Inform Newsletter - February 2008

In This Months Edition

• The Month That Was
• March Sporting Dates
• AFL Season Preview
• NRL Season Preview
• Sales and Breeding News / Horse Sale Dates
• AAP Racing Product News
• Race Memorabilia Promotion

February: The Month That Was

By Peter Klein, AAP Racing

February saw some smart gallopers return to the winner's stall. And racing also farewelled a few well known horses and a racing administrator who retired during the month as well. Here's what happened in February - the month that was.

Horses

Apache Cat was too good for his rivals in both the G1 Lightning Stakes and Australia Stakes, whilst favourite Gold Edition was retired after she finished fourth in the Lightning and pulled up lame in the near foreleg. Gold Edition retires after having raced 37 times for 17 wins, 12 seconds, a third and $3,182,195. Meanwhile, Apache Cat eyes off the rich pickings on offer over the autumn and winter carnivals.

Caulfield trainer Mick Price's horses have been in super form. His horse Shinzig took out the G1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield after Shares in the Danehill stallion were still being sold up to an hour before he won the Orr. Other gallopers to fly the stable's colours included exciting galloper Light Fantastic, Vivacious Spirit and Rubiscent. Aside from Gold Edition, some other noted horses to retire during February include the Bart Cummings pair Wonderful World and Queensland Derby winner Empires Choice.

Weekend Hussler won the Oakleigh Plate in stunning fashion prompting trainer Ross McDonald to declare him the best horse he had trained. 'The Hussler' is expected to run in the Newmarket handicap in which he has 55kg. New Zealander Princess Coup won the G2 St George Stakes defeating Sirmione. The pair is likely to clash again in the Australian Cup in March.

Jockeys

Weekend Hussler and trainer Ross McDonald
- the best horse he's trained?
Image: AAP Image

Within hours of Gold Edition being retired, her regular rider, Queensland jockey Stathi Katsidis was charged with possessing illegal drugs and driving with an excessive alcohol limit at Toowoombah. The jockey had flown back to Queensland after riding beaten favourite Gold Edition in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

New Zealand jockey David Walsh became only the fourth jockey to reach 2000 wins on Borninthestates in the Dunedin Gold Cup at Wingatui. Michael Rodd has contracted a mystery virus which has ruled him out of the entire Melbourne autumn carnival. Rodd, who won last year's Melbourne Cup on Efficient, has been sidelined with fatigue and lethargy since he returned from a Christmas holiday. Meanwhile another jockey casualty is star apprentice Ric McMahon who will be sidelined for up to six months after breaking his right leg in a fall at Doomben. McMahon 19, is the winner of Brisbane's apprentices' title for the past two seasons and broke his femur when his mount Joe Dirt clipped the heels of Chippy's Pick 300 metres from the winning post.

Over in Tasmania, Craig Williams pulled off a bold front running ride to win the Hobart Cup aboard the Darren Weir trained Offenbach. Shane Dye, 41, has confirmed he's returning to Sydney for the autumn carnival, eight years since he took up a riding contract in Hong Kong. The former Matamata jockey, who was apprenticed to top trainer Dave O'Sullivan, has won a Melbourne Cup on Tawriffic in 1989, a Cox Plate on Octagonal in 1995, and four Golden Slippers. He has 90 group one wins in Australia, third behind George Moore (119) and Roy Higgins (108) on the all-time list. He felt he had achieved most of his goals in Hong Kong, apart from winning the jockey's premiership in which he finished second three times. Dwayne Dunn seems to have claimed the Blue Diamond Stakes as his own after riding his fourth successive winner in the event on the David Hayes trained Reaan.

Trainers

Reean (far left) makes it 4 Blue Diamonds
in a row for Dwayne Dunn
Image: AAP Image

Tim Martin's stable fired up at Canterbury on 6th February. Martin was out of the country in Singapore at the time, but it didn't stop him training four-winners headed by the expensive yearling purchase Dubai's Choice. Speaking of winners, Mark Kavanagh is favourite to win the G1 trainers' premiership at the end of the season, firming to $3.30 after having led in four G1 winners thus far. Champion trainer David Hayes and Lee Freedman have each trained only one G1 winner and are at $3.90 and $3.40 respectively.

Patrick Payne, the former champion jockey and now trainer, landed his first metropolitan winner as a trainer with Laura's Charm at Moonee Valley. Laura's Charm is owned by Nathan Tinkler who has emerged as one of Australia's biggest owners in the past few months, spending nearly $8 million on yearlings at the Karaka sales in New Zealand.

Industry News

Undoubtedly, the news of the month was Racing Victoria Ltd's (RVL) chief executive Steven Allanson resigning in the wake of a betting scandal. The scandal surrounding the South African-born head of Victorian racing emerged with the revelation that he had placed five bets under a false name with a Melbourne bookmaker. It was revealed that Allanson had placed a further 37 bets since January this year, all under a false name. While Allanson is permitted to bet, telephone betting rules stipulate that all bets must be made under a correct name. Allanson has been replaced by Bernard Saundry who has been appointed in an acting capacity. Further investigations are being carried out relating to the matter.

