Autumn Carnival - Is There Any Antepost Value?

The Australian horse racing autumn carnival is fast approaching. The two biggest races are left for us to try and conjure up a winner. The Doncaster Handicap at Randwick and the Golden Slipper for two year olds at Rosehill are both hard races to pick, but you can certainly get some juicy odds on the winner.

Firstly, let's look at the Doncaster handicap. The favourite for the race is Weekend Hustler who is at $5.00. I think this horse is the best in the country and he may well take all before this spring. The problem is that the Handicapper in the Doncaster always gives the hot pots plenty to lug around and you would think that it would be a herculean effort for this horse to win under the weight. I may still back him but that's my heart speaking and not my head, as I think there may be some good value in other horses.

Sportsbet has Casino Prince at a very inviting $15.00. This horse was good last spring and finally won a big race last start. He also has some weight concerns but is certainly the second classiest thoroughbred in a somewhat average field. Hot Danish is the second favourite at $6.00 which I think is a little skinny as the horse doesn't have the form around quality fields. There are plenty of chances and I would be looking for something around the 10 or 15/1 so that you get a nice little pay day if you're lucky enough to land the winner.

The Golden Slipper is the premier race for two year olds in Australia. I think two year old racing is a bad thing as the horses are too young. They are worked far too hard as juveniles and we never see the best of most of them. I am, however, in the minority and the rich owners and trainers love the race as the prize money is enormous and helps prop up the industry.

If you thought the Doncaster was a wide open betting affair then you will be shocked at the Slipper market. Currently Sportsbet has 11 horses ranging from $7.00 to $17.00. What this means is that the race is a lottery. As the race is only over 1200 metres so barriers will play a large role. This leaves you with two options; you can get on early before the barrier draw and get a good price and pray that your horse draws well, or alternatively you can wait until after the barrier draw and risk taking a shorter price. I will get on prior, but hey I'm a gambler.

I am a patriotic Aussie but I am going to have a tickle at All American at around the $8 mark. I think the horse has had an excellent preparation and my favourite jockey Brad Rawiller may get the ride.

Good luck and good punting over the carnival.

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