Sandown

Race 6 – 3:50pm

Ozi Choice (7) is on top for The ‘Cock to kick start things though is not without query, ahead of Chamois Road (2) who is the main danger. Expect the winner to come from those two, with Zebrinz (5), Airalign (6) & Burning Front (1) rating next best.

Ozi Choice is in extremely good form of late, with high rating runs at Ballarat, Morphettville & last start at Caulfield producing a tight second and two wins. The ‘Cock finds it hard to mount a case for anything to beat him, though the wide draw with speed drawn inside him does create some concerns. Priced fairly at $4.

Chamois Road hasn’t quite been at the level of Ozi Choice but his last three have all been very strong and he should be better suited from the inside alley. Certainly the biggest danger in The ‘Cock’s book and overs at the $8 top quote.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will be buying into Ozi Choice at anything close to or above the current $4 mark, and given the overs also available for Chamois Road, the two of these can be packaged up with a proportional staking plan to yield an early profit. Look towards the next three listed for wider exotics.

The ‘Cock’s top rater Ozi Choice was never in doubt after the scratching of Chamois Road, crunched in from $4 to odds on favouritsm and duly saluting to kick start the day in the right fashion.

Race 7 – 4:30pm

What A Shock (13) is the clear leading pick for The ‘Cock, with Elite Tiger (12) next best but rating some way off. Guizot (1) & Tenappy (10) round out the top four but this is one to play aggressively.

The last run of What A Shock showed a huge improvement second up as she was narrowly pipped at Geelong, and getting up to the mile today will suit her perfectly. The ‘Cock expects she gets a dream run throughout with no weight on her back and she will be very hard to beat, rating a $4 top chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Put the blinkers on and look no further than What A Shock, with The ‘Cock looking to cash in on the huge $7.50 overs. No need to have too many other numbers on your quaddie ticket, with the listed numbers above as wide as you need to look.

The ‘Cock was off the mark here with What A Shock disappointing for fifth, as Orient Line ran out the winner from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers at $13.

Race 8 – 5:10pm

Put these numbers in a barrel and give it a whirl, this one is a lottery. The ‘Cock has got all bar four runners capable of winning this one so play it very wide, though his ratings have Fica Gal (6), Miss Vesper (9), If Not Now When (7), Docs Hero (4), Club Tropicana (3) & Deconi (10) as the top six.

If Not Now When is one The ‘Cock will be monitoring second-up, having run fairly at Caulfield on return and showing good improvement further into his last campaign. Expecting crazy amounts of speed in this race so he could be well suited getting back from the wide gate and coming at them late. Rates around $8.

Club Tropicana is another with upside, with the last start failure the only mark on her recent record and that can be excused after she was fractious in the barriers. Suited by the hot tempo and also one to consider.

The ‘Cock could just about copy and paste his previous description and apply it to Deconi who is the other with major upside to note.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock won’t be getting too involved with this race and will happily include all bar his bottom four in the quaddie and move on, with Deconi the only roughie to consider for a small bet at the $21 quote.

If this was the lottery The ‘Cock described it as, Peacock followers just about hit the jackpot with Deconi saluting at $21.

Race 9 – 5:50pm

The ‘Cock likes Chippenham (8) as his top rater, leading this from Downhearted (10) and with very little to split the next five runners on. Lannister (13) & Whyouask (16) are two amongst that next group who The ‘Cock would be closely monitoring.

Chippenham had a big spike in ratings last time out and was unlucky not to win at Tatura, and while he is going to have to replicate that to win today, The ‘Cock looks back to his high rating win at this track and trip in May for confidence that he can hold form. Going to be in the box seat from barrier three and looks a great bet at the $7.50-8 odds currently on offer.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock loves Chippenham from a win bet perspective and will have chips on him and no others, though he will play the quaddie a touch more conservatively in this final leg. Add Downhearted into the quaddie as a bare minimum, with Lannister, Whyouask, Mr Optimistic & The Avenger rating next best.

Chippenham went close to justifying The ‘Cock’s faith at the $7 mark but fell short, as Simply Splashing scored at $11.

Randwick (Saturday)

Race 6 – 3:30pm

All Stand (1) goes in on top for The ‘Cock, from Equal Balance (2) & Takookacod (9) who are the key dangers and have a gap on Territorial (5) to round out the top four.