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March 2008 Sports Calendar

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AFL 2008 Preview

Australia's biggest bookmaker - Sportingbet Australia, preview this year's AFL season, team by team.

Giving the latest information on your team's finals chances, players to watch and some of the best bets to keep an eye out for in 2008.

A great reference for the entire season!

Geelong Cats

The all conquering Cats will again be the team to beat this year. Sportingbet Australia thinks they are a class above every other team in the competition and injuries are the ONLY thing that will prevent them from repeating. Last year they won the AFL and VFL premierships, the Brownlow, the Norm Smith, the NAB Rising Star and had nine All-Australians. They have by far the deepest roster in the AFL and Nathan Ablett's departure will do more good than harm as the Tomahawk and Tom Lonergan possess as much, if not more ability. The win last year took all the pressure off them so expect the Cats to just win and win and win.

Best bet - Geelong to win the flag at $3.00.

Best value - Either Baby Jesus ($13) or Jimmy Bartel ($19) to take the Charlie because Geelong will win 18 games or more again this year.

Worth a look - Geelong are a $1.08 to make the top eight. Better interest than the banks and just as safe. The Geelong VFL team could probably make the eight so not even a crash to the first team bus (touch wood) will stop this.

St Kilda Saints

The perennial underachievers are much hyped again. What Saints will we see in 2008? The Saints that used to battle Geelong for the best upcoming team or will we see the injury plagued rabble that can't even make the finals. Saints fans believe this is the year they will finally deliver shortening the odds dramatically from $17 outsiders in to $9 second favourites for the 2008 flag.

The usual Brownlow money has come for Nick Reiwoldt ($23) and Nick Dal Santo ($34) but Lenny Hayes ($101), Leigh Montagna ($201) and Justin Koschitzke ($81) are just as likely to win matches and Brownlow votes, and have much better odds.

Best bet - St Kilda to finish in the top four is $2.25.

Best value - Leigh Montagna at $201 for the Brownlow is very appealing since he was the Saints best midfielder last year and umpires should know his name by now.

Worth a look - St Kilda to reach grand final $4.75.

Hawthorn

Surely the only way for the Hawks is up. Their young list gets better every year and with players like Beau Muston, Travis Tuck, Mitchell Thorp, Jarryd Morton and Cyril Rioli looking for opportunities, the Hawks are only going to improve. Sportingbet Australia believes this group will be winning at least one flag in the next five years and if it wasn't for Geelong they might even take it out this year.

Best bet - Like St Kilda, it's hard to imagine the improving Hawks not finishing in the top four. $2.25 appears good value particularly as they are playing well in the NAB Cup with many Box Hill players.

Best value - Buddy Franklin to take out the Coleman at $9 is great value. He kicked 63 in the regular season last year as a 20 year old and will only improve. He hasn't had his kicking boot on for the NAB Cup but Sportingbet Australia believes he will kick 80+ this year.

Worth a look - Sam Mitchell ($17) and Luke Hodge ($31 but not playing round one or two) always catch the umpires' eye so it's hard to see them not finishing well in the Brownlow. Jordan Lewis at $201 is also tempting but so far umpires haven't recognised how good he is.

Port Adelaide Power

The Power took everyone by surprise in 07 and it's hard to see them tumbling down the ladder with their young list only improving. Even the experienced Warren Tredrea is expected to have a much better year after a successful preseason. Expect Steven Salopek, Travis Boak, Daniel Pierce and Tommy Logan to produce the best football of their young careers, only adding depth to the Cornes and Burgoyne midfield.

Best bet - Port Adelaide are favourite to be the top placed interstate team but are still showing great value at $4.

Best value - It's hard to choose which Burgoyne or Cornes will light up the competition this year but Sportingbet Australia believes it will be the year of 'The Chad'. The most versatile player in the competition doesn't mind giving umpires a verbal spray but he is so good they will still have to give him votes.

Worth a look - Port Adelaide are paying $11 to go one step further than last year and that is definitely a possibility with their young list improving and old stages like Lade and Tredrea feeling fully fit.

Collingwood Magpies

The Magpies took a lot of people by surprise last year, including us at Sportingbet Australia. We should have known better than to underestimate the 'Black and White' particularly with the resources at their disposal. The Collingwood coaching and recruiting staff did an exceptional job of preparing their young players for AFL football and they should be right in the mix for finals especially considering they play 18 times in Victoria.

Best bet - $1.42 to make the finals has got to be tempting considering their draw.

Best value - Dane Swan polled as many votes as Gary Ablett and Adam Goodes in the Brownlow last year so $51 is great value for 2008.

