A confident TAB punter has stepped into the Romeos Choice at $18, with the Rosehill roughie producing one of the most interesting betting moves in an otherwise subdued lead-up to Saturday’s metropolitan meetings.
The $2,000 investment on the outsider in Rosehill Race 8 is one of just three wagers singled out by TAB traders this week, with early betting activity noticeably quieter than has been the case in recent weekends.
While not the biggest wager of the weekend, it’s a significant show of confidence in a horse at double-figure odds and one of the few genuine statements made by punters during the depths of the mid-winter racing season.
TAB traders say there has been little else of note in the lead-up to Saturday, with many punters seemingly content to keep their powder dry until the weather picture becomes clearer and final track conditions are known.
The biggest investment of the weekend has landed at Flemington, where Duchess Zou has attracted a $7,000 bet at $3.70 in Race 3.
Duchess Zou will be ridden by in-form Tasmanian apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who has taken the mainland by storm. Although, on Saturday, Johnstone will have to do it without the 3kg claim he generally gets as an apprentice, as Finals Day is packed full of ‘non-claiming’ races.
Duches Zou went to the line with fellow rivals Stylish and Miss Aria last start in the key lead-up race to Saturday’s Lerlani Series Final.
The other notable play has come in Rosehill Race 4, where on punter has parted with $2,000 at $5.50 about Jellicious.
Jellicious shapes as one of the main dangers to short-priced favourite Big Red Tequila, with the early support indicating some punters are happy to take on the odds-on elect in search of better value.
The relatively quiet betting activity reflects what many form analysts have described as an exceptionally competitive Saturday program.
Whether the market comes to life on Saturday morning remains to be seen, but for now it is confidence behind an $18 roughie, rather than a flood of money for favourites, that has provided the week’s most intriguing betting move.
TAB’s biggest reported bets
Flemington – Race 3
Duchess Zou – $7,000 at $3.70
Rosehill – Race 4
Jellicious – $2,000 at $5.50
Rosehill – Race 8
Romeos Choice – $2,000 at $18
