Darran

Saturday 7.15am sees the latest running of the Caulfield Cup. There will be a few familiar names and Joseph O'Brien has two runners and the Crisford's run West Wind Blows. Here are my thoughts on the runners.   Gold Trip - Just got headed in the final strides in this last year, then finished 9th in the Cox Plate before going on to impressively win the Melbourne Cup. He won for the first time since when putting in a superb performance to beat a few of these in the Turnbull Stakes a couple of weeks ago. Has to give more weight away here, but if he's in the form he was a couple of weeks ago he might be capable of doing it.   Without A Flight - Only finished 13th in last year's Melbourne Cup, but then went up to Queensland in May/June and won a G3 and a G2 in easy style. Had a break and then returned in the G1 Underwood last time over 1800m here a month ago and was an eye-catcher when finishing 6th behind Alligator Blood who won again last week. The step up to 2400m from 1800m is going to be ideal for him and he looks a big player.   Breakup - As they have shown so often in recent years, the Japanese horses have to be respected wherever the go. Was well beaten by Equinox last time at big odds although clearly not a shock as he was big odds that day. His last win came over 2500m in November at G2 and he was 4th in a G1 over 3200m in April. He certainly has to be respected.   Montefilia - Had started to become disappointing, but she's been good in her last two starts finishing 3rd in a G3 at Randwick and then won the G2 Hill Stakes last time at Rosehill. She did it well that day given she didn't get a gap until 250m to go. Probably needs to find more again here, but at least she is in form.   Francesco Guardi - Certainly needs this trip as he proved last year when finishing 2nd in the Bart Cummings over 2510m and then winning the Moonee Valley Cup over 2500m. Started off over 1400m this prep then up to 1600m and then 2000m when 7th in the Turnbull. Has been running solidly and clearly be building up to this.   West Wind Blows - Simon & Ed Crisford have sent him down after a very solid summer over here including a G3 win at Longchamp, 2nd in the Hardwick and a respectable run in the Eclipse. Was a huge run first up in the Turnbull to finish 2nd to Gold Trip and on that form he is weighted to reverse the form. I liked the way he kept finding to hold on for 2nd and he should improve from that run. He's drawn in 2 so Spencer will need to get him settled close to the pace otherwise the concern is he wont be able to get a run. If he does that he ought to be going very close.   Soulcombe - Another ex-UK horse and looks to have an obvious chance. Was really impressive first up in a Listed Race here over 1700m and then has run really good races at G1 level when 4th in the Underwood over 1800 and then ran on strongly for 3rd in the Turnbull. 2400m is going to be ideal for him and again is weighted to reverse form with Gold Trip.    Duke De Sessa - Used to be trained by Dermot Weld in Ireland and won a Listed Race on his final start in November at Naas. Has been settled near the back in all his 3 races in Australia so far and stayed on well enough in the Turnbull when 6th last time. Step up in trip is ideal and likely to be peaking here. Likely to have to travel very wide though given his run style and wide draw and I also think he would prefer a softer track.   Hoo Ya Mal - 2nd in last years Derby and finished 12th in last year's Melbourne Cup on his first start in Australia. Had the fastest last 600m of the race when resuming over 1600m in a G2 at Randwick finishing 5th, was then 7th a couple of weeks later in the 7 Stakes also over 1600m and then was just run down late by Montefilia in the Hill Stakes. Clearly going to enjoy stepping up in trip and might just be in better form than the bare figures suggest.   Right You Are - Won the Listed Mornington Cup in April and the 5th in the Underwood wasn't too bad, but was only 11th in the Turnbull and he doesn't look like being good enough.   Emissary - Another who wasn't great in the Turnbull when finishing 12th and I'd be surprised if he won.   Goldman - Another who doesn't look good enough and given he usually just about leads he's going to have to do some work to get over from 18.   Okita Soushi - Royal Ascot winner in June when landing the Duke Of Edinburgh beating HMS President by a neck. Not sure he achieved a great deal in the St Leger Trial last time, but it has to be said that if this were a handicap in the UK or Ireland he would actually be getting less weight than he is from the other horses with UK/Irish ratings higher up the handicap. I don't really fancy him, but at the same time if he won I could see why did.   Fame - 2nd in the Queensland Derby in May, but that wouldn't be good enough and not improved since.    Bois D'Argent - Ran OK in The Metropolitain when 7th and he didn't get much luck in running, but given the winner Just Fine bombed out last week then I would be surprised if that form line was good enough.    Spirit Ridge - Stablemate of Bois D'Argent and was 2nd in The Metropolitain. Usually makes the running, but can't see him making all.   Valiant King - He has the same Irish rating as his stablemate and yet has even less weight to carry. He's very lightly raced and his only win was in a Navan maiden in May, but on his next start he was 2nd to Desert Hero at Royal Ascot. That is obviously strong form, but it was his next run that is even more eye-catching as he was only just beaten by Vauban and they pulled clear of the rest. Granted he wasn't so good on his last start, but I suspect that was being used more as a prep run ahead of his journey to Australia. Stall 1 can prove troublesome at times, but he has Jamie Kah on top so she is capable of delivering the goods.   United Nations - Was a good 2nd in the Herbert Power last week, but would be a shock winner.   Verdict - This is really competitive and to be honest it might be harder to find the winner than it will be of the Melbourne Cup next month. I'm going to put Without A Flight on top as this looks ideal for him. He was fancied for the Melbourne Cup last year, but the ground went against him as he needs it quick as he showed when going up to Queensland for his two wins. It will be quick ground here and his prep run was full of promise. I know Gold Trip is weighted to not finish in front of the 2nd and 3rd from the Turnbull, but I think he is worth more than the winning margin and the turn of foot he showed was seriously impressive. He is my main danger. Soulcombe didn't get the clearest of runs in the Turnbull and I don't think he was ridden quite as strongly as Gold Trip once out in the clear so he is next. West Wind Blows was game in that race to finish 2nd, but sometimes horses from the UK don't run as well 2nd up and his low draw does concern as he could find traffic. Clearly though if he does back it up then he can win. Valiant King is the other that really interests me especially on his Vauban form, but the draw just puts me off from making him a bet.   Without A Flight @ 11/2 with Bet365, Paddy Power and Betfair   NB If having an e/w bet William Hill are going 5 places 

