A viral text message along with an impressive trial has seen first-starter Barocha crunched in betting ahead of his debut at Sale on Thursday afternoon.
The Clayton Douglas trained gelding opened at $6, but has since been backed into $1.75, with Sportsbet reporting that they have taken 3149 bets on the galloper, including four wagers of $10,000 at $1.90. TAB confirmed that 96.5 per cent of their hold in the race is on Barocha.
Douglas said the claims that the horse is “a deadest superstar, a bonafide star” aren’t all true.
“He did have a little problem behind and it’s true that he only needed three (months off), but they gave him six and that’s why he’s only having his first start as a four-year-old.”
Douglas said the horse has talent, but tempered expectations for punters thinking of launching at the now prohibitive quote.
“He is nice and fit and ready. My only query is the heavy ground at Sale for a first starter,” Douglas said.
Jamie Kah is riding the Barocha, jumping from barrier five on an expected Heavy 8 track at Sale.
Punters will find out at 1:30pm on Thursday whether Barocha is the real deal.
You can read the contents of the text message below:
