Race 3

Fastnet Tempest (1) is the standout for The ‘Cock, from Jacquinot Bay (4), Coldstone (6),  Man Of His Word (2) & Raw Impulse (3).

Fastnet Tempest is ready to win now after getting his first two Australian runs under his belt, with the last start second in the Sale Cup a very promising sign given his existing third up record. The ‘Cock expects he can account for this field and rates him a $2.50 top chance.

The veteran Jacquinot Bay keeps churning out consistently high ratings despite being without a win since June 2016, though he should find some relief against this field and be more than capable of holding his own. His last start at HQ back in September saw him run a strong third behind Hardham and Nozomi and The ‘Cock expects at least that here, rating him a $5 chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock would happily show his feathers a bit for the first time today on Fastnet Tempest provided there is $2.50+ on offer, with him the clear best chance in the race and no genuine value to be had on anything else the field.

Race 4

Lord Aspen (2) rates a very good value top chance here, topping Ruettiger (10), Bassett (3), Gods In Him (8) and the favourite Lite’n In My Veins (7). (At the time of publishing, The ‘Cock has made the assumption Supply And Demand doesn’t back up from Thursday)

This race bats very deep, with any of the top chances capable of winning if they produce their peak performance on the day, but none provide better value for money than Lord Apsen.

He is The ‘Cock’s roughie of the week with the help of the inside gate over the 1400m course and is currently a $9 chance who should improve on his strong run over 1200m at Morphettville last time out. Doesn’t regress getting up to 1400m and is a top value selection, with The ‘Cock rating him more than half the current top quote at $4.

The favourite Lite’n In My Veins is second up with Williams on board but rates down The ‘Cock’s pecking order, drawn out in the second half of the field which – as The ‘Cock discussed in this week’s Peacock Pearl – can be a dangerous place to be.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Lord Aspen looks a great bet at close to double figure odds, and given The ‘Cock will happily take on Lite’n In My Veins at anything less than $4 it creates an opportunity to have smaller bets on Ruettiger, Basset and Gods In Him as well.