Roy Jones Jnr to knock out Danny Green

A points decision is still the favoured result, in the favour of Roy Jones Jnr, but punters seem keen to bet he'll knock out his Australian opponent tomorrow night.

Jones has been backed from $3.50 to $3.35 with Sportingbet Australia to knock out Danny Green.

Sportingbet CEO Michael Sullivan said one punter had placed $10,000 on a Jones knockout victory at $3.50.

“It’s a very confident bet to say Green will have the lights turned off for the first time in his career,” said Sullivan.

“A Jones win by knockout has clearly been the most popular option with punters with plenty of other good sized bets placed on top of the $25,000 to $10,000.”

Jones is a hot $1.33 favourite to win the fight at Sportingbet with Green a $3.30 outsider.

Tiger Woods firms in the betting

Following Tiger Woods’ 6-under round of 66 in the first round of the Australian Masters, Sportsbet.com.au has framed a market on Tiger’s total score for the tournament.

“From Tiger’s display today, we think around the low minus 20’s is about right,” said Sportsbet.com.au’s Haydn Lane.

Tiger’s total score in the 2009 Australian Masters
-15 or worse $11.00
-16 to -18 $4.25
-19 to -21 $3.75
-22 to -24 $3.00
-25 or better $4.00

In overall betting, Tiger has been $2.60 into $1.70 today following his blistering first round.

“Tiger has been well supported since markets opened, and we took a $50,000 bet on Tiger at $1.70 today during his round,” said Lane.

“Tiger is obviously the standout, although we think there’s great value to be had elsewhere as the greens will firm up over the weekend and it will be tough for everyone.”

Other sportsbooks have Tiger as short as $1.55 to win the tournament.

Kevin Sheedy a long term prospect in West Sydney

I've heard of futures betting, but this is a very long-term investment with very little information on players:

Kevin Sheedy has the job ahead of him at West Sydney according to bookmakers, with Sportingbet Australia posting a market that has Sheedy’s worst year at Essendon favourite to better his opening year at West Sydney.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said while Sheedy looked the right man for the job, starting a side from nothing was a monumental task and a finals berth in their opening year was a $9.00 outsider.

“Sheedy proved how good a coach he was in 27 years at Essendon but we have his worst year there in 2006 as $1.80 favourite to be better than his first year in West Sydney,” Sullivan said.

“The Bombers won three and drew one in 06 and anything better than that for West Sydney would be a success I would think.

“No matter how good a job he does, you wouldn’t think they are any hope of making the finals in their debut season and we have them $1.05 to be spending September on the sidelines.”

SHEEDY’S GWS 2012 VS SHEEDY’S ESSENDON 2006
Sportingbet Australia Market
GWS 2012 To Do Better Than Essendon 2006 - 14 Points 2.00
GWS 2012 To Do Worse Than Essendon 2006 - 14 Points 1.80

SHEEDY’S GWS 2012 TO MAKE FINALS
Sportingbet Australia Market
GWS To Make 2012 Finals 9.00
GWS To Miss 2012 Finals 1.05

Free sports tips for November 7 and 8

Here's some thoughts about the weekend. Feel free to chime in.

Punters seem keen on Number 5, Gold Salute in the 5th at Flemington tomorrow. There will also be plenty of money floating around for the Patinack Classic, the last big race of the Spring season. And a fair chunk of it will be on the "people's horse", Apache Cat. Look for it to finish late.

Here's something different: A dog. We haven't touched the dish lickers, but Race 4 at Wentworth Park seems to have a special. It's No 2, Amity Bale.

I'm not as bullish as some on Casey Stoner to win the Moto GP. I think after Valentino Rossi made certain of the world championship crown, he'll now be keen to lash out on the Valencia track.

I think India will be a fair thing to beat Australia in the next one dayer to take the series to a decider. And Chelsea at better than even money seem like fair odds to beat Manchester United. Keep in mind though, that this will take on derby proportions, and they often end up in a draw.

$35K bet for Alcopop in Melbourne Cup

The big punters are warming to fairytale horse Alcopop for the Melbourne Cup with some huge bets arriving for the gelding at Sportingbet Australia.

Alcopop is $5.50 second favourite behind Viewed at $5.00 but Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said some big bets are seeing him challenge for favouritism.

“We took a bet of $35,000 at $5.50 this morning so that punter stands to collect nearly $200,000 and he has clearly been the best backed since the barrier draw,” Sullivan said.

