PUNTY EARLY MAIL, Canberra (2026-10-23)
For all of Punty's tips for Canberra, head to https://punty.ai/tips/canberra-2026-10-23

Rightio Loose Units, Canberra is a Soft 5 with the rail out 9m, eight races from 1000m to 2000m, and a 40%+ chance of rain at 14:00 to keep you honest. The track has taken 3mm in the last 24 hours, so the ground is tacky rather than bottomless. Speed is thin in the sprints and the middle distances, and the bulk of the card looks like it'll be run at a moderate or slow tempo. That's where the bets are.

MEET SNAPSHOT

Track: Canberra, 1000m to 2000m card
Rail: +9m
Official going: Soft 5 (3mm last 24hrs, 3mm last 7 days)
Weather: Overcast, gusts 22.2km/h, 40%+ chance of rain at 14:00
Early lane guess: unknown pre-race, watch the first two
Tempo profile: Moderate in R1, R4 and R6 and R8, slow in R2 and R3, hot in R5 with three leaders in the one race, genuine in R7. Plenty of backmarkers in R2 and R3, so the leaders will get a soft lead if they want one.
Jockeys to follow:
Pierre Boudvillain: Eight rides on the card, including Santolini in R1, Morosini in R2 and Crown The King in R8. He's the one rider with his hands on horses in three different races who could pick up a winner.
Alysha Collett: Seven rides, including Presumptuous Gal in R2 and Mighty Myrtle in R7. Gets a lot of rides on backmarkers, so her finishing jobs will matter.
Blaike Mc Dougall: Five rides, including Acheson in R7 and Star Empire in R5. Star Empire is a leader in a hot-paced race, so the ride that jockey gets is worth watching.
Stables to respect:
K Dryden & L Snowden (8 runners): Showtime Maggie in R1, Ring Of Fire in R3 and Mighty Myrtle in R7 are the headline runners, and the stable has a bit of depth across the card.
G P Vella (7 runners): Teylu in R4 is the standout, and the stable's runners are spread across the card in a way that makes them hard to ignore.
Luke Pepper (7 runners): Morosini in R2, Keikoku in R4 and Pariah Time in R6 give the stable plenty of chances across the card.

Punty's take: Canberra on a Soft 5 is a card where the early speed decides the day, and you can see where it sits by looking at the maps. R2 and R3 are slow-pace races where the backmarkers are everywhere, so the front-runners get a free ride unless someone wants the lead badly. R5 is the one where the speed fight is real, with Star Empire, Mctominay and Helluva Teen all mapped as leaders in a 1000m sprint. That's a race where the leaders could cook each other and the closers suddenly look a lot more interesting. R4 and R6 have the shape to set up nicely for a handful of runners, while R7 and R8 look more open than they should with plenty of runners mapped to sit in the middle. Showtime Maggie and Teylu have the numbers to make the early running look easy, and Helluva Teen is the one who could make R5 a proper speed battle.

What it means for you: Be aggressive in R4 and R5 where the best prices sit next to the strongest pace lines, and protect the bank in R2 and R3 where the chaos is real and the favourites are short. Liyah's Girl in R3 is the one I'd back with some conviction, and Teylu in R4 comes in with the sort of form that makes a $3.70 price look reasonable. R1 is tight at the top with Showtime Maggie holding the strongest case, and I'm not chasing the others at their current prices. The big sequences are wide open, so the tickets are more about having fun than banking a payout. Keep the stakes sensible and let the Big 3 do the heavy lifting.

PUNTY'S BIG 3 + MULTI

These are the three bets the day leans on.

1 - Liyah's Girl (Race 3, No.3) — $4.00
Why Four starts on this track and four seconds without a win, the strongest soft record in the race at 2000m, and she's the one who gets a clean run at the top of the weights. Slow tempo suits a mid-field runner who finishes off the pace.
2 - Teylu (Race 4, No.2) — $3.70
Why Form is strong on the card with 6 wins from 20 starts, and his soft record is solid at 1000m. He's mapped on-pace in a race where the leaders are not running away, and the ride from Nick Heywood gives him every chance to settle in front.
3 - Helluva Teen (Race 5, No.5) — $4.20
Why Mapped to lead in a hot-paced 1000m sprint, and the leaders are all going to be right on his back. His last two runs are close to the bone, and he's trained by a stable that's been firing on the card.
Multi (all three to win): $10 × 62.16 = $621.60

Race 1 – Rumore Family

Race type: Benchmark 50, 1200m
Map & tempo: Moderate Pace. ON-PACE: Merchant Reign, Wild Sensation, Off Shaw, The Glen, Slay Queen and Papaver Miner. BACKMARKER: Showtime Maggie, Santolini and Jackets. MIDFIELD: Beau Rock and I Iz Brilliant. Wild Sensation has the speed rank of 1, but I'd still expect a crowd at the front.

