Race 5 – 8.30pm

A Group Three event for the girls to kick your weekend off under lights here, with the roughie Roll Of Thunder (10) the most likely to push forward and play the part of the sacrificial lamb to dictate only a moderate tempo whilst anything with any ability sits back and waits to mount a late swoop.

Shokora (2) is one of those who looks to have some quality after only missing Tulip by a length in the Typhoon Tracey at Flemington recently, and she goes in marginally ahead of Palazzo Vecchio (3) at the pointy end of this one for The ‘Cock after these two filled the minor placings in the G2 Kewney Stakes last time out.

Nothing splitting them ahead of Harmattan (7) who rates as the next best, but given the odds differential Shokora (2) looks a great bet.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Shokora (2) is the standout if only narrowly, and The ‘Cock would be happy to buy into her at $4+ to get things rolling.

Race 6 – 9.00pm

There are very few things that ever genuinely surprise The ‘Cock in this world. For example, he picked Bruce Jenner’s transformation way back in 2002 and it’s just a pity Kerry kicked the bucket before he could pay up.

Anyway, if the winner here comes from anywhere other than Spanish Reef (4) or Samovare (3)then it would be one of those times The ‘Cock would be taken aback, with only Abbey Marie (2)looking like even the slightest possibility of spoiling their party.

Once again the early market has hit the nail pretty well on the head with the two top raters at $2.80 & $3.20 respectively, but at $2.50+ The ‘Cock is very keen to be on Spanish Reef (4) and will be having a good go at Best of the Best.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Back Spanish Reef (4) at Best of the Best.

Race 7 – 9.30pm

Super competitive Group One feature where virtually anything in the field is capable of winning it, meaning that luck in the running is going to play a huge part around this tight Moonee Valley circuit.

Thronum (4) will go forward and do the early donkey work with Secret Agenda (6) the most likely to push forward with him, as all other runners look to take a comfortable midfield sit and get over their heels down the stretch.

The ‘Cock has Pariah (8) sitting as his top rater in his first run since an average Golden Rose performance in September last year, but with a perfect record first-up you can expect him to be back to his best.

He rates a $5 chance, so with double that price on offer with Sportsbet currently you should find at least that much and if not more in Best of the Best circles that will warrant a small bet.

Outside of that, pour yourself a glass of ’62 Dalmore and put the feet up to enjoy what should be a great spectacle.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

At almost double The ‘Cock’s marked price, there’s no missing Pariah (8) with a small Best of the Best stake.

Race 8 – 10.00pm

The only thing beating Deprive (8) here is the potential for him to get stuck behind a wall of horses when the whips are cracking given his settling position from the wide alley will be at the tail of the field, but he is comfortably The ‘Cock’s top-rated runner and D. Lane is more than capable of handling the task.He is currently a strong favourite, but given those concerns about his back-marking position, The ‘Cock would be taking no less than $3.

The two biggest dangers are Cao Cao (1) & Garrard (12), and the latter provides particularly good value at upwards of $10 that justifies having a small bet if you’re looking to take on the favourites.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Find $3+ before buying into the favourite Deprive (8) and consider a small stake on Garrard (12) for what will be very strong double-digit value at Best of the Best prices.

Race 1 – 12.15pm

I Am Excited (3) sits on top of Tarabai (11) to kick-start your Golden Slipper Day, but both are accurately priced at $3.70 & $6 respectively which is not enough to entice The ‘Cock into either.

Really though, a three-year-old old race around the 1200m Rosehill circuit today is just racings equivalent to first year uni students crashing Byron Bay as Toolies, so save your money for the youngsters over the same course later in the day.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No bets.

Race 2 – 12.55pm

At first look, this race is a wide-open affair that provides very little reason for any betting confidence, with absolutely no pace on offer that might shake things up to makes it one The ‘Cock wouldn’t be getting overly involved in.

Scratch the surface a touch more though and Harlow Gold (4) provides an enticing glimmer of value at the top quote of $10 which looks well over the odds, especially when compared to the $2.90 on offer for the favourite Nettoyer (7).