The ‘Cock is expecting All Stand will go straight to the front from pole position and be very hard to topple, after producing two high rating runs at Cessnock and then here last start to kick off the new campaign. Nailed on the line the last time out but The ‘Cock likes him to go one better here and is happy with the $5 quote.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is keen to have some chips on All Stand at or above the $5 quote currently available and he will be content to leave that as his only investment in the race. Include all listed numbers in the quaddie which should guarantee you tick off this first leg.

All Stand matched the strong start in Melbourne and justified the market support that saw him come into $3.60 after opening at $7.50, scoring well as The ‘Cock expected.

Race 7 – 4:10pm

Music Magnate (1) has the class advantage and rates on top for The ‘Cock, ahead of Supreme Effort (8) & My Country (12) as next best. Eckstein (5), Le Cordon Bleu (7) & Boss Lane (3) follow these three in an average and low confidence race.

The ‘Cock is going with the former Group One winner Music Magnate as his top-rated runner, though on the back of such a long layoff you will want to monitor markets for a gauge on his fitness. Previous two first up performances would win this if replicated but The ‘Cock is more inclined to let him go at the $3 unders.

Supreme Effort has a strong first-up record with two wins and three minors from his seven attempts and is definitely capable off a three-month break today. Going to get back in the field but there is enough speed around for The ‘Cock to have confidence in him at upwards of $7.

My Country is also in off a break today but had rated very well in the three starts prior and has gone well fresh previously. The ‘Cock expects she gets an ideal tow into the race and will show the current $17 top quote to be well over the odds.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock acknowledges Music Magnate as the leading winning chance in the race but is not confident enough to buy into the $3 on odds after such a long layoff. Let those unders go through to the keeper in favour of the greater value on offer via some small proportional bets on Supreme Effort & My Country at $8.50 & $17 respectively. Best to include all the numbers listed above in the quaddie give the low confidence nature of this race.

The ‘Cock’s top rater Music Magnate was a good winner after drifting a touch on raceday, getting to as long as $4 with UBet and coming in ahead of The ‘Cock’s other betting options Supreme Effort & My Country who finished fourth & seventh.

Race 8 – 4:50pm

A very even race here where The ‘Cock could easily pick twelve horses that could win it without surprising him. Bastia (14) is the pick of the bunch, with Vaucluse Bay (9), Zourkhan (6) & Emperors Way (15) the biggest dangers. (EDIT. Post scratchings, sit this one out and include #9, 6, 3, 8, 2, 10, 7, 13 in quaddies)

Bastia gets top billing courtesy of his two strong runs this prep, with a big win at Port Macquarie first up and a very tight second at Rosehill last time out promising, especially considering it came over less ground than he’d like. The ‘Cock expects the step up to 1900m will suit perfectly and can see him leading from start to finish in a slow run race, so the $5-6 price on offer looks to be fair.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Not a race to be thinking too hard about, with Bastia the only one to look towards with a small bet. Should he disappoint then this becomes anyone’s race, so The ‘Cock would consider including all bar Valentino Rossa (11), Hogmanay (1) & Reneged (5) in a wide quaddie play.

Once The ‘Cock’s top rater Bastia was scratched this was thrown wide open, though Hogmanay was one of only three that The ‘Cock had initially ruled out and proved him wrong to win at $14.

Race 9 – 5:30pm

Geneteau (9) narrowly leads this one for The ‘Cock, with Sugar Bella (10), Anatola (1), Savatiano (8) not far behind her and O’Rachael (2) the next best in a close race.

The ‘Cock is expecting Geneteau to at least hold her form third up today following a big ratings spike last time out at Canterbury when she finished a nose second. Shown herself capable over this course this time last year and is certainly one to look towards at the double-figure overs.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock won’t be showing his full hand in such a tight race but definitely wants to have an investment on Geneteau at the $11 top quote. Rates nearly half that price for The ‘Cock and the three key dangers represent significantly inferior value around the $4 mark so he is happy to take her alone. As noted this is quite a close race so The ‘Cock would include all listed numbers to round out the quaddie.

The ‘Cock’s double-figure selection Geneteau was a considerable drifter from $9 out to $17 and missed the money, as The ‘Cock’s second highest rated runner Sugar Bella was a $4.20 winner.

Doomben

Race 6 – 3:32pm

Most Important (1) is on top for The ‘Cock in front of I Thought So (11) & Monsieur Gustave (2), and he would be very surprised to see the winner come from outside this trio.

