Moonee Valley (Fri)

Race 5 – 7:30pm

El Sicario (2), Rockets Red Glare (8), Belwazi (1) & Kakanui (7) are The ‘Cock’s clear top four and he would be clutching at straws to make a case for the winner coming from anywhere else.

It’s difficult to split this leading pack but The ‘Cock considers Kakanui the best value option at the top quote of $21, having shown himself capable of huge improvement second up last campaign. Was poor last start but with this potential improvement in mind The ‘Cock has him as the best bet of the four.

The ‘Cock has found there are few better ways to hit the weekend than by starting a plunge that brings a runner in from $21 to $6.50, and most importantly for it to go on and take the chocolates. Kakanui won plenty of admirers in the Peacock ranks by doing just that.

Race 6 – 8:00pm

Justsimmer (7) is on top of this from the main danger Pirapala (12), though it is a tight race where The ‘Cock wouldn’t be shocked to see any of Ponte Roma (3), Scappare (4), Our Chuquilla (8), Villa Rosa (2), She’s Nicn Off (13) & Rosewedge (14) salute.

The top rater was dominant on debut at Geelong when winning by five lengths but it’s hard for The ‘Cock to be confident taking $4.40 on one with such limited exposed form. Ultimately it’s a poor betting race and one to include all listed runners in your quaddie.

With The ‘Cock’s initial top-rater Justsimmer an early scratching, his next best Pirapalla picked up the slack to run out a $3.30 winner.

Race 7 – 8:30pm

The ‘Cock has got Last Week (10) rated as his clear top rater, with My Nikita (9) the best rough chance in another uninspiring betting race.

Last Week comes in for his first start at 2000m on the back of four very consistent runs at 1600m which would be too good for this company if replicated. Though even assuming he can perform at that same level with the step up in trip, The ‘Cock is happy to let the $2.40 go through to the keeper.

The support kept coming for Last Week and he ran out a $2.10 winner as The ‘Cock expected.

Race 8 – 9:00pm

Roseberry Street (2), Winkelmann (9), La Fleurette (1), Pria Eclipse (12) & Royal Applause (5) are The ‘Cock’s top five with nothing between them in a very difficult betting race.

Roseberry Street won well last start in his first venture over the mile, with a rating that will put her right in the finish if she can produce it here. Should get some favours from barrier five and at $8 is one to look to with a small bet.

Similarly, Royal Applause has been super consistent in his past three and has run well at this track and trip in the past so his best can certainly win it. Represents good value at $14 in such a tight race. Have a small proportional stake on each of these two runners if looking to invest.

If the first leg was the perfect way to hit the weekend, getting a very juicy $14 winner in Royal Applause to close the deal wasn’t far behind.

Canterbury (Fri)

Race 5 – 7:15pm

Blanco Cara (6) & Cordero (3) are The ‘Cock’s clear best two runners, with San Francisco (5), Crosley Hotshot (1) & Lord Macau (2) next in line.

The ‘Cock has Blanco Cara marked as his best betting prospect after two respectable runs at lesser trips to kick-start her campaign, and given her best ratings last prep came over more ground in group company she looks very well suited in this one at $4.60.

Cordero is very highly fancied favourite in the market, but given he is as short as $2.25 in some parts The ‘Cock couldn’t be confident after his inconclusive first run over 2000m last start.

Of the others, San Francisco is a good rough chance at $16 and while both Crosley Hotshot (1) & Lord Macau are in the mix, The ‘Cock would prefer to bet around them at their $7 unders.

The ‘Cock’s second highest rated runner Cordero expelled the doubts about his ability at the trip and was a good winner at $3.10, after top pick Blanco Cara drifted and missed the money.

Race 6 – 7:45pm

Brave Song (7) rates on top and should prove hard to beat, with Smartedge (11) the major challenger. If it’s not these two, The ‘Cock would only be ruling out Weekend Affair (5) & Pianissimo (2).

