Our Christmas wish list: Gifts to ensure racing keeps on giving
As the jolly fat man delivers his Christmas goodies, senior racing writer Ben Dorries is popping his very own festive season gift down the chimney.
Expert Opinion
DAMIEN OLIVER: Why there’s an upset brewing in Oaks
The Wakeful Stakes has traditionally been the key guide to the Oaks, but champion jockey Damien Oliver is leaning towards the Sydney form this year.
Golden Eagle Day Turf Talk: ‘He looks a serious animal’
Mitch Cohen and Shayne O’Cass debate all the key chances on Golden Eagle Day at Rosehill Gardens, where they think an international could reign supreme.
COMMENT: Why we must back the vet’s call on Cup runners
Anyone suggesting Melbourne Cup vetting is ‘ridiculous’ – Jan Brueghel’s trainer Aidan O’Brien included – need only type three words into Google.
COMMENT: Weir is entitled to a second chance … just not as a horse trainer
More than 600 days since covert video revealing Darren Weir using a jigger on three horses was first aired publicly, the disgraced trainer has been handed a new two-year disqualification. But in racing’s case, time doesn’t heal all wounds.
Randwick Turf Talk: Top tip ‘on the up and knows how to win’
Mitch Cohen and Shayne O’Cass are both pinning their hopes on a lightly-weighted stayer proving too strong for a ‘fascinating’ import at Randwick on Saturday. Get their best bets for the 10-race card.
Ray and Shayno’s Turf Talk: $41 top tip at Randwick on Saturday
Ray Thomas and Shayne O’Cass preview the 10-race card at Royal Randwick on Saturday, where Shayno is taking a punt on an import who looks well over the odds at $41.
COMMENT: Where are all the Willo haters now?
We might not have seen them, but at least we know what they ate for dinner on Saturday night. Pie – of the humble variety.
Nowra tips, preview: Image to reflect her hot trial form
A Jason Coyle-trained mare is poised to bring her terrific trial form to race day and add second win when she heads to Nowra.
Coffs Harbour tips, preview: St Vincent to strike gold with Dubai
Aiden St Vincent has high hopes for a lightly-raced gelding who is poised to open his account on his home track.
To the Penthouse, your Highness? Shayno and Duff’s Rosehill, Magic Millions tips
Our Sydney form experts have a couple of regal tips for punters keen to cash in at Rosehill and also in the Magic Millions two-year-old classic at the Gold Coast.
Lismore tips, preview: Blanch’s bargain buy to ‘get up’ again
Trainer Fleur Blanch has found the ideal race for her unusually named mare to claim a six career win at a milestone race start.
Gilgandra tips, preview: Daredevil is ready to strike back
Trainer Dar Lunn is confident Daredevil can bounce back from his last start defeat where he had excuses when he drops in grade at Gilgandra.
The racing headlines you WILL … and WON’T … read in 2024
Racing doesn’t need The Everest or the Melbourne Cup to make headlines. From the good to the bad and the ugly, here’s some that we can’t wait for in 2024 … and some we can.
Gosford tips, preview: Lane confident Safado can bounce back
A veteran gelding can end the year on a high-note when he returns to his favourite track.
Nowra tips, preview: Ocean Eyes looking to make a splash
Father and son training duo keep promising fillies apart as they chase end of year success.
Taree tips, preview: Milligan’s gelding to strike gold
The Milligan clan are chasing an early Christmas present with a couple of good chances on their home track.
Tamworth tips, preview: Slew to give Singleton an early Christmas gift
A drop in class has Scott Singleton’s handy mare I’m Not Slew well placed to return to the winners’ circle.
Moruya tips, preview: Bateup and Taylor combo ready to strike
Trainer Theresa Bateup and jockey Jess Taylor can add to their impressive record with two strong chances at Moruya.
Coonamble tips, preview: Little fish are sweet for Lundholm
Clint Lundholm thought about a big payday for South Bullaway but feels the easier option is the way to go for the gelding.
Nowra tips, preview: Smith confident Sergeant is ready to salute
Trainer Matthew Smith is confident talented mile Colour Sergeant is ready to peak in his bid to claim the Nowra Cup and a spot in next year’s Big Dance.
Newcastle tips: Latham to show why he’s the provincial King
Leading rider Keagan Latham can end a busy week on a high note and extend his lead in the provincial jockeys standings. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Grafton tips: Bowen backs Princess to show her best
Sir Ravanelli is going to be tough to beat in the Christmas Cup but trainer Daniel Bowen feels his mare can put her best foot forward and figure in the finish. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL.
Lloyd makes his own Luck to strike in Beauford
A split second decisions by star apprentice Zac Lloyd proved the key to victory aboard Stroke Of Luck in The Beauford at Newcastle.