Most Important has never finished outside the top two in four attempts at this track and trip which includes a listed win here last campaign. Rates well ahead of his main rivals and looks a good bet at $4.50 with Jim Byrne in the saddle.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Most Important has got to be on your ticket at the $4.50 top quote, with Monsieur Gustave the pick of the two main rivals given the $10 top odds compared to the $3.50 unders on Care To Think. Consider a proportional stake on Most Important & Monsieur Gustave and take just the three of these listed runners in your exotics.

Most Important wasn’t quite able to justify The ‘Cock’s faith, running second as a $3.90 chance behind Care To Think. Monsieur Gustave was stone motherless.

Race 7 – 4:02pm

This Group Three looks like a genuine race in two to The ‘Cock’s exceptionally well trained eye, with Pierata (5) on top of Whypeeo (4) and Shogun Sun (6) the only danger to them.

Pierata has been very strong in each of his two runs this campaign here for a win and second over 1200m, with ratings that would win this race if replicated again today. The ‘Cock expects the step up to 1350m to suit and has him rating a $3 top chance.

Whypeeo edged Pierata out last start thanks to a smart front-running ride by Jeff Lloyd and The ‘Cock expects him to be in the photo again, though he thinks the step up to 1350m will disadvantage him compared to the top rater. Certainly respect him but The ‘Cock would be reluctant to have less than $5.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will be playing this leg aggressively and definitely won’t look past these three listed runners for his quaddie. Pierata is the one to back at $3+.

The ‘Cock fairly nailed this one, with Pierata going one better than last start to add his name to a growing list of winners on the day, saluting at $3.30.

Race 8 – 4:42pm

This is a high quality race, but one The ‘Cock can’t be confident picking the winner given so many genuine chances. Cabeza De Vaca (3) rates the best of them, with Cantbuybetter (5) next and a superior betting proposition. After these two, Hopfgarten (2), Zahspeed (11), Sheiswhatsheis (6) & Beauty Flame (1) are all worth noting for the exotics.

Cabeza De Vaca has rated very highly in his three most recent starts and would have won the Villiers Stakes last time out at Randwick had Josh Parr timed the run slightly better. Baster on board to combine with Gai again and while he is definitely the horse to beat, he is no moral and The ‘Cock couldn’t take anything less than $3.

Cantbuybetter was a good winner at this track and trip last time out and is capable of hitting ratings that will match the favourite as he showed when winning at listed level in May. He and Cabeza De Vaca are closer than the betting market suggests and he is a strong bet at $5+.

Beauty Flame is the rough chance of the race for The ‘Cock, with improving ratings over both his first two Australian starts since coming from Hong Kong showing promise ahead of this. Best runs in Hong Kong came at the mile so should enjoy the step up today and is one to consider at double figures.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is prepared to place a proportional stake on each of Cabeza De Vaca, Cantbuybetter & Beauty Flame at their current $3, $5 & $17 quotes, but include all other listed runners in the quaddie in such a tight affair.

Well off the mark here as Cabeza De Vaca, Canntbuybetter & Beauty Flame all finished outside the money, though it was noted as a low-confidence race. Someday was a knockout winner from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers at 30/1.

Race 9 – 5:20pm

Kinshachi (6) & All Over Bosanova (8) are The ‘Cock’s leading chances in a race littered with competitive horses, with these two heading Invincibella (11), Zestful (2), Magic Alibi (13).

Two well spaced out starts in Sydney so far this campaign for Kinshachi and both rated well enough to win this today if replicated. The ‘Cock can see no reason she doesn’t hold the form third-up and add to the increasingly impressive record of five wins and eight minors from eighteen outings. Rates a $6 chance so currently overs at $9.

All Over Bosanova was good here last time out for a less than a half-length second that rated very well, and given her best ratings previously have come deeper into her campaign, she should improve and take it right them. Another who is well priced at $8.

Ghisoni is a $4 favourite that The ‘Cock can’t possibly be having on recent form, with her last run that would be competitive if repeated here coming in May 2016. No doubting her best effort can win this but it has been a long time since she produced that and The ‘Cock will happily let her go at those odds.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Both of Kinshachi & All Over Bosanova are ticking boxes for The ‘Cock at the $9 & $8 top quotes and he will split a stake on them in this tight race. Plenty of queries on much of the field so play cautiously in the quaddies, with all the runners listed above going into everything as a minimum.

