The 2nd game for the night sees the CANTERBURY BULLDOGS ($1.34) give up one of their home games to take on the GOLD COAST TITANS ($3.35). The Bulldogs started to fire last weekend against the Eels and this could turn into a blood bath. Last time they met the Titans showed some teeth and probably should have won the game but for a late surge from the Dogs. I think this could be a slaughter and the 9.5 start doesn’t look nearly enough.

We have 2 games on Saturday starting with the NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS ($1.36) at home to the SYDNEY ROOSTERS ($3.25). I’ve been fairly critical of the Roosters performances this year and it’s not going to stop now. The big advantage for them is they do keep winning, especially against the teams they should beat. The Warriors have been very inconsistent this year but should take plenty from the victory over the Broncos last week and been well rested having a couple of games at home in a row. The 2nd game for the night sees the NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS ($2.25) taking on the NORTH QLD COWBOYS ($1.67) in what is a bit of a tricky affair. A lot of weight of this result is placed on whether Jonathon Thurston will recover from a sickening concussion he got last weekend against the Dragons. He is expected to play though and even though the Knights have the home field advantage I think the Cowboys should be too strong for them as they try and get through an injury riddled season.

Sundays games begin with the battle of the battlers with CANBERRA RAIDERS ($1.46) at home to the PARRAMATTA EELS ($2.80). This could be a really open and entertaining game or the most painful thing we have watched all year with the Raiders likely to go into a shell if their attack doesn’t start well. I have a feeling this game could be the start of something good for the Eels. They have some very winnable games coming up in the coming weeks and “teams in turmoil” often gel together in times like this. definitely not a do or die game but the wick is getting pretty short on this fuse.

The 2nd game for the afternoon could have been a really close battle between the CRONULLA SHARKS ($3.60) and the MELBOURNE STORM ($1.31) were it not for the injury over Paul Gallen. The Sharks hopefuls still think he will grace Toyota Park but my insiders say he is no chance with his main concern right now on leading the NSW Blues to victory in Game 1. If he rests this weekend he will have next weekend off for Origin and the one after with the bye. He is a tough character though so don’t be shocked if I’m wrong. Meanwhile the Storm haven’t even hit a speed hump this year with another dominant performance last weekend. It’s really hard to see who can math them this year.

The final game for the weekend sees the PENRITH PANTHERS ($3.60) trying to stop the bleeding against the ST GEORGE DRAGONS ($1.31). The Panthers have been dreadful for much of the year and injuries have not helped them. Add to that the fact their star centre playing like he has no heart and you have real issues. A banishing back to NSW Cup may be just what Michael Jennings and the Panthers need.

To be honest the week looks pretty easy for the tipsters and it’s worth putting a multi on the Bulldogs, Warriors, Storm and Dragons. It might not seem like much but that will add up to $5.27 and well worth it.

Our Selections this week are:

BRISBANE BRONCOS to beat Manly Sea Eagles at $2.05 (Sports Managed Fund 5% Win)

Week 10 Multi Bet (Bulldogs, Warriors, Storm and Dragons) to win at $3.19 (Sports Managed Fund 5% Win)

Saturday starts with the MELBOURNE STORM ($1.29) at home to the CANTERBURY BULLDOGS ($3.75) and you would be fairly confident in thinking the Storms undefeated streak would continue. I know Craig Bellamy has signalled this as a danger game for his players who could find themselves on the back foot against a big forward pack should they take this game lightly. Next up with have the SYDNEY ROOSTERS ($2.20) up against the NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS ($1.70) with the match being played in Darwin. The Roosters may have won 2 in a row but their effort against a woeful Titans outfit last week was dismal so I think their price is a little flattering. Meanwhile the Cowboys came up against a white hot Storm outfit and a loss that is easily forgivable. In the Darwin heat I think the Cowboys will relish and look a nice price for me. The final game for the night sees MANLY SEA EAGLES ($1.22) playing back to back games at Brookvale against the hapless GOLD COAST TITANS ($4.50). I thought the Titans had their chance to prove a point against the Roosters last weekend and played terribly with ball security nonexistent. Coach Cartwright is searching for answers and has stuck his faith in boom youngster Adam Sezer to aid Scott Prince in the halves whilst Greg Bird recovers from injury. Hard to see anything but an Eagle Rock going on here.