Harlow Gold (4) will be closer to the speed throughout and should avoid the worst of the midfield congestion that could claim the favourite from his deep settling position which is another added bonus.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Nothing silly, but enjoy a slice of the double-figure offering for Harlow Gold (4).

Race 3 – 1.30pm

The ‘Cock has eight runners in his top handful in another extremely tight race, where you certainly won’t be expecting the track record to come under any threat as the roughie Multitude (10) and the French import Singing (3) force the issue early from their wide gates.

Admiral Jello (7) is the pick of the field by The ‘Cock’s ratings and sits at an extremely juicy $17 in the early market, after he ran a tight second in the Canberra Cup last time out. The move up to 2400m from 2000m looks like a real positive and he should find a good spot just off the pace throughout, so there can be no missing those big overs.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

It’s still early in the day so keep your powder dry, but a small go at the big $17 quote on Admiral Jello (7) will not go astray.

Race 4 – 2.05pm

First Group One of the day in the Ranvet Stakes and it might be as certain a result as the next event if bookies are to be believed, with Gailo Chop (1) a $1.90 favourite in early markets which represents zero value despite The ‘Cock also rating him top.

Harlem (3) looms as a huge danger after winning the Australian Cup ahead of Gailo Chop last time out at Flemington, and getting to the back in the small field could prove advantageous, with the leaders likely to do plenty of work early on setting up a hot speed.

Respect the favourite, but The ‘Cock wouldn’t miss the chance to have a decent stake on Harlem (3) at the $11 on offer with Bet365.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

After a few races getting his eye in, The ‘Cock will start to open the shoulders up a bit more now and have a bigger go on Harlem (3) at the $11.

Race 5 – 2.45pm

One of the simpler races to analyse on the card today. Not a lot of pace in it, Winx (4) will be a touch slow out of the gates, sit near to last, gradually idle up and brain them in the final 300m. You could call it Groundhog Day if it wasn’t so magnificent to watch.

The only way she gets beaten is if she’s been taking advice from Chautauqua, so ignoring her, The ‘Cock would be leaning towards Happy Clapper (1) over Kementari (6) as the best of the rest on the basis of the vastly superior value at the respective quotes of $15 and $7.50, given that there is very little splitting the two elsewhere.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Go and get an old-fashioned paper ticket on Winx for posterity’s sake and then look to Happy Clapper (1) as your serious play in any Winx out markets.

Race 6 – 3.25pm

Only a moderate tempo on the cards here as a huge field dawdle over the 2000m and The ‘Cock expects they will be very well strung out, with all runners possessing genuine winning claims likely to take a midfield sit, with the exception of Cliffs Edge (4) who should lead them around.

The ‘Cock has Ace High (1) rating narrowly on top of all comers here and looking like a strong betting prospect at upwards of $3, despite missing the money on each of his three outings this prep. Those results don’t tell the full story of the form of the dual Group One winner in the Spring, and The ‘Cock thinks he’s ready to get back that level today.

Back him with a larger stake at Best of the Best prices and make a dessert out of the major danger Cliffs Edge (4), who will get forward as mentioned and has the quality to go on with it.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

A two-pronged attack with Ace High (1) going in as your focal point and Cliffs Edge (4) the smaller stake at value, both in Best of the Best markets.

Race 7 – 4.10pm

Always so many unknowns with these lightly raced two-year-olds on a wet track but The ‘Cock has extended the Peacock manor ten times over courtesy of his Slipper fill-ups down the years. But the complexion of this years race makes it one to stay particularly guarded with.

Written By (1) made it four wins from four last week over this same circuit but won’t get it so easy in this one, with plenty of pace drawn around him that should see him find a similar settling position to Sunlight (10) who has five on the bounce in her own right.

These two rate as The ‘Cock’s leading duo in the race but he is quite happy to see them through to the keeper at their sub $5 quotes, instead looking towards Estijaab (11), who rates very closely behind and provides the best value for money of the race at $13.

