Although it can be hard to see what the game plan is currently, stats tell us that they are trying to play a possession based game which includes needing precision ball use when going inside fifty. Dropping Caleb Daniel, Bailey Dale, and Jack Macrae who are essentially their best ball users therefore makes no sense whatsoever. Outside of Marcus Bontempelli the Bulldogs midfielders aren’t good ball users. Adam Treloar is the man that has kicked the ball inside fifty on the most occasions for the Dogs this season and it is widely acknowledged that he is a poor kick. Tom Liberatore is slightly better but the same logic applies. When you compare this to the current benchmark in the Giants who have players like Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield, and Tom Green delivering it inside fifty it looks night and day and their inside fifties show this.

The other issue with a possession based game plan (or over possessing the ball when the pressure arises) is that the Bulldogs have an incredibly tall forward line which needs quick entries and one on one contests. Aaron Naughton is 196cm, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is 197cm, and Sam Darcy and Rory Lobb are both over 205cm. To take advantage of their height and marking dominance you would think that you would want to play a run and gun, get it in their quick style of football which would unquestionably have every back six in the league worried. Instead, the Bulldogs play a methodical and predictable style of football that allows teams to get numbers back and blunts any offensive weapons that they have.

Now, we get to the list build. Although I don’t think Luke Beveridge should have a job, I don’t think the list manager in Sam Power should escape scrutiny. The Bulldogs simply have no key defenders and I am not sure they have many good intercept defenders either. Liam Jones has become a good key defender but he is now thirty-three along with Alex Keath who is thirty-two which begs the question of who their key defenders are going to be in a year or two time. James O’Donnell has shown signs since moving to defence and the only other key defender on the list is their first round selection in 2022 in Jedd Busslinger who is yet to play a game. The lack of outside midfielders is also a major issue. Bontempelli, Liberatore, Treloar, and Macrae are all brilliant footballers but they do their best work on the inside. The outside brigade in Caleb Daniel and Bailey Dale aren’t being selected which leaves the likes of Bailey Williams and Jason Johannisen to fill the void who aren’t currently getting the job done.

Now we can discuss the coach in Luke Beveridge. The sheer arrogance of this man in his post-match press conference to say that they had “one eye on next week” had to be seen and heard to be believed. This was a Bulldogs team that was 2-2 after four games and had beaten Gold Coast (middle of the table side) and West Coast who are the worst side in the competition. What made Beveridge think that Essendon, a team who was also 2-2, could be underestimated?

He then made comments surrounding Tom Liberatore collapsing after an obvious head knock/concussion that were just bizarre. Beveridge claimed that Liberatore had “lost his footing”. Generally, Luke, you stand back up after losing your footing. Liberatore face planted and didn’t get back up in what were truly scary scenes. I think Beveridge is a man that knows he is coaching for his career, and it is all starting to unravel mentally for him much like it did surrounding the Tom Morris saga.

The Bulldogs play the Saints tonight and their season is on the line. If they cannot find a way to win this game against an undermanned Saints outfit in the face of the scrutiny they have been under all week, they simply aren’t a team ready to play finals football. Beveridge is the type of man who will live and die by the sword of his approach to the game of football, and he may in fact figuratively die on Thursday Night football with the eyes of the football world watching on.

The post Is There Even A Whimper Coming Out Of Whitten Oval? first appeared on The Mock Sports.

Track Report: Track should be bone dry and with the rail out six metres from the 900m-Winning Post; Out five metres for the remainder, which is where Rosehill really starts to trend towards those horses who are forward in the run. Watch the bias throughout the day.

Race 1 – 1300M Midway (Bm72)

Peak is a solid Midway competitor that often finds himself in the thick of things in this grade. Almost got the choccies last start in a race where the tempo didn’t really suit anyways. Should be a bit more speed in this one to cart him into it and is at a solid price as well, happy to go each way.

Field Wiri has been swooping her heart out these last few starts and just hasn’t managed to nab them late. Gets 100 more metres here to stretch out and try have a lunge at them late. Marquand on board, who is in top form and should give it every chance.

Black Duke a solid chance, as always. The uncatchable horse I like to call him and he can join the long list of others who have that tag as well. Will sit amongst the pack and show his hand late if at all.

Liberty Sun has drawn horribly, but has the speed to get over towards the leading pack if he jumps clean. A must for exotics at that price I reckon.

Selections: 13-18-3-8

Suggested Bet: Peak Each Way

Race 2 – 2000M James Squire Neville Sellwood Stakes

Serpentine picks himself really. Has class over this field, will roll forward and be the one they have to chase down. At his pet distance and in his pet conditions with the rail out quite a bit, he should be getting the job done and can do it comfortably if he brings his best.

Zeyrek the only real danger you would think here, and the market seems to think that as well, as they have put him up as favourite. He is one of those horses that loves to pop his head up in races such as this and considering he has form behind Via Sistina, he is the one danger to Serpentine in my mind.

Little Mix and Normandy Bridge are the ones I can entertain to round out the exotics.

Selections: 2-1-10-4

Suggested Bet: Serpentine Win (BEST BET)

Race 3 – 1400M Hyland Race Colours Baillieu

I will take Anode here. You would think the form alone makes him the bet here. But as always, 2YO’s are very unpredictable, so tread lightly. He split Dublin Down and Coleman last start, both of which finished 11th and an incredible narrow 2nd respectively. The draw is tricky, but he will have the speed to overcome that. I am surprised he isn’t favourite.

Linebacker is the favourite and you can see why on face value. Won by an impressive 4 lengths on debut and then proceeded to put in an impressive 3.3 length trial victory. He draws to get an easy lead and can 100% sustain it, especially if his opponents fail to put much pressure on. Just can’t entertain the price, and as I have said, Anode has the classier form.

Silmarillion comes out of a narrow loss in the Riesling Stakes, a race that is almost always a strong form race to go off with the 2YO’s, so I am certainly respecting that. JMac sticking shows some confidence and the jump in distance should only help you would think.

Parkour to round out selections. Rand some nice sectionals behind Storm Boy and ran on fairly enough in the Todman to warrant some respect here.

Selections: 1-6-4-3

Suggested Bet: Anode Win

Race 4 – 2000M Toyota Forklifts Tulloch Stakes

Wymark just has to be the play here. He has been rising through the ranks with ease with the Derby in mind and has been set for this race specifically in order to get his ranking to a point where he can race in the big one next week. He gets better with every run and every step up in grade, he will absolutely eat up 2000m, maps to get the box seat behind the leaders and go wooshka past them in the final moments

Kintyre and Saltcoats were the ones that closed off strongly in the Phar Lap Stakes behind Zardozi, who, is an extremely strong chance in a G1 Vinery later on in the day, so you have to respect them here for sure.

Tanhauser can have the same said about him, throw in some form around the Derby favourite in Riff Rocket and he commands a spot in the selections. However, I am pretty confident the favourite wins.

Selections: 3-2-5-1

Suggested Bet: Wymark Win

Race 5 – 1500M Canadian Club Emancipation Stakes

I want to be on Vienna Princess. The Millie Fox Stakes she came 4th in has since produced Lekvarte a Group 3 win, lady Laguna a group 1 win and Zougotcha a Coolmore Classic Win. So the form is strong on paper. Vienna Princess did indeed run a fairly average race in the Coolmore but she hates wet tracks, something she shouldn’t be getting here, so I think she can bounce back in a big way.

Hinged, what do we do with Hinged? God she has had a rollercoaster career and I am surprised they haven’t just sent her to breed at this point, because she has the biggest monkey on the back you will ever see. She just continually drops in class looking for easy kills and she just can’t manage to get that kill. Finds another winnable race here, I no longer trust her, but wouldn’t blame you if you still do and have a punt on her. Her best smashes these.

Makarena has been performing very solidly in some strong company as of late. Led in the Surround Stakes and was gunned down late and then closed off well in the Phar Lap and has that Zardozi form. Draws to get the gun run and might just be able to hold on this time.

Olentia should have been winning last start. Perhaps she was just too unfit when 5 weeks between runs. On the week back up, and is well placed, weights and barrier wise. Can bounce back.

Selections: 6-2-13-5

Suggested Bet: Vienna Princess Each Way

Race 6 – 1200M Egroup Security Star Kingdom Stakes

I want to be with Coal Crusher here. I know he doesn’t have the class of some of these other horses, but boy he maps brilliantly for this one. He might be in that 10th barrier, but there isn’t alot of speed in the race so he should end up either in front or with a perfect trail right behind the leaders. He is uber consistent, only finishing out of the top 4 once in his last 7 starts, all of which have been in strong company. I think he is certainly up to the task

Hawaii Five Oh comes here with just about the best form you could ask for, considering he finished last prep with a 2 length loss in an Everest and then a 1.6 length loss in a Golden Eagle, so he is by far and away the class horse of the field. His trials have been so so, but he usually runs like a bomb when fresh and maps well here to get the box seat for a win.

Zou Tiger is a super classy horse but boy his prep has just been strange. Hasn’t had a run in 2 months after 3 runs really close together in January, and he has had just the 1 tick over trial. Could find himself underdone, but his best can certainly win.

