Normal Services will Resume Shortly

To All Punters,

I have been flooded with e-mails from disgruntled punters wondering where my tips have been for the past few days - apparently a lot more people are depending on my tips than I first thought. I apologise for the absence of tips - but I am currently enjoying a well earned break bought and paid for via the tips I provide on this web-site.

Normal services will resume shortly and where possible I will provide tips to keep at least a little income coming in for you.

Happy Punting.

The Australian.

Phil's Best Bets for Saturday (04/02/06) - Early Mail

WALHALLA GOLD Unplaced
BENDIGO Race 9 No 5 at 17:17
JAYCO CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1400m)
Your comment: truck plenty of strife in the final stages of the Cl 2 1310m.

BE DELICIOUS 2nd - $1.60
FLEMINGTON Race 5 No 3 at 14:52
THE VANITY (1400m)
Your comment: didn't have much room early in the straight

SAFARI SUNBEAM 4th
FLEMINGTON Race 5 No 6 at 14:52
THE VANITY (1400m)
Your comment: She will make into a very nice filly later on.

REWAAYA 4th
FLEMINGTON Race 7 No 12 at 16:10
LIGHTNING STAKES (1000m)
Your comment: Watch this guy, he might be better than all of them. Sat 4 and 5 wide from barrier 13 trying to lead, then took sit, challenged them in the straight and won by 7.2 lengths virtually untested. Potential group 1 horse.

SNITZEL Unplaced
FLEMINGTON Race 7 No 8 at 16:10
LIGHTNING STAKES (1000m)
Your comment: Trialled as he always does, very good.

JET SPUR Unplaced
FLEMINGTON Race 7 No 9 at 16:10
LIGHTNING STAKES (1000m)
Your comment: A very good effort. Was deep all the way and in cruise mode.

GOD'S OWN 2nd - $3.30
FLEMINGTON Race 7 No 6 at 16:10
LIGHTNING STAKES (1000m)
Your comment: Still regarded as one of the best types I have ever seen. Caulfield Guineas will be his big chance and don't rule out a surprise start in the Cox Plate.

CANDY VALE 4th
FLEMINGTON Race 8 No 2 at 16:50
DOVER PLATE (1400m)
Your comment: broke through for a solid win over 1700m at Flemington and it s hould pay to follow this 4yo through 2006.

SPIKES 3rd - NTD
NEWCASTLE Race 4 No 4 at 14:57
B & R ENCLOSURES MAIDEN PLATE (1600m)
Your comment: trialled well enough to suggest giving him one more campaign.

FASHFIELD 1st - $2.50 / $1.50
NEWCASTLE Race 4 No 5 at 14:57
B & R ENCLOSURES MAIDEN PLATE (1600m)
Your comment: From the O'Shea camp and still learning the trade but has a bright future ahead of him.

JOSAND 4th
NEWCASTLE Race 4 No 6 at 14:57
B & R ENCLOSURES MAIDEN PLATE (1600m)
Your comment: could be placed to advantage at a country track next time out and would be worth backing. Anything up to 1400m would be ideal.

RED PUNCH 1st - $3.00 / $1.50
NEWCASTLE Race 7 No 4 at 16:55
MADISON TECHNOLOGIES CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1400m)
Your comment: keep a watch

BEAUTY WATCH 2nd - No Place Betting
RANDWICK Race 1 No 1 at 12:30
HARDY AMIES HANDICAP (1200m)
Your comment: Destined to excel over longer journeys but going well enough to warrant a chance in whatever race Gai chooses to kick-off this preparation.

WARM RIDE 3rd - NTD
RANDWICK Race 2 No 3 at 13:10
NIKON HANDICAP (2000m)
Your comment: One of the standout video horses this week and confirmed his potential this preparation when a standout in the sectional times.

ALL BLACK GOLD 4th
RANDWICK Race 4 No 1 at 14:30
DOMAIN.COM.AU SPRINT (1100m)
Your comment: is the best mail we've had from the track. The Chris Waller trained youngster is reportedly pretty slick.

MORE THAN LUCKY 1st - $2.50 / $1.40
RANDWICK Race 5 No 1 at 15:10
TOOHEYS HANDICAP (1800m)
Your comment: Very pr omising staying filly.

LOFTILY 3rd - $3.30
RANDWICK Race 6 No 1 at 15:50
BIGPOND SPORT HANDICAP (1100m)
Your comment: Did what she had to do and ran the fastest of the morning in doing it.

