FROM

All Silent has been relegated to the second line of betting ($4.00 - $4.60) with Eskander’s Betstar after drawing the horror outside barrier of 14 in the Hong Kong International Sprint to be run at Sha Tin this Sunday.

The Hong Kong champion Sacred Kingdom has firmed from $4.60 into $4.00 after drawing favourably in barrier seven.

“All Silent will need a lot of luck from that gate, as one can only see him getting back to last from there” said Betstar’s Michael Eskander who is in Hong Kong.

Crowd Favourite, Apache Cat ($8.00 - $8.50) will also have his work cut out after drawing barrier nine.

The only Australian contender to draw well is Scenic Blast who should get a great run in transit after drawing barrier three. In turn he has remained a solid 3rd pick in the betting at $6.50. 
 

FROM

With the 2009 Spring Racing Carnival done and dusted, Eskander’s Betstar have released markets for 2010’s biggest three races; the Cox Plate, Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup.

The two staying finds of the spring, Alcopop and Shocking dominate the 2010 Melbourne Cup market along with 2009 Cox Plate winner So You Think..

“I’m going to let the punters decide if there should be an outright favourite in the Melbourne Cup, we currently have with Alcopop, Shocking and So You Think sharing equal favouritism at $21,” said Betstar’s Alan Eskander.

The Derby winner Monaco Consul is next at $26, whilst Lee Freedman's high profile acquisition Doctor Fremantle is a $41 chance.

This year’s Spring Racing Carnival surprise packet, Alcopop, is the early favourite for the 2010 Caulfield Cup.

“We have installed Alcopop ($17) outright favourite for the Caulfield Cup simply on the weight advantage he will be getting from Shocking after this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.

“Alcopop was still such a raw horse running on ability and given more time he has to be the obvious early favourite,” Eskander said.

Whilst four year old mares have had limited success in the Caulfield Cup in recent years, Valdemoro ($21), who kept improving through this year’s carnival and ran a career best second in the Oaks has been installed as the second favourite along with the Lee Freedman trained Speed Gifted ($21).

3YO’s Faint Perfume, Shamoline Warrior, So You Think and Trusting are next in line in the Caulfield Cup Market at $26.

“The Cox Plate market sees the 3YO’s at the top of the betting and I have no doubt it is the best bunch we have seen since 1995,” said Eskander.

So You Think ($8) won the Cox Plate technically as a 2YO this year given his foaling date, and deserves top billing with Denman not far behind at $9.

“Denman was probably over the top by the time they ran the Caulfield Guineas, so I’m forgiving him for that run, Manhattan Rain ($13), Trusting ($15) and More Joyous ($17) are early chances,” said Eskander

Whobegotyou is the shortest of the older horses at $15.00, whilst Collection from the John Moore stable in Hong Kong is the shortest of the internationals at $21.00.
 

FROM

SO YOU THINK HE’S A GOOD THING, THINK AGAIN!

Punters continue to bore into the opening $3.30 offered on Centrebet about Cox Plate winner So You Think adding tomorrow’s Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington to his bulging honour roll!

Centrebet media chief Neil Evans admitted the top price was “attractive” about a pure rising star, but believed Bart’s super colt was a real risk back to the mile under this scale! “Amazingly, nearly 100 individual bets, across nearly $15,000.00 invested, have been placed on So You Think already, but then again he is the new headline horse, and Cummings’ quickly had this race in mind after dominating the Cox Plate,” Evans said!

But there’s been very smart money for Black Piranha – $12.00 down to $10.00 before back out to $11.00 - including one bet of $2,000.00 at $12.00, while Gold Salute ($7.00) and Rightfully Yours ($14.00) have both been fancied by punters!” Of course, nailing the horse that beats So You Think is no small task, although my money will ride on Gold Salute. He’s fit, firing and this is a perfect trip at this stage,” he said.

APACHE LAY!

A betting war has erupted in the feature Group 1 Patinack Farm Sprint (1200m), with Centrebet’s ‘Lay of the Day’ Apache Cat still heavily backed at the top $4.60, with nearly $10,000.00 in wagers arriving already! “One sharp punter has had $3,500.00 at $4.60, as well as regular client bets of $2,000.00 at $4.60, $1500.00 at $4.60 and $1,200.00 at $4.60! We’re taking the Big Cat on because we believe he’s a real ‘bend’ horse now, and might be exposed against this quality down the six-furlong straight course. This is a high class sprint, and personally I have Mic Mac as the horse to beat!”

Nearly $25,000.00 has been wagered with Centrebet on this race already, including bets of $5,600.00 on ruling favourite All Silent at $4.20, $5,000.00 on Mic Mac at $5.50, and a string of smaller bets for Nicconi at the $5.00! Every runner in single figures has been fancied, although Apache Cat is the best go, but we are prepared to drag every buck out of this horse as possible,” he added!

• And sharp punters have moved fast to back the Peter Snowden-trained Purple in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m)! “He has been one of the biggest movers in the last 24 hours, with tough punters snapping up the $5.00! Purple is now into $4.60 and is likely to press for favouritism with Lady Lynette ($4.00), with nearly $20,000.00 invested already!
 

FROM

MELBOURNE CUP UPDATE

Shocking has been the best backed runner today from favourite Viewed.

The biggest bets on Shocking which have all been today are $40,000 and $30,000 at $12 along with $28,000 at $11.