Shinzo is a false favourite in my opinion. I think he’ll be retired before April is out and he is a place chance at best here. An exotic filler selection.

Selections: 2-1-7-4

Suggested Bet: Coal Crusher Each Way

Race 7 – 2000M G1 Vinery Stud Stakes

Is this a 2-horse race? I say yes. But which one am I on?

Zardozi has to be the play for me. She has been kind to me in the past and she has been perfectly built up for this race. She gets better the further she goes and is ready to peak here. One of the world’s best jockeys on board, I think when she really starts to motor she can take it to the short favourite.

However, Orchestral will be INCREDIBLY hard to beat and if she was at a better price, I would be all over her. She has beat up on everybody and anybody that came her way in NZ and now comes to show the Aussie girls how it is done, as is common in this race. JMac on board, the camp is supremely confident, could just gap them.

Tutta La Vitta and Kimochi are the only other horses I could possibly entertain.

Selections: 1-2-5-3

Suggested Bet: Zardozi Win

Race 8 – 2400M G1 Tancred Stakes

Post Impressionist. Never doubt Marquand and Haggas. Dominant last week and could be dominant again here before going to the Sydney Cup and once more being dominant. The only thing that beats him is the week back up I feel.

Buckaroo is the wildcard here. Didn’t expect to see him entered in this one, but if he handles the week back up, he is the one massive danger to the favourite in my mind. He has the Via Sistina form, finishing just over a length off the boom mare and looked great late. But he needs to be able to handle the back up and the distance.

Ashrun 100% needs to be watched with a close eye here. The Melbourne Cup form has been THE form this year surprisingly for stayers with a big chunk of them coming out and running blinders. He put in a phenomenal performance in the Pakenham Cup and if he sustains that effort, he can upset them here.

Bois D’Argent is an exotics must in my opinion. He has been in career best form these last couple of preps and is always capable of finding his way into the money.

Selections: 5-1-3-8

Suggested Bet: Post Impressionist Win

Race 9 – 1500M Racing And Sports Doncaster Prelude

Very open race, which has me looking for Value. Coin Toss looks like a worthy whack at the stumps. The Singaporean horse that was purchased for the Golden Eagle and he ran solidly without ever threatening to win, but 3.5 lengths off the Doncaster favourite in Obamburumai is not terrible form in the slightest. Killed his opposition at Canberra, gets down in the weights and is drawn well.

Another Wil is obviously a horse that needs to be respected and will be very hard to beat if he doesn’t manage to get stuck in traffic. Been smashing his competition down in Melbourne in weaker company, but has done it with an arrogance that suggests he will thrive in open class. Well weighted and should be in the finish.

Amor Victorious could steal this one with pure pace. Doesn’t have the class of some of these, but if he pushes forward strongly enough and manages to get a quick sectional off, he can easily find his way into the finish.

Welwal has drawn absolutely terribly, but has the ability to be running well here nonetheless in my opinion. Genuine potential to find his way into the money here.

Selections: 12-17-16-8

Suggested Bet: Coin Toss Each Way

Race 10 – 1400M Hkjc World Pool (Bm88)

Back to boring Cashy and taking the favourite in the last. I am just a big Gringotts man. Always on this horse and convinced he is destined for better things than Benchmark racing, but either way, I feel he is better than this crew and I am happy taking him on.

Iknowastar went on an absolute tear through the Spring and the weight tag here is justified, as he should be in races stronger than this. Well drawn, should push towards the front and be hard to run down. I would think he will be vulnerable come the late stages when the weight and lack of fitness starts to get to him.

Razors has some very solid form behind a horse named Winchat, who would absolutely walk in backwards here. Never missed the placings at this distance and should find himself on the tail of a solid pace in transit.

Willaidow is in career best form here and is well placed to be running strongly here and continue that form. Panya has stuck the whole prep, which I appreciate, I think he can potentially steal this one.

Selections: 8-3-13-15

Suggested Bet: Gringotts Win

Top Selections For The Card
Race 1: Peak
Race 2: Serpentine (BEST BET)
Race 3: Anode
Race 4: Wymark
Race 5: Vienna Princess
Race 6: Coal Crusher
Race 7: Zardozi
Race 8: Post Impressionist
Race 9: Coin Toss
Race 10: Gringotts

Quaddie
Race 7: 1,2
Race 8: 1,5
Race 9: 8,10,12,16,17,20,22
Race 10: 3,8,13,15
$50 gets you 44%

SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD.

The post Saturday Racing Preview – Rosehill Tips And Best Bets 30/3/2024 Tancred Stakes Day first appeared on The Mock Sports.

Track Report: Track is currently a Soft 7 and the rail is out 2 metre the entire circuit. It was hard to make ground last week and I expect the same here. I reckon horses will want to be in the front half of the pack going around the bend to have the best chance of winning. They’ll also likely get off the fence as the day goes on. However, the Slipper seems to always be stuck on the rail, no matter the weather and track conditions, strange that.

Race 1 – 1500M Midway (BM72)

This race has a few of my old Midway favourites in it but no better than the race favourite in Wrathful. I am a big fan of the way this horse goes about it. He hasn’t really stepped wrong since his debut and has rarely been far off in his 7 career starts thus far. I’m honestly surprised to see him still in Midways after he has had some success in better races. Should sit just off them and rattle home strongly.

Elettrica is another one of my Midway favourites, that I honestly feel is a little hard done by to still be in this grade, as she is just so consistent and could arguable have much more wins on the board next to her name. Will burst through and show her hand late, if its wet, she’ll love it even more.

Tavs got a bit too far back to really fire an effective shot last start, and he certainly won’t be able to do the same here to be truly effective. But with a better run in transit, he is strong enough to run over the top of them here. Richard Litt is a solid trainer for these Midway grades and he deserves a win after a few near misses in recent times.

Kingston Charm absolutely sh*tting it in last start at $61 was seen coming by just about nobody. Stop lying, you didn’t tip him. Displayed clear ability to get the job done in this grade, so he is a massive watch to see if he can back it up with another strong run.

Selections: 3-1-7-16

Suggested Bet: Wrathful Win

Race 2 – 2400m Precise Air N E Manion Cup

This is an interesting race, as we get to see our first big name Import for the Autumn. Haggas hasn’t brought Dubai Honour this year, but he has brought a few good ones over, but how good are they? Post Impressionist doesn’t have a huge amount of ‘strong’ form around him, but he did run 8 lengths behind Deauville Legend once, is that enough? I am happy to find out. $3 could be slightly unders, but he should be winning.

So United is a severely underrated horse for the Waterhouse and Bott Camp. He always comes to the races full of running and he is almost always at each way odds, which if he wasn’t trying to beat a seasoned international import, I would be all over, and I don’t blame you if you are. He should take a commanding lead and if he skips away around the turn, he’ll be hard to catch.

Stockman is praying the rain strikes once more and we get an even soggier track than is expected. He isn’t the almighty G1 conqueror he once was and the reason he always ends up the top weight, but he usually pops his head up and puts in a solid run in these types of races.

Almania is coming off of a solid Canberra Cup win, where he beat a couple of his opponents here, so they’ll need to turn the tables on him. Only query is, he is usually no good beyond 2000. Has Kris Lees finally figured him out?

Selections: 4-7-2-5

Suggested Bet: Post Impressionist Win

Race 3 – 1900M Bisley Workwear Epona Stakes

Very open race here, with most of the top chaces drawn very wide. Osmose, however, is drawn perfectly. Was excellent when first up when narrowly missing behind Lekvarte. She should head right to the front and set the tempo, hopefully he can keep kicking and get up

Thalassophile was a bit flat last start, was it Waller second up syndrome? Or was she just no good? Willing to forgive, because she has proven herself time and time again in these filly and mare type races. Shocking barrier, but if JMac manages to get her over onto the back of someone early, she is within a strong chance of running over the top.

City Of Lights is the sister of Winx, so you know she is bred to get to this distance, so the fact she has never seen it doesn’t worry me. Jumped to Saturday grade for the first time last start and was really solid, closing off with some nice sectionals. Interested to see how she goes.

Little Mix was another one that was excellent when closing off strongly late in the piece last start. But that barrier is a betty crocker. She would have had my money if she didn’t draw the carpark, but has the turn of foot to find her way into the money.

Selections: 5-1-20-7

Suggested Bet: Osmose Win

Race 4 – 1200M Irresistible Pools Darby Munro Stakes

Backing Red Resistance in to bounce back here. Was fantastic first up considering he was a year between runs. Looked strong going around the bend and just tired late. He will take fitness from that Wider barrier doesn’t help, but he is lucky that there is little speed drawn on the inside, so he shouldn’t find it hard to get up on the pace and hopefully he holds on this time.

Brave Mead will be the one to watch late. The only way he doesn’t finish in the money in my opinion is if he manages to miss the kick and end up in a bunch of traffic. He has only ever missed the money once and that was on a bottomless track, which we won’t, touch wood, be getting this weekend. Shinn sticks and should stalk the pace and be super strong late.