Worth a look - $151 for Scott Pendlebury to win the Brownlow is also great value. This youngster's clearance work is exceptionally and will only improve. Also, the agility and vision he developed as a basketballer allows him to show flashes of brilliance which should capture umpires' attention.

West Coast Eagles

There has been plenty of talk about the off field instances and departure of Chris Judd and Ben Cousins but people would be unwise to dismiss the Eagles. Firstly, they played large parts of 07 without the two superstar onballers at full fitness and secondly they still have a fortress at Subiaco. Similar to Collingwood, the resources, talented young players and home ground advantage should see the Eagles win enough games to qualify for the finals. The talented young players that will help the Coasters forget Chris Judd are Jamie McNamara, Scott Selwood and Brad Ebert as well as Chris Masten and Josh Kennedy who were both secured in the trade for the Brownlow medallist.

Best bet - $4.75 for the highest placed interstate team.

Best value - $126 for Matt Rosa to win the Brownlow is great value. The midfielder had the most possessions in the intraclub game several weeks ago and will thrive in 2008 whilst Daniel Kerr gets heavily tagged.

Worth a look - Kerr polls tremendously well in the Brownlow but his recent injury and the threat of taggers may deter punters at $13.

Adelaide Crows

The Crows are outright favourites to take out the NAB Cup after beating Collingwood and Fremantle with ease and their preseason form has eased concerns that they would struggle with Mark Riccuitto retired and their superstar players getting older. Andrew McLeod, Simon Goodwin and Tyson Edwards have looked as good as ever in new roles and with Scott Thompson, Brent Reilly, Nathan van Berlo, Chris Knights and Jason Porplyzia looking good in the middle the Crows should still be highly competitive in 2008. The Crows are always as fit as any team in the competition and rarely experience soft tissue injuries.

Best bet - Preseason form is often unreliable but the Crows should be near certainties to make the finals and $1.90 is great value.

Best value - $151 for Scott Thompson to win the Brownlow is tremendous odds. The former Demon has been exceptional since crossing the border and more time in the midfield will only increase his votes.

Worth a look - Brett Burton missed the last NAB Cup game but he had the best preseason he has had in a long time; the Birdman has to get votes in the Brownlow this year and is worth a look at $251. Crows fans should also look at the highest placed interstate team market offering $6.50.

Brisbane Lions

The value team for 2008. Sportingbet Australia is offering great prices on the boys from Brisbane but punters are slow to get on board. $2.05 to make the finals and $8 to be the highest placed interstate team are well above the odds. Mail from all those in the Lions camp including Nigel Lappin and Michael Voss expect the team to finish in the top four with a bit of luck and the top eight even with a few injuries. The big question marks surround the ruck division and forward line. The surprise retirement of Beau MacDonald puts enormous pressure on Jamie Charman and the next Dean Cox, Matthew Leaenberger to play every game. Also, the returning Daniel Bradshaw will be required to play at least 15 games to help out Jonathan Brown and the talented but injury prone Mitchell Clark.

Best bet - $2.05 for the Lions to make the finals.

Best value - $8 to be the highest placed interstate team. Travis Johnstone ($101) and Jed Adcock ($501) will poll plenty of Brownlow votes this year and also represent great value.

Worth a look - Jonathan Brown is $6.50 to win the Coleman and joint favourite at $10 for the Brownlow. The BEST player in the competition will be unstoppable this year as his team will increase his supply and he is fit as a fiddle. Browny will remind us of vintage Wayne Carey, without the off-field headlines. However, punters should remember that Carey didn't win a Brownlow or a Coleman despite dominating the competition.

Fremantle Dockers

Sharing the mantle with the Saints as perennial underachievers are the Dockers of Fremantle. A coaching change and a preseason focused on running should certainly improve the Dockers in 08 but how far they will go is still hard to determine. The main question marks surround midfield supply, quality disposal and a defence missing Shane Parker. The season ending knee injury to Paul Hasleby in the NAB Cup only increases the question marks on midfield production. They still have Matthew Pavlich, Peter Bell and Josh Carr but the rest of the team can confidently be labelled unreliable. However, at full fitness a forward line featuring Pavlich, Chris Tarrant, Ryan Murphy and Jeff Farmer could comfortably kick scores over 130 at Subiaco.

Best bet - Anything involving Matthew Pavlich is a good bet. $19 to win the Brownlow and $8 to win the Coleman should be considered by all fans of number 29.

Best value - Des Headland for the Brownlow at $101. Des epitomises the Dockers; exceptionally talented but unreliable. His preseason form has been spectacular so if the Dockers are going to deliver, so is he.

Worth a look - Confident Dockers fans should consider Fremantle as the highest placed interstate team for $4.25.