Brave Song is tough to assess first-up in his second career campaign here, but going on his three career starts last prep, he could be very hard to beat if there’s been any improvement. That said, The ‘Cock couldn’t be taking $2.40 unders, and given the value differential, he prefers the $7 on offer for Smartedge. Another with just the three starts under his belt and these have arguably been better than those of the favourites. Can sit on the speed and is drawn well so looks a far better prospect compared to Brave Song.

The ‘Cock said Brave Song would be hard to beat had their been any improvement between preps and that’s exactly how it panned out, starting a sub $2 chance after the scratching of Smartedge.

Race 7 – 8:15pm

Hunter Jack (1) is the horse to beat, with Balmain Boy (9) the biggest danger & Annadale Lass (10) one capable at double figures.

The top rater Hunter Jack ran a high rating second on return at Rosehill and The ‘Cock isn’t expecting any regression second up which will make him hard to beat, though at anything less than $4 he will keep his hands in his pockets as things stand.

Hunter Jack was an alarming drifter and started at $6 after as low as $3.20 was offered, and while that drift was second. The $3.60 winner Carluca came from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers.

Race 8 – 8:45pm

Not a race to be getting too involved in with three quarters of the field coming in off breaks, with The ‘Cock rating Prince Mayted (7), Wild Heart (11), Brockton Punch (13), Fanning (4) & Niccobelle (5) as the top group to include in exotics.

It was the right call to avoid getting too involved with this race and moreso after the early scratchings of The ‘Cock’s top rated pair, with Viceroy an $8.40 winner.

Morphettville (Fri)

Race 5 – 5:20pm

Swiss Design (1) is the standout for The ‘Cock although not without queries coming in off a six-month break and with just two previous first-up runs to assess his fresh form. He should win if he’s anywhere near his best, and if there is any push in the betting then take $3+. Two Odd Sox (2) is the next best with a big gap on the others.

Swiss Design lived up to The ‘Cock’s top billing to run out a $3.40 winner.

Race 6 – 5:50pm

The ‘Cock has a clear top two here in Art Music (5) & Street Life (11), though both are as consistent as Halley’s Comet and it’s hard to have any confidence backing them.

Street Life was the best of The ‘Cock’s top pair in second, but the winner Sawaiki was crunched in from $17 to $6.90 and proved a shrewd investment.

Race 7 – 6:20pm

Red Dazzle (3), Dances On Stars (1) & Rowdy Richard (7) are the leading trio and The ‘Cock is splitting hairs to separate them. This isn’t a race to be placing win bets unless you want to split a stake proportionately between the three. The ‘Cock would prefer to leave it alone and take Red Dazzle alone in the quaddie, who is a front-running type who produced a strong rating last start in his first go at the mile and can do it again.

Taking Dances On Stars proved the best decision of this race as a $4.70 winner, with Rowdy Richard in the money and Red Dazzle a touch disappointing.

Race 8 – 6:50pm

A poor betting race here with The ‘Cock’s top two in Tycoon Sofie (3) & Storm Fox (4) coming in off long breaks making them hard to assess, with nothing splitting Bakers Dozen (2), Hazy Lane (1) or Stryke A Ransom (7) as next best. Tycoon Sophie is the one who looks to be some value at $6, but The ‘Cock is wary of the break and would want to see a betting push before investing.

 Noted as a poor race but Hazy Lane got the job done as The ‘Cock’s second highest rated runner after scratchings at $3.60.

Randwick

Race 1 – 11:40pm

Calculated (1), Awesome Pluck (5) & Savatiano (4) are the three top rated runners for The ‘Cock, but he can’t be confident identifying one given the limited form to assess around this race.

The ‘Cock nailed the first three to start the day, with Savantiano well supported on raceday and running out a $5.80 winner from Calculated & Awesome Pluck.