“I always expected the Bart Cummings factor would ensure Viewed ran favourite but the money we are seeing come for Alcopop could well change that.

“Shocking’s win on Saturday really stamped his form and punters could still make him one of the most unlikely Cup favourites ever.”

Novelty bets for Victoria Derby Day

The betting market among corporate bookmakers has become hugely competitive, and everybody's looking at new ways to entice punters into having a lunge.

Sportsbet today released a heap of options which are likely to be repeated for the Melbourne Cup.

Here's a few:

Pick the star sign of the Derby winner, based on their foaling date.
Virgo $1.60 Commonage Close, Extra Zero, Gathering, Our Heir Apparent, Shamoline Warrior, Viking Legend
Libra $3.60 Monaco Consul, Onemorenomore, Southern Skye
Scorpio $5.60 Rockferry, Prinsom

Will the Derby winner be posh or a pauper? Based on career earnings to date.
Posh ($195,000+ career earnings) $2.25 Onemorenomore, Shamoline Warrior, Viking Legend
Paupers (under $195,000) $1.65 The Rest

Will the Derby winner be a Cadet or a Corporal? Based on number of career runs to date.
Cadets (6 starts or less) $1.40 Monaco Consul, Our Heir Apparent, Rockferry, Shamoline Warrior
Coporals (7 starts plus) $3.00 Commonage Close, Extra Zero, Gathering, Onemorenomore, Prinsom, Southern Skye, Viking Legend

Pick where the Derby winner is trained out of.
Victoria $1.65 Commonage Close, Extra Zero, Prinsom, Rockferry, Shamoline Warrior
NSW $3.65 Gathering, Onemorenomore, Southern Skye, Viking Legend
NZ $5.00 Monaco Consul, Our Heir Apparent

In each of the Alpha-Bet markets below, punters can select the group from which the Derby winner will come from.
Jockey’s surname alpha-bet
Group A $2.95 Commanage Close, Monaco Consul, Rockferry Group B $3.75 Extra Zero, Gathering, Onemorenomore, Southern Skye
Group C $2.10 Our Heir Apparent, Prinsom, Shamoline Warrior, Viking Legend

Trainer's surname
Group A $2.50 Commonage Close, Extra Zero, ShamolineWarrior
Group B $2.45 Monaco Consul, Prinsom, Rockferry, Southern Skye Group C $3.65 Gathering, Onemorenomore, Our Heir Apparent, Viking Legend

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

Shamoline Warrior vs Rockferry
Shamoline Warrior $1.55
Rockferry $2.45

Rockferry vs Monaco Consul
Rockferry $1.70
Monaco Consul $2.15

Southern Skye vs Our Heir Apparent
Southern Skye $1.90
Our Heir Apparent $1.90

Betting reopens for Australian Idol elimination

We don't mind a bet on Australian Idol, so the following news from Sportingbet comes as welcome.

Our early tip: James Johnston won't get to sing next week.

Sportingbet Australia punters now have the opportunity to bet on Australian Idol eliminations following the show’s producers decision to extend voting until Friday night.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said punters would be pleased with the decision.

“The phone has rung off the hook with punters wanting to bet on the eliminations but with such a short voting window it was impossible to accommodate them on more than a limited basis,” said Sullivan.

“Idol elimination betting has been extremely popular in previous years and punters will be well pleased that it’s back to the old way of doing things.”

Sportingbet Australia expects Toby Moulton ($2.25) and James Johnston ($2.50) to fight out next week’s elimination while Stan Walker ($2.50) and Hayley Warner ($2.75) the favourites to be crowned 2009 Australian Idol.


2009 AUSTRALIAN IDOL – ELIMINATION 1 NOVEMBER
Sportingbet Australia Market
Toby Moulton 2.25
James Johnston 2.50
Nathan Brake 5.50
Stan Walker 5.50
Hayley Warner 9.00


2009 AUSTRALIAN IDOL – WINNER
Sportingbet Australia Market
Stan Walker 2.50
Hayley Warner 2.75
Nathan Brake 4.00
James Johnston 8.00
Toby Moulton 9.00

Cricket win helps the balance

We were in danger of going backwards last night after Central Coast imploded in the soccer, but Brett Lee came to our rescue in the Champions League cricket.

NSW brought us home a $3.10 return on our speculator.

