Follow Files: WA rising star returns a winner at Belmont
Last Saturday, the Bletchingly Stakes meeting at Caulfield was the highlight as winter racing continued across Australia. In this week’s edition of the Follow Files, we have found three runners to keep an eye on after strong performances on the weekend.
Caulfield
Race 1: 2YO Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:09.91
- Horse to follow: Wolfy (2nd)
The Nick Ryan-trained Wolfy made his debut in the 2YO Handicap at Caulfield, where he was very good behind the winner, Ouroboros, after not getting a lot of room at the top of the straight. Once the gap appeared, this colt knuckled down and hit the line very well.
When to bet: Due to the nature of the tight-turning Caulfield track, we expect to see Wolfy race at a much bigger track next time in a maiden or three-year-old handicap, as he will turn three next week. If he races at Sandown or Flemington over 1200m or 1400m next start, we will be following him.
Doomben
Race 1: QTIS 2YO Fillies Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:10.85
- Horse to follow: Five Star Vixen (6th)
The Jay Bellamy-trained Five Star Vixen has performed well in city grade at her first four career starts, and last Saturday was no different. Even though it says that this two-year-old filly finished sixth of nine, she got no luck at all and was held up from the 300m to the finish line. She travelled as well as any runner in the race, and with even luck she would have gone very close to winning it and breaking her maiden.
When to bet: If Bellamy can find a similar race at a bigger track like Eagle Farm or the Sunshine Coast over 1200m, Five Star Vixen will be a very good chance.
Belmont
Race 4: One Metro Win Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:26.51
- Horse to follow: First Encounter (1st)
First Encounter from the Adam Durrant yard returned from a two-month spell on Saturday at Belmont, where he was heavily backed into odds-on with online bookmakers, and he didn’t let his supporters down. This three-year-old gelding took his career record to three wins from four starts, dominating his rivals to win by over two lengths. This son of Dundeel is still very new to racing and he is a star on the rise in Western Australia.
When to bet: Durrant has tested this gelding over 1200m, 1400m and 1600m, so after winning over 1400m first-up, he should step up to the mile and then possibly push onto 2000m later in the preparation. Keep First Encounter blackbooked to make sure you get the best odds possible when markets open.