MY CALL - ASSUMPTIONS CAN BE DANGEROUS

By David Fowler | Tuesday, March 11, 2014

David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.

One might have been led to think Kingtantes would be a good bet in a maiden at his next start after Racing Queensland stewards deemed Damian Browne's ride on him at Eagle Farm deserved a six week suspension.

A penalty that precious few agreed with but Browne was considered to have broken rule 135 (b) on two occasions from the 400m to the 200m in the race won by Primal Flight at Eagle Farm on February 26.

Many, myself included, saw a different race. Kingtantes, a galloper of moderate ability, ridden with cover, consistent with his barrier trial, finishing generously with the new riding tactics and delivering a career best run.

As I wrote last week, a $1.01 chance to be penalised.

But maybe Kingtantes might be a horse to follow.

Alas no.

Kingtantes headed up the range to Toowoomba last Saturday night and even punters seemed to ignore the stewards' interpretation of the Eagle Farm run and he was sent out at $8.20 on the tote and $8.80 fixed.

After settling midfield, Kingtantes was pulled to the outside at the home turn and asked to go. He finished eighth, beaten just under seven lengths.

"Wouldn't win anything," a professional punter and video viewer told me after the race.

So was riding him "cold" at Eagle Farm such a bad thing? Ridden with more urgency at various parts of the race certainly didn't enhance his winning prospects at Toowoomba.

Full article

Latest Racing News

More racing news