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS ($1.58) go out a very short price against the SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS ($2.65) who have shown an ability to beat anyone on their day. Hard to really tip this game, however, the Warriors at home and the bunnies without the services of captain Roy Asotasi and Sam Burgess may really struggle to get any go forward happening. The 2^nd Sunday game sees the CRONULLA SHARKS ($1.50) at probably their shortest price for a long time against the PARRAMATTA EELS ($2.65). The Sharks continue to roll on with Paul Gallen and Todd Carney leading the way. Parramatta meanwhile were terrible against the Knights last week and the gallant win against the Sea Eagles the week early has all but diminished. The Eels are a flashy side when it all clicks and Jarrod Hayne is now 3 starts back from his injury and should be moving better with every start. The final game for Sunday with no games held on Monday night sees the PENRITH PANTHERS ($2.45) taking on the WEST TIGERS ($1.57). The Panthers have had a snap reaction to the 30 – nil drumming at the hands of the Sea Eagles last week by dropping formerly in-form half Travis Burns to the bench in place of the rookie Blake Austin. I think this move may have been made too early as it expected hooker Kevin Kingston will miss the game through injury. Taking 2 senior players from the field at opening kickoff against a team who loves to come out all guns blazing could be disastrous.

Our Selections this week are:

NORTH QUEENSLAND to beat Sydney Roosters by more than 2.5 points at $1.92 (Sports Managed Fund 10% Win)

WESTS TIGERS to beat Penrith Panther by more than 12.5 points at $3.20 (Sports Managed Fund 5% Win)

The big time racing starts with the first Group 1 of the day being the Vinery Stud Stakes and a red hot favourite in MOSHEEN. The horses it meets tomorrow are not in the same league and this should be a procession for the champion filly. The barriers stay at the 2000m mark for 4^th race of the day with the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes on the agenda. I’m a little surprised that REKINDLED ALLIANCE has been placed as favourite and really would expected him to drift from his opening quote. I think the 2000m is beyond him and his chances aren’t improved with the wide draw. I would expect an improved effort on behalf of SPECTER who was ridden terribly last time round. Its chances should be improved with plenty of speed in the race especially from 2^nd favourite STRAWBERRY BOY.

I’m really looking forward to the match up between AMERICAIN and MANIGHAR in the Group 1 BMW in race 5. Manighar got the money last time they met in the Australian Cup but things could be a bit different this time round over the extra 2 furlongs. Manighar does have a huge advantage though with a win from its only start at the track wheras Americain hasn’t started here before. NIWOT isn’t the worst horse in the race either and I’d be looking for him late as well. Group 1 number 3 of 5 is next on the card with the Queen of the Turf Stakes next on the card. MORE JOYOUS has been strongly backed since the withdrawal of Pinker Pinker who tragically passed away after a reaction to a sedative. KING’S ROSE got stuck out on a limb last time round but still produced a game effort. Unfortunately the horse has drawn wide again so it could be a similar story here. OFCOURSEICAN deserves to get a mention on the back of some strong runs recently and if the speed is on watch out for him late.

Victorian galloper SAMAREADY takes favouritism in the Group 1 Gold Slipper as it looks to increase its career record to 4 from 4. It definitely looks the one to beat since the withdrawal of All Too Hard. Having said that it is one of the strongest fields I have seen for a number of years with a number of horses with credentials to take the crown. Tough horses PIERRO and DRIEFFONTEIN are 2 that spring to mind as gutsy competitors that only need to be given a sniff down the straight to be all over this race. NARCISSUS is worth putting in your triffectas and first 4 bets. The Slipper seems too short for him at the moment but if the pace is on (and it usually is) then look for him late. Finally I’m willing to give SNITZERLAND one more chance to prove she is up to this level. She was fairly well dominated by Samaready last start but 2 yr olds can have off days so stick with her if you have faith.