Race 2 – 12:20pm

Victorem (6) is the top runner in the field, though The ‘Cock doesn’t have him rating ahead by enough to justify looking to him at the $1.95 current quote. All Stand (1), Acquittal (14), Buddy Honest (4) & Takookacod (9) are the next four and all are capable of beating the favourite.

Victorem proved to be too strong as most people expected, living up to the odds-on quote to come in ahead of next highest rater All Stand.

Race 3 – 12:55pm

Much like the previous race, The ‘Cock has a clear standout top rater in Broadside but he currently sits at sub $2 odds, with Prince Cheri (3) & Vassal (4) the next best and capable of an upset but it’s hard to justify a push on either of them.

Broadside was a certainty beaten after opening at $1.85 and running second, nabbed by Vassal who was well backed from $7.50 into $5.20 and turned in the upset The ‘Cock said he was capable of, with Prince Cheri third.

Race 4 – 1:30pm

Certainly not a race to be betting in given all bar one runner has one race or less under their belt, but if your life was dependant on it, The ‘Cock has Miss Invincible (10), Sanctimonious (2), Logan River (3) & Ragged Rascal (1) rating on top and in that order.

The ‘Cock was right to declare this one a no bet race, with his top three rated runners disappointing on the day as Irish Bet headed a first three that paid $650.

Race 5 – 2:05pm

Sugar Bella (12) is the one to beat for The ‘Cock here, rating on top ahead of Kawikini (9) who is the biggest danger. In Times Of War (4) & Anatola (7) are the next best pair.

The ‘Cock’s top chance Sugar Bella was a late scratching which ended his interest in proceedings, though the eventual winner Anatola was another to come from his numbers on the day, paying $5.60 after opening at twice those odds.

Race 6 – 2:40pm

Dreamforce (3) & Sedanzer (2) are The ‘Cock’s clear top two runners in this field, and he is finding it hard to see the winner coming from anywhere else.

Dreamforce comes in off a strong run at Rosehill last time out that saw him produce a career peak rating as he led from start to finish. While The ‘Cock is wary of this performance given it rated significantly higher than his previous best, he can still afford to regress on that slightly and win this race. Currently very well priced at $4.20.

Sedanzer for Gai is the more predictable of these two runners with two wins from her two starts this campaign, and The ‘Cock expects her history of improving over more ground will hold her in good stead as she steps up to the mile third up here. She is the early race favourite but still over the odds at $3.40 by The ‘Cock’s expert assessment.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is very confident in these two runners and would be more than happy to invest in them both at $3 or above and enjoy what should be a profitable first leg of the quaddie.

Sedanzer was extremely well supported after The ‘Cock listed her as a leading chance in this, coming in from $3.60 and relishing the extra ground to vindicate the money and score at $2.40.

Race 7 – 3:20pm

Crack Me Up (7) goes in on top of a very even G2 event, narrowly heading Interlocuter (8) and with a gap on Hopfgarten (3) & Cabeza De Vaca (5) behind them.

Crack Me Up comes in off a slightly underwhelming last start run at Doomben compared to his previous effort at the same course to win over 1350m, but while this flat spot coincided with a step up to the mile, The ‘Cock has no concerns with him at 1600m here. He put in a career peak rating third up last campaign over 1600m at Doomben and The ‘Cock does think he’s going better this campaign, so under the same circumstances today he is over the odds at anything upward of $5.50 and is the best value proposition of the race at the early $8.

Interlocuter looks ready to hit the peak rating that The ‘Cock thinks will be required to beat Crack Me Up, following three straight wins that have all been close to what is needed here. Despite that, the hat-trick of wins have seen him overestimated by the market to be a $3 favourite in some circles which The ‘Cock would be wary of despite fully expects him to be in the photo.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Crack Me Up presents some must have value at any price upwards of $5.50, so The ‘Cock would be sure to throw his chips on the current $7 for him before looking anywhere near Interlocuter. The current $3 unders aren’t enticing enough with The ‘Cock rating him closer to a $5 chance. Of the others, both of Hopfgarten & Red Excitement present solid value as rough chances at upwards of $15 and are ones to keep an eye on. The numbers listed above should be included in quaddies as a minimum, though more conservative plays can look to Mister Sea Wolf (11), Red Excitement (2), Federal (12), Mighty Lucky (6) & Testashadow (4) as The ‘Cock’s next best.

