Gold Coast

Race 1 – 12:40pm

Dinnigan (10) is classes above this field after running second to Pierata last time out and the $1.60 price tag definitely reflects that. Problem Solver (11) is the biggest danger but would have to improve out of sight, with Zoology (3) & Epic Rant (4) next in line and well clear of the rest.

Dinnigan shaped up as a dominant winner to start the day before drifting $1.60 out to $2.50 prior to the race and the performance validated the dwindling confidence, missing the money as Problem Solver saluted at $10 ahead of a 101/1 chance Sheesees Everything, with the trifecta paying $8,682.90.

Race 2 – 2:15pm

This one is a low confidence proposition with The ‘Cock deeming up to 15 horses are easily capable of winning this race.

Yarrapower (9) is the best betting prospect of the field for a small bet at the big overs of $17, having rated right at the level that can be expected to win this one in his last start second on the Sunshine Coast. The market has overreacted to the wide draw and speed inside him, with The ‘Cock trusting Jim Byrne to counter this and give him every chance.

Noted as a low confidence race, Yarrapower proved an enticing proposition as the money came to see him $19 into as low as $9.50, but the performance left plenty to be desired, with Zafina an $11 winner.

Race 3 – 1:50pm

Havasay (3) is the one to beat here but provides no significant value against the big field, with Mishani El Lobo (9) & Upstart Pride (1) the biggest dangers to him.

Havasay has been very strong for tight thirds in both of his two runs back this prep having won four straight prior to that before the break. Rates a $4 chance so the market has him priced about right.

Havasay couldn’t get going in the run and missed the money here but was never a strong betting option, as I’m A Rippa was absolutely smashed in from the opening quote of $21 to start as a $6 and justified the support to score.

Race 4 – 2:25pm

Sedanzer (4) is clearly on top of this and provides value for money at upwards of $2.80 as things stand, with Payroll (2) the biggest danger but not as threatening as the current $3.80 quote would suggest.

Sedanzer has been in brilliant form this prep with three wins and a tight last start second to show for her four outings, with the step up to 2200m only enhancing her claims here. Drawn for the perfect run from gate three and rates a $2.80 top chance.

Sedanzer was well backed into as short as $2.30 with some bookies and it took a boil over chance to keep her off the top step of the podium, with Tumultuous saluting at $26 to make a tough start for punters on the Gold Coast even tougher.

Race 5 – 3:00pm

The ‘Cock is expecting Sugar Bella (20) will run in Sydney but until that is made official she is worth noting as an outstanding bet and top rater should she run here. In the likely event she is scratched, Global Glamour (1) is the pick of them from Merriest (8), Invincibella (13), Pretty Fast (16) who are all capable.

Sugar Bella went to Sydney as expected and opened this race up, with Invincibella the big beneficiary coming $16 into $8.50 and scoring.

Race 6 – 3:35pm

A near impossible race to kick things off here with less than a length separating Ozi Choice (8), Oak Door (9), Crafty Cop (14), Arbeitsam (6), Care To Think (11), Lucky Hussler (1) & Crack Me Up (3) at the top end of the market, in what is a low confidence race to be playing cautiously.

Crafty Cop is the standout of that leading bunch after he produced a career-best rating in his first start back from a spell at Randwick last time out over 1200m, hitting the line with plenty of steam only to be run down late by a flashing Brave Song. The ‘Cock likes him second up with Avdulla on board and rates him an $8 chance, making him a very juicy proposition at the $21 currently on offer.

Certainly respect the race favourite Care To Think with Jeff Lloyd in the saddle but The ‘Cock is content to bet around him at $3.40 in such a tight race.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• All of The ‘Cock’s listed runners could win this one so it is a race to play conservatively in the quaddie, with a small bet on Crafty Cop the only investment that jumps out to The ‘Cock given the strong overs on offer.

Noted as a poor race, Crafty Cop was the pick of them as a rough chance but was still an alarming drifter out to as much as $31 after a hitting low of $16. The performance matched the drift, as the favourite Care To Think steamed home to win at $3.10.

Race 7 – 4:15pm

Sasso Corbaro (15) & Pierata (1) rate on top with nothing splitting them and The ‘Cock would be surprised if the winner came from elsewhere, though Wild Heart (9) & Bel Sonic (6) are the biggest dangers to them.

