Favourites win plenty of races. But the real thrill, and often the real value, lies in finding the one the market hasn’t fully caught up with.
Betsy’s Bolters, proudly supported by Unibet, is our weekly search for punting gold. We dive deep into the replays, sectionals and market profiles to uncover runners flying under the radar, horses sitting at double-figure odds but with far more upside than their price suggests.
These aren’t wild darts. They’re calculated swings at big prices.
All odds are courtesy of Unibet (correct as at 08/07/26 @ 0730)
Canterbury – Dean Watling
Race 3 No.2 Royal Air Force ($10)
Royal Air Force looks a ridiculous price in the early market. He was a dominant fresh winner before being given virtually no chance second-up when badly held up behind horses at a crucial stage. Once clear, his final 100 metres were excellent. The awkward barrier is the obvious challenge, but at $15 or better he profiles as one of the best value bets of the meeting.
Sandown – Matt Welsh
Race 3 No.6 The Cunning Fox ($26/$5.50)
Been a long time since this jumping star has won on the flat but he was a cheeky, good run at Caulfield last time out. Will only strip fitter having had a hurdle trial between runs and the step to 2400m is ideal. He ran third in a similar 2400m race on Hillside last winter and it wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish at a big price. The 2100 might be a touch short, but he will be warming up late.
Race 4 No.2 Stonecoat ($81/$15)
This is a massive throw at the stumps, but you don’t need to be right too often at 80/1 to finish a long way in front. This bloke is having his first start for Joanne Mugavin (who had great success with Bright Legend earlier this year) and there are ratings on his form card that are well and truly good enough to win this. Gets straight to a winnable trip – 1500m – and strikes his preferred wet ground. Would love to have seen him trial, but can’t have everything in your favour at 80/1!
Queen Peta is clearly the horse to beat off her booming Cranbourne debut win, having trialled like a jet prior. But, the market hasn’t missed her! Dirty Diana can run a race at big odds – she wanted to lay in badly late at Moe first up, hence a near-side blinker goes on to help straighten her up. She’d had a decent spell leading into the campaign so should strip much fitter second up and the step to 1200m is ideal. Draws fdor a nice run, too.