Wellington tips: Hazleton expects to see the good version of Not Too Bad
Trainer Keiren Hazleton feels Not Too Bad is ready to bounce back to his best form at Wellington. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Taree tips: Strobing ready to take on big guns in hunt for Gold Cup
Taree trainer Tony Ball is looking to strike gold in his home town Cup with progressive stayer Strobing. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Rosehill tips: Winning State to continue for America
A David Payne-trained gelding finally got luck go his way to break through for a well-earned win and he can go back-to-back at Rosehill. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Gosford tips: In-form local gelding in full Control
An Adam Duggan-trained gelding has recorded two of his three career wins on his home track and can add another on Tuesday. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Scone, Queanbeyan tips: Basse right on Point to win again
A Brett Cavanough-trained gelding was a good thing beaten in his only loss with smart wins either side and can maintain his impressive form at Scone. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Armidale tips: Ben Looker is the key to a Clegg double
Trainer Craig Clegg calls on the state’s leading jockey in his bid to claim an early double at Armidale. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Warren tips: Robb’s Xtravagant mare keep up her winning ways
Trainer Brett Robb can’t see any reason why his in-form mare can’t make the jump to open company and claim the Cotton Cup. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Racewatch: Democracy Manifest to provide a succulent result
Daily Telegraph form analyst Shayne O’Cass examines every race for Five Diamonds Day at Rosehill Gardens to point you in the right direction to finding a winner.
Hawkesbury tips: Kind Words has the writing on the wall
A Kris Lees-trained filly had no luck in stakes company last start but a big drop in grade can pace the way for her breakthrough win. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Grafton tips: Sir Ravanelli to blossom in Jacaranda Cup
An impressive win in the Prelude has Terry Evans’s talented grey Sir Ravanelli primed to add the Cup to his record at Grafton. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Muswellbrook tips: A more focused Mazita in step for success
Lyle Chandler has high hopes for a lightly-raced gelding Mazita to make his win to city racing this campaign. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Goulburn tips: Colvin chasing Cup glory with Another One
Trainer Gary Colvin is looking towards the 2024 Big Dance with stable star Another One to book his place with victory in the Goulburn Cup. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Racewatch: Dame to overcome Ruthless draw and soar in Golden Eagle
Daily Telegraph form analyst Shayne O’Cass examines every race for Golden Eagle Day at Rosehill Gardens to point you in the right direction to finding a winner.
Wagga, Moree tips: Weir’s mare to prove Queen of the Hill
Tumut mare Laurel Hill can open her new campaign with a win at what appears to be a favoured venue. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Taree tips: Wilkes keen on Henry to bounce back
A good draw and a wet track can prove key to a handy Wayne Wilkes-trained sprinter bouncing back to winning form. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Queanbeyan tips: Zelago ready to strike in Thunderbolt
The Joseph/Jones team are aiming for a feature race double when they head to Queanbeyan on Sunday before turning their attention to the $2m Big Dance.
Racewatch: Arctic Glamour to freeze her rivals
Daily Telegraph form analyst Shayne O’Cass examines every race for Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes Day at Royal Randwick to point you in the right direction to finding a winner.
Scone tips: Jack to star again for his supporters
Brett Cavanough is in line for the proverbial big day out at Scone on Friday with Starry Jack chief among the trainer’s numerous chances. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Gosford tips: O’Shea filly to strike Gold again
A John O’Shea-trained filly destined for bigger races can make it back-to-back wins when she heads to Gosford. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Kensington tips: Shohei set to soar in her race return
A smart barrier trial has a Hawkes Racing-trained mare ready to add to her strong first-up record when she resumes at Kensington on Wednesday. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Orange tips: Seib backs Williams with three leadings chances
With a century of winners in sight, apprentice Hannah Williams has strong support with three leading chances from trainer Danielle Seib at Orange.
Nowra tips: Sun to shine again for Jarvis
An in-form mare from the Natalie Jarvis stable looks ideally placed to add a second win to her record at Nowra.
Tamworth, Coffs Harbour tips: Cavanough’s gelding on the winning trial
Tamworth bound galloper Supertrail, whose sire So You Think and dam Amelie’s Star both lined-up in the race that stops a nation, will be hard to beat for trainer Brett Cavanough
Racewatch: Always look on the Brightside
Mr Brightside is unbeaten over the Randwick 1600m and form analyst Shayne O’Cass is confident he will add the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes to his resume.
Kembla tips: Tulloch Lodge filly to give her rivals Alot A Lip
A Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly is coming off a nice win at her second start and looks hard to beat again from an ideal draw. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Warwick Farm tips: Punters ready to Fall for Cindy
A solid first-up second has a John O’Shea-trained mare primed to go one better when she heads to Warwick Farm. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Coonamble tips: Robb’s gelding looks a great Pick in Sprint
Brett Robb has his stable star ready to sizzle in The Kosciuszko but firstly, he has his sights set on Coonamble Cup success.
Hawkesbury tips: Jared’s on the Waugh path
Kim Waugh wasn’t the least bit surprised by the first-up performance of Jared at big odds and feels he will run another bold race when he heads to Hawkesbury.
Racewatch: Classy import to play a leading role in Hill Stakes
Protagonist won at Rosehill at his Australian debut last autumn and returns to that track with a great chance in the Hill Stakes according to form analyst Shayne O’Cass.
