Each week, Bet Legends trader Shaun Beirne opens up the book and invites punters to step in – identifying the runners he’s keen to take on.
This Saturday, Beirne is happy to oppose a well-hyped Kiwi filly at Rosehill and a high-profile mare at Flemington, with both runners facing queries around ratings, map and race setup.
Rosehill – Race 6 (1) Ohope Wins
The boom New Zealand filly comes in with plenty of hype having belted them in the NZ Oaks, but Beirne is taking a firm stance against the favourite here.
WATCH: Ohope wins trounce them in the NZ Oaks
“She’s well found in the market, but her ratings don’t actually stack up against this field,” Beirne said.
“Both Belle Cheval and Panova have produced spike peak ratings that are superior, so she’s not bringing anything the others haven’t already shown.”
The map also looks a major concern. With Salty Pearl likely to control proceedings on a rail-out track, the race shape could heavily favour those on speed.
“She’s drawn wide and will likely be dragged back to last – that’s the pattern with these Waller runners – and that’s a big negative at Rosehill,” he said.
“Everything is against her here: map, ratings and race shape. We’re very comfortable taking her on.”
Flemington – Race 8 (8) Pride Of Jenni
The popular mare is sure to attract attention again, but Beirne is questioning whether she can measure up at the trip.
“She’s always had her issues at 2000 metres and I don’t see anything that suggests that changes here,” he said.
“Last start she stuck on okay for third, but the rail was heavily advantaged and she still couldn’t put them away.”
While Flemington offers a different setup, the underlying figures remain a concern.
“Her ratings at 2000 metres just aren’t strong enough. She’ll need to improve significantly.”
“At the price, she’s one we’re happy to risk.”
Take Us On
Beirne is set to take a stand against two of the more talked-about runners on the card, with both Ohope Wins and Pride Of Jenni needing to defy map concerns and ratings profiles to justify their market positions.
As always, the Bet Legends book will be happy to have them running for the punters.
Check back on Saturday morning as BetLegends will put their money where their mouth is with a very attractive promo.
