In a massive day of racing at Randwick, champion Queensland sprinter Buffering has been sensationally backed for a first-up win. Online bookmaker Sportsbet previews the six-year-old’s Challenge Stakes mission and where the money is going in the other east coast majors.
Randwick:
Challenge Stakes (Race 5)
Punters have it down to a two-horse battle between Buffering and Snitzerland. Buffering ($3.80 into $3.20) has been heavily backed and if the weight of money continues “The Buff” could topple Snitzerland ($3.00) for favouritism. Snitzerland is not at home on wet tracks, but money may come for the mare if Randwick is upgraded from a slow 6.
Canterbury Stakes (Race 8)
Trainers Chris Waller (4) and Guy Walter (3) hold the key saddling seven of the 10 runners. Waller’s potential superstar Zoustar ($3.60 favourite) is best backed, but is being pressured by stablemate and noted wet tracker Red Tracer ($5.00 into $4.20). Money has also been steady for Walter’s Appearance ($6.50).
However, judging by some decent wagers for Not Listenin’tome, backed into second favouritism at $3.90, the “Team Hawke’s” trained runner could blow them all away.
Randwick Guineas (Race 7)
Kiwi El Roca has eased to $4.00, but remains favourite and still the most popular runner with punters. Support for Eurozone ($8.00), trained by the legendary Bart Cummings and his nephew James, has also been solid. Away from the top two, Queenslander Teronado ($26) has been specked.
The Roy Higgins Tribute Quality (Race 6)
The Peter Moody trained A Time For Julia ($4.80 into $4.40) has been well supported enough to knock Lilliburlero ($4.80) from favouritism. Despite easing there is money around to say Lilliburlero is well and truly in the mix. There has been a flicker of support for outsider Avoid Lightning, into $21 after punters took $34.
Aspiration Quality (Race 4)
Forever Loved best backed here, firming to $4.60 second favourite. Lucky Lago looks suited out to 1300m but has received no love from punters and is friendless at $3.80. Some nice wagers for the Gai Waterhouse runner Porcellanus at $13.
Bendigo:
Golden Mile (Race 7)
Favourite Tigerland ($4.60) unwanted by punters, who appear to be looking for value. Mourinho ($12) and Bass Strait ($8.00) have firmed from their opening quote and continue to receive solid support.
Bendigo Guineas (Race 8)
Although easing in betting, Trust In A Gust holds favouritism at $3.30, out from $3.00. Trust In A Gust and Consorting ($6.00 into $4.80) are the dominant two in betting. On speed runner Red Spyder ($19) has had a nibble and Written Up ($8.50) is steady.
Gold Coast:
Gold Coast Stakes (Race 7)
Track specialist Trombone Alley has plenty of admirers and is the best backed runner at juicy odds of $21. Tony Gollan pair Rocket To Glory ($6.50) and Gundy Son ($7.50) remain firm and favourite Benny Buttons is easing and is out to $4.80 from $3.60.