If you weren’t already having a great day with the quality of racing on offer you surely will be when you look at the line-up for the final Group 1 of the day in the George Ryder Stakes. I thought METAL BENDER was a superb run behind More Joyous last time round when it finished off strongly in the worst part of the track. It was a great first up run after over a year off the scene. I’ll stick with the rough results and give HAPPY ZERO a mention at massive odds who also ran well in the same race. This is his home track which usually helps them left a length as well.  NIAGARA probably would’ve been considered a much shorter favourite had it not drawn so wide. Deserves to be favourite but in such a tough race you would be hoping Tommy Berry can have some luck early to find some cover.

The final race of a very long day is the Group 3 HKJC Stakes and sticking with the trend it is very hard to find a standout winner. CRAFTY IRNA has been running solidly in recent times but seems to always find one better. There are plenty of chances in the race but I probably just give my top selection to WORLD WIDE who produced a great first up effort at Hawksebury and now finds itself at a much more suitable distance of 2000m

Our Early Mail Selections are:

12.15pm – Oakbank Race 1 – 2. PRINCE OF CAPERS
(Horse Managed Fund 5% Win)

12.45pm – Caulfield Race 2 – 8. HADRONICA
(Horse Managed Fund 1% Each Way)

2.45pm – Caulfield Race 5 – 2. KULGRINDA
(Horse Managed Fund 2% Win)

3.17pm – Eagle Farm Race 6 – 11. JUDY’S JOY
(Horse Managed Fund 2% Win)

4.43pm – Eagle Farm Race 8 – 13. CAPE KIDNAPPERS
(Horse Managed Fund 5% Win)

6.05pm – Ascot Race 6 – 1. ALMACHINO
(Horse Managed Fund 2% Win)

Our Best Roughie Selections are:

1.45pm – Rosehill Race 4 – 4. SPECTER (Currently $13)

2.35pm – Eagle Farm Race 5 – 11. BILLUM (Currently $15)

3.27pm – Caulfield Race 6 – 11. UTAH SAINTS (Currently $13)

Saturday night has 2 extremely difficult games to predict starting with the GOLD COAST TITANS ($2.05) taking on the SYDNEY ROOSTERS ($1.80). I’ve always been wary of teams in off-field turmoil as they often gel and produce big efforts when least expected. The Titans produced an improved effort last weekend against the Dogs and should go on from that. Meanwhile the Roosters were at their bet in demolishing a woeful Warriors outfit. The 2^nd game for the night sees the CRONULLA SHARKS ($2.20) at a nice price against the ST GEORGE DRAGONS ($1.70). The Sharks have largely been held together by Superman Paul Gallen each week and are winning the close games that they have managed to lose in previous years. The Dragons have shown signs of returning to their best but have been a bit disappointing for much of the season so far.

Sunday football has 3 cracking matches kicking off with CANBERRA ($2.20) at home to the NZ WARRIORS ($1.70). Both teams need to bounce back from ordinary efforts last weekend but the injuries suffered by the Raiders team this season is the real telling factor. Their forward pack has been decimated and should prove to be the real weak point against a big Warriors outfit. No doubt they have been drilled hard about ball security this week and I expect them to win comfortably. Next up the NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS ($1.48) go out as the 2^nd shortest favourites for the weekend against a resurgent PARRAMATTA EELS ($2.72). The Eels produced the upset of the season to date in registering their first win of the season against Premiers Manly last Saturday. The Eels haven’t got a very good record at Newcastle but you have a feeling we could see the Hayne Train take off again. The 3^rd and final game of the round sees the NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS ($2.40) hosting the undefeated MELBOURNE STORM ($1.60). This looks to be an intriguing match with Jonathon Thurston finally showing some form last weekend and the Storm trying to keep their streak alive. Billy Slater had an injury scare during the week but is expected to play.

