Daily tips for July 6

Racing for July 6

Horse racing: Flemington (Vic), Rosehill (NSW), Eagle Farm (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Belmont (WA), Newcastle (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Seymour (Vic), Darwin (NT), Mackay (Qld), Broome (WA), Toowoomba (Qld). Harness racing: Wagga (NSW), Mildura (Vic), Melton (Vic), Newcastle (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Globe Derby (SA), Gloucester Park (WA). Greyhound racing: Richmond (NSW), Wentworth Park (NSW), The Meadows (Vic), Cannington (WA), Traralgon (Vic), The Gardens (NSW).

It’s Finals Day at Flemington with the finales to five separate race series, including the $152,000 TROA Luxbet Winter Championship, the Banjo Paterson Series, All Victorian Sprint Series, the Slickpix Silver Bowl Series Handicap and Rivette Series Final. We’ve watched many of today’s main contenders in recent weeks so have some strong formlines to work with. One in particular that we’re keen to take on today is the dual Banjo Paterson series winner Cooldini, with the 3yo gelding up in class and weight today. #11 Outback Joe placed third and sixth within four lengths of Cooldini in both of those races and moves into barrier 3 from recent outside jumps. The 5yo gelding is on his home track for Nigel Blackiston with Michael Walker again taking the ride.

Suggested bet: Flemington R7 #11 Outback Joe (E/W) 2nd ($2.10)

Other tips

Flemington R1 #1 Lady Lakshmi (win) LOSE (4th)

Flemington R2 #3 Spitfire Lady (E/W) 1st ($20.40/$4.50)

Flemington R3 #2 Upbeat (E/W 1x4) LOSE (U/P)

Flemington R4 #11 Tooleybuc Kid (E/W) 3rd ($1.70)

Flemington R5 #3 Riziz (win) 1st ($2.30)

Rosehill R2 #1 Oompa Loompa (win) 1st ($2.20)

Rosehill R5 #6 Whateverwhenever (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Rosehill R6 #6 Gliding (place) LOSE (U/P)

Rosehill R7 #9 Whitlam (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Rosehill R8 #2 Flying Empress (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Eagle R5 #10 Tax Evader (win) LOSE (2nd)

Eagle Farm R7 #12 Doubtfilly (E/W) 1st ($4.80/$2.10)

Morphettville R3 #4 You’re Discreet (E/W 1x4) 1st ($4.80/$1.80)

Morphettville R4 #1 Espirit de Bullet (win) 1st ($2.90)

Morphettville R6 #1 Caitlin’s Spirit (E/W) 2nd ($1.80)

Morphettville R8 #1 Air Comet (E/W) SCRATCHED

Belmont R3 #9 Smoko (win) 1st ($1.40)

Seymour R3 #13 Liberty Leader (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.40)

Harness racing tip: Melton R9 #2 The Smiler (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Greyhound racing tip: The Meadows R5 #6 Paw Licking (win) LOSE (2nd)

AFL (R15) for July 6

GWS Giants v Footscray (StarTrack Oval, Canberra, Saturday, July 6, 1.45pm AEST)

The Bulldogs carry all the momentum into this game after kicking nine goals to three in the final quarter to fall just three points short of victory over Melbourne. However, goals may be a premium as two of the competition’s bottom three sides head to a wet and cold Canberra (8°C is the forecast). The return of Rhys Palmer, Stephen Coniglio and Jeremy Cameron will bolster the Giants in one of their last realistic chances to break the duck for 2013. The Bulldogs lose Matthew Boyd to injury but are familiar with this neutral venue (winning five of seven here), have conceded on average six fewer goals per game and have shown enough development over the past six weeks to suggest they’ll win well.

Suggested bet: Footscray -33.5 LOSE, game total -188.5 WIN (83-87)

North Melbourne v Richmond (Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 6, 2.10pm AEST)

The books have duly noted that, while the Tigers are in their best form in a decade, they’ve had a soft draw in recent weeks. In addition, four of the past five meetings between Richmond and North Melbourne have been decided by 13 points and less. At 5-8, North’s finals hopes are barely flickering although victory here would keep them alive. Tiger ruckman Ivan Maric misses again, which may be telling against the many tall options at Brad Scott’s disposal. Fresh from a demolition of the Giants last week, the Roos will be buoyed for this one and if they can convert their hitouts into a fair share of centre clearances, an upset could be on the cards.

