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We are now down to round 26 and is the last round of the 2009 NRL season. It is setting up to be a good one as the last couple of finals positions are still up for grabs.

The top teams will be looking for big wins to make their presence felt, while the bottom teams will be trying to upset whoever they can. At the end of the day, no-one wants to lose this week whether they are bottom or top of the NRL ladder.

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My Round 26 tips are as follows.

Friday September 4^th @ 7.35pm

St. George Illawarra vs. Parramatta Eels

It is my belief that this will be a very close match. The dragons have not been in the best of form lately and the Parramatta Eels could most certainly use the win. With the NRL finals so close both teams will be giving it their all.

My Prediction – St. George Illawarra by less than 12.5 points with odds of $2.90 @ BetFair

Friday September 4^th @ 7.35pm

West Tigers vs. Bulldogs

The Bulldogs shouldn’t have too much trouble here, but the West Tigers will be fighting hard. With the Tigers having an outside chance of making the finals it could turn into a thriller of a match.

My Tip – Bulldogs by less than 12.5 points with odds of $2.40 @ BetFair

Saturday September 5^th @ 7.30pm

Manly Sea Eagles vs. Gold Coast Titans

The Manley Sea Eagles will be playing for a top 4 finish here as they currently sit in 5^th place on the NRL ladder. The Gold Coast Titans can’t fall below third place will only really need to find some nice form for the finals. It should be a close match-up.

My Tip –Manley Sea Eagles by less than 12.5 points with odds of $2.20 @ BetFair

Saturday September 5^th @ 7.30pm

Cronulla Sharks vs. South Sydney

Both teams have nothing to lose here. However, the Sharks may end up with the wooden spoon if they don’t take the points. South Sydney’s season is already over with no chance of making the NRL finals.

My Tip – South Sydney with odds of $1.54 @ BetFair

Saturday September 5^th @ 7.30pm

New Zealand Warriors vs. Melbourne Storm

The Melbourne Storm should be able to run all over the Warriors in this round 26 match. The Warriors are sitting pretty way down in 14^th place while the Melbourne Storm will be playing to hold their top 4 position.

My Tip – Melbourne Storm with odds of $1.42 @ BetFair

Sunday September 6^th @ 2pm

Sydney Roosters vs. North Queensland Cowboys

Similar to the Rabbitohs vs. Sharks game, this one probably won’t be very interesting. The Roosters will be trying to take the win to avoid the wooden spoon however and could be worth watching.

My Tip – North Queensland Cowboys by less than 12.5 points with odds of $2.20 @ BetFair

Sunday September 6^th @ 3pm

Newcastle Knights vs. Penrith Panthers

This will be the match of the round in my opinion. With the two teams sitting in 8^th & 9^th respectively, the loser of this clash will not play finals. Although it is my feeling that the Knights will get up in the end, it should be a very close match.

My Tip – Newcastle Knights with odds of $1.59 @ BetFair

Sunday September 6^th @ 7pm

Canberra Raiders vs. Brisbane Broncos

While the Raiders are sitting down in 13^th place with no chance of a finals birth, Brisbane will be playing for a shot at the top 4. Currently in sixth place, they are only one point behind 4^th placed Melbourne Storm and will be giving it their all to take this top 4 place from them.

My Tip – Brisbane Broncos with odds of $1.34 @ BetFair

The Bulldogs are currently paying $1.22 for the regular season win which is almost a sure fire bet and they are also tipped to take home the NRL Premiership with odds of $4.90. St. George Illawarra has odds of $5.10 for the NRL Premiership.

My tip for the 2009 NRL Wooden Spoon is the Sydney Roosters paying $1.26. Cronulla is paying odds of $3.30.

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We are beginning to see what each team has to offer now that the Hyundai A-League moves in to round four. The new coming team Gold Coast United has made a dream start to their A-League campaign with three straight wins to start the season. Gold Coast United is now leading the A-League by 2 points after Sydney FC participated in a disappointing stale-mate against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.

The second new soccer team in the Hyundai A-League, North Queensland Fury, has made a dreadful start to their campaign and need to do something quick. Suffering three losses from three games and conceding an average of three goals per game, any hopes are quickly flying out the window.

Shane Smeltz of Gold Coast United continues to lead the league in goals scored after bringing his total up to five goals last weekend. Smeltz is also currently leading the league in attempts on target with a total of 7.

