3 minute read

We’ve found one to follow from Balaklava on Wednesday.

Race 4: Guru Warrior

Given next to none in both of his starts to date, Guru Warrior will be breaking through very soon as he steps out in trip.

Punters can be forgiven for not recognising him on debut at Strathalbyn when sneaking a run up the fence but the three-year-old put everyone on notice at Balaklava when ratting home into second.

Turning 10.4L off the leader, the Andrew Gluyas-trained gelding lengthen impressively down the outside to launch into second, to only be beaten 2.5L.

Our sectionals at Racing and Sports suggest he was ridden inefficiently and went to the line with a fair bit up his sleeve. Therefore, had he been able to take closer order in the earlier stages there is a solid argument to be made he would've shed his maiden tag.

By dual Group 1 winner Saxon Warrior (2000 Guineas & Futurity Trophy), it's a no-brainer the Guru will be better suited over a longer trip, expecting him to savage 1600m before continuing his rise.

I suspect the stable have a fair opinion of Guru Warrior and they may look to campaign the three-year-old similarly to one of their stable stars Air Assault, with perhaps an SA Derby prep in him next year.