If the result of the previous race was a surprise, this was a genuine boilover as Don’tbabylon upset allcomers at close to 50/1. The ‘Cock’s two leading chances were both off the pace.

Morphettville

Race 5 – 4:01pm

This is an average betting race for the first leg, with plenty of runners having winning claims but none really leaping out at The ‘Cock. Rowdy Richard (7) is the top-rated runner, with a gap to Our Malle Hoff (4), Ballast (8), Ace Attack (5) & Jet Express (2) as the top five.

Rowdy Richard has improved in each of his three runs this prep and goes again at this track and trip after running a very tight third last time out. He will be too good for them if he holds his form and is well priced at $5.50.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Keep your involvement in this one to a minimum, with Rowdy Richard the one runner to consider for a small bet and all of the top five listed runners going into your quaddie.

A very average race produces a very average results for punters, with the winner Sagab a $16 chance in a seven horse field and one of only two runners to be in double digits. The ‘Cock’s second and third rated runners Our Mallee Hoff & Ace Attack finished in those very placings.

Race 6 – 4:41pm

More apprentices at work here than on an unregistered worksite, in a race The ‘Cock will be staying well clear of. A small field full of backmarkers and The ‘Cock thinks this will come down to tactics and the ride. Given that, Scarlett Fox (5) could be one to look at with Dom Torneur on board, with Tahnee Tiara (6) another at double digits who could feature.

Terrible race, Scratchy Lass a $5.80 winner, with The ‘Cock’s top rater Scarlett Fox an alarming drifter on the day from $3 out to $5 and performing accordingly for fifth. Next best Tahnee Tiara went the other way from $13 to $5.50 and ran second.

Race 7 – 5:21pm

Call Me Curtis (2) goes in on top for The ‘Cock ahead of Redentes Edge (4) as the biggest danger. Hazy Lane (3) & Trueno (7) rate next best behind these two.

Call Me Curtis is in strong form of late and was able to break through for his first win in eighteen months last start over the inside course here last time out. The ‘Cock expects he can be prominent throughout without doing much work so one to look at around $4-5.

Redentes Edge is in a similar position after scoring a good front-running win last time out and is in close to career-best form. He is the biggest danger and is at handy overs currently at $8.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• A fairly uninspiring betting race and not one The ‘Cock would be rushing to get involved in, though both of Call Me Curtis & Redentes Edge are providing enough value for money at their respective $4.60 & $8 quotes to justify a small bet.

Call Me Curtis was a late scratching which made this race even less interesting, with resultant top rater Redentes Edge running second behind the winner It’s Been A Battle at $4.20.

Race 8 – 6:02pm

Swiss Design (4) looks to be classes above the rest of this field after a last start track and trip win, and though The ‘Cock does have a few doubts, rates him ahead of Tempting Faith (10) with a gap to Mandee (7), Midnight Storm (6) & Ashero (5) as the next trio.

Swiss Design is second up following a strong win here in his first outing since July last start, and having improved to win his only prior second-up run The ‘Cock expects his best to be well clear of anything else. The concern is the moderate tempo this race is likely to be run at given he likes to get back but expect him to settle a touch closer and justify his top billing.

Tempting Faith is a danger of pinching this as the likely leader who should get plenty of favours throughout, with The ‘Cock firmly expecting her in the photo and happy to consider taking her at the $8.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock likes his leading two in Swiss Design & Tempting Faith at their current top prices of $3.80 & $8 and will expect a profit taking the two of them proportionally. Could easily justify taking these two alone in the quaddie given the wider plays in other legs, with the

Yet another frustrating minor placing here, with Swiss Design well backed from $3.80 into $2.50 with some bookies but unable to get the job done running third. Tempting Faith was a drifter $8 out to $12 and ran fourth, with the $6.50 winner Midnight Storm noted in The ‘Cock’s top chances.

Ascot

Race 5 – 5:50pm 

One to play cautiously to start things in Perth given the limited form available for The ‘Cock to assess, though based on what is available Picasso Bay (8) is clearly the horse to beat.

Picasso Bay rated well here for third on debut last start and The ‘Cock is happy to back that she can at least match that effort today which will make her hard to beat. Well found in the market already as a $2.50 favourite, and while The ‘Cock agrees with the price he would prefer to pass on an investment given the low confidence nature of the race.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• There is no doubting Picasso Bay is the most likely winner but The ‘Cock can do without the $2.50 odds and will just watch them go around here. Take all runners other than Al Di La (2) & Perceptive Miss (9) in the quaddie to ensure this first leg goes in the bank.

