20/7/2001 edition

Horse Racing Betting Tips

More about John Hawkes

A couple of weeks ago we wrote an article about how to make money backing John Hawkes' trained horses.

In the sixth at Rosehill, a 1900 metres restricted handicap, Replay's win at $11.20 was typical of John Hawkes' horses. Following a very unlucky run on June 11 he was sent out the short priced $3.20 favourite at his last start on June 23. He finished a comfortably beaten sixth in the field of nine runners.

Yet at his next start, last Saturday, he came out and won at good odds. That was no surprise at all to us.

Inconsistent horses makes punting difficult

That's why you have to be very selective this time of the year. There are many inconsistent horses or non-winners racing at city meetings now. Yet if they put their best hoofs forward they are likely to blow the field away.

Take Belle Ball at Flemington as a typical example. At Moonee Valley on June 30 after a seven weeks' freshen up, she was sent out well supported at $4.20 in a 1200 metres 3YO Open and never got into the race.

Last Saturday at Flemington down in class to a 3YO Fillies Open over 1400 metres, but up in weight by three kilos to 56.5kg. she again settled well back in the field. But this time she stormed home and won by three lengths starting at $5.00. It was only her second win from 14 starts.

Too forgiving - you'll lose your money

At Victoria Park on June 30 in a 1500 metres restricted race Marron Cheval was solidly backed into $4.00. The four year old gelding led, had every chance and then folded in the straight when the pressure was applied. He finished last in the eight horse field, beaten by 14 lengths.

Last Saturday, in a 1600 metres restricted race at Morphettville, carrying the same top weight of 56kg., punters decided to forgive Marron Cheval for his shocker two weeks earlier. He was sent out equal $3.80 favourite in the nine horse field.

Marron Cheval comfortably led, but when the pressure was applied over the last 200 metres weakened out of a place.

Sure, there's no harm forgiving a horse for a shocking, out of character run. But if you do, get at least double figure odds. Don't join the throng of punters who are so forgiving they forget the poor run ever happened, send the horse out favourite and more often than not do their money.

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