Sandown Race 7

The Taj Mahal (8) & Almandin (1) are The ‘Cock’s best two for this edition of the Zipping Classic, with So Si Bon (6) & Big Duke (2) the only genuine challengers.

The Taj Mahal was heading in the right direction late in the Emirates Stakes, and with an extra 400m to work with today The ‘Cock expects him to be right in the picture. $4 top odds on offer currently not far off The ‘Cock’s $3.60 rating.

Technically speaking, Almandin is has gone up in weight compared to his Melbourne Cup run, but without the burden of Frankie Dettori on his back this time he should be far better off. Oliver is back in the saddle after suspension and he will enjoy the 2400m more than he did the 3200m eleven days ago. The Cup run wasn’t as strong but he has produced ratings high enough to win this throughout the campaign, and while The ‘Cock would be hesitant at $2.50 you’d be a fool to rule him out.

Big Duke ran a huge race for fourth in the Melbourne Cup which has attracted plenty of attention, opening at $3.20 which The ‘Cock considers too short to touch despite acknowledging that he should be at the pointy end of proceeding, given the step back in trip won’t suit him as much as it will the leading two.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock’s top two are clearly the best chances in the race, but are already very well found in the market at $4 and $2.60 respectively. The Taj Mahal is very slight overs compared to The ‘Cock’s $3.60 price tag, and while this is not a high confidence betting race, he is one to take at anything above that price. So Si Bon is the roughie of the race to monitor, rating around half the current top quote of $16 and may be the one to look at with a small bet.

Rosehill Race 7

Pipeline (9), Fifteen Sunflowers (7) & Best Guess (6) rate as The ‘Cock’s top trio, with Star Reflection (11) & Caerless Choice (3) the next best.

The ‘Cock likes Pipeline first up here if he can go close to the rating that saw him kick off last campaign with a win at this track and trip. Has a perfect record fresh and there’s nothing to suggest he can’t do it again, rating a $3.50 top chance for The ‘Cock and currently paying well over that.

Fifteen Sunflowers improved out of sight to win at Canterbury by five lengths last start with a career peak rating, though this was well and truly above anything she had produced previously. The market shares The ‘Cock’s query over whether it was an aberration or the new standard but can’t dismiss entirely so monitor for support.

Best Guess is the $3.60 favourite after three very strong runs to kick start this campaign, including the last start run for third here over 1100m. Only has to show some natural progression fourth up to be in the finish, though The ‘Cock wouldn’t be buying into less than $5.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• Absolutely have to respect the favourite Best Guess but The ‘Cock considers Pipeline the better investment avenue at the overs of $8. Not one to put the house on but The ‘Cock is confident enough to buy in, though all listed runners should be included in any quaddies.

Morphettville Race 7

Trogir (5) is the clear pick of the race and should win, from Another Bender (6), Barood (1) & Embecee Lil (3) as The ‘Cock’s next best.

Trogir has got the most potential of any runner in the field as shown as he cantered in against weaker company here ten days ago, and despite the step up in grade, The ‘Cock expects he can more than measure up to this field. Rates a $2.50 top chance and currently sitting upwards of $4.

Another Bender is a 25/1 shot to monitor here after she romped in fresh last start at Wangaratta, and with a very good second up record The ‘Cock has her marked a $7 chance. Will need to improve and hope Trogir is off his game but it would not surprise The ‘Cock to see her salute at big odds.

Recommended Betting Strategy:

• The ‘Cock would be putting all his eggs in the Trogir basket at the current top price of $4.60 and would be happy to take one out in the quaddie. Those looking for something else could have a small bet on Another Bender at $26.