Weatherly Primed for Razor Sharp Handicap

Trainer Paul Messara is confident that Weatherly’s class means that he will prove extremely difficult to beat when he returns to racing in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon.

Weatherly will make his competitive return in Saturday's Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Weatherly will make his competitive return in Saturday’s Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Weatherly has only had three competitive race starts since he made his debut at the beginning of the year, but has more than stamped himself as a colt to follow through the class he has exuded on each appearance.

Messara has had a huge opinion of the three-year-old since he arrived at his Scone base prior to debuting and while conceding that the horse will take benefit from the run, is confident that he will perform in the Razor Sharp Handicap.

“He’s a first-class horse. He’s a top-ender there’s no doubt about that,” Messara told AAP.

“Every time he’s been ready to race we’ve had the setback so it’s cost him a fair bit. He might be a little bit ring-rusty and need a good hit-out but nonetheless I’m happy enough going into it.”

Messara trained Weatherly’s sire; the late Beneteau, but believes that his current progeny is in fact a faster horse, with the potential to reach new heights.

“This bloke would be quicker than Beneteau in a pure sprinting sense,” Messara said.

“I don’t think I’ve had many horses faster than this horse.

“It’s the same pressure with every horse but some of them make it easy and other make it difficult.

“When they’ve got that talent you’ve got to be willing to do whatever is necessary to extract the best result.”

Trialling well in the lead-up to his competitive debut, Weatherly missed the start in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) on Australia Day, but produced a slick late turn of foot to run on for a credible sixth.

Clearly relishing straight track racing, Weatherly took a forward position in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) second-up and never appeared in doubt; hitting the line close to two lengths in the clear of closest rival Conscious.

Last seen finishing third in the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) on March 5th, Weatherly has posted two strong barrier trial wins at Scone and Rosehill respectively in the lead-up to the Razor Sharp Handicap.

Weatherly is currently available at Razor Sharp Handicap odds of $6 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.