Canterbury (Friday)

Race 5 – 8:15pm

Nines Enough (8) is clearly on top for The ‘Cock and is the only one to be backing at anything upwards of $2.80, with very little splitting the next seven runners. Of that group, Pandeia (10) is as good a chance as any of them as a double-figure option first-up to monitor.

Nines Enough was very strong on debut when winning at Newcastle twelve months ago and resumed last start off 50 weeks out with a high rating run for second. She shows great early speed so will lead from barrier one and they are going to struggle to get past her. The $3.20 early quote is overs and makes her the one to be on.

Nines Enough was certainly the one to be on in this race, backed in from $3.20 to $2 but subsequently left plenty of punters high and dry to run a disappointing sixth.

Race 6 – 8:45pm

The ‘Cock has Blowing Kisses (4) rating on top and considers her a medium confidence betting proposition, with Difficult To Get (3) the major danger from Lake Lugarno (1), Miss Liffey (2) & Moccasin Miss (7) as next best.

Blowing Kisses has rated consistently highly over her last three runs, two of which came at Rosehill and then more recently over this same track and trip last time out, with all three of those meeting the standard needed to win tonight. She will get back in the field and will be reliant on the pace which dulls The ‘Cock’s confidence slightly but she is undoubtedly the leading chance and one to back at $4+.

Blowing Kisses was backed into $3.30 favouritism but The ‘Cock’s concerns turned reality and she was unable to get going. The ‘Cock’s next best two ran first and second, with Lake Lugarno well supported into $4.80 and saluting.

Race 7 – 9:15pm

This is a very low confidence race where The ‘Cock can find very little to split his top bunch of Chief In Command (7), Pianissimo (8), Machinegun Jubs (3), Coolcraft (5), Powerline (2) & Satirical Magic (6). If anything, The ‘Cock would lean towards Chief In Command as the bet of the race at $10+, but this is definitely a race to play very cautiously.

Chief In Command has rated well in his past two outings which have both come over this track & trip and seen him run third, with The ‘Cock seeing nothing to suggest he won’t produce at a similar level today and that will be just about enough to win. The $11 top quote represents the best value in the race so consider a small bet.

Noted as one to play cautiously, The ‘Cock’s best bet Chief In Command was a good investment at the $11 given he came into as short as $6, though the performance didn’t match the money as he ran seventh. $5 winner Satirical Magic was in The ‘Cock’s numbers.

Race 8 – 9:45pm

This is another low confidence race given the multitude of genuine winning chances in the field, with The ‘Cock rating Allcash (6) marginally on top. After him, it’s High Opinion (1), Nacho Libre (9), Beijing Board (3) & More Than Fabulous as the next best chances.

The three runs of Allcash since coming down from Hong Kong have shown good improvement each time and the last start effort to win at this track & trip was his best yet. The ‘Cock can’t see him regressing on that run which will be enough to account for most of this field, making him a good bet at $6+.

The ‘Cock’s top pick Allcash was an alarming drifter $7 out to $14 and performed accordingly, running seventh as third top rater Beijing Board became a knockout winner at $14 to finish.

Randwick

Race 1 – 12:40pm

Aqua Divina (6) goes in on top for The ‘Cock to open proceedings in Sydney, rating ahead of Calculated (2), Island Missile (5) & Scream Park (3) in a small and very even field. It’s not a race to be rushing to get involved with.

The ‘Cock was just about spot on with this one to kick start the day as top raters Aqua Divina & Island Missile ran first & second, Aqua Divina paying $3.20.

Race 2 – 1:20pm

Now Or Never (8) is advantaged as one of the few runners in this field full of 2yo’s who has both a race and a three month spell under her belt, with The ‘Cock anticipating she will come back better fresh today and rates her on top. Canyonero (1) & Sokudo (2) rate next best, but with such little form behind the race it’s another not to be investing in.

A race not to be investing in became a race not to even change the channel for after the top rater Now Or Never was scratched, with next best Canyonero & Sokudo running sixth & third respectively.

Race 3 – 1:55pm

Viceroy (3), Fanning (4) & Tswalu (8) are The ‘Cock’s top trio and there is very little splitting them, with the next three or four in this field not far behind either. A very even race though there is some value on the top two rated runners especially at $8 & $7.50 which should be considered.

