23/3/2001 edition
More Punt to Win Tips

Flemington - punters' graveyard

Flemington on Saturday again showed why we regard it as the worst metropolitan betting track for punters in the country.

Without much rain the track was a very poor Dead ( a case of overwatering?). The inside moveable rail had been moved out eight metres which just helped to confuse matters. The inside going was hopeless in the straight, lengths inferior. With horses going to the outside in the straight races, and also many trying to avoid being too close to the outside rail, the races were raffles. Throw out the form.

Thankfully we avoided the damage done to most punters who decided to have a go there.

Duke Of Norfolk Stakes

The Duke of Norfolk must be chuckling from above. What were punters doing throwing handfuls of cash away betting on the race named in his memory - a 3200 metres fifth rate Listed event run at Flemington?

The favourite, Green Raider, a six year old gelding, was beaten by seven lengths at his last start over 2500 metres. He had only won six times from 42 starts. He was backed in on track from $4.20 to $3.50. Was it because Brett Prebble was riding? Or was it because punters played follow the loser in a desperate bid to recover losses after being blown away by $21.00 and $11.00 winners in the previous two races.

In the 15 horse field Green Raider finished eighth, beaten by over five lengths.

The winner of the race was six year old grey gelding Starpro who started at $41.00 and paid up to $59.00 on the tote. From 32 races he had managed just two wins and another three placings. In one fell swoop he increased his career earnings of just $39,850 by an impressive $97,500.

Spectatorial is good

This is a two year old who is going places. He can lead or settle off the speed. We backed him in the $1,000,000 Group 1 Blue Diamond at Caulfield over 1200 metres as one of our Specials. He firmed in the betting from $16.00 to $13.00. He gave a great sight and looked the winner. He worked hard to lead from barrier,10, the widest in the field, and the effort took its toll as he was grabbed on the line. It was a top run.

At Flemington in the $400,000 Group 1 Sires' Produce over 1400 metres again he had no favours drawing barrier 14, the widest in the field. This time he took a position midfield rather than working early from the barrier to lead. He hit the finishing line hard for an impressive win. Just look out if he draws a decent barrier.

Universal Prince - what's so special?

There is nothing that special about a horse because he settles well back last and storms home over the top of the field to win like Universal Prince did in the Group 1 Canterbury Guineas on Saturday night.

Those finishes catch the eye. That is all.

If Universal Prince had settled behind the leaders and had what the media call an "easy run " or "run of the race" and then won by nearly three lengths he would not have received anywhere near the same attention.

Sure, it was a great achievement to win like that at Canterbury, a track that traditionally favours on pace runners. That is also why we missed out badly in the race. But we are prepared to take the long term view. Backing on pace runners in preference to horses that make a run from the tail of the field at Canterbury is the way to go. Occasionally you'll end up with egg on your face. That's racing.

Next: Punt to Win 16/3/2001

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