The final game of the round sees MANLY SEA EAGLES ($1.45) finally back at Brookvale against the PENRITH PANTHERS ($2.85). There are a few injury concerns for Manly who are on a real slide at the moment losing their past 3 matches. They do gain the services of Jamie Lyon which is much needed but have serious doubts about Kieran Foran. Meanwhile the Panthers have proven to be a dangerous side to face this year and can take down any side on their day. Consistency has been their biggest problem but they did look pretty good last week.

Our Selections this week are:

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS to beat South Sydney Rabbitohs at $1.70 (Sports Managed Fund 10% Win)

CRONULLA SHARKS to beat St George Dragons at $2.20 (Sports Managed Fund 5% Win)

NZ WARRIORS to beat Canberra Raiders at $1.70 (Sports Managed Fund 10% Win)

My top selections for the tournament are:

1. TIGER WOODS ($6.00) – I’ve been talking Tiger up as a real contender for a few months now and been placing a few bets along the way about him taking out this tournament for a 5^th time. I’m silly enough to believe that he is playing at his best but he has been showing signs for some time that his game is piecing together nicely and with such a great record here he is easily my top pick for the tournament.
2. PHIL MICKELSON ($12.00) – It hurts me to say it but he deserves 2^nd pick on the list based on his record in 2012 which has seen him finish in the Top 4 three times in his past 5 events. You also can’t ignore his record at the Masters where he has won 3 times and been in contention a few more.
3. RORY McILROY ($6.00) – I know I’m not setting you any major prices here but again how can you argue with this guys form. In his past 7 events he has produced 2 wins, a pair of runner-ups, a 3^rd, 5^th and a worst result of 11^th. That’s just crazy! Add to that the fact he dominated for 66 holes around here last year before having a disastrous back 9 when he learnt some valuable lessons about keeping his mind on the job till the final hole.
4. KEEGAN BRADLEY ($31.00) – Has a chance of going back to back in the majors with some tidy form in the past couple of years but in particular 2012. His worst finish in 2012 has been a 22^nd in the Farmers Insurance Open and although he seems to struggle to finish he has the game to suit here with a long driver and high irons suiting him down to the ground.
5. JASON DAY ($34.00) – Gets the final selection in my Top 5 and is a genuine threat. Had one hand on the trophy last year before eventually finishing in the tie for 2^nd with fellow Aussie Adam Scott. He has been very quiet this year and has taken a few weeks off in preparation for this tournament suggesting he considers his game ready for the test.

Our Selections this week are:

JASON DAY to beat Adam Scott at $1.90 (Sports Managed Fund 10% Win)

BRANDT SNEDEKER to beat Bo Van Pelt at $1.90 (Sports Managed Fund 5% Win)

FRANCESCO MOLINARI to beat Eduardo Molinari at $1.90 (Sports Managed Fund 10% Win)

The disappointments for 2012 so far have been the ordinary start to the Wests Tigers who went in as premiership favourites and have been lucky to register 2 points on the board after a controversial win over the Cronulla Sharks in round 2 where the referees have admitted that got it wrong. The Parramatta Eels have also struggled so far this year and Stephen Kearney has got to be feeling very uneasy in his position at the moment as he struggles with injuries and consistency.

As far as the betting agencies go for NRL betting, I still think it’s best to have a good coverage across the board as you may find some late information comes in about a player being out or in and you can sometimes miss the odds on one agency and still get them on another. As always Betfair are the best odds by far and although the setup can be daunting for some it is worth taking the time to learn. For the tote agencies it appears as though Centrebet is leading the way with the odds at the moment and for those who don’t have an account yet they are offering a free bet up to $200 for first time users by clicking on the banner below. They also regularly offer free bets every weekend on a number of sports and races.

