One Pool testing steps up ahead of launch
Australian wagering could reach a significant milestone next Thursday as Tabcorp steps up testing of its new national tote, One Pool.
A greyhound race at Mt Gambier or a horse race at Warwick could become the first event used in the next phase of testing, ahead of the anticipated One Pool launch early next month.
The new system will combine existing tote pools into one national pool, creating greater liquidity for punters.
Joseph O'Brien's huge Melbourne Cup assault
Champion Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien could have as many as 10 runners in this year's Melbourne Cup as he launches an extraordinary bid for a third victory in Australia's greatest race.
Following the release of the Melbourne and Caulfield Cup weights, O'Brien joined Michael Felgate to discuss which horses are heading to Australia, their likely targets and which runner he believes gives him his best chance of another Melbourne Cup.
Well worth a watch for anyone looking towards the Cups.
Craig Williams booked for James J Braddock
Craig Williams has secured another major Melbourne Cup ride, with the champion jockey booked to partner Joseph O'Brien-trained James J Braddock.
Owner Ozzie Kheir was keen to secure a leading local jockey and moved quickly to lock in Williams following the release of the Melbourne Cup weights.
Anamoe's first crop steps out at Randwick
Monday's juvenile trials at Randwick will provide the first major public look at a freshman crop headed by Anamoe.
Nine two-year-old heats are scheduled, with plenty of interest surrounding the first official appearances of some expensive youngsters, including colts True North and Moneyball.
Pike fires back at Victorian form analysts
Western Australia's champion jockey William Pike has hit back at criticism of his riding, telling Victorian form analysts they should stay out of telling jockeys how they should ride their horses.
Pike's comments follow criticism of his ride aboard Cosmic Crusader in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes, where the $3.30 favourite finished third after settling beyond midfield.
Analyst Trav Noonan was among the strongest critics, describing Pike's ride as “inept”.
Pike, who has ridden more than 3,600 winners and 18 Group 1s, wasn't having it.
Fully Lit strengthens Epsom claims
Bold frontrunner Fully Lit is building nicely towards another crack at the Group 1 Epsom Handicap after a tough all-the-way victory in Friday's Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m) at Newcastle.
Regan Bayliss controlled the race aboard the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding before fighting strongly to the line.
The victory also secured Fully Lit a spot in the $3 million Big Dance in November.
Aethelwulf cruises to Newcastle Cup victory
The Melbourne Cup dream continues to grow for exciting stayer Aethelwulf, who made light work of Friday's Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m).
The Matt Smith-trained five-year-old was stepping into Stakes company for the first time but handled the rise comfortably, improving his record to an impressive five wins from seven starts.
The performance puts Aethelwulf firmly on the spring staying radar as connections chase a potential Melbourne Cup start.
Forever Young makes stunning return
Japanese star Forever Young made a brilliant return to racing, cruising to victory in the Group 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park.
Having his first start since finishing runner-up in the Dubai World Cup, Forever Young made light work of his opposition to add another major international prize to his outstanding record.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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