Moonee Valley

Race 1 – 12:00pm

Heavenly Descent (6) is The ‘Cock’s top rater who should get an easy time of this out front and will be the horse to beat, with Bonus Doro (8) the biggest danger and Hot Ruby (3) the roughie to monitor.  

Heavenly Desent ran a respectable race but couldn’t hold out the $9 winner Royal Applause, finishing second as a $3.60 chance.

Race 2 – 12:35pm

Kardashing (1) goes in clearly on top for The ‘Cock, with the step up from 1200m to 1500m the only slight query. Recent form is streets ahead of anything else in the field so she will be a good bet, ahead of the biggest danger Super Hussey (7) who tops All Of Me (3) & Pleasuring (10).

The ‘Cock thought he had nailed this one as Kardashing started as a $4.20 second favourite and looked a good thing until Craig Williams took the $14.20 chance Truly Discreet past her, making it another second to start the day.

Race 3 – 1:10pm

The ‘Cock likes La Volt (10) as his top chance after a quick backup from his fourth at Caulfield last Saturday, in a very even race where Krusty (1) & Ransom Money (17) are the next best duo.

Three in a row. Top chance La Volt was a slight drifter on the day to start a $5 chance and finished second behind $6 listed danger Ransom Money.

Race 4 – 1:45pm

The ‘Cock likes Brigadier (2) & Straight Jacket (5) as his top two, who both look strong betting prospects at $10+, ahead of the biggest dangers O’lonera (1) & The Thug (9). He is happy to let Crafty Devil (4) & Fontein Lad (8) slide at the $5 unders mark.

Straight Jacket justifed The ‘Cock’s praise and some market support to run out an $8 winner after opening at $10. The other top rater Brigadier was another strong bet despite disappointing in the run after being smashed in from $13 to $3.70. Crafty Devil & Fontein Lad both missed the money to vindicate the call to leave them at unders.

Race 5 – 2:20pm

They will find it very hard to beat Imperial Aviator (2) who rates on top but is already well found and not appealing to The ‘Cock at less than $2.80. Dandy Gent (4), Survived (3) & Oncidium Ruler (1) are next in the pecking order, with Survived looking a betting prospect at $10+.

Good advice not to be sucked into the $2.50 for Imperial Aviator who was dead last on the day, with The ‘Cock’s second top rater Dandy Gent running out a $7 winner.

Race 6 – 3:00pm

Kievann (5) is The ‘Cock’s top runner and the one who provides the most confidence where there is little on the rest of the field. Just Hifalutin (14) is the next best chance though faces plenty of challenges, with a blanket going over the next lot making it one to play wide.

Kievann turned in a strong performance when second at this track and trip off of a thirty day break last start, and while the results weren’t quite there, also produced two high rating runs over the same course last campaign. The ‘Cock doesn’t see a huge amount of pace in this race so he should be advantaged by sitting on the speed from gate six and rates overs at $7.50 as a $5 chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• As The ‘Cock noted this is ultimately a low confidence race so it is not one to get too heavily involved in, though that current $7.50 top quote Kievann represents good value for money and provides enough to justify an investment on him.

Atlantic City was a winner from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers after coming in from $20 to $10, and beat second best Just Hifalutin who ran scond as Kievann drifted to $8 and ran 5th.

Race 7 – 3:40pm

Bel Sonic (1), Muraahib (2) & Aeecee Tong De (8) are The ‘Cock’s clear top three in a tricky race, and while he fully expects the winner to come from these three they all have queries on them.

Bel Sonic returned from a spell with a big career peak rating to win at Pakenham a fortnight ago, and while that run would win this comfortably if replicated, The ‘Cock is wary that it was well clear of anything he produced in the three career starts prior. Tends to get back so may be too reliant on tempo here but has to be respected and considered as a top rating double digit chance.

Muraahib comes in off a three month break today but has produced strong ratings fresh previously, having run third to the Coolmore winner Merchant Navy first up last campaign. The market has acknowledged this form and has him as an odds on favourite currently, which is well under the odds compared to The ‘Cock’s $4 rating. Certainly respect him but The ‘Cock is happy to leave that price alone.

Aeecee Tong De lost her maiden plates last start with a win at Canterbury first up, and The ‘Cock thinks she can push forward from the wide gate and rate highly again in her first Melbourne outing. Also sitting around the $10 mark currently so is another at overs compared to The ‘Cock’s $5.50 price tag.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The winner should certainly be coming from these three but the favourite Muraahib is very well found at $2.15, so while The ‘Cock wouldn’t be taking a hard line against him he certainly prefers the prospect of a split stake on the $10 & $9.50 top quotes for Bel Sonic & Aeecee Tong De.

Wise again to take on the short priced favourite Muraahib and even moreso to take the $10 for Bel Sonic, who was crunched into $4.40 on raceday and duly saluted from Aeecee Tong De in second.