Suggested bet: North Melbourne WIN $2.65 (Centrebet promo – Place a bet on the “head to head” market in any AFL Round 15 match and if your team scores 90 points or more but loses Centrebet will refund your first bet up to $100) WIN (128-66)

Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast (Gabba, Saturday, July 6, 4.40pm AEST)

The sixth edition of the ‘QClash’ is the most anticipated since the AFL’s two Queensland-based teams first met in 2011. Three of their five past meetings have been decided by less than two goals, and just two points separated them back in round three with the Lions emerging victorious. The two sides lie just one win and one spot on the ladder apart, and both are also coming off disappointing round 14 performances. Harley Bennell (GC) and Daniel Merrett (BL) are big inclusions for the respective sides, while hardman Campbell Brown celebrates his 200th game with the Hawks and now Suns. Gold Coast look better placed to bounce back after a sorry last quarter against Adelaide and cover the generous line on offer. Note: Gary Ablett jnr is a late withdrawal for the Suns, with the line moving 11 points as a result.

Suggested bet: Gold Coast +22.5

Geelong v Hawthorn (MCG, Saturday, July 6, 7.40pm AEST)

‘The Curse’ … players hate talking about it, but the media can’t get enough of the fact that Geelong has won 10 in a row against Hawthorn since the 2008 Grand Final. Eight of those wins have been by less than 10 points while five have finished in a margin of less than one goal. The Hawks, undefeated since their round one loss to Geelong, have recalled Cyril Rioli. He was ready to go last week but Alistair Clarkson saved his superstar midfield/forward for this one. The Cats, who methodically tore Fremantle apart last week, are unchanged for this one. Hawthorn’s form has been solid without hitting any great heights in recent weeks, but we rate them at least a two-goal better side and they should win here in another close one.

Suggested bet: Hawthorn WIN LOSE (82-72)

Adelaide v West Coast (AAMI Stadium, Saturday, July 6, 7.40pm AEST)

Two sides with a 6-7 record meet in a Saturday night thriller at West Lakes to keep their top eight aspirations ticking for another week. West Coast have had an extra two days’ rest after their narrow loss to Essendon, while the Crows bring some momentum to the table after their strong finish in defeating the Suns last week. Josh Hill returns to inject some much needed pace into the West Coast midfield while Shaun McKernan is back to help the Crows counter the Eagles’ myriad tall options. Past fixtures have generally been one-sided between these sides and we don’t have much interest in the head-to-head market, but all signs points to this being a tight affair with goals hard to come by at a windy and showery AAMI Stadium.

Suggested bet: Game total -178.5 (best of the round) WIN (69-75)

CFL (week 2) for July 6

Calgary Stampeders (1-0) @ Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0), Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, Regina, SK, Canada, Saturday, July 6, 11am

The Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders are ready for the spotlight of Friday night football, as they meet in a rematch of last year’s Western Semi-Final at Mosaic Stadium. Calgary defeated the Roughriders 36-30 in the West Semi-Finals last year en route to an appearance in the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto. With each team making a statement in respective season-opening wins, the hype around this marquee match-up continues to build. That particularly holds true for the Roughriders, who are set to play their home opener in the same stadium that will host the Grey Cup in November.

The Calgary Stampeders emerged from Week 1 as the top-ranked team in the CFL following a dominant showing at home against the BC Lions. Saskatchewan, which is ranked fourth, is also off to a strong start after controlling its game against the Edmonton Eskimos from the opening kickoff despite missing recruit Geroy Simon on offence. The Roughriders kept the Eskimos out of their end zone through three quarters, a defensive showing they would be happy to duplicate against the high-octane Stampeders offence. We’re keen on the Stamps here – they are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Regina while the ‘over’ is 10-1 in the Calgary’s last 11 games dating back to last season.