Saturday 7.15am sees the latest running of the Caulfield Cup. There will be a few familiar names and Joseph O'Brien has two runners and the Crisford's run West Wind Blows. Here are my thoughts on the runners.   Gold Trip - Just got headed in the final strides in this last year, then finished 9th in the Cox Plate before going on to impressively win the Melbourne Cup. He won for the first time since when putting in a superb performance to beat a few of these in the Turnbull Stakes a couple of weeks ago. Has to give more weight away here, but if he's in the form he was a couple of weeks ago he might be capable of doing it.   Without A Flight - Only finished 13th in last year's Melbourne Cup, but then went up to Queensland in May/June and won a G3 and a G2 in easy style. Had a break and then returned in the G1 Underwood last time over 1800m here a month ago and was an eye-catcher when finishing 6th behind Alligator Blood who won again last week. The step up to 2400m from 1800m is going to be ideal for him and he looks a big player.   Breakup - As they have shown so often in recent years, the Japanese horses have to be respected wherever the go. Was well beaten by Equinox last time at big odds although clearly not a shock as he was big odds that day. His last win came over 2500m in November at G2 and he was 4th in a G1 over 3200m in April. He certainly has to be respected.   Montefilia - Had started to become disappointing, but she's been good in her last two starts finishing 3rd in a G3 at Randwick and then won the G2 Hill Stakes last time at Rosehill. She did it well that day given she didn't get a gap until 250m to go. Probably needs to find more again here, but at least she is in form.   Francesco Guardi - Certainly needs this trip as he proved last year when finishing 2nd in the Bart Cummings over 2510m and then winning the Moonee Valley Cup over 2500m. Started off over 1400m this prep then up to 1600m and then 2000m when 7th in the Turnbull. Has been running solidly and clearly be building up to this.   West Wind Blows - Simon & Ed Crisford have sent him down after a very solid summer over here including a G3 win at Longchamp, 2nd in the Hardwick and a respectable run in the Eclipse. Was a huge run first up in the Turnbull to finish 2nd to Gold Trip and on that form he is weighted to reverse the form. I liked the way he kept finding to hold on for 2nd and he should improve from that run. He's drawn in 2 so Spencer will need to get him settled close to the pace otherwise the concern is he wont be able to get a run. If he does that he ought to be going very close.   Soulcombe - Another ex-UK horse and looks to have an obvious chance. Was really impressive first up in a Listed Race here over 1700m and then has run really good races at G1 level when 4th in the Underwood over 1800 and then ran on strongly for 3rd in the Turnbull. 2400m is going to be ideal for him and again is weighted to reverse form with Gold Trip.    Duke De Sessa - Used to be trained by Dermot Weld in Ireland and won a Listed Race on his final start in November at Naas. Has been settled near the back in all his 3 races in Australia so far and stayed on well enough in the Turnbull when 6th last time. Step up in trip is ideal and likely to be peaking here. Likely to have to travel very wide though given his run style and wide draw and I also think he would prefer a softer track.   Hoo Ya Mal - 2nd in last years Derby and finished 12th in last year's Melbourne Cup on his first start in Australia. Had the fastest last 600m of the race when resuming over 1600m in a G2 at Randwick finishing 5th, was then 7th a couple of weeks later in the 7 Stakes also over 1600m and then was just run down late by Montefilia in the Hill Stakes. Clearly going to enjoy stepping up in trip and might just be in better form than the bare figures suggest.   Right You Are - Won the Listed Mornington Cup in April and the 5th in the Underwood wasn't too bad, but was only 11th in the Turnbull and he doesn't look like being good enough.   Emissary - Another who wasn't great in the Turnbull when finishing 12th and I'd be surprised if he won.   Goldman - Another who doesn't look good enough and given he usually just about leads he's going to have to do some work to get over from 18.   Okita Soushi - Royal Ascot winner in June when landing the Duke Of Edinburgh beating HMS President by a neck. Not sure he achieved a great deal in the St Leger Trial last time, but it has to be said that if this were a handicap in the UK or Ireland he would actually be getting less weight than he is from the other horses with UK/Irish ratings higher up the handicap. I don't really fancy him, but at the same time if he won I could see why did.   Fame - 2nd in the Queensland Derby in May, but that wouldn't be good enough and not improved since.    Bois D'Argent - Ran OK in The Metropolitain when 7th and he didn't get much luck in running, but given the winner Just Fine bombed out last week then I would be surprised if that form line was good enough.    Spirit Ridge - Stablemate of Bois D'Argent and was 2nd in The Metropolitain. Usually makes the running, but can't see him making all.   Valiant King - He has the same Irish rating as his stablemate and yet has even less weight to carry. He's very lightly raced and his only win was in a Navan maiden in May, but on his next start he was 2nd to Desert Hero at Royal Ascot. That is obviously strong form, but it was his next run that is even more eye-catching as he was only just beaten by Vauban and they pulled clear of the rest. Granted he wasn't so good on his last start, but I suspect that was being used more as a prep run ahead of his journey to Australia. Stall 1 can prove troublesome at times, but he has Jamie Kah on top so she is capable of delivering the goods.   United Nations - Was a good 2nd in the Herbert Power last week, but would be a shock winner.   Verdict - This is really competitive and to be honest it might be harder to find the winner than it will be of the Melbourne Cup next month. I'm going to put Without A Flight on top as this looks ideal for him. He was fancied for the Melbourne Cup last year, but the ground went against him as he needs it quick as he showed when going up to Queensland for his two wins. It will be quick ground here and his prep run was full of promise. I know Gold Trip is weighted to not finish in front of the 2nd and 3rd from the Turnbull, but I think he is worth more than the winning margin and the turn of foot he showed was seriously impressive. He is my main danger. Soulcombe didn't get the clearest of runs in the Turnbull and I don't think he was ridden quite as strongly as Gold Trip once out in the clear so he is next. West Wind Blows was game in that race to finish 2nd, but sometimes horses from the UK don't run as well 2nd up and his low draw does concern as he could find traffic. Clearly though if he does back it up then he can win. Valiant King is the other that really interests me especially on his Vauban form, but the draw just puts me off from making him a bet.   Without A Flight @ 11/2 with Bet365, Paddy Power and Betfair   NB If having an e/w bet William Hill are going 5 places 

