Four-Play, Quadzilla: Gilbert Gardiner’s $200 betting strategy for Cox Plate meeting at The Valley

News Corp form analyst Gilbert Gardiner is keen to have a bet in the Cox Plate as he gives his betting strategy and quaddie tips at The Valley.

News Corp form analyst Gilbert Gardiner gives his $200 betting strategy and quaddie analysis for Saturday’s Cox Plate meeting at They Valley.

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FOUR-PLAY: $200 BETTING STRATEGY

RACE 7: GROUP 2 McEWEN STAKES (1200m)

$25 each-way I AM UNSTOPPABLE (5) $4.60/$1.65

Better for the run first-up at Warwick Farm, beaten less than half a length seven months between runs. First time at The Valley but the son of I Am Invincible has more than his share of speed, talent and class to get around the circuit. I Am Unstoppable has won and placed second-up previously and has the benefit of in-form Mark Zahra aboard. Going to need an ounce of luck from the wide draw, the only query.

RACE 8: GROUP 2 CRYSTAL MILE (1600m)

$25 each-way PLENTY OF AMMO (11) at $4.40/$1.80

Tricky assignment against seasoned gallopers but the Symon Wilde mare has the most untapped potential, albeit a lightly-raced six-year-old, of any of the opposition. Flashed late last start in a 1400m Listed race at Flemington. This is her sternest test to date, a Group 2 1600m and first look at The Valley, but all the signs point towards a big run. Wary of ROYAL CHAMPION (7), who needed the first-up Flemington run.

Uncle Bryn does it for the Gavin & Stacey fans (and the bookies) dominating the Winning Edge Paris Lane Stakes.

📽 @7HorseRacingpic.twitter.com/mDC2U5aC2o

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) October 5, 2024

RACE 9: GROUP 1 COX PLATE (2040m)

$25 each-way BROADSIDING (8) at $6.50/$2.10

Can he win? Yes he can. Can he run a place? Absolutely. Nothing but respect for Japanese star Prognosis, who should be hard to hold out with even luck, but the powerful three-year-old colt Broadsiding should get every chance. Star jockey Jamie Kah has won and placed on the James Cummings-trained colt before and this is her best chance to win a Melbourne spring carnival major. So You Think and Shamus Award won the Cox Plate after being defeated in the Caulfield Guineas.

RACE 10: GROUP 3 TESIO STAKES (2040m)

$25 each-way LITTLE MIX (5) at $7/$2.25

Got a hunch the Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained mare is being aimed for a race during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, won on Oaks Day last year, but Little Mix has placed in two of three second-up starts previously and raced well first-up in Sydney at 1600m in a Benchmark 96 behind St Lawrence. Booking jockey Blake Shinn a significant upgrade and sign of intent.

QUADZILLA

LEG 1 - RACE 7

OSCAR’S FORTUNE (2) just peaked on the run last start at Caulfield and should be better for the exercise. No issues with The Valley, first time, being a go forward horse and Damian Lane in the saddle again must be respected. BARAQIEL (8) in a similar boat, led and kicked strongly to win at The Valley last start. I AM UNSTOPPABLE (5) next best. THE INFERNO (1) hasn’t won since the 2021 McEwen Stakes, could be a factor late if they go too hard.

1ST LEG: 1, 2, 5, 8

Bellatrix Star becomes the second filly to win the Schillaci! ⭐️@CWilliamsJockey has a treble on Caulfield Guineas Day!@TeAkauRacingpic.twitter.com/plVeYD0dPY

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 12, 2024

LEG 2 - RACE 8

PLENTY OF AMMO (11) showed spring potential with a big finish first-up at Flemington, second in Listed 1400m race. Extra distance ideal here and should get around The Valley no problems. ROYAL CHAMPION (7) needed the run first-up, strongly fancied to win but tired out of contention. Do not overlook. SUPERAZI (6) has been racing in great heart, placed the past four starts. Up in grade but could surprise.

2ND LEG: 6, 7, 11

LEG 3 - RACE 9

PROGNOSIS (2) the clear top pick. World class galloper, a three-time Group 1-placed behind genuine freaks, including twice against reigning Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior. If he jumps, has even luck in the run, he wins. Something about BROADSIDING (8), drawn awkwardly but could get a tow on the back of Prognosis and 9.5kg weight difference a factor late? MR BRIGHTSIDE (1) was beaten a pimple in the race last year and returned in better shape 12 months on. Include PRIDE OF JENNI (6) and VIA SISTINA (7). Cracking race.

3RD LEG: 1, 2, 6, 7, 8

LEG 4 - RACE 10

FIRESTORM (6) won two on the trot and then not beaten far in The Epsom. Drawn ideally and has Damian Lane in the saddle, could be a big hour for the gun jockey. PRIVATE LEGACY (8) caught the eye second-up at Caulfield, placed third up previously. LITTLE MIX (5) is going to need luck from the back of the field but Blake Shinn aboard a bonus. Raced well in Sydney last start.

4TH LEG: 5, 6, 8

Firestorm gets a peach from @mcacajamez at Rosehill going back-to-back at the [e-mail]/IAEmn3BFOS

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 28, 2024

COST $100 FOR 55%

SKINNY QUADDIE

Start with OSCAR’S FORTUNE (2), I AM UNSTOPPABLE (5) and BARAQIEL (8). In the second leg take ROYAL CHAMPION (7) and PLENTY OF AMMO (11). In the third leg take MR BRIGHTSIDE (1), PROGNOSIS (2) and BROADSIDING (8). Come home with LITTLE MIX (5) and FIRESTORM (6).

1ST LEG: 2, 5, 8

2ND LEG: 7, 11

3RD LEG: 1, 2, 8

4TH LEG: 5, 6

COST $100 FOR 277%

Originally published as Four-Play, Quadzilla: Gilbert Gardiner’s $200 betting strategy for Cox Plate meeting at The Valley