The Follow Files: Michael Kent mare very unlucky at Flemington
Magic Millions Day on the Gold Coast took centre stage last Saturday, while Flemington was the only other venue to host feature racing as it held its annual Standish Handicap Day. After going through both feature meetings, we have found three runners that you should put in your Blackbook with your chosen bookmaker so that you can follow them at their next start.
Flemington
Rail position: +4m Entire Circuit
Race 6: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:36.86
- Horse to follow: Kind Gesture (2nd)
Michael Kent entered Kind Gesture in the Group 3 Summoned Stakes two starts back after a strong performance first-up in a Benchmark 90; however, she wasn’t up to the grade and finished last. Therefore, Kent and his team dropped this five-year-old mare back in grade to a Fillies & Mares BM78, where she was very unlucky not to win last Saturday. This daughter of Decorated Knight was given a massive bump at the 500m mark, which knocked her off balance before she regained her composure to run on strong and finish second after a successful protest against the winner. Even with the interference, Kind Gesture ran home in the third-fastest final 400m and 200m of the meeting.
When to bet: Kind Gesture has finished in the placings at two of her three starts this preparation, and she looks ready to win now. If Michael Kent keeps her in a similar grade against her own sex, she should record a deserving victory next time out.
Race 10: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:09.72
- Horse to follow: Master Montaro (3rd)
Since returning from Hong Kong, Master Montaro has turned in two really good performances over 1100m and 1200m, with his last start effort down the Flemington straight displaying that he is working his way up to a win. Ben, Will & JD Hayes appear to be bringing this seven-year-old gelding on slowly, but after his third-place finish behind Jungle Jim, stepping up in distance to 1400m third-up could be key to his winning hopes. This son of Toronado settled midfield before running home strong to go down by 2.4 lengths.
When to bet: Master Montaro has won over 1400m in Hong Kong and raced over 1600m plenty of times, so a step up to 1300m or 1400m third-up looks ideal for this galloper’s next start. If he stays in Benchmark 78 grade in a slightly weaker field over further, we will be backing him with confidence.
Gold Coast
Rail position: +2m 950m – 400m, True Remainder
Race 3: The Debut Colts & Geldings (1000m) | Time: 0:56.71
- Horse to follow: Heavenly Impact (2nd)
The Marcus Wilson-trained Heavenly Impact produced one of the best runs in defeat during the Magic Millions meeting in The Debut Colts & Geldings contest. After being given three trials before his debut race start, this son of Harry Angel appeared to be struggling before the home turn, but as he straightened at the 400m mark, the two-year-old colt started to let down. Mark Zahra gave him every chance, but with the leader off and gone with the prize at the 100m mark, Heavenly Impact ran home into a clear second place.
When to bet: Due to The Debut being worth $500,000, that maiden was much stronger than a typical maiden race. If Wilson chooses to keep Heavenly Impact racing this preparation, he should be able to break the maiden ranks with ease next start.