Friday, March 26, 2010

Pago Pago Stakes Hinchinbrook chances

This release doesn't surprise me, particularly given the poor running of other Golden Slipper chances over recent weeks.

But expect a bold showing from Hinchinbrook and also expect the odds to bunch up in the week leading up to the Slipper.


NO LOVE FOR HINCHINBROOK

Punters are shying away from taking the short odds on offer for Hinchinbrook in Saturday’s Pago Pago with significant betting moves for Brightexpectations and Pressday at Sportingbet Australia.

Brightexpectations has been backed from $4.50 to $2.70 at Sportingbet Australia while Pressday has been the subject of some big bets and had shortened from $7.00 to $5.00.

“Pressday and Brightexpectations are certainly the two the punters have landed on and we are finding it difficult to lay Hinchinbrook at this stage,” said Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan.

“We took a bet of $6000 each way at the $7.00 on Pressday and a bet to take out over $25,000 on Brightexpectations not long after opening the market.

“Both horses need to win to gain a Golden Slipper run so they should be fully wound up for this while Hinchinbrook may still have a little improvement to come.”

Hinchinbrook is out $2.25 at Sportingbet Australia but Sullivan said he expected the support to arrive before race time.

He has drifted significantly even with the scratching of Carved in Stone who looked a real contender but he was very impressive last start so I am sure punters will come for him,” Sullivan said.

“It is clear however, they don’t think Hinchinbrook is across the line as the early money has all been for Brightexpectations and Pressday.”

PAGO PAGO STAKES
Sportingbet Australia Market
Hinchinbrook 2.25
Brightexpectations 2.70
Pressday 5.00
Skorost 13.00
Dux Bellorum 21.00
Blackball 31.00
Gold Arena 31.00
Unflinchingresolve 41.00
The Last General 71.00
Choiseul 81.00

Congratulations to Sydney Triple M Grill Team

This is not normal for this blog, but I was touched by big Mark Geyer's outburst of emotion on this morning's radio show, on Sydney's Triple M Grill Team.

MG's tears during a tribute to Oscar Buhagiar - the 6-year-old number 1 Eels fan who lost his battle against cancer on Monday - showed a softer side of the hard man of rugby league.

Well done to the team for embracing emotion. And well done to the Eels for creating jerseys to remember their gutsy supporter.

As a journalist, we're taught to be objective in everything we do and it goes against the grain to praise a commercial enterprise, or for that matter others in the media industry.

But this is a worthy exception. The emotion of the tribute to Oscar, coupled with one of the funniest Gotcha calls I've heard, along with a giveaway (sending people to the Formule 1 at the airport) made it one of the best mornings of radio I've experienced.

Congratulations to the entire team. You deserve it.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Carlton vs Richmond preview

We can dig deep into analysis of this game, but it’s a case of the under-performing knowns (Carlton) up against the under-performing unknowns (Richmond).

That might at first sound like some sort of cellar science experiment, but the theory is really simple. Carlton has a solid lineup which should now be consolidating a place in the finals.

But it look seriously like 2010 will be another season teetering on the edge of the top 8. It might be that if they win tonight, they’ll sneak into the finals. If they lose, after just one round, their season is almost gone.

Waite, Scotland, Thornton, Murphy, Simpson, McLean, Kreuzer, O’Hailpin. This list is an accomplished one and should pull the Blues through the game without the services of star performer Chris Judd. The absence of Judd probably accounts for the generous $1.45 being paid by some bookmakers.

Richmond on the other hand has a list still unknown to most AFL watchers. All eyes will be on star draft pick Dustin Martin. Mitchell Farmer is another one. Ben Cousins is always an unknown and given he’s been suffering flu symptoms, that just increases the mystery. Nahas, Morton, and others have had games and performed okay in the big-stage environment. But will they stand up enough to win games?

The bottom line here: Expect a bold showing from the Tigers, but Carlton – even without Judd, should be able to find enough cohesion to take the points, by 20.

Fantasy team bargain: Watch for Mitch Robinson to pick up a mountain of possession, drawing from last year’s experience to become a key player in the Blues lineup.

Matty Johns footy show

This is a tough one.

The Matty Johns show in its first week will little doubt grab heaps of attention and will likely out-do the Channel 9 version.

Don't expect that to happen into the second week, but it's this week that counts.


WILL MATTY JOHNS OUTRATE THE FOOTY SHOW?

The new Matty Johns Rugby League Show is a $1.85 favourite, at Sportingbet Australia, to rate higher than the established NRL Footy Show.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said there was much anticipation about Channel 7’s new NRL venture.

