Four to Follow

Results since 15/09/2007 betting each selection to win. Updated Nov 18.

Saturday, 14th November 2008

The Four To Follow for Sandown Classic Day:

Zipping (Sandown R7 N1)

In terms of class, Zipping has panels on his rivals in the Sandown Classic. He is a quality weight-for-age performer who can see out a journey against a bunch of handicappers. If he races as well as he has in any of his spring starts, he will put a gap on these just as he did last year when he claimed the Classic in comfortable fashion. Zipping enters this in good form after a super third in the Turnbull, an unfortunate second in the Cox Plate and a tough ninth in the Melbourne Cup. He is the best suited under the weight scale, the mile-and-a-half suits and the addition of in-form jockey Michael Rodd only heightens the confidence. He rates a 1.80 shot and should win this with a leg in the air.

Marveen (Sandown R6 N10)

This Robert Smerdon filly showed a ton of courage to get the money on Cup Day when fighting back to defeat Romneya after being clearly headed in the straight. It was a real eyecatching performance that suggested she would be well suited by a mile. She gets that in the Guineas. She is drawn well and will most likely push forward and make this a genuine test which will suit her more than any other runner. She has also won at Sandown before, an added bonus. She can be bet down to 4.0.

Diplomatic Force (Sandown R5 N7)

Diplomatic Force is going to be very hard to hold out in the listed Kevin Heffernan Stakes, the easiest race he competed in for some time. Accustomed to racing at group one and group two level, Diplomatic Force will not know himself at this level. He has been good enough this preparation with a solid seventh in the Caulfield Sprint before a good effort to finish seventh behind Swick in the group one Patinack Farm Classic. The trip is a concern but the weight scale is in his favour. He rates a 3.25 shot and can be bet at odds better than that.

Orbit Express (Sandown R8 N10)

Orbit Express seems a promising type who looks well placed this Saturday. He turned in a very good effort last start when running a 2 length third behind Rightfully Yours. Orbit Express meets the second placed horse in that race, Count To Zero, a ½ kilogram better at the weights this time around and he looks better suited by the 1500 metre journey. Greg Childs regains the ride and that should suit as he is the last rider to guide Orbit Express to a win. Bet him each-way down to 7.0.

Saturday, 8th November 2008

The Four To Follow for Emirates Stakes Day:

Conquering (Flemington R7 N12)

Underrated Conquering looks to be the best bet in an even Emirates Stakes. He has been very good in two runs this preparation, winning back home in Hobart under a massive impost of 65 ½ kilograms before running a quality second to Sea Battle in the Waterford Crystal Mile. He meets that galloper 1 ½ kilograms better at the weight and is much better drawn than Sea Battle today. He has won once and placed on another occasion from two runs at the track and he has finished in the quinella six times from twelve runs at the trip. Bookies have him quoted at 14.0 today and that is big overs. Bet him each-way down to 9.0.

Apache Cat (Flemington R6 N1)

Apache Cat is a genuine superstar and the last year has been his most successful on the racetrack. He has won seven of his last eight starts including five straight group one wins this calendar year from 1000 metres to 1350 metres. His last defeat was over a mile last spring when he was just rolled by Marasco in the Makybe Diva Stakes. He has an exceptional fresh record, he has lost only once from five runs over the six furlong journey and he goes very well at Flemington. He is also the best suited horse under the weight scale. Apache Cat looks a good thing and can be bet down to 1.55.

Mandela (Flemington R9 N3)

The Queen Elizabeth is a tough race but it looks to be a race with three top line chances in Baughurst, Light Vision and Mandela. Mandela is the best value of the three runners with a prepost price of 7.50 quoted. He was super in winning the Werribee Cup when coming from well back to hit the lead late. That win followed up a luckless sixth in the Coongy. This trip is ideal at this stage and he is sure to be getting home strong off the back of the likely strong tempo. Try him each-way down to 5.0. Also box a quinella with #1 and #2 included.

Tan Tat De Lago (Flemington R8 N2)

This Peter Moody prepared mare has been racing in fine style this preparation and looks the one to beat now the rains have started to fall in Melbourne. She has had three runs this time in and all have been good on unsuitable ground. Her second-up run from near last behind Mimi Lebrock was outstanding while she made plenty of ground in the Myer Classic last Saturday. She will get conditions to suit this Saturday and the drop in grade doesn’t hurt her chances either. Bet her at greater than 5.50.

Thursday, 6th November 2008

The Four To Follow for Oaks Day:

Samantha Miss (Flemington R6 N1)

There is no form like three-year-old filly form. If history and formlines hold up and she can see out the 2500 metre journey, Samantha Miss should be winning with a leg in the air. Her form this preparation has been exceptional. She dominated the quality Sydney fillies races before running a good race in the Cox Plate to finish third after an ordinary ride by Glen Boss. Hugh Bowman is back on board for the Oaks and she is bred to run the trip. Bet her down to 1.65.