The ‘Cock has put together a full runner by runner analysis for the Golden Slipper here.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Respect the top two rated runners but seek the value from Estijaab (11) with a small bet at the $13 with Bet365.

Race 8 – 4.50pm

Plenty of uncertainty once again heading into this one as a tight field look to hum over the wet track with key runners coming in fresh from spells, and The ‘Cock has as many as ten runners marked as realistic winning chances in this race, which isn’t a recipe for betting confidence.

Snitty Kitty (10) is the leading prospect amongst them and likely to be part of the crowd who will drive through on the inside to set a strong tempo early on. She only missed Russian Revolution by a head in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield recently and looks a strong betting prospect at the standout value of $10 in early markets.

Expect that price will be crunched before race day so get in quickly, though The ‘Cock wouldn’t lose sleep if he left this race alone should the price fall too dramatically.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Don’t get sucked in just because it’s a big race, but if you can take close to the $10 for Snitty Kitty (10) then get involved.

Race 9 – 5.30pm

Quilista (6) looks a strong prospect to round out the day providing a great betting option at $7 in early markets.

She will be joined by Slow Burn (11), Fragonard (8) & Conchita (17) at the front of the pack dictating what should only be a moderate tempo, and she tends to save her best work for Rosehill which bodes well today. You can put a line through the last start in Canberra where she had a few issues and look back to the three prior runs this campaign which were strong and would hold her in good stead if she can build on them.

Around her, Fragonard (8) presents as well over the odds at $16 in the early markets and definitely warrants a spot on your ticket, with Tulip (4) & Sugar Bella (3) next in line but too short at their respective $6 & $3.20 current quotes.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Look to land a hearty blow with Quilista (6) at $7 with Bet365 before taking Fragonard (8) at $16 as your chaser.

Race 6 – 3.45pm

Hardly anything splitting them first to last in this one, with three-quarters of the field resuming from breaks and further uncertainty around the other key runners meaning this has ‘Terry Alderman out-swinger’ written all over it. As the English found out in ‘89, best leave it alone.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No bet race.

Race 7 – 4.30pm

Good tempo on the cards in this edition of the Mornington Cup that will be coming from Harrison (12), Cismontane (3) and The ‘Cock’s standout runner Kings Will Dream (11).

Unsurprisingly after five consecutive wins, including four in Australia after crossing the ditch, Kings Will Dream (11) is a dominant favourite to take this race out and The ‘Cock certainly agrees, considering him a must have bet at anything upwards of $2.50.

No questions to ask and nothing else even worth looking at around him, so put the blinkers on and pile in asap.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

This is a good chance to go large on Kings Will Dream (11) on a day where these types of one out prospects are few and far between thus far. Load up with a Best of the Best stake.

Race 8 – 5.10pm

Forget its reputation as a punting graveyard, Mornington provides us with another gilt-edged chance here in Barbeque (5), who The ‘Cock will be showing his feathers on at the $6 overs that Bet365 have offered up.

He will watch a large portion of the field rush past him from the gates as he opts to take a comfortable sit in midfield, and despite only a moderate tempo ahead of him, The ‘Cock has no concerns about his ability to get over the top of them given the relative ability, or lack thereof, of most of the front-runners.

Again, this is a one-horse race as far as The ‘Cock is concerned so set your stake appropriately.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Barbeque (5) makes it back-to-back high confidence bets at Mornington, sink your teeth firmly into the $6 with 365.

Race 9 – 5.45pm

Love the look of Our Peaky Blinders (6) in this one to close out the Victorian card, making it three very strong bets in a row at Mornington which in itself is a minor miracle.

Need upwards of $3 before The ‘Cock is ready to truly launch, but he’s now fourth-up for the campaign and has improved nicely each time out, winning two starts ago at Pakenham before being nodded out at Ballarat last time out, in a strong run where he was heavily backed.

The form measures up well and The ‘Cock expects that he wins it, with Dylanson (2) & Mandalay Bay (9) the two to include alongside him in the final leg.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

With $3+ on offer, go out in style with a big play on Our Peaky Blinders (6) and start clearing room in the shed for another slab of cash to roll in.