So if you have any late mail on the track this afternoon, be sure to let me and readers of the Aussiepunt blog know.

I still like Speed Gifted in the Cox Plate, but there's virtually no talk of it going into the race. Perhaps people feel it's better suited to the Melbourne Cup distance.

A tip for anybody who might be interested: Sportsbet has a fairly good promotion, allowing its members to tip on each race on the Melbourne card. It's free to enter and there's a $70,000-odd worth of prizes at the end of it.

I figure I've got nothing to lose by giving it a bash!

Smith's chip promo ... now that's creative!

Now this is creative.

Smith's goes out to find a new chip flavour and throws it out to the people.

People argue about which of four finalist chip flavours are best - the coat of arms flavour; late night kebab; popcorn; or caesar salad.

Sportingbet Australia saw an opportunity, and has consequently opened a book on which one will win.

They've got the late night kebab and coat of arms fighting for favouritism, and why not: They're basically a variation on barbecue flavour. If popcorn wins, you'll get $4 in the running, and $4.50 if you like salad in a chip.

“This competition has created great debate around the country and punters have been keen to match their tastebuds with their wallets,” CEO Michael Sullivan said.

“We’ve had plenty of phone calls from punters wanting to back their personal favourites.”

Central Coast worth looking at in soccer

Central Coast Mariners are worth looking at in tonight's game versus the Newcastle Jets.

Although they drew last time they met, the Central Coast have won five straight, compared to Newcastle's dismal effort of only one from its last five outings.

Jets defender Ljubo Milicevic is missing from their lineup.

Central Coast is still paying $2.60.

And remember, we're still riding New South Wales to win the Champions League final.

In the meantime, we'll look for some late mail for tomorrow's race card.

AAMI Vase latest market

The Cox Plate is not the only race of significance tomorrow:

Sportingbet Australia punters have backed Moonee Valley specialist Carrara in from $5 to $4 for tomorrow’s AAMI Vase.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said history was on the Tony Vasil trained gallopers side.

“Nine of the last twelve winners of this race have come through the Caulfield Guineas and there’s plenty of smart money for Carrara,” said Sullivan.

“While he has to be a slight doubt at the trip he could just get a soft lead and has definitely shown a liking for the track.”

Extra Zero is an easing $3.50 favourite for the AAMI Vase.

AAMI Vase
Sportingbet Australia Market
Extra Zero $3.50
Carrara $4.40
Viking Legend $4.80
Miss With Attitude $6.50
Spacecraft $7.50
Hanks $8.50
Morossa $26
Rivers Lane $31

Whobe drifting by the minute

Here's the latest releast from Sportingbet Australia, which indicates there will be some good odds floating around, no matter which horse you fancy in the Cox Plate:

Cox Plate favourite Whobegotyou continues to drift in betting markets as punters swarm to back Heart of Dreams and last year’s runner up Zipping.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said punters were betting all around the favourite who has blown from $2.50 to $3.20 following the barrier draw on Tuesday.

“Whobegotyou has been unlayable since the barrier draw as a host of other runners have been crunched in the market,” Sullivan said.

“Punters have launched at Heart of Dreams who has shortened from $8.50 on Sunday to his current price of $5.50 and there has been plenty of smart money put on him.

“Zipping has also been backed from $21 to $15 as punters look for quality weight for age performers.”

Sullivan said he expected the tide to turn at some point and punters would step into Whobegotyou tomorrow.

“He is still the best horse in the race for mine and he is four from four at the Valley so there is little doubt there will be money for him tomorrow,” Sullivan said.

“He is still our worst result as punters have been backing him for months and I think they will step in again tomorrow to make him a complete strip out if he salutes.”

2009 COX PLATE
Sportingbet Australia Market
Whobegotyou 3.20
Heart Of Dreams 5.50
Speed Gifted 11.00
So You Think 11.00
Scenic Shot 14.00
El Segundo 15.00
Zipping 15.00
Vision And Power 16.00
Rock Kingdom 17.00
Black Piranha 18.00
Manhattan Rain 21.00
Road To Rock 26.00
Nom De Jeu 71.00
Sir Slick 151.00

Cox Plate markets start to take shape

And here they come ... the betting movements on the Cox plate have started. Here's the first statement of the day, from IASbet.

Melbourne, 23 October 2009 - As racing's focus turns to Moonee Valley and the Cox Plate IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read says you shouldn't overlook the obvious when it comes to assessing the race.