Schwarz showed some strong signs of talent in his debut prep in the Spring, which was capped off with a strong win at Flemington. Has been in the paddock since waiting for this race to kick off a late Autumn assault on the 3YO stakes races I assume. Trials have been good, JMac booked, camp is confident, you would expect him to run well.

Don Corleone is a strange strange horse and I have managed to get sucked in again here, will I regret it? Maybe. He failed to do much of anything first up, but can be forgiven due to a medical scare. His trial form reads that he beat Think About It and that is good enough form to be respecting him here despite the price.

Selections: 3-2-6-7

Suggested Bet: Red Resistance Each Way

Race 5: 2000M G1 Ranvet Stakes

Out of all the boom imports to hit Australian shores this carnival, Via Sastina is supposed to be one of the best, if not the best. She eats up this distance, is Ascot placed, can get the job done in all conditions and gets JMac. You’d hope she would be running well based on her pricetag.

Buckaroo was solid without threatening too much when running first up. He has always shown signs of talent, but he can’t just seem to repeat his European exploits Down Under. He has been kept on ice for this race, which shows strong intent to get the job done and he gets one of the world’s best jockeys. He should be running well here.

Think It Over my oh my the old boy just keeps on kicking doesn’t he? Knocked off Fangirl in the VE Stakes in arrogant fashion with a superb 10/10 ride from Nash Rawiller and they’ll be looking to knock off another boom Waller mare here. Drawn well, gets to his pet distance and he usually has success at this track, keen to see if he can keep his momentum going.

Place Du Carrousel was also bought for Waller for a stack of money – over 6 million smackaroos! She needs it to be wet, considering she has always excelled with her toe in the ground and can easily provide a bit of X-Factor here.

Selections: 6-3-1-7

Suggested Bet: Via Sastina Win

Race 6 – 2000M G1 Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas

Immediacy just looks over the odds to me. Couldn’t be more impressive in all 3 starts to date, which have all been winners. He absolutely spanked the competition last start over 1800m, albeit, a much easier field. It will be tricky from the widest barrier, but he is a solid each way play.

Tom Kitten was hard done by in the Randwick Guineas. He is still looking for a whole to dart through and get out. Those who backed him are probably still crying into their 2-minute noodles. He finally, I repeat, FINALLY, gets back out to his preferred distance and is drawn perfectly to get a good spot amongst the pack and hopefully gets a clear run to the line late.

Riff Rocket was absolutely phenomenal first up, looked like a world beater, and then managed to find a flat spot when second up. Second up syndrome? I would think so. He has proven to be far too good in the past not to be bouncing back here. An unplaced run would be a genuine shock.

Cafe Millennium is perhaps the biggest money muncher of the 3YO class. Every few runs he puts in a HUGE swooping effort that screams back me next start and then proceeds to run dead last. Will he do it again here? Likely, yes. But his run was too good not to put him the selections. Do you see the toxic cycle he puts us in?!

Selections: 7-4-2-3

Suggested Bet: Immediacy Each Way

Race 7 – 1500M G1 George Ryder Stakes

Mighty Ulysses has me intrigued. Spoken personally to Annabel Neasham and she said she bought this horse for specifically the Cox Plate and if he is going to be good enough for that race, he needs to be showing a spark here. Trials have been plain, but he was never really asked for anything. Well drawn, gets Marquand, who jumped off Pericles and Golden Mile to get on this horse and at a whopping price, I am willing to find out if he is mice or man.

Think About It is unders for mine, considering his first up blunder and his horrendous barrier, seriously, if he manages to win from that barrier, he is a deadset super hero. Sounds like I don’t think he can win right? If he was any other horse, probably, but he has proven to be an uber reliable, respond when the chips are down type of horse who can be backed under these circumstances. Would love to see a larger price considering though.

New Energy is a horse that I think has a bright future in Australia. His first up run was phenomenal all things considering, he made a stack of ground and ran some of the fastest sectionals of the day on a track that was quicksand for backmarkers. I blackbooked him and vowed to back him next start. The he drew barrier 16 and I cried a little inside. I reckon he is worth a tiny each way speck, but definitely follow him going forward.

Militarize is an interesting one. I feel like he would have been a moral in the Guineas, yet he lines up here. Clearly Waller sees something we don’t. He will be ready to peak, he’s well drawn and has a blinding turn of foot when asked for it. Big chance.

Selections: 10-1-11-16

Suggested Bet: Mighty Ulysses Each Way

Race 8 – 1200M G1 Golden Slipper

I have settled on Switzerland. He comes here undefeated, coming off two really smart lead up runs, including the win in the Todman, which is always a strong form race for the Slipper. He gets JMac and a perfect barrier to do whatever the camp want him to do. He should get onto someones back in transit, break clear of the pack late and can easily chase down whoever has their head in front late. I am confident he will be in the finish.

Storm Boy is obviously the other big chance in the race. What hasn’t been said about him already? I have my doubts, but maybe I am just cynical. I think for him it comes down to the jump. If he jumps clean and gets his prime spot on the fence, he’s golden. If he is sluggish and ends up in traffic, game over. 

Prost is an underrated knock out chance in my mind. This horse only finishes a length and a half off of Storm Boy, running better sectionals than him on the day as well and has arguably the most in form 2YO jockey this season on his back, yet he is $40+ and Storm Boy is almost even money. Make it make sense. Seriously Seriously overs here. Best Roughie in the race by a mile.

Shangri La Express has been completely missed by the market. Drawn perfectly, comes out of the Todman, and despite having to turn the tables on Switzerland, he is yet to do anything wrong in his career and he has proven to be quite tough so far, so I can certainly see him upsetting the market at huge odds.

Selections: 7-1-12-3

Suggested Bet: Switzerland Win, Shangri La Express Place, Prost Place, Straight Charge Place and a Trifecta with all of the Waterhouse runners

Race 9 – 1100M G1 The Galaxy

Ozzmosis. That is all. No in all seriousness, he is no longer the sure thing I thought he would be when he drew barrier 13, but am I still confident he wins? Of course I am. He is well in at the weights, his trial work has been super slick, he has the speed to overcome th wide draw and is just super gutsy. Still confident the big boy gets it done!

Private Eye is overs here. Despite his lacklustre run last start and his poor barrier, he is the class horse of the field. So $10+ is a silly price and is quite honestly the only other bet I would want apart from Ozzmosis.

Sunshine In Paris deserved to be in the Everest, but alas an injury struck her down. She is back now and I am excited to see what she can do. She is a Sheraco winner and a Surround Stakes winner, but can she tackle the boys? We find out here.

Passive Aggressive seems to always get undervalued by the market. Considering the scalps she got last start you would think she wouldn’t be at such big odds again. If it is still Soft by Galaxy time, she could be the biggest danger of the lot.

Selections: 13-1-11-10

Suggested Bet: Ozzmosis Win (BEST BET)

Race 10 – 1200M Tab Birthday Card Stakes

Quite the open race to finish off here, many many chances here. So, I may as well go for some value here and I spot myself another import and an import trained by Joe Pride no less, you never see that. Sounds Of Heaven has some solid form in Europe and has proven himself first up before. Usually likes to get over a mile, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him make his way into the money and make me a lot of it. 

Tintookie has drawn shocking, but if anyone can win from there, it’s her. She’s super honest, gutsy and always puts her foot forward, and last start, she stood head and shoulders above the rest in her biggest test to date. Deserves all the respect in the world. 

Tashi has been the surprise packet of the benchmark sprinters so far this Autumn and she deserves a crack at this type of grade and deserves to be well respected in the market. She’s got great sustained speed down the straight and can fly late if she’s got a back to follow.

Olentia is always a good looker on paper, but I would rather have her go around without my money, she always seems to come up second best. 

Selections: 7-5-11-3

Suggested Bet: Sounds Of Heaven Each Way

Top Selections For The Card
Race 1: Wrathful
Race 2: Post Impressionist
Race 3: Osmose
Race 4: Red Resistance
Race 5: Via Sastina
Race 6: Immediacy
Race 7: Mighty Ulysses
Race 8: Switzerland
Race 9: Ozzmosis (BEST BET)
Race 10: Sounds Of Heaven

Quaddie
Race 7: 1,3,10,11,15,16,17,18
Race 8: 1, 7
Race 9: 1, 11, 13
Race 10: 3,4,5,7,11
$50 gets you 20%

SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD.

The post Saturday Racing Preview – Rosehill Tips And Best Bets 23/3/2024 Golden Slipper Day first appeared on The Mock Sports.

Track Report: Track is currently a Good 4 and that shouldn’t change with very hot days scheduled all the way in the lead up to race day. The rail is in the true position so racing should be as fair as fair can be.

Race 1 – 1200M Midway (BM72)

Mad Darcey just tips itself doesn’t she? She’s had 2 wins and a narrow 2nd so far this prep, all of them with lovely swooping runs. She was flying last start when running over the top of them to win, add another 100m onto that. Please, I’m all over her.

Black Duke has always been uber consistent, but never got many wins to his name. However, they seem to have unlocked the secret recipe with some gear changes and he has managed to win 2 on the trot. Can the secret formula keep working? Has to carry a lot of weight, but his best can win.