Picasso Bay did prove to be too short at the $2.50 mark and could only manage fourth, though The ‘Cock was content playing this wide as the winner Paddy’s Shadow saluted at $7.50, after being as long as $13 with some bookies 5 minutes before the race.

Race 6 – 6:25pm 

Another average race here but The ‘Cock has Vexilloid (7) rating well ahead of all others at her best. Question marks on her but will win if she’s fit, with Shirasca (10) the best of the rest and with a gap on Miss Swindle (6), King Of Chaos (2) & Lucky Linda Lulu (5).

Vexilloid was a strong winner on debut last time out, though this came back in May and the time off is obviously a huge query. Should she return to the same level she wins easily so monitor markets for a gauge on her fitness.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock would not be against a small bet on Vexilloid at anything around the current $3.80 mark but this is not the race to be throwing all your chips in, so be sure to bet with caution. Happy to play the quaddie safe and include all five listed runners on the ticket given the strong value amongst them.

Top rated Vexilloid was a drifter on the day and turned in a lemon, though the The ‘Cock’s move to take on the favourite Shackleton backfired as he scored at $2.70.

Race 7 – 7:00pm 

Nice to find a race which offers some genuine confidence, with The ‘Cock liking Santiago Gal (2) & Fraternize (6) as a very clear top two. Next best but well behind these are Arafura (3) & Sirius Prospect (12).

Santiago Gal is the more known quantity of the two top raters after two strong runs here from two starts this campaign, and with a step up to 1200m The ‘Cock sees her sitting just outside the leader and proving hard to hold out.

Fraternize on the other hand is the riskier proposition of the two after nine months in the paddock, but won well first-up last campaign and is the only one capable of matching Santiago Gal.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is favouring Santiago Gal for a bet here because of the greater trust in her rating compared to Fraternize with racing under her belt and also given the value differential between the two at $4.20 versus $3.90. Take Santiago Gal and consider a small bet on the 20/1 for Sirius Prospect if looking greater value elsewhere, with the four runners listed above all you are going to need for exotics.

Another struggle here as Disco Riffic took the win at $9.50 from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers, with Santiago Gal disappointing for fifth and Sirius Propsect for sixth.

Race 8 – 7:35pm 

Cappo Doro (1) is the standout selection here to finish the day and The ‘Cock struggles to see anything beating him, with Shibuya Crossing (3) the best of the rest from a wall of ten horses that can’t be split.

Cappo Doro rated well for fourth here over 1500m first up and will certainly improve second up with the step up to the mile today. Doesn’t have to do a whole lot more to top this opposition and should get the run of the race 3rd or 4th the rail to help the cause.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will put his balls on the line to close out the day and have all his eggs in the Cappo Doro basket after some wider plays in earlier legs, with the $8 currently on offer a must take price compared to The ‘Cock’s $5 rating and enough to ensure a handy windfall to end the final Saturday of 2017.

Thankfully the play for Cappo Doro at the early $8 to end the day paid off, as the top rater was well backed into $4.80 and duly saluted to end the year on a high.

Flemington (Mon)

Race 5 – 3:40pm

Parallel World (7) is the clear top rater here for The ‘Cock and definitely the one to beat, with Found Out (15) & Mr Money Bags (12) the two biggest dangers. Throw a blanket over the next five Silent General (6), Tenappy Ladies (1), Bedford (3), Reset Me I’m Wild (4) & Yulong Sheng Long (5) who don’t rate far behind.

Parallel World was a high rating winner at Pakenham third-up last time out to continue the strong start to her second career campaign. History suggests she’ll get better again with the step up to 1700m and she maps well from barrier five on the speed, with The ‘Cock loving the double-figure early overs on her.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is absolutely licking his lips are the current top quote for Parallel World of $11, a price almost double what he has his top rater marked at, making her a fantastic betting prospect in this race. Given the biggest dangers Found Out & Mr Money Bags are also well priced at $12 & $13 in the big field and The ‘Cock would also split a stake on these two for good measure.

Punting always finds a way to kick you while you’re down, as many followers nursing hangovers and watching $41 chance Cavalero topple all runners in a wide Peacock play, leaving a worse taste in the mouth than the previous nights events could ever do as Parallel World ran fifth.

