Moonee Valley (Fri)

Race 5 – 8:30pm

The ‘Cock has Burning Front (1) rating ahead of all comers in this one and looking like a great betting prospect, ahead of Widgee Turf (6) who is the biggest danger. The latter needs to find a few lengths on recent efforts to match Burning Front, but these two are the only ones The ‘Cock can see winning it.

Burning Front just keeps on keeping on and is showing no signs of needing an extended break after rating highly to win at Flemington last time out, a run that was at least a length clear of anything Widgee Turf has produced in his three starts back this campaign. Has shown that he enjoys The Valley previously including in this very race last year where he bolted in, and with a soft lead likely again, The ‘Cock rates him a $2.40 leading chance.

Widgee Turf has three wins to show for his three outings back this prep including a dominant win over this track and trip two starts back, though The ‘Cock has rated all of these runs inferior to what Burning Front can produce.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• These two dominate the betting at $2.40 & $2.60 respectively and while Widgee Turf has got very strong winning claims that must be respected, The ‘Cock is more inclined to put his support towards Burning Front if that price holds as his only involvement in the race.

The ‘Cock correctly had this pegged as a race in two, unfortunately he was on the wrong side of the coin as Burning Front didn’t get as soft a lead as expected where Widgee Turf was able to get the run of the race behind the leaders to salute at $2.30.

Race 6 – 9:00pm

Aeecee Tong De (10), Andaz (1) & Illumicon (5) are marked on top of this one for The ‘Cock, though it is a tricky race where he has no particularly hard lean towards any runner. Fully expect that the winner will come from this trio but Prevailing Winds (2) & Super Snob (12) are also runners to monitor and rate next in line.

Aeecee Tong De ran second to Bel Sonic over this track and trip two starts back which rated to a level that would go close to winning this, although The ‘Cock is slightly wary after a poor last start run at Caulfield where she pulled up lame. That said, you can only assume she is ready if Gai has her back on track so she rates a leading chance who should take an advantageous lead throughout.

Andaz remains only lightly raced with the six starts under his belt and comes in fresh from a ten-week spell today but produced a strong run in listed company off a break to run third at Randwick last campaign so is certainly capable fresh. That effort was a career peak rating but if he can hit anything near that again here he will go close to winning.

Illumicon is the equal race favourite as things stand on the back of a maiden win at Bendigo last time out in his second career start, and while that performance rated well The ‘Cock would be hesitant to take anything less than $6.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Given the relatively strong value for money available on Aeecee Tong De & Andaz at their $10 & $5.50 respective price tags, The ‘Cock would be comfortable having a small proportional stake on each of these two runners, and including Illumicon alongside them in any exotics. More conservative quaddies need to look no further than Prevailing Winds & Super Snob.

The ‘Cock got this race wrong with the Sydney form not holding up on his top three. Prevailing Winds was rated fourth sat behind the speed and was able to finish the best.

Race 7 – 9:30pm

Raindrops On Roses (8) rates on top of this one and she looks like a good betting prospect around the $4 mark, with The ‘Cock marking her ahead of the key danger Bondeiger (2) and with a gap to Tuff Bickie (4), Richard Of Yorke (1) & Rokda Kasba (7) next.

Raindrops On Roses was just a neck from the winner last time out at Sandown and had won well two starts prior to that at Mornington, and while the effort at Flemington in between was disappointing, The ‘Cock can forgive it given the last start recovery. Tends to get better deeper into her campaigns so fifth up today should almost certainly see further improvement that will make her very hard to beat, with The ‘Cock marking her a $3.80 top pick.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• It’s not a race to be putting all of your eggs into one basket, but The ‘Cock certainly sees enough value for money in Raindrops On Roses at the current $4.40 quote to justify an investment. The ‘Cock has the four other runners listed above rating not too far behind her so include them on the ticket to pad out your quaddie and ensure it goes in the bank.

The ‘Cock wasn’t confident and this proved correct with his main danger in Bondeiger saluting at $5.10 which was his first win for over 1000 days.

