Best Bets News

Frosty the wildcard

Phil Hickey — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:11:00 +1100

Our V8 Supercar heroes return to home shores for the third round of the series this weekend on the streets of Adelaide.

The Clipsal 500 comprises a 78-lap race on Saturday and another on Sunday. The race takes place on much of the old F1 layout around the City of Churches.

Already 2009 champ Jamie Whincup has imposed himself as the dominant force of the 2010 championship, winning all four races in the Middle East. At this stage no one has emerged as the likely challenger for his crown.

In Adelaide Whincup has been sensational. Despite the unpredictability and uncertainty of street-circuit racing, Whincup has won the last four races there, an outstanding record. He is understandably short-priced favourite to win again this week.

While no outfit has looked like getting close to the flying Team Vodafone, the highly fancied Toll Holden Racing Team have been the most disappointing. Will Davison is 13th in the championship and Garth Tander back in 22nd. The pressure is on for the factory team to generate results, and soon.

The team chased Whincup in both Adelaide races last year. They were unable to get past him, but both Tander and Davison did pick up points.

Mark Winterbottom has the potential to upset the leader. He has been quick and reliable thus far in 2010 and only needs a little luck to go his way. Whincup’s Brock-like string of wins must surely end soon and I think Winterbottom will be the one to do it.

The bash and crash of street racing will bring many of the more anxious racers undone early in the piece, so I'm steering clear of some of the other “guns” and sticking with the favourites: Whincup, Winterbottom and Davison.

Overhaul fuels intrigue

Phil Hickey — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:07:00 +1100

The winds of change have been billowing through the sails of Formula One and the 2010 season looks as wide open at this stage as any previous F1 series.
Rarely in the history of Formula One racing have there been so many changes — to the entrants list, to the driver line-ups and to the rules.

Back from retirement is the man regarded by many as the greatest of all time, Michael Schumacher. He returns to the sport at age 41 to drive alongside Nico Rosberg for the Mercedes team (formally Brawn GP). Is he still up to it? Only time will tell.

Current world champion Jenson Button has joined 2008 champ Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, giving that team an absolute “double A” driver pairing. But will they have a more competitive car this season? 2009 was ordinary for McLaren and a great deal of money has been invested into the development of their new cars. One driver, if not both, should be in contention for the championship at season’s end.

The Ferrari team also had an unremarkable 2009, but changes to their cars and the driver pairing of Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso should bring more success to the prancing horse in 2010.

Red Bull have avoided much of the turmoil and have retained the two drivers (Vettel and Webber) that went close to delivering victory last year. They were clearly the fastest at the end of 2009, but they will have to have improved if they hope to remain at the front of the field this season.

The historic marque of Lotus returns to the F1 paddock this season and newcomers HRT and Virgin Racing will also be added. At this point it’s hard to imagine any of those entrants making an impact at their first attempt.

Mid-race fuelling is now a thing of the past for Formula One, which means cars will now carry a greater fuel load at the start of races. This will affect both speed and handling. Now fuel economy is of greater significance.

A revised points system will also be employed this year. The race winner now gets 25 points towards the championship, second gets 18 and third 15. Points will be awarded to the first 10 finishers in each race.

The season kicks off with the Gulf Air Bahrain GP this weekend and finding a winner will, as usual in the opening event, be difficult. McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have been fast in testing and that form should not be ignored. Last year Brawn was clearly the quickest in pre-season trials, but few rated them any chance of taking the championship.

The late 2009 form of Red Bull should not be overlooked. Both Vettel and a fully fit Mark Webber have their eyes on the prize and it would be a surprise not to see at least one of them in the thick of things in Bahrain.

It’s hard to see the winner coming from outside the main contenders at this stage, although Force India (Adrain Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzziu) were certainly making ground on the leaders last year.

Race one of a new season is a great time to hold back and check the practice times before punting.

Round 1 Preview - Thursday March 11 2010 PREVIEW

SportsLine — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +1100

Joel Marshall and Peter Lucas preview the opening round of the NRL..