BYARAJA Unplaced
RANDWICK Race 7 No 9 at 16:30
THRIFTY HANDICAP (1400m)
Your comment: is not going to threaten the big guns but he's never looked better, or gone better and has had excuses at his last two defeats. Stay with him this week.

MIND THE STEP Unplaced
RANDWICK Race 8 No 5 at 17:10
SEPPELT WINES HANDICAP (1300m)
Your comment: They went hard in front yet he was the only one to make any real progress from behind. That suggests the 1300m will not be as far as this Zeditave four-year-old will go. Stick with him.

PIZZA 1st - $4.60 / $2.00
RANDWICK Race 8 No 10 at 17:10
SEPPELT WINES HANDICAP (1300m)
Your comment: Pizza looks ready first-up and is worth backing wherever John Hawkes decides to start him.

Phil's Best Bets for Thursday (02/02/06)

KING STELLAMARK Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 4 No 6 at 20:30
BOOK NOW FOR THE GOLDEN SLIPPER FESTIVAL HA (1550m)
Your comment: A great type and handy fresh we might get some money out of him early in the new year

WRITTEN TYCOON 2nd - $2.10
CANTERBURY Race 5 No 5 at 21:00
CANTERBURY CLASSIC (1100m)
Your comment: After a slashing first-up run in the San Domenico last preparation Written Tycoon went to Melbourne where he disappointed in the Ascot Vale. Look for him to be one of the three-year-old stars of the autumn.

CRIMSON REIGN 1st - $5.00 / $2.20 - Quinella paid $27.20
CANTERBURY Race 5 No 6 at 21:00
CANTERBURY CLASSIC (1100m)
Your comment: Hit the line strongly. Could go on with the job this autumn after breaking back into the winners list during the spring.

COLLATE Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 5 No 3 at 21:00
CANTERBURY CLASSIC (1100m)
Your comment: Not sure what to make of his trial. Track condition the problem? Was put under pressure in the straight and Crimson Reign and Foorum went past him.

SCISSION Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 6 No 3 at 21:30
TOOHEYS NEW HANDICAP (1100m)
Your comment: Have something on her on Saturday.

THE PIANIST 4th
CANTERBURY Race 7 No 3 at 22:00
WWW.THERACES.COM.AU HANDICAP (1250m)
Your comment: Needs a fast pace up front and can win up to 1200m but developing a 'non-winner' tag so gets only the one chance.

HANDBAG FORTUNE Scratched
CANTERBURY Race 7 No 1 at 22:00
WWW.THERACES.COM.AU HANDICAP (1250m)
Your comment: Gapped rivals in the run home to win with ridiculous ease. Eligible to work through the grades although no surprise if they throw him into some stronger Saturday grade sprints after the ease of that victory.

MEARS CLEARY 2nd - $1.60
GEELONG Race 2 No 5 at 13:35
SNAP PRINTING MAIDEN PLATE (1733m)
Your comment: follow from the 1400m Mdn for colts/geldings

Phil's Best Bets for Friday (27/01/06)

DOUBLE EIGHT CARAT 3rd - $4.50
GOSFORD Race 6 No 4 at 17:45
ERN METCALF F & M CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1100m)
Your comment: Sticka Special

AMINEH Unplaced
GOSFORD Race 6 No 2 at 17:45
ERN METCALF F & M CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1100m)
Your comment: from the Greg Hickman team is another unraced two-year-old I'm looking forward to see debut. Amineh is by Secret Savings out of the Danehill mare Almazyoon.

ASIAN TALES 2nd - $2.00
MORNINGTON Race 4 No 2 at 16:55
PRE-PURCHASE CUP TICKETS NOW MAIDEN PLATE (1216m)
Your comment: follow from the 1400m Mdn for colts/geldings

RED ALI 2nd - $3.00
MORNINGTON Race 6 No 5 at 18:10
ADTRANS TRUCK CENTRE CLASS 5 HCP (1216m)
Your comment: turned in an eye-catcher for 6th over 1200m; back to the turn and was starting to hit top gear in the final 75m.

Phil's Best Bets for Thursday (26/01/06)

COUSIN CONRAD Unplaced
MURRAYBRIDGE Race 8 No 6 at 16:25
MURRAYLANDS OFF ROAD & BOATING CLASS 2 HCP (1200m)
Your comment: Led all the way to win by 3.3 lengths with blinkers first time. Had two runs previously and hadn't shown as much early speed. Blinkers obviously worked, very nice maiden rating.