So far, Danny Kukovic of the Central Coast Mariners is doing the best in goal with a total of seven saves. He is being closely followed by Eugene Galekovic and Tando Velaphi who have both made six saves.

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My tips for round 4 are as follows.

Friday 28^th August @ 7.30pm

Adelaide United FC vs. North Queensland Fury

Adelaide united will be looking to take a win in this one, especially after their 2-0 defeat last week. Meanwhile, North Queensland Fury has made a dreadful start to the season and I would expect it to continue. The match will be played at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide.

My Prediction – Adelaide United. Final Score 1-0 with odds of $6.50 @ Centrebet.com.au

Friday 28^th August @ 8pm

Perth Glory FC vs. Melbourne Victory FC

With two closely matched sides such as these, I believe that the best bet would be placed on a draw. Melbourne Victory is the more likely winner in my books, but hard to make a clear decision. This second game for Friday night will be played at ME Bank Stadium, Perth.

I’m Tipping – Draw. Final Score 1-1 with odds of $6.50 @ CentreBet.com.au

Saturday 29^th August @ 3pm

Brisbane Roar FC vs. Central Coast Mariners FC

To be played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane and in my opinion the Brisbane Roar is the team that will take the points here. My prediction is a 2-0 loss for the Central Coast as I simply cannot see them taking the victory.

My Tip – Brisbane Roar. Final score 2-1 with odds of $9 @ CentreBet.com.au

Sunday 30^th August @ 3pm

Newcastle Jets FC vs. Gold Coast United

If the Gold Coast United loses here I would be mighty surprised. After their excellent start to the season and a great 2-0 win last week, they should be able to destroy Newcastle with relative ease. The match will be played at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday.

My Tip – Gold Coast United. Final Score 2-0 with odds of $7 @ CentreBet.com.au

Sunday 30^th August @ 5pm

Sydney FC vs. Wellington Phoenix FC

The Wellington Phoenix will struggle here in my opinion. Sydney FC has them very much outclassed and should easily be able to continue their undefeated streak. This will be another win for Sydney FC.

My Tip – Sydney FC. Final Score 2-1 paying out at $8 @ CentreBet.com.au

There are now only two rounds to be played in the 2009 home and away season for the NRL and the fight is on for the remaining top 8 positions. For a number of teams, the next 2 weeks are either do or die with the close of competition drawing nearer.

No-one will really want to lose in this weekend round 25 games and all the teams will be looking for good form to finish the season with. Those teams who simply can’t find it will not last long in the NRL finals.

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My Round 24 tips are as follows.

Friday August 28^th @ 7.35pm

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos

One of many games this round that will help shape the NRL finals. The Broncos are currently in 7^th place with 28 points while the Cowboys are 11^th with 24 points. A hard one to call, but I believe that the Brisbane Broncos will take home the win and secure their finals position.

My Prediction is – Brisbane Broncos with odds of $1.45 @ BetFair

Friday August 28^th @ 7.35pm

Parramatta Eels vs. Penrith Panthers

With the Panthers sitting in 8^th position and the Eels in 9^th, this is bound to be a great game. Both teams are currently tied on points and both want to play in the NRL finals. I believe that the Eels will get up in the end and possibly run away with it.

My Tip – Parramatta Eels ($1.42 @ BetFair)

Saturday August 29^th @ 5.30pm

Gold Coast Titans vs. West Tigers

Although I believe the Titans will be too good in this match-up, I do believe that the West Tigers will give them a run for their money. The West Tigers need a win here if they are to have any chance of playing in the finals.

My Tip – Gold Coast Titans ($1.40 @ BetFair)

Saturday August 29^th @ 7.30pm

Melbourne Storm vs. Sydney Roosters

Melbourne Storm is yet another team that could definitely use a win. Currently sitting in fourth place on the ladder, the Storm would like to keep it that way. Meanwhile the Roosters are sitting in last place and will simply be awaiting the season end.

My Tip – Melbourne Storm ($1.13 @ BetFair)

Saturday August 29^th @ 2pm

South Sydney vs. St. George Illawarra

After losing their last 2 games, the Dragons really need to do something here. Since they are up against the struggling Rabbitohs, St. George Illawarra should have no trouble in maintaining their number one position on the NRL ladder.