Sydney Swans

Excluding Nick Malceski's knee injury, the Sydney Swans are right where they want to be. They are fit, focused and travelling under the radar. Sportingbet Australia keeps waiting for the team to plummet but they have yet to do that and this year is shaping to not be any different. Barry Hall had more surgery in the offseason than Pamela Anderson and is looking just as good, so 'Big Bad' should be set for a productive season. Sydney still have Brett Kirk, Adam Goodes, Tadhg Kennelly, Leo Barry and both Boltons in the prime of their careers plus they have discovered Ed Barlow, Craig Bird and traded for Martin Mattner. Swans supporters always get good value at Sportingbet Australia because they are constantly underestimated and this season appears no different. We believe their premiership window is closed but the boys from Sydney might just crash through and prove us wrong.

Best bet - Adam Goodes to win his third Brownlow at $17. Only four players have won three Brownlow Medals in the history of the competition but it could soon be four. The Indigenous superstar is four weeks ahead of his usual fitness at this time of the year and is tearing up the track. If Brownlow votes were up for grabs in NAB Challenge games then he would have polled three last week.

Best value - Sydney are $1.75 to make the final eight. With Goodes and Hall in peak fitness, there is no reason they shouldn't be around in September.

Worth a look - Tadhg Kennelly is $251 to win the Brownlow. Sportingbet Australia heavily favours his teammate but Kennelly has the dash and flair to poll many votes and is currently tremendous value.

North Melbourne Kangaroos

The next two seasons will decide how good the decision to stay in Melbourne will be. They could have relocated to the Gold Coast and been pampered tremendously by the AFL but instead they chose to brave it in the overcrowded Melbourne market. Let's hope James Brayshaw and his team can secure some long term stability for this club in need.

On field will be another battle and the Roos could finish anywhere in 2008. They rediscovered their shin boner spirit with a fourth place finish last year, following 14th in 2006. This year they will have their senior players still producing elite performances and they get Nathan Thompson returning to their forward line and the athletic Leigh Harding experimenting with a role in the backline. However, Sportingbet Australia does not believe that this will be enough for the Roos to repeat their 2007 achievements as their competitors have improved even more than they have.

Best bet - Every Kangaroos market at Sportingbet Australia is the best bet because they are constantly underrated. $2.50 to make the finals might be the best of the bunch.

Best value - Brent Harvey for $26 to win the Brownlow. 'Boomer' had a great shake at the medal last year and even though he is a year older Sportingbet Australia expects him to produce a similar season.

Worth a look - $7.50 to make the top four is also worth considering for confident Kangaroos fans.

Carlton Blues

Carlton fans are already counting future premierships based on their recent acquisitions but they shouldn't get too carried away for their expectations on 2008. The Juddernaut it still rehabilitating his dodgy groin so we won't be seeing him at his best for several weeks if not months and the club was struggling with key position players before Brad Fisher's recent injury. On top of that, Matthew Kreuzer will not be reaching his potential for at least four years. Despite these concerns, Carlton has displayed some encouraging signs in the preseason. These include the return of Nick Stevens from injury, the two other number one picks, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs, in red hot form in the NAB Cup as well as the less heralded Darren Pfeiffer and Adam Hartlett showing ability. On top of this, Heath Scotland and Andrew Carrazzo are as healthy as ever so the Carlton midfield could be as strong as any in the competition this season. Sportingbet Australia believes the Navy Blues will improve on last season and notch up around ten wins, just missing out on the finals.

Best bet - Brendan Fevola is the deserving favourite to take out the Coleman Medal at $4.00. His supply will improve enormously on last year and his biggest threat, Jonathan Brown, is rumoured to be playing further away from the goal square this year to make way for Daniel Bradshaw.

Best value - Nick Stevens at $41 is great value for the Brownlow. Judd will get the number one tagger so Stevens will run free to amass possessions. 35 touches against Hawthorn last week in the NAB Cup where quarters are shortened can be described as scary.

Worth a look - $2.65 to make the eight. We believe Carlton are still a year off from playing finals but Carlton fans will be well rewarded if they prove us wrong.

Western Bulldogs

The Territory Bulldogs as they are known in Sportingbet Australia's hometown of Darwin are the hardest team to pick in 2008. If their midfield is healthy and the team executes their running game plan then they are a top eight side. If things don't fall their way and oppositions exploit their lack of big men then they could well have the highest pick at the next draft.

Best bet - Bulldogs fans from Victoria and the Territory have to be tempted to take the $3.25 for their team to make the eight.

Best value - With so much talent in the midfield it is hard to identify a Brownlow medal chance but we like Daniel Cross ($126) over Ryan Griffin ($201) and the fully fit Adam Cooney ($101). 'Crossy' is the fittest man in the competition and is rarely tagged due to his preference to handball. His preseason form has been ridiculous so if you don't back him for the Brownlow put him in your dream team.