Season Preview
Week 1 Preview
Our Best Bets 7 selections

Match Previews

Joel Marshall & Peter Lucas — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:21:00 +1100

The Eels and Dragons kick-off round one of the 2010 NRL season..

Eels v Dragons

Parramatta Stadium

Friday 7.35pm AEDT

This should be a cracking contest to kick-start the 2010 season — last season’s runners-up, the Eels, against last season’s minor premiership winners, St George. The two sides’ pre-season trial form has been like chalk and cheese, with the Eels failing to record a win in three matches while the Dragons notched two wins, including one over the Eels, and a draw in the Charity Shield. Many are tipping this to be a preview of what’s to come at the end of the year, and it’ll be interesting to see whether the Dragons begin a little slower this year, in order to peak at the business end. — JM

Lucas: The Eels’ pre-season form has been far from inspiring — Dragons to win

Marshall: Fancy the Dragons in a tight one. Back them 1-12.

Broncos v Cowboys

Suncorp Stadium

Friday 8.35pm AEDT

The Broncos are missing some of their stars of 2009 and may well be a fading force in 2010. That’s quite a wide consensus, and with Darren Lockyer beginning to lose his dominance the Broncos may be losing their invincibility. They’ll no doubt be hoping to quash that talk when they step out in the season opener against state rivals the North Queensland Cowboys, who may have some problems of their own. Not much off-season recruiting has gone on up north, with the biggest addition to their side announced recently — Willie Mason. Last year’s corresponding fixture was a tight one, the Broncos winning 19-18. A similarly close contest is expected again. — JM

Lucas: I’m not keen on this game as a betting proposition — just for the record, Broncos to win.

Marshall: Not much between these two sides on paper. Keen on the total match score to be over the line.

Bulldogs v Knights

ANZ Stadium

Saturday 5.30pm AEDT

The Bulldogs went from wooden spooners to a top-four side in 2009, and they’ll start warm favourites to begin their quest for further glory in this season’s opening fixture against Newcastle. The Dogs were the competition yardstick for most of last year, and it was only a white-hot Eels outfit that denied them a spot in the grand final. Storm winger Steve Turner makes his debut in the blue and white as a replacement for the retired Hazem El Masri, and try-scoring machines Josh Morris and Bryson Goodwin will look to back up their stellar 2009. The Knights meanwhile have had a turbulent pre-season, with forwards Chris Houston and Danny Wicks facing drug charges and a worrying knee injury to Kurt Gidley that will keep him out for at least a month. — JM

Lucas: Bulldogs to win by 13-plus.

Marshall: Bulldogs will be short and should be winning. Take them 13-plus.

Panthers v Raiders

CUA Stadium

Saturday 7.30pm AEDT

It goes without saying that the Panthers and Raiders will be desperate to start their 2010 campaign with a win after both teams missed out on finals football last season. Penrith’s pre-season form has been impressive, with wins over Parramatta and Newcastle, whereas the Raiders have been less impressive with consecutive losses to the Bulldogs and Broncos. Mind you, the pre-season can be misleading. This is shaping as an even contest, although Penrith at home will feel as though they should be able to snare the points. — PL

Lucas: Not much between these sides. Take the total match score under.

Marshall: Tricky match as I rate both sides highly and evenly. Will probably just watch for future reference.

Sharks v Storm

Toyota Stadium

Saturday 7.30pm AEDT

Most punters would be prepared to lock in the reigning premiers as their best bet of the week — but be careful! Okay, the Sharks are no good thing this week, but you couldn’t put the rent on Melbourne. Why? After a taxing pre-season, including a successful trip to England for the World Cup Challenge, the Storm’s frontline players may be feeling the effects of a night’s celebration and the long flight home. The Sharks blooded a lot of youngsters last year, and they might just be up and ready for this first match. — PL

Lucas: I’m selecting Melbourne, but they can do it without mine — Sharks with the start might be the way to go.

Marshall: The Storm have done some travelling already this year and might be vulnerable. Take the total match score under.