Race 8 – 4:20pm

Wise Hero (14) & Nasdex (6) are The ‘Cock’s clear top two here after finishing together last start in what looks to be the form race for this one, with Kens Dream (7) the next best behind them.

Wise Hero has begun his career in impressive fashion with three wins and two seconds from his six starts, including a high rating win here 13 months ago. Rated very well on return when narrowly missing out at Pakenham last start but The ‘Cock is confident he will improve, and settling in the first few from barrier five will make him hard to beat. Rates on top as a $4 chance for The ‘Cock.

Nasdex got the nose in at the right time to take the chocolates against Wise Hero last start, but with the weight swing going against him The ‘Cock has to expect the tables are turned here. Still over the odds at $7.50, with The ‘Cock marking him around the $5 mark.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is happy to play this leg pretty shallow as things stands, with the three listed runners enough for your quaddies, and with each of the top two representing solid value at $5.50 & $7.50 respectively, a proportional stake on both is the tactic to employ.

The ‘Cock’s top two both came in on raceday to $3.10 & $6.50 respectively and couldn’t have done much more, running second & third in this one behind the knockout winner Murphy’s Reward who was as long as $51 prior to the race.

Race 9 – 4:45pm

Widgee Turf (9) is The ‘Cock’s standout runner here, with Bel Burgess (1) a definite danger despite queries and with Wall Street Wolf (8) & Amadeus (5) next in the pecking order. Along with these, keep an eye on betting markets around Le Juge (11) as the big unknown in the race.

Widgee Turf’s best career rating came here at The Valley over 1400m almost twelve months ago and looks capable of hitting that level again after a strong first-up win at Sandown last time out over 1300m. Typically goes better at this distance range and with a few extra runs under his belt which bodes well for today.  

Bel Burgess is one who is capable of matching Widgee Turf if he’s at his best today, and after rating well last start to win at Wodonga and having produced an even stronger win at this track and trip last prep he is certainly one to watch at around $10.

Wall Street Wolf is capable of challenging if he can produce his best provincial form here, though he traditionally struggles to translate it in the city. Very inconsistent so The ‘Cock can have no confidence backing him but it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see him win.

Le Juge is here for his first Australian start after coming across from France so as is always the case with these unknowns, The ‘Cock can only recommend respecting any betting moves for an indication into his prospects.

Recommended Betting Strategies:

• Widgee Turf has been well backed in early markets to sit shorter than The ‘Cock’s $3 rating, and while he would be keen to back him at anything over that The ‘Cock can let less go through to the keeper. Bel Burgess is a double-figure value prospect to look towards with a small bet as an alternative.

The ‘Cock’s top rater and dominant favourite Widgee Turf ended the day on a high, with the double figure prospect Bel Burgess well supported from $17 into $8 but missed the money.

Warwick Farm

Race 6 – 2:40pm

This is a tricky first leg but The ‘Cock has Bratislava (7), Sugar Bella (9) & Test The World (1) marked as his top trio and most likely winners.

Bratislava was a good winner first up at Canterbury and The ‘Cock likes him to improve on that effort second up today as he did last campaign, which will guarantee he is at the pointy end of proceedings. His career-best rating came at this track and The ‘Cock rates him a $5 top chance and the bet of the race at $7.50.

You can almost copy and paste the previous summary and apply it to Sugar Bella, who comes off a win first up and showed second up improvement last campaign which is a pattern that bodes well today. Rates narrowly behind Bratislava so is slight unders at the $4.20.

Test The World is the hot favourite currently at top odds of $2.60, and while The ‘Cock acknowledges her as a leading chance he would be hesitant to dip into that price. Produced a big peak to win at Rosehill last start and had been strong prior to that, but she doesn’t go as well at Warwick Farm and The ‘Cock has enough queries to suggest she’s under the odds.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Definitely have to include all three of these top raters in exotics but The ‘Cock is happy to take Bratislava as his key investment in the race, with the others failing to measure up from a value for money perspective at the current $4.20 & $2.60 compared to the $7.50 on the top rater.

Bratislava was well supported from $7.50 into $4 and The ‘Ccok thought he was home and hosed before the drifting roughie Wild N Famous took control to score as a $16 chance, with next best Test The World running fourth.

Race 7 – 3:20pm

Another tough leg, with hardly anything to split The ‘Cock’s top five in Mortons Fork (8), Invinzabell (5), Coolring (7), Supply And Demand (1) & Moher (4).

The strong performance of Mortons Fork at Rosehill first up suggests that he’s back closer to the level of twelve months ago where he was running in and winning group level races. Concerns come from the month between runs and the likely backward of midfield settling position which make it hard for The ‘Cock to be inspired by the $4.40 top quote.

Invinzabeel comes in off two high rating wins in a row at Rosehill and The ‘Cock expects him to get a prime spot in the race just off the speed and be very hard to hold out. The $6 quote is a fair price.

Coolring has rated well enough to win this race in each of his three starts this campaign despite those results suggesting he isn’t offering a lot at the minute, but with a huge drop in weight The ‘Cock expects him to roll along in front and be hard to catch. With $10 available he needs to be considered.