Race 6 – 4:20pm

Chamois Road (4) is another high confidence top rater for The ‘Cock and it’s tough to make a case for anything beating it. Of the others, Toy Boy (11) is the leading danger from Miss Wonderland (9), Flippant (3) & Tshahitsi (2).

Chamois Road has been rating very well over his most recent four runs, with a win and two tight seconds to show for them in Adelaide. Proven that he isn’t perturbed by the Flemington straight, The ‘Cock expects she comfortably eclipses this field.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The current market has Chamois Road rated fifth in the pecking at the top quote of $7 which is well over what The ‘Cock needed to see to justify investing. All of the next best chances are well found at $5 or less currently so The ‘Cock is happy to focus all his efforts on Chamois Road.

Chamois Road was up and down in the betting but eventually did come in from that $7 early price by the jump, though the performance for third wasn’t as The ‘Cock would have liked, as Lord Of The Sky added more salt to the wound as a $16 winner.

Race 7 – 5:00pm

Etah James (6) rates two lengths better than anything else on top here, with Bint El Bedu (9) & My Psychiatrist (7) the biggest dangers.

Etah James has hardly put a foot wrong in her first seven career starts and is shooting for four consecutive wins today having relished the step-up beyond 2000m in her last three outings. Well into the campaign and The ‘Cock can see her peaking again at 2800m here, rating well ahead of anything else in the field as a $3.50 top chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Etah James is the clear bet of the race and one that The ‘Cock will be very happy to show all his feathers on at the current overs of $4.40. It’s another leg to play aggressively in the quaddie, where the top rater can go one out on your ticket.

Another one to add to the long list of recent seconds, with Etah James doing everything right bar getting her nose over the line first, beaten by Parthesia at $7.50.

Race 8 – 5:35pm

So Far Sokool (13) is another good top rater with close to two lengths on the next best group of Pearl De Vere (16), Soho Ruby (8), Hectopascal (6) & Evil Lil (4).

You can expect to see So Far Sokool getting a prime run in the leading group here and performing to the same level that saw her win very well at Moonee Valley last time out. That effort rates a length better than what anything in this field can be expected to produce today in The ‘Cock’s expert opinion and is the reason for her top billing.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• So Far Sokool is the leading winning chance in the race for The ‘Cock and this is reflected by the $3.90 favoritism in the current market, though The ‘Cock has her marked closer to $5 and would be cautious taking anything less. Of the next group, Evil Lil provides the best value option for a small bet at $26, but all runners listed above should be going into the exotics to bank this final leg.

The dirty day at HQ didn’t improve in the final leg of the quaddie, with So Far Sokool off the mark as race favourite to finish fourth as Soho Ruby scored at $6 and ensured a $20k quaddie.

Randwick (Mon)

Race 5 – 3:20pm

Very little to split Letter To Juliette (6), Jaunty (1) or Mull Over (4) on as The ‘Cock’s leading three and he fully expects the winner to come from that group. Regine (9) & Maddison Avenue (8) rate next best for wider plays.

The ‘Cock is very keen on Letter To Juliette after she resumed last start at Hawkesbury and was only beaten a head, rating well enough to suggest she has come back in good enough order to contend here. Steps up to 1600m second-up today which is a big advantage and she should get a prime run in the leading few on the fence, making her a very juicy prospect at the $8.50 current top quote.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will play this one as a race in three, with Letter To Juliette the standout investment prospect in the race and the one he will be showing his feathers on early at the $8.50. Jaunty is a key danger that must be respected and included in all exotics, though The ‘Cock can let the $4.80 slide in order to put his remaining eggs in the Mull Over basket. She is the best bet of the rest given the huge overs available at $16 and The ‘Cock would certainly have her number on your ticket each-way.

Letter To Juliette left a bit to be desired after drifting to $10 and running fifth, and with Mull Over scratched this was The ‘Cock’s sole involvement. The hot favourite Regine was crunched into $2.60 after opening as long as $7.50 with Bet365 and the money proved well informed, with The ‘Cock’s second best Jaunty running in behind it to take silver.

Race 6 – 4:00pm

Not a lot splitting Broadside (2), Vassal (3) and Prince Cheri (4) at the pointy end of The ‘Cock’s ratings, with Paragon (6) next best behind them.