Alcopop who was as much as $301 in early markets has had support today with bets of $7,000 and $5,000 at $5.50.

One customer backed Alcopop early having $100 at $201.

Basaltico has been the best backed of the roughies. In the last 2 days we have taken bets of $4,050 at $51, $4,000 at $41 and $2,700 e/w at $41.   

Also today $5,000 Warringah at $35 and $2,000 Munsef e/w at $61.

FROM

FROM

Eskander’s Betstar have released a new market for the Melbourne Cup after the final field and barrier draw.

Viewed and Alcopop have been installed $5.00 equal favourites after drawing barriers 9 and 12 respectively in the Melbourne Cup.

Shocking ($9.00 - $13.00), the impressive winner of the Lexus Stakes today has been the big drifter of the field on the back of his horror draw in 22.

Alan Eskander seemed relieved the final field has been announced after days of speculation in terms of which gallopers would make the field, and who would fall buy the wayside.

“The real guesswork is out of the race now. We know who will be running, and can attempt to work out where they will settle in running from their respective barrier draws. Then it just comes down to who is the best horse on the day. I suppose one of the biggest concerns would be whether any rain comes over the next few days”….
 

FROM

SPORTSBET VICTORIA DERBY WRAP AND MELBOURNE CUP BETTING PREVIEW

Sportsbet.com.au, Australia’s Number 1 Betting Agency, reports a mixed day for both punters and bookmakers on Victoria Derby Day.

“It was a very up and down day with punters and bookies both recording good wins over the day,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane.

“Rangirangdoo missing a place in the Mackinnon was by far our best result of the day. However, it seems almost everyone backed Typhoon Tracy to win the Myer Classic. The punters got on early and often and wiped out everything we won on the Mackinnon.”

Here are a selection of the hits and misses recorded on Victoria Derby Day, Saturday, 31 October 2009.

HITS

$120,000 Win bet on Typhoon Tracy at $2.20

$10,000 Win bet on Centennial Park @ 10.40

$10,000 Win bet on Headway at $9.70

MISSES

$35,000 Win bet on Rangirangdoo at $2.90

$30,000 Win bet on Viking Legend at $8.00

$30,000 Win bet on Rockferry at $4.60

Melbourne Cup betting preview

“Alcopop has been popular with the taxman and with punters this year,” said Lane.

“Currently our worst results are Alcopop, Viewed and Shocking, who has been very solid in betting since confirming his place in the field.”
 

FROM

DERBY BETTING PREVIEW

Sportsbet.com.au reports a large amount of bets have been placed ahead of the Victoria Derby.

“We’ve taken a large amount of bets since the barrier draw,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane, “yet from speaking to some of the big punters, they’re waiting to see how the track will rate after the first couple of races before getting stuck in.”

“In the Derby, second-favourite Rockferry is currently our single worst result. He was a sure thing beaten in the Geelong Classic and the extra trip and wide track should suit him to a tee.

“Shamoline Warrior has won his last two in dominant fashion and is a deserved favourite, but personally I think he’ll have to bring out his very best to hold out Rockferry.”

Big bets so far:

$10,000 multi bet to win $135K – Shamoline Warrior (Derby) into Run for Naara (Oaks)

$2,000 multi bet to win $200K – Shamoline Warrior (Derby), into Alcopop (Cup), into Run for Naara (Oaks)

$733 multi bet to win $100K – Monaco Consul (Derby), into Alcopop (Cup), into Run for Naara (Oaks)

$5,000 multi bet to win $85K – Run For Naara (Wakeful), into Shamoline Warrior (Derby), into First Command (Salinger)

$6,000 each way on Rockferry at $9

SECOND CUMMINGS – MELBOURNE CUP MONEY-BACK SPECIAL

Sportsbet, Australia’s Number 1 Betting Agency, is offering punters their money back if Cups King Bart Cummings claims his thirteenth Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

If your horse finishes second to a Bart Cummings trained horse, Sportsbet.com.au will refund your stake to a maximum of $100.

“With the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate already in Bart’s trophy cabinet, the others in this year’s Cup could well be fighting for second place,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane.

“As such, we’re offering punters their money back if their horse finishes second to a Bart Cummings trained horse.

“At the moment Bart has three runners with good chances (Viewed $6.50, Roman Emperor $10, Allez Wonder $34) and the special will remain if he manages to get Dandaad or Naval Escort into the Cup field via the Lexus Stakes.”
 

FROM

Betstar’s Alan Eskander believes the barrier draw hasn’t affected the Victoria Derby market, and predicts that punters will continue to focus on the main three gallopers in betting.

“Shamoline Warrior has drawn barrier 9, however he was always going to get back early in the race, so it won’t hinder him at all. We have in turn left him as a $3.00 outright favourite for the race”.

“Rockferry is obviously the one that has drawn perfectly in 2, and don’t be surprised to see him in the first half of the field from there, rather than getting back to last. We have only kept him at the quote of $4.80, as I think he would have drifted had he drawn out”.

Monaco Consul from barrier 1 has been all the rage over the past 48 hours – having firmed from $8.00 into $5.50. “And why shouldn’t he be that short on the back of a Group1 win over 2000m” declares Alan Eskander. “Personally I can see more money coming for this Moroney trained galloper – don’t worry about the gap between runs – Moroney is one of the best trainers of stayers in the country”!
 

