Mitch Ellis was a valuable addition to the Betsy team throughout the Warrnambool May Carnival, helping steer punters into a stack of winners and key performances across the three days.
Now, after dissecting the tapes from the famous ‘Bool carnival, Ellis has identified the horses punters should be following through the winter months – both over the jumps and on the flat.
Horses to Follow – Jumpers
ONGATITI – Warrnambool Day 1, Race 1 (May 5)
Was a 10-length winner on Tuesday. Followed that up with a gallant third in the hurdle on Thursday. Definitely one to follow going forward.
MR WATERVILLE – Warrnambool Day 1, Race 4 (May 5)
Closed well enough on Tuesday to run second. Was hard to tip on Thursday off that, but flashed down the outside to score a great win.
FENGARADA – Warrnambool Day 2, Race 4 (May 6)
Not sure he’s the most talented of jumpers, but his love for the slop will help him be more competitive than not through the winter.
GOLDEN GARDEN – Warrnambool Day 2, Race 4 (May 6)
Was always going to get an easy lead and it was just a matter of whether he could hold on. Keen to follow as he keeps getting fitter into the season.
PRESSFAL – Warrnambool Day 2, Race 4 (May 6)
Was gross overs considering he liked heavy ground more than others in the race. Jumped cleanly and just got too far back. Flew home for second prize. I’d like to see him around Casterton.
HIGHLAND BLAZE – Warrnambool Day 2, Race 6 (May 6)
Superstar back for more. Unfortunately it wasn’t here, had a big weight and that told late. On a fairer surface he’s right in the features this year.
HIT THE ROAD JACK – Warrnambool Day 2, Race 6 (May 6)
Many had questions heading into the carnival. He answered them all with two fantastic efforts finishing second twice. Not sure where we’ll see him next, but he proved he’s right up to the top jumpers in the chasing game.
ONGATITI – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 1 (May 7)
Followed up his dominant Tuesday win with a gallant third in Thursday’s hurdle. Tough and racing in terrific form.
UNTETHERED – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 1 (May 7)
Was a great return after a first-up flop. Loomed at the 300m and only got collared late. He’ll only improve on better surfaces.
THE STORYTELLER – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 1 (May 7)
Followed up his good debut win with another victory in the hurdle feature. Got a great ride from Luca Remondet. Keep following as he’ll only keep getting better.
ANDY WIN – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 2 (May 7)
Looked hard to beat from the outset. Loved the wet ground, tracked into the race beautifully and never really looked like getting beaten.
MR WATERVILLE – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 2 (May 7)
Flashed down the outside to score a terrific win after catching the eye earlier in the carnival.
HIT THE ROAD JACK – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 3 (May 7)
Again proved he belongs among the better chasers with another strong second placing.
GAMBU – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 3 (May 7)
Rated him a top-four chance. Ran out of his skin to finish third in the Annual. Keen to follow him – if Musgrove keeps him fit he might be a National horse.
Horses to Follow – Flat
ANY LUCK – Warrnambool Day 2, Race 8 (May 6)
Awesome win for the Walters team. Runs in every country cup, was always going to be in the finish with a love for heavy ground and a front-running style.
ALDER – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 8 (May 7)
Was keen on him after his Terang Cup win, only nailed late in the Cup but it was a fantastic run. Blackbook.
KHOR – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 8 (May 7)
Followed him out of the same Cup, finished fourth here and back to a lower-level country cup he’ll be more than competitive.
SALSA FELLOW – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 9 (May 7)
Followed through from the Terang meeting and was a great chance. Presented late and nailed Luna Cat on the line. Keep following as he keeps finding ways to win.
LUNA CAT – Warrnambool Day 3, Race 9 (May 7)
Proved again she’s one to follow through the winter with another competitive effort.