Shame Hemel and Welling both conceded in injury time as would have made it even better. Also sounds like Dagenham should have won, like you say though Southport winning was the main one and guaranteed a profit whatever happened elsewhere.

No worries. I think alcohol free has gone and they would be better off retiring her and breeding from her. That’s 2 poor runs and 1 average run now in Australia from her.

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

The richest race on turf, The Everest, takes place at Randwick tomorrow morning. Not sure it is the classiest renewal of the contest but it certainly looks a competitive contest and here is my look at the runners.
I Wish I Win - Landed the Golden Eagle last October over 1500m and followed that up with a 2nd and 3rd in G1's over 1000m and 1200m at Flemington last prep before winning the T J Smith over C & D in April. Just had the one prep run for this and that was 6 weeks ago so a bit unusual in Australian terms, but it was a very good 3rd. Handles any ground and clearly a big player. The one concern is actually the fact he is drawn in 1 because he is usually held up and he might need luck in running to win.
Private Eye - Was 2nd in this last year, but that effort does stand out a little with the other form he has shown since. Did win 1st up in the G2 The Shorts here a month ago over 1100m and he did win a G2 coming into this race last year. On balance though I think he will do well to equal last year's effort let alone go one better.
Think About It - Impossible to knock his record as he has won 10 times from 11 starts. He landed 2 G1s at Eagle Farm in May and June over 1300m and 1400m, but he is also 4-4 over 1200m so the trip is no concern at all. Really liked the way he dug in when Hawaii Five Oh came to him 1st up in the G2 Premiere over C&D a couple of weeks ago. Surely going to build on that and has a lovely draw in 5. A big player.
Mazu - Has talented, but has work to do to overturn form with a view of these. To be fair to him he had no luck last time in The Shorts, but even so I can't see him winning this.
Overpass - Landed the first version of The Quokka, which is WA's version of this, at Ascot in April. Followed that up with a 2nd to Giga Kick in a G1 at Doomben the following month. That's good form and he beat Amelia's Jewel in The Quokka who could win another G1 herself at Caulfield tomorrow. Just got caught late on by Private Eye a month ago, but should come on for that although his win in The Quokka was 1st up. Wouldn't be out of this on his two runs last prep. Looks the likely front runner from his inside gate.
Buenos Noches - G3 winner 1st up over C&D in August and then looked unfortunate not to win The Shorts last time as he got no run until 200m and then hit the line very strong. He does need to improve, but has only had 9 starts and based on his two runs this prep he does look still on the upgrade.
Hawaii Five Oh - Was only 6th in The Shorts and then looked like he would win the Premiere last time, but Think About It kept finding more to beat him. That suggests to me he needs to find more to win this.
Alcohol Free - A horse who needs no introduction having been a superstar over here including winning the July Cup last year in great style. New connections paid a fortune for her and she was fav to win a G1 over 1600m on her first Oz run in April here, but she ran poorly to finish 10th of 16. Ran OK in the Premiere to finish 4th, but it didn't strike me as a run to suggest she would find more to reverse the form with Think About It. If she did find the form she showed to win the July Cup then I think she would be a big player, but I'm not sure she is at that level anymore.
In Secret - Won half of her 12 starts including the G1 Newmarket at Flemington in March. Was well beaten behind I Wish I Win in the T J Smith on her next start though. Solid two runs this season with a 2nd in a G3 and 4th in The Shorts. 4 of her 6 wins have been over 1200m and to me those runs will have put her spot on for this race. Looks a contender to me.
Espiona - Won the G1 Coolmore at Rosehill in March although that was over 1500m and she has only won one of her 6 starts over 1200m. Was impressive at G2 level last time over 1400m and I suspect she has the class to win this, but the trip might not be far enough for her.
Shinzo - Landed the biggest 2yo race in Oz, the Golden Slipper in March under Ryan Moore. Moore went back over to ride him in the G1 Golden Rose last month, but got a poor draw and everything went wrong in the race as well. Clearly unexposed and wouldn't surprise me if he ran very well, but with the way the race planned out last time it is hard to be fully certain as to how he compares now he is out of 2yo company.
Cylinder - The other 3yo in the race and was 2nd to Shinzo in the Golden Slipper. We do know however that he has done well as a 3yo because he won his first 2 this prep at G3 at Caulfield and a G2 at Rosehill. He then also ran in the Golden Rose and finished 3rd where he didn't get the best of runs either. He might have improved past Shinzo now.
Verdict - For me Think About It looks the most likely winner. To win 10/11 starts takes some doing at this short of level and I loved the way he dug deep to win last time. I Wish I Win is likely to be the main danger, but I can't help thinking he's going to need a lot of luck from stall 1 given his running style. The Godolphin pair, In Secret and Cylinder look big dangers to me as well. Overpass could be the one at double figures if he can repeat his form from earlier in the year.
Think About It @ 3/1 with Bet365

Shame Hemel and Welling both conceded in injury time as would have made it even better. Also sounds like Dagenham should have won, like you say though Southport winning was the main one and guaranteed a profit whatever happened elsewhere.