Neither Viceroy or Fanning were far away in this one, running second & fourth and doing enough to justify any small looks at their strong value odds. Winner Fortensky paid $7.

Race 4 – 2:30pm

Awesome Pluck (2) is clearly the horse to beat here but he is already well found at the odds on quote. Of the others, Gripped (9) is the next best and definitely capable of upsetting the favourite at $13.

Awesome Pluck was a dominant favourite beaten after running fourth at $1.65, topped by $5 chance Runaway Ready.

Race 5 – 3:05pm

Cellarman (3) is going to be very tough to beat and rates on top for The ‘Cock, but he is another who is under the odds at less than $2.60 as things stand and can be let through to the keeper. The better value option and biggest genuine danger to the top rater is Medaille (7), who is the one to favour at $4.40+.

The ‘Cock had considered Cellarman in a similar vein to that of Awesome Pluck in the previous race in his analysis and in that regard he was spot on as he was another short-priced beaten favourite, with Positive Problems a $5.50 winner.

Race 6 – 3:40pm

The ‘Cock has Don’t Tease Me (6) rating on top of this race and as his best bet, with Guard Of Honour (1), Fickle Folly (2), Burradoo (4), My Maher (8) & Loverboy Charlie (10) marked next in line.

Don’t Tease Me has been in a good patch of form of late and The ‘Cock thinks he is set to improve once again on the last start effort which saw him run third over this track and trip. Given that run came off a months break and that he traditionally goes best with racing under his belt, The ‘Cock expects he will sit on the speed and make the most of the light weight to prove a great bet at $4+.

Guard Of Honour was a last start winner four weeks ago at Muswellbrook but has not been rating at the level The ‘Cock expects will be needed to win here today in any of his past three runs. His best form can measure up, but that hasn’t been seen for over 12 months and The ‘Cock has to be taking on the $2.70 top quote as a result.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is happy to put his balls on the line right from the word go here, with Don’t Tease Me the key betting prospect to be looking towards at the $6 overs. Take him for the win and play it aggressively in the quaddie.  

Don’t Tease Me couldn’t meet The ‘Cock’s expectations and turned in a lemon, though the long-odds winner Burrdadoo was in The ‘Cock’s top chances at $23.

Race 7 – 4:20pm

This is a tight one at the top end for The ‘Cock, with Sirens Fury (4) & Queen Misty (5) rating only marginally on top of all others in a poor betting race. Artistic Beauty (8), Mollyfied (6) & Tennessee Hussy (7) rate as the next best.

Sirens Fury was strong in a tight third over this course last start and should appreciate some more give in the ground today. She really doesn’t need to improve much on that run to be competitive today so is The ‘Cock’s pick of the bunch, though she doesn’t provide enough value to justify an investment at $4.

Artistic Beauty kicked off her campaign with two high rating runs for second at Mudgee and then Orange, and while she was flat when stepping up to the mile here last time out she will be suited by a drop back to 1400m here today. She was caught wide and eased up late in that last run which made it look worse than it was and The ‘Cock thinks she has got claims today at $20+.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• It’s a poor betting race as mentioned, and while The ‘Cock has Sirens Fury marked as the leading winning chance in the race he does not have enough confidence on her to take the $4 unders currently on offer. With nothing else The ‘Cock is overly keen to be backing, he would look to have a small bet on Artistic Beauty as the outsider of the field at $21 and take all listed runners in the quaddie.

Any doubts The ‘Cock had over Sirens Fury in this were dispelled as she was backed into $2.40 by the jump and justified the support to win. Artistic Beauty was scratched.

Race 8 – 5:00pm

Noire (5) is clearly on top of this for The ‘Cock and her rating is supported by her odds-on billing in the early markets. Lanciato (8) & Raijinz (9) are the next two in line but both would be needing something to go wrong with the top rater to win here.

Noire has got three wins from three starts this campaign and five from nine for her career, as she continues to trend in the right direction with improvements each time out. She hit a rating last start at Warwick Farm which will comfortably beat this field if replicated and The ‘Cock would be surprised to see any other result.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• No doubt Noire should be winning this race, but The ‘Cock can’t be confident enough in her to be investing at top odds of only $2. Best to take her one out in the quaddie and leave your involvement in this race at that.

