Gai Waterhouse | Gai Waterhouse Gais Tip Sheet

WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST - WARWICK FARM

Rail Position: True

THE LITTLE GENERAL - Race 7, 4.55pm, 1200m, T Clark, 57kg
The Little General bounced back to his best with a terrific second at Canterbury last time. He’s up in grade here to a Benchmark 72 having contested races of slightly lesser grade thus far this preparation, so it’s going to be tougher. However, he’s fourth-up and racing well so we think he deserves a shot in this grade, plus he gets some weight relief as a result which is not to be shrugged at. He’s got the speed to roll forward from barrier 15 and get across into a better position, and Tim should be able to get him travelling comfortably in the middle stages. He’ll appreciate the step up to 1200 metres at this stage of his campaign and he ticks a lot of boxes, so hopefully he can keep improving and give this a good shake.

THURSDAY 20th AUGUST - HAWKESBURY

Rail Position: True

ROEBUCK PLANE - Race 4, 2.35pm, 1300m, R King, 55kg
Roebuck Plane ran a race full of promise on debut at Wyong. 1100 metres around that tight turning track wasn’t the optimal set up but we had to start somewhere, and if you take the impressive winner out of it who’s since won in Saturday metro-grade then she wasn’t beaten far at all. She’s taken plenty of improvement from it so she’s both fitter and more streetwise coming into this run, and the step up to 1300 metres on a more expansive track is a huge tick against her name. She’s drawn a lovely barrier in 6 so Rachel should be able to flow forward from there, land close to the speed and get into a comfortable rhythm so that she can conserve energy in the middle stages of the contest. We have plenty of success at Hawkesbury and we think the conditions of this race will suit her enormously, so given she’s got a lot of upside we expect her to be right there at the finish.

TEMPESTUOUS - Race 6, 3.50pm, 1100m, T Clark, 59kg
Tempestuous is in wonderful shape ahead of his return. Patience has been the name of the game with this gelding, but for good reason. In his three starts as a two year old he ran to a very high level, and he has form around the likes of subsequent Stakes race winners North England, Hidden Motive, Memo, Apocalyptic and O’Ole. As such, Adrian and I have been happy to give him as much time as possible because we’re confident he’s got the ability to repay you now that he’s a fully mature four year old. He’s also been gelded during this time which many regard as the ultimate gear change, so he’s got the potential to now really go on with the job for you all. He’s had three trials this time in which isn’t unusual for a horse returning from a long layoff, so he’s as fit as we can get him and 1100 metres is an ideal starting point for him. He’s drawn to the outside in barrier 9, however there’s only one turn in the race and Tim’s got plenty of time to roll forward from there and settle in a favourable position where he can enjoy an even run in transit. This is a lovely race to kick him off in and at a realistic level, so whilst there will inevitably be improvement to come he’s forward enough to do himself justice and we expect him to be extremely competitive.