Race 8 – 10:00pm

Knight Commander (9) rates as the best chance in this one for The ‘Cock despite his inconsistencies, with Believing (8) the biggest danger ahead of Strykinglee (7). The winner should be coming from these three.

Knight Commander’s four career starts have had a bit of everything, with two romping wins on debut and then last time out at Geelong separated by two poor runs in between. The two performances that saw him win both rated well enough to win this race easily and The ‘Cock expects DK Weir will have him primed for his first metro run, rating him a $3.40 top chance.

Believing was slightly below par when running fourth at Flemington last time out but The ‘Cock doesn’t think he enjoys the straight like he will the Moonee Valley circuit tonight. Will challenge if he gets back to the level of the high rating Sandown run prior and is one who has to be monitored at the near double-figure odds.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Knight Commander & Believing are both ticking boxes for The ‘Cock at their $3.60 & $9.50 respective prices and he would be taking a proportional stake on each to close out the evening, with Strykinglee going in all exotics.

The ‘Cock’s top selection Knight Commander was well backed at $2.60 in to $2.05 after the scratching of Strykinglee and duly saluted with his main danger Believing finishing second with the exacta paying $19.10.

Warwick Farm (Fri)

Race 5 – 3:20pm

There is very little splitting Mahalangur (12) & Bold Chance (8) at the top of this one for The ‘Cock, as two talented runners who have got the class edge on the rest of the field but resume from big breaks which has to dent any potential betting confidence. Either of these should be winning at their best, with All In The Reflexs (7) next in the pecking order.

Mahalangur resumes here for his second career prep after four months out, having produced a high rating win on debut at Newcastle and was equally solid when running fourth at Group 3 level at Rosehill second-up, which would make him the horse to beat if replicated. As with any runner of a break like this, monitor the markets for a guide to how wound up he is.

Bold Chance is going for his fourth win in his last five outings after a dominant win at Gosford last time out, and while that was a big spike on prior ratings The ‘Cock would not be surprised if that is his new level rather than an anomaly. Another one to monitor.

The ‘Cock expected Bold Chance’s provincial form to measure up in town, but unfortunately he was incorrect; as Tswalu was able to dictate the race from the front and get the job done by half a length.

Race 6 – 4:00pm

Cordero (7) is the top rater in this from Vassal (4), with a very competitive field right behind them that is tough to split. Cordero is the bet of the race if the price is right but there are plenty of dangers if he’s off his game.

Cordero is in terrific form with three wins on the bounce and only looks to be trending upwards after a peak run at Randwick a fortnight ago. Get’s Avdulla back in the saddle who has piloted two of those three wins which should only help his cause, rating as a $3 chance for The ‘Cock.

Vassal is going well in his own right with a first and second to show for his last two outings at Randwick, with the winning effort two starts back going close to winning this. Regressed slightly last time out but his best will match Cordero and needs to be respected, with The ‘Cock marking him a $4.20 chance.

The ‘Cock had Vassal and Cordero as his main two and was very pleased that he elected to bet on the latter who saluted at $2.80.

Race 7 – 4:40pm

This one is the most competitive race on the card today and The ‘Cock would struggle to put a firm line through any runner. Red Viking (15) & Beijing Board (3) rate narrowly on top of all others but anything could win this and The ‘Cock would prefer to just enjoy watching them go around.

After scratchings Beijing Board was the top selection who saluted at $4.00 in what was a low confidence race.

Race 8 – 5:20pm

This race is shaping up as the perfect storm for Aquatic (14), who is not ordinarily a horse that would be tipped after one win in twenty but rates well on top of this and is well priced at $4+. Tamarack (11) & Vaniloquio (12) are the next best duo and there’s a blanket over most of the others.

Aquatic’s last two efforts for fifth and second at Randwick have rated highly and are headed back towards the level of his career peak effort that came at this track and trip back in July. It’s been a long time between drinks and he tends to get back from the start which is cause for uncertainty but the pace looks strong enough and The ‘Cock has him measuring up well.