The ‘Cock couldn’t have hit this race much sweeter, reading Crack Me Up perfectly and providing a great early christmas gift for his followers with that early $8 quote, as he ran out a $5.60 winner from Cabeza De Vaca & Interlocuter.

Race 8 – 4:00pm

I Thought So (14) is The ‘Cock’s pick of the bunch and heads the next group of Chetwood (1), Isorich (11), Sir Plush (13), Calanda (7), Palazzo Pubblico (9) & The Monstar (3) who you can throw a blanket over.

I Thought So had a slight ratings regression last start down the Flemington straight but The ‘Cock still considers that run strong enough to win against this company if he was to replicate that here. The ‘Cock does expect him to go better than that back in Sydney and closer to the level of the two higher rating runs prior which makes the $4.60 early price a must have.

Chetwood needs to be respected on return having performed well first up in the past for two wins from three fresh runs, though these performances were not quite at the level The ‘Cock is banking will be required to win here. He has plenty of talent but needs to reach a new peak to win this which The ‘Cock expects will come further into the campaign.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will be happy to open the shoulders up on I Thought So at the current $4.60 early price which makes him the clear bet of this race. Nothing else is sparking any interest, though that trailing bunch of six are the ones to look towards for any wider exotics.

A blowout here thanks to Zestful, who came from outside The ‘Cock’s selections and defied a strong betting drift to run out a $17.50 winner. The ‘Cock’s top selection I Thought So received strong betting support and looked like yet another good thing in the lead up but couldn’t get over Zestful to run second.

Race 9 – 4:40pm

Uptown Lad (4) goes in on top to close things, with a strong gap to Redouble (2), Powerline (1) & Malaise (9) as the next best trio.

After a big ratings spike last time out to win second up on the heavy at Rosehill, Uptown Lad is comfortably The ‘Cock’s top choice in this field. He is still only lightly raced but starting to build an impressive record with four wins and three seconds from eleven, and The ‘Cock is confident that the last start effort is now the new standard for him rather than an anomaly. With the current $7.50 odds almost double The ‘Cock’s marked price he is not to be missed.

The next trio are all well ahead of any others but are all relatively well found in the market at $4.50, $8 & $5.50 respectively and none provide enough value to get The ‘Cock excited.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Uptown Lad is the non-negotiable bet of the race at the current $7.50 and provides good value for money at anything upwards of $4 as things stand. The ‘Cock is confident enough to play this final leg shallow, with just those listed numbers anchoring the final leg.

Another race nailed here as Uptown Lad was well backed into $5.50 after The ‘Cock fed his thousands of followers on the early $7.50 and duly saluted.

Caulfield

Race 6 – 3:00pm

Prince Of Pagoda (10) heads Lycurgus (5), Etah James (6) & Crediton (11) in what looks to be a clear top four that should produce the winner.

Prince Of Pagoda produced a big run to win last time out at Bendigo in his first time at 2400m, and The ‘Cock can see no reason why he can’t produce to a similar level fifth up today. Rates overs at the current $7.50 and is a good value investment.

Lycurgus was good two starts back when running a high rating second at Rosehill, and while he dipped last time out at Ballarat The ‘Cock is happy to excuse him given his soft track form is never as strong. Fully expect him to get back to his usual level here and that puts him right in contention, Another who is good value for money at $8.

