Walter Warlock surprises in the Nutrien Breeders Challenge Heat

Local three year old Walter Warlock (McWicked) upset his more fancied rivals when he led all the way to win the Nutrien Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge Heat at Newcastle on Friday evening.

Driven hard early by Will Rixon Walter Warlock found the early lead from Half Holiday running his first quarter in 27.4 seconds.

Hot favourite the star Queenslander Path To Greatness from the inside of the second row was steered off the rails by Robert Morris. As soon as he was balanced one out, Morris took off around the field to eventually race outside Walter Warlock.

Walter Warlock didn’t get much peace in front and as a result of the fast pace most of those behind him were off the bit in the final lap. Path To Greatness still looked to be travelling within himself on the final bend but to the surprise of many Walter Warlock under vigorous driving by Rixon showed plenty of determination to hold off Path To Greatness by just over a metre with Dance With Carmer a fair way back in third.

WALTER WARLOCK SEP 26 REPLAY

Walter Warlock ran a quick 1.51.2 for the mile. Trained by Geoffrey Dorn at Bolwarra at nearby Maitland Walter Warlock is out of Dolce Bella was owned by well known identity John Dumesny. She has previously left the winners Roscommon Rose, Coastal Girl and Imani.

Walter Warlock likes the Newcastle circuit having now won six races at the track but this by far his best win. Path To Greatness lost no admirers with a gallant second and his run was even more credible with the fast time. He will improve on the effort and will be hard to beat if he contests the Group 1 Final for three year old colts and geldings at Menangle on October 25.

Driver Will Rixon’s front driving skills were seen yet again to the fore when in the following event he guided Huxton (Lather Up) to take out the Somerset Meats Pace over Goodtime Miki and Soho Piastri.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink