Flemington

Race 1 – 12:15pm

King (6), Encryption (4), Final Choice (11) & Northern Voyage (7) are The ‘Cock’s top rated runners, but this is certainly not a race to be getting seriously involved in, with just six of the twelve runners with any race-day experience and five of them with only one run under their belt. The ‘Cock will have just anchored the S.S Peacock by 12:15pm and will gladly give this a miss.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• With only 5 of these runners having race experience, this looks an impossible race to assess with confidence and you’re better off not betting at all. If you are set on backing something, The ‘Cock suggests paying plenty of respect to market moves before the jump as these are the biggest sign of readiness to win.

This race lived up to the early day lottery billing that The ‘Cock gave it, with outsider Run Naan meeting a step up from the last start Bendigo win to take the spoils.

Race 2 – 12:50pm

Tarquin (2) & Meet And Greet (8) are the top two from Have Plenty (5), Oncidium Ruler (3) & Shamkiyr (6), but with very little to split them it’s another event The ‘Cock would be hesitant to get involved with.

The race favourite Tarquin comes in off a last start third in the Moe Cup where he clearly appreciated some extra distance and came home hard which is a strong sign here. Should certainly run into the money, but currently unders at $3.80 as a $4.40 rated chance for The ‘Cock.

Meet And Greet has certainly got the ability over this trip which he showed in a high rating second at Caulfield two starts back, before regressing slightly over 2400m in the Bendigo Cup last start. Will be better with the drop back to 2000m and can’t be ignored, rating $4.80 for The ‘Cock and currently over the odds at $6.

Oncidium Ruler is the best rough chance of the race at the top quote of $17, having produced to a high level at this track previously and there is no doubting he will enjoy the extra 300m on his last start run at Caulfield. Rates a $10 chance for The ‘Cock so one to watch at overs.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Another one where The ‘Cock would be keeping his powder dry, with no standout value to separate the top pairing on given their tight ratings. Oncidium Ruler at $17 provides the biggest overs of the top-rated runners, so you could either have something small on that or spread your stake proportionately across the top 6.

A good early result with The ‘Cock’s $17 roughie of the race Oncidium Ruler crunched into $9 and most importantly saluting. Meet And Greet was $6 into $4.80 as The ‘Cock suggested he should be and Tarquin went the other way in the market but both were out of the money.

Race 3 – 1:30pm

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.

Fastnet Tempest kept winning ways rolling as expected at $2.80, to show The ‘Cock’s Flemington form was showing no signs of slowing up after three days of cashing in.

Race 4 – 2:10pm

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). 

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.

Lord Aspen was heavily backed from $10 into $4.20 and looked primed for a huge Peacock victory, before Kerrin McEvoy opted to box him in on the rails and deny him any clean air down the straight. The ‘Cock was on the mark in knocking the favourite Lite’n In My Veins who was near last past the post.

Race 5 – 2:50pm

Kiwia (3) & Qewy (1) renew their battle from the Bendigo Cup and sit on top for The ‘Cock, with the Geelong Cup top two Vengeur Masque (4) & Gallic Chieftain (6) the next best pairing.

The current market just about mimics The ‘Cock’s appraisal of this race, though he considers Kiwia primed to turn the tables on Qewy after being beaten a head in the Bendigo Cup. An extra 200m for them both to contend with today, and with the 4kg weight advantage The ‘Cock has Kiwia rated a $3.40 top chance.

Along with the weight differential, The ‘Cock has a few minor queries over Qewy’s second up record which counts against him today, and while he should certainly be respected, he rates $3.90 behind Kiwia.

The Geelong Cup runners Vengeur Masque and Gallic Chieftain should both run strong races but are on the next tier of The ‘Cock’s ratings.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock could see any of the top 4 winning, but he does have Kiwia and Qewy ahead of the next 2 with very little splitting them. Given the odds differential, Kiwia ($4.8) looks a more appealing bet than Qewy ($3.6). Vengeur Masque is a better chance than the market suggests, and does provide some overs at the current $10 quote.

The ‘Cock was off the mark in his appraisal of the Bendigo Cup form, with Kiwia and Qewy coming in alongside eachother again but never had the run in their legs and finished well outside the money. Vengeur Masque was noted as over the odds, coming in from $10 to win at $6.40

Race 6 – 3:30pm

Savapinski (10) & Prompt Response (2) rate as the top two in a tough race to kick off the quaddie, with Falika (6), Flying Jess (3), Tahanee (7) & Heavens Above (1) next in line.