RESPECT 1st - $4.30 / $2.00
RANDWICK Race 2 No 5 at 13:32
BIGPOND SPORT AUSTRALIA DAY CUP (2400m)
Your comment: Paul Cave has a coming winner with RESPECT

ANAPINE 1st - $4.30 / $1.40
RANDWICK Race 4 No 5 at 14:52
HSBC WARATAHS HANDICAP (1300m)
Your comment: The other horse to follow this week is the Gai Waterhouse-trained three-year-old filly

POSADAS 3rd - $1.50
RANDWICK Race 7 No 1 at 16:50
ENDEAVOUR HANDICAP (1300m)
Your comment: Very strong Commands three-year-old from the John Hawkes stable.

SPEEDY DUKE Unplaced
RANDWICK Race 7 No 2 at 16:50
ENDEAVOUR HANDICAP (1300m)
Your comment: It was very late that Speedy Duke wound-up and really charged at the wire. Snared second place and would have won in another two bounds. Look out for him second-up over a bit further.

CROWN TOWN 2nd - $1.80
RANDWICK Race 7 No 3 at 16:50
ENDEAVOUR HANDICAP (1300m)
Your comment: A lovely type from the Pride stable. Paraded well prior to running a gallant third behind two promising 3YO's. Has plenty of size about him and only lightly raced (13 starts). The best is still ahead.

LULA 2nd - $1.40
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 1 No 4 at 12:30
HERALD SUN AUSTRALIA DAY HANDICAP (120 0m)
Your comment: On Tuesday (July 10), at Traralgon, LULA strolled home in a Cl 1 1100m and should be able to win again.

THIN AND CRISPY 3rd - NTD
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 4 No 7 at 14:30
ZEDITAVE STAKES (1200m)
Your comment: Is in good hands being trained by Peter Moody and will be winning many more races.

DOMESDAY Unplaced
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 4 No 1 at 14:30
ZEDITAVE STAKES (1200m)
Your comment: I always got the impression he was a 2YO doing it on raw ability more than anything else. Now is his time and he could be the one to really step up to the plate this spring.

DOUBTING 3rd - NTD
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 5 No 2 at 15:10
KEVIN HAYES STAKES (1200m)
Your comment: "A nice filly. Shows a lot of promise but she is yet to prove herself at the top level. How she runs in the Quezette on Saturday will give us a guide to where she is going. She is not that well weighted in that race."

Phil's Best Bets for Wednesday (25/01/06)

SNOWDEN 2nd - $1.04
CANTERBURY Race 2 No 4 at 19:15
AUSTRALIA DAY HANDICAP (1100m)
Your comment: Smart three-year-old from an astute first-up stable. Keep the cash handy for when he returns

MISS LAYLA Unplaced
GEELONG Race 3 No 5 at 14:10
CHISHOLM PETROLEUM SV 3YO FILLIES MAIDEN PL (1412m)
Your comment: Follow

POSTCODE 1st -$4.30 / $1.60
GEELONG Race 6 No 6 at 16:00
PETSTOCK ANIMAL SUPPLIES CLASS 6 HANDICAP (1715m)
Your comment: charged home into 3rd from last and wide on the turn over 1410m at Flemington; the 5yo is racing in peak form.

A MERRYKING 1st - $1.80 / $1.20
MOONEEVALLEY Race 2 No 1 at 19:00
MODULINE HANDICAP (1200m)
Your comment: Flew at Sandown, looks a just turned 3yo on the up. Rated well, ran time 1.1 seconds inside the standard. On his way to better races.

LULA Scratched
MOONEEVALLEY Race 4 No 4 at 20:00
WILLIAM INGLIS TROA TROPHY (1000m)
Your comment: On Tuesday (July 10), at Traralgon, LULA strolled home in a Cl 1 1100m and should be able to win again.

Phil's Best Bets for Wednesday (18/01/06)

ALL BLACK GOLD 1st - $5.60 / $1.80
CANTERBURY Race 1 No 2 at 13:20
80 DAYS 'TIL AAMI GOLDEN SLIPPER DAY HANDIC (1100m)
Your comment: is the best mail we've had from the track. The Chris Waller trained youngster is reportedly pretty slick.

ADJOURNMENT Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 2 No 7 at 13:55
BOOK NOW FOR THE GOLDEN SLIPPER FESTIVAL HA (1100m)
Your comment: I've got a bit of time for this fella and he improved out of sight from his first trial.