Race 6 – 3.22pm

The ‘Cock has Mr Marbellouz (2) sitting clearly ahead of the rest of this field after his two most recent runs saw him score a massive win at Toowoomba before he came to the city and accounted for a better field than this over the same track and trip. If he produces to the level of either of those runs today it will look like he’s running on a Good 4 while the others trudge through mud.

The track may be a complete swamp by this point, but he will get out to a soft lead while the other leading chances Publishing Power (1) & Suggan Buggan (4) sit further back in the field and probably leave things too late, making for a rare prospect in Brisbane today where the elements won’t even remotely temper The ‘Cock’s confidence.

The ‘Cock will be showing a big hand and looking to back him anywhere in the black.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The ‘Cock expects $2+ to be available on the day, so at that price he’ll be looking to have a strong bet Best of the Best.

Race 7 – 4.02pm

This is a far cry from the previous race as no runner in the field even comes close to standing out from the pack, with The ‘Cock having very little to split any of his top five runners on.

There should be a solid tempo set by Reward For Fashion (9) as she bolts through on the inside, with Criquette (6) & Final Zero (5) pressing up to join her from wider out, with all three of these on The ‘Cock’s radar along with Inspired Estelle (3) & Viaductress (4) who will come at them late.

Long story short, half the field are a genuine chance of winning this and The ‘Cock doesn’t want to be in any particular camp, so best to give this one a wide berth.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No bet race.

Race 8 – 4.37pm

Good pace is in store once again here but that might be the only thing this race has going for it, with half the field again coming in fresh from spells and creating far too much uncertainty for The ‘Cock to be putting his cash near it.

Our Beebee (9) is the best amongst them, but at the current top quote of $3.40 The ‘Cock would prefer to keep his hand well away from his pocket.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Avoid this like The ‘Cock avoids cheap whisky.

Race 9 – 5.15pm

Don’t Leave Me Out (8) is the best of this field and looks like pressing forward to lead in a race with only very moderate pace on show.

Don’t Leave Me Out (8) is yet to miss the money in five career starts dating back to his November debut, which has included very two very tight minors on rain affected tracks here in recent weeks. A repeat of those runs sees him hard to beat today, though The ‘Cock will need at least $5+ before buying into him.

Hang (1) rates as the biggest danger after knocking off Don’t Leave Me Out over this same track and trip on a Soft 7 last start, but also leaves a bit to be desired from a value perspective.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Monitor the markets for $5+ on Don’t Leave Me Out (8) and react accordingly, but happy to leave this alone if the right price doesn’t come.

Race 6 – 2.57pm

Not a lot splitting Saturday Sorcerer (4), Enki (7) and Super Haze (2) at the pointy end of this field for The ‘Cock, with Saturday Sorcerer (4) the most likely to benefit from a pretty slow tempo that will allow him to find a very soft lead.

Outside of the blemish two starts back, Saturday Sorcerer (4) recent form has been exceptionally solid with a win and five very close minor placings from his last eight runs, and at the current $4.40 mark The ‘Cock would definitely be getting involved with a small bet.

Respect Enki (7) & Super Haze (2) but The ‘Cock is happy for them to play a supporting role on the quaddie ticket only.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Make sure you enjoy this strong value for Saturday Sorcerer (4) with a small stake at the Best of the Best prices.

Race 7 – 3.41pm

There should be more pace in this one as the early leaders down the inside Mazurek (1) & Sassy Jo (8) are joined by Blonde Missile (5), Pass The Glass (4) & Callisto Girl (2) pushing across from the outside lanes that will help get things ticking along.

The runner to look towards is definitely Mazurek (1), coming off two very strong wins here at 1000-1200m in her last two outings, and while confidence is slightly dulled by the fact she won’t get the same favours out in front this time around, The ‘Cock is still keen to have a medium stake on her at around the $3.50 mark.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

No need to over complicate this one, take a medium stake on Mazurek (1) at Best of the Best prices.