Punty read: Showtime Maggie is the bet, and she's the one I trust most at a short price. She's mapped as a backmarker in a moderate-paced race, which means she's riding to settle and sprint, and her last two runs show she's got the turn of foot to do it. Her recent win at Canberra 1200m was a good sign, and Glenn Cahill has her ready to finish off the race. The danger is Santolini, who has the same map position and a sharp finishing sectional. The Glen will try to sit close to the speed, and if the leaders stop to a crawl, he's the one who could pounce. Wild Sensation is the one to watch on the pace side, with winkers on for the first time and a speed rank of 1.

Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)

1. Showtime Maggie (No.3) — $3.80 / $1.70
Bet $15.00 Win, return $57.00
Prob 20.2% | Place: 53.7% | Value: 0.77x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a backmarker in a moderate-paced 1200m, she's built for a sprint off the back. Her Canberra win at 1200m over the same track is the one I'm banking on, and Glenn Cahill knows how to ride her.
2. The Glen (No.5) — $5.00 / $1.95
Bet Tracked
Prob 17.2% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.86x Steady since tip
Why A real chance — but at $1.95 the place the numbers don't give me enough edge to insure with. Watching, not betting.
3. Santolini (No.6) — $5.50 / $2.00
Bet Tracked
Prob 15.3% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.84x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a backmarker with a strong finishing sectional, and the Wagga Riverside win was a good sign. The slow start at Goulburn last time is the only blot, and if he gets a clear run he's the most dangerous at the finish.

Roughie: Wild Sensation (No.2) — $10.00 / $2.90
Bet Tracked
Prob 7.7% | Place: 32.7% | Value: 0.77x Steady since tip
Why Mapped on-pace with a speed rank of 1, so if the leaders go hard early she's up there. Winkers go on for the first time and she's been raced wide in her recent runs, which is the path to a better finish if she gets a clean trip.

Race 2 – Jessica Heaton Mdn Plate

Race type: Maiden, 1600m
Map & tempo: Slow Pace. BACKMARKER: Tendi, Justwatchher, Nutbush Dancer, Presumptuous Gal, Mr Tucci, Rapid Reigns, Morosini and Wild Oaks. ON-PACE: Spring Ruler. MIDFIELD: Solar Orbit. Spring Ruler is the only one mapped to take a lead, so he could get a soft one.

Punty read: Mr Tucci is the bet, and I like him in a slow-paced maiden where the backmarkers are everywhere. He's mapped as a backmarker, and that's a plus with the tempo likely to be slow. His last start was a 2nd at Canberra 1300m where he finished 4.2L behind the winner, and the Tom Sherry booking is the one that gives him a chance. Rapid Reigns is the danger, with blinkers on for the first time and a strong finishing sectional. Presumptuous Gal has the sectional speed and the Alysha Collett ride to threaten, while Spring Ruler gets the soft lead if nobody else wants it.

Top 3 + Roughie ($13.00 pool)

1. Mr Tucci (No.6) — $3.20 / $1.50
Bet $13.00 Win, return $41.60
Prob 20.7% | Place: 70.0% | Value: 0.66x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a backmarker in a slow-paced maiden, which suits a horse who likes to finish off the pace. His Canberra 1300m run was the best of his short career, and the placings tell you he's got the form to go close.
2. Rapid Reigns (No.7) — $6.00 / $2.05
Bet Tracked
Prob 17.9% | Place: 43.2% | Value: 1.07x Steady since tip
Why A real chance — but at $2.05 the place the numbers don't give me enough edge to insure with. Watching, not betting.
3. Presumptuous Gal (No.5) — $4.00 / $1.65
Bet Tracked
Prob 17.1% | Place: 52.0% | Value: 0.68x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a backmarker with a good sectional, and her last run was a 3rd at Goulburn 1600m. The slow tempo hurts her if the leaders stroll, but she's got the finish to pick up a placing.