Hartlepool v Eastleigh I got Eastleigh wrong on Tuesday night and in the end they ran out easy winners with Paul McCallum scoring a hattrick. That win means they have only lost twice in their last 10 games. They were the heavy defeat at Gateshead when things went badly wrong and a 1-0 loss to Bromley. They have crept into the top 7 as well and its fair to say that Hartlepool are going very much in the other direction. It is just 1 win in 7 and they lost again on Wednesday at Boreham Wood. They did play quite well in that game and were a bit unlucky to lose it, but they are struggling for goals at the moment with just 3 scored in their last 6 games. I certainly think Eastleigh have a good chance of picking up another win here.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham are on a poor run of form having only picked up 2 points in their last 7 games, but I don't think it is quite as bad as that. The two times I have put them up as a bet they have had a red card which I think has cost them the game and that includes last Saturday at Aldershot. They should have beaten York on Tuesday night as well but 2 late goals turned the game in York's favour. I am going to back them again here though because Oldham still haven't turned the corner for me. I know they won 3 on the bounce after sacking Unsworth, but I saw enough in the game against Kidderminster to know that the quality of performance still isn't there. They drew with Wealdstone on Saturday and again with Maidenhead on Tuesday where the fans were saying that the 2nd half performance was just like the Unsworth era. They are crying out for a manager, but for whatever reason they still haven't hired anyone full time. I am happy to take them on here with a Dagenham side who I think have been a bit unlucky not to have picked up more points.   Bishops Stortford v Southport I am really keen on Southport here and make them the best bet of the weekend. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 games and then they had a change of manager and that has done the trick because they then won their next 3 games and drew with Tamworth last time which given how well they are doing was a good effort. They look a completely different side now and they have a great chance of keeping the unbeaten run going. Stortford have been struggling for goals having only scored 7 in the league and the fact they lost their captain this week to Billericay doesn't bode well. They tried hard to keep him, but Billericay clearly have more money than them. Southport look the better side to me and look a great bet.   Tonbridge Angels v Hemel Hempstead Tonbridge have only managed to beat Dover at home this season and they have only won 3 games overall. They aren't doing as well as they did last season whereas Hemel are the opposite. They have only lost twice so far having beaten both Yeovil and Torquay. They are the better side for me and whilst I don't think there is a huge amount in the price there is enough to get involved.   Welling v Farnborough For me Welling should be higher up the table and they are better than their position in the table suggests. I put them up a couple of weeks ago against Eastbourne when they drew 2-2 and they could easily have won that. They did play on Wednesday as they were taken to a replay by Gosport in the FA Cup, but they won that 4-2 and that was a good effort as Gosport are flying this season. I also opposed Farnborough a couple of weeks ago and they also drew 2-2 with Slough and again we could easily have had a winner in that match as well. Since then they have lost their star striker to Woking and they lost in the FA Cup last weekend to Weston. I'd have Welling as favs for this this and they look a fair bet.   Prices from Thursday morning   Eastleigh 1pt @ 12/5 with Coral and Bet365 (13/5 with Skybet and take up to 2/1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 5/2) Southport 3pts @ 2/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 11/8) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (11/5 with Hills and take up to 13/8) Welling 1pt @ 9/5 with Skeybet, William Hill and Betfred (Betfair and Paddy Power are 11/5 and take up to 11/8)