Savapinksi is another Waterhouse horse who produced a career best rating last start when running second behind Lubiton on Cox Plate Day, and the way Gai is going at Flemington this carnival The ‘Cock is confident she will handle her first time at the 2000m well and rates her a $3.50 top pick ahead of stablemate Prompt Response.

It’s a similar situation for Prompt Response in this one, coming off a career-high rating in the Myer Classic on Saturday where she battled on gamely for fourth after being stuck wide throughout, but like Savapinski faces 2000m for the first time. Currently over the odds at $7 compared to The ‘Cock’s $4 rating

The ‘Cock said that Tahanee needed to get back towards her Dubai best before her win on Cup Day and she certainly went close, with The ‘Cock expecting 2000m to suit her even more than 1700m did.Certainly not one to discount, with the current quote matching The ‘Cock’s $10 rating.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Play this race wide on all fronts and don’t get too involved. Consider splitting your stake on the Waterhouse pairing if the current $7 and $8 quotes hold and a small bet on Tahanee at $10.

To say Savapinksi romped in here does that performance no justice, with the $7 early price prompting The ‘Cock to open talks about further upgrades to the S.S Peacock.

Race 7 – 4:10pm

Redzel (2), In Her Time (12), Impending (12), Redkirk Warrior (7), Vega Magic (3) & Chautauqua (1).

The ‘Cock has picked apart the entire Darley Stakes field in his runner by runner analysis here.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

Redzel is comfortably the best of the race at the $4.60 and will win the race at his best, but you can’t discount any of the top chances in this cracking field who will be more than capable of pinching it if he is only slightly off. Certainly include In Her Time, Impending and Redkirk Warrior in exotics as a minimum.

The ‘Cock was astounded listening to any ‘expert commentary’ that didn’t have Redzel winning this, but that only helped to boost the price for Peacock followers who cashed in again.

Race 8 – 4:55pm

Folkswood (7) is the best of this field, ahead of Gailo Chop (3), Cliffs Edge (15), Happy Clapper (1) & Tosen Stardom (4).

The Cranbourne Cup winner Folkswood looks to have all of the runners coming out of the Cox Plate covered here, with The ‘Cock’s expectation being that he at least matches that last start effort, given he is only now third up and should have greater scope for improvement compared to others who are deeper into their campaigns. Rates a $3.50 top chance for The ‘Cock and is currently over the odds at $5.50.

Gailo Chop produced a huge run two starts back to win the Caulfield Stakes and has been in very strong form all prep, but Folkswood had his measure in the Cox Plate and while he is good enough,  The ‘Cock can’t see him turning the tables seven starts into his campaign.

Cliffs Edge will need to improve on his last start second behind Aloisia in the Crystal Vase at The Valley but has only got 51kg to contend with today compared to 57kg that day which can only help the cause. Rates a $7 chance whose best will have him around the mark.

Be aware of Tosen Stardom, who produced a very strong rating over this trip two years ago but hasn’t set foot over 2000m+ since switching trainers to DK Weir last year, until now. Certainly a double-figure chance to monitor.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock would be confident in having Folkswood as the focal bet of the race and the $5.50 quote is must have value for money. Though there are other winning chances, so include all listed in quaddies.

Folkswood was well supported from $5.50 into $3.60 but never quite got going as The ‘Cock expected, though the winner Tosen Stardom was noted as one to watch, coming in from $13 to $6.50 and stormed home.

Race 9 – 5:45pm

Andaz (4), Muraaqeb (2) & Trekking (3) are The ‘Cock’s top three with a half-length between each of them, ahead of Icon Of Dubai (9) & Tamasa (5) who are the others to note.

Anadaz produced a strong rating in his first start at Flemington on Derby Day when finishing midfield in the Coolmore Stud Stakes and really only has to match that performance to win this. A drop in grade and some added distance enhances his claims and The ‘Cock rates him a $3.20 top chance, with anything over that a good bonus.

Muraaqeb is third up here and expected to improve after a solid run in the Blue Sapphire at Caulfield last start.Career high rating came first up this campaign when winning at Moonee Valley so just needs to get back to that level to be in the photo.

