Side Glance could broadside Eight to Follow rivals

The Andrew Balding-trained gelding contests the Gr.1 Caulfield Stakes, and if successful would reap a handsome 80pts for any contestant who included him in their stable. Only fifth-placed Jackie Hutchinson had the foresight to do so, and, with the competition ending on Saturday week, a win for Side Glance would give her a great chance of landing the £10,000 first prize.

Anna Lisa Balding, the trainer's wife, told the Herald Sun: "I think Saturday will answer a lot of questions. If he ran a big one, the Cox Plate is the obvious place to go. By all accounts there are plenty to beat, but he's done everything right and he's warranted the place in the race. If all goes well, he can pull out a big one."

If Side Glance finishes second he will gain 20pts for Hutchinson, which would give her a share of the lead with Archie Pottinger, although his stable, in common with a number of others in the top ten, could be represented by Hot Streak in the Gr.1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot on the final day of the competition.

Bertie Butler, who is in joint-fifth, and two stables in eighth place run by George Oborne, not only have Hot Streak on side, but also Arod, who holds an entry in the Gr.1 QIPCO Champion Stakes.

The leader board in this year's Eight To Follow competition has been shaped by juvenile Peace And War, who landed the Gr.1 Darley Alcibiades in the USA last week for Olly and Hetta Stevens' stable. She has compiled 110pts, and every stable in the top ten included her at the competition's outset.

All proceeds from this year's competition benefit the charity Racing Welfare.