Ascot (Friday)

Race 6 – 3.45pm

Extremely lightly raced two-year-olds going hell for leather over the 1100m doesn’t make for a particularly enticing betting race at the best of times, but add to that The ‘Cock’s clear top rater Driftstar (4) opening at $1.35 and it is certainly a race to stay out of.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No bet race.

Race 7 – 4.15pm

An identical race to the previous colts dash here, though like with the Blue Diamond Prelude, this filly’s edition gets the Group Three tag while the boys is only a Listed Race. How’s that for gender equality?

Exposed form suggests that there will be less early pace on the cards in this compared to the colt’s race, but Agent Pippa (3) will be the exception to that pushing forward along the inside. She will get a good spot and will be largely unchallenged in front, and when paired with the $6.50 early quote it is enough to entice The ‘Cock into an investment.

Have her marked narrowly ahead of Princess Pierro (4), who will set further back in the run but has hit the line like Karmichael Hunt on a footy trip in all three career starts thus far. To avoid having the fear of god put up you when she’s chasing Agent Pippa, have another medium stake on her at the $13 price tag.

Happy to take on the odds-on favourite Assetro (2).

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Medium stakes on Agent Pippa (3) & Princess Pierro (4) at $6.50 & $13 respectively.

Race 8 – 4.45pm

Very little splitting them at the pointy end of this by The ‘Cock’s ratings, with Perceptive Miss (5), Watch Me Ney Ney (1), American Joy (3) & Send My Love (9) the best of them.

Given the value differential, Perceptive Miss (5) is the best bet of the race at the $4.80 price. Expect her to drop back to last from the jump but the two wins from her past three outings coming on the back of barnstorming finishes are a positive sign coming in.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

It’s tight at the top end, but a strong stake on Perceptive Miss (5) at $4.80 with Bet365 will do nicely.

Race 9 – 5.20pm

The ‘Cock is opting to take on the poisonous odds of $2.20 for Magical Charm (2) in favour of some considerably stronger value on others rated close to the top in Captain Jack (12), who has opened at $41, and Blue Tracer (6) who is an enticing prospect at $11.

This shapes up as a real dawdle over the 2200m but both of those runners should settle nicely in midfield and provide enough potential for reward to warrant very small stakes to round out your evening.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Take on the Pike favourite and enjoy the huge value prospects of Captain Jack (12) & Blue Tracer (6) at $51 and $13 respectively.

Rosehill

Race 1 – 12.30pm

This will look more like a greyhound race with some fresh two-year-olds busting around the 1400m circuit, and The ‘Cock will be quite happy to maintain his place on the sun lounge of the S.S Peacock for a while longer and sit this one out.

Those who are absolutely determined to get involved with it should look no further than Akkadian (5) & Aristocratic Miss (12) for very small bets.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Save those valuable units for better races later in the day.

Race 2 – 1.10pm

This one is all about the European import for Waller and Bowman One Foot In Heaven (1), who comes in for his first Australian start having proved to be a solid performer at the highest level right around the world.

Ran a close third in the Hong Kong Vase alongside Highland Reel in 2016, but he is impossible to assess accurately ahead of his first start in Australia. Besides, that name is a very ominous one for a racehorse.

The ‘Cock anticipates the market has overrated him but this has created some very strong value on his top rater Almost Court (8), who has the inform Christian Reith in the saddle and looks a good prospect to have on your ticket instead at close to $10.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Take a Best of the Best stake on Almost Court (8) for some strong value

Race 3 – 1.45pm

If you’re parking yourself at your local pub this Saturday, The ‘Cock would suggest a glass of ’69 Macallan, and that you take a few tickets in the meat raffle before getting involved with this race. At least that is a lottery with a chance of feeding you.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

This is one of those races to show restraint and stay out of, a key skill if you’re going to cash-in long term like The ‘Cock

Race 4 – 2.20pm

Just a moderate tempo here to be set by Prompt Response (4) and Daysee Doom (1) who rate as the two biggest dangers to The ‘Cock’s standout runner Dixie Blossoms (3).