“We think the hype will lead to viewers tuning in tonight to see what the Matty Johns Show is all about,” said Sullivan.

“While it may struggle to maintain a long term advantage over it’s more established rival, we think tonight will be a success.”

Sportingbet Australia is betting on the highest median rating for the shows in NSW and Queensland.

MATTY JOHNS SHOW v NRL FOOTY SHOW – HIGHEST RATINGS 25 MARCH
Sportingbet Australia Exclusive Market
Matty Johns Show 1.85
NRL Footy Show 1.95

Rosehill Guineas update

Let's just add to this little announcement that both Run for Naara and Hanks are very well priced for this race.

$25,000 BET FOR QUEENSLAND ACE IN GUINEAS SHOOT OUT

In form Queensland gelding, Shoot Out, has been heavily backed to continue his winning form in Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas with one punter investing $25,000 on him at Sportingbet Australia.

The John Wallace trained three year old is solid at $3.50 and Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said while Shoot Out would be hard to beat, there did look to be a few runners who would be helped by the step up to 2000 metres.

“Shoot Out has been very heavily backed all preparation with punters landing a plunge in the Royal Sovereign, launching again when he just missed in the Hobartville and backing up when he won the Randwick Guineas,” Sullivan said.

“This week looks like being no different with the $25,000 leading the charge but there have been plenty of other bets.

“There’s no doubt that Shoot Out looks the pick of the three year olds but he is on trial at this trip.

“Captain Sonador, Run For Naara and Hanks will all benefit from the extra trip and Rock Classic returns home after conquering Set For Fame and Denman in the Australian Guineas.”

ROSEHILL GUINEAS
Sportingbet Australia Market
Rock Classic 3.00
Shoot Out 3.50
Zabrasive 5.50
Captain Sonador 9.00
Run For Naara 12.00
Hanks 14.00
Kidnapped 14.00
Extra Zero 17.00
Gathering 26.00
Cosmocrat 41.00
Saint Encosta 101.00

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Golden Slipper ... if the shoe fits, back it

Golden Slipper odds are up and down at a faster rate than a uni student on viagra.

As soon as there's a whisper, a race run and won, or something on the rumour mill, the fluctuations kick in.

Earlier in the week, I said the shortened odds on Military Rose were premature, given that a number of horses in the field still had some opportunities to prove themselves.

This means there will be plenty of fluctuation yet. One of those horses yet to run is Beneteau which was the subject of the below media release. But there are others, not the least of them Hinchinbrook which is set to run this weekend.

There is likely to be money for Masquerader and Crystal Lily will almost certainly shorten if and when nominated. Watching the market movements is an interesting spectator sport in its own.


BENETEAU BACK IN FAVOUR

Former Golden Slipper favourite Beneteau has been the heavily backed in the past 24 hours shortening from $16 to $11 at Sportingbet Australia.

Beneteau had been a $7.50 joint favourite for the Slipper before disappointing behind Hinchinbrook last start but Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said punters still thought he could win the big one.

“One punter backed him to win $40,000 while we also took bets to take out $15,000 and $10,000 this week, Sullivan said.

“He was a little disappointing last start when a raging favourite but he covered more ground than the early explorers and punters have forgiven that run.”

“He has been clearly been the best backed horse this week with the exception of Military Rose who is now a raging Slipper favourite.”

Military Rose is the $3.00 favourite at Sportingbet Australia ahead of Crystal Lily at $5.75 and Chance Bye at $8.50.

“Military Rose has been the one the punters have wanted all week with a bet of $100,000 leading the charge,” Sullivan said.

“Hinchinbrook is the other horse interesting punters and he could well be the big shortener if he impresses in the Pago Pago.”

GOLDEN SLIPPER
Sportingbet Australia Market
Military Rose 3.00
Crystal Lily (nn) 5.75
Chance Bye 8.50
Hinchinbrook 9.00
Solar Charged 10.00
Beneteau 11.00
Decision Time (nn) 14.00
Masquerader (nn) 15.00
Shaaheq 17.00
Zutara 19.00
Psychologist 21.00
Obsequious 23.00
Shrapnel 23.00
Georgette Silk 23.00
Star Witness (nn) (doubtful) 23.00
Elimbari 31.00
Divorces 31.00
Mafia Miss 35.00
Skilled 41.00
Evidentia 41.00
My Amelia 41.00
Dove Lake 41.00
Brightexpectations 41.00
Skorost 41.00
More Strawberries 41.00
Toorak Toff (nn) 41.00
Others 51.00 Plus

Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix preview

Bahrain proved nothing which is why the odds are as open as they are for the Australian Grand Prix.