Worth a look - $10 to make the top four. Even the most optimistic supporters would have to doubt the Bulldogs chance of winning the premiership but a tilt at the top four is within reach and $10 is over the odds.

Essendon

Suddenly Kevin Sheedy supporters have gone quiet on their Matthew Knights disgust. Could that be because the Bombers are undefeated in the preseason and are playing an exciting brand of football whish shows faith in young players with speed? Sportingbet Australia doubts they will be able to replicate this success in the big time but that shouldn't concern common sense Essendon fans. It would be nice to return to the glory days whilst Scott Lucas, Matthew Lloyd and Dustin Fletcher are still around but we think Essendon should endure one more year of honourable losses and high draft picks. Talented young players to watch this year are Angus Monfries, Bachar Houli, Scott Gumbleton, Courtenay Dempsey, Tom Hislop and Leroy Jetta. If they could draft a few more of these then they could soon be winning premierships rather than having a squad that perennially makes up the numbers in the finals for future years.

Best bet - Scott Lucas to win the Coleman at $23. 'Mr Left Foot Only' kicked three super goals last week and rarely looks for a teammate when he is within 60 metres from home. A Matthew Lloyd ($10 for the Coleman) injury could send Lucas much deeper to goal and be a big threat to upset the more favoured forwards in the market.

Best value - Essendon fans won't like to hear this but their team is again right in the market for the wooden spoon and $5 is good value for a developing team with injury prone senior players.

Worth a look - Alternatively, Essendon supporters could take their NAB Cup form as gospel and back them to make the eight at $3.

Richmond

All hope for the Tigers in 2008 had to be evaporated at quarter time in their opening NAB Cup game against an undermanned St Kilda outfit. Richmond were at full strength and look liked their 2007 self with the same game plan and same weaknesses. But we are continually warned to ignore preseason form so for the sake of Richmond fans, maybe the Tigers are better than we expect. After all they do have Brett Deledio, Nathan Brown, Nathan Foley, Kane Pettifer, Joel Bowden and new recruits Jordan McMahon and Mitch Morton. Most importantly they have one of the best ruckmen in the league behind Dean Cox, in Troy Simmonds, returning from injury along with Mark Coughlin. Richmond has to be more competitive than last year but the very early signs don't look good, especially for Terry Wallace.

Best bet - Terry Wallace to be the first AFL coach to depart in 2008 at $4. Well above the odds, Terry Wallace could be gone by round 10 as Richmond fans aren't afraid to put pressure on the Tigers board if they believe the team isn't fulfilling their potential.

Best value - Wooden Spoon for $4.00. The Cats will try to win back to back flags and Richmond should try for back to back spoons after they realise they don't have a list capable of contending for the premiership.

Worth a look - Brett Deledio is $51 to win the Coleman. It seems quite bizarre that the former midfielder is a chance to lead the league in goal kicking but he is pound for pound the strongest and quickest player in the league and with him apparently pencilled in to play full forward this year, look for 'Lids' to produce Brad Johnson type statistics this season.

Melbourne

Melbourne took some important steps last year in the offseason and appear destined for more short term pain with plans for long term gains. Trading Travis Johnstone for a first round draft pick tells you their exact intentions and none of them realistically involve a 2008 premiership. 2012 maybe, but not 2008. Melbourne fans should enjoy watching their young players develop and patiently wait for the rewards, just like Hawks fans have been. Some names to keep an eye on include the next Chad Cornes, Cale Morton plus Jack Grimes, Shane Valenti, Addam Maric and Austin Wonaeamirri.

Best bet - Support your Victorian counterparts and back the Cats for the flag.

Best value - The Dees are good value for the wooden spoon this year at $5.50. A Victorian team will take it out so why not the rebuilding team from Melbourne.

Worth a look - No one from this club is winning a Brownlow this year but pundits should closely watch Brock McLean and Matthew Bate because these young leaders will poll votes once the club starts winning.

For all the latest news on this year's AFL season, visit http://www.aapracing.com.au/sports/news/afl throughout the year.

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NRL 2008 Review

Punters Guide prepared by Australia's biggest bookmaker, Sportingbet Australia.

www.sportingbet.com.au

Melbourne Storm ($3.50) - The Defending premiers were simply on a different level to everyone else last season and look to be the clear top pick again. They do lose some important players in Matt King, Clint Newton, Ben Cross and Garrett Crossman but they do get Queensland prop Antonio Kaufusi back from injury. They are the clear top pick and the $3.50 won't last long if the Storm start the season well.

North Queensland ($8.50) - The Cowboys went close to making the Grand Final last year despite having a horror run with injuries. The Cowboys have bought well with Travis Burns and Ben Harris covering the loss of Jason Smith and Paul Bowman while Luke O'Donnell and Steve Southern return from injury to add starch to the pack. Any team with Thurston and Bowen will score plenty of tries and we think they will be the big improver. The X Factors are how long will Thurston be out for and what effect Graham Murray's sacking will have on the team but if they can hold it together, they will be right in the mix.