Whobegotyou ($3) has run at the track four times for four wins, he won the Yalumba Stakes last start and is a deserving favourite.

Read suggests sticking to the local hopes with Heart Of Dreams ($5.50), Zipping ($15), and El Segundo ($15) all creating interest.

El Segundo has won the race before, Zipping was second last year and Heart Of Dreams has been running great races in all the key lead ups."

Bart Cummings three year old So You Think ($15 into $11) has been one of the better backed runners and as we learnt last week, ignore Bart at your peril!

The Schweppes Stakes (1200m) should be a fantastic race according to Read.

"This is a Group One field in a Group Two race," Read said. "Lucky Secret ($3.30) and Apache Cat ($3.60) must be respected with fantastic Moonee Valley records, but Light Fantastic ($13) and Danleigh ($9) represent the value. Danleigh won the Manikato Stakes over the same Distance at the Valley a month ago and should again be prominent. "

Cox Plate odds

In terms of Australian sport, it's all about racing over the next couple of weeks, at least until the end of the Spring Carnival. And the next big race on the calendar is the Cox Plate.

There will be plenty of news coming through from bookies, some which will need to be taken with a grain of salt. Regardless, we'll try to keep abreast of which horses the punters like. Early in the market, it seems to be Heart of Dreams which has come in to $6.

Here's the latest release from Sportingbet Australia which came through a few minutes ago:

Heart of Dreams has been the big shortener for the Cox Plate with punters rushing to back the second favourite following the barrier draw.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the Mick Price trained gelding shortened from $8.50 to $7.00 after taking barrier three but punters still stepped into the Underwood winner.

“He has clearly been the best backed runner since the barrier draw and is now into $6 after a rush of big bets came for him at $7,” Sullivan said.

“Whobegtyou is still the clear favourite and still clearly our worst way but punters are certainly warming to Heart of Dreams.

“He beat Whobegotyou in the Underwood and was only narrowly beaten in the Yalumba and with a much better draw, there is no reason he can’t come out on
top again.”

Sullivan said Whobegotyou had been left alone by punters since drawing 10 of 14.

“He has drifted from $2.50 to $2.80 since the draw but I still think punters will step into him on the day and he will definitely be our worst result,” Sullivan said.

2009 COX PLATE
Sportingbet Australia market

1. El Segundo $15
2. Zipping $17
3. Vision And Power $17
4. Nom Du Jeu $51
5. Scenic Shot $15
6. Black Piranha $16
7. Sir Slick $151
8. Road To Rock $31
9. Speed Gifted $9
10. Whobegotyou $2.80
11. Heart Of Dreams $6.00
12. Rock Kingdom $17
13. Manhattan Rain $17
14. So You Think $13

NSW good bet to win champions league

Any Twenty20 bet in cricket is fraught with danger, but we think New South Wales has both the form and the side which can beat anybody on an even playing field.

The bowling attack is by far supreme to any other. Lee, Clark, Bollinger and Hauritz could well be Australia's bowling lineup, as could Warner, Hughes and Katich at the top order. Neither can we underestimate the all-round ability of Moises Henriques.

Victoria is a threat. Cameron White, Brad Hodge and David Hussey can tear an attack apart, and they have Siddle and Harwood who can keep opposition lineups quiet, despite Harwood going for 38 off his three overs against Cape Cobras last time they met.

Cape Cobras are similarly dangerous, in that Herschell Gibbs, JP Duminy and Puttick can move the scoring along early. Zondeki has been bowling okay, but it's hard to see them bowling too many sides out cheaply. It's their batting which can cause real problems.

Trinidad and Tobago has been the real surprise packet, and like any decent Twenty20 side, can get a move on if things go right.

Given the inconsistency of the competition, and the somewhat random nature of this form of cricket, we'll be having no more than a speculator (ie, 5% of our bankroll). But all things fair and even, we should be on a winner with New South Wales, and I'm tipping it will be against the Cape Cobras.

Latest odds are as follows:
New South Wales $3.10
Victoria $3.50
Trinidad & Tobago $3.60
Cape Cobras $4.25

Australian Idol form guide: Final 6

I didn't put up a new form guide for Australian Idol last week because it all seemed too hard - not putting up the form, but deciding where everyone was at.

But last night's show helped. And my advice would be simple. The favourites are simply too short in the market. Stan is unlikely to win, and I'll explain why below. Hayley is too big a risk at $3.25. And Toby Moulton is the huge value bet.