The money kept coming for Noire who started the race at $1.90 but The ‘Cock was right to urge some caution at the unders, as she was edged out by next best pick Lanciato who paid $3.90.

Race 9 – 5:40pm

Malaise (11) rates comfortably on top of this field and as a great betting prospect for The ‘Cock, with a good gap to the main danger Francesco (7) who is heading Pipeline (4), Samadoubt (2) & Level Eight (3) as the next best trio.

The two runs this campaign from Malaise have rated respectably enough but The ‘Cock is budgeting for big improvement third-up here, just as he did when producing a career peak rating at Group 3 level in February. He should get the perfect run in behind the leaders and makes for a good bet at anything above $3.

Francesco returned at Wyong last start and ran a high rating second which will put him in the mix today if that effort is replicated. Represents good value for money to do so as the leading danger at $10+.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Both of The ‘Cock’s two in Malaise & Francesco provide strong enough value for money to justify a proportional stake on each at their current $4.20 & $11 respective top quotes and there is no other investment needed in this one. Can afford to include all listed runners in the quaddie given the aggressive plays in earlier legs.

Malaise was a welcome winner to end the day, going against the grain of favourites snatching defeat from the jaws of victory to salute at $2.80, as Francesco missed the money.

Gold Coast

Race 6 – 4:32pm

The ‘Cock has got Perfect Dare (4) marked well on top of this field, though he is wary of the potential improvement coming from Cruze (16) to see him challenge. Doubt Defying (12), Pegapus (14), Plucky Girl (15) & Desmons Pride (2) are the best of the rest. (EDIT. Post scratchings, The ‘Cock will happily sit this one out with Perfect Dare missing & Cruze into $3.10. Include all listed runners as a minimum, with Drumbeats Choice (9) & Steamin (6) next best.)

Perfect Dare was a high rating winner here over 1200m last time out and while he can be inconsistent, he tends to go very well with Jim Byrne in the saddle, who has piloted him for four of his five career wins. He comes up against plenty of backmarkers in this field so should find a good spot on the speed from the outside gate and be hard to beat.

Cruze is still only lightly raced with just the four starts under his belt, but he has rated well in both runs back this campaign including the win at Doomben last start which has The ‘Cock thinking there is considerable scope for improvement left in him. He needs to find another 2 lengths to beat Perfect Dare but it wouldn’t surprise The ‘Cock to see it happen, although the $3.80 top price won’t be enough to entice backing him to do so.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is very keen to take Perfect Dare here and will be looking to make a solid early dent in bookies on the Gold Coast via that $4.50 top quote for him. Include all other listed runners in the quaddie around him to put this first leg in the bank.

With the loss of Perfect Dare this became a race of little interest to The ‘Cock, though the $5 winner Plucky Girl was listed as a leading chance in his initial selections and noted danger Cruze held firm in the betting and was honest for 3rd.

Race 7 – 5:12pm

This isn’t a good betting race and The ‘Cock has got very little splitting most of the field, with Slydini (6) rating only marginally on top ahead of the best rough chance Dance Of Heroes (3). The ‘Cock has these two marked just ahead of the next group of Aqua Vite (8), Don’t Tell Mama (5), Feltre (2), Cantbuybettter (1) & Courts Star (9).

Slydini has been incredibly consistent in his seven outings this campaign for a win and five minors, with all runs rating well enough to win this if replicated here. Expect him to get the run of the race on the speed and on the rail which makes him the best winning chance in a very even field.

Dance Of Heroes was a last start winner at Lismore over 1400m and he gets back to 1800m today which is his best distance range and should only help his cause. With no weight to contend with The ‘Cock can certainly see him surprising at double digits.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock likes Slydini more than any other in the field and would have a small stake on him at anything upwards of $5, so the current $7 price tag will be more than adequate to dip into. With Dance Of Heroes a danger at $14, have a small proportional stake on both of these top chances and include all listed runners in a wide quaddie.

Another winner coming from The ‘Cock’s leading chances in Aqua Vite who kept punters going in the quaddie, beating top rater Slydini who ran well despite an alarming betting drift which saw him blow out to double figure odds.

