Flemington Race 1

This is a very even and competitive race to kick off the day at HQ, with Mutarakem (11) rating on top and looking a very strong bet at considerable early overs when compared to The ‘Cock’s marked price. Willi Willi (8), Royal Ace (6), Guizot (4) & Archery Peak (7) are the best of the rest behind him, but the remaining runners are not far off either.

Mutarakem has two wins on the bounce at Sandown coming into this one which have both rated right at the level The ‘Cock anticipates will take the chocolates in this one. He will get the perfect run throughout and rates a $5 leading chance, with the current quote more than twice that.

Randwick Race 6

Xebec (5) is on top of this one for The ‘Cock and the best bet of the race at $4 or above, with the High Opinion (9), Zourkhan (6) & Napoleon (10) rating as the next best trio.

Xebec’s most two most recent runs this prep have been very solid for consecutive thirds over the 1600m & 1800m courses here, with this patch of form as good as he has looked since coming out from Ireland. All signs suggest that the step up to 2000m will provide the optimal conditions for him to breakthrough for a win and he is The ‘Cock’s pick of the bunch.

Napoleon turned in a big run for second here over 1600m last time out when fresh as a 60/1 chance and The ‘Cock can easily see him improving second up over more ground. He is a better chance than the market suggests at the $21 top quote and goes in all exotics.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock will be waiting for $4+ before diving into his top rater Xebec as things stand, but there is no doubt he is the leading winning chance of the race and should be respected as so. If the price is right, take a proportional stake on him and Napoleon, with the $20 price tag more than double The ‘Cock’s marked price. Include all four listed runners to kick off your quaddie.

Flemington Race 9

Wise Hero (3) is the top rater for The ‘Cock in this and is clearly the one to be backing, with Malaise (10) & Star Stealer (8) the key dangers. The winner should be coming from this trio so play aggressively.

Wise Hero produced a strong win over this track and trip on New Year’s Day having stepped up from 1000m the start prior, with that effort a career peak run that can certainly be replicated today. He should get to the front and the speed around him only looks moderate so looks capable of another start to finish win, rating a $3.50 top pick.

Recommended Betting Strategy:                                         

• Wise Hero is the clear pick of the bunch in this race and provides the best value for money of the top trio by some way at the overs of $4.20, compared to $4.60 & $6 for Malaise & Star Stealer. Respect those two challengers and include them alongside Wise Hero in a skinny final leg play.