Darran

Southend v Hartlepool I was a bit surprised that Hartlepool made 8 changes for the game against Tamworth on Tuesday as I thought the FA Trophy looked a good chance for them to win something. I can only think that because the people in charge aren't really non-league people that they might not care as much about it as I thought they would. Anyway they should be back to full strength here and given they come into this in good form I think they can beat a Southend side I still think are overrated. Darlington v Oxford City Just 2 defeats in the last 10 for Darlington and still only one defeat at home all season which came on the opening day against Kidderminster. Those 2 defeats were at Chorley and Brackley so there is no disgrace in that and they edged a win against Herefordon Tuesday night in a game where there wasn't a huge amount of quality chances. I think it is fair to say that Oxford aren't as bad as they were at the start of the season, but they did lost 3 on the bonce before beating a poor Farsley. They did win in the Trophy last Saturday but were playing a Step 4 side. I'd make the home side slight odds on for this. Blyth Spartans v Prescot Cables Blyth have improved since the change of owner and manager and this does look a winnable game for them. The away sides good run is a while ago now and it is just 1 win in 7 for them. There probably isn't a great deal between these 2 sides and given the price about the home I will take a chance on Blyth finally getting another win they are hinting at being close to. Bognor v Whitehawk It will be typical if Whitehawk lose this for us after being against them a couple of weeks ago, but they clearly got a new manager bounce albeit Folkestone were poor. What is key for me is Bognor are currently bottom and Whitehawk have started to get some former players back who did well for the manager before at the club. In Bognor's last 5 games they have let in 20 goals so I'm happy to take a chance that Whitehawk can continue the improvement against the worst side in the division. Dartford v Dulwich Dartford were the side who beat Bognor last Saturday 4-0 and the only time they have lost in their last 10 was when we opposed them with Wingate. Whilst Dulwich did us on Tuesday night I think it is worth continuing to take them on away from home especially with Dartford being so hard to beat. prices from 9am Friday Hartlepool 1pt @ 21/10 with Betfred and Bet365 (Hills are 9/4 and take up to 7/4) Darlington 2pts @ 21/20 with Betfred, BetVictor and Skybet (Hills are 23/20 and take up to 10/11) Blyth 1pt @ 15/8 with Betfred (take up to 6/4) Whitehawk 1pt @2/1 with Betfred (take up to 6/4) Dartford 1pt @ 11/10 with Bet365 (take up to 4/5)

Amazing how often these storms seem to hit on a Saturday afternoon and the one a couple of weeks ago certainly had an impact on matches so again I will be sticking to minimum stakes. Also wouldn't be a shock if we saw some games getting called off. AFC Fylde v Kidderminster We start in the FA Trophy and there has been a big gamble on Kidderminster who are now around even money for this. I can see why people took the bigger prices, but the value has firmly shifted in the other direction for me. Kidderminster have only lost once in their last 10 games, but that was a poor 4-0 loss at Kings Lynn and they also lost to Guiseley in the FA Cup before that run started. I know Fylde haven't been in the greatest form, but the league below isn't strong and I don't think there is a great deal between these 2 sides which means the home side have to be a value play. Aldershot v Wealdstone Wealdstone were superb against Wycombe last Saturday and probably should have at least taken the match to extra time. They were also much better than Aldershot in the league fixture of this match a month ago. Aldershot have been a bit better since then, but the value is certainly with the away win. Boreham Wood v Eastbourne I know Eastbourne have let us down away from home in the league, but they are overpriced again for this and Boreham Wood struggled to beat a Step 4 side in the previous round which suggests to me the Trophy isn't a big target for them. Braintree v Forest Green FGR's away performances haven't always been the best and I can seem them resting players for this. Braintree have a new manager in place to impress so for me they are a touch of value to win this. Gainsborough v Rushall Olympic I really fancy a home win here. Gainsborough have been superb in the cups this season and since losing to Macclesfield in the league on September 24th they didn't lose again until Harrogate on Friday. They beat Chester in the previous round and Rushall are no Chester. Rushall have lost all their league away matches apart from 1 and they also currently don't have a manager. York v Darlington We saw when York made a few changes to the team in the league last week how bad it went for them as they lost 3-0 to Altrincham. They will surely rest players again for this which will give Darlington a fair chance of causing an upset. Darlington's manager used to manage York as well so he will be especially keen to want to beat them. Kings Lynn v Scarborough Into the league bets now and after losing 4 games on the bounce the home side are back to form wining their last 2 including that 4-0 win over Kidderminster. Scarborough have only won twice in since the start of October and are struggling at the moment. I think the home side should be odds on for this. Dorchester v Hungerford (Southern Premier South) Hungerford have drawn 8 of their last 9 games which is quite staggering. Dorchester have drawn their last 5 games as well so that means the draw is value here. I don't think there is a huge amount between most of the teams in the division this season and with both teams being hard to beat I will take my chances on it finishing in a draw. Prices from 12pm Friday AFC Fylde 1pt @ 11/5 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair and Betfred (365 are 23/10 and take up to 6/4) Wealdstone 1pt @ 16/5 with Skybet and William Hill (take up to 2/1) Eastbourne 1pt @ 16/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (Hills are 7/2 and take up to 2/1) Braintree 1pt @ 13/5 with Skybet, Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (take up to 2/1) Gainsborough 1pt @ 2/1 with Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair (take up to 11/8) Darlington 1pt @ 13/2 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (Hills are 7/1 and take up to 4/1) Kings Lynn 1pt @ 5/4 with William Hill and Betfred (take up to 10/11) Dorchester v Hungerford draw 1pt @ 13/5 with Betfred (take up to 9/4)

