As the Brisbane carnival continues to roll on we have identified where professional money has been active in early markets at Doomben. Racing in Sydney also features a number of strong betting moves at Randwick, which exhibit traits of more than just standard punter investment.
Sedanza
Scone Cup winner two weeks back who jumps sharply in distance to 2,200m here. The extra distance should suit considering she was trapped 3 wide with no cover throughout most of the Scone Cup run and still stuck on well to win. Gai and Adrian have her flying.
Zousain
Won well here last start in the Group 2 Champagne Classic over 1200m when he was slightly easy in the market. Heavily backed this week and suspect he will simply eat up the extra 150m. A high profile ownership group including Qatar bloodstock and K McEvoy will mean Waller has him ready to go.
Pedrena
Mick Price stayed in the ownership of this mare which adds confidence. The midfield finish in the Group 1 Robert Sangster at Morphettville, over an unsuitable distance, is excellent form for this. Is a distance specialist over the 1350m (4:3-1-0). Money looks spot on.
Sheezdashing
Was hard in the market (came in late from big odds) last start in the SA Oaks when running second. It was a huge run that day to only just miss, coming from well back in the field.
Has drawn ideally for this in gate 3 which will suit her get-back pattern, however will need speed in the race to be running home hard. Looks to be the fresh horse on the scene and is a must include in all bet types. Will go very close.
Perast
Has a very impressive SP profile of late, where last start he was also well supported in betting. Maps beautifully from gate 4 where he should land one out and one back or tucked in behind a solid tempo. Favourite Whypeeo will go warp speed which will play right into this colt's hands. Top hope.
Separated
Interesting move at odds here for this O’Shea runner. The stable do like a bet and they usually hit the mark (most recently the plunge on Pretty In Pink over the Scone Cup Carnival). Have to respect them when the money comes and has to be showing plenty at home. Can win.
Falerina
Is doing everything right in much easier grade and deserves a chance to tackle this. Brett Cavanough would not be bringing her to town unless she was very well, especially because she is owned by the powerful Mitchell family of Yarraman Park Stud, who expect results. Has been a huge move in betting so far and suspect she just wins.
Naval Warfare
Very good when raced on speed last start at Rosehill where only just missed. Has the key booking of Michael Waker this week and he seems to have the ability to lift horses over the line when it appears impossible. Maps beautifully from gate 7 and can see why there is professional money around for him. Top hope.
To Excess
Featured in this column two weeks ago when heavily backed before winning impressively at Scone. No reason why he cannot do it again here in town. Second up form is sound (3:1-2-0) and from gate 6 his natural pattern of settling back in the field to come with one run, sets up well. Will be running over the top of them late.
Fierce Impact
Must be showing plenty at home to warrant this strong move in early betting. Was a significant drifter last start at Warwick Farm where he surprised the market when running well to finish third. The step up to 1400m is key and with plenty of on speed runners engaged, he will have every chance to run on. Will storm home.