My Tip – St. George Illawarra ($1.19 @ BetFair)

Sunday August 30^th @ 2pm

Manly Sea Eagles vs. Cronulla Sharks

The great Sea Eagles will be flying high in this match. Faced with the possibility of losing their top 8 position, they will be looking for nothing but a win. Against the likes of Cronulla, I am 100% sure that they will have no trouble taking the win.

My Tip – Manly Sea Eagles ($1.11 @ BetFair)

Sunday August 30^th @ 3pm

Bulldogs vs. New Zealand Warriors

In my opinion the Bulldogs have this one in the bag. New Zealand has very little left to play for while the Bulldogs have a great opportunity to seize top position on the ladder. I cannot see the Warriors winning this match, even if the Bulldogs stay home.

My Tip – Bulldogs ($1.22 @ BetFair)

Monday August 31^st @ 7pm

Canberra Raiders vs. Newcastle Knights

Set to be an excellent game on Monday night. This game will be a fight to the finish as both teams will be pushing hard for victory. The Newcastle Knights will be looking for the win to maintain their top 8 position; meanwhile the Raiders will be looking to take it away from them.

I’m Tipping – Canberra Raiders ($2 @ BetFair)

This Saturday’s 2009 Group 1 Golden Rose is the epiphany of races for three year old horses in Australia. Worth one million dollars, the event is a major crowd-puller for Australian racing. 15 horses have been accepted from a nomination field of 63, and the list is far from disappointing.

Star gelding Phelan Ready (with odds of $6.00 at Centrebet) will race, hoping to do better than his third in the Premiere Stakes two weeks ago. He is back to racing against horses his age, which will be a major factor considering the two horses that beat him in the Premiere Stakes, Kroner and Mentality are 5 and 6 year olds respectively.

The impressive Shellscrape (with odds of $14.00), who has won four races and failed to place in only one of his 11 starts, will jump from barrier 8. He finished a close second to surprise winner Rarefied in last week’s Up and Coming Stakes, and ran a fantastic race to win the San Domenico Stakes earlier this month.

Headway ($10.00), who finished second to Phelan Ready in this year’s Golden Slipper, also looks like some value. She finished second in the listed Quezette Stakes two weeks ago after coming off a four month spell. She is up against the boys this week, which will be tough, but consider her for an each way bet.

I like Denman (2.70), the colt who has won his last four starts. The Golden Rose will be a major step up in class, considering his only race at Group level was a Group 3, and it will also be the first time he has raced 1400m. But you can’t fault his racing so far, or his pedigree – his father is champion Lonhro – and I think he will be right up there with the more experienced racers.

Another one to watch out for is Trusting ($5.00), who may be without number one jockey Chris Munce, but certainly not without a chance. The colt won the Warwick Stakes last Saturday at Randwick ahead of older and more experienced runners. While he may have only raced three times, Trusting has jumped straight into Group Racing and performed well.

I think the favourite Denman should win, but I think he may be a little short. There are plenty of horses that could beat him, including Shellscrape and Headway. I also think Trusting will run a good race and you can count on Phelan Ready to give it his all. With so many horses, it looks like a job for a box trifecta.

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My Tips:

Denman

Trusting

Phelan Ready

Shellscrape

The Up and Coming Stakes is one of two Group 3 races at Randwick on Saturday. Run over 1200m, there is a cool $125,000 in prize money up for grabs. The race is specifically for three year old colts and geldings.

Of all the racers in the Up and Coming Stakes, I like Sniplaz the best. While I didn’t give him a chance in the San Domenico Stakes a few weeks ago, he came out and proved me wrong, and probably would have won if he wasn’t blocked for a run. He still managed an impressive second, and will be back to his preferred 1200m, where he has won twice. He is currently paying $8.50 at Centrebet so at these odds there’s plenty of value for him this weekend.

You can’t discount Shellcrape ($3.20), who did win the San Domenico Stakes. He beat several horses in this race and is very experienced for a three year old. From his ten starts, he has won four times, and placed in five others.

Another one to watch for is the Gai Waterhouse Judicial ($35.00). Unlike other three year olds in the race, he has had hardly any experience. He has raced once for a win, but this will be a significant step up in class for him, though I am sure Waterhouse would not enter him into a race like this unless she had confidence in him.