Titans v Warriors

Skilled Park

Sunday 2.00pm AEDT

If the last two seasons are any indication, the Gold Coast Titans will come out with all cylinders firing at Skilled Park on Sunday afternoon. History also tells us that the Warriors are somewhat vulnerable on the road. They did, however, defeat the Cowboys 28-6 in Cairns in a pre-season trial and they grafted out a draw with the Sea Eagles at Mt Smart two weeks ago. The Titans grow a leg at Skilled Park, though, and Scotty Prince should be able to direct his troops to a victory. — PL

Lucas: Take the Titans in a half-time/full-time double.

Marshall: The Titans rarely lose at home, and the Warriors are impossible to tip with confidence away from home. Titans 1-12.

Rabbitohs v Roosters

ANZ Stadium

Sunday 3.00pm AEDT

A brand new beginning for both clubs after the disappointments of season 2009. Brian Smith takes over the reins in the leafy eastern suburbs and John Lang will be calling the shots in Redfern. The Rabbitohs kick off their 2010 campaign with so much promise, but will they stand and deliver or will they disappoint again? They’ll start favourites to begin their season on the right note in any case, and nothing less than a win will suffice. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate Bran Smith, who has an uncanny record of turning average teams into very good ones. He’s done it before and he can probably do it again. — PL

Lucas: Rabbitohs to win, but it will be closer than the betting indicates. Take them 1-12.

Marshall: Still some flaws in their defence, but Souths showed in the Charity Shield they’ll have no issues scoring. Take the total match score over.

Wests Tigers v Sea Eagles

SFS

Monday 7.00pm AEST

With number-one player Benji Marshall locked in for life (he signed a four-year contract extension last month) the Tigers can now concentrate on winning football matches, which will sit well with coach Tim Sheens, who is under increasing pressure to deliver after missing out on the finals last season. As for the Sea Eagles, I’m not sure what season 2010 will bring — on paper they’re genuine premiership contenders, but on the field they can lose their way. Monday Night Football at its best and the final result could possibly go down to the wire. Expect a high scoring game, with the Tigers’ attacking flair up against Manly’s tough and tight defence. — PL

Lucas: Tigers to win and take the total match score over.

Marshall: Tigers were only just outside of my predicted top eight, and they’ll cause a mini-upset here. Take them 1-12.

BEST BET — Lucas: Titans half-time/full-time double. Marshall: Rabbitohs v Roosters — total match score over.

BEST MULTI — Lucas: Bulldogs to cover the line/Panthers to win/Titans half-time/full-time double.

Marshall: Broncos v Cowboys — total match score over/ Bulldogs to win/Rabbitohs v Roosters — total match score over.

PGA Tour Update

Joel Marshall & Peter Lucas — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:20:00 +1100

The PGA Tour moves to TPC Blue Monster at Doral this week for the World Golf Championships CA Championship..

The WGC tournaments are co-sanctioned by the European, Japan, Asia, Sunshine and Australasian tours. The concept was introduced in 1999 to create more golf tournaments with a high global profile, bringing the leading golfers from different tours together on a regular basis, rather than just for the four major championships.

Tiger Woods has dominated the WGC series tournaments, winning 16 of the 34 events contested, and including at least one event each year since their inception. Unfortunately he is otherwise occupied.

The course

The Blue Monster (par 72, 7125 yards)

Hole 1 (par 5, 529 yards): Most players will reach the green in two — par this hole and you’ve dropped a shot on the field.

Hole 2 (par 4, 376 yards): Another birdie chance — most players will tee off with an iron or utility club as the fairway narrows to 25 yards.

Hole 3 (par 4, 438 yards): Possibly the Monster’s most difficult driving hole, with water to the right. Miss the green and it’s bogey time.

Hole 4 (par 3, 236 yards): Hardest par three on the course — two deep bunkers guard the green to the left and water to the right.

Hole 5 (par 4, 394 yards): A narrow landing strip demands accuracy off the tee and the green is protected by five bunkers.

Hole 6 (par 4, 442 yards): This hole plays longer than its published length, into a strong wind. Par is good.

Hole 7 (par 4, 428 yards): A dogleg to the left and players will try to draw their tee shot. The green's left side slopes down to the left, into a chipping area.

Hole 8 (par 5, 560 yards): Players will be thinking birdie. This hole demands accuracy off the tee and anything right will be punished.