Hartlepool v Eastleigh I got Eastleigh wrong on Tuesday night and in the end they ran out easy winners with Paul McCallum scoring a hattrick. That win means they have only lost twice in their last 10 games. They were the heavy defeat at Gateshead when things went badly wrong and a 1-0 loss to Bromley. They have crept into the top 7 as well and its fair to say that Hartlepool are going very much in the other direction. It is just 1 win in 7 and they lost again on Wednesday at Boreham Wood. They did play quite well in that game and were a bit unlucky to lose it, but they are struggling for goals at the moment with just 3 scored in their last 6 games. I certainly think Eastleigh have a good chance of picking up another win here.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham are on a poor run of form having only picked up 2 points in their last 7 games, but I don't think it is quite as bad as that. The two times I have put them up as a bet they have had a red card which I think has cost them the game and that includes last Saturday at Aldershot. They should have beaten York on Tuesday night as well but 2 late goals turned the game in York's favour. I am going to back them again here though because Oldham still haven't turned the corner for me. I know they won 3 on the bounce after sacking Unsworth, but I saw enough in the game against Kidderminster to know that the quality of performance still isn't there. They drew with Wealdstone on Saturday and again with Maidenhead on Tuesday where the fans were saying that the 2nd half performance was just like the Unsworth era. They are crying out for a manager, but for whatever reason they still haven't hired anyone full time. I am happy to take them on here with a Dagenham side who I think have been a bit unlucky not to have picked up more points.   Bishops Stortford v Southport I am really keen on Southport here and make them the best bet of the weekend. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 games and then they had a change of manager and that has done the trick because they then won their next 3 games and drew with Tamworth last time which given how well they are doing was a good effort. They look a completely different side now and they have a great chance of keeping the unbeaten run going. Stortford have been struggling for goals having only scored 7 in the league and the fact they lost their captain this week to Billericay doesn't bode well. They tried hard to keep him, but Billericay clearly have more money than them. Southport look the better side to me and look a great bet.   Tonbridge Angels v Hemel Hempstead Tonbridge have only managed to beat Dover at home this season and they have only won 3 games overall. They aren't doing as well as they did last season whereas Hemel are the opposite. They have only lost twice so far having beaten both Yeovil and Torquay. They are the better side for me and whilst I don't think there is a huge amount in the price there is enough to get involved.   Welling v Farnborough For me Welling should be higher up the table and they are better than their position in the table suggests. I put them up a couple of weeks ago against Eastbourne when they drew 2-2 and they could easily have won that. They did play on Wednesday as they were taken to a replay by Gosport in the FA Cup, but they won that 4-2 and that was a good effort as Gosport are flying this season. I also opposed Farnborough a couple of weeks ago and they also drew 2-2 with Slough and again we could easily have had a winner in that match as well. Since then they have lost their star striker to Woking and they lost in the FA Cup last weekend to Weston. I'd have Welling as favs for this this and they look a fair bet.   Prices from Thursday morning   Eastleigh 1pt @ 12/5 with Coral and Bet365 (13/5 with Skybet and take up to 2/1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 5/2) Southport 3pts @ 2/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 11/8) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (11/5 with Hills and take up to 13/8) Welling 1pt @ 9/5 with Skeybet, William Hill and Betfred (Betfair and Paddy Power are 11/5 and take up to 11/8)

Hartlepool v Eastleigh I got Eastleigh wrong on Tuesday night and in the end they ran out easy winners with Paul McCallum scoring a hattrick. That win means they have only lost twice in their last 10 games. They were the heavy defeat at Gateshead when things went badly wrong and a 1-0 loss to Bromley. They have crept into the top 7 as well and its fair to say that Hartlepool are going very much in the other direction. It is just 1 win in 7 and they lost again on Wednesday at Boreham Wood. They did play quite well in that game and were a bit unlucky to lose it, but they are struggling for goals at the moment with just 3 scored in their last 6 games. I certainly think Eastleigh have a good chance of picking up another win here.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham are on a poor run of form having only picked up 2 points in their last 7 games, but I don't think it is quite as bad as that. The two times I have put them up as a bet they have had a red card which I think has cost them the game and that includes last Saturday at Aldershot. They should have beaten York on Tuesday night as well but 2 late goals turned the game in York's favour. I am going to back them again here though because Oldham still haven't turned the corner for me. I know they won 3 on the bounce after sacking Unsworth, but I saw enough in the game against Kidderminster to know that the quality of performance still isn't there. They drew with Wealdstone on Saturday and again with Maidenhead on Tuesday where the fans were saying that the 2nd half performance was just like the Unsworth era. They are crying out for a manager, but for whatever reason they still haven't hired anyone full time. I am happy to take them on here with a Dagenham side who I think have been a bit unlucky not to have picked up more points.   Bishops Stortford v Southport I am really keen on Southport here and make them the best bet of the weekend. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 games and then they had a change of manager and that has done the trick because they then won their next 3 games and drew with Tamworth last time which given how well they are doing was a good effort. They look a completely different side now and they have a great chance of keeping the unbeaten run going. Stortford have been struggling for goals having only scored 7 in the league and the fact they lost their captain this week to Billericay doesn't bode well. They tried hard to keep him, but Billericay clearly have more money than them. Southport look the better side to me and look a great bet.   Tonbridge Angels v Hemel Hempstead Tonbridge have only managed to beat Dover at home this season and they have only won 3 games overall. They aren't doing as well as they did last season whereas Hemel are the opposite. They have only lost twice so far having beaten both Yeovil and Torquay. They are the better side for me and whilst I don't think there is a huge amount in the price there is enough to get involved.   Welling v Farnborough For me Welling should be higher up the table and they are better than their position in the table suggests. I put them up a couple of weeks ago against Eastbourne when they drew 2-2 and they could easily have won that. They did play on Wednesday as they were taken to a replay by Gosport in the FA Cup, but they won that 4-2 and that was a good effort as Gosport are flying this season. I also opposed Farnborough a couple of weeks ago and they also drew 2-2 with Slough and again we could easily have had a winner in that match as well. Since then they have lost their star striker to Woking and they lost in the FA Cup last weekend to Weston. I'd have Welling as favs for this this and they look a fair bet.   Prices from Thursday morning   Eastleigh 1pt @ 12/5 with Coral and Bet365 (13/5 with Skybet and take up to 2/1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 5/2) Southport 3pts @ 2/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 11/8) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (11/5 with Hills and take up to 13/8) Welling 1pt @ 9/5 with Skeybet, William Hill and Betfred (Betfair and Paddy Power are 11/5 and take up to 11/8)

