A Warrnambool Cup three-peat is on the line as Matt Loch returns to the track in Thursday night’s Sportsbet Warrnambool Cup heats.
We haven’t seen the country cup champ in 2026 following his last-place finish in the Hobart Thousand, but after a stint in semi-retirement, the veteran has signalled he’s ready to return.
“He is going as good as he ever has,” trainer Michelle Mallia said.
Matt Loch has drawn box two in heat three (Race 8), and his comeback couldn’t be tougher. Lining up alongside him is one of the sport’s most exciting young talents, Dewana Star, who has drawn perfectly in box one.
Four heats make up Thursday night’s program, with the winners and runners-up progressing to the Group 2 Warrnambool Cup final on Wednesday, May 6.
The opening heat sees Australian Cup champion Dramatical clash with winner Not Again.
Dramatical gave fans a glimpse of his brilliance at Warrnambool last week, clocking a best-of-the-night 24.72 seconds over the 450m – taking down Topgun winner Slick Splits and Geelong Cup victor Paw Matic in the process. He’ll jump from box two for Jason Thompson.
Topgun champion Slick Splits headlines heat two but there has been plenty of interest for Shepparton Cup finalist – Kraken Whisky.
Bendigo Cup winner Boracay Storm and Launching Pad hero Repeat The Same feature in the final heat to round out a blockbuster set of qualifiers.
