Eptimum priced to topple stablemate
EPTIMUM has come up at a shorter price than his more high-profile stablemate Houtzen in the $1 million Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington tomorrow.
Eptimum, the winner of three races from three starts in Victoria this campaign, was backed into $8.50 in UBET markets last night while Magic Millions 2YO Classic victor Houtzen was at $10.
UBET spokesman Nick Curry said Queensland punters had their maroon goggles on in the lead-up to the 1200m dash down the Flemington straight and were keen on both Gold Coast horses.
Houtzen has firmed from $11 to $10 while Eptimum, winner of the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes at Moonee Valley last weekend, has been backed from $9 into $8.50.
“Both the Toby Edmondstrained runners have been given a good early look actually, with Houtzen the more popular of the two by volume of money,” Curry said.
“She panelled Eptimum in a trial at Aquis Park earlier this year and, even though the latter has come on in leaps and bounds this preparation to win three straight, it was a surprise to me to see him come up shorter than his stablemate.”
Curry said the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy was the best-backed runner with UBET at $8.50 but there was also interest in unbeaten Godolphin colt Viridine at $7.50 and Merchant Navy at $16.
“The fact it’s $7.50 the field says it all for me,” he said.
“For mine, this could be the toughest race of the entire Flemington carnival to find the winner but those who do will walk away with very full wallets.”
Edmonds said “without a doubt” Houtzen was the No. 1 seed for the stable.
“She’s always been sharper than (Eptimum), but he’s an improver.”
Edmonds has enjoyed being a part of the spring carnival, where Eptimum and Houtzen have both won Group races.
He was hopeful one of the two could crack it for a maiden Group 1 win for the stable tomorrow.