Etah James remains only lightly raced but has hardly put a foot wrong in her six career starts so far for four wins. While the most recent two in Geelong and Ballarat have still rated off what Prince Of Pagoda should produce here, she continues to trend in the right direction and The ‘Cock can’t ignore her, though at $4.20 doesn’t provide the value of the others.

Rounding out the top four is Crediton, who looks to be well suited to The ‘Cock after a strong rating fourth over 2040m at Moonee Valley following a freshen up. His step up to 2400m last campaign saw a huge ratings spike and The ‘Cock wouldn’t rule out similar occurring here, making him a great rough prospect at $21.

Serenade The Stars is one to note at the pointy end of the market, though The ‘Cock isn’t confident on him improving to the level required and $5 looks unders.  Recommended Betting Strategy:

• All of Prince Of Pagoda, Lycurgus, Etah James & Crediton are ticking the boxes The ‘Cock needs to see before investing, which a proportional staking plan including each of these runners setting you up for a profit.

Etah James found the necessary improvement on her last run to be the saving grace here as a $5.20 winner, with other top chances Prince Of Pagoda, Lycurgus & Credition all leaving a bit to be desired. The ‘Cock’s decision to take on Serenade The Stars despite wider market support was certainly the right move, as the $4.60 favourite ran stone motherless last.

Race 7 – 3:40pm

Ozi Choice (8) & Urban Ruler (10) are The ‘Cock’s clear top two and both should be on your tickets.

Ozi Choice has been putting up consistently high ratings this campaign, and should he hold his recent form The ‘Cock can’t see many of these matching him. He was very good over this track and trip back in October, and his only slight aberration in his last four starts at Flemington on Cup Day can be put down to a Craig Williams brain-fade. Currently well priced at $5, overs compared to The ‘Cock’s $4.20 mark.

Urban Ruler’s first two runs back this campaign at Geelong and then Flemington on Oaks Day were very strong, and despite a failure on the heavy Ballarat course last start The ‘Cock is confident he can account for the large majority of this opposition, with the current $6.50 quote a fair price.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Another race to be backing multiple runners in, where investing in Ozi Choice and Urban Ruler with a proportional staking method weighted towards Ozi Choice should prove to be profitable and is The ‘Cock’s recommended tactic.

Another strong win for The ‘Cock courtesy of Ozi Choice, who was backed in from the early $5 that Peacock followers cashed in on to run out a $3.60 winner and have The ‘Cock instructing the girls to get the champagne on ice. While Urban Ruler finished back in the field, it was certainly the right move to include both of these top two runners on the tickets given the strong betting support for both.

Race 8 – 4:20pm

Crystal Dreamer (1) is comfortably on top of this, with Manola Blahniq (13), Oberland (8) & Sovereign Duke (12) the next best three.

The ‘Cock is expecting Crystal Dreamer to hold the form show in his most recent runs at Flemington and Sandown after a four week freshen up, having run second to Ball Of Muscle on Oaks Day before winning the Doveton Stakes on Sandown Classic Day in those outings. Should match that and is priced fairly as a $3 favourite.

Of the next three Manolo Blahniq is the one The ‘Cock can see the most improvement in, having turned in a strong rating run for second on return at Sandown last time out. Don’t anticipate any regression second up which makes him a double-figure chance that is certainly worth monitoring.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock has to respect the challengers to Crystal Dreamer but he would be reluctant to bet against him as the top pick who is 33% chance of winning it, as reflected in the $3 quote. Include him and the other three listed runners in the exotics.

Betting was up and down around Cyrstal Dreamer on raceday but he certainly justified the favouritism tag to be yet another winner for The ‘Cock.

Race 9 – 4:55pm

Creativity (13) is well clear at the pointy end of The ‘Cock’s ratings and is a high confidence proposition, ahead of Club Tropicana (11), If Not Now When (12) & Strykinglee (10) who are the biggest dangers.

The ‘Cock is very keen on Creativity second up today, having run a strong second at Ballarat on return. That run rated well enough to win this one even if only matched, but given her improvement throughout last campaign, The ‘Cock expects that is a minimum level from her today.