Race 8 – 5:50pm

The ‘Cock will forgive the last start run of Zumbelina (5) and he has her rating on top here, with Banda Spice (7) the key danger & Lucky Meteor (10) the other strong rough chance. Mighty Like (4) & Siegfried (1) are next best for wider exotics.

Zumbelina had been going beautifully in her six starts for the campaign that stretches back to September prior to the last start failure in listed company at Doomben, though after a freshen up and gear change The ‘Cock is prepared to forgive it. There should be plenty of pace in the race which will suit and she looks a good bet at anything upwards of $4 as things stand.

Banda Spice has rated well in her two starts back and has been very unlucky not to pinch a win having missed narrowly each time, though she traditionally gets better with more racing under her belt and should be primed to get the job done today if Zumbelina fails. The ‘Cock marks her a $5 chance and anything above that should be looked at for a small stake.

Lucky Meteor has been up forever in a campaign that began back in May but is showing no signs of slowing up, with the two most recent runs rating well enough to challenge if at least replicated. He’s very well weighted at 51kgs and The ‘Cock expects he will get the run of the race and prove a great bet at $15+.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock likes all of his top three listed runners and will be happy to rely on them to get the job done in this leg, with top pick Zumbelina the one to focus your attention on at the current $4.80 quote. Given the strong value of Banda Spice & Lucky Meteor at $7.50 & $20 respectively, split a further stake on these two to have all bases covered.

Similarly to the previous race, The ‘Cock’s top rater Zumbelina was far from disgraced running 3rd after receiving some market support and the $11 winner Mighty Like was in The ‘Cock’s numbers. He was off the mark with the two roughies Banda Spice & Lucky Meteor who finished at the tail end of the field.

Race 9 – 6:26pm

This race is as hard to judge as any you are likely to come across, with a capacity field and crazy speed map combining to have The ‘Cock wanting to play this very cautiously. Live Fast (6) rates on top, from Nilette (12), I’ve Gotta Nel (16), Prues Angel (9), Patronizing (4) & Make A Ruler (17).

Live Fast is first up and is traditionally very solid under those circumstances, with The ‘Cock expecting he will be well suited by the frenetic early pace from the outside gate which should allow him to slot in just behind the pacemakers for a cushy trip. Was a big winner here back in June, and while that run did come on a heavy course The ‘Cock has him marked the top prospect again in the race at $10+.

Nilette (12) is the dominant favourite in the race and as short as $2.45 with some bookies, so while The ‘Cock acknowledges the winning claims he would be staying well clear of those short odds given the evenness of the race. Instead, look to Patronizing (4) for a small bet at the top quote of $18, who is ready to peak fourth up after rating well enough in his last two runs to be in the photo here if only replicated.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This is going to be a frantic race and not one The ‘Cock would want to be getting overly involved with, but there is certainly enough value for money around Live Fast & Patronizing at $13 & $20 to justify splitting a stake on the two. Include all listed runners to close out the quaddie.

No joy to be had rounding out the quaddie as Don’t Deny Us came from outside The ‘Cock’s selections to score at $6.50, with The ‘Cock’s best at odds Live Fast & Patronizing disappointing for 7th & 9th.

Pinjarra

Race 6 – 6:18pm

I Done It (2) rates well on top for The ‘Cock and is a good betting prospect to kick things off out west, with Prying Tom (5) & Tommi Toocan (7) the next in line and key dangers. After these two, include Queen Bey (6) & Mass Effect (3) in any wider exotics.

I Done It has rated highly enough to win this one in both of his two most recent runs at Geraldton that produced a win and a very tight second, and The ‘Cock expects him to get an easy time of it out front that can see him salute again. He is well over the odds at $10 and a great bet.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is licking his lips at the prospect of fifty thousand of his followers cashing in on that $10 top quote for I Done It, which is a price too good to knock back and double The ‘Cock’s marked price. Include him, Prying Tom & Tommi Toocan in your quaddie as a minimum.

Despite missing the money, The ‘Cock was happy with the investment in I Done It after his odds were halved from $10 into $5, though he did miss the winner No Say In It at $4.20.

Race 7 – 6:53pm

Wrinkly (3) is another great prospect on top for The ‘Cock, rating well ahead of Settlers Creek (5) who is next best and has a further gap on Django (1), Mr Utopia (2), Classical Prince (7) & Fontainebleau (4).