Broadside should get an incredibly easy time of it out in front here and after a win at Rosehill and close second here in his last two runs, it’s very hard to be confident that anything else can topple him. That said, The ‘Cock would be hesitant to take less than $3 given the tightness of this top trio.

Vassal has been up and down in his last four outings but the two good runs amongst them have seen him win twice at Rosehill with ratings that would go close to winning this, though his inconsistency is an obvious concern.

Paragon’s best efforts still have him a few lengths off The ‘Cock’s leading trio for this one, but the last start win at Warwick Farm was strong and he looks like one of the few who can sit on the speed with Broadside so has to be respected as a rough chance.

The ‘Cock will be taking on the second favourite Destiny’s Kiss (1) given his best run in the last eighteen months which came at this same track and trip was still below what will be required to win here.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• A tough betting race given that the rather clear top three picks are all well found in the market and it shapes as a race to enjoy without significant involvement. The ‘Cock recognises Broadside as the leading winning chance in the race but he does not see adequate value in less than $3 so Paragon at $11 is The ‘Cock’s choice for an each-way look.

The ‘Cock was proven right to be cautious about the sub $3 pricetag on Broadside, who ended up starting the race as an odds on favourite and running fourth. $6 winner Prince Cherri rated third highest, with each way look Paragon running sixth after drifting from $10 to $18.

Race 7 – 4:40pm

Prince Mayted (4) is on top of this one for The ‘Cock, from Rose Of Man (5), Niccobelle (1), Goldinch (10) & Pedway (2) who are all capable on their day.

Prince Mayted comes off a last start second at Canterbury which was a career peak rating, and while he is prone to mixing his form The ‘Cock thinks he maps well on the fence behind the leaders and can back it up to challenge today.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This a low confidence race so The ‘Cock would need to see $10+ before even considering a small bet on Prince Mayted, but if that never comes he will quite happily watch them run around here. Include all listed numbers in the quaddie.

It was The ‘Cock’s second highest rater who claimed this one again, with Rose Of Man converting at $7 after opening as a double figure chance. The ‘Cock wanted double figures on Prince Mayted before investing but not as the result of the huge betting drift that came, as he went $7 out to $15 with some bookies and ran fourth.

Race 8 – 5:20pm

Smartedge (3) tops another average race, with an even bunch behind him of Travancore (11), Chief In Command (2), Our Barty (13) & Echo Jet (9) rating the best of the rest.

Smartedge resumed with a win at Kembla Grange that rated well and The ‘Cock expects he should improve off that, with the likely strong tempo to give him a nice midfield sit throughout. Once again he is a leading winning chance who is well found at around $3, with The ‘Cock happy to see anything under $4 through to the keeper.

Travancore has rated well in his last two outings at Newcastle and Kembla Grange for consecutive thirds and he should be suited to run well again at 1400m. Will have to do plenty of work after settling back from the wide gate but goes in all exotics.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Another poor race which The ‘Cock would not be rushing to get involved with, though Smartedge has to be respected as the best winning chance in the field, so should nearer to $4 be offered up he will be the one to back. Given the wider plays in all earlier legs, The ‘Cock would consider taking only Smartedge, Travancore & Chief In Command in the quaddie.

Trvancore was a $6 winner here to round things out, beating the highly fancied Smartedge but ensuring this quaddie was in the bank for Peacock followers.

Ascot

Race 6 – 5:50pm

The ‘Cock has Regal Moon (14) rating on top of this field, with Paris Texas (11) the key danger and Friars Gift (4) the best behind them.

The three runs back this campaign from Regal Moon have been good despite coming in second each time, but getting to 1400m today could be the tonic that sees her go one better today. Will settle a long way back which is a query but there should be plenty of pace in it to help her cause, with The ‘Cock happy to look to invest at $4+.

Paris Texas is a juicy proposition at $8 third-up today, having been fair in her two starts back and traditionally peaking at this point of the prep. A similar third-up ratings spike to that of recent campaigns will see her win this, mapping perfectly on the rail behind the leaders.

Friars Gift has to be respected after three runs this campaign which will all be competitive if replicated today. Would like double digits before buying into him but keep him in mind.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Regal Moon is a strong winning chance and The ‘Cock certainly won’t be betting against him, but she doesn’t inspire enough confidence to be taking the $3.20 current top quote when Paris Texas rates only narrowly behind and provides better value at $8. Should $4 be offered up on the top rater, take both of these runners with a proportional stake. Look to the three runners listed above for the quaddie, though Capricorn Dancer (8), Kimbos Girl (13) & Bachelors Prospect (16) are The ‘Cock’s next best three for wider plays.