Club Tropicana has shown metronomic consistency since resuming at the start of November, with a whisker second and two wins to show from the three runs, and The ‘Cock can see some more improvement that will have her at the pointy end.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Creativity is well priced at the top quote of $4.80 and is the best bet in the race, and while there is no outstanding value on Club Tropicana, If Not Now When or Strykinglee, each has to be respected and included in quaddies.  

Given his form throughout the day to this point, The ‘Cock was confident enough to crack the Dom Perignon as soon as Creativity was safely in the stalls. She had been crunched into $2.60 after The ‘Cock claimed the $5 early odds and duly saluted.

Doomben

Race 6 – 3:32pm

Pinch River (1) rates on top of a very tough race to assess, with all runners bar Zouzoukakia (13), Straturbo (4) & Frequendly (14) capable of winning it.

This is really an impossible race to get gauge on with the amount of question marks across the entire field, but Pinch River rates the best of the bunch on the back of a strong first up record at this track and trip. He saluted in fine fashion over the same course to kick start last campaign and could be worth a small bet at the $7.50 top quote to do the same today.

$4 race favourite All Over Bosanova is one with the scope to win this comfortably but he has a huge discrepancy between his best first up ratings and career peak ratings which is of great concern to The ‘Cock. Could produce anything and that makes him impossible to take at the price

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Once again, this is not a race to be trying to find a way to get too involved with given all the queries, but if you must Pinch River is the one to look towards at upwards of $7 with a small bet and take all outside the three listed above in the quaddie.

With the form going the way it was in Sydney and Melbourne, there was little surprise this went the way it did. Top selection Pinch River had been a slight drifter but franked the betting to topple firming favourite All Over Bossanova at $9.

Race 7 – 4:12pm

Pierata (3) is the only clear standout here for The ‘Cock, in another race where there is barely a whisker between the next eight runners.

The ‘Cock would not have been surprised to see Pierata sitting as an odds-on favourite for this race after he won impressively at this track and trip first up last time out. Has the look of a very capable colt who is almost certain to be better second up and The ‘Cock wouldn’t be looking at anything else.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock wouldn’t be looking any further than Pierata, taking the $2.80 and taking him one out in the quaddie. Though for those looking wider, The ‘Cock rates Whypeeo (6), Goodfella (1), Super Ex (8) & Debonairly (10) as his next best four.

Pierata was a dominant favourite during the week and only got shorter on raceday but was unable to convert, though The ‘Cock’s second top pick Whypeeo justified his inclusion as a $6 winner.

Race 8 – 4:47pm

This looks a tight race at the pointy end of The ‘Cock’s ratings, headed by Snoopy (7), Torgensen (8), Privlaka (9), Monsieur Gustave (2) & Most Important (3).

Snoopy returned from six months out with a high rating last start third here over 1200m, and outside of his failure last prep, has always been a big improver second up which bodes well for today. If he can get back to old ways, the current $4.80 looks fair.

The last three runs of Torgensen and the previous two of Privlaka have rated right around the mark The ‘Cock expects to win this so both need to be respected, with Torgensen particularly good value for money at $13 and a double-digit chance to look towards.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The top quotes of $4.80, $13 & $7 for Snoopy, Torgensen & Privlaka respectively is enough to entice The ‘Cock into taking the three of them with a proportional stake, with only Monsieur Gustave & Most Important to be thrown into wider exotics of the other runners.

Noted as a tight race, three of The ‘Cock’s top five rated runners in Most Important, Torgensen & Privlaka finished in the money, with the late betting moves proving to be a good indication of the race. Most Important came in from $8 to $5, while top rated Snoopy went in the opposite direction from $3 to $4.40.