Of the others, Icon Of Dubai has got more experience over the 1400m trip than most of these which will hold him in good stead, and Tamasa is in for his third career start after two straight wins to begin. If the upward trajectory continues he will be a danger.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Andaz represents strong value at $4 that should be invested in, though once again it’s a race to include all these listed numbers in the quaddie to round it out.

While the $20k first four would have been a nice way to round out the carnival, even The ‘Cock didn’t see the roughie Kentucky Breeze winning this one as he did.

Rosehill

Race 6 – 3:10pm

Isla Tristana (8) narrowly on top, with Allez Troienne (12), Schedule (2) & Highway Sixtysix (13) the next best.

Isla Tristana has been strong in her three starts back this campaign in Queensland and saluted last time out when third up at Ipswich, though while her highest previous rating would win this well, The ‘Cock has a slight query on her over 1400m after her only start at 1350m saw a slight regression on the previous 1200m form.

Allez Troienne rated through the roof last start to win at Wagga, and while The ‘Cock is wary of that potentially being an anomaly rather than the new norm she can still afford to regress slightly here and be in the finish.

Schedule dropped back to 1400m from the mile last start and showed a marked improvement straight away, running second with a rating that will have him at the pointy end here if replicated, and given his affinity with the trip The ‘Cock wouldn’t be backing against it.

Highway Sixtysix is the other key runner to note, having improved significantly with each step up in trip she has faced in her short career so far, and with another 200m to move over today The ‘Cock expects her to feature.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• All four of these are genuine winning chances but none of Isla Tristana, Schedule or Highway Sixtysix currently provide enough value to be a standout selection at $4.40, $6.20 and $4.20 respectively. The market is wary of Allez Troienne’s last start as The ‘Cock noted, but at the top quote of $41 she is one to monitor and may be worth a small bet.

The long odds chance Tiger By The Tale surprised here to win at $23, with Schedule and Highway Sixtysix the third and fourth.

Race 7 – 3:50pm

Stonebrook (4), sits on top ahead of Cordero (9), Dagny (6), Just Dreaming (5) & Zenalicious.

The ‘Cock has got Stonebrook as the standout top chance in this field which is reflected by his odds-on status in the market, though The ‘Cock can’t have confidence at that price given the exceptionally tight next bunch rated behind him.

Stonebrook has four wins from his five career starts so far and absolutely bolted in at his only previous run over 1500m two starts back at Canterbury, a performance that would win this comfortably if replicated. Regressed slightly back at 1400m last start but it will not be any surprise to see him back at his best and romping in here.

Each of the next rated runners have the potential to challenge at their best, but they will need to improve on recent runs and hope that the favourite is slightly off his game.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock struggles to see anything beating Stonebrook, but he is also very wary of the $2.10 top quote at the moment, which is unders compared to his rated price of $2.60. Cordero does pose the biggest danger to the favourite and at $8.5 in current markets, he looks value and should be considered for a small bet if you want to go against Stonebrook.

The ‘Cock was right to be wary about the unders on Stonebrook, who absolutely bombed out as a $1.90 favourite to run fifth, with Just Dreaming and Dagny the top two.

Race 8 – 4:30pm

Zonk (9) clearly the best chance here, from Overstep (6), Vigilance (5) & Your Way (2) as next best.

Zonk is another short-priced favourite but is justifiably so, with her best ratings in another league compared to what this opposition can be expected to produce. Two starts back this prep for a win and tight second at Warwick Farm, and looks a certainty now that she finally gets a start after being scratched twice in the last week.

The ‘Cock expects Overstep is going to have to better the rating from her midyear win down the straight at Flemington to be any chance of toppling Zonk, and while that may be a stretch in her first Rosehill start, she is the only one The ‘Cock considers capable of matching the favourite.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock can’t fault the $2.30 top odds on Zonk and would be confident to have all his chips in on her in the quaddie. The dominance of the favourite has created some value elsewhere for those looking wider, with the $16 for Overstep very generous and one to consider for a small bet.

Zonk kept the tough run for favourites in Sydney going, getting nailed on the line by another double figure winner Machinegun Jubs.

Race 9 – 5:20pm

After All That (2) narrowly leads all comers, from King Darci (1), Knit N Purl (7), Dreamforce (3), Redouble (6) & Darts Away (9) in an extremely tight final race.

The ‘Cock can’t confidently rule out anyone in this field and it’s certainly one to play extremely wide it the quaddie, with the top chance After All That rating only narrowly ahead of the rest.

Comes in off a last start win here at 1400m and went up against the likes of Redzel, Ball Of Muscle & Chautauqua prior to that, finishing just in behind the champion grey. Slight query with a 28-day break but well over the odds at $6 which is twice The ‘Cock’s rating of $3.

King Darci is well-suited third up today if last campaign is anything to go by, showing good improvement between runs that will want to be repeated here for him to meet the grade. Definitely capable of doing so and The ‘Cock rates him a $5 leading chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This is a narrow race with not much between the top-rated runners, so it’s one to play cautiously. However The ‘Cock does rate After All That on top and has him marked closer to $3, so he does provide significant overs at the current $6 mark so consider having a small bet on him.

Right to play this one wide, with money coming late for the eventual winner Redobule who was $4.20 into $3.10 and beat home Dreamforce.

Doomben

Race 6 – 4:00pm

Don’t Doubt Da Wife (14) is the clear top rater, with Monasterio (5), Pilara (15) & She Goes Pop (10) the next best chances for those going wide.

Don’t Doubt Da Wife is comfortably the top horse in the race with Jim Byrne in the saddle, looking primed to breakthrough for a win after three seconds in four starts this campaign. Ratings are trending in the right direction and it that continues she will be very hard to beat, rating $2 for The ‘Cock and currently at the same quote in the market.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Don’t Doubt Da Wife obviously the strongest winning chance of the race but has opened up some big value around her on The ‘Cock’s next best three Monasterio, Pilara & She Goes Pop, who are currently paying $16, $26 & $12 respectively. Expect the favourite will be too good, but monitor these roughies who may be worth a small bet and all definitely to be included in wider exotics.

No surprises here, with Don’t Doubt Da Wife winning after being $3.50 into $2.30 and beating second rated Monasterio past the post as The ‘Cock expected.

Race 7 – 4:45pm

Ringos A Rockstar (5) is the clear top chance for The ‘Cock, holding a good gap to the favourite Colinelle (3) and the next best runner Amanaat (8).

The ‘Cock loves the look of Ringos A Rockstar today after his strong return on the Sunshine Coast where he was beaten a nose, and his significant improvement second up last campaign bodes very well for this one. With the main challenger an early scratching, he rates $2.80 for The ‘Cock and currently provides a top quote twice that price.

Colinelle is a $3.20 favourite currently on the back of a 100% record in his three starts fresh, but The ‘Cock considers those odds big unders for one needing to improve considerably on previous efforts to match what Ringo is capable of.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Those confident enough to do so should take on the favourite Colinelle and go all in on Ringos A Rockstar, who represents far greater value for money at $5 and rates well ahead after The ‘Cock’s strenuous analysis. The ‘Cock would be very surprised if the winner came from outside these top three at worst, so include all three in wider exotics.

This was a race severely impacted by scratchings, with the initial field of 16 cut in half by the time they jumped. As it was The ‘Cock’s top rated Ringos A Rockstar was out of the money, as his next best Amanaat converted at $3.30.

Race 8 – 5:35pm

Fiery Heights (7) heads Allknight Saint (8), Cantbuybetter (2), Privlaka (11) & Someday (3) as The ‘Cock’s top chances in what looks a very tight race.

One to play wide, with Fiery Heights only narrowly standing out after a last start win here over 1200m. His ratings have spiked fourth up previously and he will be tough to beat if that is the case again, but with that last start almost rating well enough to win if at least replicated The ‘Cock has him a $3.20 top chance.

Just the one run in the last eight weeks for Allknight Saint which saw him win on the Sunshine Coast, and it rating strongly enough to put him in the finish if repeated today. The veteran is currently a double-digit chance who will certainly be one to monitor.

Can’t Buy Better returned well here last time out when running second over 1200m, and although his second up form is traditionally not as strong The ‘Cock expects him to feature in the top handful at least.

Recommended Bet:

• The ‘Cock can’t have any great betting confidence in this one, with hardly anything to split his top five on and then absolutely nothing to separate the next five on. Don’t get heavily involved and play wide in all exotics.

Noted as a very tough race and turned out as expected, with an 100/1 shot running third behind Jim Byrnes winner Frespanol who was $12 into $6.