Top rated Regal Moon was a drifter on raceday $3.20 out to $5 though managed to run third behind The ‘Cock’s other betting option Paris Texas who had been backed $7 into $5.50. The $13 winner Kimbos Girl was in The ‘Cock’s numbers.

Race 7 – 6:30pm

The ‘Cock has very little splitting Caipirinha (5) & Battle Hero (4) as his top two runners, ahead of Dainty Tess (3), Celebrity Dream (6), Durendal (1) & Volkoff (2) as the next best group.

Caipirinha was very honest in her past two runs at group class and following a month off after the Winterbottom The ‘Cock thinks she is a top chance getting back at listed level. Produced a high rating win at this track and trip back in April and should be the one to run down after crossing from the wide gate, rating a $4.50 chance for The ‘Cock.

Battle Hero is first up today and has rated well enough to win this in two of his last three fresh runs, with the other one good enough to account for all bar Caipirinha if that was replicated today. Likes the course and will box seat so The ‘Cock loves the double-figure early overs for him.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is licking his lips at the early value for money on offer by backing both Caipirinha & Battle Hero proportionally at their respective $9 & $11 quotes. These two rate well ahead of the favourite Dainty Tess and The ‘Cock is happy to play this leg very aggressively by taking these two alone, though more conservative punters can look to the four next best listed above.

The ‘Cock hit this race cleaner than just about any other for the weekend, as Battle Hero proved a great investment at the early $11 by toppling the top-rated Caipirinha to win at $6.50, with the runner up an equally good bet after being $9 into $3.20.

Race 8 – 7:05pm

The ‘Cock has Material Man (2) heading Pounamu (1) at the top end of this edition of the Perth Cup, with Dark Alert (8), Zarantz (4), Royal Star (13) & Trap For Fools (13) rating the best of the rest.

Material Man comes in off high rating seconds in the Kingston Town & G2 Van Heemst in his last two runs and is going to be the one to beat here should he match those runs. Maps ideally and get’s a nice weight swing on Pounamu, rates a $3.50 top chance for The ‘Cock.

Pounamu is going even better in career-best form after beating Material Man in both of those last two starts, though with the 3.5kg swing The ‘Cock has to favour Material Man this time around.

Dark Alert brings a different form line to this race after operating at listed-level of recent times but has produced ratings good enough to match the top two previously and could peak today. At $15 he is the roughie of the race to consider.

Trap For Fools just keeps on keeping on and now has eight wins from his last nine outings, though The ‘Cock thinks he is going to have to find another length on those runs to topple these other leading chances. As such, The ‘Cock would be content letting the $4.60 on him slide past.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will be putting the majority of his attention into the $4.50 on offer for Material Man, who is the best winning chance on the back of the 3.5kg advantage on Pounamu, while he would also be having a smaller sum on the $15 for Dark Alert. Include these three as a minimum in the quaddie, with the other listed runners as far as you need to look in wider plays.

If the previous race was the best The ‘Cock hit one all weekend this wasn’t far behind, as Material Man turned the tables on Pounamu as The ‘Cock had expected and saluted at $3.60.

Race 9 – 7:40pm

This is a low confidence race to wrap things up given the limited form available, with The ‘Cock marking Gee Boss (1) on top of Illustrious Tycoon (12) as the leading duo. A Knight Of Pro (9) & Royal Command (6) are the next best and it’s hard to see a winner coming from anywhere else.

Gee Boss is only lightly raced but improved considerably last time in his second outing to win here over 1100m, and if he can produce anything near that again today he will win. Rates around $5 for The ‘Cock.

Illustrious Tycoon is two from two and a dominant favourite at $2.90 today second up, and while The ‘Cock can’t be having those odds he looks the only one capable of matching Gee Boss.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Gee Boss is a standout betting prospect in this race at $7.50 and The ‘Cock will be happy to have him as his only involvement, though best to include all four of these runners in your quaddie given the overall low confidence nature of the race.

Gee Boss was a scratching which left Illustrious Tycoon as the resultant top rater and with no one really to compete with which is exactly how this panned out. Despite the scratching he was a drifter on the day but ran out a $3.30 winner to close out a succesful $2.5k quaddie