THERE'LL be a few nervous punters eagerly awaiting the result of Saturday's Magic Millions Clockwise Classic at Ballarat.
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TAB's Glenn Munsie has reported a few big multi bets that hinge on the performance of unbeaten favourite Prompt Return.
Munsie said there had been a $7000 bet at $3.15 placed on Tee 'n' Tee - a winner at Werribee on Thursday - into the Danny O'Brien-trained runner to win the 1000m scamper, run the NSW and Queensland way-of-going. If successful, the punter will collect a handsome $22,050.
Another has plunged $2500 on Prompt Return into South Australian raider Tildy Lad in the Tonks Plate to return $19,500, while one punter reckons O'Brien's horse can salute and has lobbed $3000 at him into Majestic Moment to win race five at Morphettville in Adelaide to return $19,200.
The "Taking A Punt" column draws to its conclusion this weekend, where close to $500 will be donated to charity should we not land any of our bets on the Ballarat Cup meeting.
We backed up a good Emirates Stakes day with a couple of nice collects at Sandown last Saturday, where the $10 each-way bet on Archie Alexander-trained Renew ($4/$1.61) and $15 win bet on Robert Smerdon's Thurlow ($2.30) both saluted to add another $79.10 to the bank.
This takes the overall tally to $482.55.
BEST BET
Prompt Return (Saturday, Ballarat, R6 #1)
Not much value here, but Danny O'Brien's youngster looks the goods in the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic.
Unbeaten in two career starts and was brilliant in winning the group 3 Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington earlier this month, where he was far too good for main rival here, Old Trieste.
The clear one to beat.
NEXT BEST
Reigning Meteor (Saturday, Ballarat, R4 #2)
Finished really nicely behind Risen From Doubt for fourth at Flemington down the straight on Melbourne Cup day, which followed a big win at Ararat the start before.
Good ability and should go close here.
EACH-WAY
Henwood (Saturday, Ballarat, R7 #1)
Sprinted really well after a seven-week let-up at Moonee Valley late last month, flashing home from the tail to hit the line hard.
Scratched because the track was too firm during the Emirates Stakes meeting at Flemington, Henwood will appreciate the step-up to 1200m and has a nice little claim for Thomas Sadler.
CRACK AT THE CUP
Tuscan Fire (Saturday, Flemington, R8 #2)
The Ballarat-trained veteran is having his 59th race start on Saturday, but I reckon he's going well enough to win his hometown feature.
Burst to the lead and looked the victor in a good race at Flemington last start, where his fitness just seemed to give out late in the 1800m trip.
While the 60kg is the worry, he should be peaking third-up and rarely runs a bad race.
THIS WEEKEND'S BETS
$20 win - Prompt Return (Saturday, Ballarat, R6 #1)
$10 win - Reigning Meteor (Saturday, Ballarat, R4 #2)
$10 win - Tuscan Fire (Saturday, Flemington, R8 #2)
$5 each-way - Henwood (Saturday, Ballarat, R7 #1)