A quality field of sprinters is set to test the speed barrier in the XXXX Gold Wagga Whirlwind (1000m) on Thursday.
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There are several chances in the feature race where there is a $1500 bonus to the trainer if the winner breaks the track record of 56.75 seconds.
That mark looks safe although the winner is expected to go close to the current record.
One galloper with speed to burn is She Zar who will be working hard from a widish draw to find the fence in front.
She is one of two runners for Canberra trainer Luke Pepper, who also has the talented Appoint Percy resuming from a spell.
“She Zar is ready to run a big race with only a light weight although this is her test in open class,” he said.
“She went really well winning a trial by six lengths at Goulburn after her first-up win.”
Finishing behind She Zar in the trial, although not pressured, was subsequent Goulburn Country Championship qualifier Pumpkin Pie.
She Zar won at Moruya first-up in 56.49 seconds and Pepper feels she is going equally as well.
“It’s a bit of a tricky draw for her, but she flies and should be out and running,” he said.
Pepper has Appoint Percy on the path for the Country Championship at Gosford in a couple of weeks.
He has only raced once in the past 11 months, goes in without a trial, and his wins have come over 1200 to 1600 metres.
The Sydney winner may be in need of the run for fitness and pepper expects him to be hitting the line strongly.
“He is on the way back from injury and is working really well,” he said.
The race is packed with interest with some other gallopers resuming and others having their second start back from a break.
Stablemates Dyrham Park and Man Of Peace fall into that category, while For Me Dad is a dual winner at Wagga capable of firing second-up.
The top weight Magnaro hasn’t raced for three months, while former Snake Gully Cup winner Zero To Ten is also first-up along with the consistent Leucura.
I’m Rockin won two starts back at Kembla Grange and wasn’t far away when second last start while Mixed Blossom won two races in succession before finishing fourth last time.
The wide barrier is a concern for Mixed Blossom with so many speedy gallopers drawn inside.
With race fitness on her side, the consistent Miss Liffey is another of the main chances after finishing second at her two starts since a spell.