Take Us On, Shaun: midweek intrigue at Warwick Farm

Shaun Beirne belted punters with the races he previewed on the weekend. ‘Got the shallot’ as they say.

The horses he was prepared to take on didn’t deliver, his ratings held up. No theatrics, no overreach, just good analysis being rewarded.

Now the focus shifts to midweek racing at Warwick Farm. And it’s time for punters to fight back.

Warwick Farm Race 4: pressure tells the story

Short-priced favourite Straand Beauty resumed off a long break and returned with a performance that was sound without being spectacular.

“He came back about a length off his personal best first-up,” Beirne said. “Off 169 days, that’s a reasonable effort.”

At his best, Straand Beauty is most effective when able to dictate.

“His strongest ratings come when he’s leading,” Beirne said. “But this race has some pressure.”

Even if he does find the front, Beirne sees challenges.

“He might not lead, and if he does, it won’t be an easy lead. That changes the shape of the race.”

Runranirun arrives with momentum and a profile that continues to build.

“She’s really progressed this preparation,” Beirne said.

Her debut figure stood out, even allowing for conditions.

“She ran a big number at her first start,” he said. “It was helped by the heavy track, but the ability was still evident.”

What has impressed most is the trajectory.

“The ratings are trending strongly this prep,” Beirne said. “Second-up she ran the fastest last 600 metres of the entire meeting.”

Beirne sees this as a race where the map and tempo will be decisive.

“It’s not a race where you need to overthink it,” he said. “But it’s also not a race where you can ignore how it might be run.”

For punters, it’s a midweek contest that rewards discipline rather than aggression. For Beirne, it’s simply another race where the numbers frame the picture.

And like any hard-nosed bookie, Beirne is happy to back his opinion, take on the favourite late, and tackle the punters head on. So, if you want to back Straand Legend today you’re probably best doing so at Betlegends.com.au.