FROM

Punter’s long-range charge for Rockferry, but Shamoline Warrior still dominates Derby betting!

• A Centrebet racing punter has backed Danny O’Brien’s rising star Rockferry to win nearly $250,000.00 in Saturday’s Victoria Derby after launching into the three-year-old well before his eye-catching third in the key Geelong Classic lead-up last Wednesday!

Centrebet media director Neil Evans said the client – from Sth-East Qld – unloaded around $8,000.00 in a series of WIN ONLY & Each-Way bets from a high price of $31.00! “He regularly had $1000.00 each-way at $31.00, had another $2,000.00 at $26.00 plus smaller each-way bets, and came steaming back in again up to $2,000.00 all ways at the $21.00. The horse has peaked beautifully for the Derby, and has tumbled right in to $5.00 second favourite,” Evans said. “It’s the best long-range go on any horse in Derby contention by a mile, although most sharp punters still want to back clear favourite Shamoline Warrior from the Mark Cavanagh stable!”

Evans said Shamoline Warrior had attracted a string of good bets in the past 24 hours – including $3,000.00 at $3.50 and $8,000.00 at $3.30 – and had shortened from $3.50 into a dominant $3.10 favourite!

“There’s a feeling around about a lack of depth in this Derby line-up, and Shamoline Warrior has plenty of class and depth to its form, and will run out the trip strong,” Evans said. “Outside of that Viking Legend has been well specked from $12.00 down to $11.00, but everything else is easy in the market!”

• Meanwhile, one Centrebet VIP client helped drive the long-price move for Changingoftheguard to win the Melbourne Cup, wagering nearly $6,000.00 across several bets at $31.00 and $26.00, forcing his price into $21.00! Earlier this week, a client unloaded $5,000.00 on Efficient at $7.00, despite news the 2007 Cup winner may be carrying an injury!
 

FROM

WHOBEGOTYOUR$$$BACK AMAZING MONEY-BACK COX PLATE SPECIAL

Sportsbet.com.au, Australia’s Number 1 Betting Agency, is offering punters a remarkable money-back special on the Cox Plate.

If a punter’s selection finishes second to Whobegotyou, Sportsbet.com.au will refund all bets to a maximum of $200.

“We think Whobegotyou is such a sure thing in the Cox Plate, we’re offering punters their money back if their horse is beaten into second by him,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane.

“There’s no shame in being beaten by Whobegotyou on Saturday, and with this in mind we’re giving punters the chance to have their cake and eat it too.”

Sportsbet.com.au is also offering the best price on Whobegotyou in the market, currently at $3.00.

“This is a win-win for punters – either back Whobe at the best price available or get your money back if he beats your horse into second. It’s unheard of,” said Lane.

Details: Internet bets only. Maximum refund is $200 per customer. Applies to all Win bets and the Win part of all Each Way bets on the Cox Plate.

COX PLATE NOVELTY MARKETS FROM SPORTSBET.COM.AU

Sportsbet.com.au, Australia’s Number 1 Betting Agency, is offering punters the best odds and the widest array of markets available on the Cox Plate.

On top of these novelty markets, Sportsbet.com.au is also giving punters their money back if their Cox Plate selection finishes second to Whobegotyou. Please refer to separate media release for details.

A selection of novelty markets and current prices are listed below:

Can the Big V horses keep the Plate in Victoria?

VICTORIANS VERSUS THE REST

Dead Heat rules apply

Victorians $1.42 (El Segundo, Heart Of Dreams, Speed Gifted, Whobegotyou, Zipping)

The Rest $2.80

Will a Moonee Valley Virgin post its first Valley win in the Cox Plate or will a Pro win again?

VIRGINS VERSUS THE PRO’S

Dead Heat rules apply

Virgins $1.85 (Black Piranha, Heart Of Dreams, Manhattan Rain, Nom De Jeu, Rock Kingdom, Scenic Shot, Sir Slick, So You Think, Speed Gifted)

Pro’s $1.95 (El Segundo, Road To Rock, Vision And Power, Whobegotyou, Zipping)

Fancy one nag over another? Take your pick in the following Head to Head markets.

HEAD TO HEAD MARKETS

Head to Head bets are paid on official finishing order. Both horses must start or bets will be refunded.

3YO GLORY

Manhattan Rain $2.15

So You Think $1.70

GAI’S BEST

Manhattan Rain $1.95

Rock Kingdom $1.85

OLD BOYS

El Segundo $1.85

Zipping $1.95

YOUNG GUNS

Speed Gifted $2.15

Heart Of Dreams $1.70

In each of the Alpha-Bet markets below, punters can select the group from which the winning horse will come from.