Parramatta ($9.00) - The Eels are third pick and we are more than happy to lay them at this stage. They lose solid forwards Ian Hindmarsh, Aaron Cannings, Justin Tsoulos and PJ Marsh and have replaced them with the Joe Galuvao who is terribly out of form. We also severely doubt Brett Finch and Tim Smith can steer a side to a Premiership and the obvious replacement Blake Green has gone to Cronulla. Plus they have lost strike weapon Timana Tahu to Union. Leave me right out of the Eels. Happy to take them on.

Manly ($10) - The Sea Eagles were not good enough to beat Melbourne last year look an inferior side on paper in 2008. Michael Monaghan was their best player last year and he is a huge loss along with Travis Burns and Chris Hicks. They have bought solid players but no one who is going to improve them enough to contend for the Premiership. We are happy to take the Sea Eagles on at this stage too.

Brisbane ($12) - The Broncos have lost some superstar players from last season but we think they can still win the competition. Civoniceva, Tate, Carlaw and Berrigan are all huge losses but the Broncos do look to have covered the losses quite well. Clinton, Sims and Marsh are not quite in the same class but are all good players while the Broncos are hoping Peter Wallace can be the halfback they have been searching for. Obviously, Darren Lockyer remaining injury free is the key. The X factor will be what affect Wayne Bennett's departure at the end of the season will have. Bennett is hugely respected by the players and they will be desperate to send him out on the right note. Big Chance.

Roosters ($12) - The much hyped Roosters have spent more money in the off season than anyone else and everyone is tipping them to be a serious contender but we are happy to lay them at this stage. Australia props Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley are huge ins that will add a real spine to the pack but we still don't think their little men are good enough. Minichello is injury prone, Anasta is just a five eight, Mitchell Pearce is inexperienced and James Aubusson or Riley Brown looks like being the hooker. Happy to lay.

Warriors ($17) - Their good forwards are a year older and they have spent huge money on Brent Tate who is a winger. Their halves are young and will be better for the season under their belt but the loss of Wade McKinnon is a huge blow. Another side we are happy to lay at this stage.

Cronulla ($17) - We think the Sharks are the bolter this year but they have a very hard start to the season. They start with away games against Manly, Melbourne, the Titans, St George and the Rabbitohs while work is being done at Shark Park and they could well be 0-5. On the other side is if they do win a few of these games, their price will tumble in quickly. They have a superb pack, Kimmorley and Bird are very good halves and Brett Kearney is an attacking weapon at fullback. We think they are a value chance but the question is how many of their first five games can they win.

Bulldogs ($21) - They are $21 on reputation alone and cannot win the Premiership. There has been more drama at Belmore than in Ramsey St this year which surely cannot help. They have lost O'Meley and Mason which makes takes them from a side with great forwards and ordinary backs to just an ordinary side. Their halves, Ben Roberts and Daniel Holdsworth, are too slow and not good enough plus their good backs, Luke Patten and Hazem El Masri are a year older. More likely to win the spoon than the big one.

Penrith ($21) - Petero Civoniceva might be the buy of the season but we still doubt they have the little men to seriously challenge the big guns. Wesser's return at fullback will be a huge bonus, but with Gower gone the halves will be made up of Luke Lewis, Richie Williams, Joe Williams or Jarrod Sammut. I am not hearing the noise of defences knees shaking together. Can't have them.

South Sydney ($26) - We were happy to be on the Rabbitohs to kick on from their breakthrough season last year until they produced the stupidest piece of player retention seen in a long time. Peter Cusack was the club captain and a very good prop to back up Asotasi and they let him go while under contract without an obvious replacement. They have bought well in other areas with Craig Wing a good buy but they now look to short up front. They will be thereabouts and can scrape into the eight again but doubt they can be a serious threat.

St George ($26) - Perennial under achievers who we can't see improving enough to challenge seriously. They have let too many good young forwards go for mine. Sims, Payne, Houston, Hewitt, Wicks and Peek are all good young forwards who have come through the system and all are gone. They are a solid side who with no injuries can make the eight but that looks best case for mine.

Wests ($31) - IF, IF, IF Benji Marshall can stay on the park, they are massive overs. The big loss looks to be their lucky charm, Paul Whatuira, which might see them a little light out wide but otherwise this is a very good side. The fitness of Marshall, Brett Hodgson, Matthew Head and Robbie Farah is paramount. Their big men are OK and their quick style can still trouble sides. If they make the eight with everyone on the park, look out.

Newcastle ($34) - Rebuilding season at the Knights. Suggest they will be saying the same again next year after collecting the wooden spoon in 2008. They have bought quite well but not sure they are a happy team at Newcastle and a lot of new faces will take time to gel. Can't make the eight.