Flying Sultan is a bit of a battler that races for a battler trainer in Mitch Beer. Keeps kicking on this prep and has been racing really well in the country and provincial grades. Managed to spank his rivals by 5 lengths last start and the jockey will make sure he is quick to try and get over to the rail from that wide draw, and if he does, watch out!

Huon rounds out selections. Richard Litt knows how to prepare a horse for a Midway and he can certainly find a win here. Lloyd has had nothing but success on this horse as well, massive watch.

Selections: 13-1-5-6

Suggested Bet: Mad Darcey Each Way

Race 2 – 1900M Quayclean (Bm78)

We all know I love an import and Dasho Lennie fits that bill here. Won excellently first up in the country on a weekday at Sandown, sat quite a bit off the front and still flew past them to get the victory. Obviously that was a different kettle of fish, but up in trip and an improvement in fitness with JMac on, I think he can definitely get another win here.

Wymark is the big watch here. He has been beating up on his provincial rivals with pure arrogance. Don’t believe me? He is only coming off a 9.5 length win! He will dash right to the front and try and kick all the way as he has thus far this prep.

Dr Evil deserves to jump in class again here and I feel he is excellently placed with this being his pet distance and he has managed to draw well here. I think he can run over the top of them here, especially if the leaders go a bit too quick.

Sunlord drawn to do no work in trying to get up on the pace and is right down in the weights. Could just steal this one.

Selections: 2-8-3-12

Suggested Bet: Dasho Lennie Each Way

race 3 – 1200M Magic Night Stakes

Last chance for the girls to make it into the slipper here. Gotta be with Fly Fly. Form behind Switzerland and Manaal, it’s only a recipe for success in my opinion. As long as she doesn’t get too far back she is right in this and should be considered the horse to beat.

Castanya is another horse who comes here with form behind Switzerland, so she is certainly to be respected. Neasham will also be desperate for some Slipper representation after her other prospects went up in smoke, so expect plenty of intention to get the job done here.

Chateau Miraval would have to turn the tables on Fly Fly, but she’ll be sent out to lead and try and get another Waterhouse horse into the Slipper to join the 30 others. Serious threat.

Canara rounds out selections. A win would be a shock, however, a placing would be far from it.

Selections: 3-2-5-9

Suggested Bet: Fly Fly Win

Race 4 – 1200M Pago Pago Stakes

Last chance for the boys to get into the Slipper next week. Going to be boring and stick with the favourite here. Gatsby’s looks a class above the rest of this field. He was super smart in all of his trials into the lead up to a very smart debut. Can sit off the leaders pace, which you would think would be Anode and then he can run past them and stamp himself as a genuine Slipper smoky in my opinion.

As mentioned, Anode should lead and should lead with authority. Waterhouse will want as much representation in the Slipper as possible and she can certainly get one here with this horse. Hippo should jump him clean, give him a dig in the ribs, get him straight to the front and try and kick all the way down the straight.

King Of Rosseau is probably not a Slipper winner, but can he find his way into the race? It is certainly not impossible. He has the form of Fully Lit and should be up on the pace and will be really motoring going around the bend. Can he sustain the speed though? Hasn’t been able to under pressure yet, this is his test.

Coleman comes here to try and get in after being the latest in a long list of failed Blue Diamond favourites. Gets his chance to rectify it, but I think he could get outclassed once more.

Selections: 7-4-5-1

Suggested Bet: Gatsby’s Win (BEST BET)

Race 5 – 2000M James Squire Sky High Stakes

Just Fine to bounce back here. I know I know, he finished a long last when first up in the VE Stakes, but he can bounce back. That track was just awful and the stewards said there was something slightly off with him. Further, fitter, drier, maps to lead. He is the winner in my mind.

Lindermann had a much better run that day and actually snuck into the placings, which has led to him being put up as a short favourite for the bookies here. Couple this recent form with his love for Rosehill (Won the Rosehill Guineas over this track and trip as a 3YO), he is in a great position to finally get another win.

Would be surprised to see neither of these horses come out on top, but you also just gotta think that this is one of those races where a roughie will swoop and get up. Thus, I am happy to include Stockman and Explosive Jack in the selections. They’ll be running on pretty strongly and just might get their noses in front if their runs are timed right.

Selections: 4-3-5-2

Suggested Bet: Just Fine Win

Race 6 – 1100M Tattersalls Group Maurice Mccarten Stakes

Dashing Legend for me here. Joe Pride has really gotten the best out of this mare in my opinion, as every piece of work under him ahs been really solid. Yet to miss the placings at this race, yet to miss the placings when first up and has only ever missed the placings once when on a good track. Maps well to stalk the leaders and should be one of the strongest home. I am pretty confident she will at least place at solid odds.

Red Card is a deserved favourite here, as she managed to beat a couple of the horses she faces here in her last start, forcing them to have to turn the tables. Hippo is flying at the moment and should give her an absolute peach of a ride out in front and try to skip away around the corner with that inside draw.

Omni Man will have to turn the tables, but you can certainly take it to the bank that if he jumps clean, he will make the favourite work for it up front. Didn’t jump as well as he would have liked last start and got trapped without cover and was quite wide when doing so as well. Can bounce back.

Airman brings the Imperatriz form. But he finished 6 lengths back, is that really good form? Either way, G1 to G3 is still a drop and he should be respected as a threat.

Selections: 10-4-7-1

Suggested Bet: Dashing Legend Each Way

Race 7 – 1500M Chandon Phar Lap Stakes

Tutta La Vitta was huge last start in the Surround Stakes. No right running he way she did at the price of $100 so the market simply just undervalued her. Was super late last start and ran some excellent sectionals to nab 3rd place behind Tropical Squall who is a leading chance in the G1 race of the day. Just needs to not get trapped wide without cover from that shocking barrier and she can find her way into the finish again.

Mare Of Mt Buller is at big odds and I can see why, but also can’t see why at the same time. On one hand, all of her form is in Midweek company and she now has to jump to face some serious Group 1, 2 and 3 competitors. However, on the other hand, Waller horses always run well in this race and we know he is a Grand Final trainer, so she’ll be ready to rock and roll, otherwise she wouldn’t be here. With the arrogance she has put some fields away with she has displayed enough talent to warrant a solid chance here and I firmly believe she is overs.

Zardozi will likely need longer, as she did last start as well, however, she is a classy filly that wouldn’t surprise with a win despite this distance being far short of her best. Marquand should give her every chance and she will be running on late.

Makarena as favourite when she faded late in the Surround and Tutta La Vitta ran straight past her is a strange move by the market. I think she is a winning chance, but would have her marked a little higher than $4. Can win, but look for a better price in my opinion.

Selections: 12-15-11-14

Suggested Bet: Tutta La Vitta Each Way

Race 8 – 1500M G1 Coolmore Classic

Yonce sticks out to me as a huge value chance that the market has overlooked, just because she is a Melbourne horse that has different formlines to all of the girls. 7/10 in her career, 6/7 on a good track, 6/7 with John Allen on, always strong late. If the tempo suits, she can certainly run over the top late.

Zougotcha will be very hard to beat, however, I will admit that. But, history is against her when it comes to the weight. Not many winners have pulled the race off when carrying 57Kg or more. However, in saying that, Krone pulled it off only a couple of years ago. She seems to be back, Waller has had this race in mind for her for the last year you would think, she will be really dangerous late.

Vienna Princess was outstanding in the Spring and she deserves to be respected as a genuine chance to be winning a G1 race here. She closed off strongly in the Millie Fox Stakes, which is a race that has produced 2 wins since (Lady Laguna and Lekvarte) as well as 3 of the last 9 Coolmore Classic winners. So she has the form on paper, just needs to get a clean run to the line to be a threat.

Semena is flying and can 100% give Dylan Gibbons his 2nd Group 1 win here. She should grab the back of someone amongst the pack and use it to cart her around the corner before swinging into a gap and trying to let down. The only queries is she is yet to place at the track and yet to place at this distance.

Selections: 11-1-4-3

Suggested Bet: Yonce Each Way

Race 9 – 1500M Atc Foundation Ajax Stakes

Can’t go past Democracy Manifest. He was excellent last start despite the terrible leaders bias on the day that allowed Phearson to somehow win the Liverpool City Cup. He closed off as well as he could have and with an extra couple hundred metres, some added fitness and JMac back on him who has been his best jockey so far, I only see him running well.

Glory Daze is a good horse and I can see him winning multiple stakes races throughout his career. He was strong 1st up without winning and then won with ease, with 61kg on his back mind you. Drops a whopping 8kg here and is drawn well to stalk the leader. Strong chance in my opinion.

Welwal is back by the looks of things. I have been on this horse multiple times with so far negative results. The one time I jump off, he puts it all together and wins at big odds. If Waller can get him to repeat his efforts, it will be no surprise to see him charging into the money late.

Amor Victorious rarely finds himself outside of the money and probably should find himself there again here. Should be nice and quick out of the gates, taken right to the front and just needs to sustain the speed all the way down the straight. Has been able to do that so far, but jumps to a whole new class here.

Selections: 5-11-8-13

Suggested Bet: Democracy Manifest Each Way

Race 10 – 1400M Rosehill Bowling Club (Bm88)

Tavi Time might just win here, but he is far too short for me here.