Mine Game (Flemington R3 N3)

Mick Kent has a very promising filly in Mine Game and she looks set to take the third at Flemington tomorrow. She looked very good in winning at Caulfield on Cup day, taking a handy race over 1400 metres. She jumps up to 1700 metres for this but being from a Grosvenor mare that shouldn’t be a problem. Corey Brown retains the ride and the wide alley is no concern. She can be backed with confidence.

Lucky Secret (Flemington R8 N1)

Lucky Secret is an exceptionally talented galloper from the Tony Vasil yard and will be very hard to stop in the eighth. Lucky Secret was absolutely devastating in winning the Schweppes last start, cruising to the front and running his rivals into the ground. He beat the talented Bel Mer by 2 ¼ lengths in that run while carrying 58 ½ kilograms. He has won nine and placed twice more from twelve career starts and is a proven weight carrier. He has drawn well and the 1100 metres is ideal. He will be very hard to run down. Bet him at 2.75 or above.

Beaming (Flemington R1 N5)

Beaming is a promising young mare who has made consistency her hallmark in an eight race career that has netted three wins and four placings. She resumes in the opening event of the day after a good finish to her last preparation that saw her record back-to-back wins before a good second in the Creswick at Flemington. She has never, in fact, finished further back than third in four career runs down the straight. She has won fresh before and this seems her grade. Back her each-way at 5.0.

Tuesday, 4th November 2008

The Four To Follow for Melbourne Cup Day:

Zipping (Flemington R7 N7)

Zipping has been going extremely well without much luck this preparation but that will hopefully change on Tuesday. Two runs back he got home like a train to finish third in the Turnbull at huge odds before having a Cox Plate stolen from his grasp by a lack of pace in the race. He is flying. Zipping has plenty of knockers going into the Cup with his staying credentials questioned and his previous fourths being used as justification of such. I don’t buy into it. He always runs well and his two Cup runs have been very good. It also took Empire Rose three goes to win her first Melbourne Cup. With the pace sure to be on, he is well suited. His current quote of 21.0 is silly. Bet him down to 13.0 and have him both ways.

Aichi (Flemington R5 N2)

The strategic gelding looks the best bet of the Cup day card in a moderate five furlong affair. Prepared by Peter Snowden, Aichi has been racing in great heart of late, winning up the straight over Time Thief two starts back before a classy second to Sunburnt Land (against the older horses) in the Caulfield Sprint. He will appreciate being back against his own age in this and the class drop is significant. The inside draw is some concern but it should just allow McEvoy to avoid trouble on him. He looks a genuine even money shot.

The Fuzz (Flemington R8 N2)

The Fuzz could be silly odds in the old Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes and is well worth an each-way wager. Prepost markets have him at 11.0 and that is a stupid price. He ran an absolute treat three runs back at Flemington when just getting nutted by Stavka over the unsuitable 1400 metre journey. His two subsequent runs have been in group one company. Back to listed level, he is beautifully in with 58kg. He loves Flemington, goes well off a break and he has a form jockey on board. Bet him each-way down to 6.0.

Chantal Sally (Flemington R3 N6)

Chantal Sally seems to have the right kind of formlines for the old Cup Day Hurdle (minus the jumps). The bonny mare ran a very good third in the Cranbourne Cup, a race that has turned into a pretty solid form event with the subsequent runs of Barbaricus, who placed in both the Mackinnon and the Caulfield Cup. After that run she finished midfield in the Geelong Cup in a fair effort. She loves a trip and is sure to be suited by the 2800 metre journey. Try her each-way down to 7.0.

Saturday, 1st November 2008

The Four To Follow for Victoria Derby Day:

Whobegotyou (Flemington R7 N1)

It is tough to see any of the other Derby runners getting close to Whobegotyou. He looks a star. His win in the Stutt Stakes was simply outstanding and he followed that up with one of the most impressive Guineas victories imaginable. The step up in distance proved no problem last start when he circled a decent field in the AAMI Vase to win by 1 ½ lengths with some impressive sectionals. He has the Derby at his mercy as he gives every indication he will run a strong 2500 metres. 1.35 is his right price. Only the great uncertainty of racing will beat him.

Viewed (Flemington R6 N6)

Bart’s “second horse” is capable of a boilover in the Mackinnon Stakes in what looks a wide open race. The key to his success will be the position he takes up in transit. The Mackinnon looks bereft of speed with only Theseo and Barbaricus likely to push forward. Despite racing at the back this preparation, Viewed is capable of leading when he gets up to ten furlongs and beyond. When he won the Brisbane Cup he pushed forward and won in a canter. If he takes a forward position in this he is going to be very hard to hold out. He was good in the Caulfield Cup when grinding home and was not embarrassed at either his first or second-up runs. He has a good record at this trip and Steven Arnold on board is a bonus. Try him each-way down to 11.0.

Wilander (Flemington R5 N3)

Northern Meteor is the hotpot in the Ascot Vale Stakes but he looks to be the lay of the day. He was super impressive in breaking two track records in Sydney but they must surely have taken plenty out of the horse and 1.80 looks significant unders. Wilander is the horse to beat him. He was sensational in defeating subsequent winner Lucky Secret in the Schillaci last start, running down the speedy galloper in the shadows of the post. Back to his own age group he should be ready to fire again. The 1200 metres is a query but that is the only concern. Bet him down to 4.80.