Leyton Orient v Oldham (Saturday) Orient blew a 2 goal lead at Boreham Wood in the previous round and had to rely on a penalty shootout in the end. Oldham as we know are having a very good season and I think they have a decent chance of beating an Orient side who aren't doing well in League 1 this season. Oldham are much better than Boreham Wood and there is a lot of experience in that side so travelling to Orient is going to hold no fears for them. Burton v Tamworth (Sunday) Tamworth's away form in the league is not great, but they make things very hard for teams as they showed in the previous round when they beat Huddersfield. Now if they were at home I'd have more confidence, but then they would be a shorter price and Burton have won just once in League 1 this season. I don't think there is a huge amount in the price, but there is enough to back the upset. Reading v Harborough (Sunday) I want to tip Reading on the -2 handicap because they really should cover that with ease. The problem is Reading play a league game on Tuesday and I'm concerned about what side Reading are going to put out so for the time being I am not going to put it up because I do wonder if we might see a lot of youngsters playing and if that happens then I will leave the game alone. I am keeping a close eye on anything that comes out from Reading and I'm sure there will be a manager interview before Sunday. Solihull v Bromley (Sunday live on ITV) A repeat of last seasons play-off final in the National League which Bromley won via a penalty shootout. Now Solihull haven't always been at that level this season, but they have shown glimmers of it and I'm not sure Bromley are that much different from what they were last season. They have only won 3 times in the League and 2 of those were their opening 2 games of the season. They did beat Rochdale 4-3 in the last round, but they scored in the 91st and 93rd minute to win the game. I'd make Solihull slight favs given they are at home so I am happy to back them at the price they are. Oldham 1pt @ 4/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (17/4 with Ladbrokes and Coral and take up to 7/2) Tamworth 1pt @ 24/5 with William Hill (take up to 4/1) Solihull 1pt @ 2/1 with William Hill (take up to 7/5)