Hartlepool v Eastleigh I got Eastleigh wrong on Tuesday night and in the end they ran out easy winners with Paul McCallum scoring a hattrick. That win means they have only lost twice in their last 10 games. They were the heavy defeat at Gateshead when things went badly wrong and a 1-0 loss to Bromley. They have crept into the top 7 as well and its fair to say that Hartlepool are going very much in the other direction. It is just 1 win in 7 and they lost again on Wednesday at Boreham Wood. They did play quite well in that game and were a bit unlucky to lose it, but they are struggling for goals at the moment with just 3 scored in their last 6 games. I certainly think Eastleigh have a good chance of picking up another win here.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham are on a poor run of form having only picked up 2 points in their last 7 games, but I don't think it is quite as bad as that. The two times I have put them up as a bet they have had a red card which I think has cost them the game and that includes last Saturday at Aldershot. They should have beaten York on Tuesday night as well but 2 late goals turned the game in York's favour. I am going to back them again here though because Oldham still haven't turned the corner for me. I know they won 3 on the bounce after sacking Unsworth, but I saw enough in the game against Kidderminster to know that the quality of performance still isn't there. They drew with Wealdstone on Saturday and again with Maidenhead on Tuesday where the fans were saying that the 2nd half performance was just like the Unsworth era. They are crying out for a manager, but for whatever reason they still haven't hired anyone full time. I am happy to take them on here with a Dagenham side who I think have been a bit unlucky not to have picked up more points.   Bishops Stortford v Southport I am really keen on Southport here and make them the best bet of the weekend. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 games and then they had a change of manager and that has done the trick because they then won their next 3 games and drew with Tamworth last time which given how well they are doing was a good effort. They look a completely different side now and they have a great chance of keeping the unbeaten run going. Stortford have been struggling for goals having only scored 7 in the league and the fact they lost their captain this week to Billericay doesn't bode well. They tried hard to keep him, but Billericay clearly have more money than them. Southport look the better side to me and look a great bet.   Tonbridge Angels v Hemel Hempstead Tonbridge have only managed to beat Dover at home this season and they have only won 3 games overall. They aren't doing as well as they did last season whereas Hemel are the opposite. They have only lost twice so far having beaten both Yeovil and Torquay. They are the better side for me and whilst I don't think there is a huge amount in the price there is enough to get involved.   Welling v Farnborough For me Welling should be higher up the table and they are better than their position in the table suggests. I put them up a couple of weeks ago against Eastbourne when they drew 2-2 and they could easily have won that. They did play on Wednesday as they were taken to a replay by Gosport in the FA Cup, but they won that 4-2 and that was a good effort as Gosport are flying this season. I also opposed Farnborough a couple of weeks ago and they also drew 2-2 with Slough and again we could easily have had a winner in that match as well. Since then they have lost their star striker to Woking and they lost in the FA Cup last weekend to Weston. I'd have Welling as favs for this this and they look a fair bet.   Prices from Thursday morning   Eastleigh 1pt @ 12/5 with Coral and Bet365 (13/5 with Skybet and take up to 2/1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 5/2) Southport 3pts @ 2/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 11/8) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (11/5 with Hills and take up to 13/8) Welling 1pt @ 9/5 with Skeybet, William Hill and Betfred (Betfair and Paddy Power are 11/5 and take up to 11/8)

Hartlepool v Eastleigh I got Eastleigh wrong on Tuesday night and in the end they ran out easy winners with Paul McCallum scoring a hattrick. That win means they have only lost twice in their last 10 games. They were the heavy defeat at Gateshead when things went badly wrong and a 1-0 loss to Bromley. They have crept into the top 7 as well and its fair to say that Hartlepool are going very much in the other direction. It is just 1 win in 7 and they lost again on Wednesday at Boreham Wood. They did play quite well in that game and were a bit unlucky to lose it, but they are struggling for goals at the moment with just 3 scored in their last 6 games. I certainly think Eastleigh have a good chance of picking up another win here.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham are on a poor run of form having only picked up 2 points in their last 7 games, but I don't think it is quite as bad as that. The two times I have put them up as a bet they have had a red card which I think has cost them the game and that includes last Saturday at Aldershot. They should have beaten York on Tuesday night as well but 2 late goals turned the game in York's favour. I am going to back them again here though because Oldham still haven't turned the corner for me. I know they won 3 on the bounce after sacking Unsworth, but I saw enough in the game against Kidderminster to know that the quality of performance still isn't there. They drew with Wealdstone on Saturday and again with Maidenhead on Tuesday where the fans were saying that the 2nd half performance was just like the Unsworth era. They are crying out for a manager, but for whatever reason they still haven't hired anyone full time. I am happy to take them on here with a Dagenham side who I think have been a bit unlucky not to have picked up more points.   Bishops Stortford v Southport I am really keen on Southport here and make them the best bet of the weekend. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 games and then they had a change of manager and that has done the trick because they then won their next 3 games and drew with Tamworth last time which given how well they are doing was a good effort. They look a completely different side now and they have a great chance of keeping the unbeaten run going. Stortford have been struggling for goals having only scored 7 in the league and the fact they lost their captain this week to Billericay doesn't bode well. They tried hard to keep him, but Billericay clearly have more money than them. Southport look the better side to me and look a great bet.   Tonbridge Angels v Hemel Hempstead Tonbridge have only managed to beat Dover at home this season and they have only won 3 games overall. They aren't doing as well as they did last season whereas Hemel are the opposite. They have only lost twice so far having beaten both Yeovil and Torquay. They are the better side for me and whilst I don't think there is a huge amount in the price there is enough to get involved.   Welling v Farnborough For me Welling should be higher up the table and they are better than their position in the table suggests. I put them up a couple of weeks ago against Eastbourne when they drew 2-2 and they could easily have won that. They did play on Wednesday as they were taken to a replay by Gosport in the FA Cup, but they won that 4-2 and that was a good effort as Gosport are flying this season. I also opposed Farnborough a couple of weeks ago and they also drew 2-2 with Slough and again we could easily have had a winner in that match as well. Since then they have lost their star striker to Woking and they lost in the FA Cup last weekend to Weston. I'd have Welling as favs for this this and they look a fair bet.   Prices from Thursday morning   Eastleigh 1pt @ 12/5 with Coral and Bet365 (13/5 with Skybet and take up to 2/1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 5/2) Southport 3pts @ 2/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 11/8) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (11/5 with Hills and take up to 13/8) Welling 1pt @ 9/5 with Skeybet, William Hill and Betfred (Betfair and Paddy Power are 11/5 and take up to 11/8)