Trick of Light (Flemington R8 N12)

Trick of Light looks the value runner in a tough Myer Classic. The Mick Kent trained mare is a well performed galloper with six wins and four placings from sixteen runs. She enters this group one affair first-up where she is usually near her best. She has never finished further back than second in five first-up runs. She also has an excellent record at the mile with three wins and three seconds from six runs at the journey. Flemington has also suited her in the past with two placings from three runs. Against the mares she is right in this and the 17.0 on offer in prepost markets is big overs. She can be tried each-way down to 11.0.

Saturday, 25th October 2008

The Four To Follow for Cox Plate Day:

Zipping (Moonee Valley R8 N3)

Zipping has really slipped under the radar this spring but we are going to use the cash we collected on his third placing at 80-1 in the Turnbull Stakes to load up again. Zipping was absolutely brilliant in the Turnbull, coming from the tail of the field at his second run in to get home an absolute treat for third. Three more strides and he could have won. That effort followed a super fresh run where he really motored home in the Feehan to finish less than three lengths from the winner. He has been set for this by the very astute Lloyd Williams and we all know how his horses perform in their “Grand Final” (see Efficient, Melbourne Cup, 2007). Zipping has won two of four at the Valley and four of nine at the trip and is reaching peak fitness. He is also drawn perfectly and is set to get a great run in transit. With obvious chinks in the armour of the two favourites and the fact the Cox Plate is renowned as a race for the older horses, everything seems to be lining up for Zipping. The push for him is big. Bet him down to 4.60.

Causeway Queen (Moonee Valley R7 N15)

The talented Tony Vasil trained mare Causeway Queen looks the value runner in the Moonee Valley Cup with as much as 21.0 being quoted about her. Talent wise, she is as good as any in this field. Her effort three runs back behind Tuesday Joy is proof of that. She was bottled in on the fence and couldn’t get out in the Stock Stakes, finishing just over a length behind the group one winner. She arguably should have won. Her effort in the JRA Cup was forgettable but can be forgiven due to the lack of pace in the race while her run in the Cranbourne Cup, where Caulfield Cup placegetter Barbaricus ran second, was good. She is unproven at the trip and she has drawn wide so there is plenty of risk with her. Saying that, she is well over the odds for a horse who has won 50% of her starts. Bet her each-way down to 11.0.

Whobegotyou (Moonee Valley R6 N1)

This Mark Kavanagh gelding should be racing in the Cox Plate. If he was, he would be favourite. Instead he is sticking to his age group and looks set for another dominant victory. His win in the Stutt Stakes was brilliant before coming out and claiming a very good Caulfield Guineas by 3 ¼ lengths. The second horse in that, Time Thief, is no slouch. Whobegotyou looks to be a superstar and it is never wise to bet against superstars. Try him down to 1.40.

Mr. Baritone (Moonee Valley R5 N1)

Stradbroke Handicap winner Mr. Baritone looks the best in at the weights in the group two sprint over six furlongs and looks to be over the odds at his current quote of 11.0. Mr. Baritone returned from his Stradbroke win with a very good effort in the Manikato, finishing only 1 ¼ lengths from winner Typhoon Zed. He disappointed last start but that was up the straight so is a complete forgive run as straight form means very little. He has won three of five at the Valley and has finished in the money at nine of his fifteen runs over the trip. He has a top class jockey on board and is the best suited horse under the weight scale. Try him each-way down to 8.0.

Saturday, 18th October 2008

The Four To Follow for Caulfield Cup Day:

Mad Rush (Caulfield R8 N7)

Luca Cumani has a talented and consistent galloper in Mad Rush and the son of Lemon Drop Kid can become the first Northern Hemisphere galloper since Taufan’s Melody to win the Caulfield Cup. Mad Rush gets a lot of ticks. His record is outstanding with the galloper finishing no further back than third in all eight of his runs. All four of his runs over 2400 metres have been super with his worst effort a ¼ length second. He has a quality Australian jockey on board in Damien Oliver. The draw looks suitable with the wide alley allowing him to gallop outside of horses in a manner more suited to European racing. With some question marks over the favourites (Weekend Hussler-the trip, Littorio-will to win, Master O’Reilly-weight, Guillotine-barrier), Mad Rush looks a great each-way bet at big odds. Bet him down to 10.0.

Diplomatic Force (Caulfield R9 N5)

Diplomatic Force is a first-up specialist and can score at nice odds in a very good sprinting affair. Diplomatic Force has won three of four fresh with his other effort a close-up second. He kicked off last preparation with a brilliant win over Vivacious Spirit in the group two Yallambee. That preparation proved to be lucrative with a third in the group one Goodwood and a third in the group three BTC Cup. He excels at the 1100 metre journey and has a jockey on board who knows him well. With some hot pace in the race, expect Diplomatic Force to sit off them and fly late. Bet him down to 5.50.