Suggested bet: Calgary WIN (1.5 units @ $2.08) LOSE, game total +55 (2.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (21-36)

MLB for July 6

Minnesota Twins (36-46, 15-23 away) @ Toronto Blue Jays (41-44, 23-20 home), Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada, Saturday, July 6, 9.10am

Despite the Toronto Blue Jays’ recent struggles, facing them might not offer the Minnesota Twins a good opportunity to end their current slide. Looking to end their woes in Toronto, the Twins hope to avoid a sixth consecutive loss against a Blue Jays team trying to snap its own three-game skid. The Twins have lost 10 of 13 and are mired in their longest losing streak since dropping 10 in a row from May 14-24. They’ll play the final 10 before the All-Star break on the road, where they've averaged 3.0 runs while losing eight of 10. Minnesota has lost 15 of 19 to the Blue Jays (41-44), including seven of eight at Rogers Centre. The Twins haven’t won any of their eight series in Toronto since 2005.

Blue Jays starter Mark Buehrle (4-5, 4.81 ERA) has not faced the Twins since 2011, when he allowed seven runs (one earned) over 30 2/3 innings to go 2-1 in four starts against them. Buehrle is 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA in his last four at home, but his two most recent outings were on the road and he went 0-1 with a 6.55 ERA. He allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings while not factoring in the decision of a 5-4 loss at Boston on Sunday. Minnesota starter Kevin Correia (6-5, 4.08) is looking to bounce back after he allowed five runs in five innings while not factoring in the decision of a 9-8 loss to Kansas City on Sunday. The right-hander had a 2.55 ERA in his previous three starts. He’s 1-1 with a 7.36 ERA in two starts against the Blue Jays but hasn't faced them since 2011.

Suggested bet: Blue Jays WIN (three units @ $1.60) WIN, game total -9 (one unit @ $1.87) WIN (0-4)

Other tips

IL: Mariners @ Reds WIN $1.53 LOSE (4-2)

AL: Orioles @ Yankees WIN $2.00 WIN (2-3)

AL: Tigers @ Indians +8.5 $1.87 LOSE (7-0)

AL: White Sox @ Rays WIN $1.50 WIN (3-8)

AL: Athletics WIN $1.83 @ Royals WIN (6-3)

AL: Red Sox @ Angels +8.5 $1.97 LOSE (6-2)

NL: Padres @ Nationals WIN $1.67 WIN (5-8)

NL: Braves @ Phillies WIN $1.60 WIN -7.5 $1.95 LOSE (4-5)

NL: Mets @ Brewers +9 $1.95 WIN (12-5)

NL: Marlins @ Cardinals -8.5 $1.92 WIN (1-4)

NL: Dodgers @ Giants -6.5 $2.00 LOSE (10-2)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 5

NRL (R17) for July 5

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos, AAMI Park, Friday, July 5, 7.35pm

Rugby league’s “unofficial” Queensland derby inevitably brings the best out of Melbourne and the Broncos. It was only a week or so ago that the core of each of these sides was standing alongside one another as brothers in arms as the Maroons levelled the State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium. Now Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk will be looking to add a telling nail to the Broncos’ premiership coffin.

For Melbourne, who never really looked like beating lowly Wests Tigers in the big wet last Saturday night, the end of the representative season can’t come soon enough. After winning their first seven games of the year, they have now slipped a full five points behind competition leaders Souths on the ladder, having lost their past two matches and won just three of their past eight. Melbourne have lost just four games at AAMI Park since the start of the 2012 season and beat Brisbane 34-10 at this venue when they played last year.

After last week’s disappointing loss to the Warriors in NZ, the Broncos have dropped two points out of the eight and with the business end of proceedings rapidly approaching they must start winning games now if they are to keep their impressive record of reaching the finals going (the Broncos have missed the finals just once since 1991). With cold and windy conditions forecast for tonight, combined with the Broncos’ defensive mindset, the ‘under’ game total looks a solid play here. – Preview thanks to Ben Blaschke, NRL.com

Suggested bet: Game total -38 (one unit @ $1.90) WIN, Broncos +9.5 (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE (32-0)

AFL (R15) for July 5

Carlton (6-7) v Collingwood (8-5), MCG, Friday, July 5, 7.50pm AEST

Place a bet on the “head to head” market in any AFL Round 15 match and if your team scores 90 points or more but loses, Centrebet will refund your first bet up to $100 cash!