Halifax v Southend Needless to say I am putting up Halifax here who look a big price. I know Southend went down to 10 men on Tuesday, but they only really had 2 shots during the game and they came in the first 13 minutes. They went 4-3-3 formation wise and whilst that lead to an improvement against FGR it didn't lead to much against Woking. I just don't get how they can be favourites for this. Halifax have been their usual solid selves this season and whilst the goal against FGR was a bit fortunate they probably deserved the point as whilst FGR had 16 shots their xG was only 0.78. The FGR goal had recorded the highest xG of 0.17 and all bar one other shot was under 0.10. Halifax have lost just twice in their last 8 games and they were 2-1 defeats to Rochdale and York so nothing wrong that and I would make them favs for this with Southend still being overrated by the bookies. Chorley v Curzon Ashton Chorley currently top the National League North, but they haven't been overly convincing in recent weeks. They lost 3-0 to Marine, were poor in a 2-1 loss to Chester last Saturday and only managed to beat a weak Farsely 1-0 on Tuesday night. Curzon have only lost twice in their last 10 matches and have the best defence in the division conceding just 11 goals. They have only lost once away and whilst Chorley have only lost once at home I think this is the perfect time to be playing them. Scunthorpe v Alfreton We were a bit unlucky not to get Scunthorpe beaten on Tuesday night as Darlington had the best of the chances and some good goalkeeping kept them out. I am happy to keep on opposing them as we are getting some great value in doing so whilst they continue to under perform. I was surprised to see Alfreton lose to South Shields on Tuesday night especially conceding 4 times as they are usually strong at the back. They have actually had better results away from home this season with their only two losses being at Southport on the opening day of the season and then that freak 3-1 defeat to Peterborough when we were on Alfreton and they were well on top before conceding those 3 goals. Alfreton are capable of beating anyone in the division on their day and hopefully they can do that at Scunthorpe. Spennymoor v Buxton It was Buxton who caused Scunthorpe's only loss at home so far this season and we were all them that day and I am putting them up again to win at Spennymoor. Three days after that win they lost their only game in the last 8 to Brackley and they were poor that night, but after the big performance against Scunthorpe I suspect they just weren't quite at it as can happen after teams get big results. Last Saturday they beat Oxford City 2-1 and I think they can edge past Spennymoor. The home side are unbeaten in 5, but they have only won one of those games which just happens to have been against Scunthorpe. They drew against Curzon, but the other 3 games were against teams they ought to have beaten and I'm just not sure they are playing all that well at the moment. Redditch v Spalding Spalding have been on my radar for a little while now as they have been spending a bit of money getting players in with the manager signing a couple of players from his former club Peterborough Sports. I haven't put them up as a bet yet as it hasn't been the right time and I was right to do so as they have lost 3 of their 4 games. It's been 2 weeks since they last played and I think that will help them get more settled as a squad. Redditch lost last Saturday and there has been a fair bit of upheaval with Tim Flowers leaving them at short notice recently and they were well beaten by Royston. Hopefully I have got it right with the time to back Spalding. Dover v Cray Valley The top 2 teams in the division and Cray are overpriced for me. Obviously we are on them ante-post at huge odds so it would be great if they can win for that bet, but they are over priced to win the game as well. They should have won last Saturday and got back to winning ways against Bowers & Pitsea on Tuesday. To be fair Dover had a good win themselves on Tuesday beating Lewes 3-1. They are on a run of 9 games without losing and 8 of those were wins so it obviously wont be easy for Cray, but I'd have them at shorter odds than they are so happy to back them. Whitehawk v Folkestone Folkestone have looked very good recently winning their last 4 and putting in some good performances so odds against quotes look a big price against a Whitehawk side who are bottom of the table and in dreadful form. They have got just 2 points in their last 10 games, conceding 23 times and scoring just once. Folkestone should be odds on and they look a very good bet. Prices from Thursday 2pm Halifax 1pt @ 15/8 with Ladbrokes, Coral and BetVictor (Hills are 2/1 and take up to 11/8) Curzon 1pt @ 21/10 with Bet365 and William Hill (take up to 7/4) Alfreton 1pt @ 15/4 with Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (Hills are 19/5 and take up to 5/2) Buxton 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365, Betfair, Paddy Power, Betfred and William Hill (take up to 6/4) Spalding 1pt @ 11/5 with Bet365 and Betfred (take up to 9/5) Cray Valley 1pt @ 12/5 with Betfred and Bet365 (take up to 2/1) Folkestone 2pts @ 23/20 with Betfred (take up to 8/11)

I watched Hemel v Dorking on Monday night and Dorking really impressed me. I know that Hemel are pretty awful right now, but it was the way that Dorking put them away and they could have had more than 7. The National League South does look wide open, but I've got a feeling that Weston and Truro won't be able to stay up there and I don't like Torquay much either. Dorking are certainly the best team I have watched in either Step 2 division this season and whilst they have played more games than the other teams around I do want them onside. Eastbourne and Boreham Wood are still both in contention and as mentioned above Maidstone aren't far away either from the bets we already have. I think the 8/1 on Dorking with Bet365 is worth taking to add to the portfolio. Dorking 1pt @ 8/1 with Bet365