The fastest times are being posted by Lewis Hamilton's Red Bull car, both in practice sessions and on the rare occasions cars experienced a dry Bahrain track.

If that's the case, he'll be out to prove he's the one to beat for the championship, taking note that the past four World Champions have been winners of the Melbourne event. At $7.50, it's tasty odds on what could be considered a realistic 3-1 chance.

Webber's odds can only be explained by the media hype in Australia which has surrounded his two victories. Notably the man who was not overly liked by the media has all of a sudden been labelled a national hero by 60 Minutes.

Isn't it odd how the worm turns?

Anyway, here's the latest frame from Sportingbet:

PUNTERS KEEN ON WEBBER'S CHANCES

Aussie punters are getting on board Mark Webber’s attempt to win his maiden Australian GP with the Red Bull driver backed in from $13 to $8 at Sportingbet Australia.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Webber was the only one punters wanted in the lead up to the race.

“There’s a sprinkle of money for Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher but we’re writing six bets on Webber for every bet on any opponent at this stage,” said Sullivan.

“He’s looked nice and relaxed since he’s been in Australia and the punters think he’s a huge chance on Sunday.”

Fernando Alonso heads betting at $3, ahead of Vettel at $3.50 and Felipe Massa at $6.50.

Seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher is at $21 to mark his return to Australia with a win.

AUSTRALIAN F1 GP
Sportingbet Australia Market
Fernando Alonso [FER] 3.00
Sebastian Vettel [RED] 3.50
Felipe Massa [FER] 6.50
Lewis Hamilton [McL] 7.50
Mark Webber [RED] 8.00
Jenson Button [McL] 17.00
Nico Rosberg [MER] 21.00
Michael Schumacher [MER] 21.00
Adrian Sutil [FIN] 67.00
Robert Kubica [REN] 81.00
Rubens Barrichello [WIL] 81.00
Others 101.00 Plus

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

AFL season preview

I enjoy the rugby league, rugby union, soccer (football), winter sports and pretty much any other sport which makes its way onto my television screen.

But let’s face it, the AFL season can’t start soon enough, so thank goodness it’s almost Thursday when the fun begins.

And while all the talk is about the Bulldogs, there might be a few other teams raising their heads in contention.

Here’s a brief look at how I see the season finishing:

1. Bulldogs
The Dogs have pretty much the same midfield and forward line penetration they did last year, with the obvious and much talked-about inclusion of Barry Hall at Full forward. It will be interesting to see how Johnson works with Hall, and it will be interesting to see how teams treat them once they get their heads around the modified structure. The Bulldogs are the hope of many fans and a real chance at the flag.

2. Collingwood
Mick Malthouse is right when he says the Pies have snuck under the pre-season radar. Take a look at the midfield and try to find one better – Swan, Ball, Pendlebury, Jolly, Didak, Davis, Thomas and others. It’s got great depth and versatility. The key to their success, however, will be the forward line – a similar one which let them down at the pointy end of last season. If the forwards fire, Collingwood will be hard to stop.

3. St Kilda
Some are suggesting the Saints blew their chance in last year’s grand final. If you believe that, you need a reality check. A good mix of smalls and talls, with Reiwoldt as a focal point is a terrific forward line, and their midfield should lose little with the absence of Ball (who didn’t want to be there anyway). The Saints backline is probably the best in the business, so if they can score 15 goals a game, they’ll win most of them.

4. Hawthorn
A bad season was largely due to injury last year. And while the Hawks still have their problems, they’ll be better off when Sewell, Rioli and co can gel. If they get their midfield right and have to rely less on Luke Hodge as a playmaker, they’ll be able to get better delivery to powerhouse forwards Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughhead. Expect considerable improvement from the 2008 premiers.

5. Geelong
Many seem to have forgotten about Geelong. They remain to be a team of stars, none moreso than Gary Ablett Jr. Add him to Enright, Bartell, Selwood, Chapman, Ling … the list goes on. Add that to a slightly restructured forward line and they’ll continue to be a force into 2010.

6. Brisbane
There’s no need to become hooked on the Fevola line if you’re looking for improvement in the Lions’ den. They have a terrific young line up led by rising star from last year Daniel Rich. Expect the addition of Fevola to free up Jonathan Brown who can no longer be safely double-teamed. Power, Black, Johnstone and star ruckman Mitch Clark make a formidable midfield. They’ll be in the mix come finals time.