Dixie Blossoms (3) has got two very strong runs under her belt since resuming at the start of the month, winning the Guy Walter at Randwick over 1400m before running less than a length off Daysee Doom in the blanket finish to the Coolmore two weeks ago.

Her ratings are trending in the right direction so The ‘Cock won’t miss the chance to have some chips on her, and while the two front-runner must be respected in the small field, The ‘Cock can happily go without backing them.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No need to overcomplicate this one with Dixie Blossoms (3) providing a great avenue to fill-up with a Best of the Best stake.

Race 5 – 2.55pm

Not a great betting race here with The ‘Cock’s two best chances Mongolian Marshal (6) & Levendi (2) both already well found at current prices, so he will be looking towards the knockout hope Weather With You (5) at $21 for a small bet.

He will look to get forward which should be simple enough to do given there is very little speed on show, and after battling on well over a mile at Warwick Farm in his first run after crossing the ditch The ‘Cock see’s strong value in that price getting out to 2000m today.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Weather With You (5) is a genuine rough chance in only his second Australian start but The ‘Cock wants a small stake on the $21 with Bet365.

Race 6 – 3.30pm

Gailo Chop (1) is every bit as good as the $2.30 tag suggest he is and The ‘Cock will want a good go at anything price in the black in this first leg of the quaddie.

He is flying this time in with three strong wins and the second to Harlem in the Australian Cup from the four outings, with the last start win in the Ranvet suggesting he is only getting better so The ‘Cock will be keen to show his feathers here.

Almandin (2) is the biggest danger to him and should appreciate the extra 400m, but The ‘Cock is also wary of Lasqueti Spirit (10) who looks like a potential pest more so than a genuine threat.He will go out to the front alongside Gailo and could produce anything, as many punters still nursing wounds from Oaks Day 2016 will attest to.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Get the big guns out and have a very strong go at Gailo Chop (1) at $2+ in Best of the Best markets.

Race 7 – 4.10pm

A great race that is fitting of the main event on the card, with at least five very genuine winning chances throughout the field and The ‘Cock rates Aloisia (1) as the pick of them.

She has drawn the carpark but the slow tempo will help her cause, and she looks to line up well against this field despite needing to turnaround from some recent form that has been down on the level she showed in the Melbourne Spring.

To The ‘Cock’s expert eye things look to be falling into place for her to do exactly that third-up and he won’t miss the opportunity to have a medium bet on her at $5+.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

$6.50 for Aloisia (1) with Bet365 is particularly juicy and The ‘Cock wants a slice.

Race 8 – 4.50pm

Radipole (9) & Cellarman (10) go on top of this race with very little splitting them, but The ‘Cock has a lean towards Radipole (9) who shapes as a very high confidence bet at around the $6 mark.

He will sit just off the pace and be the one to go hard on as your main course here, with a small insurance stake on Cellarman (10) also warranted.

The ‘Cock happy to leave Interlocuter (4) off the ticket at the $5 unders.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Go heavy on Radipole (9) and have a saver on Cellarman (10) in Best of the Best markets.

Race 9 – 5.30pm

Beau Geste (13) is comfortably the pick of this field and rates well clear of the next best runners Osborne Bulls (5) & Tribal Wisdom (10), who are the key dangers to note.

Beau Geste (13) only missed narrowly on return at Warwick Farm and looks a very strong prospect second-up, with the current $5 quote strong enough to get The ‘Cock involved.

No interest in anything outside of him to finish the day, though be sure to include Osborne Bulls (5) & Tribal Wisdom (10) in your quaddie numbers.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Have a medium stake on Beau Geste (13) at Best of the Best prices.

Caulfield

Race 6 – 3.50pm

A wide-open race to kick things off with The ‘Cock rating Top Of The Range (8) & Addison (13)on top and with very little splitting them from the next handful of runners.

