Foreteller Well Backed In Cox Plate Betting

The 2013 Cox Plate betting market has stayed relatively steady in the last 24 hours; with two-time Group 1 winner Foreteller the only major market mover.

Foreteller is chasing his third win at Group 1 level in the 2013 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Foreteller is chasing his third win at Group 1 level in the 2013 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Foreteller was available at odds of up to $35 when the Cox Plate betting market was first released on Tuesday but has now firmed significantly into odds of $26.

The underrated galloper has been one of the most consistent weight-for-age performers during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival but trainer Chris Waller was set to bypass the Cox Plate in order to save the Dansili gelding for next weekend’s Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m).

Waller said that only the fear that Atlantic Jewel may be ruled out of the Cox Plate, due to concerns about the condition of the track, and contest the Mackinnon Stakes caused him to change his mind and enter Foreteller in the Australasian Weight-For-Age Championship.

“I was wary that Atlantic Jewel wouldn’t run (because of a wet track) and might then go to the Mackinnon and that was the race we were choosing thinking it could be a touch easier,” Waller told AAP.

“But when rain was forecast and the horse so well in the morning, Craig Newitt said you should run, he’s got the best form lines leading into the race.

“It was common sense.”

Foreteller has already played spoiler during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival and based on his lead-up form is a live chance to cause an upset and is well over the odds in current 2013 Cox Plate betting markets.

The six-year-old started his campaign with an eighth place finish in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) but ran the final 200 metres faster than any other horse on the day.

Waller made a late decision to send the gelding to Melbourne for the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), which paid off in spades when Foreteller stormed from the back of the field to catch clear favourite Puissance De Lune on the line and claim his second Group 1 victory.

Foreteller had no chance in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), after the race was run at a farcical early speed, but returned to his best form when he chased Atlantic Jewel home in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) just under a fortnight ago.

It’s A Dundeel remains the clear favourite in Cox Plate betting markets at odds of $4 from Puissance De Lune ($4.40), Fiorente ($5) and Long John ($8).

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.