Shaun Beirne is back for another edition of Take Us On, identifying the runners he’s happy to risk on a fascinating Saturday of racing across Scone, Doomben and Flemington.
This week, Beirne takes aim at a short-priced favourite at Flemington, a heavily backed sprinter in the Doomben 10,000 and the “get out stakes” favourite at Scone.
Scone R10 – Linebacker
Linebacker will likely prove one of the more popular runners of the day in the Scone finale, but Beirne is happy to take him on despite the class drop.
“The gelding is certainly back in grade, however this shapes as a race with more depth than it may first appear and there looks to be genuine pressure engaged throughout,” said Beirne.
“While Linebacker maps to get a reasonable run, there are a number of runners vying for similar positions and that setup may leave him vulnerable late.”
“Importantly, despite dropping back in class, he doesn’t receive a major advantage at the weights compared to many of the key dangers.”
With many punters likely looking to finish the day with a collect in the “get out stakes”, Beirne is happy to oppose.
Special: Linebacker to run 1st or 2nd @ $3 (max stake $25)
Doomben R8 – Doomben 10,000
Beirne has spent most of the preparation opposing boom sprinter Jimmysstar, but believes at WFA he’s clearly the horse to beat on Saturday.
“He’s got a huge ratings edge on this field so at WFA he’s just such an appealing prospect.”
“Traditionally, bookmakers are happy to take on favourites in major Group 1 races, but in this case we will be cuddling the favourite and happy to lay everything else in the race.”
It sets up as one of the key races of the day from a betting perspective.
Flemington R4 – Concord Connie
“This is far from a knock on Concord Connie’s ability!” said Beirne.
Beirne was full of praise for the exciting filly, noting her ratings and race times fully support the hype surrounding her early career.
However, at a current quote of around $1.35, he believes the market has simply gone too far, too soon.
“At this stage of her career, against older and more seasoned opposition, she simply has to be taken on at the price despite her obvious upside.”
“Sometimes it’s not about whether a horse can win – it’s whether the odds accurately reflect the risk.”
Special: Concord Connie to win by 1 length or more @ $2
