By Tony Megahey
Two of Southern Districts hottest sprint prospects, TAB Highway winner Wanna Get A What and Miss Liffey, make compelling betting and spectator appeal as rivals in Monday’s TAB Wagga Riverside race meeting.
Both are likely city bound to counter increasing big weights on country tracks after they match their brilliant speed in the $20,000 Riverina Co-op Open sprint 1050m.
Gratz Vella’s Wanna Get A What with 61kg has the imposing record of five wins from 11 starts, including a TAB Highway success at Hawkesbury last season.
Trevor Mcilrick’s Miss Liffey with 60kg, has won seven races from 18 starts with a rare brand of speed. The present conditions of a Heavy 9 on the Riverside circuit, doesn’t concern either stable as both speedsters have proven wet track form.
However, the strongest indicator and push comes from accomplished regional jockey Richard Bensley. He has ridden both sprinters regularly, won several on both, and has elected to ride Wanna Get A What.
“Yes I think Richard did have the choice, he won on mine in that Queanbeyan Thunderbolt in record time so I trust he’s a good judge,” Gratz quipped. “We’ve drawn inside her and we haven’t been led too often, so we should be in front.
“He did have a slight set-back when he picked up a stone bruise, but he’s back to where he was and will be hard to beat. But I respect Miss Liffey’s record, she’s obviously our main danger. They both have big weights, but it’s not so much of a concern at just “1000” and ours is a big strong type. Miss Liffey beat one of mine last start, might be my turn this time, but she’s a genuine speed mare.”
Miss Liffey, to be ridden by Mathew Cahill, is coming off a tenacious win with 58.5kg in the Riverside MTC Scramble. After winning for Bensley at Queanbeyan, Wanna Get A What ran second at Hawkesbury. However, a big watch down in the weights is Albury’s John Whitelaw’s Daisy Doutes who won four in succession on Riverina tracks before failing in far tougher grade at Moonee Valley.
View the final fields with full form & race replays for Wagga Riverside here