There’ll be a crowd of more than 85,000 braving the cold and wet conditions in Melbourne tonight for the battle of the League’s two greatest rivals. Former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse faces his former side for the second time this year, and patience is fast running out among Carlton fans who’d expected their side to be challenging for a top four position. Instead, they are 6-7, backing up from a loss to Sydney last week in atrocious conditions and have their finals hopes hanging by a thread.

Despite their record, Carlton has been competitive in every game this season and regain skipper Marc Murphy and Andrew Carrazzo here. Collingwood, themselves smarting after a shock loss to Port Adelaide last week, won the equivalent fixture back in round 3, and have claimed victory in six of the last eight meetings with Carlton. However, they’ll be without disgruntled running defender Harry O’Brien and versatile tall Quinten Lynch, while small forward Andrew Krakouer and key defender Ben Reid returning.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley will be desperate to find another avenue to goal as his key forward Travis Cloke is playing a lone hand and Collingwood have struggled to consistently convert their inside 50s onto the scoreboard. The books have this game at coin-flip odds but there’s excellent value at the game total line. The weather will be cold and windy at the MCG meaning the ball will swirl unpredictably and, with such high stakes for both sides, the ‘under’ looks a smart play.

Suggested bet: Carlton WIN (2.5 units @ $1.61) LOSE, game total -173.5 (1.5 units @ $1.88) LOSE (77-118)

Racing for July 5

I won't be posting any racing tips today due to a combination of lousy fields and a persistent flu bug! AFL and NRL analysis for tonight will be posted later today but look to bet the -173.5 game total in the Carlton v Collingwood match as the line is almost certain to fall once the wet weather arrives.

CFL (week 2) for July 5

Toronto Argonauts (1-0) @ BC Lions (0-1), BC Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Friday, July 5,12.10pm

Some of the league’s top talent will be on display in Vancouver, as the BC Lions play their home opener against the defending Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts at BC Place. For two teams that expect nothing less than an appearance at the 101st Grey Cup in Regina just over four months from now, the second half of today’s double-header serves as an important measuring stick. While the Argos look to prove their Cinderella run in last year’s playoffs was no fluke, the Lions hope to re-assert their dominance as a CFL powerhouse. Toronto was the only East Division team to secure a winning record versus the West last season and are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games.

There will be no lack of motivation for the Lions this week, especially after 44-32 loss to the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium last week. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay finished Week 1 with three TDs on 283 passing yards and added 55 rushing yards, but BC could not overcome a 25-point first-half deficit en route to a 44-32 loss. Toronto posted a 39-34 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to open its season after raising the banner for its Grey Cup victory. Quarterback Ricky Ray’s 368 passing yards and four touchdown tosses paced the Argonauts, who also received 112 rushing yards from Grey Cup Most Outstanding Player Chad Kackert. – Additional information thanks to covers.com

Suggested bet: Toronto +7.5 (one unit @ $1.95) LOSE, game total -53.5 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (16-24)

Hot dog eating for July 5

Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, Coney Island, New York, Friday, July 5, 2am

July 4 – Independence Day (aliens invade the world?), baseball, a long weekend – no, the only thing that matters is Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, held at on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, New York. Held each year since 1916, this contest is sanctioned by Major League Eating (MLE), the world governing body of all stomach-centric sport.

How does it work? Well the dogs are grilled and cooled slightly so no one gets burned. That’s good news, no need for a lawsuit. Condiments are optional. Drinks are permitted; most competitors choose water to wash the dogs down. Competitors are allowed to dunk the dogs and buns in their beverages to make them easier to swallow. When time is up, any hot dog that's still in the mouth counts, provided it goes down and stays down. A "reversal" – that's what they call it when you throw up – means immediate disqualification. The winner is obvious, the one who eats, and keeps down, the most hot dogs and buns.