To the round 4 games and Friday night kicks off with the ordinary PARRAMATTA EELS ($2.02) taking on the inconsistent PENRITH PANTHERS ($1.83). I think Penrith should have this one wrapped up considering the awful start to the year by the Eels but I have a few more doubts after their average effort against the Rabbitohs last week. I think the Penrith side have a good make up and could sneak into a Top 8 spot this year if they can learnt to put in every week. Meanwhile Parramatta are sweating on the return of Jarrod Hayne (who is expected to make a late recovery for tonight’s game) and workhorse Nathan Hindmarsh who is still battling to get over a virus that kept him out of the team last week. If either of those 2 doesn’t play then I suggest you load up on Penrith 13+ but I think they are nice odds to take straight out.

The other Friday night game sees the SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS ($2.12) taking their home game to Perth to face the BRISBANE BRONCOS ($1.75). The Rabbits have a great record in the west with regular games each year against Melbourne whereas this is foreign territory for most the Brisbane side. I’ll leave this one alone.

Saturdays games start with the NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS ($1.22) very short favourites against the old and weak GOLD COAST TITANS ($4.50). The Titans have been terrible this year (and last year for that matter) and are looking very old on paper and on the field. Scott Prince is trying hard but can’t seem to get much help with their forwards getting dominated each week. The Warriors should bounce back from a disappointing loss at home to the Bulldogs last week and I expect them to put plenty on here. Warriors 13+

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS ($1.45) are very short for my liking against the CRONULLA SHARKS ($2.85) who produced a great effort to topple Manly last week. I’m leaving this match well alone. The same can be said for the next game which sees the ST GEORGE DRAGONS ($1.75) taking on MANLY SEAEAGLES ($2.13). St George looked much improved last Friday night and probably just have the edge for mine with 2 more days rest with Manly backing up from a tough Monday night loss.

Sunday sees the 2 undefeated sides in MELBOURNE STORM ($1.26) and CANTERBURY BULLDOGS ($1.43) looking strong chances to continue that streak against the SYDNEY ROOSTERS ($4.05) and NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS ($2.85) respectively. Hard to see these games going any other way than with the betting.

Last match of the round is a coin toss between the WEST TIGERS ($1.43) and CANBERRA RAIDERS ($2.90) Whilst the Raiders are still trying to convince themselves they don’t get car sick I feel they will prove a battle for a Tigers side that is struggling with consistency and the loss of Robbie Farrah will be huge to their go forward which is already looking pretty ordinary so far this year.

Our Selections this week are:

PENRITH PANTHERS ($1.83) to beat Parramatta Eels (Sports Managed Fund 10% Win)

The 2 yr olds kick us off at Flemington and its generally the type of race I don’t want to get involved in. However, I didn’t mind the run of LIL CORVETTE in winning at Mooney Valley last start which erased the average run at its maiden start when it looked out of condition at this track 3 months earlier. 3^rd start in it should be ready to fire and I think we might get a nice price about it here. The 2^nd of the day is really tricky with some nice horses that are in indifferent form. SIDE CAR looked good in winning at Mooney Valley last time round but the race was perfect for it and this looks a bit tougher here. PRIZUM is another horse worth a mention as I feel if given the right run in a race it will be extremely hard to hold out. It just seems to find itself in the worst part of the track or behind trouble every time which is a concern.

The 3^rd race of the day is a very tricky race over a strange and rarely used distance making it really tough to find a standout selection. IF you pushed me hard enough I would probably stick with BELGIETTO who we have backed a couple of times and just missed the cash even though it has run ok. CHASSE looked good running against inferior opposition last time round so it could produce again. UNDER THE HAT has been well supported and has plenty of claims with form around December Draw last prep. On to race 4 and the Group 3 The Vanity over 1400m sees MOSHEEN step out a very short favourite after it proved me wrong in a dominant display last time round. I had a few questions about its ability over the sprint last time against a strong field and it did it in style so this week stepping up to the mile it’s hard to see how it could possibly get beaten. The $2.00 price tag it opened up at in early betting was a steal and no surprise to see it crunched early and now sitting at a more realistic $1.60 price tag.