Aquatic did everything but win here, with Nat King Cu leading throughout to score. He was well backed from $5.00 into $4.60 but just missed by half a length.

Doomben (Fri)

Race 5 – 4:12

Dream Master (17) sits on top of this and looks like being a good bet as a $3.80 chance for The ‘Cock, coming in ahead of Wild Ava (13) & Loose Goose (9). Behind this trio there is a huge bunch of runners who rate very close behind, with Viceman (2) & Witness (10) the pick of them.

The five-length last start win of Dream Master on the Gold Coast was a career peak effort and more than enough to win this if replicated again with J Lloyd in the saddle. He will be advantaged on the speed and provides good value for money at the top quote of $5.50.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Lock Dream Master into your investment portfolio for the day at the current overs and ensure the first quaddie leg is in the bank by including all four of the other runners listed above.

The ‘Cock nailed this race with his top selection in Dream Master duly saluting at $2.90.

Race 6 – 4:52

High Wind (1) is the pick of these runners but only a betting prospect at $2.80 or above, with The Pinkerton (6) & Usena (9) next best from Studly Rooster (5), though it’s tough for The ‘Cock to mount a solid case for anything knocking the favourite off.

High Wind’s last start second on the Sunshine Coast over 1800m was his best run of the campaign and The ‘Cock expects the step up to 2240m will only see further improvement, with his best ratings last campaign continuing deep in the preparation. He should sit on the speed and prove hard to reign in, rating a $2.80 chance for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is very content putting all his chips for this race into High Wind at the current $3.20 overs, with the other three listed runners as deep as you need to be looking for any exotics.

The ‘Cock got this race absolutely spot on with his top selection High Wind getting the job at $3.70 with the next two dangers filling the placings.

Race 7 – 5:27

An average betting race here with The ‘Cock having very little to split these top five runners on, with Time To Play (8) & Our Story (1) rating on top of Givus A Cuddle (3), Mias Got Class (5) & Madam Shazam (7).

Time To Play’s first six career runs have followed the yo-yo pattern having never been able to put two consecutively strong runs together, and while her best can win this, that pattern is a concern after a last start peak.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Best to stay out of this one altogether and simply include all five runners listed above on your quaddie ticket.

The ‘Cock had this pegged as a tough race and was only keen to let his quaddie ride which survived with Mia’s Got Class finishing the best.

Race 8 – 6:05

Mr Bellagio (8) goes in on top for The ‘Cock and looks a strong betting prospect at upwards of $2.40, with Gregory (2) the biggest danger ahead of Locus (6) & Dreamscope (1).

Mr Bellagio’s two runs back for consecutive minor placings have rated highly and The ‘Cock can’t see him regressing on those efforts which should have him beating these rivals. Currently hovering around The ‘Cock’s $2.40 marked price and is clearly the one to be on.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Provided you can take $2.40 or more then Mr Bellagio is definitely a runner to invest some chips in to close out proceedings in Brisbane, though all other listed numbers should be on your quaddie ticket to ensure the final leg is locked away.

After scratchings of the key dangers Mr Bellagio started a very short price favourite at $1.80 and got the job done.

Caulfield

Race 1 – 11:00pm

An incredibly competitive race to kick off the day with The ‘Cock having not much more than a length to separate Sayed (4), Pretty Punk (6), The Chairman (7), Articus (2), Nights Watch (11)  & Golden Mane (8) at the top end of his ratings. No doubt Nights Watch is a contender but The ‘Cock also thinks it is a false favourite at $4.40, and with all other runners mentioned currently at sub $10 odds he is happy not to bet in this race.

The ‘Cock saw this as a tough race and he was keen to stay out given how little separated the top rated chances.

Race 2 – 11:30pm

This should be a good spectacle as a lead into the Blue Diamond for the boys, but given the number of unknowns punters have got to contend with in these sort of races, The ‘Cock would be content letting it through to the keeper again. On the limited exposed form, Ollivander (3) is marked ahead of Long Leaf (2) & Run Naan (1).

The ‘Cock picked the top three but there was no harm done as it was a no bet race.