Race 9 – 5:25pm

The ‘Cock has Ice Frost (15), Oink (7), Pepperano (10), Deep Image (13) & Care To Think (12) as his top five, in what is a low confidence race given the majority of the top-rated runners come in off a break.

Ice Frost rates on top for The ‘Cock as one of the few with a recent run under her belt, having only very narrowly been beaten most recently over the same course a fortnight ago. Has to be considered at the current $9.50 which is overs compared to The ‘Cock’s rating.

Oink has won his two most recent first up assignments with ratings that will be very hard to beat if he gets near it today. Around the current $8.50 mark is about right by The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Definitely not a race to be getting overly involved with, though a small proportional stake on each of Ice Frost & Oink could be considered. All listed numbers should be included in the quaddie as a minimum, with Rosie Posie (3), Ringos A Rockstar (9) & Trubia (1) the next best trio for wider plays.

The ‘Cock was cautious going into this one and moreso after the scraching of Oink, but Care To Think was able to finish the job for those who survived Pierata earlier as a $4.80 winner, leading a first four that paid $6,500.

Morphettville Parks

Race 5 – 3:11pm

Very little splitting this small and very average field, where The ‘Cock would be keeping his involvement in the race at an absolute minimum. He rates Itz Invincible (4), Plateau Gold (5), Heart Of A Lion (2) & Bay Road (1) as the top four.

Plateau Gold the best value for money of the field at the $8 top quote, having put together three strong rating runs at Moonee Valley over the 955m. The ‘Cock expects him to have the lead at the 100m post and whether he holds on from there is another matter, but with the evenness of this field he’s certainly the best bet.

This wasn’t a race to be getting involved as noted, but It’z Invincible added his name to the list of The ‘Cock’s top rated runners to salute on the day at $3.20.

Race 6 – 3:51pm

Call Me Handsome (6) is the standout for The ‘Cock, with Rockets Red Glare (16), Mystified (1) & Nodoubtaboutit (2) the only other three he considers winning chances.

Call Me Handsome made his Australian debut last start with a high rating third which The ‘Cock can see him improving on a touch today. In reality, should only have to replicate that run and he’ll be a length superior to the rest of the field, rating a $2.50 chance for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The favourite is well found in the market but sits around the same mark as what The ‘Cock has rated him at a top quote of $2.70. This isn’t one to put your superyacht on but The ‘Cock wouldn’t be betting around him and certainly can’t see the winner coming from outside these four listed runners.

Stratchings decimated this race and it became one to steer away from, with Irish Mint a $5.50 winner from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers and the resultant top rater Mystified running third.

Race 7 – 4:31pm

The ‘Cock has got Enki (13) sitting alone on top of this and a very clear best bet, rating ahead of Sensational Ally (8), Light N Fire (4), Infinity Queen (9) & Lord Topper (6) as the next best.

Enki has been edging closer to a win in each of his three starts back this prep and now looks perfectly suited in his second consecutive crack at this 1400m circuit. Same pattern last prep saw him improve two lengths so The ‘Cock considers him a great bet at $4.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is happy to show his feathers on this one, with his top rater well priced and clearly marked in front of the main challenging pack. More conservative plays can include all the listed runners but The ‘Cock doesn’t expect they’ll be required.

While The ‘Cock’s confidence in Enki proved to be a touch much, his top four rated runners after scratchings finished 4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st respectively to show his radar was still on point, with Lord Topper paying $6.

Race 8 – 5:10pm

Call Me Curtis (2) rates on top for The ‘Cock, though he does have his concerns over where he will be positioned in the run which make it a low confidence betting race. Look towards Mordacious (1), Tueno (13), Cool Maverick (14), Bakers Dozen (12) & Artie Fred (3) in wider exotics as The ‘Cock’s next best.

Call Me Curtis has been strong in both of his past two outings that have each come at this track and trip, and while on form he is very well suited, the wide draw and the speed on his inside are a concern for The ‘Cock.