Now we are sitting pretty in the National League with Barnet, York and Forest Green all covered. I do think one of those 3 teams are likely to win the title, but Oldham are the only other team I think who are capable of doing so. They are still drawing a lot of games which might hinder them from winning the league, but they have lost just twice so it wouldn't take much improvement to see them go close and they do have a good squad. I honestly don't think any other team can win the title other than those 4 clubs so given Oldham can be backed e/w to 3 places at 14/1 it makes sense to get them onside. I don't think Gateshead have the squad to finish in the top 3 and Rochdale don't look good enough and then after that you are getting to the teams hoping to sneak into the play-offs. Given its Oldham I am actually surprised they are still such a big price as they really ought to be in single figures and I had been mulling it over putting something on them for a few weeks now, but I think now is the time to get involved. After this if we aren't on the National League winner then I will be amazed. Oldham 0.5pts e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365 and William Hill (both firms are e/w 1/5 1-2-3 some bookies are only going 1/3 1-2 but I think it is better to go with the 3rd places going for us as well)

No time for previews this week and keeping stakes small given the awful weather across the country today. Prices from 6pm yesterday. Eastleigh v Wealdstone Southend v FGR Buxton v Oxford City Leamington v Scunthorpe AFC Telford v St Ives Harborough v Banbury Cray Valley v Potters Bar Wealdstone 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor, Ladbrokes and Coral (Hills are 21/10 and take up to 7/4) FGR 1pt @ 7/5 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 11/8) Buxton 1pt @ 21/20 with William Hill and Betfred (take up to 10/11) Leamington 1pt @ 3/1 with Skybet, William Hill and BetVictor (take up to 9/4) AFC Telford 1pt @ 6/5 with Betfred (Hills are huge at 29/20 if you can get on with them and take up to Evs) Banbury 1pt @ 11/5 with Betfred (take up to 15/8) Cray Valley 1pt @ 21/20 with Betfred and Bet365 (take up to 5/6)

Altrincham v Southend The home side have only lost once at home so far this season although they have drawn half of their 8 home games and Southend have drawn half of their 8 away games so the draw is a slight concern, but I do think Altrincham offer value given Southend are favs for this. I took them on last week in a bizarre game of football and got lucky that it was Yeovil who got the goal, but the fact is Southend have been struggling in front of goal. In their last 10 league games they have scored 11 goals, but you have to bare in mind that 4 of those came in one game against Solihull. Altrincham have had little issue scoring goals and have netted in 7 of their last games and the only time they didn't was in their only lost in that spell against Braintree. Also the only time they haven't scored at home was the one loss against Eastleigh. A bit like last week I think Southend are being over-rated by the bookies and Altrincham rate a decent value bet for me. Woking v Boston Yes I am opposing Woking again! Boston were decent last week against Dagenham and probably should have won so whilst it has been a long time since they have won the fact they have drawn their last two games gives me hope they could get that vital win at a Woking side who have not won for 9 games themselves. They have only lost 3 of their 8 games at home, but they have had a bit of good fortune along the way. Boston have performed better on the road and their 3 defeats were at Southend (at the start of the season when they were really struggling), Gateshead and Barnet. They have played 7 away games and got 8 points which is only one fewer than Barnet and they have played 1 more game. I just don't think there is quite as big a difference between the two sides as the betting suggests and will thus Boston offer some value. Blyth Spartans v Matlock Matlock did us a good turn last week coming from behind with 10 men to win 3-2 and I think they can win again here. I will say that Blyth weren't that bad last week in their 2nd game since being taken over so there are signs of improvement, but Matlock are one of the form sides in the division and I think at this stage they certainly should be too strong for their hosts. Marlow v Wimborne I'm not surprised the odds against on the away side has been taken as I'm not sure any side should be odds against to beat Marlow. The slight concern is Wimborne have only won once away from home, but we are due a result opposing Marlow given the other two times they managed to get a 2-2 draw. They are a dreadful side and hopefully Wimborne can prove too strong. Bognor Regis v Carshalton The home side did beat Bowers last week which was annoying for us, but they were then well beaten by Lewes on Tuesday night and Carshalton look a fair price to beat them here. They beat Billericay 4-3 last Saturday which is clearly a very good result and their only 2 defeats in their last 8 leagues games have come against the in form Canvey Island and the very good Wingate & Finchley. For me they should be clear favs for this. Whitehawk v Wingate & Finchley Speaking of Wingate I am backing them as well to continue their superb run of form. They have won 6 of their last 7 league games and the only defeat was at Dulwich when the home side scored a 97th minute winner. Whitehawk are pretty poor this season and have picked up just 2 points in their last 7 games. Odds against looks a big price for me about an away win. Prices from Friday 9am Altrincham 1pt @ 9/5 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, William Hill and Betfred (take up to 6/4) Boston 1pt @ 11/4 with Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 11/5) Matlock 2pts @ 11/8 with Betfred (take up to Evs) Wimborne 1pt @ Evs with Betfred and Bet365 (take up to 8/11) Carshalton 1pt @ 6/4 with Betfred (take up to 5/4) Wingate & Finchley 2pts @ 13/10 with Betfred (take up to 5/6)