Race 3 – 12:00pm

Now it’s the fillies turn to showcase their talents leading into the Blue Diamond, but as with the race prior there are far too many unknowns to be betting with any genuine confidence. The ‘Cock rates Lady Horseowner (3) over the favourite Oohood (4) at the top but is also very respectful of the first starter Pure Elation (10) for the Snowdens.

Low confidence race for The ‘Cock, however his top rated selection in Lady Horseowner won at $11.60 beating home many of her well fancied rivals.

Race 4 – 12:30pm

Magnesium Rose (1), Smart Coupe (3) & Holy Seal (2) rate as a clear top three for The ‘Cock and he struggles to see a winner coming from elsewhere – which the market certainly agrees with.

Magnesium Rose was a good winner over this track and trip last time out and has hardly put a foot wrong to start her career. A repeat of that performance will be hard to beat in this company, rating a $3 top chance for The ‘Cock and the best value for money of the top trio as things stand.

Smart Coupe has shown herself capable of hitting the level needed to win this back in July but each of her two runs back this campaign have failed to meet that same standard, despite running very tight minors on each occasion. Given the improvement needed The ‘Cock couldn’t possibly be having $2.20 but will respect her winning claims.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• A trifecta with these top three might struggle to snare you a soft serve at McDonald’s but there are no other runners capable of winning this, barring some sort of apocalyptic event during the run. Magnesium Rose is the pick of them given the value differential provided at the good overs of $4.60.

The ‘Cock was certain the winner come from either Holy Seal, Smart Coupe and Magnesium Rose and he was correct. However, he elected to go with Magnesium Rose who was well backed but ultimately failed.

Race 5 – 1:00pm

Epic Moment (3) is clearly the horse to beat here with both The ‘Cock and the market rating him well ahead of anything else, although all parties are taking a slight risk given it’s his first go at 1400m. Behind him, it’s Top Of The Range (4), Runson (1) & Notio (5) as the next best trio.

Epic Moment’s dominant win at Mornington two starts back was a big peak effort and is the source of much of The ‘Cock’s confidence here, but he also rated highly last start here over 1200m. That last run is around the mark that should be winning this and The ‘Cock doesn’t expect the step up to 1400m for the first time to prove an issue, rating him a $2.50 top pick.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The price is right for Epic Moment at the current $3.40 tag and The ‘Cock would be happy to show some feathers on that quote as his sole involvement in this one to land a strong blow to bookies.

From the time The ‘Cock tipped Epic Moment the money came for him and though he gave a good kick in the straight he was run down by Runson in the final stages.

Race 6 – 1:35pm

This is a competitive race to open the quaddie, with The ‘Cock rating Sharing (4) & Mamzelle Tess (1) on top, with Jester Halo (5) closely behind and Overstep (3) & Diapason (7) not far off either.

Sharing won well a fortnight ago at Flemington with a career peak rating which would win this if she could replicate it today. Some concern given she likes to get back in the running and The ‘Cock isn’t sure she will be as well suited to Caulfield as Flemington, but she still rates on top marginally and is a betting option at $4+.

Mamzelle Tess has been good in her two runs this campaign which have both come at this track over 1100m and produced a tight third first up before the last start win. Gets up to 1400m which should only help her cause and will also sit up on the speed which will also prove advantageous, rating $4.40 and looking the best value in the race.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• There is very little splitting the five runners listed above so be sure to include each of them on your quaddie ticket, but Mamzelle Tess is the only one providing standout value to entice The ‘Cock into further spending, so consider a small stake on her at $6.

The ‘Cock’s quaddie survived with Jester Halo getting the job done but his top selection in Mamzelle Tess could only manage third.

Race 7 – 2:10pm

Cao Cao (4) sits marginally ahead of Barbeque (3) at the pointy end of this, with The ‘Cock rating Indian Thunder (2) & Mr Money Bags (5) as the next best duo. The winner should be coming from the top two, though they are very different prospects with Barbeque a consistent type against the riskier proposition in Cao Cao.