They won’t be setting any track records but there will be good competition for spots at the front early on between Prima (6), Ashlee Marie (14), Savatag (12), No Commitment (15) & Magic Consol (1), though The ‘Cock expects David Warner is more likely to admit fault than any of these runners are to go on and win this.

The double-figure offering available for Addison (13) shapes up as exceptional value and is the only investment The ‘Cock would be considering, with the rest of the field leaving plenty to be desired from a punting perspective.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

This is a tight race so play a relatively conservative hand on Addison (13) at $10 with Bet365.

Race 7 – 4.30pm

The ‘Cock is already budgeting to spend the winnings from this race on the extension to the rooftop pool at Peacock HQ, with Odeon (4) looking like one of the better things on the card as The ‘Cock’s top rater.

Marked clearly ahead of all other runners in the field dropping back in grade after a strong run for fourth in the Blamey Stakes behind Humidor, Cool Chap and Hellova Street last time out two weeks ago.

Homesman (1) is the main danger to him but is under the odds at $3.50 and will only feature on the quaddie ticket.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The ‘Cock will drop a briefcase over the counter on the $5 for Odeon (4) and look no further than that. Suggest you do the same.

Race 8 – 5.10pm

This is a competitive race at the top end here but The ‘Cock has dug deep to find some real value right throughout the field that is yours for the taking if willing to take multiple stakes.

Theanswermyfriend (6) looks like the popular choice and is certainly capable of winning the race, but The ‘Cock will be betting around him at the $4 and instead looking for a threesome to come through once again.

All of Glenall (13), Glenrowan Prince (14) & Violate (17) should be backed with medium stakes, with strong current quotes around the $6, $20 & $17 marks respectively.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Great value to be had with a three-way as always, with Glenall (13) the runner to take Best of the Best prices on, while the early fixed odds prices of $20 and $17 for Glenrowan Prince (14) & Violate (17) shouldn’t be missed.

Race 9 – 5.45pm

Value is the only thing really separating Milwaukee (1) & Handsome Thief (12) at the top end of this one, with The ‘Cock taking the opposite view to the betting markets and rating Milwaukeeas the slightly superior choice at $4.60 compared to the $3.40 for Handsome Thief.

Both are strong winning chances with Star Stealer (6) also one to respect as the best of the rest, but The ‘Cock will lean towards the value of Milwaukee (1) as his avenue to finish the day in Melbourne.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

With plenty of racing to get stuck into on Monday, save some of your ammunition and keep your stake on Milwaukee (1) at Best of the Best prices to a moderate level.

Doomben

Race 6 – 3.22pm

There will be tempo plus in this first leg as virtually every runner looks to sit as close to the lead as possible, and it will be The ‘Cock’s top rater Gracida (6) who has the easiest path to claiming the front spot.

He will get the shortest route home pinging out from the inside gate and The ‘Cock has him marked head and shoulders above the rest of the field, after only narrowly missed a hot favourite on the Sunshine Coast when fresh last time out having won four on the bounce prior.

Will enjoy the extra give in the track this time and the $8 price tag on offer from the always generous folk at Bet365 is at least double what he should be.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Throw a full wallet over the counter for Gracida (6) at $8 and just start eyeing something off on the very top shelf of the bar to enjoy when he salutes.

Race 7 – 4.02pm

Plenty of speed again in this one that will be coming from the outside gates this time, with long shots Jet’s Cracker (18), Valfierno (19), Scorcha (20) & Lifesaver (5) amongst those who will be prominent early on. Nothing surer than all of these runners falling in a hole spectacularly at the turn.

River Racer (14) rates so far ahead of the rest of this field it’s not even funny on her best previous form, but after almost a year out The ‘Cock will want to be a touch conservative.