Supply And Demand has been freshened up after failing last start in the Railway in Perth but he had been strong in the two runs prior to that and will appreciate the drop back to 1400m. Include in exotics but too many question marks for The ‘Cock to like the $3.50.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock notes that each of these top-rated runners has winning claims but given the prices on offer only Coolring stands out as one for a small investment at the $10. All five top runners should go into your exotics, in what is not a race to get too heavily involved with.

Another knockout winner toppling The ‘Cock’s top raters here, with Nancy scoring at $12 ahead of Mortons Fork & Supply And Demand, with The ‘Cock’s pick of the bunch Coolring running fourth after being backed $13 into $5.

Race 8 – 4:00pm

Milwaukee (5) is The ‘Cock’s leading prospect here, with Pipeline (7) one that must be respected and Man Of Choice (4) & Voilier (11) rounding out the top four.

Milwaukee was travelling beautifully prior to his last start failure on the heavy track at Rosehill, but The ‘Cock is happy to forgive that run and expect he returns to the ratings from earlier in the prep that would see him win this one. Should get an easy time in front leading from pole position and is priced about right at $4.60.

Pipeline has two minor placings to show for his first two runs of the campaign, though The ‘Cock is concerned about the step up to 1400m today given he has regressed each time out at that trip. Under those circumstances, he couldn’t possibly have the $3 top price.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• No need to look past Milwaukee as the best bet of this race at $4.60 but certainly include all of the runners listed in the quaddie.

If there was any doubt it was going to be ‘one of those days’, The ‘Cock’s clear top pick Milwaukee did everything required bar getting the chocolates, running second to the $26 chance Raijinz.

Race 9 – 4:40pm

Noire (3) heads this field for The ‘Cock from the leading danger Miss Ballantine (7), with Pecans (6) & Queen Misty (10) rating next best in an average betting race.

Noire has rated well in her two runs back this prep and there is nothing to suggest she won’t produce near that level again. A winner at her only previous third-up start, she’s The ‘Cock’s top pick and a bet at anything upwards of $3.50.

Miss Ballantine is in a similar boat to the top rater after two strong runs for second at Rosehill this campaign, including behind Noire a fortnight ago. Only needs to match those runs third up to be competitive again and the $8 early tag is overs compared to The ‘Cock’s $5 rating.

Pecans is difficult to assess after two wins and a big peak rating last-start on a heavy ten here over 1300m. Not convinced she can match that with better conditions here and The ‘Cock is cautious around the $3.80 unders on her.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This isn’t much of a betting race so The ‘Cock wouldn’t be rushing to be involved, but he considers Miss Ballantine the best bet of the field if the $8 tag holds, given that Noire & Pecans are both well found in the market and under the odds at $3 & $3.80. Include all listed runners in exotics as a minimum.   

Noted top rater Noire was the winner at $3.90 here after drifting in the betting on raceday and rounded out a quadrella that paid a handy $17k, with Miss Ballantine coming in fifth.

Gold Coast

Race 7 – 4:12pm

Sheza Lily (5) is an absolute standout for The ‘Cock, rating ahead of Aqua Vite (7), Mishani Phoenix (10) & Courts Star (6).

Sheza Lily is flying this prep, with three wins and a good last start third to show for her most recent outings and The ‘Cock can’t see any reason she won’t produce to the same level again here. Should be enough speed in the race to allow her to take the sit and flash home.

Aqua Vite has a win and tight second at Doomben from his last two runs, and while this is his first attempt at 1800m The ‘Cock considers the quick backup and Jeff Lloyd aboard key positives. Expect her to be competitive but still behind the top rater.

The ‘Cock will also be keeping an eye on Courts Star, who was strong over 2000m last time out and has a history of improving when dropping back in distance. Has to contend with a tricky draw as one who likes the lead but don’t ignore him.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is going to open the shoulders up and load into Sheza Lily at the current $2.50 price on offer and would consider going one out in the quaddie. More conservative plays only need to look to the other three listed runners at most.

Sheza Lily was a huge disappointment in this one after drifting from $2.30 to $3 on raceday and ran near on last, as Feltre became yet another double digit winner on the day at $12. Aqua Vite was the best of The ‘Cock’s numbers in second.

Race 8 – 4:47pm

A poor betting race where The ‘Cock can’t have any great confidence on his top raters, with Kirini (6) heading the field from First Stimulus (12), Perilous Love (3) & The Rumour File (1) the pick of the bunch.

Kirini’s two most recent runs have been at the level The ‘Cock expects to win this race and rate above what anything else in the field has been producing of late, so she just has to hold her form to be at the pointy end of this. All that said, she is not close to a $1.70 chance in The ‘Cock’s book and he couldn’t possibly touch her at those odds.

First Stimulus is a good rough prospect at 20/1 here following a strong win on the Sunshine Coast last start over 1800m. With his previous peak rating coming over 2200m, the step up to that trip today will suit.

