The final day of The Pinnacles at Ascot headlined last Saturday’s racing in Australia, while Caulfield Heath, Eagle Farm and Randwick held strong support meetings with the weather differing at each venue. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have focused on three runners that will be worth keeping an eye on over the summer months as they continue their preparations. You can add these horses to your blackbook and receive notifications when they are set to race again.
Caulfield Heath
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 9: Magic Million VIC 2YO Classic (1100m) | Time: 1:04.15
- Horse to follow: Invincible Woman (1st)
Invincible Woman made her debut for the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans stable at the Caulfield Heath meeting, and the two-year-old filly was able to lead all of the way to victory. Invincible Woman was eased down in the concluding stages but still recorded an impressive 2.75-length win.
When to bet: After claiming victory in a Magic Millions race, it is expected that Invincible Woman will head to the Gold Coast to compete in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on January 11.
Ascot
Rail position: +3m entire circuit
Race 4: RTG78+ Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:23.90
- Horse to follow: Rockin’ Rupert (2nd)
Following fifth-place finishes in both the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes and Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes, Rockin’ Rupert dropped back to handicap grade and nearly claimed the prize last Saturday. The son of Winning Rupert battled on gamely in the concluding stages of the 1400m race but was overrun by The Boss Lady, going down by a head on the line.
When to bet: If the Casey’s can find another 1400m race in a slightly tougher grade to drop down in the weights, Rockin’ Rupert can go one better next start.
Eagle Farm
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 4: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m) | Time: 0:59.77
- Horse to follow: Bohemian Lad (2nd)
Bohemian Lad returned from a three-month spell at Eagle Farm and showed a blistering turn of foot on the Heavy 8 surface to finish second behind Find Your Own. Jockey Ron Stewart got everything out of the four-year-old gelding, who took significant ground off the winner in the final 150m.
When to bet: With strong form on Soft ground and when second-up, if David Vandyke can find a 1200m race on a rain-affected track, Bohemian Lad will get every chance to record a win with a similar performance.
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