Titans ($51) - Solid side who will be hard to beat at home but can't see how they can make the eight. Won plenty of games on heart and hype last year, surprising plenty of people. We think they will find their second season a lot tougher.

Canberra ($61) - Will be very hard to beat on a cold night in Canberra but will struggle on the road. Will win their share of games but simply don't have the quality to make the eight.

Conclusion: When you desperately search for a team to beat the favourite and struggle to find one, the favourites are probably good odds. Melbourne just simply look a class above the rest. We think Brisbane will be there again to challenge Melbourne while Cronulla are value and the Tigers are the absolute knock out hope. Think Newcastle are worth a ticket at $8 for the spoon.

www.sportingbet.com.au

To keep up to date with all the latest news in this year's premiership, visit AAP Racing's NRL news pages at http://www.aapracing.com.au/sports/news/rugby-league

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Sales and Breeding News / Horse Sale Dates

For all the latest Breeding news, visit - http://www.aapracing.com.au/breeding-news

UPCOMING SALES

Magic Millions

BMW 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale
Morphetville Sales Complex, Adelaide, South Australia

Sessions 1 and 2
Monday March 10 - Commencing 6pm
Tuesday March 11 - Commencing 11am

Session 3
Wednesday March 12 - Commencing 6pm

Session 1 to 4
Monday 24 March - Commencing 6pm
Tuesday 25 March - Commencing 10am
Wednesday 26 March - Commencing 10am
Thursday 27 March - Commencing 10am

Session 5 and 6
Sunday 30 March - Commencing 10am
Monday 31 March - Commencing 10am

Session 7 and 8
Tuesday 1 April - Commencing 10am
Wednesday 2 April - Commencing 10am

To view the above catalogues online, visit
http://www.magicmillions.com.au/online_catalog.html

WILLIAM INGLIS AND SONS

Premier Yearling Sale - Oaklands, VIC

Part 1
Sunday March 2nd
Monday March 3rd
Tuesday March 4th

Part 2
Thursday March 6th

March Thoroughbred Sale - Oaklands, VIC

Autumn Thoroughbred Sale - Newmarket, NSW

To view the above catalogues online, visit
http://www.inglis.com.au/auctions/auctions.php

CUMMINGS G1 PAIR RETIRED TO STUD

Group One winner Wonderful World has been retired from racing ahead of a stud career in the spring.

Trainer Bart Cummings said the four-year-old had been the subject of a bidding duel between two studs in the NSW Hunter Valley but he was not yet sure of the outcome.

"He has been retired and will be going to stud in the spring," Cummings said.

"There has been a bidding duel and I think negotiations are still going on. But I know he will be standing at a stud somewhere near Scone."

Wonderful World raced 15 times for four wins and five placings earning almost $1.4 million prizemoney.

Another of Bart's current Group 1 winners, Empire's Choice as also been retired to stand at stud.

Cummings' racing manager Bill Charles confirmed Empires Choice injured his off-foreleg when he finished down the track to Fighting Fund at Randwick 16th February.

"With everything going on at Randwick they've been using the course proper for gallops and trials and unfortunately he may have just put his foot in a hole," Charles said.

Empires Choice was competitive with the best of his generation as a juvenile, finishing fifth to Miss Finland in the 2006 Golden Slipper.

He started 16 times for three wins and seven minor placings, earning almost $850,000 in prizemoney.

NZ's KARAKA SALES SMASHES RECORDS

Last month saw New Zealand Bloodstock host the 2008 editions of the Premier and Select Sales, with amazing results.

387 lots were sold over the two day Premier Sale amassing an aggregate of $77,115,500, a whopping 36% increase on turnover from 2007's Premier Sale.

Only one lot however cracked the magical million dollar barrier. Lot 299, a Redoute's Choice x Popsy colt. Popsy is a Sir Tristam mare and as well as competing in the '94 AJC Derby and Oaks, won the NZ Derby of that year.

The Select Sale, conducted over three days immediately following the Premier Sale, also posted impressive figures.

483 lots were sold for an aggregate of NZ$28,839,500, up 33% on the 2007 Select sale.

72 horses sold reached the NZ$100,000 mark. A figure that has rose from 8 in 2006.

New Zealand Bloodstock Marketing Manager Petrea Vela commented, "There was a clear flow-on effect from the staggering results of the Premier Sale into this Session and we're delighted to have posted another set of record figures. Last year's Select Sale was one of the biggest successes of the entire Sales week in 2007, with that session demonstrating the particular strength that our industry has at that level of the market."

INGLIS PREMIER PREVIEW

The run of success this season on the track by the William Inglis & Son Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale graduates serves to vindicate why it is Australasia's most progressive sale.