Race 9 – 4:00pm

Plucky Girl (14), Super Suave (13) & No Annamossity (6) are the top trio in another very tough leg, with a big group of six or seven runners rating on par with each other and close behind the top chances.

Recommended Betting Strategies:

• Play this wide on all fronts, with The ‘Cock having only limited confidence on these top chances in a big field that bats pretty deep.

The $3.50 winner No Annamossity came from The ‘Cock’s top selections, in what was another race better left alone.

Morphettville

Race 5 – 3:41pm

Wasabi Bob (1) is the top-rated runner, from All Bar Two (6), Beau Rivage (2) & Rupture (4).

Wasabi Bob is a super consistent type who went to another level at the corresponding stage last campaign and held a top level for three starts, and The ‘Cock has seen a similar pattern emerging over his last few starts. Already well found in the market at $2.30 and is unders compared to The ‘Cock’s rating of $2.80 but looks the best winning chance.

All Bar Two is third up today and comes in after a second and last start win at Strathalbyn to kick off this campaign. Rating well and The ‘Cock can’t see him regressing today, making him a double-figure chance to keep an eye on.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock can’t knock Wasabi Bob’s winning claims but he would not be tempted into taking anything less than $2.80 before scratchings and would want to have these other three runners supporting him in the quaddie. With All Bar Two currently nearly twice The ‘Cock’s rated price at $12 he is definitely the value of the race and one to consider a small bet on.

Wasabi Bob drifted from the early $2.30 quote to become a good bet at $3 and duly saluted, with The ‘Cock nailing the first four on the race.

Race 6 – 3:41pm

Duckworth (3), Mystified (1), Invisible Girl (7), Ogunde (9) & Vicki’s Boy (6).

Another pretty poor betting race and tough quaddie leg here, where The ‘Cock narrowly favours Duckworth with the benefit of a run under his belt this campaign, compared to many of the others who are first up and overrated by the market.

Rated well when finishing a half-length from the winner in a blanket finish here over 1050m last time out, The ‘Cock expects him to be just as prominent today as a $4 top rated chance.

Mystified’s best two ratings runs have both come at this course but separated by eleven starts, with the first in her debut win last August and the second at her last run to end the most recent campaign. First up today and has been well and truly overrated to sit at $2.80.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Duckworth is currently sitting at $8 which is twice the price The ‘Cock has rated him at, so he is representing some okay value compared to Mystified at the $2.80. It’s not a race to be getting heavily involved in but look to a small bet on Duckworth if those overs hold and include all these runners in the quaddie.

Duckworth was an alarming drifter on race day, opening at $6.50, starting double that and performing accordingly. The winner Invisible Girl and second placed Mystified came from The ‘Cock’s top picks.

Race 7 – 5:10pm

Cobbmore (4) & Cosmic Lights (1) are The ‘Cock’s clear top two of this race, with Staghorn (9), Federal Court (3) & Cayman Nites (5) next in line.

The ‘Cock is happy to declare this one a race in two should Cobbmore & Cosmic Lights be at their best, with the former having a history of rating at his best first up over 1400m as he is today.

Cosmic Lights has produced ratings that are more than good enough to win this one back in Victoria, and while recent efforts haven’t been as strong he is here for her first start for the new trainer and a well fancied winning chance.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock has these two rated virtually on par with each other, but with Cobbmore providing maximum odds of $8 compared to just the $2 for Cosmic Lights, the value is heavily tipped towards the outsider. Expect the winner to come from one of these top two but given that value differential The ‘Cock could justify a small bet on Cobbmore.

Cobbmore was well supported in the market but fell short in the end, with Federal Court winning at $6.50 and in The ‘Cock’s numbers.

Race 8 – 5:57pm

Magnus Knight (3) heads Call Me Curtis (5) & Working From Home (8) as the top three, with Roseilli Sting (1) the main challenger from outside this bunch.

This is another difficult race to finish things, with Magnus Knight on top after a last start win at Gawler, and given he has missed the money just once in his last eight starts The ‘Cock fully expects him to feature heavily again. Rates a $3 chance for The ‘Cock, ahead of Call Me Curtis whose previous best would be good enough to win if he can get back to that level. Has been down on that lately but has had five starts at this track and trip for five seconds, so it’s fair to expect him on the podium today.

Working From Home is lightly raced and has claimed two wins from his two starts into this second career campaign, and while she will need to go to another level again today the scope is there to improve.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock can’t have enough confidence on any of the top three to be piling into any of them individually, but it is a final leg where these top four chances should suffice in exotics.