Mandela (Caulfield R7 N3)

Mandela is a little one-paced these days but there is no doubting his honesty and in a weak 2000 metre group three event, he is right in the mix at double figure odds. His performances this preparation have been solid enough with a quality second at Moonee Valley over 1519 metres before lugging a big weight to fifth at Flemington over this trip. Last start he finished only 2 ½ lengths off the winner in the Hill Stakes, a race that has been stamped as a good form event. He goes well at this journey, is drawn to box seat and looks to have a class edge on most of these. Try him each-way down to 7.0.

Tindal (Caulfield R3 N1)

Tindal looks a very impressive type having recorded three wins and two second placings from five race starts. He was brilliant in winning last start over Heart of Dreams when he had to do plenty of work early from the wide gate. He is again drawn a little awkwardly but the addition of talented senior jockey Steven Arnold should negate that. Tindal is already proven at the distance and should strip fitter for his last start second-up effort. Bet him down to 3.50.

Saturday, 11th October 2008

The Four To Follow for Caulfield Guineas Day:

Time Thief (Caulfield R7 N14)

Lee Freedman has an ultra-talented galloper in Time Thief and it would not surprise at all if he claimed the Caulfield Guineas at double figure odds. Time Thief was super in winning on debut before back-to-back second placings. The first of those was to Aichi up the Flemington straight while the second was a very good effort behind Fernandina when drawing wide in the Guineas Prelude. He will have no problems with the mile and the better draw places him in good stead. Having the King of Caulfield, Dwayne Dunn, on his back does not hurt either. Try him each-way at better than 7.0.

Casual Pass (Caulfield R5 N3)

Casual Pass definitely looks the value in the Yalumba Stakes with his current price of 6.50 a touch of over. The favourite for race is Pompeii Ruler but while his form is sound he does look a touch of unders, particularly in a small field where the lack of pace is a big concern. Casual Pass is also a query with the lack of pace but with the better price is worth the risk. He loves it at Caulfield where he has won three times, all at this journey. The weight conditions suit and his ability to sit anywhere in running could prove handy. Bet him at 5.0.

Alamosa (Caulfield R6 N3)

Alamosa is an extremely good galloper and will appreciate the drop back from weight-for-age conditions to handicap conditions. The Mick Price trained four-year-old has been performing well in weight-for-age races this preparation with his best effort a 1 ¾ length fourth to Weekend Hussler in the Memsie two starts back. Last time out he finished 1 ¾ lengths sixth behind Guillotine in the Feehan. His record at this distance is also most pleasing with four wins and a placing from six starts. The awkward draw is a little concerning but the quality jockey somewhat offsets that. Try him each-way at better than 6.0.

Dolphin Jo (Caulfield R3 N2)

Dolphin Jo was super last start in the Bart Cummings, getting home a treat in a race bereft of pace. He ground home like a real staying type in what was a very impressive effort. There will be no problem with pace in this with Cefalu sure to bound along out front. He loves a staying trip with all his wins coming between 2200 metres and 2800 metres and he has won at Caulfield. The small field should also suit as he will not have as much traffic to deal with in the run home. The 9.0 on offer is super value and if there are no scratchings he can be tried each-way down to 5.0. If the field is reduced to seven, bet him win only.

Saturday, 4th October 2008

The Four To Follow for Epsom Handicap and Turnbull Stakes Day:

Raheeb (Randwick R8 N6)

It is impossible to go past Raheeb in the Epsom after his blistering win in the Cameron Stakes at Newcastle last start. Raheeb absolutely decimated a handy field to win by 3 ¼ lengths. That win followed an eyecatching first-up effort behind Typhoon Zed where he just got bobbed out. Raheeb looks well suited by the mile and from the gun draw he is going to be right around the money. This isn’t the strongest Epsom field and Raheeb is on the up. Try him at 3.5 or better.

Get Up Jude (Randwick R7 N8)

Get Up Jude did the right thing by us all last week with a super win at double-figure odds in the Colin Stephen Quality. It was a classy effort that saw him edge out Tangalooma with Fiumicino 1 ¾ lengths further adrift. Get Up Jude looks set to start double-figure odds once more and can again be tried each-way. He is unbeaten here at Randwick and has won twice and placed once from three starts at the 2400 metre journey. With the favourite an inconsistent proposition, Get Up Jude looks a great bet. He can be supported down to 7.5.

Samantha Miss (Randwick R5 N1)

Three-year-old fillies who prove themselves to be a class above their rivals are rarely beaten when they stick to their sex and age group and it is expected Samantha Miss will continue that tradition. Samantha Miss looks to be one of the most exciting fillies to come along in years with the Kris Lees-filly having won five times and placed two more from eight race starts. She has been exceptional this preparation with excellent wins in the first two legs of the fillies triple crown, the Furious Stakes and the Tea Rose Stakes. She is going to be short but she looks a good thing with only the great uncertainty of racing against her. Take her at better than 1.35.