ALPHA-BET MARKETS

Dead Heat rules apply

ALPHA-BET – HORSE’S NAMES

Group A $3.10 (Black Piranha, El Segundo, Heart Of Dreams, Manhattan Rain, Nom De Jeu)

Group B $5.00 (Road To Rock, Rock Kingdom, Scenic Shot, Sir Slick, So You Think)

Ground C $1.78 (Speed Gifted, Vision And Power, Whobegotyou, Zipping)

ALPHA-BET – TRAINER’S NAMES

Group A $3.75 (Black Piranha, Nom De Jeu, Road To Rock, So You Think, Speed Gifted)

Group B $2.20 (El Segundo, Scenic Shot, Sir Slick, Whobegotyou)

Group C $2.75 (Heart Of Dreams, Manhattan Rain, Rock Kingdom, Vision And Power, Zipping)

ALPHA-BET – JOCKEY’S NAMES

Group A $3.00 (Black Piranha, Sou You Think, Speed Gifted, Vision And Power, Zipping)

Group B $1.80 (El Segundo, Heart Of Dreams, Sir Slick, Whobegotyou)

Group C $5.00 (Manhattan Rain, Nom De Jeu, Road To Rock, Rock Kingdom, Scenic Shot)

FROM

2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient has been the best backed runner in the Melbourne Cup over the past few days according to bookmaker Alan Eskander.

"Through sheer weight of money I have trimmed his price into $5.50 outright favourite, with Alcopop at $6.50, and then out to $7.50 for Speed Gifted and Viewed.

"I think punters are looking at the race as simply as possible. When you look at the Turnbull, Efficient beat them easily, Viewed ran a good race behind him but at the end of the day Efficient gave him windburn. This form has held up through the Caulfield Cup and these two races are traditionally the best guide to the Melbourne Cup" said Betstar’s Alan Eskander.

Some of the bigger bets had all been through doubles:

Shamoline Warrior / Efficient (Derby / Cup) $15,000 @ $19.00 Efficient / Run For Naara (Cup / Oaks) $20,000 @ $23.00 Heart Of Dreams / Efficient (Cox Plate / Cup) $5,000 @ $43.00

Punters are currently focusing on the top four horses in Melbourne Cup betting but Betstar are hoping today’s Geelong Cup will throw some ‘fresh blood’ into the market.

"I would love to see Basaltico come out and run a great race like Bauer did last year. We now know that if an international can run a good race before the Melbourne Cup in Australia, they generally back it up with a great run in the Melbourne Cup.

“I think punters are a bit wary of the internationals after the disappointing efforts of Cima De Triomphe and to a lesser degree Kirklees in the Caulfield Cup," said Eskander

Dandaad ($26.00 - $7.50) and Guyno ($9.50 - $7.50) have currently been the best backed runners with Betstar in the Geelong Cup, run later today.
 

FROM

COX PLATE UPDATE

Big Bets Today

$20,000 Whobegotyou @ $2.40 (no change)

$10,000 Speed Gifted @ $9.00 (now $7.50)

$5,000 Manhattan Rain @ $18.00 (now $15)

$1,000 Rock Kingdom @ $26.00 (now $21)

In terms of money held today Rock Kingdom is only behind Whobegotyou, Speed Gifted and Manhattan Rain.

TAB Sportsbet can report brisk betting today for Saturday's W S Cox Plate with just on $75,000 invested so far today (Win Only as at 5pm).

Best supported has been favourite Whobegotyou with one bet of $20,000 @ $2.40 and smaller bets totalling another $10,000 taken today.

Metropolitan Handicap winner Speed Gifted ($7.50) has been promoted to the second line of betting following one bet of $10,000 @ $9 taken this afternoon. Another $5,000 has been taken for the Lee Freedman trained galloper who missed the Caulfield Cup to concentrate on this race on his way to the Melbourne Cup.

Heart of Dreams fans are hard to find with only $4,500 taken today and he has drifted from $7.50 out to $8.50.

Defending W S Cox Plate champion El Segundo is another left friendless today with only just over $1000 being invested. He has blown from $10 out to $12.

3yo Manhattan Rain is another firmer ($18 - $15) following one bet of $5,000 @ $18 this morning which comes on a wager of $4,000 @ $26 late last week.

Bart Cummings representative So You Think has had just over $5,000 taken for him and stays at $16.

Late entry Rock Kingdom went up at $26 but since has had over $5,000 invested and firms a roll into $21.

In other news Speed Gifted has been coupled with a trio of runners , including itself, for the Cox Plate/Melbourne Cup double.

Bets of $2,000 @ $45 on Speed Gifted/Efficient, $1,000 @ $63 Speed Gifted/Alcopop and $1,000 @ $44.10 Speed Gifetd/Speed Gifted.

FROM

Godolphin’s Crime Scene opens $5.00 favourite in wide market!

In one of the most open Centrebet.com Geelong Cups, Godolphin star Crime Scene has opened $5.00 favourite on Centrebet to win Wednesday’s $200,000.00 Group 3 classic!

Centrebet media chief Neil Evans said Luca Cumani’s last-ditch Melbourne Cup hopeful Basaltico was close-up on the second line at $5.50, ahead of promising Kiwi invader Sterling Prince ($8.00)! The highest-rated Australian-based galloper is Lou Luciani’s Perth Cup winner Guyno on the $10.00 line just ahead of tough Kiwi stayer Young Centaur ($11.00)!

“Punters will back any number in this race, but you have to be respectful of the UK runners’ form, even though they are not the absolute top-liners,” Evans said. “I have no doubt Kiwi raider Sterling Prince, who boasts some very strong form over the mile coming in and has top jockey Hugh Bowman in the saddle, and WA champ Guyno who’s crying out for a dry track, will both be fancied in early markets!”

Basaltico, ridden by Damien Oliver, is attempting to do a Bauer and land the Geelong Cup en route to a start in the Melbourne Cup on November 3! “Both Basaltico and Crime Scene are real chances in a race like this, although I believe Crime Scene is the superior mile-and-a-half horse,” Evans said.

