There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and SportChamps offering a shitload of racing tournaments each and every Wednesday for punters to have a crack at. This week sees the curtain come down on the 2016/17 racing season, and we have four solid metropolitan meetings (Canterbury, Sandown, Ipswich and Belmont), plus provincial racing from Murray Bridge, for us to sink our teeth into. Anchor Bid - our ‘chips in’ (best bet) absolutely pissed in on Saturday at Flemington, and, after a big night on the piss celebrating, it’s time to straighten up and go again. With our tail up, we’re confident we can get the chocolates once again.
CHIPS IN
Imanui/Special Missile - Quinella (Canterbury Race 4, Numbers 2 & 3)
Although he has 59.5kg, Imanui is a tough, honest four-year-old, who has won second-up in the past. He’s also won 2/4 at this trip. Special Missile is in hot form, having won two on the spin. I expect this pair to dominate the market and the race.
MARKET WATCH
Prime Target (Ipswich Race 7, No.1)
Former Sydneysider (with Anthony Cummings), now trained by Glenn Richardson. A six-year-old that’s only had nine starts, so has obviously had some issues throughout his career (a bit like yours truly). A 75-rater - he has 58kg after Hannah English’s 3kg claim, so isn’t too badly treated given the minimum is 54kg. Yet to win first-up, but has placed on two occasions. Watch betting.
WORTH A THROW AT THE STUMPS
Crystal Kingdom (Sandown Race 7, No.11)
There’s a few camels in this race, so happy to side with three-year-old Crystal Kingdom. The $15 on offer appeals as an enticing each way bet. Brained them at Bendigo last time out, and doesn’t need to be a star to be winning this.
DON’T BE A DILL
Heart Of Australia (Ipswich Race 5, No.12)
A name such as Heart Of Tomic (after Bernie, of course) would be more appropriate for this filly, who has a history of burning punters. Still winless after 12 starts, she’s been a beaten favourite at her past eight outings, and on two of those occasions she was odds-on. She’ll be in commission again here, and she may well break through, but she can go around without my money.
Check out our awesome Wednesday racing tournaments!
THE BRANGELINA BETS
Sly Choice (Sandown Race 2, No.8)
By champion sire Redoute’s Choice, out of Velocitea - winner of the 2010 G1 Goodwood Handicap - this colt is bred to be a star. Expect a solid debut.
Wassergeist (Sandown Race 2, No.9)
A colt by brilliant sire Fastnet Rock, from the Thorn Park mare Te Akau Rose - a G2 winner in New Zealand. I assume Wassergeist is German, but I’m not exactly sure what it means. The best I could come up with is ‘Mermen’ - a mythical male equivalent of a mermaid. Weird. Wassergeist has some high-profile owners, will be in the market, and should go well.
Perfect Jewel (Belmont Race 2, No.9)
Another Redoute’s Choice two-year-old. This filly is out of the Listed-winning Jeune mare Star Encounter - dam of last year’s Perth Cup winner Star Exhibit, as well as Listed winner Royal Star. She’s looked good in two trial wins, but may need it longer.