Wrinkly was a good winner for The ‘Cock at Ascot recently and has two wins and a head third from his past three outings there. Improved last prep when dropping back to 1400m from the mile as he does today and is another top rater who should get an easy run in the lead. The ‘Cock is very confident in him and loves the current $4.20 top price.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Pin the ears back and go hard on Wrinkly, who is a great bet at anything over $2.50 which makes the $4.20 for him one of the best betting moves for the day. Look to Settlers Creek at most to pad out the quaddie, but The ‘Cock would be content leaving Wrinkly to get the job done.

Another one. Wrinkly became another beaten favourite after running second as a $3.70 chance, knocked off by $12 chance Red Publisher.

Race 8 – 7:30pm

The ‘Cock has got Missile Launch (7) rating well ahead of all comers in this field and it’s a view echoed by the betting market, with him a well-found favourite in early markets. Scooner (12) rates as the biggest danger, with Lord Ludlow (9) & Blackline (6) next.

There’s absolutely no doubting the winning claims of Missile Launch after three wins on the bounce from three starts this prep, and he is going to have to regress pretty significantly fourth-up to be beaten. That seems unlikely, but The ‘Cock can do without buying into the $2.20 unders.

Scooner is the value chance of the race at $10+ and rates as the biggest danger, having run a good race behind the favourite first up and with a big weight swing going in his favour today. Still marked well behind the top rater but he is one to look towards at the $16 top price.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• As mentioned, Missile Launch should be winning this race but doesn’t inspire betting confidence as an odds-on favourite, and The ‘Cock would be content sitting this one out altogether if it weren’t for the $16 odds on Scooner, which is enough to justify a small bet on him as a roughie. Include all four listed runners in the quaddie to ensure it goes in the bank.

Missile Launch was one of the few favourites to get the job done on the day, with rough chance Scooner running back in the field.

Race 9 – 8:10pm

Gee Boss (4) looked like a G1 horse when winning last start and rates on top for The ‘Cock, despite a few concerns about his position in the race. Behind him, Sweet Ora (9) is a huge danger, with Yeah Dardy (13), More Aces (1) & The Celt (3) next best.

It was a massive spike from Gee Boss last time out that saw him win by three lengths at Ascot over 1100m, with that run trouncing this field by five lengths if he was to replicate it today. The ‘Cock does have some major concerns about his position in the running here however, as he is not actually blessed with the best early speed despite leading last start and The ‘Cock could certainly see him coming unstuck as a $2.30 favourite if things don’t go his way today.

Sweet Ora is the key danger after running second to the top rater when returning last start and given she traditionally goes better with racing The ‘Cock thinks she is more than capable of beating the favourite.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock can’t dismiss Gee Boss as a leading winning chance but he would be very hesitant to take the $2.30 given his concerns, and would much prefer to be on Sweet Ora at $5+. If the price isn’t right then he would have no objection letting this race slide, with Yeah Dardy the pick of the others to put into your quaddie to close things out.

The ‘Cock had officially run out of parchment for his beaten favourite list when Gee Boss added his name to it as a $1.90 chance in this, with his third highest rater Yeah Dardy beating him home as a $13 winner.

Caulfield (Sunday)

Race 6 – 3:40pm

Widgee Turf (2) is narrowly on top of this one for The ‘Cock but well under the odds at $1.80, with Miles Of Krishan (8) rating next highest and a much better betting proposition. Expect the winner to come from one of these top two but Orient Line (3), Royal Ace (5) & Domino Vitale (9) are the next best for wider exotics.

Widgee Turf has won both of his two runs back this campaign at Sandown and Moonee Valley comfortably, with ratings that will hold him in good stead if replicated again today over the mile. Is certainly the leading winning chance in the race but The ‘Cock couldn’t possibly be taking him odds-on as this race is far tighter than that quote would suggest.

Miles Of Krishan produced a great run behind Royal Applause & Heavenly Descent at Moonee Valley last start for her second tight miss in two outings this campaign, with The ‘Cock rating that run as her best since she ran a half-length behind Amelies Star at group two level in Adelaide back in May. Expect that she settles in front of Widgee Turf and has genuine winning claims, also providing far greater value at $5+ than the top rater.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Widgee Turf can’t be dismissed and is the most likely winner of the race, but at $1.75-1.80 The ‘Cock is very happy to let him pass by, favouring a bet on Miles Of Krishan at the $6.50 current top odds. The ‘Cock will play this first leg aggressively and expects these two top raters will be the only ones needed on your quaddie ticket.