Sasso Corbaro is the only filly in the field which brings a handy weight advantage with it, and after two dominant wins in Sydney to start her campaign The ‘Cock has her marked as the best bet of the top two given the value differential between them at $5.50 and $2.50 respectively. She is going to need some luck from the wide gate but there are enough horses on her inside that will drop back to help her get in and she’s the pick of the bunch.

Pierata could hardly have done any more in his three starts this campaign at Doomben for three convincing wins and is a deserved favourite, though The ‘Cock rates his recent efforts just below that of Sasso Corbaro and while he considers him a top winning chance he can see the $2.30 odds through to the keeper.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Sasso Corbaro is the bet of the race at the current top quote of $6, which is great value when compared to the $2.30 on offer for the fellow top rater Pierata. Such is The ‘Cock’s confidence in these two that he could easily go in with those two alone in the quaddie, though he certainly wouldn’t be looking any further than the next two listed runners for wider plays.

Pierata showed just how good a horse he is to run out a dominant $2.80 winner, with The ‘Cock’s preferred value option Sasso Corbaro missing the money.

Race 8 – 4:55pm

The ‘Cock has Ef Troop (2) & Sunlight (11) marked clearly on top of this two-year-old classic, with the edge going to Ef Troop despite the wide draw. Nothing else in the field rates a mention in comparison to them so play this leg aggressively.

The ‘Cock would have Ef Troop rated as an odds-on top chance if it weren’t for the speed map and his gate alongside the roulette table at Jupiters, but both of these factors have to dull confidence slightly. Despite that, his romping last start win at Doomben was 2-3 lengths better than anything this opposition have ever produced and The ‘Cock will back McGillivray to find a good position from the start which makes him a good investment at $5.

Sunlight is getting better each time out and rated highly when winning by 4.5L here over 1100m last time out, a performance that will see her go close today if replicated. She is going to face the same issue as El Troop from barrier 15 and The ‘Cock has her marked at least a length inferior to the top rater, but she is still well clear of anything else and must be respected.

Jonker shares the top line of betting with these two runners currently after two wins from two starts by a combined 7L margin at Newcastle & Wyong, though The ‘Cock considers those wins several lengths shy of the top two and will be taking him on at $4.40.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock finds it hard to mount a really solid case for Sunlight to beat Ef Troop so he will be favouring the latter at the $5 top quote as a moderate confidence best bet of the race with The ‘Cock’s concerns in mind. These two runners are all that will be needed for your quaddie in another aggressive play.  

Almost a carbon copy of the race before as one of The ‘Cock’s clear top two in Sunlight ran out a strong winner, but his leaning towards the longer odds option of the two in Ef Troop backfired as she finished just outside the money.

Race 9 – 5:40pm

The ‘Cock can’t split Viddora (3) & Egyptian Symbol (9) at the top of this, with Snitzkraft (14) the leading danger ahead of Kaepernick (6), Perfect Dare (10) & Dothraki (4) as the next best trio.

The last three runs of Viddora have been exemplary and include the G1 Winterbottom win over in Perth that sees her rate on top for The ‘Cock, with her best efforts certainly enough to win this race though anything slightly below that level would be cause for concern. She is going to be reliant on pace throughout the race and while she is absolutely capable of scoring, The ‘Cock rates her a $3 chance and is more inclined to take on the $2.30 unders.

Egyptian Symbol rates on par with Viddora but provides a better betting option at the current $5 price tag, having produced her best run in some time to win the Starlight on the heavy at Rosehill last time out. Improved second up last campaign and should sit top three throughout here which make her a more enticing investment of the top two.

The main challenger to these two in Snitzkraft comes off a high rating last start win at Doomben and as the only three-year-old here he will take advantage of the lighter weight and lead. He’ll take some catching and rates a $6 chance for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock recognises Viddora as a leading winning chance in this race but he has to take her on at less than $3 as things stand, favouring Egyptian Symbol for a bet at the $5 compared to $2.30 on offer for the favourite. Take her with Snitzkraft given the very strong overs of $12 for him using a proportional staking plan and include all listed runners in your quaddie to bank this final leg after some aggressive early plays.

Viddora was noted as the best winning chance in the race and duly saluted at $2.50 to put the $108 quaddie payout in the bank, as The ‘Cock’s next best two Snitzkraft & Egyptian Symbol rounded out the placings.

Randwick

Race 6 – 3:55pm

The ‘Cock has a clear standout here to lock in for this first leg in Dreamforce (6), who will account for this field easily if he produces to anywhere near the level of the last two wins. He rates ahead of Mortons Fork (3), Liapari (5) & Supply And Demand (1) as the next best trio.