KING STELLAMARK Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 4 No 5 at 15:05
DE BORTOLI WINES HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: A great type and han dy fresh we might get some money out of him early in the new year

GEELONG MAGESTIQUE 1st - $3.30 / $1.30
CANTERBURY Race 4 No 3 at 15:05
DE BORTOLI WINES HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: Caught the eye over the final 150m, warming-up strongly and hitting the line with genuine intent. Has won up to 2000m in Victoria so will continue to improve into this campaign as the distances increase.

SURPRISE IMPACT 1st - $5.10 / $1.60
CRANBOURNE Race 6 No 1 at 16:00
MOSS ROCKET HANDICAP (1200m)
Your comment: was able to quicken appreciably when asked at the 100m mark; a very good win.

Phil's Best Bets for Monday (16/01/05)

PICARO Scratched
MORUYA Race 7 No 9 at 18:15
2006 MORUYA CUP - A SKY CHANNEL GOLD RACE (1930m)
Your comment: With only two wins to his credit there are plenty of options for Poidevin-Laine so will be one to blackbook.

CLASS EDGE 2nd - $2.30
SWANHILL Race 2 No 5 at 13:32
SUNRAYSIA PRESTIGE MILDURA RACEDAY MARCH 4T (1000m)
Your comment: rattled home from last and wide on the turn for 4th.

Phil's Best Bets for Sunday (15/01/06)

HOOLIPOP Unplaced
KYNETON Race 8 No 11 at 16:16
KIDS SUMMER OF COUNTRY RACING CLASS 1 HANDI (2000m)
Your comment: was ridden without judgement or flair when 4th in a Cl 2 1000m. The stable will surely put on a senior rider next time?

MEARS CLEARY 4th
WARRNAMBOOL Race 5 No 11 at 14:45
SUNGOLD MILK COUNTRY SHOWCASE SUPER VOBIS M (1400m)
Your comment: follow from the 1400m Mdn for colts/geldings

GREAT SANDY Unplaced
WARRNAMBOOL Race 6 No 9 at 15:20
KOROIT IGA KOROIT COMMUNITY CUP (1700m)
Your comment: raced out of her class and did well for 3rd at Morph ettville on Monday (May 16). The 4yo mare is one to mark down for the future.

POSTCODE 1st - $4.30 / $2.30
WARRNAMBOOL Race 7 No 7 at 15:57
WILLIAM INGLIS CLASSIC SUPER VOBIS CLASS 5 (1400m)
Your comment: charged home into 3rd from last and wide on the turn over 1410m at Flemington; the 5yo is racing in peak form.

STORM ACTION 2nd - $2.50
WARRNAMBOOL Race 9 No 9 at 17:14
GILLEAR LIME SUPER VOBIS CLASS 3 HANDICAP (1200m)
Your comment: is one to follow from the Darren Weir team; looked good winning a Ballarat barrier trial.

Phil's Best Bets for Saturday (14/01/06) - Early Mail

ARTISTIQUE 1st - $2.80 / $1.40
CANTERBURY Race 3 No 1 at 14:28
SOLO SUB HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: Artistique gave a glimpse of her ability when motoring-up late along the inside and expect her to salute when next presented - possibly over 1400m or 1500m.

PURPLE DANE Scratched
CANTERBURY Race 3 No 2 at 14:28
SOLO SUB HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: Any race at this time of year up to 1400m should see him break through.

KADAZAN Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 6 No 7 at 16:28
COOL RIDGE HANDICAP (1900m)
Your comment: Keep an eye out for him when back in maiden company up to 1500m or 1600m. Should get a good run for your money at big odds.

WARM RIDE 1st - $2.50 / $1.20
CANTERBURY Race 6 No 1 at 16:28
COOL RIDGE HANDICAP (1900m)
Your comment: One of the standout video horses this week and confirmed his potential this preparation when a standout in the sectional times.

LAYLIA 3rd -$2.30
CANTERBURY Race 7 No 10 at 17:08
SPRING VALLEY VIBE HANDICAP (1250m)
Your comment: Stood out as the horse to follow from the Hawkesbury meeting. A well bred Redoute's Choice three-year-old filly from the Bart Cummings camp

AMINEH Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 7 No 9 at 17:08
SPRING VALLEY VIBE HANDICAP (1250m)
Your comment: from the Greg Hickman team is another unraced two-year-old I'm looking forwar d to see debut. Amineh is by Secret Savings out of the Danehill mare Almazyoon.

BRAVEWOOD Unplaced
CANTERBURY Race 8 No 12 at 17:48
SCHWEPPES CIATA HANDICAP (1200m)
Your comment: keep a watch

HAVANA WIND Unplaced
GOLDCOAST Race 3 No 1 at 13:40
MARRIOTT MAGIC MILLIONS STAYERS CUP (1800m)
Your comment: looks like he's come back a better horse this preparation. Has been sharp in his gallops too so don't be surprised if he does something fresh but is going to be a genuine force once he gets into the right races.