Perilous Love was fair last start at Doomben when facing a fourth straight step up in trip and she could be another to appreciate an extra 200m today. Matching her effort that saw her finish third in the G2 Roses at Doomben earlier in the year would see her hard to beat here.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Kirini is not a $1.70 favourite to be entrusting your quaddie with and The ‘Cock would be including all listed numbers, with First Stimulus the best investment prospect of the race with a small stake at the $21.

A noted low confidence race where The ‘Cock standsby the call for caution on the $1.70 pricetag for eventual winner and top rated Kirini, who drifted to double figures on the day and won well. Long shot First Stimulus proved a worthy addition running third after being as long as $41 in the morning prior to the race.

Race 9 – 5:27pm

Oink (8) rates on top for The ‘Cock but needs to be monitored, rating clear of Amanaat (6) as next best, from Mishani El Lobo (9), Grunderzeit (5) & Hi I’m Back (2) who are all capable of winning it.

The ‘Cock is wary that his top rater Oink comes in first up into a race where all others have got racing under their belts, but he produced some big ratings in his first and last runs of the previous campaign which would see him winning this if replicated. Monitor the betting to get a gauge on whether he’s wound up.

Amanaat comes into this off a four week freshen up and with five wins in a row under his belt, though he will need to improve once again to be able to account for this field.

Grunderzeit is one of the few capable of beating Oink at his best so The ‘Cock would not be surprised to see it happen, although his two runs off a freshen up have been poor and it’s hard to justify backing him.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• One to play wide given the plethora of question marks on leading runners and The ‘Cock would insist you don’t rush into this one in order to give yourself time to monitor the market around Oink, who is the one to look towards at around the $3-4 mark if there is support around. If not, no harm in sitting this out.

Perfect Dare added to the frustration of punters everywhere as a surprise winner at $12 and The ‘Cock’s call to wait to observe the market around Oink before investing proved a masterstroke, as he drifted on the day and disappointed.

Race 10 – 5:58pm

Very little splitting Magnufighter (13), Plucky Girl (14) or Desmons Pride (5) at the top of The ‘Cock’s ratings and he would be surprised if the winner came from outside these three. Manaya (11), Ringos A Rockstar (9) & Steamin (10) are the next best for wider plays.

Given the value differential between the top three, Magnufighter is The ‘Cock’s pick of the top three at $7.50 as one who should be suited to a step back to 1400m after a strong win at 1350m two starts back at Doomben. Had excuses around his regression at the mile last start so expect close to his best today.

Plucky Girl was a comfortable winner at Ipswich last start and rated well so has to be respected, but The ‘Cock is concerned about the 40 day break between runs ahead of her first 1400m run. She is a leading chance but The ‘Cock is happy to leave her out at less than $5.

Desmons Pride has three wins in a row coming into this and all have come at this track, rating well enough to put him in the photo if replicated today. The ‘Cock can’t knock his form and he’s one to include in all exotics.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock has Magnufighter as his pick of the top three and the one to be investing in at that $7.50 current quote, though this isn’t a race for showing all your cards and would be playing it cautiously as a final leg.

The ‘Cock’s only betting prospect in this race was scratched, with resultant top rater Plucky Girl showing The ‘Cock’s radar was on despite the tough luck throughout the day as she ran second.

Gawler

Race 5 – 3:11pm

The ‘Cock has got nothing splitting Eclair Calling (5) & Grumpy Guru (8) as a clear top two in this one, rating Autumn Street (4) as the only other that looks capable of an upset.

Eclair Calling is only very lightly raced but rated highly on return last start to win here three weeks ago. Matching that performance will make him very competitive, with anything extra dependent on how much improvement he has in him second up. Rates a $4.50 chance so currently well priced at $6.50.

Grumpy Guru was narrowly beaten for third on return at Strathalbyn recently and should improve second up over 1500m. Should sit just off the speed from barrier one and get a dream run, also rating over the odds at $5.

The main danger Autumn Street can win this at her best and The ‘Cock fully expects improvement second up, though she is coming from a long way back after a poor return at Morphettville.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock would confidently be taking both of Eclair Calling & Grumpy Guru with a proportional staking plan at the current $6.50 & $6 top quotes, and at most putting Autumn Street into exotics numbers for some first leg security.

The ‘Cock was spot on with his assessment of this race as top-rater Eclair Calling saluted at $6 from next best chance Grumpy Guru.

Race 6 – 3:51pm

Chapel City (5) goes in on top of a tricky race for The ‘Cock, with Strategic Demand (2) & Tildy Lad (6) the major dangers ahead of Magnus Knight (3).

Chapel City has been good in all three runs this prep which have rated well enough to see him close to winning this if he holds his form. The ‘Cock would be confident he does so, which is something that can not be said for the main dangers and is the reason for the $3.20 favoritism which is fair.

Strategic Demand is trending in the right direction in his two starts back this campaign, but typically starts to hit his straps further into the prep so is definitely capable of further improvement today.