I will go Gently Rolled instead for a bit of value i what should be hotly contested sprint to the finish. Been stepping up in grade and performing better with every run. Yet to put a foot wrong this prep, Zac Lloyd sticks and she should be super strong late and I would be surprised to see her finish out of the money.

Winchat had a crack at group racing last start and just found himself outclassed. Drops back to Benchmark grade here where he can shine once more. Is super quick and should be hard to run down if he gets to top gear.

Sweet Mercy is one of those horses that you just never know when the head is going to pop up. Four Pillars winner and the winner of a first up run last week at Warwick Farm. Should be strong late.

Selections: 9-7-6-11

Suggested Bet: Gently Rolled Each Way

Top Selections For The Card
Race 1: Mad Darcey
Race 2: Dasho Lennie
Race 3: Fly Fly
Race 4: Gatsby’s (BEST BET)
Race 5: Just Fine
Race 6: Dashing Legend
Race 7: Tutta La Vita
Race 8: Yonce
Race 9: Democracy Manifest
Race 10: Gently Rolled

Quaddie
Race 7: 2,5,11,12,14,15
Race 8: 1,2,3,4,11
Race 9: 5,8,11,12,13
Race 10: 6,7,9
$50 gets you 11%

GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. CHANCES ARE YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE. SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT.

The post Saturday Racing Preview – Rosehill Tips And Best Bets 16/03/2024 Coolmore Classic Day first appeared on The Mock Sports.

Track Report: Track is currently a Good 4 and that shouldn’t change with very hot days scheduled all the way in the lead up to race day. The rail is out 3 metres the entire circuit, this however, shouldn’t affect bias too much.

Race 1 – 1600M Midway (Bm72)

Straight to the point – Mahagoni. He has dropped off a cliff in general the last year and a bit and he has slowly been dropping in grade. He finally drops all the way to a Midway grade here and he won’t know himself. Glory Daze, Redstone Well, Estadio Mestalla, those are proper horses who can win some high benchmark quality races.

Satness is always a consistent character in races such as this. He will also be hoping that the track is playing up and in again like it was last week, as he will push right to the front and try and kick away down the straight. Hippo is flying as well, so he should give it every chance.

Invincible Legend might have finished 15 lengths off the finish last start, but he had excuses. Suffered from heat stress and just didn’t want to be there at all. His best can win a race like this, that is for sure, so if he can bounce back here, you’re getting a fantastic price.

Elettrica needs a few scratchings to get a start, but if she manages to get into the race, she will be very competitive, as always in Midway grade.

Selections: 3-6-2-24

Suggested Bet: Mahagoni Each Way

Race 2 – 1200M Yarraman Park Reisling Stakes

Too Darn Lizzie on a silver platter please. Got a massive ticket on her for the Slipper and while she’ll find it tough to beat Storm Boy, you would hope she can go close. Needs to win here first and if she brings her best that was displayed in Gold Coast, she can easily beat this crew. She was quick, smart and responded under pressure. She’s got the goods and I can’t see her losing.

Erno’s Cube has the runs on the board here and needs this win to really solidify her spot in the Slipper, so the camp will have great intention to get the job done here.

Silmarillion gets JMac on board and has had some solid trials thus far. His one start came behind Gatsby’s and that’s a solid horse in my opinion. Certainly worth a watch in the market.

Extreme Diva the only other horse I could entertain here with form behind all the top 2YO’s headed into the Slipper – Switzerland, Shangri La Express, Manaal and Lady Of Camelot.

Selections: 1-2-8-6

Suggested Bet: Too Darn Lizzie Win (BEST BET)

Race 3 – 2000M Randwick City Stakes

Open race here with multiple winning chances, so I will be specking one at odds here in Bois D’Argent. Super consistent horse, who has only missed the top 3 at this distance once in 9 starts and once first up in 6 starts. He is also a horse who ran 4th in the Caulfield Cup last year. So he needs to be respected and I think he can run a great race here.

Canberra Legend returned solidly enough first up to warrant a forgive that he didn’t win. Peaked a little on the run, before holding onto a top 4 finish within a length of the winner. Will take fitness from that and will love it if the track is loving leaders.

Serpentine and Military Mission often need a run to really get going, but they’re two of Waterhouse and Bott’s more consistent stayers and you would imagine that they will be the two to really set the pace early. Great each way plays.

Selections: 3-10-1-5

Suggested Bet: Bois D’Argent Each Way

Race 4 – 1100M Tokyo City Keiba Fireball Stakes

Red Resistance is back! I know he has had a loooooong stint on the sidelines and he might be a touch fresh, but you know Gai Waterhouse will have him ready, especially with the 6 trials he has had leading up to this. If he is still the same horse he was this time last year, he can win this for sure.

Facile is a pretty sharp horse. Never should be going to 1200 like she did last start. She is a pure 1000-1100 horse in my opinion, so she is well placed back in distance here. Should push to the front and make the favourite work for it.

Keenan has the form of running behind Phearson in his latest trial, that horse came out and won really well last week, so it needs to be considered. He will be the 3rd in a line of horses pushing for the lead and has never missed the placings when Tim Clark is on.

Rush Hour hasn’t done a lot wrong in his career thus far, and I think he warrants a spot in the exotics, as apart from the top 3, I feel it is a thin race.

Selections: 2-7-4-5

Suggested Bet: Red Resistance Win

Race 5 – 1200M Todman Stakes

I can’t see why Shangri La Express is at his current price despite potentially not having as much intent as some of the other horses here. He has done nothing wrong in his career so far, has drawn soft and will be in the right part of the track to win, so I just have to go each way on him.

Switzerland needs to win this to cement himself in the Slipper. If he doesn’t win, he risks missing out, despite being the 2nd favourite in the market. Waller has a smart one on his hands, one that I can see being a long term horse for him, unlike a lot of the other early 2YO’s that pop up this time of year. He can certainly truck behind the speed and win.

Straight Charge is obviously a big threat here and is one of the few horses I could see pushing Storm Boy in the Slipper. However, he is already in the race here. He doesn’t need to win this technically, so will the intent be there?

Espionage likely tails the speed and runs into the placings, if not get up to add another Waterhouse horse to the Slipper assault.

Selections: 1-6-3-5

Suggested Bet: Shangri La Express Each Way

Race 6 – 1000M Hyland Race Colours Challenge Stakes

Private Eye could have been winning the Newmarket Handicap this weekend if he stayed in Melbourne, yes, I am serious, so it is strange that he has ended up here. Pride must be confident in him, especially since he is staying at the 1000m. Back around a bend will help as well. I think he can win and do it comfortably.

The only horse I see mainly challenge him is Remarque. He always runs like a bomb when fresh and is usually quite sharp over 1000m. Every prep he goes to another level and he only needs to do that again in order to knock off the short favourite here.

Mazu really fell off a cliff compared to this time 2 years ago didn’t he? Unfortunately, he hasn’t got the chance to have a blessed run of heavy tracks like he did when La Nina came to town. He resumes as a member of the Joe Pride stable which is huge. If anyone is going to turn this horse around it is Pride.

Aft Cabin is a horse I have a negative relationship with. However, I couldn’t possibly fault his recent trials, including one where he beat Tropical Squall, who last week won the Surround Stakes. Can be considered a danger.

Selections: 1-3-2-4

Suggested Bet: Private Eye Win

Race 7 – 1300M James Squire Canterbury Stakes

The only thing that beats Think About It is the barrier. If he somehow gets trapped wide while Malkovich tries to steal it with a commanding lead, he might not have the chance to run them down. But if Clipperton can get him into an appropriate spot, it is over, he has the class to run past them. One of the more confident tips of the day, but no prizes tipping him considering his price.

Malkovich I mentioned is a danger from a map point of view. Could be a tearaway leader who tries to steal it and if Randwick is playing to the leaders again, he definitely can at a huge price.

Espiona and Lady Laguna the only other two I could potentially entertain.

Selections: 1-5-6-7

Suggested Bet: Think About It Win, Think About It Win – Malkovich Top 4 SRM

Race 8 – 1600M Randwick Guineas

Blinkers on for Celestial Legend who I tipped about a month ago in the futures market. He came of age last start where he gave the rest of the field windburn at Rosehill when he finally got to a distance that suits him. I think he can go to another level here as he has always seemed to be a Miler. Very excited to see what he can do and win a much deserved G1.

Militarize is now obviously going to be hard to beat. He has a lot of class about him, he is already a G1 winner, he has run well against horses who are much older and stronger than this and dropping back to his age group will give him a huge leg up. He honestly could give them windburn if he brings his best.

D-Day for Tom Kitten here. He has put in two very plain, albeit excusable runs this prep so far, however, now that he gets back out to a more suitable distance for him and he isn’t firing a shot it could be time to think about heading to the paddock and starting again in the Spring.

Encap is always there or thereabouts, just one of those horses that reminds me alot of an Icebath, he’ll continually place in top races and pay for himself without actually winning too many G1 races. But he is suited out to the mile and has a great turn of foot, certainly can’t be ruled out.