So here's the form:

Stan Walker: Sportingbet $2.50; Betfair $1.82
Given how open the competition is right now, these are unbackable odds. As we know, and as goes largely unspoken, Idol is a game of demographics as much as it is one of talent. And Stan has a few things going against him - his playful arrogance, the whole God thing, and as unfortunate as it seems, his ethnic background could go against him. While 30% of the vote might be enough to sneak him into the final, it's unlikely that will carry him through to the title.

Hayley Warner Sportingbet $3.25; Betfair $2.82
In contrast to Stan, Hayley's demographics are all in her favour. Her attitude is right. But her vocal ability make her a risk. And that's what had her placed in the bottom three last week. Expect her to be at risk again this week. Her chances of winning the competition will all come down to an ability to survive. If she sneaks into the final two or three, she will be a hot chance.
Hayley should be safe this week as she's likely to pick up a proportion of Kim's votes.

Nathan Brake Sportingbet $4.50; Betfair $3.50
His performance this week has seen him shorten two points in the betting, and rightly so. But will his boyish looks and duck waddle be enough to turn people off. He's the trickiest of the final contestants to place.

James Johnston Sportingbet $7.50; Betfair $9.40
James just keeps improving from week to week, and he'll pick up the teen vote as others fall by the wayside. He has become far more humble as the weeks go by and might be the dark horse if he can continue to progress. His biggest downfall is song choice - RSL numbers just won't cut it with his strongest supporter base - the teens.

Toby Moulton Sportingbet $8.50; Betfair $7.20
The school teacher who will little doubt not teach too many kids again thanks to a new career in music is one of the biggest improvers. A small rise in confidence in coming weeks and he'll go very close to winning. As I think we'll see with Stan, it's much easier to turn people off than it is to turn them on, and there's not much to dislike about Toby. The $8.50 is huge value. If you got on him when he was $34, good luck to you.

Kate Cook $12; Betfair $11.50;
The country girl shot herself in the foot this week with the whole "not my thing" attitude, and is likely to disappear this week. The whole "she'll be right, mate" attitude can only get you so far. When you basically ignore the advice of a professional the calibre of Liza, you're history.

Four weeks worth of winners!

Aussiepunt has tipped followers winners four weeks in a row.

As readers know, each Friday we invite a guest tipster. We try to find people who have a bit of a clue, and it's proven worthwhile.

This week, Haydn Lane from IASbet knew the pressure was on. Three guest tipsters before him had sent our bankroll moving forward so he went in search of a few winners from the racing stable of the betting pit.

His leading racing tips, Shamoline Warrior and First Command both ran home, giving us a stress free weekend, and shooting our bankroll 30% further into the black.

The only let down was Jorge Lorenzo who, as watchers of this afternoon's Moto GP will know, skidded off the track on the first turn of the race.

For anyone who followed Haydn in the Caulfield Cup (and we're sorry we didn't) would have had an each way bet on Viewed, making their weekend even better.

At Aussiepunt, we share tips because we love what we do. That's why they're free. Here's some pretty good reasons to share the secret:

Week 1: Aussiepunt starts with a bankroll of $100. AAP racing correspondent Grant Stockwell tips two from four winners, including a 10-1 shot, spiralling our bankroll forward 67%.

Week 2: Matt Campbell from Sportsbet gives us only two tips. But one of them is Speed Gifted which runs home at 6-1. Our bankroll takes another 73% boost.

Week 3: Michael Sullivan, CEO from Sportingbet Australia gives us three tips. The two horses lose, although Tootsie runs second giving us each way odds. He makes up for it by tipping the soccer draw between the Socceroos and the Netherlands. Bankroll up 16%.

Week 4: Haydn Lane from IASbet and Sportsbet picks two winners which run home at $3.60 and $2.50 (on the tote, some might have taken higher odds with bookies earlier). Bankroll up 31%.

Bankroll boosts to some might seem smaller than they should be. But our formula is conservative to prepare us for possible losses. We put 10% on each of our guest tipsters tips, which mean we rarely invest more than 30% of our bankroll on any given weekend.

In addition to the above, we've tipped winners in rugby league, Australian Idol, cricket, rugby union and television. We've provided form guides for cricket, golf, football, politics, poker and other events. And we'll continue to do so.

