Sly Man's Horses to Watch — Tuesday 13 October 2026
Nothing shorter than 5/1 makes my book. I'm looking beyond the obvious — but they still have to earn their place.
Five worth watching today. Read the rating, read the angle, then make up your own mind. I'm the wiry one in the silks reading form on a tablet while the favourites warm up — here's what's caught my eye.
Francesi
Money is moving on Francesi at 11/2, and with a strict-majority steam and no drifters, someone in the know is backing this with conviction. Myla Coppins claims 5lb off the saddle, and Tony Carroll doesn't waste conditional riders on horses he isn't sweet on.
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
Michael Appleby is running at 25% over the last 30 days and Kodi Lion carries the card's top SR of 87 — that combination at 9/1 is exactly the kind of quiet setup worth logging. Fallon in the saddle for a trainer firing like this is not a coincidence.
- Michael Appleby — 25% strike rate last 30d (14/57)
- SR 87 — top of the card
Money is moving on Notimetotakeoff with no drifters in the market — when a 6/1 shot steams without opposition, that's not noise. Rossa Ryan lands 15% of his rides over the last month, and Johnston doesn't book him for fun.
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
- Rossa Ryan — 15% strike rate last 30d (17/110)
Coming back after 121 days off and placed last time out — That's Random has exactly the profile Harry Charlton knows how to place. Charlton's hitting 18% over the last 30 days and this one looks like another well-timed return.
- 121 days off the track — placed last time
- Harry Charlton — 18% strike rate last 30d (7/39)
Charlie Clover is firing at 27% over the last 30 days and Romidijo lands in the yard's crosshairs at Leicester this afternoon. At 17/2, the market hasn't caught up with what that stable is doing right now.
- Charlie Clover — 27% strike rate last 30d (4/15)