Zipping (Flemington R8 N3)

Weekend Hussler is certainly the horse to beat in the Turnbull but the wide alley and the 2000 metre journey for the first time makes him a dangerous proposition at the short odds. We are better off going wide and Zipping is very wide and looks well over the odds with 61.0 on offer for the win and 13.50 the place. Zipping turned in a super run fresh over the mile in the Feehan Stakes where he got home a treat at the Valley to finish only 2 ¾ lengths behind Guillotine. He is much better suited at 2000 metres and is sure to strip fitter. With not a lot of pace in the race he should settle further forward and that will work in his favour. He is a ridiculous price at present and can be tried each-way down to 21.0.

Saturday, 27th September 2008

The Four To Follow for George Main Stakes Day and Stutt Stakes Evening:

Triple Honour (Randwick R6 N7)

Triple Honour is a classy galloper who has the George Main Stakes at his mercy. He has a fabulous record of six wins and two placings from eleven starts including a Doncaster victory. He is currently second in betting for the Epsom Handicap. He resumed this preparation with a solid victory in the Premiere Stakes before being rolled in the Chelmsford Stakes last start. That effort can be forgiven as the race was switched from the Saturday to the following Tuesday after rain forced the abandonment of the Saturday meeting. Combined with an uneven tempo due to the small field, that run can be overlooked. He excels at Randwick and the mile is his best go. He will be back to his best for this and can be supported at better than 1.8.

Get Up Jude (Randwick R2 N5)

Get Up Jude looks a handy staying prospect and in an exceptionally weak Colin Stephen Quality, he can create a minor upset. He excels at the mile-and-a-quarter journey with a victory and a placing from two efforts and he has won his only race at Randwick. His form this preparation has been solid enough. After being let-up following a ¼ length third in the Winter Cup, he ran fifth over a mile before finishing seventh behind Hurrah in the Kingston Town last start. He was not suited by the tactics of Hurrah in that race. He rates a 6.0 hope which is well below the 11.0 being quoted this morning.

Carnero (Moonee Valley R7 N2)

Carnero has the right formlines for a race of this ilk and if he can put it all together tonight he is going to be very hard to stop in the Stutt Stakes. Being by Carneigie, he is expected to improve with the extra trip as he has with both runs this time in. Fresh he ran a very handy fifth behind Aichi at Flemington before a 2 length sixth behind Fernandina in the Guineas Prelude. Last preparation he ran a cracking second to Von Costa Hero in the Sires Produce over seven furlongs. He is well suited by the mile trek and should be hitting peak fitness third-up. The five draw is also ideal. Try him each-way at better than 4.8.

Causeway Queen (Moonee Valley R6 N11)

Causeway Queen was a tragedy beaten last start when she just got no room on the fence in the Stock Stakes won by Tuesday Joy. She was traveling like a certain winner but just could not get out before running fifth, beaten just over a length. Prior to that she was exceptional in winning at Caulfield over Fast Future. She has a very good record at Moonee Valley and this trip looks like it will suit her to a tee. She looks a weighted special and can be tried at 4.0 or better.

Saturday, 20th September 2008

The Four To Follow for Underwood Stakes Day:

Weekend Hussler (Caulfield R6 N7)

Weekend Hussler was just outstanding in winning the Makybe Diva Stakes last start in what was the most impressive run of the year. The Hussler was simply magnificent, leaving his main rival, Light Fantastic, for dead at the top of the straight. That win followed a highly imposing Memsie Stakes victory. Weekend Hussler has now won eleven from fourteen and is the clear favourite in Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup betting along with being the highest rated timeform galloper in the country. With Maldivian and Pompeii Ruler both failing last week, this race looks Weekend Hussler’s for the taking. Bet him at $1.70 or better.

Eskimo Queen (Caulfield R7 N8)

Mike Moroney has an exceptionally talented mare in Eskimo Queen and she can fire fresh in the Sir Rupert Clarke. Eskimo Queen won the Coolmore Classic last preparation before running a solid seventh in the Doncaster Handicap where she was beaten 4 ¾ lengths by Triple Honour. She goes very well fresh with a win and two placings from four first-up runs and she is well-performed over the 1400 metre journey with two placings from three efforts. The wide draw is some concern but the predicted rains will certainly assist her cause. Try her each-way.

Time Thief (Caulfield R5 N10)

This promising young son of Redoute’s Choice looks a most likely type and is desperately unlucky not to be undefeated at this stage of his career. He was super in winning a quality midweek affair on debut by 1 ¾ lengths at Moonee Valley and was just edged out in a photo in the Danehill Stakes at his second run, down the Flemington straight. The extra furlong this weekend will suit. With the Caulfield specialist Dwayne Dunn on board, he is going to be tough to hold out in the Caulfield Guineas prelude. Bet him at better than $4.60.