It goes without saying that the market is going to be your best guide to how she has come back, but should there be any push for her in the betting then happy to have a few chips on her.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Watch for any sign of support for River Racer (14) and act accordingly with a small stake if it is there.

Race 8 – 4.37pm

Natural Destiny’s track record shouldn’t come under any threat here but once again positions at the pointy end will be highly sought after here, with Fortensky (3), Lucky Black (8) & Mr Epic (2)three of about seven who The ‘Cock can see pressing forward.

The likely leader Fortensky (3) is the best in the race on pure ability but The ‘Cock would need to see more than $3.60 to be backing him on this swamp.

Instead, he is favouring a small stake on Punta Norte (6), who will sit just off the pace and provides some very good value in a race devoid of much else, with a small bet at the $15 early price your winning formula.  

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The $15 for Punta Norte (6) is more than three times The ‘Cock’s rated price and it would be remiss not to have a little something on it at this stage of the day.

Race 9 – 5.15pm

This one has got a touch of the chook raffle about it with just about everything capable of winning the race on its day, and The ‘Cock could quite easily not even watch this if it weren’t for the juicy price of $13 for Awake The Stars (13).

She goes in on top of a very tight field after three wins in her last four outings, and while those have come on good tracks at the Gold Coast the market has underrated her and opened a big opportunity to go out on a high in Brisbane.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

You will have plenty of spending money by this point, so lighten your load and have some change on Awake The Stars (13) at $13 with Bet365.

Oakbank

Race 6 – 3:31pm

We’re So Lucky (5) provides a gilt-edged chance for you to celebrate one of Oakbank’s few days of relevance for the year with a massive fill-up, with The ‘Cock rating her way ahead of anything else in this Cup field.

Should We’re So Lucky (5) get anywhere close to the last start run where she ran second to Berisha in the Yarra Valley Cup she will flog this field, so you should be looking to have a what is commonly known in gambling circles as a ‘Packer-Peacock’ crack and load up at the $4.

Ashlee Marie (6) is the key danger to note and she should be going on your quaddie ticket for some first leg coverage.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The $4 for We’re So Lucky (5) makes for a full ‘feathers out’ proposition in The ‘Cock’s book, don’t miss out.

Race 7 – 4.11pm

There will next to no early speed in this one, so much so that Chautauqua could probably make a few of them look slow out of the blocks. Saturday Sorcerer (1) will provide the only pace in an extremely open field where The ‘Cock has Bertwhistle (5) rating very narrowly ahead of Social Set (7).

Both of these runners provide strong enough value at their $3.80 and $16 respective quotes to warrant a bet, so The ‘Cock will be looking to a two-pronged attack, with the money weighted towards Bertwhistle (5).

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Have a moderate sized stake on Bertwhistle (5) at $3.80 and a little chaser on Social Set (7) at the big value $16 quote.

Race 8 – 4.51pm

The ‘Cock tends to lean towards his Bentley or Lamborghini in a normal week, but he might have to give the Merc some love if Benz (6) takes the chocolates here.

He rates as the best in the field but it is a tight race where the market has things almost spot on, so The ‘Cock will lean towards the side of caution and wait for $3.60+ before buying in.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Probably a race to keep your powder dry, but be ready to pounce on Benz (6) if the price is right.

Race 9 – 5.30pm

Plenty of speed about as Battistoni (3) looks to push the agenda from the outside gate to get to the front of this field, with Akkacan (2) likely to be there with him and rating narrowly as The ‘Cock’s best in the race from Lily’s Reward (11).

Splitting hairs to genuinely separate these two runners but given the superior value on offer for Lily’s Reward (11) at $8.50 compared to the $4.20 top quote for Akkacan (2), The ‘Cock would favour a small bet on the former.

Kabini (10) is the other key danger to note, in a race so close that it could quite easily be let through to the keeper.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Certainly not one to be splashing too much cash on, but Lily’s Reward (11) provides the best avenue for involvement at $8.50 across the board.