Hole 9 (par 3, 169 yards): The green is quick and players need to leave the ball under the hole.

Hole 10 (par 5, 551 yards): Longer drivers will find a narrow fairway and water does come into play — second shot is to a sloping narrow green.

Hole 11 (par 4, 402 yards): Players must negotiate a fairway bunker off the tee and look for a pin placement right behind the front bunkers.

Hole 12 (par 5, 603 yards): There’s trouble to the right off the tee and an enormous fairway bunker on the right stretches from 96 to 166 yards from the green.

Hole 13 (par 3, 245 yards): Bunkers guard each side of the green. The toughest pin placements are back left and most players will be satisfied with par.

Hole 14 (par 4, 460 yards): A downhill hole with two fairway bunkers guarding the right side. The second shot is to a narrow green.

Hole 15 (par 3, 175 yards): Wind from left to right makes club selection hard and anything short or long can be costly.

Hole 16 (par 4, 372 yards): Swings right to left. A wide fairway entices players to pull out the driver on the tee, bringing the palm trees and fairway bunkers into play.

Hole 17 (par 4, 419 yards): This par four plays considerably longer than 419 yards. The second shot is to an elevated green guarded by deep bunkers.

Hole 18 (par 4, 476 yards): The Monster’s signature hole is ranked among the most difficult finishing holes on the tour. It normally plays into the wind and the fairway narrows to only 25 yards at the end of the lake but widens beyond it, so longer drives have a bigger target. The second shot is to a long, narrow green whose entire left side is bordered by water.

The contenders

In all, 64 players will tee-off at the Blue Monster this week including 48 of top 50 from the Official World Golf Rankings.

· Phil Mickelson: With just one top 10 from four starts and no wins in 2010 the defending champion will need to lift his game if he is to conquer the Monster this week.

· Sergio Garcia: Six top 10’s at Doral suggests that he’ll be a serious contender come Sunday.

· Geoff Ogilvy: The laconic Aussie won at Doral in 2008 – he performs at his best in the Majors and WGC tournaments.

· Retief Goosen: Three top 10’s in 2010 and four top 10’s at Doral indicates that he’ll contend this week.

· Camilo Villegas: The Colombian pole vaulted to the top of the money list with last week’s win at Palm Beach – finished T5 in 2009 at Doral.

· Vijay Singh: Never right off a champion – the big Fijian returned to his best last week in the Honda Classic and his 5 top 10’s at Doral cannot be ignored.

· Paul Casey: With three top 10’s in 2010 at two top career 10’s at Doral, he’s a genuine contender.

· Steve Stricker: The No.2 player in the world is money making machine, although I’m prepared to lay him at Doral this week.

· Hunter Mahan: Mahan has the annoying habit of winning at huge odds.

J.B. Holmes: He just missed out on his third top-ten finish from five tournaments in 2010 at Palm Beach last week. Has never played better and could be a smokey.

Suggested bets:

Lucas: Finding a winner in this elite field is a tough ask, but I’ve settled for Sergio Garcia whose previous record at Doral suggests that he’s due to break through for his maiden win at the Blue Monster. And if you’re looking for a roughie at huge each way odds, consider Hunter Mahan.

Marshall: J.B. Holmes should have posted his third top-ten finish for the year last week, but three bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine on the final day left him tied for 12^th. The long-hitting American has never played better and could be a wildcard at Doral. I’ll also be having something on Vijay Singh, who did the right thing by us last week finishing in the top five. He usually holds form when he strikes it and has a great record at Doral.

NBL Final Facts and Figures

Alex Lyle — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:19:00 +1100

NBL Grand Final Key Facts and Figures – Game 2

Wollongong’s Game 2 victory means the Grand Final Series will head back to Perth for the deciding contest

Wollongong Hawks 75 d. Perth Wildcats 63 (best-of-three series tied 1-1)

The Hawks’ Cameron Tragardh had 28 points on 12-of-20 field goal attempts after having 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting in Game 1

The Wildcats only had two players score in double-figures (Kevin Lisch and Stephen Weigh), and their team-high total was just 11, scored by Lisch

Perth committed nine more fouls than Wollongong (21-12)

Wollongong’s Glen Saville and Mat Campbell combined to shoot 1-of-14 from the field and together scored 5 points (Campbell was scoreless)

Perth point guards Damian Martin and Brad Robbins managed just one assist each

In the second half Wollongong outscored Perth 43-30.

