Gai Waterhouse | Gai Waterhouse News 61854 Playing By The Rules

Emma Reeves aids us with programming and identifies who she thinks is the best placed horse each weekend.

Townsend, Saturday 10th May, Gosford, Race 8: 
Every year, I look for a horse for this race because, on average, it takes a mid to late 80-rated horse to win it—and it’s worth $500,000. Finding horses for these winnable, out-of-season races with large purses is one of the more satisfying parts of my job (when it comes off), so I couldn’t look past Townsend this week.

 

I must admit, I expected more from him first-up, but he holds condition and will relish the mile and beyond as he gets deeper into his preparation. He’s suitably weighted, the tight track and short straight should be ideal, he races only three- and four-year-olds, and he handles all conditions. This has been a long-range target for him, so I’m hopeful he can feature in the finish.