Shaun Beirne and Bet Legends head into Saturday with a full satchel after another successful night taking on the market at Cranbourne. The horses he was happy to oppose were all beaten, including Exit, who drifted notably before never looking a winning chance.
Now the veteran bookie is keen to step back into the ring and take on punters again.
Caulfield – Race 6 (2YO): Big Sky under the odds
Beirne respects what Big Sky did on debut, but he is not convinced the performance warrants the current price.
“Big Sky was impressive winning on debut. The margin and style ensured a good handicap and time ratings,” Beirne said.
Flemington Race 1 I Big Sky
That was impressive! The @MickPriceRacing debutant produces a sizzling turn of foot to strike in the 2YO handicap 🚀 @JChilds47
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/Hy5Qz4P81S— Racing.com (@Racing) January 17, 2026
Get Mitch Lewis’ full preview of Caulfield here
“There’s plenty of scope to improve again at his second start, but I wouldn’t call the ratings elite.”
He believes there are others in the race who can match or exceed that level.
“Lady Of Five rated well winning on debut in Brisbane before regressing. She’s first-up and the recent quiet jump-out was good.”
“Jadzia was very impressive jumping out. In the astute Grahame Begg stable and they’d love to win a race like this to boost her prizemoney and ensure a Blue Diamond spot.”
For Beirne, it comes down to simple value.
“Big Sky just looks too short. If you want to back him head to Betlegends.com.au – we will be taking him on.”
Rosehill – Race 6: Favourites set to domainte, but Beirne has a clear preference.
At Rosehill, Beirne expects the race to be dominated by two runners in the market, but he still sees a clear angle.
“Cross Tasman and Amplify dominate the betting and realistically it looks a race in two,” he said.
“Both have good profiles.”
Cross Tasman has taken big steps forward this preparation, but Beirne is wary of the market assuming that improvement is linear.
“Cross Tasman has exploded as a gelding this prep. He advanced five lengths from first to second-up and two lengths from second-up to third-up.”
“On my calculations, the market is expecting another two lengths or more again. It’s possible, but there is no great prize at the odds.”
Amplify, however, looks better treated.
“Amplify should be much closer to him on ratings. She has similar peak figures and the luxury of a four kilo weight difference.”
“That’s fair on official handicap ratings, but it may be decisive.”
The play is clear in Beirne’s mind.
“At the prices, I just have to be with Amplify and against Cross Tasman.”
Beirne might be coming off a winning run, but punters get their chance to respond on Saturday. The bookie has made his stand. Now it is up to the market to prove him wrong.
If you like any of these, head over to betlegends.com.au where you are sure to get top odds.