To say the race favourite Bakers Dozen has promised the world and delivered an atlas in his last two outings would be an understatement and while his best is certainly good enough to win it, The ‘Cock couldn’t possibly be having him today at the $3. Once bitten, twice shy, thrice a fool.   

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The would be keeping his involvement in this one to a minimum, playing quaddies wide and only considering a small bet on the $7 for Call Me Curtis.

Call Me Curtis became another reason for Peacock followers to celebrate after the early $7 cited by The ‘Cock was absolutely pillaged as he started a $2.80 favourite. The money was right and so was The ‘Cock (though the two are one in the same), with another failure from Bakers Dozen capping off a well read race.

Ascot

Race 5 – 5:57pm

Wrinkly (3) is comfortably the best runner in this field, with The ‘Cock not backing any of the next best bunch of Lukes Gold (7), Touch Of Silver (2), See Me Sizzle (4) & Gunnago (6) to topple him.

Wrinkly’s two most recent runs have shown improvement and as the likely leader from barrier one, he will be very hard to beat if he at least matches those recent runs. The ‘Cock is expecting he goes better than that and continues on the upward trajectory, rating him a $3.80 top pick.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Wrinkly is well over the odds at the $6 mark and The ‘Cock would not be missing the chance to take those odds. No interest in anything else, though include all listed runners in the quaddie.

After the fill-up in the east, The ‘Cock was on the phone to his bank manager discussing the extension that would be needed on his vault when Wrinkly scored at $3.60. Given The ‘Cock had loaded into the early $6, logistics had to be re-evaluated to cater for the extra pallet of cash that would be coming in.

Race 6 – 6:35pm

The ‘Cock has Pinball Wizard (3) as another clear top selection who is well clear of the main danger Nelson’s Flight (5), who has a gap on Ragazzo Doro (7) & Bachelors Prospect (8).

There’s no knocking the last start run of Pinball Wizard, who produced a big career peak rating to run out a strong winner at Northam, continuing a very solid start to his career. No reason he doesn’t perform to a similar level here today and rates a $2.50 top chance.

Recommended Betting Advice:

• The ‘Cock has Pinball Wizard clear on top and considers him the likely winner, he is well found in the market at $2.80 but does provide marginal value at the current quote. No need to play this leg of the quaddie any deeper than just the four numbers listed.

Caution around Pinball Wizard despite his top rating proved wise, with Ragazzo Doro the $3.40 and featuring in the numbers.

Race 7 – 7:10pm

A much tighter race here for the Group Three headline, with very little splitting Silverstream (9), Variation (1), Ulmann (2), State Solicitor (6) or Profit Street (5), and none of them winning would surprise The ‘Cock.

Silverstream is the pick of the bunch given the odds differential after her two very strong runs at 1400m prior to the regression in the Railway Stakes, where she was wide throughout and never threatening. The ‘Cock is happy to forgive that run and should she return to the previous level she will be the one to beat.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Given the value differential between Silverstream at the $8 and the other listed runners at sub $5 odds, she is the best bet in a race which should be good to watch, and one The ‘Cock will do so happily without any more involvement than a small bet on her. Include all listed in the quaddie.

“So you need more room Sir Peacock?” said the bank manager over the phone sounding exhausted. The ‘Cock wasn’t going to apologise for keeping him busy, with another pallet on the way to the vault courtesy of Silverstream saluting at $6.50 after Peacock followers took advantage of the early $8.

Race 8 – 7:45pm

A poor betting race to finish proceedings, with Toppa Dawozza (5), Star Value (3), Solar Sky (10), Dudemanbro (7) & Jazari (4) impossible to split at The ‘Cock’s top five. Each of these come in with relatively consistent formlines and The ‘Cock expects it will simply come down to who gets the run of the race. Don’t anticipate there will be much speed on which suits Star Value.

A terrible race to finish but it didn’t matter when Star Value rounded out another successful quaddie for Peacock followers.