Selections: 3-1-2-4

Suggested Bet: Celestial Legend Win

Race 9 – 1600M Mostyncopper Aspiration Quality

Really really open race, Thalassophile for me. Closed really well behind some talented boys last start and drops back to all girl grade now which will put her in good stead. JMac has success aboard, I think she is worth taking each way odds.

Lekvarte rattled off some nice sectionals last start behind some very talented horses in Lady Laguna and Zougotcha, who are proper G1 quality. Steps back up to the mile now which suits her very well and gets to Randwick where she has almost always had success. Certainly the main danger.

Howgoodareyou hasn’t come up that good this prep despite having a decently strong Spring. This is where she can prove that there were excuses in her two starts to date and she has just needed a longer distance. To be fair to her, she is an out and out dry tracker and she has pulled 2 soft tracks, perhaps that is the thing to turn her around.

Ita rarely runs a bad race. She has drawn a shocking barrier, but a placing wouldn’t surprise one bit.

Selections: 1-4-12-9

Suggested Bet: Thalassophile Each Way

Race 10 – 1200M Toyota Forklifts Wenona Girl Quality

Call Di with that all important trainer change to Joe Pride. I think he can really get the best out of this horse that has had the potential to jump out of the ground its entire career. Happy to go with her here and I hope se does me proud.

Eagle Nest was flying last prep, but in much easier grades than this. This is by far her greatest test as she steps up in grade and distance, but runs well fresh and on dry tracks, throw in the fact that Jay Ford is riding pretty well for his standards at the moment she is certainly an each way chance.

Tintookie put in her first poor run of the prep last week, but that was only because she went down the fence which was Off with a capital O. It was genuine quicksand. They’ve sent her out on the one week back up for a bit of redemption and she could definitely get it here.

C’Est Magiue is another horse like Call Di that has always been like 90% put together, without ever really smashing through that glass ceiling. Can find a black type win here.

Selections: 5-12-13-3

Suggested Bet: Call Di Each Way

Top Selections For The Card
Race 1: Mahagoni
Race 2: Too Darn Lizzie (BEST BET)
Race 3: Bois D’argent
Race 4: Red Resistance
Race 5: Shangri La Express
Race 6: Private Eye
Race 7: Think About It
Race 8: Celestial Legend
Race 9: Thalassophile
Race 10: Call Di

Quaddie
Race 7: 1
Race 8: 1,2,3,4
Race 9: 1,4,12
Race 10: 3,5,7,11,12,13,15
$50 gets you 59%

GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. CHANCES ARE YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE. SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT.

The post Saturday Racing Preview: Randwick Tips And Best Bets 9/3/2024 Randwick Guineas Day first appeared on The Mock Sports.

SYDNEY SWANS VS MELBOURNE DEMONS – THURSDAY 7:30 – SCG

Both of these teams are among the top six in the outright Premiership betting odds set by bookmakers around the country and it should be a cracking contest between two teams that didn’t live up to their own expectations in 2023. Melbourne went out in straight sets after a brutal loss to Carlton, as did the Swans in the Elimination Final. The Swans recruited hard in the off season when recruiting Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, and James Jordon whilst the Demons will be expecting internal improvement to boost them back up the ladder.

WHERE SYDNEY CAN WIN:

The Swans can gain aerial dominance in their own defensive fifty which can both limit the Demons scoring ability whilst also providing run out of the defensive half. Harrison Petty is likely to miss for the Demons which means that Jacob Van Rooyen will have to go it alone against a Sydney defence that includes Tom McCartin and the intercepting combination of Nick Blakey and Dane Rampe. The most instrumental match up of the game might be that of Robbie Fox on Bayley Fritsch. If Fox can nullify his influence it will mean that the Sydney defence can settle as a back six and limit the Demons scoring opportunities providing there is some pressure on the kicker up the ground.

The other focus area for the Swans will be to break even forward of centre by not allowing the likes of Steven May, Jake Lever, and Adam Tomlinson to intercept mark as that is their main strength. Sydney do have the ability to hold their own in the air considering the height of their forward line in Joel Amartey, Hayden McLean, and Logan McDonald. Not only will they keep the Demons defenders occupied, but they can also hit the scoreboard with all three of them kicking over twenty goals in 2023. If they can minimise the Demons aerial dominance in defence it will go a long way to them winning the game.

WHERE MELBOURNE CAN WIN:

The Demons have a full strength midfield and face a Swans midfield six that is missing Captain Callum Mills, Luke Parker, and Taylor Adams. Melbourne were the third best clearance team in the competition last season and they are now facing the second worst clearance team in the competition without two of their best midfielders. The SCG is a ground where there is an emphasis on centre bounce clearances and it is hard to see the likes of Errol Gulden and Chad Warner being able to beat the big and hardened bodies of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, and Jack Viney. If the Demons dominate clearances and contested possession the flood gates will eventually open. In the two contrasting contests last season the three Demon midfielders combined for seventy-seven and eighty-three disposals respectively and were arguably the difference in the game.

It might also be worth adding that the Demons small and medium sized forwards in Bayley Fritsch, Kade Chandler, and Jake Melksham were the key factors forwards of the centre for the Demons and that may be the case again on Thursday night.

PREDICTION: I think the Demons can overpower Sydney in the contest and have enough scoring opportunities to kick a winning score on what is likely to be a fast SCG deck. Melbourne by twenty-two points. They historically start the season well and this year will be no different.

BRISBANE LIONS VS CARLTON BLUES – FRIDAY 7:40PM – GABBA

This promises to be an enthralling contest between two clubs who are expected to be there deep into September this season. It is the Preliminary Final rematch from last season and we can expect another high quality game to take place between these two teams here. The two clubs were relatively quiet on the recruiting front this off-season. Internal improvement will be expected at the Blues whilst the Lions are a hard, tough, and disciplined twenty-two that was a kick away from being Premiers last season and should be expecting to go one better in season 2024.

WHERE BRISBANE CAN WIN:

Without Jacob Weitering this Carlton defence looks very shaky. They are playing the best offensive team of last season in the Lions and the key forward duo of Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood have two very good match ups with Lewis Young and Brodie Kemp their likely opponents. Daniher and Hipwood combined for one hundred goals last season and they have the size and speed over their opponents here. Carlton also lack a good lock down small defender which was shown last year when Charlie Cameron and Zac Bailey hit the scoreboard hard against them and not much has changed in that regard over the off-season. Mitch McGovern will most likely be pre-occupied helping out the likes of Kemp and Young and that means Adam Saad and Nic Newman will get the jobs on Cameron and Bailey and if last year is anything to go by they will most likely get beaten and it will go a long way to Brisbane winning the game.

WHERE CARLTON CAN WIN:

The Blues trump card is always their forward line and they boast one of the most potent ones in the competition. Last year’s Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow lit up the Gabba in the first quarter of last years Preliminary Final which showed he can dominate the Lions defence and Harry McKay has got enough looks at goal against them in the past and only needs to kick straighter to have an influence on the game. The midfield battle is likely to lean slightly towards the Lions which is going to make every forward fifty entry more important for the Blues and it is the one weapon they have that can beat any team at any time. I think the only way they win this game is to dominate their own forward fifty.

PREDICTION: I think without Weitering and Walsh it is going to be very difficult for the Blues. Brisbane by five goals in what should be a relatively comfortable win.

GOLD COAST SUNS VS RICHMOND TIGERS – 4:20PM SATURDAY – METRICON

Both teams kick off their new era under new coaches Damien Hardwick and Adam Yze respectively and the Suns are the team expected to rise up the ladder this season under the tutelage of the man who took the Tigers to three Premierships. Both teams finished in the bottom six last season after horrible ends to the season and the first six rounds is going to be of ultra-importance to both teams so expect them both to be pretty much ready to go in this opening round contest. Will there be bad blood between the two teams due to Damien Hardwick? Time will tell but it will be a talking point all week.

WHERE THE SUNS CAN WIN:

There is two areas the Suns can capitalise on and one of them is the midfield battle. Gold Coast boast one of the better contested and clearance midfields in the competition led by Touk Miller, Noah Anderson, and Matt Rowell and the Tigers have been lacking in this area for the last few seasons and are relying on internal improvement from the likes of Thomson Dow and Liam Baker to fix the issue. In the corresponding fixture last season Anderson and Rowell combined for fifty-eight disposals and seventeen clearances and a repeat of that wouldn’t really surprise as I don’t think the Tigers have fixed their midfield issues and it will only be compounded by Touk Miller being an inclusion who didn’t play much football in 2023.

The other area that the Suns can gain ascendancy in is the Tigers forward fifty. Without Tom Lynch in this forward line (and potentially Dustin Martin) they lack potency and will rely on essentially two players in Noah Balta and Shai Bolton to get the job done and kick goals. The likes of Charlie Ballard and Sam Collins should be able to mitigate the aerial presence of Balta and Shai Bolton which makes it hard to see the Tigers being able to kick a winning score. The fitness of Dustin Martin is a huge concern for the Tigers.