Six O’Clock News, drawn badly but carrying big wraps from across the Tasman, has opened a $15.00 shot on Centrebet, alongside the Darren Weir-trained Leica Ding who has cost punters plenty lately when beaten as a heavily-backed favourite, yet is still capable of winning despite also drawing a horror gate!

Centrebet is offering a $100,000.00 bonus to any trainer who can win the Listed Geelong Classic (2206m) – Victoria Derby double for three-year-olds!
 

FROM

• Client has just had $15,000.00 on Predatory Pricer at $8.50 to win Caulfield Cup….. Biggest fixed odds bet so far …… another $3,000.00 in bets has arrived for Cima de Triomphe at the $8.00 and $8.50!!!

The Luca Cumani-trained Cima de Triomphe – the horse the stable rates better than Bauer - continues to push for Caulfield Cup favouritism with leading bookmaker Centrebet after another surge of money today!

Centrebet media chief and race analyst Neil Evans said Cima de Triomphe again is the most sought-after runner in the 24 hours after the barrier draw! “The Cumani camp was delighted to come up with a middle gate (11) and the constant talk of the this being one of the finest gallopers the stable has ever had - and the fact Damien Oliver is on board - has only added to punters’ expectations,” Evans said.

Cima de Triomphe was $10.00 going into the draw, but has been heavily backed in to $8.00 clear second favourite on Centrebet, with nearly $25,000.00 invested! “We’ve taken bets of $8,000.00 at $9.00, $5,000.00 at $9.50, $2,000.00 at $9.50 and $2,500.00 at $9.00 amid a long string of wagers between $100.00 and $1,000.00. The money keeps coming, and it seems only a matter of time before it displaces fellow overseas raider Kirklees ($7.50) at the top of the market!

The Paul Murray-trained Predatory Pricer, despite easing from $8.00 to $8.50, remains the most popular local hope, with bets of $3,500.00 and $2,000.00 both at $8.00, while one punter believes the Lloyd Williams-owned C’est le Guerre - third in last year’s Melbourne Cup - can win, unloading $1500.00 at $18.00!

The other very well backed runner on Centrebet is Kiwi star Daffodil who has firmed from $13.00 down to $9.50 in a matter of days after several thousand arrived, including bets of $3,000.00 at $11.00 and $2,000.00 at $13.00!

One-time favourite Vigor has also fought back, firming one point today from $11.00 into $10.00!

• And Whobegotyou has taken an almost unprecedented stranglehold on betting for the Cox Plate (2040m) on Oct 24, now in to $2.60 on Centrebet, with weight-for-age rival Heart of Dreams ($7.50) the only other runner in single figures! Metropolitan winner Speed Gifted is in to $11.00, but the fairytale story is WA star Scenic Scot who has been backed in opening markets from $101.00 down to $12.00, and will ignite a near $1 million loss if it wins the famous Plate!
 

FROM

Alcopops have long been a favourite drink of choice for young racegoers and after taking a bet of $40,000 at $9 to win the Melbourne Cup, Alan Eskander has good reason to believe the drinks’ equine namesake will be equally popular come the first Tuesday in November.

Following the plunge, Betstar has shortened Alcopop to $7 for the Melbourne Cup which sees him sitting second favourite behind Efficient ($6).

“I don’t think a Balaklava Cup winner has ever gone on to win the Melbourne Cup so it would be a real fairytale if Alcopop got up on the day, the win on Saturday was super impressive but I’m happy to risk him,” said Betstar’s Alan Eskander.

Trained by young South Australian trainer Jake Stephens, Alcopop smashed his rivals by over three lengths at Caulfield in the Herbert Power Stakes. Jockey Dom Tourneur barely had to touch his mount and will retain his ride on Alcopop in the Melbourne Cup.

With only nine career starts to date Alcopop announced himself as a possible Spring star when he won the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley on a slow track. The JRA Cup is a race for up and coming horses with, Maldivian claiming it in 2007 on his way to success in the Yalumba Stakes prior to his shock late scratching from the Caulfield Cup.

“Alcopop gets into the Cup as a genuine lightweight chance, he seems to be able to handle a variety of conditions and as a son of former Cup winner Jeune he’s bred to stay,” said Eskander.
 

FROM

The Danny O'Brien trained Vigor has been the subject of very good backing in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. The O’Reilly gelding currently has the imposing record of 15 starts for 7 wins and 3 placings, and the money suggests he may step up to the elite level this preparation.

The first indication of Vigor’s chances came when Betstar laid a wager of $2,100 at $101 to lose $210,000 in the Caulfield Cup, the odds were tightened but the money kept coming with $500 wagered at $51 and $1,500 at $41.

“This is the biggest Cups liability I have had nearly three months out so it is clear there is some confidence in the O’Brien camp, Betstar now has Vigor at $26 for the Caulfield Cup,” said Betstar’s Alan Eskander.

The Melbourne Cup money has been no different with Vigor attracting an early bet of $2,200 at $91 to win the race that stops the nation, followed by two separate bets of $2,000 at $51 and $1000 at $51.

Danny O'Brien is no stranger to Caulfield Cup success, so the early money could be right on the mark. He nearly pinched last year’s Caulfield Cup with the outsider Barbaricus, who ran a great race for third. In 2007 he quinelled the Caulfield Cup, with Master O'Reilly beating stablemate Douro Valley into second place.