7. Adelaide
Injury played a small role in their demise last year, but they still have the core of their powerhouse, including Burton up front. Bernie Vince has over the last two years become one of the competition’s leading midfielders, and van Berlo is there to lend a helping hand. McLeod will continue to bounce off the backline. They are a solid proposition and will cause plenty of opposition headaches.

8. Fremantle
Two years ago, the Dockers took on a good rookie list, and now it’s time for them to perform. Duffield, Headland, recruit McPhie and Pavlich will show leadership, but there are a bunch of young players who can help propel the Dockers into the 8 for the first time in a while. They’ll need a good home record if they are to shut out Essendon, West Coast and others with similar ambitions.

9. Essendon
Bombers fans are talking up their hopes this year thanks to some young recruits. Their side is full of speed, bolstered by solid midfielders such as Jobe Watson and Winderlich. While they will cause some sides some headaches with their run and carry, they’re probably one or two seasons away from serious finals contention.

10. West Coast
All the talk is about Natanui. He’s a good player and as he develops will be a real star of the game. But we need to look around him. Dean Cox has been the backbone of the side and needs some others to stand up around him. Lecras is becoming a star forward, Ben (who?) Cousens and Daniel (who?) Kerr seem to have been forgotten. Expect some upsets from the Eagles as they try to rebuild as the force they once were.

11. North Melbourne
Early in the season, the Roos have some injury concerns including Petrie and Lower, which is exposing their depth. They’ve at times over the past couple of seasons shown signs of improvement, but it’s really time for their star signings Anthony, Thomas, Campbell and co to stand up.

12. Carlton
On paper, it would seem the Blues have a terrific side, and on their day they can beat almost anyone in the competition. The question mark is how they will do without Fevola, but a look at the likes of Bryce Gibbs, young Mitch Robinson, Kreuzer and a strong backline, and it would seem they might be the ones to spring a majority of upsets. We have them in 12th, but don’t be surprised if they threaten the 8, pending some of their second and third-year players standing tall.

13. Sydney
They’ve lost Barry Hall, Micky O, and Darren Jolly, and despite still having Adam Goodes and a gutsy midfield, it’s difficult to see how they’ll create a force powerful enough to score enough points to threaten the top sides.

14. Port Adelaide
Again, on paper, the Port side is full of experience. But if they haven’t got it together by now, it’s hard to see how their ageing pack will make inroads into emerging teams. Travis Boak, the Cornes brothers, Ebert, and Tredrea make good reading, but do they make good football? Expect a bolder showing than 14th if the likes of young Mitch Banner and Justin Westhoff can perform beyond their experience.

15. Richmond
Sadly, this is again a rebuilding year for the Tigers. They have some young stars who they will bleed into the competition. While they hope to be more competitive than last year, they’ll need dramatic improvement to win more than a few games.

16. Melbourne
Trengove and others are star rookies who the Demons will be hoping can take them away from the bottom of the table. They showed signs of again becoming competitive last year, but they’re probably a couple of years away from being a legitimate threat to other sides in the competition. Sadly, they are likely to again be up against Richmond for the wooden spoon.

Socceroos new coach

The bookmakers have posted odds on who will become the Socceroos next coach.

But it's a bunch of names posted on what would normally be regarded as the second line of betting.

Unless you have some inside information (if so, we'd like you to share), this is a pie in the sky speculator, and I think we can find some better $5-8 chances with greater prospects of a positive outcome.

In short, there's little value here as it seems the bookies are feeling out the market to see whether there's any backroom discussion. If so, it'll be quickly leaked into the betting arena.


WHO WILL COACH THE SOCCEROOS?

Sportingbet Australia has installed Feyenoord Technical Director Leo Beenhakker as a $4.80 favourite to lead the Socceroos to the 2014 World Cup.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Beenhakker’s experience made him a logical favourite.

“If Beenhakker is interested it will take a pretty good CV to beat him for the job,” said Sullivan.

“With stints in charge of clubs like Ajax and Real Madrid and the Dutch, Polish, Saudi Arabia and Trinidad and Tobago national sides he certainly has the kind of experience needed.”

Others in the market include Frenchman Philippe Troussier, current technical director Hans Berger and perennial Aussie favourite Guus Hiddink .

“You’d think Hiddink would only be a rough chance to want the job back,” said Sullivan.

“But if he does put his hand up the job would no doubt be his.”