Taree tips: Dodson’s gelding has the writing on the wall
A Brett Dodson-trained galloper is looking to add another Cup victory to his burgeoning resume when he heads to Taree, BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Gosford preview: America to leave Payne in a better State
Trainer David Payne has remained philosophical about the recent bad luck encountered by State Of America but hopes a wide draw will be the key to turning his fortunes around.
Ballina tips: Prophet to deliver for her supporters
An eye-catching run from the Colt Prosser-trained Little Prophet last start has her on track to break through for her first win for the season.
Cootamundra tips: Travers chasing Cup Award
Former jockey Michael Travers is chasing his first Cootamundra Cup win as a trainer and feels Blessed Award is in the right form to make it happen.
Moruya, Dubbo tips: Ideal draw has Dale’s gelding set for victory
A Matthew Dale-trained gelding was gallant in defeat first-up but a better barrier drawn can see him break through for his maiden win at Moruya. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Racewatch: Everest favourite set for his spring Premiere
Think About it can solidify his place at the top of Everest betting when he resumes while an imported stayer is poised to claim The Metropolitan according to form analyst Shayne O’Cass.
Taree tips: Ljungberg on the Ball for overdue win
Trainer Tony Ball is confident veteran gelding Ljungberg can end an run of outs when he steps out on his home track.
Bathurst tips: Sargent’s mare to climb Cup Mountain
Trainer John Sargent has his sights set on November’s Big Dance with a lightly-raced mare who can book her place in the $3m feature by winning the Bathurst Cup.
Scone, Goulburn tips: Trajectile ready to launch into winners’ stall
The Kris Lees-trained filly Trajectile, a daughter of the VRC Oaks winner Hollow Bullet, is perfectly placed to shed her maiden status when she heads to Scone. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Racewatch: Militarize marching towards Group 1 gold in Rose
Dual Group 1 winner Militarize can upset his more fancied rivals including Golden Slipper-winning stablemate Shinzo in the Golden Rose at Rosehill according to form analyst Shayne O’Cass.
Lismore, Hawkesbury tips: Centre poised to Bounce back
After a luckless run at Randwick last start, a drop in grade can pave the way for Centre Bounce to return to winning form at Lismore. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Warwick Farm tips: Demiana to kick off her campaign in style
Following a handy first campaign, a Chris Waller-trained mare can kick off her latest preparation on a winning note at Warwick Farm. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Nowra tips: Ganderton’s Man poised to win again
After finally breaking through for his maiden win, a Warren Ganderton-trained gelding can make it back-to-back victories on his home track.
Armidale tips: Promising Outishka has Singleton excited
A trip to Sydney could be on the cards for lightly-raced mare Outishka if she can make it back-to-back wins.
Newcastle tips: Waller’s gelding has all the right Moves
A Chris Waller-trained gelding can take another step forward this preparation when he heads to Newcastle for the perfect race on the Cup Day undercard. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Kembla tips: Gisella poised to strike back
A drop in grade back to the provincials can see the Michael Freedman-trained Just Gisella bounce back to the winners’ circle. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Canterbury tips: Makarena to prove a hit
Following a luckless defeat on debut, a Team Hawkes-trained filly can make amends when she heads to Canterbury. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Wyong tips: Kehoe has big plans for a special Kind of filly
A shot at The Championships could be on the cards for the Allan Kehoe-trained One Kind is she runs to expectations at home on Sunday.
Nowra tips: Murphy to strike with a triple treat
Trainer Pat Murphy is using lessons learned from his former boss Guy Walter and heads to Nowra with a strong chance of claiming treble.
Murwillumbah tips: Fairway the top Choice for punters
Trainer David McColm, best known for his deeds with Far Too Easy, adds plenty of interest to the Murwillumbah Cup undercard thanks to debutant Fairway Choice. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Racewatch: $101 shot ready to spring a sweet surprise
A filly who caught the eye on debut in a Listed race and has trialled impressively in recent weeks can cause an upset in the Up And Coming Stakes says form analyst Shayne O’Cass.
Gosford tips: Hydrogen set to go bang
A John Thompson-trained gelding stays at his perfect distance third-up and can make it two in-a-row. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Taree tips: Smart money on Miss Einstein in Cup
Sam Kavanagh and Aaron Bullock will join forces at Taree in their quest to collect the coveted Livermore Cup with the handy mare Miss Einstein.
Racewatch: $9 shot to give punters a good feeling
There is a plenty of value for punters at Royal Randwick, including an $9 shot who is ready to take out the first leg of the Princess Series, says form analyst Shayne O’Cass.
Hawkesbury tips: August to Bloom in new season return
A promising filly from the Peter and Paul Snowden yard can kick off her three-year-old campaign on a winning note at Hawkesbury. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Newcastle tips: Misty to prove a Legend for punters
A progressive gelding from the Richard and Will Freedman stable can post his second career win. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Forbes tips: Kattegat has his sights on a second Ben Hall Bullet win
Natalie Jarvis makes her annual trip to Forbes with a big team including a pair of former Godolphin geldings who will take beating. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL
Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/expert-opinion