Cao Cao improved significantly second-up over 1200m here last time out despite missing the money, with a performance that rated well in comparison to what The ‘Cock thinks will win here. It’s his first time out over 1400m and the first time he has ever made it to a third run in a campaign, but despite these unknown’s The ‘Cock thinks he can win with any improvement on that last performance and rates him a $3 chance.

Barbeque has been solid in his two efforts back this prep in Sydney and was very close to back to back wins when running third behind Aqua Divina at Randwick most recently. That run rated slightly inferior to Cao Cao but he’s a more consistent type and proven over 1400m, so while he may find himself in a tricky spot from barrier eight The ‘Cock rates him a $3.40 leading chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Cao Cao provides the value of the race at $4.60 and must go on any ticket you have on this race, though given the unknowns cited by The ‘Cock you may want to take a safer play by splitting a stake proportionally on him and Barbeque. The ‘Cock would be inclined to play this leg as shallow as possible and would not be against leaving his top two to get the job done, though look no further than Indian Thunder & Mr Money Bags for wider plays.

The ‘Cock tipped Cao Cao at $4.60 who was backed off the map into as short as $3.40 and got the job done which was a big result for Peacock followers.

Rosehill

Race 6 – 3:40pm

O’Rachael (3) sits on top of this one for The ‘Cock but only very marginally from Moss Trip (11), though given the odds differential between the two she provides a strong betting option. Gretna (7) & Witches (8) are the next best duo, with The ‘Cock happy to take on Girl Sunday (1).

O’rachael’s two runs this prep have been her strongest since coming across the ditch in April last year, and on the back of a four week freshen up The ‘Cock expects she can hold that form and prove hard to beat. Rates $4 so the $7 current quote is certainly juicy.

Moss Trip rated well when winning at Kembla Grange on return and it would hold her in good stead if she was to at least replicate that today. More likely though is improvement second-up and getting Avdulla in the saddle is only a positive, so while anything less than $4 is under the odds she must be respected as a big winning chance.

Girl Sunday has never rated near what will be needed to win this in five career runs off breaks and The ‘Cock can’t see that changing here so will easily let the $5 quote slide.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• O’Rachael is doing enough for The ‘Cock at $7 to justify taking a wad from his wallet and taking a ticket with her name on it, with Moss Trip, Gretna & Witches going in alongside her in the quaddie.

The ‘Cock’s top selection in O’rachael was well backed from the time he tipped her and she was able to get the job done for followers.

Race 7 – 4:20pm

This is a tricky race courtesy of the question marks on the foreigners who come into this on the back of big breaks, but The ‘Cock has Lanciato (7) on top and looking very hard to match on recent form. Behind him, Supreme Effort (6), Endless Drama (3), George Patton (8) & Oxford Poet (5) are the best of the rest.

Lanciato has produced very high ratings in his two runs back this prep for a nose third here on return and a last start win at Randwick, performances that would win this comfortably if he holds form. Will be back on the fence throughout but the pace should be genuine to open it up for him late, with The ‘Cock rating him a $2.60 chance.

George Patton is a massive question mark coming in for his first Australian start and first competitive run for eighteen months, but as a group class horse back in France he could well prove too classy. That said, there is no way The ‘Cock could be taking $3 off such a long break but he must be respected.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This is not a race The ‘Cock would be showing too many cards on given the uncertainties, but Lanciato is the bet of the race at $3.50. Take a stake on him and include all other runners listed above on your quaddie ticket.

The ‘Cock nailed this race with the warning of steering clear of George Patton who was coming off a two year break with his top selection of Lanciato saluting at $3.60.

Race 8 – 5:00pm

This is a very difficult race to gauge as The ‘Cock has little to split at least eight runners on at the top end of proceedings, with Nothing Box (5) a marginal top rater who could prove a good value bet at double-figures. Red Dubawi (12), Emperors Way (7), Atlantic Fox (10) & Gamblestown (2) are the next in line and go in all quaddies.