Group racing continues in the 5^th with HELMET another favourite to start in the red figures even though it is first up from a spell. It looked much better in its trial this time round which gives me the confidence to take the short price about him tomorrow. It’s a decent field with THAT’S THE ONE the pick of the contenders but I just think the Snowden horse has a bit too much on its rivals here. The great mare goes out in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes and I’ll be really keen to see how the horse handles the drop back to 1000m. It’s no secret that connections want the horse to stretch itself to the mile and they have gradually been stepping it up in distance so the quick bump back could make it a little interesting even if I’m really just saying it to hype up a race that will see BLACK CAVIAR notch up its 19^th straight victory. I’m going against the crowd though by putting FOXWEDGE in as the 2^nd place selection ahead of HAY LIST and I think you could get some value about doing that.

My first thoughts on the 7^th race of the day had SPEEDINESS on top as I was convinced the provincial / midweek form was good enough due to the high level of opposition it found and competed with gamely. However, I’ve gone off the horse now as I just think you aren’t getting the value you should be for a horse like this. Maybe if it gets out to $6-$7 have a few bob on it. PAGO ROCK meanwhile beat the improving Like an Eagle (who won for us on Wednesday) at its last start and looks ready to improve again. So tempted again to get involved in the last race of the day but am drawn between 2 horses that have big question marks over them. BIGELOW didn’t produce its best last preparation but  still managed an unexpected win at Mooney Valley when first up. The Flemington track is so suitable for this big striding horse who likes to get back and make a long grinding finish. ERASET is the 2^nd horse who deserves a mention first up in this prep. This horse has an ok record at the track with 3 placings from 6 starts but it really should be more. Again it’s another who likes to get back and find its feet but it really needs the speed on to get the best out of it.

Warwick Farm hosts a pretty good looking card with 3 Group 2 races as well but outside that I’m keen to see the matchup between Magic Millions winner DRIEFONTEIN against HUSSOUSA in the 2^nd. Racing experience and the bookies give the nod to Driefontein but on closer inspection you can see a noticeable time difference between the 2 horses. When Driefontein won at Randwick on debut it clocked 58.72 over the 1000m on a Good track while Hussousa ran the same trip on the same track in 58.42 and the surface was slightly rain affected (Dead). In the first of the feature races I’m all over BEADED in the Breeders Classic due to its outstanding first up form and the fact that Snowden really has his team firing on all cylinders at the moment. A winner last time it was given a freshen up and before that it got within 3 lengths of Black Caviar when starting off a prep. It’s a decent field but she’s got a class edge on these horses.

In the next race we see MANAWANUI still a strong favourite despite drifting in early betting. First up last time round it produced a super effort to upstage Smart Missile in the Group 1 Golden Rose. Has been given 2 trials to prime it for this race including a really strong 2.5 length victory at Rosehill a fortnight ago. The question has to be asked though, What is its pet distance now? The gelding begin its early career as a sprinter, maybe a miler but ended up being favourite for the Victoria Derby (2500m) where it clearly found it a bit too long. It’s not the greatest of fields to contest today but I just have a few too many questions I need answered before jumping on board. The final Group 2 race of the day (Race 7) sees STREAMA being heavily supported into favouritism as it tries to recapture the form which saw it finish its last session with 3 wins in succession including winning the Group 1 Flight Stakes by 6 lengths. KARUTA QUEEN will be doing its best to stop that from happening but you’d have to have plenty of faith in the horse after it disappointed plenty of punters with an average showing at Caulfield last weekend. Its hard to line up many of the other runners who have produced some good efforts in much weaker races.

