The Cox Plate Carnival at Moonee Valley took the spotlight across the weekend, while Randwick, Doomben and Ascot held strong cards on Saturday afternoon. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three runners that produced strong performances without winning and are worth adding to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker.
Randwick
Rail position: +5m 1600m-W/Post & +3m remainder
Race 9: Listed Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) | Time: 1:27.30
- Horse to follow: Territory Express (2nd)
Territory Express was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers before the Five Diamonds Prelude and nearly saluted for his followers over 1500m. Unfortunately, the Paul Niceforo-trained gelding missed the kick by two lengths and was made to work early to hold a position back in the field. Zac Lloyd chose to stick to the inside rail before working his way between runners to finish off strongly. The winner, Iknowastar, was tiring in the final 100m and with Lloyd getting everything out of Territory Express, he lunged on the line but missed by a nose.
When to bet: After two big performances to kick off this preparation, Territory Express appears ready to peak third-up in the Five Diamonds on November 9 at Rosehill.
Race 6: Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) | Time: 1:49.29
- Horse to follow: Arapaho (4th)
Following an underwhelming performance first-up, Arapaho found some form and produced a bottler second-up in the Craven Plate over 1800m. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding has performed at his best over 1800m and further, so it is expected that his run will bring him on nicely. The son of Lope De Vega settled at the back of the field and struggled to get a run at the top of the straight; however, once he got into clear air, he charged home for fourth place. Considering how well he ran through the line, Arapaho will appreciate a rise in trip third-up.
When to bet: Given his rating of 109, Arapaho will have to find a Listed or Group 3 contest over 2000m or further in his next start. If Bjorn Baker can find a race with a similar race shape to last Saturday, he will go very close to winning.
Moonee Valley
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 7: Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:09.13
- Horse to follow: I Am Unstoppable (2nd)
I Am Unstoppable has been given two incredibly tough tasks in his first two starts for new trainer Ciaron Maher at Warwick Farm and Moonee Valley. First-up, the son of I Am Invincible settled last and flashed home but couldn’t pick up the winner over 1000m before being set a similar task over 1200m second-up. Mark Zahra had to go back from barrier nine of nine, and even though he was very strong late, there was no chance of him catching Baraqiel in the home straight, who had over three lengths on him turning for home.
When to bet: Ciaron Maher will no doubt have a race in mind for I Am Unstoppable over the Melbourne Cup Carnival and wherever he goes, he will be hard to beat.
Top horse racing sites for blackbook features
Recommended!
The Better Bettors!
Australian-owned and operated bookmaker!
18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?
Horse racing tips