Nothing Box has been repeatedly hitting the same line and length in his three runs this prep which have measured up well to what The ‘Cock expects to win here, and after getting better with racing last campaign it’s easy to suggest he can go to another level here. Should lead from barrier two and provides good value in a tight race at $10 given he rates $6 for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Nothing Box isn’t a prospect to be shouting from rooftops about but The ‘Cock would be very comfortable having a small stake on him at the $10 as his bet of the race. Include all runners listed above around him in the quaddie and leave it at that.

In a low confidence race Emperor’s Way was far too strong when winning with The ‘Cock’s top selection in Nothing Box, whose quote was halved into $5 but finished outside of the placings.

Race 9 – 5:40pm

This is another very even race where The ‘Cock has Pedway (5) marked narrowly ahead of Difficult To Get (7) at the pointy end, with Blowing Kisses (11), Knight Templar (9) & Satirical Magic (2) rating next best.

Pedway has been super competitive in each of his three starts this prep and there is nothing to suggest he won’t be holding that form which would be good enough to win here. Should be on the speed and rates a $4 top chance.

Difficult To Get was strong last week at Randwick when running fourth with a rating that will have her challenging today if matched. The quick backup tactic has worked in the past and The ‘Cock can see further improvement coming, making her the biggest danger as a $5 rated chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The $5.50 & $8 respective prices for Pedway & Difficult To Get has The ‘Cock keen to have a proportional stake on both of these runners to end the day in Sydney, with Blowing Kisses, Knight Templar & Satirical Magic as wide as you will need to look to pad out this final leg of the quaddie.

The ‘Cock had this race pegged as a two horse race and he was correct with Difficult To Get saluting at $3.70.

Sunshine Coast

Race 7 – 4:32pm

Nilette (13) rates well on top of this one for The ‘Cock but is already well found in the market and provides no real value from a betting standpoint. This is a very competitive race behind her though, with Prioritise (4), Beaudragon (2), Brave Dazzler (9), Isla Tristana (14), Crusher (15) & Cornrow (1) all capable of winning it, but with the unders on the top rater and the vast array of chances this is not a race to be getting financially involved with.

Nilette is consistently churning out ratings which The ‘Cock expects to measure up well against this company, though her standout run two starts back when winning by 4L at Ipswich would not only match these rivals but beat them well. Doesn’t quite provide enough value at sub $3 compared to The ‘Cock’s marked price of $3.50 to get him involved in the big field, but she can be safely expected to be in the photo.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is content watching the $2.80 top price for Nilette pass through to the keeper in this one and with that this becomes a no bet race. Play the quaddie wide with all numbers above and stay alive.

The’Cock’s main danger in Beaudragon was able to get a soft lead throughout to score at $16, with top selection Nilette finishing in third.

Race 8 – 5:12pm

This race is an out and out lottery where The ‘Cock couldn’t back anything to win with any confidence, but Prues Angel (13), I’ve Gotta Nel (10) & Real Ego (8) are marked as a tight top three. Of the others, Bold Gypsy (9) is a knockout chance ahead of Media Vita (11), Mehmeto (14) & Bergerac (12).

Not a race The ‘Cock was keen to bet into but Bergerac who was listed as a knockout chance was able to win at $8.50.

Race 9 – 5:57pm

The ‘Cock has Dreams Aplenty (10) sitting on top of this one and he is certainly the horse to back, though there is no shortage of dangers in this huge field if he is off his game. I’m A Rippa (14), Mighty Like (9), Trubia (11), Torgersen (5) & Heartbreak Harry (19) all rate close by in behind him, with Most Important (1) & Invinzabeel (4) also winning chances but both under the odds.

Dreams Aplenty turned in three consecutive seconds last prep that all rated well enough to win this race and the last start win at Ipswich when resuming wasn’t far off either. Looks the leader from barrier three and The ‘Cock fully expects improvement second up, making him a $3.80 top chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• With a top quote of $5 currently on offer for Dreams Aplenty he is comfortably the best bet of the race, with nothing else appealing to The ‘Cock in the win markets. Given the strong double-figure odds on offer for all of The ‘Cock’s next five rated runners consider including them around him in the quaddie.