WHERE THE TIGERS CAN WIN:

The Tigers hopes rely on their young key defenders having good games in Josh Gibcus and Tylar Young. If they can hold Ben King and Jack Lukosius quiet throughout the contest, I don’t think the Suns have many other scoring options and that will allow the likes of Dylan Grimes, Nathan Broad, and Nick Vlastuin to intercept at will which is something they are elite at. If they can intercept the likes of Daniel Rioli, Jayden Short, and Sam Banks will be able to use their speed and kicking ability to provide scoring chains out of their own defensive fifty. The Tigers ranked first in rebound 50s per game last season and going by the pre-season games it is something that they will continue to at least try and do in 2024. The Suns lack defensive pressure in their own forward fifty and the Tigers simply need to take advantage of it which will therefore give their weakened forward line a chance at some quick ball movement.

The Tigers also need to break even in the middle of the ground and Tim Taranto might be the most important player for them in that regard. He ranked tenth in total clearances last season and fourteenth in contested possessions and is arguably one of the best inside midfielders in the league. The likes of Jacob Hopper and Dion Prestia also need to stand up or else it might be a long afternoon for the Tiger faithful.

PREDICTION: This game could go either way but I think at home you have to favour the Suns. Their midfield should gain ascendancy and lead them to a big opening round win. Gold Coast by eight points.

GWS GIANTS VS COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES – SATURDAY 7:30PM – GIANTS STADIUM

Both teams come into this season with the Grand Final as a pass mark which means that this should be a cracking game of football. The Preliminary Final between these two teams last year was a brilliant game of football and I think we will see another game of high level football here. Both teams are in the right age bracket to be contending again and it is hard to see them both not finishing in the top four and being right there at the pointy end of the season again.

WHERE THE GIANTS CAN WIN:

I think the Giants one wood is their forward line and they face a weakened Collingwood back six with Nathan Murphy and Jeremy Howe unavailable. The Giants key forwards in Jesse Hogan, Jake Riccardi, and Aaron Cadman should be able to match it in the air with the likes of Darcy Moore and Billy Frampton and the smalls might be the ones who do the damage. Toby Greene kicked sixty-six goals in 2023 and is arguably a top three forward in the competition and the likes of Brent Daniels and Toby Bedford can also hit the scoreboard. If the Pies intercept marking defenders are kept occupied it will allow the small and medium sized forwards to get a good look at some inside fifty entries which should allow for them to kick a winning score.

The other area the Giants need to hone in on is their defensive half. For all of the Magpies small forward options they are still bereft of a good key forward and the Giants key defenders in Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, and Connor Idun might be able to intercept at will if the ball has some pressure on it coming inside fifty. It was something they struggled to do in last years Preliminary Final and they will put a big emphasis on it on Saturday Night.

WHERE THE MAGPIES WILL WIN:

The inside midfield battle was owned by the Magpies in the Preliminary Final and it could be the case again here if the Giants haven’t fixed their clearance and contested ball work over the off-season. They won the clearance battle 44-26 in that Preliminary Final and it was Jordan De Goey who led the charge in there with thirty-four disposals and thirteen clearances. If the same thing occurs here and the Magpies dominate the midfield battle, history suggests that they will be able to score enough to beat the Giants. The onus will be put on the likes of Tom Green and Josh Kelly to lift in the middle and carry them to redemption from that Preliminary Final.

PREDICTION: I think the Giants will be hungry at the contest and will break even around the ball which will lead to them having a slight edge at both ends of the ground. Giants by sixteen points.

The post AFL OPENING ROUND PREVIEW: CAN YOU HEAR A BIG, BIG SOUND? first appeared on The Mock Sports.

The Mocks are back for another season of our flagship show – The Quaddie poddy!

Join us throughout the Autumn Carnival for weekly tips, best bets and banter, as we try and come out on top and back plenty of winners!

Included in the ep: Last weekend racing review, ,Listener Questions, Randwick Rundown, Key Facts and Stats, The Great Autumn Tip Off, Around The Grounds, Best Bets, and of course The Quaddie!

Copy Our Bets With Dabble Today! Sign Up with them with the link: https://dabble.onelink.me/i0P0/fnyin32q
SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD

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The Mock Sports podcast is brought to you by Stridyl. Stridyl is where entertainment meets opportunity when it comes to Horse Racing. Check out their Racing Marketplace which lets you sort through the top available horses around the country to be trained by some of Australia’s top names! Head to Stridyl.com today to check it out! It is time to get out of the group chat and buy yourself the horse of your dreams today!

The post WATCH: The Quaddie Poddy S6 E4 – Verry Elleegant Stakes first appeared on The Mock Sports.

The Mocks are back for another season of our flagship show – The Quaddie poddy!

Join us throughout the Autumn Carnival for weekly tips, best bets and banter, as we try and come out on top and back plenty of winners!

Included in the ep: Last weekend racing review, Listener Questions, Randwick Rundown, Key Facts and Stats, The Great Autumn Tip Off, Around The Grounds, Best Bets, and of course The Quaddie!

Copy Our Bets With Dabble Today! Sign Up with them with the link: https://dabble.onelink.me/i0P0/fnyin32q SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD

…

The Mock Sports podcast is brought to you by Stridyl. Stridyl is where entertainment meets opportunity when it comes to Horse Racing. Check out their Racing Marketplace which lets you sort through the top available horses around the country to be trained by some of Australia’s top names! Head to Stridyl.com today to check it out! It is time to get out of the group chat and buy yourself the horse of your dreams today!

The post The Quaddie Poddy S6 E4 – Verry Elleegant Stakes first appeared on The Mock Sports.

Track Report: Track should be completely bone dry come race day, however, there is rain predicted on the day, which could tip us into the Soft range. The rail is in the true position and the racing should be as fair as fair can be.

Race 1 – 1100M Midway (Bm72)

Straight to the point here with Mad Darcey. Was on her last start when she stormed home late to come 2nd behind Martial Music. She gets a bit of a weight swing on that same horse here and with an extra 100m to stretch out she is in a great position here to turn the tables.

Moonlight Grace is at a price that I can’t quite wrap my head around to be honest. Never missed a placing when first up, also at a distance she doesn’t mind either. She has placed in 7/10 races in her career and has gotten the job done in this grade before. She shouldn’t be priced over $20, there are definitely worse chances in the race.

Vindication is one of the more consistent horses you can find running in the Midway grade. Often runs super when first up, should get a cushy run in transit off the pace and is at a solid price.

Martial Music is obviously a good chance here, but I think he could be slightly vulnerable as favourite. Steps to a distance he is yet to place at in 5 attempts and jumps in weight as well. Watch the market for a potential drift I feel.

Selections: 14-7-8-6

Suggested Bet: Mad Darcey Each Way

Race 2 – 1200M James Squire (Bm88)

Our Kobison here. Its a short price, probably won’t be betting on it, but he just gets the job done in my mind. Here will be a lot of horses like that today. Tintookie will likely go to Flemington instead, if she does indeed run in Sydney, I could entertain a play.

Tashi is an interesting prospect but isn’t as good as Kobi in my opinion. Our Kobison has a bit of Shelby Sixty Six about him in my opinion, being a pure country horse turning into a city horse that could win a big race this year. Super smart, super fit, should be winning.

Pereille has yet to miss the placings at this distance from 10 attempts and has only ever missed the placings once in 14 starts. Worth an each way play.

Selections: 3-5-6-4

Suggested Bet: Our Kobison Win, Tintookie Each Way

Race 3 – 1000M Tab Highway Hcp (C3)

Have to go with Perennial here. Beware the unbeaten horse as they say and this horse has yet to put a foot wrong in its career being 3/3. Bullock sticks, the distance looks like it won’t be an issue, happy to him on.

Outishka is well placed here I feel after rising through the country and provincial grades to earn a start here. Only ever missed a placing once in 7 starts and is well drawn in a middle barrier, allowing the camp to either send her forward or let her take a sit behind the leading pack, as she has had success doing both.

Tom Marquand in a highway, now you don’t see that very often. Lyrical Beauty has the luck of the draw in booking the international superstar, which immediately raises the horse’s stock. 2 from 4 in his short career for Matthew Dale, who is flying as a trainer right now. Solid chance here at big odds.

Once Again My Girl has the form of Derry Grove, which is fantastic form for Highway grade considering what that horse has done sine leaving that grade. Should be somewhere amongst the finish.

Selections: 2-4-13-5

Suggested Bet: Perennial Win

Race 4 – 1200M Catanach’s Jewellers Skyline Stakes

Storm Boy. Next.

In all seriousness, this is the definition of a no-bet sort of race. If you’re desperate, go each way on a horse like Prost for the upset. But, it’ll be very hard to beat the favourite, he could very well gap them and justify the Winx Odds.

Selections: 1-3-4-7

Suggested Bet: No Bet

Race 5 – 2000M Yarraman Park (Bm88)

Open race here for the benchmark stayers. Miracle Spin is the one I have to stick fat with. Ran some of the best sectionals of the day and the best sectionals of his race. Jumps steeply to a much more suitable distance for him. Should get shuffled to the back, but if he stays within striking distance he can certainly run them down.

Logan Street Lion looks to be a danger here. Has only had one go at this distance, but this prep, he has looked to be crying out for a trip like this. Forgive run last start, as he was stuck in traffic and with a clearer run this time in he can be right in the finish.

