Australian Idol form guide

Current betting on Australian Idol is hot, to the point there’s been fluctuation over the last 24 hours. Stan Walker has firmed as favourite, slipping into $3 on the current tote.

Sadly, however, this means little to most punters. They can’t judge form because they don’t watch the show. So I thought I’d put together a little something which might make more sense.

Race: Australian Idol overall winner stakes

Stan Walker: $3

Stan looks a little flimsy in the mounting yard, but when he hits the track he’s dynamite. His latest effort to sing Metallica shot him into early favouritism. But remember, this is a staying race. Some discipline from the jockeys might help his off-track demeanour, but they’ll need to hold him back from peaking too early in the race.
Go close.

Kim Cooper: $5.5

Proven performer on country tracks, Kim moves up in class to the city environment. And in early barrier trials, she has impressed with a pleasant demeanour and strong finish. This filly has won plenty of support of late and should be in the finish during final weeks of the competition.
Has claims here.

Sabrina Batshon: $6

Sabrina comes from one of the most elite stables in the race, being brought up by the finest trainers. But she can be a little temperamental, which means some of the rougher fillies demand more respect. This filly will no doubt catch the eye of onlookers at the start of the race, but a question-mark lies over her staying power.
Keep safe.

Nathan Brake: $6.5

One of the youngest in the field, Nathan was fast out of the gates at barrier trials, blasting home We Are the Champions. But his early mantle has been swept aside as others show promise. This has led punters to question whether this impressive young colt has the staying power to take it all the way to the finish.
One of the chances.

Scott Newnham: $7

This colt thought his ticket in life was as a workhorse. But brickies are always looking for a bargain and shot Scott into the Idol racing arena. A crowd favourite, he’ll be a rags to riches story if he can upset proven performers. After an impressive first furlong, his effort last week showed signs of lethargy. Trainers might suggest he discards the blinkers.
Seemingly outclassed in this field but will attract loyal following.

Hayley Warner: $10

A slow starter showing signs of staying power. Hayley is not as sleek as other fillies, but determination might prove a winner if the jockey can keep the lid on technical development. Raw talent has seen her firm solidly in the betting over the past two weeks.
Needs improvement.

James Johnston: $12

If the youngest fillies in the stable had a say in the result, this colt would be a clear winner, but after wins in the country, this race is a rise in class for the young performer. His outback talent might not serve him overly well in an event boasting more talented stayers.
Watch market fluctuations. Prefer others.

Kate Cook: $21

Trained in the bush, Kate is rising in class. Early success in barrier trials might suggest she is a better chance than the odds indicate. She tripped on a rock last week, but might perform better in different events, starting with Top 10 on Sunday. She might struggle in the home straight.
Value at these odds, but seems outclassed.

Toby Moulton: $26

Toby has made a life out of teaching young colts and fillies. But the teacher has fast become the student in a classy field. Unused to advanced training techniques, he needs to quickly adapt to be any chance of an upset. There might be some support from older race-goers, but that’s unlikely to influence the result.
Prefer in something easier.

Tim Johnston: $34

This colt was shown up in the mounting yard, but raced back into contention with a Jumping Jack Flash last week. That performance is likely to see him race deeper into the carnival, but it’s hard to see him in the finish.
Others look stronger.

Casey Barnes: $34

Barrier trials have not been overly impressive for this stallion. Casey is one of the elder statesmen of the field and is currently the favourite to be first scratched as the carnival progresses, despite some previous overseas success in his career.
Can’t consider.

* Odds according to sportsbet.com