To me following the smart money is the initial bet placed by
the few % of people who actually make a living out of the punt.

The rest is on course or corporates betting back and herd
mentality people on course seeing the horse shorten up.

Eventually this reflects on the various totes as it shortens.

I dont want to follow a big bet unless i knew who actually placed it.

What good is following big bets if placed by certain A.F.L.
footballers who have been in the news lately etc etc.

Answer you end up getting GELDED.(pocket wise).

So for me the source of where the bet came from
is more important than the bet size or anything else.

Cheers
garyf.