Ascot’s Northerly Stakes Day was the highlight last Saturday, with the penultimate day of The Pinnacles taking the spotlight. It was also Ballarat Cup Day in Victoria, while there were strong cards at Rosehill and Eagle Farm as well. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three runners to add to your blackbook so you can receive notifications when they are set to race next.
Ballarat
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 3: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:11.45
- Horse to follow: Cleo Cat (1st)
Cleo Cat entered last Saturday’s contest at Ballarat undefeated from four career starts, and after being well backed with horse racing bookmakers, the Tom Dabernig-trained mare saluted again for her followers. This daughter of American Pharoah led the field every step of the 1200m journey, and even though she was under pressure for most of the home straight, she battled gamely to stave off all challengers.
When to bet: Cleo Cat has gone through her grades quickly in country and metropolitan races, and she is showing no signs of stopping. Keep an eye out for where Dabernig places her next, as it could be another Saturday race over 1200m.
Race 5: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:37.41
- Horse to follow: Deakin (7th)
European import Deakin was kept safe for his Australian debut, jumping as a $6 chance with Neds. While the five-year-old gelding ran seventh, he never got into clear air when it mattered. Once Deakin finally found some racing room late in the piece, he ran through the line strongly.
When to bet: Deakin’s debut run in Australia should be forgiven. If Phillip Stokes takes him to a similar grade of race over 1600m or 1800m, he can turn in a much better result second-up.
Rosehill
Rail position: +4m entire circuit
Race 8: Benchmark 94 Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:25.28
- Horse to follow: I’mintowin (1st)
The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained I’mintowin has returned with two dominant victories, with his last one over 1400m at Rosehill being the best of them. Tim Clark took the son of Contributer to the front on a Heavy 10 surface, and they set a strong tempo. The challengers appeared to be coming from everywhere at the 300m mark, but this guy ate up the pressure and booted clear to win by 2.9 lengths.
When to bet: I’mintowin holds a nomination for the Group 2 Ingham but may not get into the field, as he is 22nd in the ballot. Expect the Waterhouse & Bott stable to find him a 1600m race in two weeks’ time in slightly tougher grade.
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