WILLY LEICA 2nd - $1.10
GOLDCOAST Race 3 No 3 at 13:40
MARRIOTT MAGIC MILLIONS STAYERS CUP (1800m)
Your comment: A long-striding type, who has had some problems, he won in easy style at Ipswich 1700m on December 29. The stable is expecting another win very shortly, probably at the Gold Coast.

SUN TZU Unplaced
GOLDCOAST Race 3 No 8 at 13:40
MARRIOTT MAGIC MIL LIONS STAYERS CUP (1800m)
Your comment: With only 3 wins under his belt O'Shea can place this fellow to advantage over the summer months.

FASHIONS AFIELD 2nd - $1.30
GOLDCOAST Race 5 No 13 at 15:00
$1 MILLION CONRAD JUPITERS MAGIC MILLIONS 3 (1400m)
Your comment: She can go on with it now she is a 3YO.

BIG JOKER Scratched
GOLDCOAST Race 7 No 17 at 16:20
$1 MILLION CONRAD JUPITERS MAGIC MILLIONS 2 (1200m)
Your comment: the first of the Show A Hearts. Chestnut with a big white blaze, he was very green but hit the line like a very good horses.

CHURCHILL DOWNS 2nd - $2.30
GOLDCOAST Race 7 No 5 at 16:20
$1 MILLION CONRAD JUPITERS MAGIC MILLIONS 2 (1200m)
Your comment: truly run 1200m on the Gold Coast in a week's time should suit. May have to take the trifecta.

ASSERTIVE Unplaced
GOLDCOAST Race 7 No 9 at 16:20
$1 MILLION CONRAD JUPITERS MAGIC MILLIONS 2 (1200m)
Yo ur comment: Missed the placings on this occasion but will be much better suited over a bit further and sure to make a very handy late season two-year-old.

PULSATOR Unplaced
GOLDCOAST Race 7 No 6 at 16:20
$1 MILLION CONRAD JUPITERS MAGIC MILLIONS 2 (1200m)
Your comment: definitely has the build and manner to go on and win a Magic Millions.

GEOGRAPHICAL Unplaced
IPSWICH Race 7 No 10 at 16:12
NATURES SELECTION FOODS CLASS 6 HANDICAP (1500m)
Your comment: Sticka Special

PENUMBRA Unplaced
KEMBLAGRANGE Race 6 No 11 at 16:52
THE RUSTY SNAKE F & M MAIDEN PLATE (1400m)
Your comment: Can only improve with experience and should pay her way in weeks to come.

CANDY VALE 1st -$1.90 / $1.40
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 4 No 2 at 14:50
NOEL RUNDLE HANDICAP (1200m)
Your comment: broke through for a solid win over 1700m at Flemington and it should pay to follow this 4yo through 2006.

FOREST SPY 1st - $2.60 / $1.60
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 5 No 1 at 15:28
BARTON STAKES (1400m)
Your comment: He is only lightly raced having not raced as a 2yo, always races on the pace and is tough to beat at the business end of his races. I have no doubt he will continue his winning ways this preparation.

SAFARI SUNBEAM 1st - $2.60 / $1.40
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 7 No 3 at 16:47
IAN MILLER SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP (1400m)
Your comment: She will make into a very nice filly later on.

JURLIQUE 1st - $3.30 / $2.10
SANDOWNLAKESID Race 8 No 4 at 17:27
ROBERT HUNTER HANDICAP (1600m)
Your comment: trained by Colin Little

ZINGO Unplaced
VICTORIAPARK Race 7 No 8 at 16:28
MALAYSIA AIRLINES MAGIC MILLIONS MARCH 15 H (1400m)
Your comment: one to follow from the Tony McEvoy stable. The 4yo mare should prove an adept staying type this time in.

Phil's Best Bets for Friday (13/01/05)

RESPECT 4th
WARWICKFARM Race 5 No 1 at 17:50
BLACK CAT HANDICAP (2400m)
Your comment: Paul Cave has a coming winner with RESPECT

FRAZZLE DAZZLE Unplaced
WARWICKFARM Race 6 No 1 at 18:25
PRINCESSES APPROVE HANDICAP (1400m)
Your comment: Her coat was in full bloom on Monday at Randwick and Kevin Moses's patience will pay off with this handsome lass.