Trainers going to the Wel again in 2025 Winter Stakes
Heavy track specialist Welwal gets his chance to shine again this Saturday in the Winter Stakes (1400m), with trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr confident the conditions will suit him perfectly.
The six-year-old made a memorable debut for the stable when winning the Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last November on a heavy surface.
Since then, the stable has been chasing similar ground for the gelding to showcase his best.
“We have been hanging out for a heavy track for this horse,” Kent Jnr said.
“He won for the stable first start on a heavy track in the Group Three Kevin Heffernan and all prep we have somehow been missing out on wet ground.
“The horse is really going well. We’re tickled pink with the way he is training.”
Welwal caught the eye last start in the Civic Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, flashing home late to grab second after settling last.
Although burdened with 60kg on Saturday, the smaller field of 13 runners and a kind draw have connections hopeful of a big performance.
“Things didn’t work out his first two runs because he got too far back, but last start was telling of how well he has been going at home. He really hit the line strongly,” Kent Jnr said.
“The heavy track and smaller field on Saturday really brings him into it.
“He has a nice middle draw and if he can just hold a spot midfield, I know he’s got a lot of weight but he is a class horse and he seemingly loves heavy going.”
This will be Welwal’s fourth run of the preparation, though his campaign has been well spaced to keep him fresh.
“He’s has been prepared beautifully for this race,” Kent Jnr noted.
“He’s had three runs in and hasn’t been overtaxed. He is still on the way up and I reckon it’s a lovely race for him.”
Stablemate Grand Impact won’t line up in the Winter Stakes and instead heads north for the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) on the Sunshine Coast.
Interested in betting on the Winter Stakes? Get the latest offers and markets at justhorseracing.com.au.
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