Day three of the famous Warrnambool Racing Carnival will see the running of the Grand Annual Steeplechase and the Warrnambool Cup. The track is rated as Heavy and gallopers will start the first of 10 races at 11:15am (AEST). Duke of Bedford is the current favourite in the Chase for Andrew Bobbin with Hit The Road Jack getting support despite being no match for Stern Idol in the Brierly on Tuesday. Peter Moody and Kathrine Coleman’s Pounding is the favourite for the Warrnambool Cup. My three best bets are below!
Warrnambool Racing Tips: Thursday, May 7th 2026
Race 7: Brandt Grand Annual Steeplechase 5500m - 2:30pm (AEST)
(6) Hit The Road Jack ran a gallant 2nd behind Stern Idol on Tuesday in the Brierly Steeplechase. Before that run he led all of the way at Terang and I wouldn't be surprised if the team try to lead all of the way in this race. He has won 4 from 10 races over the jumps and local trainer Simon Wilde knows how to train jumpers. This is his Grand Final with this being a target 12 months out.
(3) The Mighty Spar has won 7 from 20 races over the jumps and ran 4th on Tuesday but was back a fair way (15L). Very tough horse though and Michael Walker wouldn’t back him up if he didn’t think he could run a forward race.
(2) Duke Of Bedford hasn’t won since this day last year but was impressive winning a jumpout here on April 20. Will Gordan rides and Andrew Bobbin has deliberately kept him fresher than his rivals. Interestingly he did jumpout over 1200m last week at Horsham (3rd).
(6) Hit The Road Jack WIN
$3.20 (1 unit)
Race 8: Kia Handicap 1400m - 3:15pm (AEST)
(2) El Rocko is a good each-way play in this race I reckon. He goes very well on damp ground and he does race very well over the 1400m. It's his first try at The Bool but he will find this race a lot easier than his last couple. He has drawn well in barrier 5 and it wouldn't surprise me if John Allen settles him in the lead or outside of the leader.
(4) Sir Atlas goes well first up from a spell and is one from one on a Heavy track. He ran on very well at Caulfield over the Mile last start but Will Gordon is off concentrating on bigger and longer races on the day and Fred Kersley is on. He has had one start at Warrnambool for one Victory.
(8) Placo has drawn very wide in 13 but will go forward anyway. He has a good winning strike rate which includes 1 from 1 on the Heavy.
(2) El Rocko Each-Way
$8.00/$2.50 (1 unit)
Race 9: Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup 2350m - 3:55pm (AEST)
(3) Pounding the experienced campaigner has been racing very well this prep and almost got there last start when beaten a nose in the Mornington Cup. The Heavy track is a concern because he has never placed on the Heavy but if Luke Nolen can give him a nice run in around midfield he can open up late. He has never seen the Bool but I reckon Peter Moody and Kat Coleman have set him for this all prep.
(14) Khor led and ran a very good 2nd last start at Terang on the Heavy track. Has drawn wide again (16) but Linda Meech will take him forward.
(2) Basilinna has drawn the carpark with 18 but does go well on Damp tracks. He has been pretty unlucky in his last couple of starts being the Australian and Mornington cups.
(3) Pounding WIN
$4.40 (1 unit)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 2, 3, 6
Leg two: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg three: 2, 3, 14
Leg four: 1, 11, 14, 16