The ‘Cock’s top selection in Dreams Aplenty failed to fire here, but his quaddie ticket survived with Most Important winning at $4.40.

Race 10 – 6:27pm

Clockwork Orange (6) is far and away the best in this race for The ‘Cock and remains a good bet despite the favouritism, with some value for exotics to be found in the next best bunch of Mamselle Corday (4), Really Reilly (2), Bold Peak (18), Dharmony (7), Dapper One (10).

Clockwork Orange’s past two runs have been relatively strong and certainly trending in the right direction with a tight second followed by a win at Doomben, with The ‘Cock anticipating Lloyd will give her the perfect run from barrier two to help her go back to back here, rating as a $3 chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock doesn’t expect the $3.75 current top quote on Clockwork Orange will last long once this gets published, but that figure is calling for a full feathers out play in this final leg. Look no further than her in the win markets but consider all runners listed above as long odds chances for exotics.

The ‘Cock was spot on with Clockwork Orange as he expected her to be well backed which she was. She was tipped at $3.70 and SP’ed at $2.25 (after scratchings) and was a strong winner.

Morphettville

Race 5 – 2:21pm

Not for the first time, the Morphettville Turf Club have managed to provide as bad a first leg of the quaddie as The ‘Cock has seen, with a maiden involving four first starters and just one runner coming in with any racing under their belt making it impossible to be confident. On the very, very limited exposed form, The ‘Cock has Institution (2) & Rocket Sox (10) on top, with the gap between the two far smaller than their $1.90 and $15 price tags would indicate.  

With very limited form available The ‘Cock had Institution on top and he justified his short quote to get the job done for Punter’s.

Race 6 – 2:56pm

The ‘Cock has Irish Mint (5) on top of this one ahead of Heart Of A Lion (1) who is the main danger but with question marks fresh from a 12-month break. Ticket To Toorak (2) & Olivier (3) rate next best, though The ‘Cock would be inclined to take a set against Olivier at the $2.40 price.

Irish Mint was strong two starts back over this same track and trip when winning with a rating that would win this again if he could replicate it today. Regressed last start but has had a month off and should be at his best in the small field that will allow him to dictate terms up front, with The ‘Cock rating him a $2.60 chance.

Olivier is the short-priced favourite and there is no doubting his best performances win this race, though he has been below par in all four of his runs this campaign yet is still priced at $2.40.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Irish Mint represents relatively strong value at a top quote of $3.20 and is The ‘Cock’s sole bet of the race, with Heart Of A Lion going in alongside in the quaddie.

The ‘Cock had Irish Mint getting a soft lead, however after missing the kick he failed to fire from there with the main Danger – Heart Of A Lion keeping his quaddie ticket alive.

Race 7 – 3:31pm

Hazy Lane (2) is The ‘Cock’s top chance in this from Unbreakable (1) & Lord Topper (5) who are the main dangers, though it’s hard to make a solid case for anything beating the top rater in another small field.

Hazy Lane has top two finishes in each of his most recent runs with ratings that would see her bolt in if replicated today. The small field will let her roll to the front which suits perfectly and The ‘Cock struggles to see how anything else rates to her level if she’s on, rating at $2.50.

Game Of War pissed in over this track and trip last campaign but even that run didn’t rate as well as what Hazy Lane has been producing, and after battling on return at Caulfield last time out The ‘Cock has to be taking on the $3.40.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The $4 available for Hazy Lane provides a prime avenue to get involved with this race and The ‘Cock would be taking a strong sum on her to get it done. He is also content leaving her one out in the quaddie.

Hazy Lane was the best backed runner in the race but failed to live up to his expectations with the main danger’s Lord Topper and Unbreakable running the quinella.

Race 8 – 4:11pm

Groove With Me (1), Cronauer (3) & Silent Warrior (2) go into this one as The ‘Cock’s leading trio and while there are queries around all of them, it’s hard to see a winner coming from elsewhere.