Video Stars

Best Bets — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +1100

Horses to follow from our video analysis of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide meetings from last week's racing..

MELBOURNE
Nicastro, Tollesprit, No Evidence Needed, Trusting.

SYDNEY
Bernicia, Danleigh, Kiss From a Rose.

BRISBANE
Asyoucando, Exiled.

ADELAIDE
Valoroso, Recorrido, Stirling Grove.

Sectional Stars

Shayne Montgomery — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +1100

The best sectional times recorded in Melbourne and Sydney from last weekend’s racing..

MELBOURNE

NICASTRO 22.03
This horse was resuming from a spell when at no stage was he a winning possibility in his race at Flemington 6/3 over only 1100m but it was impossible to miss his strong finish. He will pay to follow over further.

DISSOLVED 22.09
He was always close enough if good enough in transit when he reappeared second up, this time when having his first run down the famous Flemington straight 6/3. He responded gamely when required. Improver.

FAINT PERFUME 22.32
A top result for all concerned unfolded when this top class Group One winning filly produced enough to edge out her opposition at Flemington 6/3. Obviously she can only go on as distances extend.

RESPONSE 22.47
This filly was attempting a class rise when she appeared at Flemington for the first time 6/3 and she was gallant when defeated by past Group One winning filly Faint Perfume. Look for her to win in town soon.

LIFE TO THE FULL 22.67
After settling well back in his race at Flemington 6/3 he wasn’t going to be a factor in the finish but he was swamping the front runners over the final 50m. He can pay his travelling expenses over further.

BACKGAMMON 23.13
He joined the Sectional Stars team after his first up good effort in Sydney last month. The interstate switch to Flemington 6/3 didn’t pay immediate dividends but he can pay his way as his distances increase.

SHAMROCKER 23.17
Despite covering ground all the way in transit this two year old filly was responsible for an upset result at Flemington 6/3 but after such a tough run, nothing could be taken away from her. She can progress.

SHAAHEQ 23.44
Justice finally prevailed and patience paid off at Flemington 6/3 when this two year old filly finally broke through for a win after an exasperating string of second placings. She can quickly add to the success.

EAGLE FALLS 24.11
He was second up from a spell when he loomed to beat Wanted in the Newmarket Handicap 6/3 before race fitness played a part. Eagle Falls had been undefeated second up but he’s also proven when third up!

SYDNEY

SERENISSIMA 22.49
Whilst it is a matter of fact that the eventual winner Dorf Command did come from behind her on the home turn in her race at Warwick Farm 6/3, she can still be looked on as a filly to follow on firm ground.

DANLEIGH 23.19
He was stepping up to 1600m for the first time in this preparation when absolutely nothing went right for him at Warwick Farm 6/3. He found room to move far too late. Look for him to atone when next produced.

SOLAR CHARGED 23.24
Her barrier trials both before and after her only race start were excellent, she turned her only start before the spell into a one act affair and it was simply a case of more of the same at Warwick Farm 6/3.

BLACK ROUTINE N/A
After two runs back from a spell this very lightly raced six year old was ready to improve at Canterbury 4/3 and whilst he was “easy” in the betting ring, he did look the part on track when he won stylishly.

BOHEMIAN SPIRIT N/A
This very lightly raced four year old did enjoy a clear race fitness edge on the favourite, Rogano when the pair met at Canterbury 4/3 but all the same, he stuck to his guns in the straight, similar class soon.

KISS FROM A ROSE N/A
This well bred three year old filly was out to defend her unbeaten status when she returned to Canterbury 4/3 and on the night she proved to be in a different class to her opposition. Better races await.

ROGANO N/A
He ran the race to suit himself when he resumed from a spell at Canterbury 4/3 but whilst he at no stage raced away to score with ease, he always had the situation in hand. We can expect him to take the next step.