Mandela (Rosehill R6 N5)

Mike Moroney could pull off a two-state black type double with the talented Mandela the best suited at the weights in the Hill Stakes. The winner of the Geelong Cup last spring, Mandela has consistently performed against the best stayers in this country and New Zealand throughout his career. The son of AJC Derby winner Ebony Grosve has returned to the track in good order this time around with a brilliant second to Conquering over 1519 metres before another good effort behind Light Vision two weeks back. He is the classy galloper in the race and with a good pace likely to be set by Hurrah, Mandela looks wonderfully suited. Try him each-way if odds allow as the 1900 metres may just be a tad too short at this stage.

Saturday, 13th September 2008

The Four To Follow for Manikato Stakes Day:

Mr. Baritone (Moonee Valley R7 N2)

Kaphero is set to go around favourite in the Manikato but despite his red-hot form there are some severe question marks about his ability to run six furlongs. There are also some question marks over how good Red Element, second in betting, is. This is a race to go wide in. Mr. Baritone looks the best value. The winner of this year’s Stradbroke Handicap is a very good horse and he certainly looks well suited in the Manikato. He has won three times and placed second in four runs at the Valley, he has finished in the trifecta nine times from thirteen runs at the trip and he goes very well first-up. From the good draw, he will be right around the money. Take him each-way at anything above $9.

Zipping (Moonee Valley R6 N3)

Expect a big run from the Lloyd Williams owned Zipping fresh in what is a very exciting Dato’Tan Chin Nam Stakes. Maldivian is certainly the horse to beat. He is flying. In a field of this quality, however, the best way to attack the race is to look wide. Zipping gets the nod and should be bet each-way. Zipping has raced only once since winning the Sandown Classic last November, running a credible ninth in the Newmarket, beaten only 4 ½ lengths. That run was important as it would have kept Zipping fit throughout the autumn. First-up at a mile is ideal as he is a genuine middle distance horse these days and he has won first-up. Moonee Valley is also ideal as he has won two from three at the track. Back Zipping each-way at the big odds.

Forensics (Rosehill R7 N2)

This Peter Snowden trained daughter of Flying Spur has always had plenty of talent and she is going to be right in the finish of the Theo Marks fresh. A winner of both the Golden Slipper and the Golden Rose, Forensics is at her best fresh with two wins from three starts. After winning the Golden Rose last preparation she went on to win the Queen of the Turf before failing on a heavy track in the Doncaster Handicap when well fancied. She races well at Rosehill and the dead-good track is ideal. She looks good value in prepost betting at $5 and can be bet down to $3.75.

Newton’s Rings (Rosehill R6 N2)

The old warrior just missed out on the money for us last time around with a super effort behind Red Lord, finishing fourth, 3 ¾ lengths behind the winner. It was another gutsy effort. At the big odds, he can once again be tried each-way with another honest effort surely waiting. He excels at Rosehill and the dry track and the great draw work in his favour. The $17-plus on offer is ridiculous. Back him each-way and be safe in the knowledge that he won’t be far away.

 

Saturday, 6th September 2008

The Four To Follow for Makybe Diva Stakes Day:

Weekend Hussler (Flemington R7 N3)

The Makybe Diva Stakes will be a sensational race with Weekend Hussler seeking vengeance on Light Fantastic, his conqueror in the Liston Stakes. After Weekend Hussler’s dominant Memsie Stakes win last Saturday, it is tough to go past him on what looks to be the most exciting match race of the year. Light Fantastic is undefeated and won the Cadbury Guineas at his only start at Flemington but with the Hussler in full fitness, he seems to be just a touch classier. The barrier draw also favours Weekend Hussler. Take the champion at $1.80 or better.

Tesbury Jack (Flemington R8 N2)

Forget his last run. It was abhorrent and completely out of character. He is much better than that and will be looking to bounce back tomorrow in a decent Bobbie Lewis quality. He certainly has a class edge on this field and with his good straight track form, he looks set to be right in the finish. The dryer track is certainly in his favour and the ten gate is ideal as it will allow him to go to the best going. Tesbury Jack is classy and should be bet each-way at better than $5.

Devil Moon (Flemington R5 N1)

Devil Moon has a massive class edge on her rivals in the Let’s Elope Stakes and up to the ideal trip of seven furlongs she is going to be very hard to hold out. She returned to racing in good order first-up, running an eyecatching third in the Cockram Stakes behind Princess Gisella. She loves Flemington, loves the 1400 metre journey and will race on top of the ground, which she certainly prefers. She is a genuine $3 shot.

Triple Honour (Randwick R3 N3)

Triple Honour is the good thing for the day. Against a small field in the group two Chelmsford, he looks set to have everything go his way in what should be a cakewalk. Last season’s Doncaster Handicap winner was super fresh, winning the Premiere with ease. At a mile, this affair should be easier. He has never finished further back than second at the journey and his record at Randwick is just as impressive. He only has to worry about the great uncertainty of racing. He rates as a $1.40 shot.