Hartlepool v Eastleigh I got Eastleigh wrong on Tuesday night and in the end they ran out easy winners with Paul McCallum scoring a hattrick. That win means they have only lost twice in their last 10 games. They were the heavy defeat at Gateshead when things went badly wrong and a 1-0 loss to Bromley. They have crept into the top 7 as well and its fair to say that Hartlepool are going very much in the other direction. It is just 1 win in 7 and they lost again on Wednesday at Boreham Wood. They did play quite well in that game and were a bit unlucky to lose it, but they are struggling for goals at the moment with just 3 scored in their last 6 games. I certainly think Eastleigh have a good chance of picking up another win here.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham are on a poor run of form having only picked up 2 points in their last 7 games, but I don't think it is quite as bad as that. The two times I have put them up as a bet they have had a red card which I think has cost them the game and that includes last Saturday at Aldershot. They should have beaten York on Tuesday night as well but 2 late goals turned the game in York's favour. I am going to back them again here though because Oldham still haven't turned the corner for me. I know they won 3 on the bounce after sacking Unsworth, but I saw enough in the game against Kidderminster to know that the quality of performance still isn't there. They drew with Wealdstone on Saturday and again with Maidenhead on Tuesday where the fans were saying that the 2nd half performance was just like the Unsworth era. They are crying out for a manager, but for whatever reason they still haven't hired anyone full time. I am happy to take them on here with a Dagenham side who I think have been a bit unlucky not to have picked up more points.   Bishops Stortford v Southport I am really keen on Southport here and make them the best bet of the weekend. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 games and then they had a change of manager and that has done the trick because they then won their next 3 games and drew with Tamworth last time which given how well they are doing was a good effort. They look a completely different side now and they have a great chance of keeping the unbeaten run going. Stortford have been struggling for goals having only scored 7 in the league and the fact they lost their captain this week to Billericay doesn't bode well. They tried hard to keep him, but Billericay clearly have more money than them. Southport look the better side to me and look a great bet.   Tonbridge Angels v Hemel Hempstead Tonbridge have only managed to beat Dover at home this season and they have only won 3 games overall. They aren't doing as well as they did last season whereas Hemel are the opposite. They have only lost twice so far having beaten both Yeovil and Torquay. They are the better side for me and whilst I don't think there is a huge amount in the price there is enough to get involved.   Welling v Farnborough For me Welling should be higher up the table and they are better than their position in the table suggests. I put them up a couple of weeks ago against Eastbourne when they drew 2-2 and they could easily have won that. They did play on Wednesday as they were taken to a replay by Gosport in the FA Cup, but they won that 4-2 and that was a good effort as Gosport are flying this season. I also opposed Farnborough a couple of weeks ago and they also drew 2-2 with Slough and again we could easily have had a winner in that match as well. Since then they have lost their star striker to Woking and they lost in the FA Cup last weekend to Weston. I'd have Welling as favs for this this and they look a fair bet.   Prices from Thursday morning   Eastleigh 1pt @ 12/5 with Coral and Bet365 (13/5 with Skybet and take up to 2/1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 5/2) Southport 3pts @ 2/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 11/8) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (11/5 with Hills and take up to 13/8) Welling 1pt @ 9/5 with Skeybet, William Hill and Betfred (Betfair and Paddy Power are 11/5 and take up to 11/8)

Hartlepool v Eastleigh I got Eastleigh wrong on Tuesday night and in the end they ran out easy winners with Paul McCallum scoring a hattrick. That win means they have only lost twice in their last 10 games. They were the heavy defeat at Gateshead when things went badly wrong and a 1-0 loss to Bromley. They have crept into the top 7 as well and its fair to say that Hartlepool are going very much in the other direction. It is just 1 win in 7 and they lost again on Wednesday at Boreham Wood. They did play quite well in that game and were a bit unlucky to lose it, but they are struggling for goals at the moment with just 3 scored in their last 6 games. I certainly think Eastleigh have a good chance of picking up another win here.   Oldham v Dagenham & Redbridge Dagenham are on a poor run of form having only picked up 2 points in their last 7 games, but I don't think it is quite as bad as that. The two times I have put them up as a bet they have had a red card which I think has cost them the game and that includes last Saturday at Aldershot. They should have beaten York on Tuesday night as well but 2 late goals turned the game in York's favour. I am going to back them again here though because Oldham still haven't turned the corner for me. I know they won 3 on the bounce after sacking Unsworth, but I saw enough in the game against Kidderminster to know that the quality of performance still isn't there. They drew with Wealdstone on Saturday and again with Maidenhead on Tuesday where the fans were saying that the 2nd half performance was just like the Unsworth era. They are crying out for a manager, but for whatever reason they still haven't hired anyone full time. I am happy to take them on here with a Dagenham side who I think have been a bit unlucky not to have picked up more points.   Bishops Stortford v Southport I am really keen on Southport here and make them the best bet of the weekend. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 games and then they had a change of manager and that has done the trick because they then won their next 3 games and drew with Tamworth last time which given how well they are doing was a good effort. They look a completely different side now and they have a great chance of keeping the unbeaten run going. Stortford have been struggling for goals having only scored 7 in the league and the fact they lost their captain this week to Billericay doesn't bode well. They tried hard to keep him, but Billericay clearly have more money than them. Southport look the better side to me and look a great bet.   Tonbridge Angels v Hemel Hempstead Tonbridge have only managed to beat Dover at home this season and they have only won 3 games overall. They aren't doing as well as they did last season whereas Hemel are the opposite. They have only lost twice so far having beaten both Yeovil and Torquay. They are the better side for me and whilst I don't think there is a huge amount in the price there is enough to get involved.   Welling v Farnborough For me Welling should be higher up the table and they are better than their position in the table suggests. I put them up a couple of weeks ago against Eastbourne when they drew 2-2 and they could easily have won that. They did play on Wednesday as they were taken to a replay by Gosport in the FA Cup, but they won that 4-2 and that was a good effort as Gosport are flying this season. I also opposed Farnborough a couple of weeks ago and they also drew 2-2 with Slough and again we could easily have had a winner in that match as well. Since then they have lost their star striker to Woking and they lost in the FA Cup last weekend to Weston. I'd have Welling as favs for this this and they look a fair bet.   Prices from Thursday morning   Eastleigh 1pt @ 12/5 with Coral and Bet365 (13/5 with Skybet and take up to 2/1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power and Betfair (take up to 5/2) Southport 3pts @ 2/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill (take up to 11/8) Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 9/5 with Paddy Power, Betfair and Betfred (11/5 with Hills and take up to 13/8) Welling 1pt @ 9/5 with Skeybet, William Hill and Betfred (Betfair and Paddy Power are 11/5 and take up to 11/8)