Our Early Mail Selections are:

2.00pm – Doomben Race 2 – 6. MARKED (Horse Managed Fund 2% Win)

2.40pm – Doomben Race 3 – 4. TOMBOY (Horse Managed Fund 5% Win)

3.30pm – Flemington Race 5 – 1. HELMET (Horse Managed Fund 5% Win)

3.50pm – Warwick Farm Race 5 – 1. BEADED (Horse Managed Fund 5% Win)

6.00pm – Doomben Race 8 – 8. THEFT (Horse Managed Fund 3% Win)

Our Best Roughie Selections are:

2.10pm – Flemington Race 3 – 2. COLDENS CHOICE (Currently $26)

6.05pm – Ascot Race 5 – 11. ALOHA SPIRIT (Currently $17)

Ball striking is the name of the game as the cream of the PGA Tour contest the Northern Trust open. Many of the top golfers are playing their first tournament of the year so it’s hard to get a real gauge on where they are at but there are a couple of golfers that look real standouts for good performances this week. On top of the list I hate to say it is PHIL MICKLESON ($11.00) who rightly goes in as favourite after a dominant performance at Pebble Beach last week and an almost flawless Sunday. A two time winner here in the past and his iron play was a key to his victory last weekend and a prime element at this track. Next up and representing much better value is AARON BADDELEY ($31.00) who is also a former champion here raising the trophy last year. He really came home strong last week at Pebble Beach and he produced a similar result prior to his victory here. If consistency is what you crave then we’ll give our last selection to KJ CHOI ($41.00) who has a nice record at this course with 4 top 10 finishes to his credit.

Our Selections this week are:

GREGORY HAVRET to beat Joost Luiten at $1.95 (Sports Managed Fund 5% Bet)

JEEV MILKHA SINGH to beat Thongchai Jaidee at $1.90 (Sports Managed Fund 5% Bet)

KJ CHOI to beat Padraig Harrington at $1.90 (Sports Managed Fund 10% Win)

To Saturdays racing and as the wild weather lashes the East Coast we are left wondering what will happen to the state of the tracks this weekend. There would have to be some serious concern for Doomben and the gold Coast, while Kembla Grange and Warwick Farm are gradually getting worse. As of yet Caulfield hasn’t been affected so hopefully we find some decent racing on down there.

Caulfield kicks us off with some great races in the opening couple. Most notably is the crack bunch of 3 yr old fillies contesting the 2^nd of the day. Undefeated LA SOCIETE heads the list but really has her work cut out to keep the streak going first up from a good spell. TWILIGHTING impressed me in the spring without really hitting top gear. I think this could be a horse that develops through the years. NO EXTENSIONS found a finishing burst that I think many didn’t realise existed in its last start. Not a suitable style for this track but keep and eye on her as she may be one to follow elsewhere if she can produce it again.

To the next race and THERE’S ONLY ONE, who is a huge favourite of TopPunter tipsters goes out as the top pick in what is again a great field. This horse continues to defy the odds when flying home on slowly run races or tracks that clearly don’t suit. Will have its work cut out again and I’d think much of its danger could come from the topweight in POPULATION who cleaned up the Camperdown Cup last time round.

I’ve been amazed by the support behind Group 1 Crown Oaks winner MOSHEEN in the listed Manfred Stakes (race 5). The Crown Oaks win was a spectacular display destroying a group 1 race by 9 lengths but the race was over 2500m whereas this time she is first up over 1200m. Definitely has the class on its rivals here but the speed could be a telling factor. In the next race I’m so tempted to jump on board the BEL SPRINTER bandwagon but I just can’t do it with the price and the weight. Drawn ideally, racing well last prep and Bel Esprit horses generally sprint well fresh so no issues there but the weight is uncharted territory for me. CANALI looks well placed at nice double figure odds and could be a better way to go along with front running DEFINITELY READY set to keep the pace on in the race.

We find our 2^nd bet of the day at Caulfield in BOLTON in the 7^th race of the day. Never been too far away in each of its runs this preparation and connections are convinced the 2000m will be ideal. Drawn to get the perfect sit in the race and you would have to think if it can see daylight at the right time it will be hard to hold out. The final race of the day is the toughest on the card by far. A field full of horses who can produce some big efforts when needed and if you are looking at quaddie’s you would need to look very wide.