Was due a day like that when things went my way.

Southend v Yeovil Yeovil have crept up into the play-off places and I'm not entirely surprised as I was impressed with them when they went to Gateshead earlier in the season as they showed they had plenty of ability that day. They have only lost twice in their last 10 league games and they were 1-0 defeats against Solihull and Oldham. This isn't going to be an easy game as Southend have certainly looked better in recent games. They beat Rochdale and then restricted Aldershot to just 1 shot, but couldn't score themselves before beating Tamworth in their last league game 2-0. They were totally dominant that day and did well against Charlton last week in the FA Cup. I just think though that Yeovil are too big a price not to have something on as they are capable of winning this. Scunthorpe v Buxton At one stage I thought I had got Scunthorpe wrong pre-season as they looked very good in the early weeks of the season and better than they did last season, but the wins have dried up in recent weeks and they have only beaten Rushall and Farsley in their last 9 league games. They have only lost 3 of them, but that includes a 3-2 reverse at Spennymoor on Tuesday night. Now apart from a drab 0-0 draw at Chester they have been creating plenty of good chances with some strong xG numbers and they are unbeaten at home, but Buxton are just too big a price not to back. Buxton had a dreadful run of form where they only won twice in 12 games, but they are unbeaten in their last 5 leagues games and have won 4 of them. Oddly their xG figures haven't been so impressive and they haven't always had many shots, but what that means is they are taking advantage of what chances do come there way. They did win 7-1 against Needham as well although that game isn't on WyScout. They have it in them to be the first team to beat Scunthorpe at home this season. Oxford City v Scarborough It was Scarborough who Buxton beat on Tuesday night and they are not in great form in the league. Just 2 wins in their last 10 (one of which was actually against Scunthorpe) and with Oxford improving as I highlighted on Tuesday I think they look a solid bet to win here. The red card did help them on Tuesday night, although Hereford had created very little before that, but what it did do was allow City plenty of the ball. With them finally taking advantage of that possession it stands them in good stead to win their 2nd home league game of the season against a side who are out of form. Hemel Hempstead v Hampton & Richmond To be fair to Hemel they have had a fairly tough run of fixtures, but my god does it feel like a long time ago since they were top and I was feeling pretty good about tipping them up at 66/1 for the league. They will surely win again at some stage, but Hampton have had a couple of good results in their last couple of games including a good 3-1 win over Eastbourne where they took full advantage of a poor 2nd half by the current league leaders. They are worth backing to beat a struggling Hemel side. Welling v Truro This really ought to be an away win. Welling have lost 7 of their last 9 league games and the two wins in that spell were 1-0 victories over St Albans and Enfield. They were shocking in defence and in goal in the two 4-0 and 4-1 losses to Chippenham and Eastbourne in their last 2 league games. Truro are unbeaten in their last 7 league games and are looking good and they should be able to take advantage of a Welling side who just look really low in confidence especially at the back. Matlock v Bamber Bridge Matlock have lost their last 2, but they more than held their own against Macclesfield and Stockton only losing by a single goal against 2 of the best sides in the division. They now host a Bamber Bridge side who have lost 3 of their last 4 games and Matlock's current squad is much better than their league position suggests so they can win this. Bowers & Pitsea v Bognor Regis Bognor have lost 5 games on the bounce and whilst the first 2 were against the current top 2 sides the other 3 certainly weren't. They have only picked up 1 point away from home so far this season and they go to a Bowers side who aren't in bad form at all having won 4 of their last 6 league games. They look a good price to beat the side currently bottom of the table. Cray Valley v Horsham Whilst Hemel aren't looking so good for our 66/1 ante-post play, Cray Valley are looking much better for the 66/1 ante-post bet. They are currently in 3rd and have lost just 2 of their last 10 league games and have won 4 of their 6 home league games. Now Horsham are a good side themselves and having only played 10 league games they are in a little bit of a false position in the table, but they have only won once on their travels in the league so far and I'm surprised they are favourites for this. Cray look good value to me. Yeovil 1pt @ 16/5 with Skybet, Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair and BetVictor (10/3 with 365 and take up to 5/2) Buxton 1pt @ 9/2 with BetVictor and Betfred (5/1 with Hills and take up to 3/1) Oxford City 1pt @ 8/5 with William Hill, Skybet, Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (take up to 5/4) Hampton & Richmond 1pt @ 9/5 with Skybet, Paddy Power, Betfair and Bet365 (19/10 with Hills and take up to 6/4) Truro 3pts @ 19/20 with Bet365, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 8/11) Matlock 1pt @ 6/5 with Betfred and Bet365 (take up to Evs) Bowers & Pitsea 1pt @ 7/4 with Betfred (take up 11/8) Cray Valley 1pt @ 15/8 with Bet365 and Betfred (take up to 6/4)