Roughie: Nutbush Dancer (No.4) — $9.50 / $2.65
Bet Tracked
Prob 8.9% | Place: 34.1% | Value: 0.84x Steady since tip
Why A backmarker in a slow-paced race, so she's built to pounce from the back. Her last run was a 4th at Canberra 1200m where she was raced wide, and a cleaner trip changes the picture.

Race 3 – Nexus Developments Hcp

Race type: Class 1, 2000m
Map & tempo: Slow Pace. BACKMARKER: Magic Mountain, Ring Of Fire, Pure Melody, Babyfaced Assassin, Milchel, Roman City, The Ultimate Star, Isotropic. MIDFIELD: Liyah's Girl, Don't Back Down and Lord Wootton. Liyah's Girl sits in the mid-field, which gives her the cover to sit close to the leaders without being in the first wave.

Punty read: Liyah's Girl is the bet, and this is the race where the slow tempo does her a favour. She's mapped in the mid-field, so she can sit comfortably without chasing the front. Her record at this track is four starts and four seconds without a win, which tells me she's consistent and competitive. Her last start was a 9th at Warwick Farm 1207m, but the run before was a 2nd at Canberra 2000m over the same distance, and she's got the staying form to match. Ring Of Fire is the danger with a track record of 2 starts and 2 seconds, and he's a backmarker who can finish off the pace. Lord Wootton, with blinkers on for the first time, is the one who could sneak in if the speed collapses.

Top 3 + Roughie ($7.50 pool)

1. Liyah's Girl (No.3) — $4.00 / $1.62
Bet $7.50 Each Way ($3.75W + $3.75P), collects $21.08 if it wins ($15.00 win + $6.08 place), $6.08 if it only places
Prob 29.1% | Place: 62.7% | Value: 1.16x Steady since tip
Why Mapped mid-field in a slow-paced 2000m, so she's got the cover to sit handy without being in the thick of it. Her distance record is strong, and the Canberra 2000m second is the form that matters.
2. Ring Of Fire (No.2) — $3.10 / $1.40
Bet Tracked
Prob 22.9% | Place: 63.0% | Value: 0.71x Steady since tip
Why The top pick's each-way already covers the place angle here — doubling up is paying twice for the same insurance. Tracked instead.
3. Lord Wootton (No.11) — $3.30 / $1.50
Bet Tracked
Prob 16.9% | Place: 61.3% | Value: 0.56x Steady since tip
Why Blinkers on for the first time, mapped mid-field, and his last run was a 3rd at Hawkesbury 1800m where he was beaten 0.7L. He's a genuine each-way threat if the leaders go slow.

Roughie: Babyfaced Assassin (No.5) — $17.00 / $3.80
Bet Tracked
Prob 4.9% | Place: 24.1% | Value: 0.84x Steady since tip
Why A backmarker in a slow-paced 2000m, so he needs the leaders to fall in a heap. Pierre Boudvillain is on, and a long run at the finish would make him a live roughie.

Race 4 – Carbine Club Remembering TC Hcp

Race type: Open, 1000m
Map & tempo: Moderate Pace. LEADER: Iowna Benz and No Statement. ON-PACE: Teylu, Outback Angel and Vella Fox. MIDFIELD: Action King, Keikoku and Starlight Girl. Keikoku is the one getting a pace advantage in the race line.

Punty read: Teylu is the bet, and he's the one who makes this race look simple. He's mapped on-pace, which puts him in the perfect spot behind the leaders, and his form on the card reads 6 wins from 20 starts with a strong record at 1000m. His last run was a 3rd at Moruya 1010m, where he finished 3.1L behind the winner. Action King is the danger, with sectional speed to match Teylu's finish, and Keikoku sits mid-field with the pace advantage behind him. Iowna Benz and No Statement will take the field along, so the question is whether they can hold on.