Ascot

Race 5 – 5.50pm

Very hard to see anything beating Arctic Stream (8) who rates a few lengths better than anything else in this, though Pike’s mount General Husson (1) has to be respected as the leading danger as a front-runner.

The ‘Cock is confident in his assessment but $1.90 is too short to be getting involved with Arctic Stream (8) first-up and given he could find himself a long way back, so he will very happily just watch them go around here.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No bet race.

Race 6 – 6.25pm

Complete raffle at the top end here with Gee Boss (1), Belter (8), The Celt (4), Snow Lord (9) & Lockroy (6) all rating well and holding winning claims, but there is no standout value to genuinely separate any of them and it makes for another race The ‘Cock will watch without involvement.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No bet race.

Race 7 – 7.00pm

This is quickly becoming a copy and paste job in Perth, with Friar Fox (4), Private Dancer (1) & Showcase (3) the best of yet another tight top end without offering any real value for your money. Thankfully the damage will have been done earlier in the day and you’ll be dealing exclusively in Dom Perignon by this point because The ‘Cock won’t be touching this one either.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No bet race.

Race 8 – 7.35pm

Hallelujah! We have a rare standout in the West, with Nelsons Flight (12) looking considerably stronger than anything else in the field, with Taxagano (10), Sweet Ora (6) & My Greek Boy (3)the next in the queue.

The ‘Cock is going to be more reserved than he would have liked to have been on a runner like this given Nelsons Flight (12) has drawn along the banks of the Swan River, but he does have the speed out of the gates to negate this and warrant a bite at the $5 with Bet365.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Bet365 are obviously keen to ensure punters really enjoy their long weekend by offering up $5 odds for Nelsons Flight (12). It’d be rude not to take them up on it.

Rosehill (Monday)

Race 5 – 3.25pm

Not a great deal of pace on the cards in this one with Lovani (5) looking like the only genuine speed in the race, and overall it looks an incredibly even field with The ‘Cock’s five or six top-rated runners very hard to separate.

Our Mantra (13) & Mornington (7) should both be prominent throughout and go in as The ‘Cock’s best for small bets at their $8.50 and $10 respective quotes, but it’s a very tricky race and one to treat with caution more than anything else.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Strong value for money will be available for both Our Mantra (13) & Mornington (7) at best of the best prices so look to take a small stake on both and leave this one at that.

Race 6 – 4.00pm

Expect this will be a real dawdle around the 1300m, but it still looks a race set up for a swooping winner given The ‘Cock’s analysis suggests there will be nothing with even a half chance settling in the first four.

Sexy Eyes (11) will take a sit just off the leading four or five donkeys and goes in on top here with Dissolute (2) & Mariquita (8) both likely to sit in a similar spot and look to be the key dangers.

If you are determined to be betting then look towards Sexy Eyes (11), who provides just enough value at $3.20 to warrant an investment. The ‘Cock would be hesitant to take less than $3 so claim those odds while they’re hot.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Take the $3.20 for Sexy Eyes (11) while it’s available.

Race 7 – 4.35pm

Considerably higher tempo on the cards in this one with Grand Finalist (6) & Ori On Fire (15) leading the early charge from the stalls, but The ‘Cock is looking to have a small bet on Bravissimo (2), who rates narrowly on top from Groundbreak (5) next.

Both of these two runners will sit just off the pace early, and while Groundbreak (5) is as short as a $3.90 favourite in some circles, The ‘Cock is favouring a look towards the $6 on Bravissimo (2) as the avenue for his cash.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

This is far from a race to be diving headlong into but there is enough value in Bravissimo (2) at $6 with Bet365 to justify a small bet.

Race 8 – 5.10pm

All the speed comes from the outside lanes in this one with Fabry (8), Johnny Roo Boy (6) & Sophiella (12) all pushing forward from the jump to drive a hot pace. While Johnny Roo Boy will be lucky to run out the 1100m, the other duo make up The ‘Cock’s two pronged attack for this race.