Our Early Mail Selections are:

Friday Night

7.15pm – Mooney Valley Race 2 – 3. HADRONICA (Horse Managed Fund 5% Win)

Saturday

1.30pm –Warwick Farm Race 2 – 3. DIDNTCOSTALOT (Horse Managed Fund 3% Win)

3.20pm – Morphettville Race 4 – 4. BERTUCCI (Horse Managed Fund 5% Win)

3.40pm – Doomben Race 6 – 2. THE RINGMEISTER (Horse Managed Fund 2% Win)

5.10pm –Caulfield Race 7 – 5. BOLTON (Horse Managed Fund 3% Win)

Our Best Roughie Selections are:

1.20pm – Morphettville Race 1 – 6. BABY BOY (Currently $51)

2.50pm – Warwick Farm Race 4 – 8. DANCING ATTENDANCE (Currently $13)

4.30pm – Caulfield  Race 6 – 2. CANALI (Currently $13)

We get straight into the action at Sandown with VOLANDO looking the goods in the 1^st race of the day. Although the mare has 60kg from the handicapper, Peter Moody has placed young apprentice Jake Duffy on board giving him a 3kg claim. This horse has been in great form this prep and finished a game 2^nd behind Flyingconi who was our TopPunter selection last weekend. There are some other nice looking races but just a couple of question marks ruled out a few options for us until the 7^th race of the day. HENWOOD is an easing favourite with the money coming for INSTALMENT who won the race last time they met. However, I think the tables will be turned again with Henwood faring better with the increases in weight and had its share of troubles last time round as well. And finally I am really keen to see how West Australian galloper LIKE AN EAGLE goes in its first appearance on the East Coast. It was very impressive last preparation with a strong finishing burst and could be one to follow in the coming weeks.

Canterbury looks a much tougher meeting with a number of short priced horses that all look vulnerable in their own way. The 5^th race definitely sparks some interest with some good form leading into it with the likes of NEWS ALERT and EIGHT BILLS in strong form along with the returning STEPS IN TIME which has some big wraps on it. Our only bet of the day is a race late when DUKE OF CORNWELL gets his chance in a much weaker race than he has come up against in the past couple of weeks. A nice claim from Sam Clipperton has the horse nicely weighted and ready to win.

We have an incredibly wet track to deal with up north at Doomben and if they get any more rain they are in huge danger of being called off. I tread very lightly in conditions like this but MISS BARWANG looks a strong shot in the 2^nd race of the day. Hopefully the track isn’t too chopped up early on and the race will be a true test. This horse has shown a liking for the soft surfaces with 2 wins from 2 attempts and is in good form lately as well. If it makes it to the 7^th race of the day it will be worth watching with a number of quality horses running around. I’d probably lean towards WHATEVERWHENEVER at this stage but I’d say I’ll just be a spectator here.

To South Australia and one of our favourites in STIRLING GROVE goes round again. It’s found an annoying habit of just missing the price recently and although tempted the $1.80 price tag just seems a bit of a stretch especially when up against local OUTLANDISH LAD who has been in good form.

It may pay to watch GREEN SUPREME in the Wellington Cup at Trentham today (2.26pm) too. This horse looks to be turning into a great distance horse and with solid results in this race and the Auckland Cup (run over 3200m) will probably have connections aiming for the 2012 Melbourne Cup.   

We finish the day in the West with CAVALLO PAZZO who looks a great chance to finish the day off in a winning way. This horse has won 2 on the trot and is well weighted and has the experienced Peter Knuckey on board.

Our Early Mail Selections are:

12.50pm – Sandown Race 1 – 1. VOLANDO (Horse Managed Fund 3% Win)

2.00pm –Doomben Race 2 – 3. MISS BARWANG (Horse Managed Fund 3% Win)

4.30pm – Canterbury Race 6 – 4. DUKE OF CORNWELL (Horse Managed Fund 3% Win)

4.50pm – Sandown Race 7 – 9. HENWOOD (Horse Managed Fund 2% Win)

7.20pm – Ascot Race 6 – 2. CAVALLO PAZZO (Horse Managed Fund 3% Win)

Our Best Roughie Selections are:

5.50pm – Canterbury Race 8 – 12. PEPIN HOAKS (Currently $26)