Welcome to the inaugural edition of Tom’s Punt Hunt where Proven Thoroughbreds strives to give you a leg up for the autumn carnival.
Saturday tip:
OSBORNE BULLS (Flemington R8 N1): Think this is a Group 1 horse in waiting. Concede that 1000m is probably not his forte but history of the Lightning Stakes tells me you don’t have to be a 1000m specialist to win. There is a stack of speed engaged and he could well have the last say here. You don’t see horses trial better than he did at Randwick last month and he is coming off a brilliant win down the Flemington straight in the spring. Each-way appeal at $6.50.
Futures tip:
BROOKLYN HUSTLE (Blue Diamond Stakes): Think the Blue Diamond Stakes market has overreacted to the unplaced run of Brooklyn Hustle in the Fillies’ Prelude. That race was always going to be the strongest form reference and I think she had genuine excuses first-up over the 1100m. She was back in the field travelling keen and was warming to the task late. I think a fast-run 1200m, which is reasonable to expect in a Blue Diamond, will suit this filly enormously. For a horse that was once favourite for the race, $10 with Bet 365 looks great value.
Tom Walter is the son of and deputy to Proven Thoroughbreds proprietor Jamie Walter. He manages the website, social media, IT and admin in addition to his primary occupation as a journalist for online racing publication Racenet.