Kembla Grange two starts later.

He placed at Warick Farm again three back before a disappointing run on firm footing at Kembla Grange before a break.

This time in he resumed over 1100m at Gosford and after getting back to near last and turning well back, found the line strong for a three length fourth.

The gelding is a second up winner and drops back a grade for today's assignment.

The 2kg claim is a plus and Wray did handle him well last time out.

He is suited by the longer trip and should be hard to hold out.

Iberian Pleasure is resuming from a spell and should give a big sight.

The Darren Smith trained gelding was consistent without winning last time in.

Four starts back he was runner up over 1400m at Hawkesbury before placing again last time over 1400m at Newcastle.

He then placed there at a mile before finishing the campaign over 1350m at Wyong.

There he raced on the speed and boxed on well but could manage only a two length fourth.

Fresh up he has placed two of three runs but does looks suited in this grade.

He has drawn for a good run on the speed and fitter for two recent trials should give a big sight.

Miyagi San is a progressive galloper who can bounce back here.

The gelding showed ability on debut where he wasn't the best away but hit the line well over 900m at Newcastle before finishing third.

He then raced over 1000m at Muswellbrook and drew wide, facing the breeze throughout, before proving too tough to score his maiden success.

Last start, over 1000m at Wyong, he jumped poorly and was a clear last throughout before being caught up in traffic and only getting clear when the race was over.

He is definitely worth another chance here and with 55kg after the claim will be storming home over the longer trip.

Robbed was a last start placing here and with a repeat of the run, when coming from well back, he looks an each way chance again.