Tildy Lad comes in for her first outing since May, and though The ‘Cock is cautious of the long lay off he did produce a very strong rating fresh to win at Bordertown this time last year. Definitely a danger.

Magnus Knight was well below par last time out after having been in stellar form for the better part of the ten starts prior, and while The ‘Cock respects that if he can get back to his best he will go close, you have to think he could be over the hill after a six month campaign.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• A tight race where Chapel City provides The ‘Cock with the only rating with enough confidence behind it to even consider suggesting an investment. The ‘Cock has him marked around $3.50, so taking anything upwards of that quote is justified, as is limiting your involvement in this one to including all listed numbers and moving on.

While The ‘Cock didn’t expect Gawler to be his pick of the metro venues on the day, he was happy to see Chapel City well supported and performing accordingly on the day to win at $2.80.

Race 7 – 4:31pm

The ‘Cock has Gogo Grace (3) marked on top of Enki (10), with these two of these holding a gap to Bakers Dozen (4), Dances On Stars (1) & Lord Topper (2).

Gogo Grace was a last start winner at Morphettville and The ‘Cock expects improvement on that run as she steps up to 1500m today. Rates on top but under the odds at less than $3.50.

Enki is another who can improve with the extra trip he gets today and has proven he has the ability to at least match the level of Gogo Grace. The current $6 price tag is very slight overs.

Bakers Dozen turned out two very poor runs to start her campaign but got things back on track with a half-length third at Morphettville last Saturday. Up to 1500m from 1250m today which is a big query but anything upwards of $5.50 looks overs currently.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Gogo Grace is the best winning chance of the race but is already well found in the market at $2.90, and The ‘Cock can comfortably let those unders slide. Include her and Enki in exotics as a minimum, with all runners listed above to be incorporated in more conservative plays.

Strategic Glass became yet another blowout winner on the day as a $23 chance, beating The ‘Cock’s top rater Gogo Grace after she was well backed into $2.35.

Race 8 – 5:10pm

The ‘Cock considers Soaring High (4) narrowly on top and considers him the best winning chance, though any of All Bar Two (9), Spy Decoder (6), Emmookis Dash (1) or Impulse Diavolo (8) winning would not be a surprise.

Soaring High has been solid in his two runs at Morphettville this prep despite just missing the money on both occasions and The ‘Cock thinks he will be well suited to the step up to 1700m. He’s the best chance in an even race and represents fair value for money at the current $7 top odds.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Soaring High is one to throw some chips on at the $7, as the only real standout in a very tight race that will be one to play wide in exotics with all listed runners as a minimum.

Some more insult to injury with yet another second, as Soaring High was beaten after being backed $7 into $5 by Saturday Sorcerer at $7.50, after he had opened at $13.

Ascot

Race 5 – 5:50pm

The ‘Cock is very confident Russian River (1) will be too good for this field, heading King Of Wu (5), Prying Tom (9), Missile Launch (7), Ominour Warning (11) & Scooner (6) as the next group with little between them.

Russian River hasn’t missed a beat of late despite falling agonisingly short in each of his previous four starts, but with the step up to 1600m here The ‘Cock can’t see any others matching the rating he’s likely to produce. The current $4.80 is a strong result.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will be showing all his feathers for one of the few times on the day to claim the $4.80 on Russian River and put a christmas dent into bookies. No issue taking him one out in the quaddie, though more conservative exotics need to look no further than the listed runners above.

Russian River was crunched in from $6 to $3.60 on raceday and all signs pointed to a strong finish to the day, though the performance didn’t match the support as he ran sixth. The $4.60 winner Missile Launch was in The ‘Cock’s numbers to salvage something for wider quaddies.

Race 6 – 6:25pm

Material Man (2), Pounamu (1), Trap For Fools (6) & Zarantz (3) rate as a tight top four in this group two, and The ‘Cock can’t see the winner from elsewhere.

Material Man & Pounamu both produced big ratings spikes as they ran the quinella in the Kingston Town Classic two weeks ago, but Material Man had shown himself capable of such a high rating and over the distance last campaign over 2200m at Bunbury. This gives The ‘Cock greater confidence in him holding the Kingston Town rating compared to Pounamu.

Trap For Fools is on the quick backup from Wednesday where he won his eights race from his past nine outings, and while this will be tougher The ‘Cock certainly can’t knock his ‘go to the front and stay there’ approach. Will need to improve but certainly capable.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Of these top three, Material Man not only has the best winning claims but also represents the best value for money at $3.25, compared to $3.50 & $4 for Pounamu & Trap For Fools. Include all of these and Zarantz in exotics, but The ‘Cock has Material Man as the sole win bet.

The ‘Cock read this race well despite Material Man being pipped by Pounamu who paid $2.60, with his top trio after the scratching of Trap For Fools finishing top three, although the $10.90 trifecta didn’t quite satisfy The ‘Cock’s hunger for a late fill-up.