Joey Chestnut (pictured above) of San Jose, California, holds the world record for eating 68 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes, and he will seek his seventh straight title this year – a world record. Sonya Thomas of Alexandria, Virginia, will defend her title as Female Champion. She consumed 45 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes last year, setting a new women’s world record. The Hot Dog-Eating Contest hasn’t been the same since the retirement of Chestnut’s great rival Takeru Kobayashi and, at a price of $1.01, Chestnut is an unbackable favourite this year. However, the dog-line of 63.5 offers some value, with Chestnut declaring his hot dog eating days won’t end until he cracks 70!

Suggested bet: Joey Chestnut +63.5 WIN (69)

MLB for July 5

St Louis Cardinals (50-33, 28-17 away) @ Los Angeles Angels (40-44, 21-24 home), Angel Stadium of Anaheim, CA, Friday, July 5, 11.10am

Happy Fourth of July to everyone in the US – hope we can find you a winner to go with a few beers before the fireworks. Our best of the day comes up in the late game featuring the high-flying Cardinals and the roller coaster Angels. The Cardinals have won nine straight road outings by Adam Wainwright while the Angels are 1-7 in home starts by Joe Blanton in a pitching matchup that overwhelmingly favours St Louis.

These teams have split the first two of this three-game set with the Cardinals ending the Angels’ seven-game win streak with Wednesday’s 12-2 rout. St. Louis has to like its chances of salvaging a split of an eight-game road trip behind Wainwright (11-5, 2.22 ERA), the NL pitcher of the month for June after going 4-2 with a 1.77 ERA over six outings. He improved to 8-0 with a 2.32 ERA in his last nine road starts Saturday with a five-hitter in a 7-1 victory over Oakland for his major league-best fourth complete game. 

If those gaudy figures for Wainwright don’t make this contest enough of a daunting task for Los Angeles (40-44), how Blanton (2-10, 5.07) has fared in Anaheim only adds to how difficult gaining a victory could be. Blanton is 0-4 with a 5.04 ERA in eight home starts, with the Angels losing each except a 12-9 win over the White Sox on May 18. He is tied with Tampa Bay’s Roberto Hernandez for the AL’s most defeats.

Suggested bet: Cardinals WIN (three units @ $1.75) LOSE, game total +8 (one unit @ $1.95) WIN (5-6)

Other tips

IL: Cubs @ Athletics WIN $1.61 WIN (0-1)

AL: Orioles WIN $1.98 @ White Sox LOSE (2-3)

AL: Mariners @ Rangers -8.5 $2.13 LOSE (4-5)

AL: Rays WIN $1.65 @ Astros WIN (7-5)

NL: Brewers @ Nationals WIN $1.60 WIN (5-8)

NL: Giants @ Reds WIN $1.80 POSTPONED

NL: Marlins @ Braves -1.5 $1.87 LOSE (4-3)

NL: Dodgers @ Rockies WIN $1.79 WIN (5-9)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 4

Racing for July 4

Horse racing: Cranbourne (Vic), Wyong (NSW), Mackay (Qld), Bordertown (SA), Pinjarra (WA), Grafton (NSW). Harness racing: Geelong (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Maryborough (Vic), Penrith (NSW), Tamworth (NSW). Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Casino (NSW), Dapto (NSW), Angle Park (SA), Geelong (Vic), Hobart (Tas), Maitland (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Sandown Park (Vic), Warragul (Vic), Warrnambool (Vic).

More than $1 million in prizemoney will be up for grabs over the next 11 days as the Clarence River Jockey Club hosts the 2013 Grafton XXXXGold July Cup Carnival. Action starts today with the running of the Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup Prelude (2100m) and the John Carlton Cup (1200m), named in honour of the popular race caller at CRJC meetings. The winners of these races are exempt from ballot in the Grafton Cup and Ramornie Handicap respectively. Our eyes will be on the Cup Prelude (race 3) where the seasoned 3yo gelding #1 Zar Zar Binks looks the best chance. Trained at Taree by Bindi Cheers and ridden here by Matthew Paget, he’s a winner of seven from 34 and took out Murwillumbah Cup last time out over 2200m. He’s down in distance but a long way down in class and doesn’t mind it wet or dry (slow 6 today).