Vigor looks set to resume this Saturday at Caulfield over 1200m and punters would be amiss to dismiss the gallopers chance of running a great race first up. While he has 59kg and is not running over his optimum distance, he should be rattling home at the end of the race.

"When the money comes like this for the Cups, the horses always come out and run a great race first up. I expect no less from Vigor, and suspect that the punters who have been set at the good odds will be chuckling to themselves come Sunday morning" said Alan Eskander.
 

FROM

Melbourne, 01 May 2009 - Focusing on the feature races in South Australia this Saturday, IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read believes the market leaders have the race for their keeping.

Beginning with the Goodwood Handicap, Read declares that Takeover Target ($1.60) will win the Group One event with ridiculous ease, "At the weights, and on form, Takeover Target will be extremely hard to beat, and it appears that the short odds about him will not deter my clients from attempting some very big bets come race time."

Behind the sprinting sensation, Mark Read says that a host of others can fill the placings at valuable odds, "Diplomatic Force ($16.00) has tremendous Morphettville form, and I also expect that three-year-olds Huxssen ($12.00) and Augusta Proud ($16.00) will run a good race."

As for the South Australian Derby, Read concludes that the highest rated pair in the field have the race between them, "Rebel Raider ($3.20) is clearly the horse to beat, with Larry's Never Late ($4.20) the only other legitimate danger. I give credence to horses Reprisal ($10.00) and Fitoussi ($7.00) to fill the minor placings."
 

FROM

Melbourne, 24 April 2009 - IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read believes that after Manhattan Rain wins the Champagne Stakes this weekend, he will be one of the most valuable thoroughbreds in Australian history.

"Manhattan Rain ($2.00) will be extremely hard to beat in the Champagne Stakes. He will dictate the tempo and, as we witnessed in his last start, he is incredibly hard to run down," stated Read. "Tickets ($2.80) is the legitimate danger to the favourite, however he yet again spots Manhattan Rain an unfavorable lead when the speed goes on, and he does too much wrong for my liking."

Given the moderate depth to the field in this year's Sydney Cup, Read is of the opinion that the Kiwi raider Mr Tipsy ($7.50) can defeat the Australian talent. "The strike rate of this horse is impeccable. He is at his peak and receives a massive drop in weight for the race, offering great each way value to the punter."

With the market telling the story of an open race, Read is preaching to punters to steer clear of the Victorian Master O'Reilly. "A huge rise in weight combined with a wide barrier draw, which will see him settle at the back of the field, and sub-par form makes Master O'Reilly ($7.50) the villain for punters in this race," concluded Read.
 

FROM

Melbourne, 17 April 2009 - On a day of glorious Group One racing at Randwick this Saturday, IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read believes that the outside chances pose little threat to the favourites in the majors.

"Nicconi ($4.50) is no doubt due for greatness in sprint races, however I feel he will meet an outfit too slick this Saturday in the T.J. Smith Stakes, said Read. "Apache Cat ($2.70) is a deserved favourite. His record and draw make him very hard to beat and there is no query on his performances racing clockwise, his ability, or the track conditions.

Read is also of the opinion that the Doncaster Mile is not as open as the field suggests, although his selection is at each way value. "Hot Danish ($9.00) will look the winner in the run, but her last furlong against the males will be suspect. I oppose punters taking the $5.00 about All Silent, as he will be a long way back in the run, instead I am very fond of the chances of Vision And Power ($8.00). Last start he proved he was back at his highest rating, and both his jockey and trainer are in tremendous form.

Changing focus to the AJC Oaks, Read tips that the Trifecta will be made up of all the main chances. "Miss Darcy ($5.00) is coming into this race at peak fitness and has the ability to run the trip out strongly. Gallica ($5.00) will improve on a firmer track, however her draw is a concern, and Purple ($6.50) is the only other horse in contention. Set weights make it very hard to be excited about the others, concluded Read.
 

FROM

A TAB Sportsbet customer was certainly ready for the market to be released on Saturday's AJC Sires Produce because it took them only 5 minutes to step into Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready.

Priced as the $3.80 favourite for the second leg of the 2YO Triple Crown the Bruce and Jason McLachlan trained gelding was the subject of a $10,000 wager at that original price.

That bet has seen him trim into $3.20 and holds a call over Tickets ($4.50), Golden Slipper runner-up Manhattan Rain ($4.80) and New Day Rising ($6). Both Tickets and New Day Rising missed the Slipper after they quinellaed the Pago Pago on March 28th.

14th April 2009

$378,000 payday awaits Largo Lad supporter in Doncaster

A TAB Sportsbet customer will have a few anxious days ahead with a possible $378,000 return if Largo Lad wins Saturday's Doncaster Mile.

Last Thursday evening the customer coupled up Roman Emperor in the AJC Australian Derby with Largo Lad in the Doncaster and placed $1000 on the pair at the odds of $378.

Roman Emperor duly saluted on Saturday and now they only require Largo Lad to win and collect the cash.

Glen Boss has been engaged for the David Hayes galloper and he came up with a favourable draw of 5 this morning.