Race 7 – 7:00pm

Majinika (1) is The ‘Cock’s top pick and the one to back at the right price in what is a very tricky race. There’s nothing splitting the next bunch of My Greek Boy (5), Cuanzo (10), Ambiente (12), Key To Fame (4) & Top Of The Class (14).

Majinika comes in with two wins and a minor from three previous first up runs, and with some high rating winning performances over 1200m previously. The ‘Cock expects he’ll get straight to the front and be hard to catch so has him marked the best bet in a tough race at $5.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• A race to include all runners listed above in exotics given the tightness of The ‘Cock’s ratings, but there is no need to look outside of Majinika for the one to be on. The $5 current odds match The ‘Cock’s rating before scratchings.

Settlers Creek proved that once the rot sets in on a days punting even the greatest like The ‘Cock can do little to stem it. He came from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers having been close to a 20/1 chance the night before the race, before being extremely well backed into $7.50. Majinika was nowhere near it after a betting drift.

Race 8 – 7:35pm

Scalpel (7) rates on top and is going to be hard to beat, though The ‘Cock is wary of Mantime (6) as the main danger. Where’s Wally (5) & West Fifty Fourth (16) are the next best.

Scalpel leads this one for The ‘Cock after high rating run for third here over 1000m two weeks ago in his first start for six months. The ‘Cock feels he is a horse will be better again for that run and will be the one to beat pushing forward from the wide gate.

Mantime’s best could win this race but he is an incredibly inconsistent type that The ‘Cock can have no confidence predicting how he will go here. Would need to get soft lead and to settle better than previously and The ‘Cock isn’t sure he will. Respect for potential but be cautious.

West Fifty Fourth has a perfect strike rate after his debut win at Belmont back in June and looks to have scope for improvement on that, but after a long time out he will be one to keep an eye on in the betting to get a better idea of what he’s capable of today.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Similar to the race prior, The ‘Cock isn’t going to look any further than Scalpel for his bet of the race at the $4 on offer, though he would include the other three listed numbers to pad out this final leg.

Silk Sam, $26 winner. Forget about it.

Caulfield

Race 5 – 3:50pm

Bella Martini (13) tops this one as a high confidence prospect for The ‘Cock after a strong last start win at The Valley, rating 2-3 lengths ahead of the next best group of Meridian Star (4), Our Sevira (1) & Go Gracey (14).

Still only lightly raced but has hardly put a foot wrong in five starts for two wins and two tight minors, rating highly to win well at The Valley last time out. She looks classes above these to The ‘Cock’s well trained eye and rates a clear top pick.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is happy to show his feathers right from the get-go here, with Bella Martini a sensational investment at the current $4.60 top quote, and anything over $3.50 when the inevitable plunge comes. Start the quaddie aggressively and have her one out.

New day and an early christmas present to help make up for the previous Saturdays shit show, with Bella Martini getting the job done for The ‘Cock after that ‘inevitable plunge’ set in.

Race 6 – 4:30pm

The ‘Cock rates Master Reset (4) on top of this listed event, with the evergreen Jacquinot Bay (5) & Our Bottino (6) next in line with strong claims. After these, Payroll (2) & Coldstone (7) are worth noting and The ‘Cock would be surprised if the winner came from outside these.

Master Reset has rated well in each of his most recent runs, with the last start win at Pakenham a spike that he can afford to regress on slightly today. The ‘Cock loves the addition of D Lane and with him likely to sit in the first four throughout he will be hard to beat, rating a $4.30 top chance and overs at the current $5.50 quote.

Jacquinot Bay keeps on keeping on and is producing metronomically consistent ratings, with The ‘Cock looking back to his third here behind Cool Chap and Nozomi back in October for confidence in him performing well again here. So consistent without winning and needs to be respected as a $6.50 chance.

Our Bottino is another who has been strong in his last two outings and should produce more of the same today as the likely leader. Another that is over the odds at the current $12 top quote compared to The ‘Cock’s $7 rating.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Each of The ‘Cock’s top three runners here have got genuine winning claims, and with all representing good value for money at $5.50, $6.50 & $12 respectively look to have a proportional stake on each. The ‘Cock would be content leaving these three in the quaddie, but at most have Payroll & Coldstone for wider plays.

The favourite and eventual winner Payroll was included in The ‘Cock’s play, scoring at $2.80 from Jacquinot Bay and Coldstone, with top rater Master Reset finishing fourth.

Race 7 – 5:10pm

Lucky Liberty (7) goes on top marginally from Merriest (4) & Thermal Current (2), but this is an average race where The ‘Cock would not be confident putting a line through any runner in the field. Plenty of question marks courtesy of mixed formlines and resuming runners so play conservatively.

Lucky Liberty won this race last year and comes in fresh today after just the two starts for the year, though with one of those runs a high rating third over this track and trip when fresh, The ‘Cock has more confidence on him first up than the others under the same circumstances. Will get back in the field but there should be plenty of tempo up front to set him up for a late swoop.