Chesterfield v Bromley Whatever happens in this game the price on Bromley is just too big. For the 2nd time this season when I thought Chesterfield would go and beat a team easily they failed to do so. They were poor against Maidenhead as well and this will clearly be a tougher test although I do expect them to play better. Bromley though continued their unbeaten on Saturday and I think they will make things very tough for the home side here. Obviously the home side deserve to be favs, but 11/2 is a much bigger price than I think Bromley should be so happy to take a chance.   Eastleigh v Ebbsfleet For there to be 5 goals in Eastleigh's game at Halifax was a bit of a surprise given Halifax games had only featured 20 goals prior to that and Eastleigh haven't exactly been the most prolific in front of goal either. I was also surprised by Eastleigh going for Richard Hill as manager as it just seems a backwards step and he has had a very easy fixture list. I watched Ebbsfleet v Dorking last week and as much as we were on Dorking and they won I do think Ebbsfleet put in a fair performance. They managed to build on that on Saturday when easily beating Boreham Wood. The one concern is that Ebbsfleet have only won once away from home which came in their win at Rochdale on the opening day of the season, but to be fair to them they have had some tricky away games and they did manage a draw at Woking. They are good enough to win this and value to do so.   Prices from Monday 5pm   Bromley 1pt @ 11/2 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, Skybet, William Hill, Coral and BetVictor (take up to 3/1) Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365 and Coral (take up to 13/8)

Chesterfield v Bromley Whatever happens in this game the price on Bromley is just too big. For the 2nd time this season when I thought Chesterfield would go and beat a team easily they failed to do so. They were poor against Maidenhead as well and this will clearly be a tougher test although I do expect them to play better. Bromley though continued their unbeaten on Saturday and I think they will make things very tough for the home side here. Obviously the home side deserve to be favs, but 11/2 is a much bigger price than I think Bromley should be so happy to take a chance.   Eastleigh v Ebbsfleet For there to be 5 goals in Eastleigh's game at Halifax was a bit of a surprise given Halifax games had only featured 20 goals prior to that and Eastleigh haven't exactly been the most prolific in front of goal either. I was also surprised by Eastleigh going for Richard Hill as manager as it just seems a backwards step and he has had a very easy fixture list. I watched Ebbsfleet v Dorking last week and as much as we were on Dorking and they won I do think Ebbsfleet put in a fair performance. They managed to build on that on Saturday when easily beating Boreham Wood. The one concern is that Ebbsfleet have only won once away from home which came in their win at Rochdale on the opening day of the season, but to be fair to them they have had some tricky away games and they did manage a draw at Woking. They are good enough to win this and value to do so.   Prices from Monday 5pm   Bromley 1pt @ 11/2 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, Skybet, William Hill, Coral and BetVictor (take up to 3/1) Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365 and Coral (take up to 13/8)

Chesterfield v Bromley Whatever happens in this game the price on Bromley is just too big. For the 2nd time this season when I thought Chesterfield would go and beat a team easily they failed to do so. They were poor against Maidenhead as well and this will clearly be a tougher test although I do expect them to play better. Bromley though continued their unbeaten on Saturday and I think they will make things very tough for the home side here. Obviously the home side deserve to be favs, but 11/2 is a much bigger price than I think Bromley should be so happy to take a chance.   Eastleigh v Ebbsfleet For there to be 5 goals in Eastleigh's game at Halifax was a bit of a surprise given Halifax games had only featured 20 goals prior to that and Eastleigh haven't exactly been the most prolific in front of goal either. I was also surprised by Eastleigh going for Richard Hill as manager as it just seems a backwards step and he has had a very easy fixture list. I watched Ebbsfleet v Dorking last week and as much as we were on Dorking and they won I do think Ebbsfleet put in a fair performance. They managed to build on that on Saturday when easily beating Boreham Wood. The one concern is that Ebbsfleet have only won once away from home which came in their win at Rochdale on the opening day of the season, but to be fair to them they have had some tricky away games and they did manage a draw at Woking. They are good enough to win this and value to do so.   Prices from Monday 5pm   Bromley 1pt @ 11/2 with Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, Skybet, William Hill, Coral and BetVictor (take up to 3/1) Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365 and Coral (take up to 13/8)