A recent tally of stakes winners has shown that the sale is the leading source this season of three-year-old stakes winners in Australia, highlighted in the past weeks by the exciting PLAYWRIGHT (cost $75,000 has won over $250K), TURFFONTEIN (cost $70,000 has won over $150K) and last weekend's Tasmanian Derby winner, MEGA BOSS (sold for $70,000 has won over $140K) - who became the ninth individual three-year-old stakes winner this season.

It is also the only sale to sell a Group 1 winning three-year-old this season and not just one but two in the shape of the classic winners WEEKEND HUSSLER ($80,000 has won over $1M) and ARAPAHO MISS (cost $22,500 has won over $650K).

There are no less than 20 Exceed And Excel's catalogued for the Premier Sale including colts out the dual Group Two winner Arletty and brilliant stakes winner Shalt Not as well as fillies out of the Group Three winner Fuss, the Listed-placed Shaye Spice and Happy Empress.

Well represented in the catalogue is Danehill's multiple Group One winning son Elvstroem who has 50 yearlings, many of these including Blue Gum Farm's half sister to Lashed good enough to have joined the dozen he will have in The Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney during April.

RECORD'S TUMBLE IN THE WEST

Over $18 Million was spent on horse flesh at this year's Magic Million Sale in Perth during the five sessions.

David Chester, Managing Director stated via the Magic Millions website - "Quality yearlings attracted great interest and we were delighted to have plenty of new faces - particularly from the Eastern States - at the sale,"

"Plenty of our interstate clients said they had trouble securing the horse's they liked with the locals providing stiff opposition."

"The Westspeed bonus scheme is extremely popular and is a great incentive for thoroughbred investment in Western Australia."

The sale-topper was a Hussonet filly out of Group 3 placed mare, Seattle Gem and was sold for $370,000.00.

Hussonet is the sire of the moment having landed the Group 1 double on Blue Diamond Stakes day with Reann taking out the major event and Weekend Hussler, the Oakleigh Plate.

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AAP Racing Product News

By Scott Gooley, AAP Racing

Runner's to Watch, runs hot!

It's been a profitable few weeks for followers of AAP's "Runners to Watch". A free service on AAP Racing's homepage, "Runners to Watch" lists horses identified by our Racing staff that we believe are ready to win - and win they have been.

Below is how our last four Runners' to Watch have performed at their next two outings after being identified.

To make sure that our client's can be notified of where and when horses such as the above are running, AAP Racing offers a free Blackbook service.

You can register for free and list as many horses as you wish, complete with your own form comment. When horse within your "stable" is entered to race, will send you an email with the race details, date and time.

You'll never miss a winner again!

Join today by selecting the below link.

With the Autumn Carnival about to launch into top gear and races such as the Derby, Doncaster, Golden Slipper and Oaks only a month or so away, AAP Racing are giving you the chance to have all the latest form at your fingertips.

AAP Racing's Netform service offers the most comprehensive online formguide available on the net. With the last 15 starts for every runner, career stats, barrier trials, track condition stats, 1st Up, 2nd Up stats, sectional time, in-runner and form at Nomination and Weights stages.

Better still, all this information is available to you 24 hours a day and with final field available 2 days before the event, you'll have more time and everything you need to find winners!

Join in the month of March and receive three months access for the price of two! Get all the major meetings, midweek meeting, Sunday and Hong Kong via you own PC.

To found out more about Netform, visit http://www.aapracing.com.au/products/netform

To take advantage of this limited offer, call AAP Racing on 1800 811 358, 07 3834 9920 or email, sgooley@aap.com.au and have unlimited access to Netform right up until June!

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Race Memorabilia Promotion

RACING MEMORABILIA

The Group 1 Australia Stakes Unearthed another Champion and Australia's current Favourite Race Horse in...

"The Baldy Faced Eagle"

APACHE CAT

Saturday 16/02/08 the crowd Moonee Valley witnessed one of the greatest line-ups in the Group 1 Australia Stakes and also saw our new Champion, Apache Cat win his 3 Group 1 race.

Apache Cat looked defeated with only 200m to go in the 1200m sprint, until master jockey Corey Brown pulled the champ off the canvas and asked him for his efforts. With some great guidance from Corey, Apache Cat pounced to the front within 3 strides to defeat Stanzout & Monet Rules

Not only had the Crowd favourite won the race in great style and displayed his sheer will to win, The striking baldy faced 5 Year Old chestnut was given a rousing reception as he returned to scale and trainer Greg Eurell was so delighted at how the public had taken to his Champion!

Attached to this email is some great action shot photographs of the race displaying all the action for you to view. These photographs can be purchased signed or unsigned, framed or unframed.

Note: Signed Photos are only sold Framed.

These would be signed by jockey Corey Brown, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity & possible photograph of the signing!

Should you want a presentation custom made for you, please contact me directly with your requirements for a no obligation free quote!

For the full library of photos available, visit www.championsoftheturf.com.au or call 1800 017 604.

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