Runner By Runner Guide: Group 2 Warrnambool Cup

A stellar field of sprinters has been assembled to contest the Group 2 Warrnambool Cup (450m) on Wednesday night.

Here is our runner-by-runner analysis of the $55,000-to-the-winner group 2 showpiece.

FIELDS AND FORM WARRNAMBOOL CUP NIGHT

1. SUPER SHANKS

Record: 56 starts, 19 wins 21 placings P/M: $70,875

Warrnambool best: 25.32 Trainer: Carl Haas Price: $21

COMMENT: Made his Warrnambool debut a winning one when taking out his heat in 25.32. Much travelled campaigner which is yet to miss a place in his five Victorian starts since making his way from Tassie. Gets the gun draw but all things being equal is a rough place chance at best.  

2. TROOPER TEARS

Record: 28 starts, 14 wins 5 placings P/M: $293,017

Warrnambool best: 25.32 Trainer: Robert Britton Price: $9.50

COMMENT: Followed up his fifth place The Sandgroper finish with a determined 25.32 heat win, his first public appearance at Warrnambool. The effort was his first start on a one-turn track so likely to benefit from the outing and his ability is well documented. Would have preferred from a wider draw with so much speed carving down on him.  

3. MORTON

Record: 26 starts, 15 wins 7 placings P/M: $469,365

Warrnambool best: 24.87 Trainer: Jason Sharp Price: $3.20

COMMENT: Did it the hard way to stick on for third in The Sandgroper before setting the Warrnambool Cup pace with a 24.87 heat blitz. Like Trooper Tears, he was having his first look at a u-turn track and took to it like a duck to water. Clearly the one to beat. 

4. MATT LOCH

Record: 24 starts, 11 wins 6 placings P/M: $38,725

Warrnambool best: 24.72 Trainer: Michelle Mallia Price: $5

COMMENT: Eight starts at The Bool for four wins and three seconds with a sparkling 24.72 PB. Has carved out a 6.44 first split and if he repeats that should lead. No questioning his natural talent but this is the acid test of his 24 start career. Really keen to see how he measures up. 

5. FERNANDO PHIL 

Record: 29 starts, 10 wins 10 placings P/M: $92,120

Warrnambool best: 25.04 Trainer: Michelle Mallia Price: $5

COMMENT: Kennelmate to the blue which returned from a trip west with a slashing 25.04 heat success. Already a Horsham Cup winner and I don't see the middle draw posing many issues given his racing style. If Matt Loch begins and heads to the fence look for the race to open up for him. Representing value at the $5 mark. 

6. FLYING ZULU

Record: 16 starts, 9 wins 2 placings P/M: $35,360

Warrnambool best: 24.99 Trainer: Jason Thompson Price: $5

COMMENT: Bounced back from a Geelong Cup campaign where not a lot went right to narrowly win his heat over Matt Loch in 24.99. Oozes talent but his chances will be determined at the start as he can be a little risky. If he comes out on terms, they'll have a good deal of trouble holding him out. 

7. DESCRIPTION

Record: 19 starts, 8 wins 5 placings P/M: $22,180

Warrnambool best: 25.14 Trainer: Rebecca Gibbons Price: $23

COMMENT: Really progressive sprinter bred in the purple which caused a mini-upset winning his qualifier in 25.14. Goes up another level tonight and the draw hasn't done him a lot of favours but regardless of how he performs, look for him over the coming weeks as he continues to assemble a tidy little record. 

8. BERNIE BURROW

Record: 22 starts, 11 wins 3 placings P/M: $36,410

Warrnambool best: 24.98 Trainer: Jason Thompson Price: $7

COMMENT: Been in brilliant touch for Jason Thompson since switching from Queensland winning five of his seven starts, including his Cup heat in 24.98 with a blinding 6.45 first split when he had the one alley. Box eight record isn't great but he's improving by the week and at $7 represents terrific each-way value in a race with a host of chances.