Suggested bet: Grafton R3 #1 Zar Zar Binks (E/W 1x4) 1st ($2.70/$1.30)

Other tips

Cranbourne R2 #5 Sharp Money (win) 1st ($2.50)

Cranbourne R8 #1 Design for Life (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Cranbourne R9 #2 Human League (E/W) 1st ($5.10/$2.10)

Grafton R1 #10 Natural Dancer (win) 1st ($1.80)

Grafton R2 #11 Nuclear Class (E/W) 1st ($7.10/$2.20)

Grafton R8 #2 War Ends (E/W) 1st ($5.50/$2.10)

Wyong R1 #1 Tribal Art (win) LOSE (2nd)

Wyong R3 #4 Casiroll (win) LOSE (2nd)

Wyong R6 #1 Sheniyan (E/W) 3rd ($2.10)

Wyong R7 #2 Eight Strikes (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Mackay R2 #1 Hotel Paradiso (win) 1st ($2.00)

Mackay R4 #3 Cracow (win) LOSE (3rd)

MLB for July 4

Philadelphia Phillies (40-44, 21-26 away) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (51-31, 28-14 home), PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA, Thursday, July 4, 9.10am

The Pittsburgh Pirates faced a decision that most teams wish they had to make. Having selected Jeff Locke to take the mound, the Pirates will look to rebound after the Philadelphia Phillies snapped their nine-game winning streak in the series opener. Pittsburgh (51-31) could have gone with Jeanmar Gomez, who surrendered an unearned run in five innings at Seattle in his return from right forearm tightness. The Pirates have won all eight games that Gomez has started this season. Instead, Locke (7-1, 2.06 ERA), who was scratched from yesterday’s game due to a lengthy bullpen session in Sunday’s extra-inning win over Milwaukee, is scheduled to make the start. The left-hander has been outstanding of late, with a 1.07 ERA over his last eight starts.

Philadelphia (40-44), which entered Tuesday with a 1-6 record and a .203 batting average in road contests against NL Central teams, received a spark from Ryan Howard. The first baseman, who finished June in an 0-for-20 skid with 11 strikeouts, had two hits Tuesday in his first game of July. John Lannan (1-2, 4.83) looks to build off his first win of the season. The left-hander failed to win any of his first five outings, posting a 5.84 ERA, but was in excellent form Friday against the Dodgers. He allowed one run and five hits in seven innings as the Phillies rolled to a 16-1 rout. Lannan last saw Pittsburgh in July 2011, while with Washington. He’s 1-4 with a 4.53 ERA in nine career starts against the Pirates.

Suggested bet: Pirates WIN (three units @ $1.53) WIN, game total +8 (one unit @ $2.02) WIN (5-6)

Other tips

IL: Padres @ Red Sox -1.5 $2.00 LOSE (1-2)

IL: Cardinals WIN ($1.96) @ Angels WIN (12-2)

IL: Cubs @ Athletics WIN $1.50 WIN (7-8)

AL: Tigers WIN $1.80 @ Blue Jays WIN (6-2)

AL: Orioles WIN $1.83 @ White Sox WIN (4-2)

AL: Mariners @ Rangers WIN $1.77 LOSE (4-2)

AL: Indians WIN $2.05 LOSE @ Royals +8.5 $1.78 WIN (5-6)

AL: Rays WIN $1.67 @ Astros LOSE (1-4)

NL: Giants @ Reds -1.5 $2.20 LOSE (2-3)

NL: Diamondbacks @ Mets WIN $1.58 LOSE (5-3)

NL: Dodgers @ Rockies -9.5 $2.00 LOSE (10-8)

Although we won’t be posting our Independence Day tips until tomorrow (July 4 comes around a bit quicker in this part of the world), I’d like to wish all of our US friends a happy Fourth of July – hope you have a profitable day!