NEXT SOCCEROOS COACH
Sportingbet Australia Market
Leo Beenhakker 4.80
Philippe Troussier 5.00
Guus Hiddink 5.50
Johan Neeskens 6.00
Jan Versleijen 6.00
Hans Berger 6.00
Frank Rijkaard 8.00
Vitislav Lavicka 17.00
Steve McClaren 21.00
Ricky Herbert 26.00
Martin Jol 26.00
Aurelio Vidmar 51.00

Monday, March 22, 2010

Golden Slipper update

In an earlier post today, I expressed my views on the Golden Slipper field, saying any bet on the favourite would have to be carefully thought out, rather than driven by media hype, or the fact Military Rose was able to beat home Solar Charged at the weekend.

Well, if it's any indication, we'd hope that a $100,000 bet was carefully thought out:

GOLDEN SLIPPER: $100,000 BET ON MILITARY ROSE

Military Rose is set to start as one of the shortest priced Golden Slipper favourites in years after some enormous bets were placed on the Queensland filly at Sportingbet Australia following her win in the Reisling.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said punters have crashed her price into $3.00 with a string of bets on Saturday night and Sunday.

“We went back up at $3.40 on Saturday afternoon and immediately got claimed with a bet of $100,000,” Sullivan said.

“Since the Reisling, she has been the only horse punters have been interested in backing which isn’t surprising given how she dealt with a quality field which included former Slipper favourite, Solar Charged.”

“The way she won the Magic Millions her win on Saturday will ensure she starts a short priced favourite unless we see something special from Hinchinbrook or something else in the Pago Pago this weekend.”

Crystal Lily who isn’t nominated for the Slipper is on the second line of betting at $5.75 with Sportingbet ahead of fairytale filly Chance Bye at $8.50, with Hinchinbrook the first of the colts at $9.00.

“The three fillies are certainly the ones to beat at the moment but Hinchinbrook could be the big shortener if he wins well on Saturday,” Sullivan said.

2010 Golden Slipper (All in Betting)
Sportingbet Australia market
Military Rose 3.00
Crystal Lily (nn) 5.75
Chance Bye 8.50
Hinchinbrook 9.00
Solar Charged 10.00
Decision Time (nn) 14.00
Masquerader (nn) 15.00
Beneteau 16.00
Shaaheq 17.00
Zutara 19.00
Psychologist 21.00
Obsequious 23.00
Shrapnel 23.00
Georgette Silk 23.00
Star Witness (nn) (doubtful) 23.00

AFL Year of the Full Forward

The Coleman this year is likely to see a return of the spearhead full forward, particularly with Barry Hall clearly in the picture for the Western Bulldogs.

It might be a bit extreme to think that a first-year recruit will win the medal and upstage some rivals. Podsiadly will certainly be fed some good ball, but Geelong has a long list of goalkickers in its side.

Lance Franklin didn't shine last year, but expect him to be a more likely target for the Hawks this year.

Advice: Wait for three or four rounds into the competition before making a call. The favourites won't firm much, but you'll have a far better idea about who might come from behind to win it.

If Franklin or Fevola kick 10 in their first game, their odds will plummet, but it's far better getting an educated idea on shorter odds than to take a wild punt in the futures market.


PODSIADLY PRICE SLASHED IN COLEMAN MARKET

Following news that Geelong has promoted James Podsiadly to its senior list, online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au has trimmed the 28-year-old’s price to win the Coleman Medal in his debut season from $81 to $51.

This follows earlier ‘speccing’ on Podsiadly where one punter had $1000 on the Cat forward to win the Coleman at the astronomical odds of $501 for a potential $500,000 pay day.

“We stand to lose half a million on Podsiadly in one bet, let alone tens of thousands more from punters who backed him at $81 before the announcement of his promotion,” said Lane.

While Podsiadly is the bookie’s worst result, Lane said the biggest plunge had been saved for Western Bulldogs spearhead Barry Hall.

“Barry Hall has been the big firmer in Coleman Medal betting. You could get $17 about him in mid-February, now he’s the third favourite in betting at $6.50,” said Lane.

“Since the NAB Cup Grand Final, four out of every five bets we’ve taken on the Coleman have been on Big Bad Barry.”

Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin is favourite to take home the Coleman at $4, while Lions new recruit Brendan Fevola is the next best at $4.50.

Market courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au. Prices are subject to fluctuation.