SCARF N/A
It’s fair to say that absolutely nothing went right for this previously unraced galloper from the moment the barriers opened when he made his debut at Canterbury 4/3. He can only be expected to go on and improve.

TOM’S CHOICE N/A
He had trialed ok behind a stablemate and subsequent metropolitan winner Pressday before he made his race day debut at Canterbury 4/3 when he kept trying all the way to the post. Similar class suits soon.

Easter Stayer Wins Auckland Cup

Best Bets — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:17:00 +1100

The big week for Easter graduates continued across the Tasman today when well-travelled stayer Zavite proved too tough in the Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m)..

ZAVITE ($80,000 2004 Easter, 7g Zavite-Miss Vita) was offered through the Fairdale Stud draft and has proven an astute investment by trainer Anthony Cummings.

Today was his 10th win, but first at Group 1 level. His prizemoney is now heading towards the $2million mark.

Zavite has been a consistent performer over a number of seasons and has been a stakes winner in four states of Australia. He was previously a two mile winner of the Group 2 Adelaide Cup last year.

Today’s G1 victory follows Easter graduates winning five of the six races run at Flemington last Saturday.

Zavite joins an ever growing list of international Group 1 winners for Inglis.

The Group race success recently extended to the United Arab Emirates when South African G1 winner MUSIR ($P900,000 2008 Easter, 3c Redoute’s Choice-Dizzy De Lago) easily won the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas on the new Meydan track, taking his overall record to five wins in six starts.

Australian Test Squad

Peter Lucas — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:13:00 +1100

Australia has included Phillip Hughes, Steve Smith and uncapped NSW quck Ryan Harris in a 14-man squad for this month's two-test tour of New Zealand..

Michael Clarke has been named in the squad despite quitting the one-day tour of New Zealand, and Marcus North retains his spot.

"The core of the squad is the Australian Test team that performed so well during the Australian summer in defeating West Indies and Pakistan," Australian chirman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

"Ryan Harris, having overcome injuries at the start of the season, has played really well for Australia in the shorter formats of the game.

"Phillip Hughes has also been in excellent form at state level and richly deserves his selection on the back of another fantastic (Shield) season.

"Steve Smith has had an excellent Shield season, including a big century against Tasmania recently, and of course has already demonstrated his ability to cope with the pressure of international cricket.

"He adds great flexibility to the squad with his exciting strokeplay, leg-spin bowling and gifted fielding."

Australia Test Squad:

Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.

Victory suffer second defeat

Peter Lucas — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:20:00 +1100

Melbourne Victory’s Asian Championships League campaign is in tatters after a second successive loss last night..

South Korea's Seongnam Ilhwa defeated Melbourne 2-0 at Etihad Stadium last night, leaving them without a point in Group E after two games.

Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick conceded that it’ll be difficult to advance beyond the qualifying stage.

"It's certainly not going to be easy,'' Merrick said.

"Hopefully the results will fall favourably for us with the other teams.

"We probably have to go unbeaten. I don't think we need to win every game, but if we give away another game I think we'll struggle.''

Haddin leads Australia to victory

Peter Lucas — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:04:00 +1100

Brad Haddin guided Australia to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in game three of the Chappell-Hadlee series..

Led by Haddin's career-best 110 from 121 deliveries, Australia scored 4-248 to win with 16 balls to spare in front of 10,550 spectators.

Australian showed no sign of being unsettled by the sudden departure of Michael Clarke.

"I said to the boys this morning that I know if someone in the top order gets a hundred, that we're going to get well over 300 every time we bat with the nature of these grounds over here,'' Australian captain Ricky Ponting said.

"We were on target to do that tonight.

"Luckily we were chasing 246. The bowlers did a great job, taking wickets consistently.

"We've been looking for this performance for the entire series and we've played our best game to date today.

"Today was more like the Australian cricket team that I know.

"It has been a lot more commanding performance and Brad has played a massive role in us winning tonight.''

Australia lead the best-of-five series 2-1.

Adelaide MM Yearling Sale Summary

Best Bets — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:49:00 +1100

The first session of the 2010 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale has concluded at Morphettville..