I am really keen on the chances of Gaboriot in the Grand Sefton. Sone might remember I tipped him up for the Aintree Foxhunters only for him to unseat at the Canal Turn. I think he would have gone close, but that does mean he is well handicapped. The handicapper only put him up a pound for the Cheltenham win and then kept him the same for the Cartmel win. I think he has around 10lbs in hand over the handicapper based on his hunter chase efforts and I think he is better on quicker ground than he faced last season. I remember one of the things that worried me at Catterick when he won was the soft ground so the ground should be ideal for him. Annoyingly Pricewise have put him up so the price has come in a little, but I think he's a great e/w bet as if he gets round safely I think he will be in the first 4 at least (pretty much all bookies are going 4 places). I'd love Latenightpass to run well again and he clearly likes it round here given his Foxhunter runs and his superb Grand National effort where he simply didn't stay. The thing is though he has to give 20lbs to Gaboriot and I that is a huge amount as I don't think there is much difference in their ability. No doubt he will run well though. We also have Percussion who went hunter chasing last season and was 14L behind Gaboriot at Catterick. He did finish a very good 2nd at Uttoxeter last time though and has been placed in the last two running's of this race so clearly he enjoys it. That Uttoxeter effort does suggest that maybe he wasn't at his best when hunter chasing, but he's still carrying 2lbs more than Gaboriot. King Turgeon (been very well backed all week) and Sure Touch (trainer very confident) would head the others, but like I say above Gaboriot looks well handicapped and he has a really strong chance. Gaboriot @ 15/2 with majority of bookies