Top 3 + Roughie ($10.50 pool)

1. Teylu (No.2) — $3.70 / $1.52
Bet $10.50 Win, return $38.85
Prob 26.8% | Place: 61.5% | Value: 0.99x Steady since tip
Why Mapped on-pace in a moderate-paced 1000m, so he's right behind the leaders and gets to pounce when the front-runners tire. His Moruya run was a strong 3rd and the record at this distance is good.
2. Action King (No.1) — $4.00 / $1.57
Bet Tracked
Prob 21.3% | Place: 55.4% | Value: 0.85x Steady since tip
Why A real chance — but at $1.57 the place the numbers don't give me enough edge to insure with. Watching, not betting.
3. Keikoku (No.3) — $4.60 / $1.60
Bet Tracked
Prob 17.5% | Place: 53.8% | Value: 0.80x Steady since tip
Why Mapped mid-field with the pace advantage, and his soft record is strong with 25 starts on the surface. Luke Pepper is the trainer to respect, and the last run at Moruya was a 2nd.

Roughie: Outback Angel (No.4) — $9.00 / $2.50
Bet Tracked
Prob 8.3% | Place: 32.7% | Value: 0.75x Steady since tip
Why On-pace, so she can sit close to the leaders. The 4th at Newcastle 900m last start was a decent run, and J-HOT with Alysha Collett lifts her chances.

Race 5 – Stacey Bright (Bm60)

Race type: Benchmark 60, 1000m
Map & tempo: Hot Pace. LEADER: Star Empire, Mctominay and Helluva Teen. ON-PACE: Xspiritous, Inchyra, Royal Memory and La Stiava. MIDFIELD: Thorsten, Wonderful Mistake and La Pelago. Three leaders in a 1000m sprint means the speed fight starts at the barrier.

Punty read: Helluva Teen is the bet, and I'm backing him to cope with the pace fight. He's mapped as a leader in a hot-paced race, and that sounds risky, but his 1000m record is solid and his last two runs were close enough to the winner to show he can handle the pressure. Glenn Cahill has him ready, and the Canberra 1000m 5th was a fair run after a bumping. Thorsten sits mid-field and wins if the leaders cook, while Star Empire is the other leader who could be run down. La Stiava and Inchyra sit on-pace, and they're the ones who could pick up the pieces if the front-runners blow up.

Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)

1. Helluva Teen (No.5) — $4.20 / $1.75
Bet $15.00 Each Way ($7.50W + $7.50P), collects $44.63 if it wins ($31.50 win + $13.13 place), $13.13 if it only places
Prob 20.8% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.87x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a leader in a hot-paced 1000m sprint, so he's the one who has to make the pace. Glenn Cahill knows how to ride the speed, and his last two runs show he's got the early gears to hold them off.
2. Thorsten (No.3) — $4.40 / $1.72
Bet Tracked
Prob 17.2% | Place: 54.3% | Value: 0.76x Steady since tip
Why The top pick's each-way already covers the place angle here — doubling up is paying twice for the same insurance. Tracked instead.
3. Star Empire (No.2) — $8.50 / $2.65
Bet Tracked
Prob 12.1% | Place: 32.7% | Value: 1.03x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a leader in the same hot pace, so he's either in front or running out of gas by the 200m. The Cootamundra win last start shows he's got the form to be in the finish.

Roughie: Inchyra (No.8) — $10.00 / $2.90
Bet Tracked
Prob 11.6% | Place: 38.9% | Value: 1.16x Steady since tip
Why On-pace, so he sits right behind the speed. His last run was a 10th at Canberra 1300m after being held up, and the trip over 1000m could suit if the leaders cook.

Race 6 – RSM Mdn Hcp

Race type: Maiden, 1200m
Map & tempo: Moderate Pace. ON-PACE: Pariah Time, Strike A Pose and Setta Icon. MIDFIELD: Machrihanish, Legsliketwiggy, Designed Spindle and Graceful Thinking. BACKMARKER: Fizz Wizz, Petomai and O'hatasky. UNKNOWN: Clyde Mountain and Real Magical. I'm not claiming a position for the two unknowns, so watch them off the start.

Punty read: Strike A Pose is the bet, and his last run was a win at Warwick Farm 813m that tells me he's ready for this grade. He's mapped on-pace, so he sits right behind the leaders in a moderate-paced race, and Shannen Llewellyn has him fit and sharp. Blinkers come off for the first time, which is the sort of change that can wake a horse up. Machrihanish is the danger, a mid-field runner with a 3rd at Muswellbrook last start, and Fizz Wizz is the backmarker who finishes off a moderate tempo. Pariah Time has three gear changes, so the trainer's trying something new.

Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)

1. Strike A Pose (No.2) — $4.00 / $1.75
Bet $15.00 Win, return $60.00
Prob 20.7% | Place: 54.4% | Value: 0.83x Steady since tip
Why Mapped on-pace in a moderate maiden, so he gets to sit behind the leaders and pounce. The Warwick Farm win was a sprint, but the 1200m trip looks suitable, and blinkers off for the first time could sharpen him up.
2. Machrihanish (No.8) — $5.00 / $1.95
Bet Tracked
Prob 16.4% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.82x Steady since tip
Why A real chance — but at $1.95 the place the numbers don't give me enough edge to insure with. Watching, not betting.
3. Fizz Wizz (No.6) — $5.00 / $2.00
Bet Tracked
Prob 14.8% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.74x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a backmarker with a time rank of 2, so he's built to finish late. Trainer Matthew Smith has him ready, and the Canberra 1000m 3rd last start was an encouraging run.

Roughie: Clyde Mountain (No.3) — $12.00 / $3.40
Bet Tracked
Prob 6.9% | Place: 28.3% | Value: 0.83x Steady since tip
Why No map position is given, so I'm not claiming where he'll run. He's been off 211 days, and Nick Heywood riding a fresh horse in a maiden is the kind of trip that can go either way.

Race 7 – TAB Federal Tony Campbell Memorial Cup

Race type: Open, 1600m
Map & tempo: Genuine Pace. LEADER: Dream Inherit. ON-PACE: Canny Queen and Brutal Eyes. MIDFIELD: Super Helpful, Acheson, Cando Attitude, Due Calzini, Burgundy Girl and Stormbringer. BACKMARKER: Good Prize and Mighty Myrtle. Only one genuine leader, so the speed is controlled.

Punty read: Mighty Myrtle is the bet, and the Genuine Pace suits him. He's mapped as a backmarker in a 1600m race where the leader Dream Inherit will set a steady tempo, and Alysha Collett can ride him to finish off the pace. His last run was a 5th at Warwick Farm 1600m after a 4th at Moruya where he was bumped, and his fitness is up on the 2nd at Canberra 1600m. Acheson is the danger with a 4th at Rosehill 1400m last start and the record to back up a mid-field run. Cando Attitude has the sectional speed in the race, and Canny Queen sits on-pace if the leader gets home.

Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)

1. Mighty Myrtle (No.8) — $4.00 / $1.72
Bet $15.00 Win, return $60.00
Prob 17.0% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.68x Steady since tip
Why Mapped as a backmarker in a genuine-paced 1600m, so the early speed hands him the finish. Alysha Collett knows his style, and the placing record over the track shows he's competitive.
2. Acheson (No.3) — $4.80 / $1.95
Bet Tracked
Prob 15.3% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.73x Steady since tip
Why A real chance — but at $1.95 the place the numbers don't give me enough edge to insure with. Watching, not betting.
3. Cando Attitude (No.7) — $6.00 / $2.25
Bet Tracked
Prob 13.4% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.80x Steady since tip
Why Mapped mid-field, with the fastest time in the race for his sectionals. Claire Ramsbotham rides, and the interference last start means he's still got upside.

Roughie: Stormbringer (No.10) — $9.50 / $3.00
Bet Tracked
Prob 8.0% | Place: 32.7% | Value: 0.76x Steady since tip
Why Mapped mid-field, and his 2nd at Nowra and 4th at Cootamundra show he's got the form to run a finish. Tom Sherry rides, and a genuine pace could give him the chance to get into the finish.

Race 8 – Enlighten Homes Plate (C2)

Race type: Class 2, 1400m
Map & tempo: Moderate Pace. ON-PACE: Cashbook, Barbarossa, Crown The King, Our Huntress and Okami Star. BACKMARKER: Famoso, Kendalia and Forrest Dancer. MIDFIELD: Missile Magnate, Angel In The Wind, Blue Monday, Zoufield, Gem Tycoon, Rule Of Faith, Colorado Sun, Deeply and Whiskey George. Plenty of runners in the middle and not many leaders, so the speed is uncertain.

