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.

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.

Michael Sullivan is Friday guest tipster

Leading corporate bookmaker Michael Sullivan isn't shy when it comes to letting people know what he thinks.

As recently as July, he defended himself against NSW Racing after he and other interstate bookies were blamed for a $3 million shortfall in prize money.

Sportingbet sponsors Victorian Racing to the tune of about $3 million a year, but is not given the same sponsorship lattitude in New South Wales.

What happens in the board room might be important to the final outcome of racing. But as punters, we're pretty narrow minded. As long as there's a race, we're happy.

And we're happy to take the superior odds from corporate bookmakers any day. One man who knows all about those odds is the punter who took on a fearless Michael Sullivan to the tune of $5 million on Lonhro winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2004.

We can only hope Michael sent a bottle of his finest to the connections of eventual race winner Grand Armee.

In between fighting the good fight and counting the beans, however, Michael has found time to give Aussiepunt followers a few tips for the weekend.

So here's how we shape up, thanks to Michael Sullivan:

Caulfield race 9: Horse 9, Tootsie. Michael's comments: Has a wide draw to overcome but will strip much fitter for two runs in Melbourne. Class Kiwi galloper who looks very tough to beat with luck in running.

Caulfield Race 3: Horse 10, Marquardt. Michael's comments: Goes well fresh and has the services of Bowman. Is over the odds and likely to be right in the finish.

Soccer: Australia v Netherlands: Draw. Michael's comments: The Dutch are said to be hungry for revenge but have plenty of quality players out. Australia may be more focused on the Asian Cup Qualifier but pride is still at stake and can hold their number 3 ranked opponents.

As usual at Aussiepunt, we'll be following our guest tipster with 10% of our bankroll on each of his tips. We're sorry Michael, but at present our bankroll sits with an opposition bookie. We will, however, be happy to take their money!

We'll be riding Tootsie and Marquardt at each way odds. And a neat $25 on a draw in the soccer.