Dreamforce is an obvious favourite here after braining his opposition over this track and trip last time out to make it two wins from his last three starts, with a very rare poor run in between where he had issues. He will sit on the speed and gets a nice 2kg claim to help him go on with it, rating a $1.80 chance for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will spread his feathers right from the word go in Sydney, with Dreamforce providing very strong value for money at the current top quote of $2.40 which makes him the only runner to be on. Keep the three other listed runners in mind for more conservative plays but The ‘Cock doesn’t expect they will be needed.

The ‘Cock hit the nail on the head here as Dreamforce saluted as a $2.25 favourite, beating the next best duo of Mortons Fork & Liapari.

Race 7 – 4:35pm

Samadoubt (8) & Eusebio (5) are the leading duo here for The ‘Cock and with a gap to the next best pair New Universe (2) & Voilier (11). Also monitor Sizzling Bullet (9) first up after a long break, who has plenty of talent over more ground and could show up. 

Samadoubt’s last two runs at Canterbury and Rosehill last start have rated well and shown good improvement, with the third at Rosehill the strongest rating performance of his career. He will sit on the speed which should prove advantageous, and on a one-week back up The ‘Cock thinks he is capable of holding his form which would see him account for the large majority of this field.

Eusebio (5) was on an impressive upward trajectory through his first three starts last campaign before failing one of those bottomless pits Randwick served up last Autumn and having a spell, but The ‘Cock saw promise in his last start return run at Wyong. Will be better for the hit out and should appreciate another 200m, though will be coming from further back than the top two rated runners which may not suit. Regardless he is one to respect that rates around $4.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will not be getting heavily involved in this race but will look to take both Samadoubt & Eusebio if priced right upwards of $3.40 & $3.80 respectively, but it’s not a standout betting race and could easily be left alone. Include Sizzling Bullet, New Universe & Voilier to pad out the quaddie as The ‘Cock can’t see the winner coming from elsewhere.

The right price never came for The ‘Cock’s two top picks Samadoubt & Eusebio, who were well supported but ran 2nd & 3rd behind Voilier, who was in The ‘Cock’s numbers and gave the potential quaddie a nice boost at $15.

Race 8 – 5:20pm

Sugar Bella (5) looks to be classes above this field but is already well found at $1.70, with Gitan (6) the only danger if she is off her game. The ‘Cock certainly wouldn’t be backing against the favourite though, with all others rating a long way behind these two.

Sugar Bella has taken her record to four wins from five starts after her first two efforts back this prep, with strong wins at Canterbury and here over 1200m last start suggesting she will be far too good again today. The step up to 1400m will only help, though she likes to sit back which may complicate things depending on the tempo from the small field.

Gitan has missed by a combined margin of less than a length for second in each of his two runs back this campaign but that last run at over this course was a career peak effort. He will give them something to chase and The ‘Cock isn’t anticipating there will be anything challenging him at the front, so while he rates off the favourite he’s the most likely source of an upset.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock wouldn’t be backing her at $1.70, but he fully expects Sugar Bella will do as she should and win this race and would be more than comfortable leaving her one out this leg.

This one was never in doubt once connections elected to leave Sugar Bella in Sydney over taking her to the Gold Coast, backed in from $1.80 the night before to start and win at $1.40.

Race 9 – 5:55pm

Vaucluse Bay (6) & Emperors Way (9) are The ‘Cock’s clear top raters here, with Coys (7) the next in line and clear of a wall of horses rating behind him.

Vaucluse Bay has improved each time out this campaign which has coincided with a step up in distance, so fourth-up today over his optimum 1800m The ‘Cock believes he is ready to win. Will get across from the wide draw and sit just off the leaders and looks a good bet rating as a $3.80 chance.

Emperors Way has been rating well in his three starts back this prep which has seen him fill each step on the podium once, and while matching those efforts will put him in the mix here, The ‘Cock is not sure he has the scope of Vaucluse Bay. Must respect his claims but The ‘Cock won’t lose sleep letting the $5 quote pass by.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock can’t fault Vaucluse Bay in this and will be looking to wind up proceedings in Sydney with a strong profit after putting chips on the very juicy $5 overs on offer. Keep your focus in this one narrow and bank that one of Vaucluse Bay & Emperors Way will get the job done to close out the quaddie, with Coys the only other one he would have if determined to look wider.