Widgee Turf did just as most punters expected and saluted in this first leg but was lucky to be one who stayed clear of a nasty Orient Line fall, which virtually took out The ‘Cock’s preferred bet Miles Of Krishan

Race 7 – 4:15pm

The ‘Cock has Epic Moment (3) marked on top of this and as the horse to beat, rating ahead of Crystal Spirit (15), Manolo Blahniq (4), Prevailing Winds (11) & Ninas Ballerina (17), in what is only a fair betting race given the lack of value at the top end of the market.

Epic Moment leads all comers on The ‘Cock’s ratings after a big last start win with a peak rating at Mornington, with that run more than enough to account for this field if replicated today. The major concern is whether he can hold that standard here but he should be on the pace from barrier two and is the best winning chance in the race.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• He’s not one to be putting your yacht on, but Epic Moment is a good bet in this one at $5+ and will be the focal point of The ‘Cock’s involvement in this race. Pad out the quaddie with all other runners listed above as a minimum after a skinny play in the first leg.

Epic Moment was a touch disappointing in this one after holding firm around the $5 mark and running 6th, with long odds winner Sheriff John Stone edging out The ‘Cock’s second top rater Crystal Spirit, who franked a big drift from $6 out to $14 and ran well.

Race 8 – 4:50pm

Trogir (14) is a great betting prospect that rates clearly on top of this race on exposed form, though The ‘Cock would be wary of the Weir import Cullingworth (8) first-up as the key danger to him. Kings Command (2), Simply Splashing (13) & The Avenger (16) are the best of the rest.

Trogir produced a big rating to win second-up at Morphettville back in November and got back to a similar level last start when saluting over 1200m here, with The ‘Cock expecting the step up to 1400m will only help his cause today. He is comfortably the best in the race on exposed form with nothing else coming close and makes for a great bet at $3+.

Cullingworth comes in for his first start after crossing from the motherland after a last start win over there back in August, and The ‘Cock has seen these types of Weir imports enough to know that they can’t be dismissed. Obviously there are huge question marks on him in his first Australian outing but be sure to monitor the betting markets as a guide to how he will perform and keep him in mind.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Trogir is well over the odds at $6 and provides enough value to have The ‘Cock moving the Lamborghini out of the main garage to make space for the new toy he will collect after the top rater salutes. Clear the front leg at that price, though he would also include Cullingworth in the quaddie as a minimum given the unpredictability.

The bad luck from the previous day had carried over like an unwelcome hangover as The ‘Cock was a nose away from new Rolls-Royce Sweptail, with Trogir nailed by $6.50 chance The Avenger in the final stride.

Race 9 – 5:25pm

This looks to be a race in two to close things out, with The ‘Cock rating Nasdex (3) marginally ahead of Handsome Thief (12) and with a big gap to all other runners, of which Kens Dream (7) is the best of.

Nasdex has rated well in his two most recent runs that have produced a Pakenham win and a last start third in a blanket finish at Moonee Valley, with The ‘Cock anticipating that he gets to the front without much effort today and will be very hard to stop from that point on. He is absolutely one to invest in at upwards of $4, with the current odds of $6 very juicy.

Handsome Thief has been very solid in all bar one of his seven career outings and that one failure can be put down to the heavy conditions, with four wins and two minors to show for his other six efforts. The ‘Cock takes his confidence in him first-up after a 16-week spell today from the big win on debut win at Moonee Valley back in January, and he looks another strong betting option at $4+.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• With Nasex & Handsome Thief both providing strong value for money at their $6 & $5 top quotes The ‘Cock would have no hesitation backing both runners to win with proportional stakes. These two should really be enough to close the deal in the final leg of the quaddie but look no further than Kens Dream, King River (13), Revolving Door (6) & Lord Barrington (14) in more conservative plays.

It wasn’t quite enough to get him the Rolls-Royce, but Nasdex’s win to close things out was a welcome way to finish the day, with next best Handsome Thief running 3rd.

