On The Money - 10th September

Matt Rigby | On The Money | Mon 12 September, 2011

The Fizzer:

Barakey was heavily supported (for a shortie) from $1.28 in early markets to $1.24 at race time. We had decided to take him on, a big gain for very little risk. Of course, once he reared in the gates, it didn't take much to work out that the stewards would err on the side of caution and scratch. This was unfortunate on two counts. First, it would have been nice to see him win, but second, if he had been beaten, we were in for a windfall!

Wide of the Mark:

Lethal Jones had done nothing in five career starts. Despite that, he was plonked from $17 to $10 in a decent go in the 3yo mile race. Perhaps this was just because these races tend to throw up some rough results? While not beaten far, he was never a winning prospect.

The Big Drift:

Rebel Fury, a horse they took plenty out of the bookies ring last campaign with, was completely unwanted on course on Saturday. Drifting from $2.70 to $3.70 and much longer on Betfair, there was certainly more than a seed of doubt planted about its ability to win first up. It was a good run, setting a very fast pace and being beaten only three lengths, but that was no consolation if you took the shorts.

Under the Odds:

Fortescue Flyer looked like a good bet on weights and measures, but a price in the low 2's was pushing the friendship. He opened at $3 with most of the pre-post bookies but race day saw him $2.40 with steady support throughout. In the end, he was very disappointing, breezing outside eventual winner Great'n'Grey and finishing out of the money.

The Good Thing:

Outside of Barakey, Maschino was touted as the good thing for the day. As much as $2.50 was bet pre-post but race day saw him open at $1.50 and drift to $1.90 best. He got back in running, as per usual but was asked to chase from the 600m, which may not have suited. Rumour is also flying about that he was not feeling the same horse he was when he won two weeks earlier. In any case, the bookies got the money and Maschino finished a disappointing fourth.

The Plunge:

Lunar Image was backed off the boards in his midweek race last month. On Saturday, he was crunched again with supreme confidence, especially with Maschino as his opposition. Drifting out to $7 (and even $8 in some places), he was smashed back into $3.80 on most boards. The plunge on the tote was even more astounding, closing at $3.20. He too was buried back on the fence and got a dream split before Come Party and Athena's Me Mum bloused him out.

Misguided Money:

For a horse whom has had one start per campaign, it was fairly courageous to see backing or Push The Tempo ($51 - $21) against the likes of Rebel Call, Modello, Western Fever and Full Clip. She obviously has problems and was well beaten again.

There was also specking for On The Warpath from $71 to $41. He ran last.

The Spruik:

Modello was the big talking point at his debut at Northam back in May where he was beaten by Akhedasset after pulling up shin sore. Bookies took no chances with the Linsey Smith trained gelding, opening him at $4, with steady support thoughout, closing at $3.80. As much as $6.50 was bet in pre post markets and that was picked off systematically by Saturday morning.

Where Theres Smoke:

Rebel Call ($3.70 - $4 - $3.70) ran a big race first up with 58kg, giving most of his opposition big weight advantages. He sat wide and wasn't beaten far, this on the back of his outstanding Karrakatta Plate run earlier in the year. Most definitely one to follow this campaign.