Golden Slipper update

Before last weekend, we expected the market to bunch up somewhat, which seems to be happening after the barrier draw for the Golden Slipper.

We agree that Military Rose deserves to be favourite, but it is an unpredictable field and could be some value to be had.

From the statements from bookmakers below, punters seem to be looking for value.

More Strawberries jumped badly on Saturday and was caught wide for the majority of the race. The horse battled on gamely and hit the line well despite the unlucky run. That's where the value just might be.

LILY THE ONE TO BEAT IN SLIPPER

Following today's barrier draw, IASbet.com's Gerard Twomey says Crystal Lily is the horse to beat in the 2010 Golden Slipper.

"Crystal Lily ($6.00 into $5.00) is my pick for the Slipper," said IASbet.com's Gerard Twomey. "She's drawn perfectly and should be able to sit in behind the speed. She's a strong filly that will have plenty in hand at the finish and is the one to beat."

Twomey said Military Rose ($3.60) is a deserved favourite but may have a chink in his armour.

"He deserves to be favourite given what he has achieved, but second up after his Magic Millions campaign is a hard task and I think he is vulnerable," said Twomey"

"Brightexpectations ($7.50 into $6.00) also drew well and should get the run of the race."

Shaheeq and More Strawberries (both $15.00 out to $19.00) didn't fare as well in the draw and their odds drifted accordingly.

Market courtesy of IASbet.com

2010 Golden Slipper
$3.60 Military Rose
$5.00 Crystal Lily
$6.00 Brightexpectations
$11.00 Chance Bye
$15.00 Hichinbrook
$11.00 Bennetau
$15.00 Solar Charged
$21.00 Decision Time
$19.00 More Strawberries
$19.00 Shaheeq
$26.00 Obsequious
$51.00 Elimbari
$101.00 Georgette Silk
$51.00 Carved In Stone
$151.00 Lohan

PUNTERS WANT MORE STRAWBERRIES

Sportingbet Australia punters have not been deterred by the wide barrier or late rider change for More Strawberries with two punters backing the Gai Waterhouse filly to win $40,000.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said More Strawberries was the subject of all the final field Slipper action with her price tumbling in from $21 to $16.

“We wrote a bet of $2000 at $21 and the phone was hardly in the cradle before another punter outlaid $2500 at $19,” said Sullivan.

“While Military Rose is still our worst result, the early action suggests More Strawberries could shorten plenty before the betting’s all done.”

2010 GOLDEN SLIPPER
Sportingbet Australia Market
Military Rose 3.50
Brightexpectations 5.00
Crystal Lily 5.50
Chance Bye 11.00
Solar Charged 12.00
Hinchinbrook 12.00
Beneteau 12.00
More Strawberries 16.00
Decision Time 17.00
Shaaheq 21.00
Obsequious 34.00
Georgette Silk 67.00
Elimbari 81.00
Carved In Stone 101.00
Lohan 151.00