Sophiella (12) is unbeaten after two career starts and is The ‘Cock’s best here after impressing at Gosford last time out, with $3.60 a good offer to take advantage of with a medium stake.

Next best Fabry (8) was a very tight second last start at Newcastle and has got strong country form prior to that which sees him rating well for The ‘Cock here, so at a very juicy $17 you can have a chaser on him.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Pair a medium stake at the $3.60 on Sophiella (12) with a small bite at the $17 on Fabry (8) and ride into the working week on a high.

Sandown (Monday)

Race 5 – 3.35pm

Moderate tempo on the cards for a mediocre race, with Hectopascal (11) the only thing resembling a standout and going on top of a big next group of horses who are very tough to split.

As such, it’s a tough race to predict, and The ‘Cock wouldn’t be looking to have anything more than a medium stake on Hectopascal (11) at upwards of $5, with the top rater looking the most likely to improve on her last start second here and take the spoils.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The price will be right for a medium stake on Hectopascal (11) at Best of the Best prices.

Race 6 – 4.10pm

Niamh Chinn Oir (15) looks far and away the best pound for pound bet for your Easter Monday, with The ‘Cock rating her comfortably on top of this field and almost falling off his deck chair when he first saw the $9 quote that is being offered up.

The ‘Cock has her marked closer to a $4 chance which makes this a genuine beg, borrow and steal proposition that you simply have to be on.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Pin the ears back and have a strong go at the $9 for Niamh Chinn Oir (15).

Race 7 – 4.45pm

There is a clear class advantage going to Esperance (8) in this one as he returns from a long spell, with his two most recent runs before the break in the G2 Danehill and Listed Poseidon Stakes at Flemington an unfathomable level for most of this field.

If he has come back anywhere near that level then this will be a cakewalk, but it goes without saying that you will want to monitor the market for support before backing him fresh. If there are any signs that he’s wound up then don’t miss out.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Watch for support of Esperance (8) and be ready to pounce on a Best of the Best stake if it is there.

Race 8 – 5.20pm

Very tough race to finish on with a big field full of very average operators, with nothing close to a standout making it a complete lottery. The list of better things to do than getting involved here would rival War And Peace for word count.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Don’t go near it.

Oakbank (Monday)

Race 5 – 3.50pm

Might as well make this one a match race as Tunes (1) & Our Yangtze (3) are the only two looking like genuine winning chances to The ‘Cock’s expert eye, with Dane Hussler (5) really the only danger to that pair and at $3.60 very happy to take it on.

Only a moderate tempo as you would expect over this marathon 3600m race, and both Tunes (1) & Our Yangtze (3) will quite happily settle in midfield and save their petrol tickets for when it counts.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The ‘Cock would advise a medium bet on Tunes (1) at $7 and Our Yangtze (3) at $4.50 with Bet365

Race 6 – 4.25pm

Put the numbers in a barrel and give it a spin, this is yet another Easter Monday raffle for you to contend with. There are more runners that can win this than runners that can’t, with Antipas (5)looking the best but with little splitting him from the field.

The ‘Cock never bets when the odds aren’t in his favour and this shapes as one of those times to abstain.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

This a no bet race.

Race 7 – 5.00pm

Exalted Traveller (2) is in great form of late with two wins and four ludicrously tight minors from his past six outings, and he goes in on top for The ‘Cock as one of the few runners happy to take a sit just off the pace amongst the hot tempo.

It’s perfectly set up for him to run all over them late in the piece, though next best pair Cronauer (7) & Danouli (5) are also dangerous and reason enough to tread carefully.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Given the right price The ‘Cock could be enticed into a medium bet on Exalted Traveller (2) $3.60

Race 8 – 5.40pm

This is another complete lottery to end on and The ‘Cock won’t be touching it. Shoulder arms here and save your efforts for Wednesdays racing instead.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No need to chase anything here. Stay out.