An incredible day's racing at Flemington in the hours of the morning with 3 Group 1's and plenty to look forward to R3 - 2.50am This is the G3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the former Jessica Harrington trained Kinesiology makes his Oz debut for Chris Waller. He has won once and finished 2nd in 5 of his other 7 starts. He did pass the post in front though in the Vinnie Roe at Leopardstown in August only for him to lose the race in the stewards room. His jockey was certain he was on the best horse and he then finished 2nd again in a G3 on Irish Champion Stakes day. He is already near the head of the betting for next year's Melbourne Cup and he could prove too good here, but I am going to take him on. Must admit I never thought I would be backing for Derby winner Serpentine, but he does look like he has very solid claims here. He's been in good from in 3 of his last 4 starts and he was very good in the Moonee Valley Cup when 2nd to Okita Soushi who franked the form with a good 3rd in the Melbourne Cup. What really interests me is James McDonald takes the ride and that could just be the key to getting him to win again. I will also cover the 2nd and 3rd from the Bendigo Cup given that form looks much stronger than I originally thought! Berkeley Square has had a very good prep and was 2nd in the G3 Coongy at Caulfield prior to the 2nd at Bendigo. He's not been over this far, but he runs as if going up in trip will suit him and he likes Flemington. Star Vega was 3rd just behind Berkeley Square at both Caulfield and Bendigo and again looks like the step up in trip will suit him nicely. Serpentine @ 14/5 with Bet365 Berkeley Square @ 6/1 with Bet365 and William Hill Star Vega @ 9/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power and Betfair R6 - 4.50am This is the Champions Sprint and it sees the Everest 1st, 2nd and 5th meet each other again. Bella Nipotina looks to be in best ever form at the age of 7 as she landed the Everest and then won over 1300 last Saturday at Rosehill to take her prize money over $20m! She beat Sunshine In Paris last week and that horse was 5th at Randwick behind her. I can't see her reversing the form although I am going to take Bella Nipotina on. She has only placed 4 times in 10 starts at Flemington and that's a small worry although like I say she is running better than she ever has. I more want to take her on because I think Giga Kick can reverse the form. He was only 3rd up going into the Everest and he had been off for a year prior to his 1st up run so there should be more to come. He had to close from the back and was only beaten a head at the end. Not having an extra race might prove crucial as well. I will also save on Overpass. He has won Western Australia's version of the Everest, the Quokka, the last two years and he hadn't run since this years running in April until he took the G3 Sydney Stakes on the same day as the Everest. What is interesting is that he clocked a very slightly faster time than Bella Nipotina so he likely would have been involved in the finish in the Everest. He does have a very good 1st up record so possibly there might not be improvement, but his 2nd up record is solid enough and he has a winning chance. Giga Kick @ 4/1 with Bet365, William Hill and Betfred Overpass @ 9/2 with Bet365, Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair and Betfred R7 - 5.30am I don't think the Champions Mile is the easiest race to weigh up. Pride Of Jenni won this race last year and as always will be the pace angle, but she raced very flat in the Cox Plate just 7 days after the King Charles III 2nd. The owner is blaming the jockey as he has been replaced by Ben Melham and her former rider is on Another Wil who isn't without a chance. If she is back to her best then she can win this, but I can't be backing a horse like her who gives her all from the front after such a flat run last time. Indeed it was suggested she would go for a spell after that, but her owner wants her to run again. I can see the case for Broadsiding who ran a huge race to finish 3rd in the Cox Plate, but as a 3yo I just wonder if that run might have taken the edge of ahead of this. The selection is going to be Mr Brightside who was one place behind Broadsiding at MV. I don't think he is at his best over 2000m and for me this is his best trip. He's been running his usual solid races this prep and things might just set up perfectly to win another G1. Mr Brightside @ 5/1 with Bet365, William Hill and Betfred R8 - 6.10am Via Sistina is back in action just 2 weeks after putting in the best performance we have seen anywhere in the world over 2000m this year. It was a devastating performance and whilst you do have the small concern that she was trained to peak for the Cox Plate and she might not back it up, it is hard to take her on because she should win. I think it is also important that she backs it up to prove it wasn't a one off. It is great to see last years Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight back on a racecourse after a tendon injury meant he hasn't run since winning the latter. Docklands also runs here after a solid 5th in the Cox Plate. I am really surprised they didn't go back to 1600m with him after that because he would have had a good chance in the mile. With Via Sistina being so short this is a race more to watch than have a bet in.

Fair play and yes he was unlucky not to be closer, but that form shouldn't have been good enough to win a Melbourne Cup. That's what makes the race so great though because you can get results like this and he has beaten WFA G1 horses which is great to see.

Buckaroo travelled the furthest distance of any horse in the race and went 15m further than the winner. Got given a shocking ride and then he reckons the horse doesn't stay. I really hope Waller doesn't listen to him as I think he can win next year's race if he arrives in the same form as this year.

Not sure I think it might have just been a case she didn't quite see out the 2m. She had seemingly the perfect trip, but the swoopers had the edge