Recommended Betting Strategies:

• As noted, this is a tough race and one to play wide in exotics, though Lucky Liberty is the pick of the bunch to be monitoring in win markets. Look for money coming for him as the Dwyer runners are red hot when there’s money around.

As an unwelcome reminder of Saturdays just past, Stellar Collision was a 30/1 winner from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers, though he had rightly noted it as a race to be cautious in. Lucky Liberty was strong for third though the money was against him on the day.

Race 8 – 5:45pm

Another tough race to close things out, with Wilde Gem (7) a low confidence top rater for The ‘Cock, from the next bunch of Dane Thunder (5), Domesday Warrior (9), Believing (15), Olonhro Bay (20) & Bord De Gain (11).

Wilde Gem is only lightly raced but has three wins from his five career starts and hit a peak rating to win at Pakenham last start. Limited form to go off so The ‘Cock won’t be steaming into him, but if he’s anywhere near the last start effort he is going to be hard to beat.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Wilde Gem is overs at $12 and rates on top so is the one to consider for a small bet, but outside of him this race is one to include all listed numbers in your quaddie and flick to the cricket in the lead up to avoid thinking too deeply about this race.

The ‘Cock thought he had nailed this with Wilde Gem at double digits before Craig Willaims came late to spoil the party with Prarvo at 10/1.

Randwick

Race 5 – 3:30pm

The ‘Cock has Queen Misty (4) & Ladder (6) rating on top of this with very little to split them, ahead of Baysa (5) & Artistic Beauty (9) as the next best duo.

Queen Misty has produced two strong runs this prep for a second and third, but with a step up to the mile which has served her well in the past, The ‘Cock expects she will have most of these covered as a $4 chance.

Ladder maps well as the likely leader in a race that shouldn’t provide too much pace, and after a strong rating on return at Newcastle The ‘Cock expects she will improve again and be hard to beat.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Include all listed runners in the exotics, but given the value differential between the top two runners The ‘Cock would be looking to Ladder at the $6 quote as his best bet of the race rather than the $4 on Queen Misty.

The ‘Cock was off the mark with his decision around the two top raters, with Queen Misty the better of the two running second as Ladder turned in a poor performance, though it was another 10/1 winner from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers in Live To Dream who did the damage here.

Race 6 – 4:10pm

This is a very tough race to analyse, with The ‘Cock marking Red Excitement (2) narrowly on top and considering only Walking Moment (12) incapable of winning it.

Red Excitement is looking for back to back Summer Cups after winning this last year, and if he could repeat that effort he would do just that here. His last three runs have been strong and he should only go better again stepping up to 2000m, as one who will put himself on the speed and rates a $5 top chance for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Look towards Red Excitement for a small bet at most here given the fair $5.50 price tag, though at anything less than that figure The ‘Cock will easily sit this out. Play it wide in exotics, with The ‘Cock rating Montauk (9), Black On Gold (8), Mighty Lucky (4), Dee I Cee (6), Lord Kingsley (10), Destiny’s Kiss (1), Testashadow (3) & Dark Eyes (5) next best.

Red Excitement added to a frustratingly large list of second placings in recent days, with third rated Montauk yet another double digit winner at $12.

Race 7 – 4:50pm

Montreal (4) is a comfortable top rater in The ‘Cock’s book, with Reach For Heaven (1) next best but well behind. Of the rest, Akasaki (2), Redcliffe (6), Can Dream (14) are next.

Montreal is just three starts into his career and has been exceptionally strong two of them, resuming with a five-length win at Wyong last start that would see him romp in here if replicated today. Will get an easy time of it in front and absolutely should win, although the $2.10 isn’t quite enough to entice The ‘Cock to clear the front leg and go hard at him.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• No doubting Montreal wins this one at least 5 times out of 10, but The ‘Cock would want to find closer to $3 before really going chips in. Play this aggressively in quaddies, with Reach For Heaven the only one you need to include if wanting to pad it out.

Montreal did as The ‘Cock and most punters expected and accounted for this field, running out a $1.70 winner.

Race 8 – 5:30pm

The Hipster (11) rates on top for The ‘Cock and looks the one to beat, though there’s a strong next group of Aquatic (14), Smartedge (4), Echo Jet (12) & Dawn Raid (8) all capable if the top rater is off his game.

The Hipster is third up after two strong outings at Hawkesbury and Rosehill to kick off his second career prep, with The ‘Cock expecting improvement stepping up to 1400m as a likely leader who won’t get too much pressure. Rates a $4 top pick for The ‘Cock so well priced at $4.50.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The Hipster is the best winning chance in the race and currently adequately priced for an investment at $4.50, though it’s another race where if the price is not right on the top rater The ‘Cock will very easily let is slide through to the keeper. Given how lightly raced The Hipster is and following some aggressive plays in earlier legs, The ‘Cock would include all listed runners to close out the final leg.