In post barrier draw betting this morning Largo Lad is popular at $11 with the largest bet taken being $700. Solo Flyer attracted one bet of $2000 e/w at $15
 

FROM

Melbourne, 10 April 2009 - As the Group One racing action moves to Randwick this Easter Saturday, IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read is out to oppose the Alan Denham trained Metal Bender in the Australian Derby.

"Danny Nikolic has ridden this horse a treat at his last two winning starts," commented Read. "However, starting from barrier fourteen, and once again facing a test at elite level, I do not regard the opposition bookmakers' price of $5.00 as a worthwhile investment. Instead, I believe punters should look to the Gai Waterhouse trained Rock Kingdom ($9.00) as the quality choice."

In the Galaxy Stakes, Read believes that honest Queensland sprinting sensation Swiss Ace ($8.00) will find the task a little too tough to conquer. "Early speed, wide gate and a significant weight disadvantage leads me to keenly lay Swiss Ace," declared Read. "Olonana ($6.50) represents remarkable each way value. He enjoys a favourable run from the draw, backed by a dynamic turn of foot."

For punters seeking the double digit blow out horse on Saturday's race card, Joe Blow ($10.00) in the Chairman's Handicap is Read's best outsider. "He drops significantly in weight and offers attractive value in a very open field. His key threats do not possess 'superstar' status, and I expect an improved performance from the up-and-coming stayer."
 

FROM

Melbourne, 03 April 2009 - As the rain tumbles down in Sydney, so too does the price of Melbourne Cup winner Viewed ($2.30) in this Saturday's BMW Stakes at Rosehill. "His wet rack form is attractive, however the price is not worth taking in my opinion," said IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read. "Theseo is exposed in the conditions and also has to be taken on by bookmakers. Given the state of the track, I believe Master O'Reilly ($7.00) is a credible chance in this event."

Read again leans to value in the Golden Slipper Stakes, "Manhattan Rain ($11.00), with the blinkers back on, is right in this race. His draw allows him to race on pace, whilst the favourites are out at the back of the field. He finished exceptionally strong in the Skyline Stakes and has an each way chance at attractive odds."

Renowned for producing Doncaster Handicap winners, the George Ryder Stakes is more open than the field presents on paper. "I am opposing All Silent ($4.40) at IASbet.com for a significant amount," stated Read. "His form on wet going is not strong, nor is his price. I would also be cautious of backing Whobegotyou ($3.40), who is yet to prove his worth is this type of going."

Amongst the three-year-old races, Read advises punters to continue avoiding the short odds on offer. "Predatory Pricer ($2.50) failed on a heavy track and is way under the odds in the Tulloch Stakes, inversely Dr Doutes ($5.00) was a dominant winner in slow going and strips very fit for this race. While I think she will be hard to beat in the AJC Oaks, Gallica ($2.90) is poor value in the Vinery Stud Stakes, given her barrier and the heavy track."
 

FROM

The Peter Moody trained Reward For Effort is the mover this afternoon with TAB Sportsbet customers.

Already the winner of the Group 1 Blue Diamond the colt has been backed to win over $150,000 this afternoon and in doing so has firmed from $11 into $10.

Bets of $5000, $4000 and $3000@ $11 as well as $2000 place only @ $3.28 were taken today.

Reward For Effort was a best price of $26 when first markets were posted in early February.

Interesting money today for the Gai Waterhouse roughie Horizons with 2 bets of $1000 each @ $61.
 

FROM

The Hawkes trained colt Real Saga held his place as favourite for Saturday’s $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill following today’s barrier draw for the big race.

Eskander’s Betstar have kept his pre-draw quote of $3.50 the same after the son of Tale of the Cat drew 13.

His main rival in markets, Gai Waterhouse’s More Joyous, eased marginally from $3.70 to $3.80 after drawing barrier 12.

Rostova, who drew nine, stays at $8, while Blue Diamond Stakes winner Reward for Effort came in half a point to $8.50 after drawing perfectly in three.

The Golden Slipper, the world’s richest two-year-old race, has brought together a capacity field of 16 runners plus two emergencies (Sunday Rose and Stryker).

If the two emergencies fail to gain a start the two favourites will both come in two gates – Real Saga would jump from barrier 11 and More Joyous 10.
 

FROM

Melbourne, 27 March 2009 - With the racing focus shifting to Rosehill Saturday for the running of the $500,000 Group One Dubai Rosehill Guineas; leviathan bookmaker, IASbet.com's Mark Read, is staying loyal to the consistent, yet winless during this preparation, Caymans ($5.50) - backing the high-class gelding as his top selection in the race.

"Caymans continues to find more at the end of his races, with his action clearly showing that longer distances will suit him better. If he continues to improve, he should win the Rosehill Guineas," said a confident Read.

While the remaining eleven horses in the field all have claims, Read believes the top end of the market does not hold value. "Metal Bender ($3.30) had a fortunate yet commanding win last start, although the short quote is entitled to be longer. Rock Kingdom ($5.00) is set to enjoy a good run from the draw, however his ability to run out the 2,000-metre trip remains a query and I cannot be entertained at his price. Tobique ($6.50) is a horse that can assist the place punter."
 

FROM

Melbourne, 13 March 2009 - IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read has stated that this Saturday's Blamey Stakes winner holds a lot of value for punters. "The race features a strong field, with Tasmanian mile specialist Conquering ($7.00) the standout chance," said Read. "He has a high cruising speed and at this level, combined with his recent form, he will take a lot of beating."