Saturday, 30th August 2008

The Four To Follow for Memsie Stakes Day:

Weekend Hussler (Caulfield R6 N9)

Weekend Hussler can be forgiven for his first-up defeat. He was beaten by an undefeated horse who has the racing world at his hooves. With no Light Fantastic running in the Memsie, it is tough to imagine the Hussler losing two on the trot. His first-up run was very good with only fitness seeming to beat him. Second-up, he is likely to strip much fitter. There is no doubting his class with nine wins from twelve starts and a timeform rating that places him in the top ten horses in the world. The dryer track is sure to enhance his hopes. He is a superstar and against plenty of stayers resuming, he should have little trouble winning the Memsie. Bet him at better than $1.75.

Miss Andretti (Caulfield R5 N1)

Lee Freedman’s mare is the best sprinter in the country and against a field bereft of class; she should walk to victory on Saturday. Her record speaks for itself. She has won nineteen of thirty and has been virtually unstoppable in sprinting races on dry tracks in Australia. She gets everything in her favour this weekend. She is beautifully drawn, the weight scale is ideal for a mare of her class and the good track is perfect for her. She is the best of the day and can be bet down to $1.60.

Baci Amore (Rosehill R7 N3)

The Golden Rose is a wide open affair this year and the value runner appears to be the David Payne prepared Baci Amore. Baci Amore is currently quoted around the $10 mark in pre-post betting and can be tried each-way at the price. The son of Rock of Gibraltar went well first-up this time in with a quality fourth to Desuetude, beaten only a length. He meets that horse three kilograms better at the weights. 1400 metres is his best trip and he has won at Rosehill previously. He seems to have slipped under the radar and should be bet each-way down to $7.

Newton’s Rings (Rosehill R6 N1)

Newton’s Rings is an old warrior but he is as honest as the day is long. Dropping back from group one company to listed level, he is right in the mix to claim the Premier’s Cup. He will also appreciate the dryer track. His last two runs have been on the slow and he has never appreciated that going. He finished down the track in each of those runs but didn’t embarrass himself in either. His run prior to those efforts was a win at Rosehill in a decent open handicap. He loves Rosehill and will turn in another honest effort. Try him each-way at the double figures on offer. He won’t be far away.

Saturday, 23rd August 2008

The Four To Follow for Warwick Stakes Day:

Racing To Win (Warwick Farm R6 N1)

It is tough to go past Racing To Win in the Warwick Stakes. The multiple group one winner returns in what is a weak Warwick Stakes and looks set to improve on his already impressive record. He goes very well at this trip and he has a solid fresh record, but his big selling point is his opposition or lack thereof. Gallant Tess is really the only horse who can match him under these conditions. Take him at better than $1.90 and quinella him with Gallant Tess.

Belmonte (Warwick Farm R1 N1)

The Bernie Howlett trained Singspiel gelding has been on the country cups circuit and has finally started fulfilling some of his potential with some quality efforts. In his last three starts he has claimed both the Murwillumbah and Coffs Harbour cups while running second to Art Success in the Grafton Cup. He returns to town full of confidence and with conditions in his favour. Belmonte is in superbly after the three kilogram claim and the small field suits the big striding gelding to perfection. This longer trek should suit as well while he has run second at both his runs at Warwick Farm. He is going to be very hard to beat and can be bet hard.

Miss Andretti (Moonee Valley R6 N11)

Australia’s sprint queen returns to racing this weekend and looks set to win the McEwen Stakes if the track remains better than heavy. Miss Andretti is all class and has swept all before her in Australia. She meets some talented steeds this weekend but none are at her level. The numbers certainly are in her favour as well. She is five from five at both the trip and Moonee Valley while she has won seven from nine first-up. Kaphero, due to race fitness, is her main danger while Lucky Secret has plenty of upside. Regardless, Miss Andretti is the class in the race and her current quote of $3 is well over the odds. Take her at anything above $2.25 and stand her out in a trifecta with Kaphero, Lucky Secret and Here De Angels boxed for second and third.

Hoplite (Moonee Valley R3 N8)

The Patrick Payne trained Hoplite looks the best value wager in the steeple after a classy win on the flat last time out. After a freshen following a Sandown steeple win, Hoplite got home well from midfield to defeat Why Not Work by a short neck. That win suggests he is going well enough to win this ordinary steeple affair. The wet conditions in Melbourne only further enhance his chances as he is a real mudlark. Take him at better than $2.50.

Saturday,15th August 2008

The Four To Follow for Liston Stakes Day:

Weekend Hussler (Caulfield R6 N7)

It is tough to go past this excitement machine, a brilliant galloper who is rated in the top ten horses in the world. The winner of nine races from only eleven starts, his move into double figures should come this Saturday afternoon. He has been so dazzling to date that it is impossible to see him getting beaten fresh. He, simply, should blow this field away. He loves this trip, is sure to be full of life first-up and the class of this field is not top-level. He is a genuine $1.50 shot and will win in an absolute canter.

Vivacious Spirit (Caulfield R7 N16)

The Cockram Stakes looks a wide open affair and Vivacious Spirit seems the best bet. She went well last preparation with her second in the Yallambee her best effort. Her last run was in the Goodwood where she failed dismally. She races well fresh and has never missed a place at Caulfield. She also goes well at this journey. The wide draw is of some concern but she looks to have enough ability to at least fill a place. Try her each-way.