I’d stay away from the accident prone Winter King ($7.50). He has had problems in four of his seven starts, and although he may have won three races, this is a major step up in class.

I’m going to go for Sniplaz in this race. Hopefully he can get out into the open easily and run away with it. Then I’m going with Shellscrape, and the “Up and Coming” Judicial. My fourth tip is the impressive Onemorenomore, who is coming off a three month break, but has probably the best result of any of the runners, a first in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes.

My Tips:

1st. Sniplaz

2nd. Shellscrape

3rd. Judicial

All the classy races and horses this weekend can be found at Randwick, with three Group races on the card. The 2009 Group 2 Warwick Stakes is probably the best example, with big name horses, trainers and jockeys to fight out the $150,000 race, run over 1400m.

16 horses have been nominated, the field limit, but there are sure to be scratchings leading up to the day. Horses nominated include one Gai Waterhouse’s five runners for the day, Dreamscape; veteran gelding Vision and Power; and last year’s winner, Racing to Win.

There will be a nostalgic feeling about the race if the relatively untried O’Lonhro races. The Hawkes trained stallion is the son of Lonhro, a former winner of this race, and of course, a champion racehorse.

Court Command, the experienced stallion, has not really impressed at Group level recently and hasn’t won a race above Group 3. However, after a much-needed spell and an impressive win first-up, this might be the time for Court Command to step it up a level.

Unlike Court Command, New Zealand gelding Metal Bender has impressed at a Group level, and has won two Group ones and placed in another. However, he will be racing first-up after a three month break so it will be interesting to see how he copes.

More Than Great, who was ran second in last week’s Run to The Rose is another one to watch.  However, if his owners and trainer still plan on running him in next week’s Golden Rose at Rosehill, it will be unlikely that he will race on Saturday. If he does race, though, he will definitely be one to look out for.

This race will be a milestone for 8 year old Mr. Baritone. The Warwick Stakes will be the gelding’s 50th race. However, he has not won for over a year and although I hope he can get over the top here, I think it might be past him.

This race could be won by any of five or six horses. I like Metal Bender, but if you take a bet on him, remember the first-up factor. I think that Court Commander should take his racing to another level here, and Racing to Win, who hasn’t raced a lot since winning this race, should perform. I also like the thought of an each-way bet on More Than Great, if he races.

My Tips:

Court Command
Metal Bender
Racing to Win
Vision and Power

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The 5th and final test match of this year’s Ashes series is set begin this Thursday evening (Australian Time) and will be played at the Oval. It is set to be a thriller as Australia and England will both be looking to push for a win. Although Australia only requires a draw to take home the series win, past performances would suggest that the Aussies will not settle for anything less than a win. Meanwhile, England will be looking to press home any advantage they can after taking the first win of the series and then losing their lead in the 4^th test. I believe that the fifth test will definitely be the best match of the Ashes series this time around and both teams will be faced with stiff competition.

Breakdown of Australia ($2.40 @ SportsBet.com.au)

Needing only a draw to take home the Ashes, the Australian’s are finally beginning to find form as the fifth test is set to begin.

Long gone now are the days of questioning who is to open the batting. Also long gone is the conundrum over the bowling line-up. The decision that was made to play Shane Watson instead of a struggling Phil Hughes proved to be a stroke of genius while getting Stuart Clark back in to the first eleven has paid off well for the tourists. His similarities to McGrath are astounding with his near perfect line and length and his first innings display at Headingley really provided the spark to get Australia going after breaking the back of the English batting line-up.

Another spark for the Aussies is Mitchell Johnson finally getting into what resembles good form. For the first three test matches of the series, Johnson had very much underperformed and has shown signs of improvement in the 4^th test at Headingley.

Overall, the playing eleven for Australia is beginning to resemble a real team for the first time this series. All the players are coming together just at the right time to possibly take home the Ashes.

Breakdown of England ($5 @ SportsBet.com.au)

This series, England has been an exact opposite of the touring side. The upper-hand that they earned through playing some great cricket in the first three test matches was thrown away in the fourth test after 2 innings of senseless batting.

