Warwick Farm Tips & Preview | Wednesday 23 October

Leconfield is having his fourth start for Chris Waller following a promising return to the races at Kensington last start. The Snitzel went in search of a run once he rounded the bend, eventually finding clear air to the hit line hard from the 400m mark onwards where he rattled home late into fourth. He was racing over 1400m that day off a decent break, so this slight step back in trip helps with the class of James McDonald engaged. With most of his racing also coming on wet tracks, some slight sting out of the ground also strengthens his claims.

Komodo Dragon strikes a slightly easier race back to BM68 level second-up. The three-year-old by Hellbent has featured in the money in all four races since debuting earlier in the year, returning off a five-week let-up for third on the Kensington track last start under James McDonald. The pair overraced a little in the middle stages but still let down nicely to finish in the money, an encouraging effort with a few extra kilos on board this time.

Cormac T is a leading contender if he manages to work his way into the field as one of the emergencies. The Annabel Neasham-trained overseas import had little go his way from a wide gate at Kensington second-up, plugging away only fairly over the final stages to finish 2.2 lengths off. Jason Collett gets a crack in the saddle now from a much better gate, one that should see the pair quickly into stride and looking to lead.

Split Decision returns from a let-up for Matthew Smith and company. The lightly-raced daughter of Winning Rupert can mix her form, last seen finishing down the order in what was a complete forgive race over the track and distance back in August where she was held up badly over the final furlong. She really caught the eye winning a recent barrier trial on a shifty track and has put together a pair of wins first-up in the past.

French Endeavour should be racing with a great deal of confidence after knocking off the girls last start at Kensington. J-Mac got the best out of Matthew Smith’s mare over the concluding stages, pushing the right buttons to lift the daughter of Rubick over the line for a comfortable win. She’s still got scope for improvement third-up and draws to do no work at all back on her home track.

Restonica could add to what is shaping to be a huge day for the blue colours of Godolphin. This son of Exceed and Excel is third-up off a last start win at Newcastle over 100m shorter, a race that saw him work hard to find the front approaching the final furlong to win narrowly right on the line. He looked as though he might be wanting further based on his late sectionals, while it’s worth noting this smart four-year-old was runner up to subsequent Oaks winner Zardozi as a three-year-old.

Ambassadorial is somewhat the safest play in a tough race to end the day. The Waterhouse and Bott-trained four-year-old ran an eye-catching race over the mile here a few weeks ago on return, letting down with a ripping turn of foot to grab the front approaching the 200m mark after stalking the pace. A wet track shouldn’t worry him too much and he’s only carrying an extra 2kg with Tim Clark sticking in the irons.