Magnetic (Caulfield R1 N1)

Magnetic is a very talented galloper in exceptionally good form and he should have little problem getting us ahead of the count very early on. Trained by the ever-astute Michael Kent, Magnetic is sure to be turned out in wonderful order. He has looked better with each run this preparation and up to his best trip; he broke through last time out. He is again racing at the 2000 metres and is again at his favourite track, where he has not finished further back than second from five outings. He will be short but can be bet with total confidence.

Triple Honour (Rosehill R4 N1)

Triple Honour is an extraordinarily smart galloper and he looks set to return to racing with a group two victory. The Chris Waller trained galloper, a winner of five races from only nine starts, returns after winning Australia’s premier mile, the Doncaster Handicap. Triple Honour was brilliant in that victory, holding off a fast finishing Casino Prince in what was a dominant effort. He gets conditions to suit this weekend with the small field to his liking. He has never lost first-up and he looked good in his most recent trial. Bet him at $2.10 or better.

Saturday, 9th August 2008

The Four To Follow for Aurie Star Day:

Eskaw (Flemington R6 N8)

The Aurie Star looks a wide open race this year and the best value seems to reside with the Peter Moody mare Eskaw. Eskaw has plenty of talent but often underachieves. She is, however, at her best fresh and she resumes from a spell in this. Eskaw has won two of three first-up and is returning after a solid preparation racing in quality company. After struggling in the Lightning, she finished only 3 ¾ lengths behind Weekend Hussler in the Newmarket before running third in the Victoria Handicap. This distance is her best and she has won here at Flemington. She is well and truly over the odds at her current price of $16 and can be backed each-way down to $11.

Reichman (Flemington R4 N5)

The ever-astute Michael Kent has an exceptionally talented galloper in Reichman, a steed who has shown a real desire to win. He has been flying of late, winning his last three over staying trips. Last start he dead-heated with Joonti Gemini at Caulfield. He meets that horse two kilograms better at the weights this time around. He will lap up this trip and Flemington is sure to suit. Any rain will assist his cause. Bet him at better than $3 if the track is good.

Niconero (Morphettville R6 N1)

Niconero is the weighted special of the day, racing at weight-for-age in moderate company as a group one winner. Niconero was sensational last preparation, just missing out in the Orr Stakes before winning the group one Futurity. He was going so well that David Hayes opted to take him to Dubai, where he ran a credible 5 ¼ length eleventh in the Dubai Duty Free. He flies first-up, has won 80% of his starts over this six furlong journey and is a course winner. Bet him with a great deal of confidence.

Juerga (Rosehill R1 N3)

Juerga is a well performed and consistent galloper who will give the first in Sydney a real shake this weekend. He has been racing in great heart of late with his finest recent effort being a 2 ¼ length third to Art Success in the Grafton Cup. He followed that up with a very good fourth at this venue with a hefty impost. Back down in the weights, he is expected to be right in the finish of this moderate staying affair. He has never won over this trip but it does look like it will suit. He looks a fine each-way proposition in this eight horse field.

Saturday, 2nd August 2008

The Four To Follow for Bletchingly Stakes Day:

Tesbury Jack (Caulfield R6 N2)

Tesbury Jack is an exceptional galloper and it is only the great uncertainty of racing that will stop him from winning the Bletchingly Stakes on Saturday. He was simply sensational in winning the Monash fresh, cruising to victory over Red Arrow. That was his first run since the spring of 2007, where he won the Caulfield Sprint. He is the best suited under the weight scale, he flies at Caulfield and the 1100 metre journey is probably his best. He can be bet at $1.50.

Royal Asscher (Caulfield R4 N4)

Lee Freedman has a very good mare in Royal Asscher and can expect a win with her this Saturday in a moderate race. She has a good record and was racing in much better races last preparation where her best effort was a 2 ¼ length fourth to Weekend Hussler in the group one Oakleigh Plate. She excels at Caulfield and is drawn to perfection. Expect her to be right in the finish. Bet her at even money.

Typhoon Zed (Rosehill R6 N1)

This smart son of Zedative won the Galaxy only three runs back and looks set to add more black type to his name with a win in the Missile Stakes. His Galaxy win was simply outstanding, coming from the eleven gate to down his main rival this time around, Keen Commander, by a ½ head. He returned fresh in the Ramornie at Grafton with a quality placing in a race that is probably a fraction too far for him. He is at his best over 1100 metres and that is what he has this time around. He is a betting proposition at $3 or better.

Frenzillian (Morphettville R2 N1)

Frenzillian has been racing with great heart and consistency of late in much better races than this and if he carries that form into the Adelaide version of the Grand National Hurdle, he will win and win well. His last three starts have all been good, placing in the Melbourne Grand National Hurdle, the Macdonald Steeplechase and the Hiskens Steeplechase. His best effort was certainly his run in the Hiskens, where he took the wonderful chaser Some Are Bent to a half-length. This is a major class drop. Frenzillian looks the winner and can be bet at $1.80.

Past four to follow selections can be found here.