Vaucluse Bay didn’t provide the heavy finish The ‘Cock was looking for, but in a skinny leg his only other number in the quddie Emperors Way was able to pick up the slack to put another one in the bank as a $4.20 winner.

Flemington

Race 6 – 3:38pm

Believing (11) rates on top of what looks like a very competitive and even race, with Annrhon (18) next ahead of a big bunch of Punt Club (1), Bob Of The Head (5), O’Lonhro Bay (19), Strykinglee (12) & Scappare (12).

Believing has been solid in his two starts back this prep despite missing the money both times at Sandown over 1000m, but The ‘Cock expects the step up to 1100m will see further improvement given his career-best runs have been over 1200m. Hard to have too much confidence given how tight the race is but he rates a $6 top chance for The ‘Cock.

A last start fourth at Werribee doesn’t tend to suggest that she’s banging the door down but Annrhon rated quite highly in that effort second up, and her only prior run down the straight last year would be good enough for her to win this if replicated. Rates a $10 chance for The ‘Cock so is a good value rough chance at double that price currently.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• With both of Believing & Annrhon providing strong value for money at their current $9 & $23 top quotes, The ‘Cock would have a proportional bet on both of those runners and look to play the quaddie quite conservatively, with all listed numbers going in to get through the first leg.

Believing didn’t justify The ‘Cock’s faith but it didn’t matter one but when Annrhon was first past the post as a $17 chance, having been as long as $31 earlier in the week and getting things off to a near perfect start in Melbourne.

Race 7 – 4:08pm

Another incredibly even race where The ‘Cock would only confidently be putting a line through two runners in the field, with Liten In My Veins (7), Nikitas (11) & Chamois Road (6) the best trio in a very tight field.  

Liten In My Veins produced a strong run when running second behind Ozi Choice last time out at Sandown which was his best run since coming over the Nullarbor in July. That run wasn’t quite up to his peak form in Perth but was enough to suggest to The ‘Cock that there is further improvement in him that would win this.

Dollar For Dollar is the early favourite with four wins on the bounce prior to an eight-week lay-off which he resumes from here, and while that form before the break would win this, he is a better horse with runs under his belt and The ‘Cock would prefer to let the $3.50 slide on return today.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This is not a race to be getting overly involved with, with nothing standing out enough on winning potential or price to get The ‘Cock interested. No issue just watching them go around in this without investment and including all runners bar Goldstream (5) & Double Bluff (8) in your quaddie.

Burning Front hadn’t rated a mention in The ‘Cock’s analysis but stuck it right up him to run out a dominant winner at $8, though The ‘Cock had marked this as a no bet race to play very wide in the quaddie so there was no damage done.

Race 8 – 4:48pm

Princefamous (2), Thermal Current (1) & Benz (4) are the leading trio in another tight race with Kens Dream (7) the next best behind them, and The ‘Cock would be surprised if the winner came from outside these four runners.

Princefamous comes down from Sydney for the Snowden’s on the back of a strong last start win at Randwick that rated well enough to win this if replicated here. Expect that he will settle in the first three and his form line looks strong,  so The ‘Cock rates him a $4.20 top chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• All of The ‘Cock’s top winning chances are well found in the current market and providing only marginal value at around $4-5, though Princefamous is the pick of them for a small bet if the price is right above $4.20. Play this leg fairly shallow and just include the four listed runners.

Once again this was not a race The ‘Cock wanted to be too involved with, as his top pick Princefamous disappointed in close enough to last after being backed $5.50 into $4, though Kens Dream kept the quaddie rolling as a dominant winner at $4.40.

Race 9 – 5:33pm

Moonlover (5) rates narrowly ahead of Soho Ruby (6) at the pointy end of this final leg for The ‘Cock, with Federosa (11) the next best at good odds and Sharing (12) & Jester Halo (8) coming in after her.

Moonlover has been metronomic in her last four outings, producing consistently high ratings in every run that would win this race if replicated today. She should get an ideal run sitting just off the speed and rates a $4.80 top chance for The ‘Cock.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Moonlover provides the better value for money of the top two at $5.50 compared to the $4.20 on offer for Soho Ruby and is The ‘Cock’s best bet of the race as a result, though there is not much between them so set your stake accordingly. Federosa is also a juicy option to consider at $13 as an upset chance. Look no further than the numbers listed above to round out the final leg.