Redstone Well won really last start over a very smart type in Estadio Mestalla. This horse looks to be a great chance to be Annabel Neasham’s next Europe rags to riches story as he has simply gotten better with every run down under. Should be one of the strongest late.

Louisville had some very similar sectionals as Miracle Spin last start, which means he could 100% benefit with the jump in distance here. He has become one of those bridesmaid horses that can never really crack a win, as is evidenced by those 6 2nd placings on his record. Finds a winnable field here though.

Selections: 8-3-1-10

Suggested Bet: Miracle Spin Each Way

Race 6 – 1200M Tab Sweet Embrace Stakes

Manaal. Next.

No, no, in all seriousness, this race is far from as cut and dry as the Storm Boy race earlier. However, I am of the strong opinion that the field favourite will be getting the job done. Her form is surrounded by Lady Of Camelot, who should be the Blue Diamond winner if she didn’t get pipped right at the end. Manaal won’t be winning the Slipper I think, but she’ll be there and she’ll confirm her place with the win here.

Extreme Diva, Chateau Miraval and Castanya round out selections and present as the horses you should be whacking in your exotics.

Selections: 1-6-4-2

Suggested Bet: Manaal Win

Race 7 – 1600m Verry elleegant Stakes

It is Fangirl versus the world at those odds, but realistically, can I see anything beating her? No, I simply can’t. However, she isn’t really a betting proposition at that price. She will definitely be the top selection but, as she warrants it. Her first up win was the definition of dominant and she looked just like the Waller girls of old in Winx and Verry Elleegant when she just walked past the competition without being asked of anything. Super impressive, super talented, super horse, she wins.

Buckaroo is a horse I have a bit of time for honestly. Has strong Europe form and has yet to show that in Australia, but has been getting better with every piece of work and in my opinion here is probably the only horse I can see winning and not being surprised at the outcome. Confident he will be in the finish.

Just Fine is a horse that honestly boggles my mind. Stormed through the grades in a matter of starts in the Spring and started $1.75 when winning the G1 Metropolitan. He then dropped back 400m and ran like a donkey. Gai seems to want him to be a cups horse this year and if that’s the case, he needs to be firing. This is a good kick off point here for him at a comfortable distance. Place chance.

Cascadian is always in the mix for these sorts of races. Was stuck in traffic the entirety of the Apollo Stakes, so has excuses. Very capable of bouncing back here.

Selections: 9-4-5-2

Suggested Bet: 9/4 Exacta, Buckaroo Place (BEST BET)

Race 8 – 1400M Surround Stakes

Zardozi obviously gets better over longer. She is an Oaks horse after all. However, at her price, I can’t let her go around without me. She is a horse that I think will be super hard to beat in a race like the Vinery Stud Stakes and then in the Spring something like a Metropolitan, so clearly I have a high opinion of her. This is just a kick off point, but she can definitely find her way into the money and when that is paying more than the favourite to win, I think from a betting POV, I can’t ignore it.

Learning To Fly is a super exciting prospect and will be very hard to get past here. She was by far and away the most talented Filly this time last year before her injury and she 100% has returned as the same horse. She just wasn’t as fit as she could be off the long break when being beaten by a lip first up. She’s better than most of this field and better than Kimochi in my mind, so with the added distance and fitness, she is certainly a deserved favourite.

Kimochi obviously, as mentioned, beat Learning To Fly last start and should be respected as such. She probably has the best late kick out of the whole field, so watch her fly late, however, I think she might have to get used to running 2nd again.

Stefi Magnetica was strong enough through the line in the Light Fingers Stakes to warrant a spot in the selections here. Exotics must.

Selections: 2-4-3-12

Suggested Bet: Zardozi Each Way and Learning To Fly Win

Race 9 – 1400M Proven Thoroughbreds Guy Walter Stakes

I gotta go Hinged. She has dropped off a cliff so much that she’s ended up in this race instead of the Verry Elleegant, which you would have expected her to line up in. If she isn’t running well here, it is time to retire.

Duais is the exact same here. Should be in the VE and because of how inconsistent she has become she lines up here. This isn’t a distance that suits her, so she might not be sharp enough to get the job done here, but class alone could take her to victory.

Ausbred Flirt is a strange one. Usually you would say she is waaaaaay outclassed here. But, she did finish 1.5 lengths off the finish and come 5th in an Invitation last year, which is solid enough form to be winning a race as thin as this.

Miss Faberge winning would genuinely be a shock, but a placing would be far from it. Made enough ground in the Triscay behind Semana to warrant the respect of labelling her a place chance.

Selections: 2-1-6-7

Suggested Bet: Hinged Win

Race 10 – 1300M Liverpool City Cup

We all know I love an import and I will be all over New Energy here. Has form behind Buckaroo and Light Infantry, two group 1 horses, so I love that for him here. Usually strong first up, but might need a run or two to really get going down under, but at the price right now, I am happy to risk it.

Winchat has been rising through the ranks excellently of late and 100% deserves a crack at the Group level. Dropped 6kg off of a first up win to win a 2nd on the trot impressively last start and then drops another kilo and a half here, so he won’t know himself with that on his back. Has the speed to overcome the draw and will be super competitive.

Democracy Manifest is a horse that can certainly be a G1 winner by the time 2024 has ended and this is our first look at him this year. He has become a very consistent horse that just manages to be in the thick of things come the late stages in races. Always runs well fresh and loves the distance, huge chance.

Coal Crusher is another horse that has become super consistent and is used to running in this quality of race by now. Form is littered with top tier horses in King Of Sparta, Private Eye and Bella Nipotina. Honestly, surprised he isn’t favourite. Very respectable choice if you decide to jump on.

Selections: 6-13-5-2

Suggested Bet: New Energy Each Way

Top Selections For The Card
Race 1: Mad Darcey
Race 2: Our Kobison
Race 3: Perennial
Race 4: Storm Boy
Race 5: Miracle Spin
Race 6: Manaal
Race 7: Fangirl
Race 8: Zardozi
Race 9: Hinged
Race 10: Winchat

Quaddie
Race 7: 9
Race 8: 2,3,4
Race 9: 1,2,6
Race 10: 2,3,4,5,6,13
$50 gets you 92%

GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. CHANCES ARE YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE. SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT.

The post Saturday Racing Preview – Randwick Tips And Best Bets 2/3/2024 Verry Elleegant Stakes Day first appeared on The Mock Sports.

The wait is finally over! Rugby League returns this weekend, but for the first time in National Rugby League history, the season is being launched in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.

In a bold gamble by the NRL, Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo have managed to secure a 5-year deal that will see every club take part in Las Vegas. In 2024, it will be the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters showcased at the 65,000 Allegiant Stadium. Rugby League’s biggest names, Reece Walsh, James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, and Tom Trbojevic, will be looking to play their best games in front of a live and TV audience of Americans. 

Vegas Rugby League will look a little different to back home, with the dimensions of the playing field being six metres shorter and five metres narrower than a regular league field, being 68 metres wide and 100 metres from tryline to tryline. An eyecatcher will be the goal posts, which are going to be that typical NFL yellow style in a way to attract the American eye.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sunday March 3, 1:30pm AEDT

Seibold’s Sea Eagles will be looking to start the season with a win under new halves, pairing Luke Brooks and Daly Cherry-Evans. Tom Trbojevic will be looking to have a huge year on the paddock, as this will unlock the best form from Manly in pursuit of playing consistent football in 2024. A strong forward pack and blistering back line now mean it’s up to the Manly halves to spell the magic and play finals footy. 

South Sydney will be looking to bounce back in 2024. After sitting first with the finals in sight in 2023, in came injuries and suspensions, leading to the bunnies bouncing out of the 8, finishing with a disappointing 9th. Coach Jason Demetriou has a lot on his plate this year, and with the addition of Jack Wighton to the squad, he will need to fit him while making sure Lachlan Ilias hits the ground running in hopes of forming well-performed combinations with Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell. 

Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos, Sunday March 3, 3:30pm AEDT

Once again, the Bondi boys will line up with a star-studded team, with the addition of ex-panther Spencer Leniu adding extra grunt to their 2024 pack. 2023 was a disappointment for Roosters standards, missing the top 4, and with combinations taking a while to get into gear, you would think this year the likes of Brandon Smith, Tedesco, Walker, and Keary take it up a notch to solidify a top 4 finish. This is Jared Waerea-Hargreaves final season with the Tricolours, closing in on 300 career games. The squad will do their all to send JWH out a winner and lift the Provan-Summons trophy for his fourth time. 

The 2023 runners-up, Brisbane, will be looking to go one further this year by lifting the Provan-Summons trophy, which they agonisingly had their hands on, only for Nathan Cleary to steal the show in what was a memorable grand final comeback. Having lost key players in Tom Gilbert, Herbie Farnworth, and Kurt Capewell, players will have to step up and fill that void while working alongside one of the most electrifying players in Reece Walsh. 

The Mock Sports Top 8 predictions

The post VIVA LAS VEGAS – NRL ready to showcase Rugby League to American eyes! first appeared on The Mock Sports.