Upon his review of the pre-post market, Read has identified two horses that he is keen to lay, believing that they will struggle in the feature. "Time Matters ($7.50) is going to find it difficult to sustain a strongly run mile, whilst Barlinnie ($9.00) is up in weight from last year and is not racing any better than he did twelve months ago."

Shifting his focus to Sydney, Read claims that the Group One Royal Randwick Guineas belongs to the top end of the market. "At set weights and on last start, Caymans ($4.20) is the clear favourite although he must make some luck from his inside barrier. Mic Mac ($4.40) is rated highly, but must also overcome his awkward draw, while wet weather would further improve the chances of Youthful Jack ($5.00). These three are the horse to beat the race."

Read gives a rough place chance to Tobique ($17.00), but is not enthusiastic about the prospects of Desuetude. "Rival analysts have posted $7.50 for Deseutude to win, but taking into account his rating and barrier, I would not be seen taking double that price."
 

FROM

Melbourne, 06 March 2009 - IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read has stated that this Saturday's Australian Cup is more open than the race appears. "Theseo ($2.25) is no doubt the horse to beat, however he is under the odds. I expect three-year-old Pre Eminence ($16.00) to improve dramatically, while Niconero ($10.00), a Group One winner at weight-for-age, is placed well to perform despite a slight barrier disadvantage."

In the Cadbury Guineas, Read is keen on the chances of the Mick Price trained Heart Of Dreams ($4.40). "If he can match his last start run of the day' at Caulfield, when he stormed home off the back of a slow pace, Heart Of Dreams will be hard to beat in the race - especially given his inside draw. With the blinkers back on, I also expect Dr Doutes ($15.00) to rekindle the form he displayed last year. Despite racing consistently, Nicconi ($6.50) is drawn awkwardly and is a risk at the odds."

In the third Group One of the day at Flemington, the Newmarket Handicap, Read is enthusiastic on the chances of untapped sprinter Secret Flyer ($7.00). "The horse was ultra-impressive up the straight at Flemington, at his only start, and has awesome acceleration. Time Thief ($11.00) is also a strong chance at a value price. Scenic Blast ($15.00) is a horse I am happy to lay in this race, as, in my opinion, he will need too much to go his way to salute."
 

FROM

TAB Sportsbet can report that the 2008 Melbourne Cup has become the all-time record holding sporting event with a total hold of $9.11m today.

This represents a 11% increase on the 2007 Cup and takes it past the 2007 and 2008 AFL Grand Finals.

The race was taken out by $41 chance Viewed trained by Bart Cummings on the 50th anniversary of his first ever Melbourne Cup runner.

The win was Bart's 12th.

Viewed was originally priced at $35 when markets were released in August.

Biggest bets on the winner included

$4500 @ $41 $2500 @ $41 $1000 @ $41 $1000 @ $31 (4 times) $1000 @ $26 $1000 e/w @ $26 $2000 @ $21 (twice) $1200 @ $21
 

FROM

1845 AEST

TAB Sportsbet can report that its customers are "betting up" on the eve of the 2008 Melbourne Cup by investing over $1m today in the Win Only portion of the Fixed Odds market. The magical figure was passed at 6.37pm tonight.

With the place portion taken into account the total hold today exceeds $1.45m with betting to continue until 1.30am tonight and starting from 7.30am tomorrow.

Profound Beauty has been the most popular runner today including bets of $30000, $29000 and $27000 taken on the mare at $8.50. She is now $7.50 and third favourite.

Race favourite Mad Rush, despite being popular with punters, has drifted from $5 to $5.50

Despised outsider Prize Lady has been backed to win over $2,000,000 today firming from $126 into $71 following bets including $1500 @ $126, $1000 @ $126, $3000 @ $101 and $2000 @ $81 among a string of others.

Other runners attracting support have been Honolulu, who was backed to win over $500,000 in 3 bets of $12000, $6000 and $5500 earlier this afternoon, Nom Du Jeu, Zipping, Barbaricus and Moatize.

1630 AEST

The Dermot Weld trained mare Profound Beauty has been the subject of very strong support this afternoon with TAB Sportsbet for tomorrow's Melbourne Cup.

After being as much as $12 last Friday (with a bet of $20000 at those odds taken) and $10 after Saturday's barrier draw she is now into $7.50 on the 3rd line of betting and could be even shorter come race time tomorrow.

In the space of just over an hour the mare carried 3 large bets of $30000, $29000 and $27000 all at the odds of $8.50.

A total of just on $130000 has been invested on her today from a total of $700000.

Fellow import Honolulu was also popular with bets of $12000, $6000 and $5500 taken at $26 and he is now into $21.

1430 AEST

TAB Sportsbet has just accepted one of its largest bets since Saturday evenings barrier draw with the Aidan O'Brien trained Honolulu backed to win $300,000 with a bet of $12000 @ $26.

Since the opening of business today customers have placed $400,000 worth of Win Only investments on the Cup up until 1.30pm

Other bets of interest since 1pm are

Master O'Reilly $2000 e/w @ $31 Mad Rush $5000 @ $5 (twice) Barbaricus $1000 @ $18 (twice) Viewed $1000 @ $31 (twice) Zipping $1000 @ $15 (twice), $1000 e/w @ $15 Nom Du Jeu $1200 @ $9, $2000 @ $8.50