Peacock followers everywhere would have been riding home the $13 winner Sharing here, coming from The ‘Cock’s selections to round out another winning quaddie which paid a lazy $12,209.

Gawler

Race 5 – 5:05pm

The ‘Cock has Mandee (12), Trueno (4) & Vivaldi’s Quest (10) marked as his top three, with Classy Jack (2) & Vicki’s Boy (3) the best of the others. There are a few question marks over the leading chances so it is not a race to be betting too confidently in.

Mandee was poor first-up at Morphettville last time out but tends to improve sharply second-up which is the source of hope here, with multiple runs last campaign in Melbourne rating classes above what the rest of this field can produce. The ‘Cock is trusting that she can improve and her best certainly wins, but it is hard to take $3.50 unders largely on the basis of assumption.

Trueno is the big danger after some strong recent runs that include a dominant four-length victory Balaklava two starts back, and while he will settle a long way back from barrier 16 the pace should be hot which will open it up for him as a swooper late on. With that in mind the $12 overs become a very juicy proposition.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Must respect Mandee as the leading winning chance in the race but The ‘Cock is happy to let the $3.50 slide in favour of a small bet on Trueno at $12, which is double The ‘Cock’s marked price. Include all runners listed above on your ticket for the first leg.

An average betting race where The ‘Cock’s top rater Mandee was a drifter $3.50 out to $5 and his next best two Trueno & Vivaldi’s Quest were scratched. Mysticano was crunched in as a result and saluted after being $17 into $4.20.

Race 6 – 5:45pm

Soaring High (4) rates comfortably on top and is a clear standout bet for The ‘Cock, ahead of Exalted Lightning (2) as next best from My Nikita (8), Tunes (1) & Cool Fonzy (7).

Soaring High has been very consistent in his four runs this campaign and the step up to 2100m here should unlock further scope for improvement, as his best previous ratings have come upwards of 2000m. The six-day break tactic worked well last prep when he won nicely at Port Augusta and The ‘Cock expects him to get a great run in behind the leaders here, rating him a $3.50 top chance.

My Nikita is the current race favourite and it would be remiss not to mention her, but the Melbourne form looks to have been overrated by the market and The ‘Cock would be steering clear of the $4 price tag which he deems to be under the odds. 

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock is licking his lips at the prospect of cashing in on the $5 overs available for Soaring High and he will be clearing the front leg accordingly. Sink the teeth into him and include the others listed in exotics for some cushioning.

Soaring High made a good day even better for Peacock followers by saluting at $4.60 and The ‘Cock was straight on the phone to his bank manager to line up an extra vault to store the days profits.

Race 7 – 6:20pm

Hazy Lane (6) is another clear top rater for The ‘Cock who is a strong betting prospect, with only Don’t We Love It (8) & Folk Tales (5) rating a mention as the dangers to her.  

Hazy Lane has been good both times out this prep which has produced a win and a close second at Morphettville, and she looks to be in as good a patch of form as she’s ever been in. Those runs have come over less ground than this but she will be even better suited at 1500m and with what should be a great run on the speed she’ll be hard to topple, rating a $3.60 chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Hazy Lane provides another very welcome avenue to go chips in on at the $5 overs available currently, and The ‘Cock would certainly consider taking her one out in this third leg. More conservative types need to look no further than Don’t We Love It & Folk Tales for security.

“Another one come in Sir Peacock?” said the voice on the other end nervously.

The ‘Cock’s bank manager was quickly running out of real-estate with another pallet full of cash on it’s way after Hazy Lane saluted at $4 after he and his followers had cashed in on the early overs.

Race 8 – 6:55pm

Miss Cuoco (8) is The ‘Cock’s top runner in this one, heading Regal Spur (6) & Bakers Dozen (13) as the key challengers and with Midnight Storm (6) & Infinity Queen (5) rating next best after them.

Miss Cuoco is still only fairly lightly raced with twelve starts under her belt but The ‘Cock was impressed with the last start win here over 1100m. That was a career peak rating so it’s hard to assess whether she can hold that same level but she is priced about right at $5.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Not a race to spend too much time pondering, with The ‘Cock’s top-rated runner Miss Cuoco the only one to consider for a small bet at $5+ in what could easily be a no bet race. Include all runners listed above to ensure this final quaddie leg goes in the bank.

Another one in the book. By this point The ‘Cock and his followers around the country were well and truly on their way with Saturday night celebrations, but Miss Cuoco just capped things off by scoring at $7.