Gawler (Sunday)

Race 5 – 4:00pm

An awful race to open proceedings in Adelaide courtesy of a field full of bang average horses. It may be generous to call Fantastic Magic (6) & Super Swoop (9) the best of anything, but they are at least rating on top of this one ahead of Jagarna (10), Cool Fonzy (4), Spy Decoder (3) & Bertwhistle (8).

Fantastic Magic has put together a string of good runs this campaign in better races than this one, finishing just out of the placings before breaking through for a last start win at Strathalbyn. Proven over this trip and is the top pick in a bad race at $5.50+.

Super Swoop ran second at this track and trip last start, with the run rating well enough to be in the frame again here if replicated. Still only lightly raced with just nine starts under his belt so capable of improving and is also some value at $5.50+.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock would not be rushing to get involved with this very poor race but for those determined types with some loose change to throw on, both of Fantastic Magic & Super Swoop are okay value at $6.50 and the best of an average offering. Include all listed numbers in your quaddie as a minimum.

This was no better than The ‘Cock expected it would be, though at least the winner Bertwhistle came from his selections at $5 to bank the first leg. Fantastic Magic ran 3rd at strong odds, with Super Swoop not as strong and missing the money.

Race 6 – 4:35pm

Chapel City (5) is on top for The ‘Cock and looks like a good betting prospect, ahead of Counter Pulse (2) & Danuki (6) as the leading dangers. The ‘Cock would be surprised to see the winner come from elsewhere so there is no need to branch out further.

Chapel City is performing with metronomic consistency over his last four starts which have produced two wins and two very tight minor placings and The ‘Cock expects more of the same here. He is comfortable taking a sit whereas a few in this field are going to want to push forward which should open up a nice run for the top rater, and he is a strong bet at anything upwards of $3.

Danuki is the short-priced favourite at $2.50 but The ‘Cock thinks the market may have over-rated the Melbourne form he brings across the border. Definitely a strong winning chance but The ‘Cock couldn’t possibly have those odds and will happily let them slide.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• No going past Chapel City as the best bet of the race and The ‘Cock will look to land a strong blow by showing a few more feathers at the $4 odds. Include Counter Pulse & Danuki in your exotics and leave it at that.  

The ‘Cock was right on the $2.50 pricetag being unders for Danuki, with the favourite drifting out to as much as $4.60 on raceday which was significantly better value to enjoy as he saluted comfortably, with The ‘Cock’s pick Chapel City running 2nd and clearly ahead of 3rd.

Race 7 – 5:10pm

It looks like Devilishly (9) has found the perfect race to break through for a win after eighteen months of tight misses, rating as the only standout chance here in front of a very tight next bunch of Stryker Fortune (5), Strategic Glass (2), Reconnect (3) & Enki (11).

She hasn’t won since March 2016, but Devilishly has been rating consistently highly of late in far stronger races than what she finds here and The ‘Cock likes her chances of claiming an elusive win as she gets up to 1500m here today. The $3.60 price tag is a fair reflection of her chances.  

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Nothing outside of Devilishly is worth your time of day in this one, with The ‘Cock happy to look at an investment on her and to include all the runners listed above to pad out this third leg of the quaddie.

It was almost two years in the making, but The ‘Cock was spot on with his assessmment on Devilishly, who fought off a host of challengers in a tight race to be a good winner at $4.40.

Race 8 – 5:45pm

The ‘Cock has Alaskan Jade (2) marked on top of this and a strong betting prospect, with nothing to split the key dangers Groove With Me (3) & Trupt (6). Outside of this top trio, it’s Cool Maverick (7), Traffic Maestro (15) & Two Odd Sox (10) as next best.

Alaskan Jade drops back in class after some relatively high rating runs for little reward of late, with three thirds from her last four outings that should measure up well here. She should get a nice sit midfield with plenty of speed around her and is a strong bet at the $6.50 on offer.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Close out the weekend with some chips on Alaskan Jade at anything upwards of $4 and have Groove With Me & Trupt alongside her in an aggressive final leg play.

Alaskan Jade had been well backed on raceday in from the opening price of $6 to $4.40 by the jump and The ‘Cock thought the weekend looked to be ending on a big winning note, though she was unable to get the pace on the rail as Trupt flashed down the outside to win as a $2.90 favourite, with fellow top three choice Groove With Me running second.