Lankan Rupee burst onto the racing scene last preparation and was quickly a crowd favourite with his distinct love heart shaped marking. Although it wasn’t until he won the Listed Dilmah Earl Grey Stakes at Flemington and made it back to back wins in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes that punters really took notice.

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He returned this preparation in the Rubiton Stakes where he opened over the odds once again and was heavily backed and duly saluted for those who invested on him. That win gave trainer Mick Price confidence that a step up to Group 1 class was warranted and again punters weren’t disappointed with another impressive victory.

Craig Newitt who has ridden Lankan Rupee to all bar one of his career victories made the choice to jump off the gelding and ride another runner in the race, that being the best backed runner ‘Samaready’ who was sent out favourite in the Lightning Stakes and despite running third lost no admirers hitting the line well showing the step up to 1200m will suit her perfectly.

The son of Redoute’s Choice opened as the early market favourite in Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap although he has been a notable drifter in betting with his opening odds of $4.50 now getting out to $5 with online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au and the drift is likely to continue.

Shamexpress is the current favourite in the race at $4.20 and has been solid at that mark since the final field was announced on Wednesday but punters agree with Newitt’s decision and the bulk of money bet on the race has come for last years Moir Stakes winner.

Betting at Sportsbet.com.au suggests it is a three horse race with the mentioned three runners being the only gallopers in single figures in the race. But for anyone looking for some value there has been specking for Pago Rock and Flamberge at longer odds.

Did Craig Newitt make the right decision to jump off Lankan Rupee and ride Samaready? Or do you think another runner will win, so it doesn’t matter? Let me know below.