Ascot

Race 5 – 6:30pm

Action (7) goes in on top of this one for The ‘Cock on the back of pure talent, but he is not without query, with River Dance (1) & Kimbos Girl (5) the major dangers. Olivers Travels (2) is the best of the rest.

Action has two wins from two career starts and returns today off a three-month spell, with his last run 2-3 lengths better than what The ‘Cock expects anything else in the field can produce. That said, there has to be a query on whether he can be at his best on the back of just one prior fresh run so couldn’t be backing him at $2.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock can let Action go at the odds-on quote and with the other main dangers also under the odds, The ‘Cock would be looking at Kimbo’s Girl for a small stake as a rough chance at the $17 quote as his only involvement. Include all listed runners in the quaddie.

The ‘Cock’s decision to leave the odds-on quote for favourite Action proved a good one as he ran third, with rough pick of the race Kimbo’s Girl was well supported and running fairly just behind him for fourth. The $3.50 winner Olivers Travels was noted in The ‘Cock’s numbers.

Race 6 – 7:10pm

The ‘Cock has Belter (2) marked clearly on top and as the one to beat here, topping Santiago Gal (9) & Mantime (5) as the leading dangers.

Belter is coming into his third prep but is still quite lightly raced with just the ten starts under his belt, with his two prior first-up runs rating well for top two finishes on each occasion. Likes this track and trip and The ‘Cock expects he will get the perfect run just off the speed, rating him a $3.50 top chance.

Santiago Gal is one to monitor at double-figure odds after three strong runs this campaign so far, including a win over this course with a performance that would have her in the photo if replicated today. The ‘Cock is wary of the potentially sticky position she’ll find trying to get across from the wide draw with speed on her inside but rates an $8 chance so is over the odds as things stand.

Mantime’s peak run this prep came second up when he won here over 1100m, an effort which would win this if replicated, though the two starts since haven’t been up to the same standard and The ‘Cock thinks he will struggle with not being able to dictate terms with the strong pace around him. Definitely capable but The ‘Cock has to let the $3.20 unders slide given the better value around him.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Belter is certainly the bet of the race here and the one to focus your attention on at the very strong price of $5 which can’t be ignored. Have a proportional stake on him and Santiago Gal provided the price is right, and include these two and Mantime in your quaddie.

Belter looked like becomming another good winner for Peacock followers on the day but was narrowly beaten, running 2nd to big outsider Stirling Estate who The ‘Cock and plenty of others missed at 50/1.

Race 7 – 7:50pm

Key To Fame (3) is another strong prospect in the west, rating on top for The ‘Cock from Shady Gray (4), Cuanzo (7), Top Of The Class (10) & Next Generation (9) in a tight next bunch.

Key To Fame has rated well in his two most recent runs which have come over this same track & trip and The ‘Cock expects he gets a very easy time of it in front here from pole position with the weight claim helping his cause. Going to get plenty of favours throughout and looks another good bet at $4.80.

Top Of The Class will be at the other end of the field in running and is going to have to improve a length or two on her three most recent runs to match the top rater, with The ‘Cock not confident she can do that without plenty of luck. As such he has to take her on at the $3.20 unders.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Key To Fame is the only one to look towards in win markets as a $4 rated chance, with superior winning claims and providing more value than the favourite Top Of The Class. Again, include all runners listed above to ensure this leg goes in the bank.

Key To Fame was disappointing here after a drift in the betting, running 7th as Helm’s Gate came from outside The ‘Cock’s numbers to win at $14.

Race 8 – 8:30pm

A very poor race to finish the day and The ‘Cock has got very little splitting Woodsville (2), Friaresque (5), Touch Of Silver (1), Cappo Doro (9), Ragazzo Doro (7), Couleur Bizarre (10), Gunnago (3) & No Say In It (8).

Woodsville is the only one coming close to standing out from that group, with the veteran scoring two wins at this track from his last two outings and mapping to get the run of the race on the leaders back today.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• As above, Woodsville rates a $6 top chance for The ‘Cock so provides the best value for money in the race at $11 and is the only one to consider. The ‘Cock would be content leaving this as a no bet race and including all of the runners listed above on the quaddie ticket to round out the day.

Woodsville didn’t end the day as The ‘Cock had hoped but after the earlier success it certainly didn’t matter. Cruachan saluted at $6 as the only missed quaddie for the day paid $36,290. You can’t have it all.