Groove With Me steps up in trip after two solid runs back at Gawler and The ‘Cock expects to see him improve on that again over a more preferred distance range. Should get forward from the wide gate and rates a $3.50 top selection.

Cronauer has just the one Australian start under his belt after coming over from HK which produced a win at Naracoorte (a long way from Sha Tin), and while he needs to improve on that effort to contend, you would expect he is better for that first run and does. Monitor the market for a gauge.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Each of these three runners currently sits at $5 or under which doesn’t provide the value The ‘Cock needs to be getting involved with Cronauer or Silent Warrior, but with Groove With Me the best winning chance and longest of the three at $5 there is cause for a small stake.

With over half the field scratched the race was entirely dependent on tactics where Sympatico was able to get the run of the race behind the leaders and win.

Ascot

Race 5 – 6:20pm

Wrinkly (4) goes in on top for The ‘Cock again ahead of Red Publisher (6) & Classical Prince (7), with Flying Roar (10) the other danger to keep an eye on off a break.

Wrinkly is flying this prep with two wins and four tight minors to show for his last six outings and showing no signs of dropping off. Expect him to get to the front easily from barrier two which helps the cause greatly, with The ‘Cock rating him a $3.20 top pick.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Wrinkly provides very marginal value currently at $3.40 but it is enough to justify having a stake on him, with the other runners listed above going in alongside him exotics.

Top selection Wrinkly had to work a bit too hard in front and was run down $8.50 chance in Eleven Seconds.

Race 6 – 7:00pm

Push To Pass (1) is the clear standout in this field and provides a great value betting option, with the tight next bunch of Mulga (9), Capricorn Dancer (8), Romelo (10) & Our Mate Al (7) all well behind him.

Push To Pass is in superb form at the moment having rated well in each of his last four outings that have produced a win and two minors and would win this if replicated. Maps to get the perfect run just off the leaders in midfield and rates a $3.50 top pick for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Some of the best value for the day comes from the $7 top quote on offer for Push To Pass and The ‘Cock will be handling it accordingly by clearing the front leg and going hard. Given the strong gap on he has to the next bunch of runners you can also be having him one out in the quaddie.

Unfortunately standout selection Push To Pass was only able to manage third beaten by just over a length.

Race 7 – 7:35pm

It’s hard to have too much confidence heading into this race with a host of first up runners, but The ‘Cock has Snow Lord (6) sitting on top ahead of Prize Catch (1), who has a gap to the next trio of Dutch Spy (3), Mantime (4) & Bon Voyage (12).

Snow Lord’s previous three first-up efforts all rate well enough to win this fresh today and The ‘Cock anticipates that he will get the perfect run in the box seat from gate three to help him do so. Obviously, there is uncertainty after five months off and with much of the field the same, but if he’s wound up he will prove a great bet.

Bon Voyage is the race favourite and likely to stay that way given the Pike factor, but his last start maiden win at Bunbury rated 5L short of what is going to win this and he has to be taken on at the $4 unders.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Snow Lord is the clear top pick in this one for The ‘Cock and the $5 current quote is well over the odds. Sink your teeth into that and look to include just he and Prize Catch in the quaddie, though more conservative plays need to look no further than the next three listed runners.

In what was a low confidence affair The ‘Cock has Snow Lord on top, who was a noticeable drifter in the market and obviously not wound up on resumption.

Race 8 – 8:15pm

Gee Boss (5) is a standout on top of this one and another strong betting prospect out west, with Cognac (10) & Sweet Ora (8) the only dangers but both rating some way behind.

Gee Boss took his rivals to the cleaners two starts back at this track & trip and looks very likely to do it again here, coming back around the bend after a last start run at Pinjarra where nothing went right for him. Should be an odds-on chance in The ‘Cock’s book so anything above that is a bonus.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will include all three top raters in the final leg of this quaddie to ensure it goes in the bank, but from a win bet perspective, there is no going past Gee Boss at $2.30. The ‘Cock will have his feathers out and aim to lay a big blow to close out the day.

Great way to finish the day for The ‘Cock with Gee Boss getting the job done at $2.50.