The Late Mail with Chris Scholtz – March 16th

This racing season continues to thrill, and with Rosehill’s Coolmore Classic and Caulfield’s All-Star Mile now in the spotlight, punters have plenty to mull over. If you’ve been following the recent form, you’ll know that in the 2024 Coolmore Classic, Zougotcha prevailed in a tight finish over Semana and Kimochi. At Caulfield, the All-Star Mile saw Pride of Jenni claim the win, with Mr Brightside and Cascadian chasing home in second and third.

With those past results as our backdrop, here are some racing tips and angles to watch heading into March’s big days:

Racing Tips & Angles to Watch

1. Form continuity matters
Many Coolmore Classic winners had placed in a lead-up race. Keep a close eye on mares who showed punch late or rallied strongly in last outings.
For the All-Star Mile, Mr Brightside came in in red-hot form and looked hard to beat before the race.

2. Race pattern & tempo
These events often hinge on how the early fractions are run. A slow tempo allows closers to strike; a fierce early speed can dish up surprises. Always scan weight and barrier draws—those tight inside gates or awkward draws can change the shape.

3. Watch for dark-horse upgrades
Horses that previously were just outside placings might step up, especially if there’s improvement in distance or class. Recent efforts by Semana and Kimochi suggest they can fight in the top bracket.

4. Weather & track bias
Conditions can swing things. A rain-affected or soft track can favour runners with proven ‘wet’ form. Don’t forget to review earlier races on the card for clues on track bias.

Racing Podcasts You Should Hear

If you like staying plugged in, listening to racing podcasts is a smart move. They often dissect each runner, interview trainers or jockeys, and unpack hidden angles. Look for episodes ahead of the big weekends covering the Coolmore Classic or All-Star Mile – you’ll sometimes pick up insights others miss.

Pairing what you hear in podcasts with your own horse racing tips research makes for a sharper approach. Consider tracking episodes on the events’ build-up, and compare their commentary with live form or sectional data.