Another first four from Adelaide for The ‘Cock, with Magnus Knight smashed in from $3.20 to odds-on favouritism in the hour prior to the race and honouring the money.

Ascot

Race 5 – 6:45pm

Achernar Star (2) & Arcadia Prince (7) are the top pair, ahead of Debellatio (1), Reykjavik (10) & Vital Dancer (9).

The ‘Cock has these top two rated well ahead of the next best trio, with Achernar Star having beaten a solid field home here over 1200m second up last start and he could easily go better again here over 1400m. Overs at $4.60 currently compared to The ‘Cock’s marked price of $3.

Arcadia Prince is the favourite and while The ‘Cock acknowledges his strong winning claims after back to back wins to start the campaign, including at this track and trip last start, The ‘Cock is wary on the $2.35 quote. As always the Pike factor will contribute to these unders, but The ‘Cock will be hesitant taking less than $3.20.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The value differential between the top two has The ‘Cock more inclined to look towards Achernar Star but he can’t put any knock on the ability of Arcadia Prince whatsoever. Outside of these two, monitor the market around Reykjavik who could be a roughie worth a small bet, currently hovering around 20/1.

The winner $15 winner Money Maher was not one of The ‘Cock’s leading chances and beat home top pick Achernar Star, who was $4.60 into $3.40 but narrowly second. Roughie Reykjavik ran third as a $21 chance.

Race 6 – 7:15pm

Scales Of Justice (1) is the top chance, with Salubrious (9), Great Shot (5), Silverstream (8), Man Booker (3) & Chocolate Holic (6) the next best in a tight group two race.

Scales Of Justice is clearly the best-performed runner in the field and should win the race provided it has returned from Melbourne in the same condition he left it in. Ran second at this level at Flemington two starts back behind Redkirk Warrior before putting in a strong effort in the Rupert Clarke at Caulfield last time out and The ‘Cock has him comfortably on top.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Comfortably on top yes, but the $1.70 top quote for Scales Of Justice is severely underrating the rest of the field. The ‘Cock has him marked closer to $3 so that is not a price to be taking. He is the obvious banker in the quaddie but keep in mind this isn’t as clear-cut as the market suggests, so playing this one slightly wider may be greatly beneficial.

Playing this wide certainly paid off, with the $1.50 favourite Scales of Justice beaten by Silverstream and Great Shot, with $5.50 available for the winner.

Race 7 – 7:50pm

Shinta Mani (9) sits on top, with Gatting (4), Dark Alert (6), Tonto (7), Pushing Shapes (8), Toppa Dawozza (11) & Falcon Crest (3) The ‘Cock’s top numbers.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• This is an incredibly hard race to assess with any confidence and is a quaddie leg to take the field in, with no concrete basis to eliminate any runner on. The top-rated Shinta Mani rates $4.40 for The ‘Cock and is currently a $13 chance in the market so could be one to look towards for a small bet, but The ‘Cock is wary after a 48-day break and dropping back to 1800m.

The ‘Cock’s concerns over Shinta Mani were echoed by a big drift on raceday from $11 to $18, with the run vindicating these queries. Next best selection Gatting was a strong favourite and duly scored from Dark Alert.

Race 8 – 8:25pm

Celebrity Dream (9), Salorsci (5) & Gigante (1) are a tight top three, from Red Publisher (7), Gunnago (14) & Friaresque (12) in another very tight race.

The ‘Cock again can’t find much to split this field on, with at least seven or eight runners capable of winning this on their day.

The top-rated Celebrity Dream has resumed from a spell with two wins from two and has got scope to improve once again third up. Another at slight unders which will be unlikely to change given the Pike factor but certainly a good winning show.

Salorsci is the biggest danger to him and the hot market favourite, dropping back from group three level to a more manageable grade for this, and while The ‘Cock isn’t interested in less than $4.20 keep him in mind.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Not one to be getting involved in outside of quaddies, where you may want to take Celebrity Dream and Salorsci on their own to compensate for the wide play in the race prior. It is a very tight race though so if you can afford to play wider look to The ‘Cock’s top six above.

The winner here in Gunnago came from The ‘Cock’s selections and was well supported into $5.50 from $9.50, beating home well fancied $3 shot Celebrity Dream.