The sale statistics and top sellers were as follows:

SALE STATISTICS

Lots Catalogued: 196 (392)
Lots Sold: 131 (261)
Lots Withdrawn: 16 (38)
Lots Passed: 49 (92)
Sale Aggregate: $3,602,500 ($5,246,500)
Average Price: $27,500 ($20,102)
Top Price: $150,000 ($115,000)
Sold %: 73 (74)

TOP FIVE SELLERS

$150,000 - Stratum-Show No Restraint filly
Vendor: Baramul Stud / Buyer: Lloyd Kennewell (SA)

$100,000 - Bel Esprit-Concluding colt
Inman Valley Stud (As Agent) / Peter & Cheryl Sutcliffe (SA)

$100,000 - Choisir-Cubicle filly
Balcrest Stud / Proven Thoroughbreds (NSW)

$95,000 - Niello-Autumn Belle colt
Ducatoon Park / Leon Macdonald (SA)

$90,000 - Blevic-Lin o'Dee colt
AJ Crabb & Sons Pty Ltd / Lloyd Kennewell (SA)

Stratum Filly Tops Adelaide Sale

Best Bets — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:47:00 +1100

A lovely filly by leading freshman sire Stratum topped the first session of the 2010 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville on Tuesday..

Consigned by Baramul Stud, the filly was catalogued as lot number 131 and was purchased by leading young Morphettville trainer Lloyd Kennewell for $150,000.

It is the second year in a row that a Baramul Stud filly has topped the Adelaide Sale with a daughter of Testa Rossa bringing the top price last year at $115,000.

Kennewell, flanked by his father and fellow trainer Gary, said the filly was his "must buy" lot of the sale.

"She was the best horse in the sale," Kennewell said. "And she's got a good pedigree."

"I thought she was the sale topper and knew she would be popular," he added.

"She's a good mover. I thought she was a super athlete - she has plenty going for her."

All up on the day 131 yearlings changed hands at a gross of over $3.6 million. The clearance rate was 73 per cent and is bound to grow overnight.

The average price of $27,500 was up over 36 per cent on last year's two day select sale.

Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said the day went well and seemed to get stronger as the afternoon went.

"We had some lovely yearlings early in the session and they were well received by buyers," he said.

"But as a whole the selling got stronger and the clearance rate lifted as the sale got into the swing of things later in the afternoon."

"It was great to see the average rise so well and the clearance hold from last year's figures," Chester added.

"We have some really lovely prospects to go under the hammer during the Session Two Sale tomorrow."

Earlier in the day a colt by Bel Esprit and a filly by Choisir both sold for $100,000 as consecutive lots.

Locals Peter and Cheryl Sutcliffe purchased the half sister to Moment in Time as lot 16 while moments late Jamie Walter buying under Proven Thoroughbreds snapped up the half sister to Go Cart.

Locals were particularly active on the day with Kennewell joined on the buyers list by the likes of Leon Macdonald, David Jolly, David Balfour, Jon O'Connor and Richard Jolly.

But interstate trainers including Rick Hore-Lacy, Tony Noonan, Mark Riley, John McArdle, Robbie Griffiths, Terry Kelly, Terry O'Sullivan and Joe Janiak were also among successful buyers.

Selling today at the Morphettville Complex will kick away at 11am (SA time).

Jurrah to miss four months

Best Bets — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:02:00 +1100

Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah will require surgery, and will miss approximately four months of football, after injuring his right shoulder..

The injury occurred when Jurrah fell awkwardly on his shoulder during the first quarter of Melbourne’s NAB Challenge match against Adelaide on the weekend.

Jurrah will have surgery on Wednesday to reconstruct his right shoulder.

General Manager of Football, Chris Connolly, said, “This is disappointing news to learn of the severity of Liam’s injury. Liam met with the surgeon this afternoon, and he’ll have the operation to reconstruct his right shoulder on Wednesday. At this stage, he will miss approximately 16 weeks of football.

As a club, we will work closely with Liam in what will be a difficult time throughout his rehabilitation. We will aim to get him back playing football during the second half of the season.”