Our bankroll sits triple what it started at. And we've taken some unlucky beats with narrow losses in cricket and footy.

But therein lies our mission: To gamble responsibly, having plenty of fun along the way.

Big bet for Allez Wonder in Caulfield Cup

The odds of Bart Cummings winning a seventh Caulfield Cup have shortened dramatically in the last 24 hours as punters have backed all three of his chances at Sportingbet Australia.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Toorak winner Allez Wonder had shortened from $14 to $11 as big money arrived while Viewed and Roman Emperor had also been well backed.

“Allez Wonder has attracted the bulk of support including one bet of $130,000 to $10,000,” said Sullivan.

“But there’s also been good money for both Viewed and Roman Emperor at double figure odds.

“Bart is the Cups king and punters think can break his Caulfield Cup drought tomorrow.”

Sportingbet Australia is also offering a market on whether or not either Anthony or Bart Cummings will supply a placegetter with punters backing the yes option in from $2.00 into $1.90.

“It may be a dozen years since the Cummings name has figured on the honour roll of placegetters but punters are certainly confident that between them they can end the drought this year,” Sullivan said.

Haydn Lane this week's guest tipster

IASbet public relations manager Haydn Lane might be best known for having his finger on the pulse in AFL circles.

And he's certainly promised to share some winners with aussiepunt readers when next season rolls around.

Haydn's also a pretty handy cricketer, having spent a season batting and tweaking off-spinners at Middlesex, and another as Boston Cricket Club's overseas pro in the Lincolnshire Premier League. Locally, he plays for Melbourne CC and has trained with the Victorian squad.

But that's all behind us. What is more to the point is that we happen to know Haydn has some pretty good connections with the nags. He's owned a few and will no doubt be seen burrowing around Caulfield tomorrow.

He knows he's under immense pressure this week, following in the footsteps of three Friday guest tipsters who've each put us in the black.

"I'll have to do some digging then," he said, perhaps a little nervously. And dig he did, hassling a few of the racing gurus in the betting pit.

Here's Haydn's three picks for the weekend:

Caulfield, Race 4: Number 2, Shamoline Warrior (currently paying $3.60).

Caulfield, Race 9: Number 4, First Command (currently paying $3.40).
Haydn says he's very keen on this one.

Australian Moto GP: Jorge Lorenzo (currently at $3)
Haydn says to back Lorenzo straight out as he's been in super form. That advice comes despite Casey Stoner's return from injury.

As always, we'll be riding with our guest tipster with 10% of our bankroll (now at $260) on each of Haydn's selections. At those odds, we'll be taking the horses to cross the line first.

If you're looking for an each way punt on the Caulfield Cup, Haydn suggests Viewed each way at $14 is worth a shot, and Master O'Reilly to run a big race from a wide barrier.

Daffodil a serious Caulfield Cup hope

Following is an unedited statement released by IASbet this morning. This isn't our Friday guest tipster spot, but might well be worth a serious look:

While the weather reporters are predicting doom and gloom from the skies for the Caulfield Cup, IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read predicts Daffodil will win this years Caulfield Cup.

"The pace of the race begins at a slow tempo as Zavite leads from Light Vision and Vigor, while Kirklees gets the run in the box seat," explains Read.

"Daffodil's rating is at its highest when racing at a mile and a half like we saw this year in the AJC Oaks, and is blessed with the low weight.

"She comes into this race at peak fitness and is unquestionably a main threat."

Opposing horses for the Caulfield Cup has been generalized by Read as he has taken aim at the English stayers Cima De Triomphe and Kirklees.

From a value prospective, Kirklees is poorly handicapped in the race whilst Cima De Triomphe has the task of coming from the rear off the back of a slow tempo, declared Read.

For those looking for a roughie, Light Vision's price is tremendous each way value.

No doubt the absence of crowd favourite Maldivian in this Saturdays Caulfield Cup has somewhat soured the pre post punters who wagered on last years Cox Plate to win a long overdue Caulfield Cup at $15.

However a shining light has appeared into the punters darkness as IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read declared that he will pay back all lost pre-post bets on Maldivian, given that he owes the horse one.

"Ironically this horse has been an ally of mine," stated Read. "Firstly he would have sent me to the cleaners had he won the Caulfield Cup although was scratched at the barriers and then he saved my skin by winning last years Cox Plate at the big odds. Given that we may not see him again its the least I can do for him."