Ron Patchett Hcp (C3)

With the rail in the True position, the track should play fairly without a specific bias towards any running style. This position ensures the inside section of the track is fresh. Horses drawn low who can hold a position will save significant ground, which is a distinct advantage. Runners drawn wide will need to have the tactical speed to cross and find a position early to avoid a tough, wide run.

The race is on the Bunbury Fibre Sand track, rated a Good 3. This is a fast, all-weather surface that produces consistent and genuine racing. It typically favors horses with good tactical speed who can race on or near the pace, as leaders can be hard to run down if they get their own way. Kickback can be a significant factor for backmarkers, making it difficult for them to slice through the field. Horses with proven form on this specific surface, like #1 One Punch, hold a key advantage.

The 1500m start at Bunbury provides a fair run into the first turn, allowing horses with gate speed to cross from wider barriers. However, it's also long enough that those who hesitate or lack speed can be left stranded wide without cover. The Bunbury track features a long, sweeping home straight which typically gives all runners their chance, but the Fibre Sand surface can behave differently to turf. A strong pace over this distance will test the stamina of all runners, particularly those who do extra work early.

This is a Class 3 Handicap, a competitive grade where horses are looking to progress. The handicap conditions bring several runners close in ability. The key factor is the weight scale. #9 Yallingup Girl, with only 51.5kg thanks to the apprentice claim, has a significant weight advantage that will assist her front-running tactics, making her harder to catch if she can establish a rhythm.