3 minute read

Shortspresso looks well placed when lining up in the Matthew Williams Racing Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool today.

The Matthew Williams-trained runner has been very consistent in recent times and was not far away when runner up at this C/D last time out on a heavy track.

Won’t find this any tougher today and Ryan Maloney remains on board having ridden the four-year-old last start for the first time.

Would expect Shortspresso to not be far away in the run from barrier 2 and he should have no issues with the heavy track.

Has finished a very close second on both previous occasions here at his home course and if he runs up to his last start effort he will be very hard to beat in this.

Montana Moon returns having mixed her form last campaign but also showed good ability on occasion.

Stable must be respected although she is probably looking for more ground than what is on offer today and she remains unplaced from two previous efforts at Warrnambool.

Michelle Payne takes the ride for the first time and although she will be running on strongly at the end not sure she will be able to get the better of Shortspresso.

Malan has been very consistent in four runs this campaign although has failed to win a race in some 722 days now.

Just missed the placings when fourth in the same race as Shortspresso last time out and that effort brings him right into this.

Possesses a solid record in the wet and Craig Robertson who has placed in 3/4 goes back on board for this.

Certainly looks to have claims in a race like this and would expect him to be somewhere in the finish once again.

Trente won three starts back at Mornington but has been unable to go on with it in two runs since. Does her best racing over the 1200m trip but was well beaten by Shortspresso and Malan last start and will need to improve on that here.

Dreams Entourage won on debut last start and is open to improvement on that effort here.

One to keep in mind and could feature in the finish once again.