‘WHOBE’ BEST BACKED IN FEATURE RACES AROUND THE COUNTRY

THE ‘real’ Whobegotyou needs to stand up and be counted in today's G2 $500,000 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes, 1600m, at Moonee Valley, to retain his firm grip on favoritism for the Cox Plate.

Whobegotyou has been heavily backed from $2.70 to $2.40 favoritism following his eye-catching seconds in the Liston and Memsie Stakes at his two runs since a spell. In both races he was frustrated by a genuine lack of speed.

But tomorrow with the Singapore star, Jolie’s Shinzu, likely to set a brisk pace at his Australian debut there should be no excuses for Whobegotyou when he steps up to a more suitable mile trip around the Valley where he is unbeaten.

Mark Read of IASbet.com believes he will win. “Punters should know by now that Whobegotyou only flicks the switch when he gets to the mile, and the addition of blinkers tells us that the horse is expected to find better form.

But there has also been strong support for Mic Mac, winner of the Listed Aurie’s Star and G2 Memsie Stakes at his two runs since a spell. He has firmed from $4.40 to $3.60 in Fixed Odds betting.

There has also been support for Jolie’s Shinzu and she has firmed from $8.50 to $7.50 despite mixed opinion on how she will handle the transition to Australian racing.

Jolie's Shinju won the Singapore Triple Crown, culminating in a five length win in the Singapore Derby. Former leading Singapore jockey Noel Callow, who rode against the mare several times, is skeptical.

“She was a sprinter who has turned into a stayer. Her sectionals are OK, but in this class for mine, no. She's been racing against the same horses at set weights,” Callow said.

Bookmakers are unanimously of the opinion that unless Whobegotyou encounters bad luck he needs to win the Dato Chin Nam to justify his Cox Plate quote. Trainer Mark Kavanagh was playing his usual conservative games with the racing media.

“He’ll run a good, honest race. He’s unbeaten at Moonee Valley and is getting fitter,” Kavanagh said.

In the feature race at Rosehill tomorrow, the $200,000 G2 Theo Marks, 1400m, Racing to Win holds down slight favoritism at $4.50 from Triple Honour at $4.80.

Mark Read believes that Dreamscape can cause an upset and is one of the best value chances of the weekend’s feature races. He does look the natural leader but bookies are also keeping a cautious eye on stablemate, Rock Kingdom, first-up for Gai Waterhouse tomorrow.