The Hispter held at around the $4.50-5 mark on raceday but disappointed in the run for ninth, and as The ‘Cock’s initial numbers were decimated by scratchings, Bye See was another 10/1 winner.

Morphettville

Race 5 – 3:01pm

Federosa (7) rates on top for The ‘Cock, with a good gap to Joy Flipper (2) as next best and again to Trupt (5).

Federosa ran third at this track and trip two starts back and despite a slight regression at The Valley last time out The ‘Cock expects she will be hard to beat back at her home track. Will get an ideal sit behind the leaders and be very hard to beat, rating a $5 chance which matches the current market price.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock isn’t going to be leaping into this race, with Federosa a solid bet at the $5 top quote but second top rater Joy Flipper equally so at the $10 overs. Consider a proportional stake on each of these runners, with all listed runners going in exotics.

This was a perfectly judged race by The ‘Cock as his top two finished in that exact order, with Federosa providing some juicy value to win at $6.50.

Race 6 – 3:41pm

Showpero (6) is The ‘Cock’s top pick in this one, rating ahead of Big Effort (2) who is the next best chance first up ahead of Irish Mint (4).

Showpero has been very strong in each of her last three outings, with previous best runs coming over the 1000m at this track which suits perfectly today. The ‘Cock expects she will sit 3rd or 4th on the fence and be a leading chance, though the $3.30 top quote doesn’t inspire betting confidence.

Big Effort produced a big run at this track and trip fresh last campaign and first up today The ‘Cock likes him to produce to a similar level again in this one, though after such a long layoff confidence has to be tempered and markets need to be monitored for a gauge on his chances. The $5 current price not enough for The ‘Cock but monitor for anything above that.

Irish Mint is another runner with three strong runs in the bank over his last three outings, and despite the last start peak to win over the 1000m here, he is going to need to improve to topple the leading chances. At the $8 top current top quote he’s worth respecting.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock acknowledges the claim of both runners but isn’t enticed by the $3.30 or $5 current top quotes on Showpero or Big Effort, with Irish Mint his one to look towards in current markets for a small bet at the $8 on offer. This is definitely a race to include all listed runners in your quaddie as a minimum, with Arrow Lane (8), Nodoubtaboutit (7) & Vicki’s Boy (11) the next best trio to look towards in wider exotics.

The ‘Cock’s ratings were just about spot on for this as Big Effort won at $4.80 from Showpero, though his decision to favour Irish Mint at the odds didn’t pay off as he ran eighth.

Race 7 – 4:21pm

Steel Frost (4) rates ahead of all comers for The ‘Cock, with Casino Wizard the leading danger and Go The Journey (6), This Kid Rocks (9) & Sudden Wealth (7) the next best trio.

Steel Frost has to go in on top after five wins from her last six outings, and with the latest of those over this same track and trip The ‘Cock can see no reason he doesn’t produce to a similar level today. Unders at the current $2 odds but has to be respected as the leading winning chance.

Casino Wizard was beaten less than a length by Steel Frost last time out but rated very well and The ‘Cock expects a pretty similar showing today. Another who is under the odds at the $4.20 top quote but can’t be dismissed as the second best winning chance in the race.

Go The Journey is the double figure chance of the race at the current $19, coming in first up here after two strong runs under the same circumstances in recent preps. The ‘Cock predicts he will need another run under his belt before he wins this with all runners at their best, but with a downturn in form from the leading chances he is the rough chance to look to.

This Kid Rocks is the other double digit chance to monitor after three strong runs this prep, and given he tends to peak further into a campaign The ‘Cock wouldn’t be surprised to see improvement today.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Steel Frost is undoubtedly the leading winning chance in the race, but The ‘Cock can’t be enticed by the $2 odds and will be looking to split a stake on the double digits on Go The Journey & This Kid Rocks for some greater value in this race. All listed runners have to go in the exotics.

It was the right call to avoid the $2 pricetag for Steel Frost as he became a $1.90 beaten favourite, with The ‘Cock’s second highest rating runner Casino Wizard taking the chocolates at $4.40. Go The Journey ran second and was the best of The ‘Cock’s investments.

Race 8 – 5:01pm

Vivaldi’s Quest (10) rates on top but The ‘Cock has got a few question marks after the last start failure, though he rates well ahead of a wall of horses lead by Cool Maverick (8), Artie Fred (1), Trueno (2) & Swipe Me Right (15).

Vivaldi’s Quest has got to produce his best career ratings of his career to beat this field here, but he has been solid in all runs bar his last start which came here and can be excused. The ‘Cock predicts he will get the run of the race and is a fair top chance at $5.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This is ultimately a low confidence race that The ‘Cock will be keeping his involvement in at a minimum, with $5 not quite enough to get him interested in Vivaldi’s Quest despite his top billing. Put all listed runners in the exotics and don’t think too much deeper about it.

The ‘Cock wanted no involvement in this one when Vivalidi’s Quest held firm at the $5 top quote, with the eventual winner Rupture a $5 winner from outside his leading chances.