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 3

Racing for July 3

Horse racing: Caulfield (Vic), Warwick Farm (NSW), Doomben (Qld), Murray Bridge (SA), Belmont (WA), Hobart (Tas). Harness racing: Hamilton (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld), Kilmore (Vic). Greyhound racing: The Meadows (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Grafton (NSW), Richmond (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Cranbourne (Vic), Rockhampton (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Bulli (NSW), Cannington (WA).

Midweek meetings at Caulfield aren’t common so we’re making the most of the chance to find a few winners in today’s eight-race card. Race 4 looks a good place to start with a field of 10 contesting the TMB Printing BM82 Hcp over 1600m. #10 Vizhaka has amassed an impressive record of four wins and four placings from 11 starts for Monica Cid of Mornington. The 5yo gelding is a last start winner on heavy going over 1500m at Mornington three weeks ago while his record also includes a Boxing Day second at Caulfield on a good (3) over 1800m. Third-up here, look for him to be leading at the top of the straight and should be mighty hard to run down.

Suggested bet: Caulfield R4 #10 Vizhaka WIN (two units @ $2.75), boxed exacta 4,7,10 (one unit) LOSE (U/P)

Other tips

Caulfield R1 #5 Under the Louvre (win) 1st ($2.10)

Caulfield R5 #2 Harry Trimbole (E/W 1x4) LOSE (U/P)

Caulfield R6 #8 Operation Twist (place) LOSE (U/P)

Caulfield R7 #13 Stay Ahead (E/W) 2nd ($1.90)

Warwick Farm R1 #8 Suit (E/W 1x4) 1st ($3.10/$1.30)

Warwick Farm R6 #5 Give My Regards (E/W) 3rd ($1.60)

Doomben R2 #1 Mr Slick (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Doomben R6 #3 Jacquetta (E/W) 2nd ($2.30)

Belmont R2 #2 Illusion of Light (E/W) 2nd ($1.30)

Belmont R8 #8 Luwian (E/W) 3rd ($1.50)

Harness racing tip: Kilmore R2 #6 Jennas Highview (win) LOSE (3rd)

Greyhound racing tip: Bulli R7 #4 Trendy Tia (win) LOSE (U/P)

MLB for July 3

Chicago Cubs (35-45, 18-23 away) @ Oakland Athletics (48-35, 26-13 home), O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA, Wednesday, July 3, 12.10pm

With Josh Donaldson tearing things up offensively at home, Scott Feldman might have a difficult time ending his struggles in Oakland. Donaldson looks to stay hot and lead the Oakland Athletics to their 17th win in 20 home games when they host the Chicago Cubs for the first time in franchise history. Donaldson homered and doubled in a 7-5 win over St. Louis on Sunday, leaving him 10 for 21 with four homers, three doubles and eight RBIs in his last six home games. The A’s have been productive in key spots of late, hitting .444 (16 for 36) with runners in scoring position while winning four of five on their current homestand.

The A’s, who are an AL-best 26-13 at home, will try to keep swinging the bats well against Feldman (7-6, 3.46 ERA). The right-hander looks to win consecutive starts for the first time early May after allowing three runs and six hits over six innings in a 5-4 win at Milwaukee on Wednesday. The former Ranger, however, has been brutal in Oakland, going 1-5 with a 10.24 ERA in six career starts. He lasted just 1 2/3 innings while getting tagged for eight runs and seven hits in a 12-1 loss there June 4, 2012. The A’s counter with A.J. Griffin (6-6, 3.56), who hopes to build on a career-best performance in his last outing. Griffin struck out seven while tossing a two-hitter in a 5-0 victory over Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Suggested bet: Athletics WIN (three units @ $1.47) WIN, game total +7.5 (one unit @ $1.87) WIN (7-8)

Other tips

IL: Cardinals @ Angels -8 $2.05 WIN (1-5)

AL: Tigers @ Blue Jays WIN $2.38 LOSE (7-6)

AL: Orioles @ White Sox WIN $2.02 WIN (2-5)

AL: Indians WIN $2.00 @ Royals WIN (6-5)

AL: Yankees WIN $2.03 @ Twins WIN (7-3)

AL: Rays -1.5  $1.91 @ Astros WIN (8-0)