There is now talk of panic in the English dressing room. The media is predicting the dropping of Ravi Bopara for the likes Mark Ramprakash and the selectors may even go for the likes of Jonathon Trott. The very thought of the selectors putting Ramprakash into the side really shows the negative mindset of the home side. A foolish move like his could not suit the Aussies more.

With the news that Andrew Flintoff will be fit enough to play, there is a small amount of confidence for England’s bowling line-up. With Flintoff retiring after the final Ashes test, England may very well rally behind a stunning performance by the all-rounder as they have done so many times in the past. The problem that the English selectors face is who will he replace? Steve Harmison is the likely choice, but with the Oval providing a bouncy wicket, the quick bowler’s may be vital for success. With Stuart Broad having found a bit of form, Graham Onions may be the man on the sidelines for the fifth test.

When it comes to batting for England, Alastair Cook really needs to find his touch quickly. I dare say that Andrew Strauss will be looking to smash his way back into the form that we have seen of late with a century. The dismal performance of the middle order will need to be rectified if England is to have any chance.

My prediction is an Aussie win here. The Aussies dominated the fourth test and I really believe that they will do the same at the Oval. If England is able to bat well enough to stay in the game then a draw ($2.25 @ SportsBet.com.au) may be on the cards.

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If you’re off to Rosehill in Sydney for the races this Saturday, it’d be wise to turn up early. The first two races on the card are the most prestigious, especially race 1, the Group 2 Premiere Stakes. The $150,000 event has drawn some of the best sprinters from around Australia and New Zealand.

Star gelding Phelan Ready, who at only three years old, has won over 3.2 million dollars, looks set for this one. His two wins, including last year’s Group 1 AAMI Golden Slipper, have come over the 1200m and he has been racing at a higher standard than other competitors in the Stakes. He has not raced since a disastrous attempt at the Sires Produce Stakes in April, but impressed in a barrier trial last Friday.

7 year old Fritz’s Princess may not have won a sum anywhere near Phelan Ready’s fortune, but the experience of 9 wins, especially the three over 1200m is one advantage she will happily take.

More Than Great looks another genuine chance, and his owners are looking to move him on to the Golden Rose later this month. The colt has only raced three times, but has won two of them and placed the other. The Premiere stakes will be a major step up in class for him, but he’s been racing so well I think he’ll be able to handle it.

Pay no heed to the nomination of Pillar of Hercules. Trainer Peter Moody has confirmed that the 5 year old will not race. Unfortunately, the horse that was once so promising now looks like being destined for smaller and smaller races.

Last year’s winner, Triple Honour, is back for seconds, but after remaining win-less since the event, is not in top form. It should be noted, though, that he has been racing in Group 1 events, and the Group 2 Premiere Stakes should prove a little more to his liking.

I think this race will be tough to bet on. Phelan Ready should start at small odds, but he is far from a safe bet. Although he oozes class, so do does young up-and-comer More Than Great. For an each-way bet I like the Hawkes trained Mentality. The 6 year old is no stranger to Group races, and the distance should suit it better than recent attempts at middle-distance races.

My Tips for the Premiere Stakes at Rose Hill:

5- More Than Great
6- Phelan Ready
4- Mentality
1- Centennial Park

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Caulfield will come to life with the $100,000 Sir John Monash Stakes on Saturday. It should be an exciting race with a handy field of winter sprinters lined up in the race.

IASbet’s bookmaker Mark Read is tipping the favourite, Gran Sasso, to have a win.

“I Am Invincible ($3.70) will set a keen pace up front and, from his gun draw, Gran Sasso ($3.10) will be right on his hammer,” said Read. “Besides the perfect run, his current form and fitness easily sets the benchmark for this race.”

While confident about the chances of the favourite, Read believes that any boil over will be an in house job, giving Orange County a rough chance, “Orange County ($6.00) has a class edge, goes well when fresh and appreciates give in the track, ticking all the boxes as an appealing each way value in this race. Inversely, I’m opposing Damselfly ($5.00) as I regard his current quote as under the odds.”

I agree with Mark Read and think Gran Sasso is the logical choice for the big race. He’s a fit and in form horse and has responded to Chris Symons every move. With the coverted barrier number 1 he has the box seat and expected to do well.

His last run was on a dead track and showed that he is a true sprinter and took the lead from mid pack just before the striaght where he finished to a fairly comfortable win. I think that he will surprise some people come the Spring Carnival.

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