Warrnambool Betting Tips for August 20, 2026 - Empress of the Bool

Martin Pennington

Editor

Last updated: Tue 18 Aug 2026 12:11

Martin Pennington 54 minutes ago

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Warrnambool races face heavy track conditions (Heavy 9 rating)
Top picks: Empress Rossa (R5), Shamex (R8), value on Smokin’ Rohie (R2), and roughie Hellfire Jess (R6)
Wet-track performers and weight claims could influence results

Testing ground will be a major factor at Warrnambool on Thursday. (Getty)

Warrnambool stages Thursday's Victorian card, with an eight-race country meeting to unfold.

Warrnambool Tips August 20
Hire Australia BM70 Highweight Handicap Tips (Race 2)
Westcoast Wilcleen Maiden Plate Tips (Race 5)
Ocean Road Realty BM62 Handicap Tips (Race 6)
Dwyer Legal Warrnambool & Port Fairy BM62 Handicap Tips (Race 8)

Testing conditions are likely, with the track currently rated a Heavy 9 and more rain forecast.

For wider betting angles, our Daily Racing Multi brings together leading combinations from multiple programs.

Warrnambool Tips August 20

Hire Australia BM70 Highweight Handicap Tips (Race 2)

Warrnambool Value Bet - Race 2 No. 5 Smokin’ Rohie

There have been some solid efforts from Smokin’ Rohie in highweight events this year, including a third at Casterton last time out.

Competing at Benchmark 0-56 level over 2000m, the gelding was ridden cold on a Soft 7 and kept on nicely down the outside to finish just a length from the winner.

That followed a fourth at Swan Hill on his previous appearance, while the forecast testing conditions should hold no concerns despite Smokin’ Rohie remaining winless on Heavy ground, having placed multiple times on the surface.

The six-year-old also boasts an excellent Warrnambool record, recording one win and three third-place finishes from four starts at the course.

Frenchman Luca Remondet has won aboard the gelding previously and, while the extra distance is a query, the pair rate as value to register their second victory together.

Westcoast Wilcleen Maiden Plate Tips (Race 5)

Warrnambool Best Bet - Race 5 No. 3 Empress Rossa

Empress Rossa has performed well in both starts to date, finishing runner-up on each occasion.

Both efforts have come on Heavy ground, including her debut over this course and distance, where she raced in midfield and finished two lengths away despite being bumped and hampered leaving the barriers.

Stepping up to 1200m at Hamilton next time, a change of tactics saw the filly race on speed and produce another strong effort when beaten just under three lengths.

She may have finished closer that day but for her rider dropping the whip at around the 300m mark, while the good barrier speed she displayed should help offset the wide draw here.

Representing a jockey-trainer combination that performs well when teaming up, Empress Rossa looks well placed to break her maiden at the third attempt.

Ocean Road Realty BM62 Handicap Tips (Race 6)

Warrnambool Roughie - Race 6 No. 11 Hellfire Jess

The least experienced runner in the field, Hellfire Jess broke through for her first win when returning from a spell at Mount Gambier earlier this month.

Racing over 900m on a Heavy surface for the first time, the filly overcame an awkward start to score by more than a length, with the first two finishing over four lengths clear of the third.

Similar underfoot conditions are expected here with a Heavy 9 currently in place, and her proven ability on testing ground is an obvious positive.

As the sole three-year-old in the field, Hellfire Jess receives weight from all but one of her rivals, while the inside draw should also assist Tom Madden in finding a favourable position.

The rise in distance is expected to suit, and the lightly raced Tom Dabernig-trained filly may be capable of surprising at a bigger price.

Dwyer Legal Warrnambool & Port Fairy BM62 Handicap Tips (Race 8)

Warrnambool Next Best Bet - Race 8 No. 7 Shamex

Wet conditions have brought out some strong performances from Shamex across four starts this preparation, including a convincing victory at Casterton on her penultimate appearance.

Racing from the front in that Benchmark 62, the mare came home two-and-a-half lengths clear of her seven rivals, while the form has since been strengthened by the second, third and fifth all winning subsequently.

Although unable to follow up at Murtoa last time, Shamex produced a highly creditable effort when stepped up to 2050m and was beaten just under one-and-a-half lengths in stronger company.

The drop back to Benchmark 62 level is firmly in her favour, while the forecast Heavy conditions should again play to her strengths.

Shayleigh Ingelse’s 3kg claim is another positive and, with Shamex mapping well in this field, she looks capable of returning to winning form.