Several Group races featured across the Caulfield and Rosehill cards; however, for this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have focused on three runners from Caulfield. Each of these runners produced impressive runs without much luck and should be added to your blackbook for their upcoming starts.
Caulfield
Rail position: +4m entire circuit
Race 4: Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:09.69
- Horse to follow: Sergeant Major (3rd)
Sergeant Major kicked off his autumn preparation over 1200m, which was always going to be short of his best distance after competing in races over 1400m and 1800m last campaign. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding settled at the back of the field and gradually improved his position on the inside before the home turn. Ethan Brown chose to stick close to the inside rail in the home straight, and in doing so, Sergeant Major finished off nicely to nab third place on the line.
When to bet: If Ciaron Maher targets the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 15, Sergeant Major will be able to dodge some of the more talented three-year-olds. If he takes good improvement off his fresh run, the race will suit him well.
Race 7: Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:03.78
- Horse to follow: Tom Kitten (2nd)
The clear forgive run at Caulfield came from the James Cummings-trained Tom Kitten, who was held up from the 500m to the 200m mark before bursting through a gap late. Ben Melham didn’t have many options as he was stuck behind slowing runners and had to wait for a gap to appear. Even though he was held up until the final 200m, he recorded the 14th fastest 400m (22.54s) and the 11th fastest 200m (11.42s) sections of the meeting.
When to bet: The Group 1 All Star Mile at Flemington on March 8 could be where Tom Kitten goes next, which is expected to be a very strong race. If James Cummings chooses to skip the All Star Mile and find another race over 1600m, he will be a great bet.
Race 9: Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) | Time: 1:35.78
- Horse to follow: Headwall (4th)
Headwall competed in his first Group 1 contest last Saturday, and the Matthew Smith-trained gelding was far from disgraced after being sent around as a +2500 roughie with BlondeBet. The son of Dream Ahead received a good run with cover in the middle of the pack, but turning into the home straight, Harry Coffey saw nothing but backsides. However, once Coffey changed tracks to the inside of runners, Headwall ran through the line as strongly as the placegetters, recording the 10th fastest last 200m (11.41s) section of the meeting.
When to bet: There are plenty of options for Headwall in the coming weeks over 1100m or 1200m for his second-up start. Keep an eye out for where Matthew Smith enters him next.
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