Punty read: Blue Monday is the bet, and this is a race where the favourite at $3.20 can be trusted. He's mapped mid-field in a moderate-paced 1400m, and his soft record is strong with 3 starts for 2 wins on the surface. His last run was a 6th at Randwick-Kensington 1250m after being held up, and that suggests a better trip is coming. Our Huntress is the danger, on-pace with a strong soft record and the 5th at the same track last start. Missile Magnate has the form to get into the finish after the Muswellbrook win, and Crown The King is the roughie to watch with a 2kg blowout in the market.

Top 3 + Roughie ($7.50 pool)

1. Blue Monday (No.8) — $3.30 / $1.55
Bet $7.50 Win, return $24.75
Prob 17.8% | Place: 42.1% | Value: 0.59x Steady since tip
Why Mapped mid-field in a moderate Class 2, which gives him a clean run to the finish. His soft record is the strongest on the card, and the Randwick-Kensington run was held up, so there's improvement in him.
2. Our Huntress (No.11) — $6.00 / $2.15
Bet Tracked
Prob 15.1% | Place: 46.1% | Value: 0.91x Steady since tip
Why A real chance — but at $2.15 the place the numbers don't give me enough edge to insure with. Watching, not betting.
3. Missile Magnate (No.3) — $8.00 / $2.75
Bet Tracked
Prob 10.7% | Place: 32.7% | Value: 0.86x Steady since tip
Why Mapped mid-field, and the Muswellbrook win last start shows he's on a rise. Tom Sherry rides, and the 2kg drop in weight is a plus.

Roughie: Crown The King (No.9) — $10.00 / $3.10
Bet Tracked
Prob 10.3% | Place: 34.1% | Value: 1.03x Steady since tip
Why On-pace in a moderate tempo, so he can sit close to the leaders. The tongue tie going on again is the change to watch, and Pierre Boudvillain's booking gives him a chance to finish strongly.

SEQUENCE LANES

EARLY QUADDIE (R1–R4)

Smart: 3,5,6,2 / 6,5,7,4 / 2,3,11,4 / 2,1,3,4 (256 combos x $0.30 = $76.80) -- 30% flexi
Punty's take: R1 and R3 are tight enough to trust, while R2 is a slow-pace maiden that could go anywhere. R4 is the leg that makes the ticket pay. High risk, but the flexi keeps it in play.

QUADDIE (R5–R8)

Smart: 3,5,8,2 / 2,8,6,3 / 8,3,7,10 / 11,8,9,3 (256 combos x $0.3125 = $80.00) -- 31.2% flexi
Punty's take: R5 is a speed fight and R6 is a moderate maiden, so the legs are open and the chaos ratio is high. Four open legs mean the wide spread is the price of the ticket, and it is an entertainment play as much as anything.

BIG 6 (R3–R8)

Smart: 2,3,11,4 / 2,1,3,4 / 3,5,8,2 / 2,8,6,3 / 8,3,7,10 / 11,8,9,3 (4096 combos x $0.00122 = $5.00) -- 0.12% flexi
Punty's take: Six legs, and five of them are open races, so this one is an entertainment ticket. Keep it small, enjoy the ride, and don't expect it to pay unless everything lands.

NUGGETS FROM THE TRACK

1 - The Nose Band Gamble
Morosini in R2 has a cross-over nose band going on for the first time along with winkers, so the trainer is trying two changes at once. Luke Pepper's stable has been firing, so watch how he looks in the first 200m.

2 - Liyah's Girl's Canberra Record
Liyah's Girl has four starts on this track for four seconds and no wins. That's a horse who's consistently finishing in the frame without ever quite getting over the line, and the Each Way looks the sensible way to get involved.

3 - Clyde Mountain's Gear Shuffle
Clyde Mountain has ear muffs on for the first time, and he's been off the track for 211 days. That's enough to make a maiden punter wonder whether he's been dragged out of the paddock for a last look at the sun.

FINAL WORD FROM THE SICKO SANCTUARY

Back the bankers when the ground and the maps line up, and let the chaos races pay for the fun. Go and have a bet like a legend, and get home safe with the tickets still in your pocket.