Race 8 – 4.21pm

Another race where the top five is exceptionally hard to split, with Vantaggio (3) looking most like the one to watch given his perfect record fresh, with the two previous first up runs rating right to the level that The ‘Cock expects will be winning this.

Given how competitive this is at the top end, The ‘Cock wants $6+ before committing a small stake to Vantaggio (3), so keep an eye on the market and act accordingly if that price is likely in Best of the Best markets. If not, certainly no harm sitting this out altogether.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

$4.80 is currently under the odds for Vantaggio (3) but assess the market closer to the race and if $6 looks likely, take a Best of the Best stake. Again though, The ‘Cock can just as happily watch this race through to the keeper.

Race 9 – 5.05pm

Ignoring the last start failure here at listed level where he was quite obviously out of his depth, Exalted Adam (10) has been in stellar form with three wins from the three prior runs, and now drops well back in class to what he is more familiar with and which should see him return to the same winning form.

There are a host of first-up runners around him that obviously limits betting confidence somewhat given the question marks they throw into the race, but should $3+ be offered then The ‘Cock will certainly want to be on board.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Put Exalted Adam (10) in the same basket as Vantaggio in the race prior as one to monitor, but should $3 be offered up don’t hesitate to end your day in South Australia with a decent stake.

Race 5 – 5.50pm

This will be a frantic 1000m dash where positions at the front will be very hotly contested, which plays right into the hands of Jingtang (2) who will look to find a sit just in behind the leaders and let those in front of him spend plenty of petrol tickets early on.

That early freneticism will set him to get over the top of this field down the stretch and improve on the already solid record of four wins and three seconds from nine outings.

The ‘Cock doesn’t need to see anything more than $3 to justify reaching for the shiny chips, rating Jingtang (2) comfortably on top from the next best runner Atacama Sky (5).

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The ‘Cock is very keen to cash in on Jingtang (2) with a healthy Best of the Best investment to get a big final four legs rolling in Perth.

Race 6 – 6.25pm

This one is not even close to the foregone conclusion that the market presents it to be and The ‘Cock is very happy to knock the dominant favourite Western Temple (2) from the pedestal, with that $1.75 price tag well under the odds and a completely poisonous price for punters to be getting involved with.

It is actually a very open betting race, and The ‘Cock has considerably better value on offer for his top prospect Elegant Blast (7), who will look to get back in the field to prepare a late assault and shapes as a huge danger to the favourite.

The $11 quote currently on offer is close to three times The ‘Cock’s rated price, making this one of the non-negotiable must have bets of the day.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

The odds-on quote for Western Temple has created some terrific value on The ‘Cock’s top pick. Get on the $11 with Bet365 for Elegant Blast (7) as this will likely shorten by race time.

Race 7 – 7.00pm

Forget the fact it came in a lesser grade, the win of State Prosecutor (5) last time out rated highly and saw him beat the top rater from the previous race, with The ‘Cock marking him on top in this one at huge value of $17 with Bet365.

The last start run was his first over 1800m and he absolutely relished it, so over the same track and trip today you won’t want to miss out on those big overs, with The ‘Cock rating him well into single figures. Get on ASAP as the inflated quote to be there on Saturday.

Both Money Maher (1) & Action (3) also have to be respected as winning chances but are too short at $4.50 & $3 respectively to even remotely tempt The ‘Cock’s hand.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Massive value on the cards through the $17 for State Prosecutor (5), so do not miss out on what shapes as a classic Peacock rort to ease you into Saturday night.

Race 8 – 7.35pm

You may struggle to find the time to stop counting your winnings from the day to get this bet on, but The ‘Cock strongly suggests you take the chance to double your money on the metronomically consistent Blackline (10) to round out your day and set up a huge night on the circuit.

She will look to go straight to the front and enjoy a pretty soft lead, with The ‘Cock rating her last start win here over 1110m more than enough to blitz this field if she at least replicates it.

No reason at all why she won’t, so anything over $2 will be a great investment.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Blackline (10) makes for close to the perfect way to round out the day, with a good go at a Best of the Best stake the tonic to go out on here.