2010 COLEMAN MEDAL
$4 Lance Franklin
$4.50 Brendan Fevola
$6.50 Barry Hall (in from $17)
$12 Daniel Bradshaw
$14 Jonathan Brown
$15 Matthew Pavlich
$15 Nick Riewoldt
$17 Jarryd Roughead
$21 Kurt Tippett
$26 Marc Lecras
$34 John Anthony
$41 Jason Porplyzia
$41 Justin Koschitzke
$51 James Podsiadly (in from $501)

NRL comebacks set the trend

Rugby League is fast becoming like horse racing in that it’s more common for the front runner to be overtaken at the line.

There’s been a remarkable trend for comebacks in the NRL this year.

Call it changes to the modern game; momentum swings; any cliché you like. Regardless of the cause, it’s a definite trend.

This weekend already, the Titans chased down a seemingly impossible deficit to run down their opponents in the last couple of minutes, eventually in extra time.

The North Queensland Cowboys did it for the second week in a row, this time against the Panthers after being behind 20-8.

Those who watched the game will recall the Tigers led the Roosters 12-0 after scoring the opening two tries.

And of course there’s the talked-about comeback by Parramatta to steamroll Manly.

If it’s a trend, which it seems to be, that offers opportunity for punters.

If over two weeks, a punter had waited for one team to get a 12-point buffer on their opposition before taking “in the running” odds, they would have made a fortune.
Hindsight might be an ass, but it’s also a lesson.

At 4-1 odds or better which usually happens when one team gets a break, that means the team coming from behind only has to do it one in four occasions for punters to be ahead.

So far this season, it’s happened half the time.

And eliminate the games where neither team has orchestrated a 12-point break, and the odds tilt even further in the punter’s direction.

I wouldn’t expect it to happen all the time, but there might be something in it.

Military Rose run fantastic

Military Rose has shot in more than 5 points with most bookies, and it was on the back of a very impressive run on Saturday.

But you'd swear the Golden Slipper was a two-horse race. If it was, it would seem almost certain that Military Rose has the measure of Solar Charged, and the odds would be warranted.

But now that the favourite has been backed so short, let's be sure to take a look at the other top chances in the field. Forget Star Witness, its run on Saturday was appalling.

Masquerader, however, had a fantastic run. And there are four or five other top chances likely to race this weekend.

My advice: Don't get caught up in the media hype, rather take a deep breath and look at each chance on its merit and form. Military Rose is a good horse and deserves to be the top chance, but 5 points is ridiculous.

MILITARY ROSE NEW SLIPPER FAVOURITE AS FANCY’S FLOP

Military Rose has stamped herself as a dominant Golden Slipper favourite after easily accounting for former favourite, Solar Charged, in the Riesling Stakes.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the Magic Millions winning filly’s odds had been slashed too $3.40 and she looked a bullet proof type who would be very hard to beat in the Slipper.

“She is a clear favourite now with the second pick being Crystal Lily who isn’t even nominated yet,” Sullivan said.

“The fillies certainly look to have an edge this year with fairytale horse Chance Bye on the third line of betting.

“Hinchinbrook is the first of the colts and geldings at $9.00 alongside Todman winner Masquerader who is another not nominated at this stage.”

Sullivan said Solar Charged and Star Witness had been the big drifters in Slipper betting following disappointing runs.

“Solar Charged drifted from $4 to $11 and while you wouldn’t write her off, it is hard to see her turning the tables on Military Rose,” Sullivan said.

“Star Witness went from $6.50 to $17 and given he isn’t nominated, it would have to be unlikely for him to pay up now.”

GOLDEN SLIPPER
Sportingbet Australia Market
Military Rose 3.40
Crystal Lily (nn) 5.00
Chance Bye 8.50
Hinchinbrook 9.00
Masquerader (nn) 9.00
Solar Charged 11.00
Decision Time (nn) 14.00
Beneteau 16.00
Shaaheq 17.00
Zutara 17.00
Star Witness (nn) 17.00
Psychologist 18.00
Shrapnel 23.00
Georgette Silk 23.00
Elimbari 31.00
Skilled 31.00
Divorces 31.00
Obsequious 31.00
Mafia Miss 35.00
Needs Further 41.00
Evidentia 41.00
My Amelia 41.00
Dove Lake 41.00
Brightexpectations 41.00
Skorost 41.00
More Strawberries 41.00
Legalistic 51.00
Maules Creek 51.00
Legally 51.00
Eucumbene 51.00
Hautto 51.00
Blue Lotus 51.00
Pressday 51.00
Military Blonde 51.00
Snap Dragons 51.00
Toorak Toff (nn) 51.00