NL: Brewers @ Nationals -1.5 $1.83 LOSE (4-0)

NL: Phillies @ Pirates WIN $1.67 LOSE (3-1)

NL: Giants @ Reds WIN $1.59 WIN +8.5 $2.00 LOSE (0-3)

NL: Diamondbacks WIN $1.78 @ Mets LOSE (1-9)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 2

Racing for July 2

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Beaudesert (Qld – abandoned), Cessnock (NSW – moved to Scone). Harness racing: Albion Park (Qld), Menangle (NSW), Echuca (Vic). Greyhound racing: Bendigo (Vic), Gawler (SA), Devonport (Tas), Horsham (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Lismore (NSW), Warragul (Vic), Gosford (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Mandurah (WA).

Another day, another meeting abandoned due to the wet weather swamping the coastal regions of NSW and Queensland with today’s Beaudesert card put on hold while the famed Jungle Juice Cup meeting has been shifted to Scone from Cessnock. The event began 32 years ago and was named for the drink associated with the race day – the highly alcoholic Dr Jurd's Jungle Juice, developed by Mel Jurd at his Wollombi Tavern. Racing on a heavy (8) at Scone today, we thought #9 Youthful King looked the best bet in the feature. The 7yo gelding was a last start winner on a heavy (9) at Warwick Farm over 1200m in a BM70 and has also won three times in slow going. Robert Thompson takes the ride at the minimum of 54kg, and should get a good sight from barrier 4.

Suggested bet: Scone R8 #9 Youthful King E/W (two units) 1st ($4.80/$1.90)

Other tips

Geelong R1 #8 Merry Magic (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Geelong R3 #5 Our Tiger Lil (win) 1st ($4.60)

Geelong R4 #5 Magenta and Black (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.60)

Geelong R6 #4 Theadmiralreturns (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Geelong R8 #10 Spiriticity (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Scone R6 #3 Short Shafted (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Scone R7 #2 Still Roaming (E/W) 1st ($7.80/$2.70)

Bathurst R4 #1 Force One (win) LOSE (4th)

Harness racing tips: Echuca R5 #2 The Numbers Man (win) 1st ($1.70)

Greyhound racing tips: Warragul R8 #4 Maddision Dee (win) 1st ($1.20)

MLB for July 2

Tampa Bay Rays (43-29, 18-21 away) @ Houston Astros (30-52, 16-29 home), Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Tuesday, July 2, 10.10am

Matt Moore has been having some control issues, but what’s more important is that he’s back in the win column. The Tampa Bay Rays left-hander will try for a third straight win when the Rays and Astros begin a four-game set at Minute Maid Park. In part due to his 8-0 start, Moore (10-3, 3.95 ERA) is one victory shy of a career high. He’s won back-to-back starts after losing his previous three. Moore will face an Astros team that's dropped eight of 12 after getting swept at home by the Angels. Tampa Bay goes for a sixth consecutive victory in this series – all in Houston – after losing six of the first seven meetings.

Tampa Bay (43-39) finished a 4-2 homestand over the weekend by taking two of three from Detroit. The Rays swept their last series against Houston (30-52), winning three games from June 24-26, 2011. In his last start, Astros leftie Dallas Keuchel (4-4, 4.34) struck out nine for the first time, but he surrendered a career high-tying three homers in a 3-1 loss at the Chicago Cubs. Keuchel had been tagged for just five homers in eight previous starts since being inserted into the rotation May 10 but faces a tough task here against a line-up that hits better against left-handers.

Suggested bet: Rays WIN (2.5 units @ $1.62) WIN, game total -8 (1.5 units @ $1.95) LOSE (12-0)

Other tips

AL: Tigers @ Blue Jays +9 $1.97 WIN (3-8)

AL: Yankees WIN $1.87 @ Twins WIN (10-4)

NL: Giants @ Reds WIN $1.65 WIN (1-8)

NL: Brewers @ Nationals -1.5 $2.20 WIN (5-10)

NL: Diamondbacks @ Mets WIN $2.00 WIN (4-5)

NL: Padres @ Marlins WIN $1.78 WIN (0-4)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.