Bellamy names his squad

Best Bets — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:45:00 +1100

Melbourne Storm NRL coach Craig Bellamy has named a 19-man squad for this Saturday’s Round One clash with the Cronulla Sharks at Toyota Stadium in Sydney..

Starting Team:

1. Billy Slater

2. Luke MacDougall

3. Dane Nielsen

4. Greg Inglis

5. Anthony Quinn

6. Brett Finch

7. Cam Smith (c)

8. Aiden Tolman

9. Ryan Hinchcliffe

10. Jeff Lima

11. Adam Blair

12. Ryan Hoffman

13. Todd Lowrie

Interchange From:

14. Rory Kostjasyn

15. Kevin Proctor

16. Hep Cahill

17. Jesse Bromwich

18. Ryan Tandy

19. Bryan Norrie

Clarke Abandons NZ Tour

Peter Lucas — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:36:00 +1100

Australia vice-captain Micheal Clarke has abandoned his tour of New Zealand for personal reasons..

Clark flew back to Australia on Monday night and his departure leaves just 12 players in the Australian tour party and a replacement player may be called up from Australia for the final two one-day games in Auckland on Thursday and Wellington on Saturday.

Flemington features rescheduled

Best Bets — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:16:00 +1100

Following Saturday's postponement of the Flemington Super Saturday meeting after Race 6 owing to inclement weather and the state of the track, RVL and VRC officials met to consider the rescheduling of the postponed races..

It was determined that the three postponed races; the $1m Darley Australian Cup (2000m, Group 1), $750,000 Crown Guineas (1600m, Group 1) and $150,000 Melbourne Food & Wine Plate (1400m, Group 3), will be conducted on Family Day next Saturday, 13 March at Flemington.

Officials have determined the following pertaining to the three races;

· The fields, including barriers, will remain unchanged

· Sole scratching Shocking will be reinstated in the Australian Cup field

· The declaration time for riders, who may be changed, is noon on Thursday, 11 March

With the addition of the three Group races onto the 13 March program, the $75,000 Super VOBIS 3YO Handicap (1400m) has been moved from that day to Betfair Park Sandown on Wednesday, 17 March where it will be conducted for the same prize money.

As a result, Flemington will host a 10 race meeting next Saturday with the three postponed races set to feature alongside the Group 2 $300,000 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and Group 3 $150,000 Volunteers Matron Stakes (1600m) on what shapes as a bumper program.

Nominations for the seven original races will close at noon on Tuesday, 9 March with acceptances to be taken at 9am two days later.

NBL Facts & Figures

Alex Lyle — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:08:00 +1100

NBL Grand Final Key Facts and Figures – Game 1..

The Wildcats had to fight for it, but they are now just one win away from their fifth NBL Championship

Perth Wildcats 75 d. Wollongong Hawks 64 (Perth leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Shawn Redhage and Kevin Lisch lead the way for the Wildcats with 15 points each, with Redhage also managing 8 rebounds

Wollongong shot the ball at 36.8% from the field for the game compared to the Wildcats’ 47.4%

Mat Campbell (13 points) was the only Wollongong starter to reach double-figures in scoring

Brad Robbins of Perth had 5 points, 5 assists, 5 steals and 2 rebounds in 15:12 on court

Perth outscored the Hawks 18-11 in the final quarter

The Wildcats had six more assists than the Hawks (16-10) and two fewer turnovers (16-18)

NAB Cup Schedule

Best Bets — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:03:00 +1100

AFL fixtures for the NAB Cup and the NAB Challenge for the weekend of March 12-13 is as follows (all times are local)..

NAB Cup Grand Final

Saturday March 13

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm

NAB Challenge

Friday March 12

Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn at Southport, 3.30pm

Carlton v Adelaide at Visy Park, 4pm

Sydney Swans v North Melbourne at Narrandera, 7pm

Saturday March 13

Melbourne v West Coast at Casey Fields, 2pm

Richmond v Essendon at Morwell, 3.30pm

Port Adelaide v Collingwood at Mt Gambier, 4pm

Fremantle v Geelong Cats at Subiaco, 4.30pm