Daily tips for July 12

NRL (R18) for July 12

Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla Sharks, Suncorp Stadium, Friday, July 12, 7.30pm

The last thing Broncos coach Anthony Griffin needs right now is to lose his State of Origin stars to the Queensland side. With last Friday night’s 32-0 loss to Melbourne relegating Brisbane to 13th on the ladder, they need all hands on deck as they look to salvage the remnants of a rapidly sinking season over the next two months. Cronulla find themselves in fifth spot on the NRL ladder with a top-four berth beckoning; however they will be well aware that their past two road trips have been far from inspiring: in Round 13 they were thrashed 38-6 by Melbourne at AAMI Park and in Round 16 fell 24-4 away to North Queensland. That level of performance will undoubtedly need to improve if they are to challenge the big guns at the business end of the season. Both sides replacements are better defensively than they are in the attack, making the ‘under’ our preferred play here.

Suggested bet: Game total -38 WIN (18-19)

AFL (R16) for July 12

Collingwood v Adelaide, MCG, Friday, July 12, 7.50pm

Gotta hand it to Nathan Buckley – from the outside, the Collingwood Football Club has resembled a three-ring circus at times this year. Somehow, they’ve stayed mostly competitive and still relevant in premiership discussions for 2013. With Dayne Beams making his long awaited return here and Ben Reid confirmed as a legitimate second tall forward along side Travis Cloke, the Magpies look well placed for a tilt at the top four. In contrast, last week’s loss to West Coast was just about the last roll of the dice for Adelaide. Brenton Sanderson loses Aidan Riley (injury) and Shaun McKernan (suspension) this week and only has SANFL form to consider for the trip to Melbourne. Having watched the Magpies train this week, I expect they’ll stick with the aggressive attacking style of play that served them so well after quarter-time against the Blues, and put the Crows to the sword.

Suggested bet: Collingwood -27.5 LOSE, game total +173.5 WIN (111-84)

Racing for July 12

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Goulburn (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Tamworth (NSW). Harness racing: Maryborough (Vic), Young (NSW), Newcastle (NSW), Melton (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Port Pirie (SA), Gloucester Park (WA). Greyhound racing: Grafton (NSW), Gawler (SA), Bendigo (Vic), The Gardens (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Wagga (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Mandurah (WA).

Harness racing tip: Melton R4 #2 Have A Bender (win) 1st ($1.60)
Greyhound racing tip: Wentworth Park R5 #6 Gradence (win) LOSE (U/P)

MLB for July 12

Colorado Rockies (44-48, 18-27 away) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (45-45, 25-21 home), Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, Friday, July 12, 12.10pm

After recalling Carlos Gonzalez back in the line-up (with Dexter Fowler and Troy Tulowitzki not far off either) their last time out, the Rockies are hoping that they’re virtually at full strength when they face the Los Angeles Dodgers, winners in 15 of 18. They’ll be timely additions in a what we expect will be a high scoring affair between two clubs coming off late finishes yesterday. Colorado (44-48) will try to continue heading in the right direction with another strong showing against the struggling Chris Capuano (2-6, 5.19 ERA). The left-hander has lost his last four match-ups with the Rockies with a 6.75 ERA, giving six runs over 4 1/3 innings in a 9-5 loss at Coors Field last Thursday.

The Rockies will have to face a surging Dodgers club that’s 1 1/2 games behind Arizona for the NL West lead after a sweep of the Diamondbacks. Los Angeles (45-45) capped that series by rallying for a 7-5 victory in 14 innings Wednesday. Rockies starter Drew Pomeranz (0-2, 9.72) has not made it past the fifth inning in two starts since being recalled from the minors. He gave up five runs in four innings of an 11-1 loss to Arizona on Saturday, matching a career high with five walks. The left-hander gave up six runs over four innings in his most recent match-up with Los Angeles, a 10-8 loss on August 29. Ramirez hit a two-run homer off him in that game.

Suggested bet: Rockies WIN (one unit @ $2.49) LOSE, game total +8 (three units @ $1.87) LOSE (1-6)

Other tips

AL: Blue Jays @ Indians WIN $2.07 WIN (2-4)

AL: Twins +1.5 $2.00 @ Rays WIN (3-4)

AL: Royals @ Yankees WIN $1.86 WIN (4-8)

AL: White Sox @ Tigers +7.5 $2.13 WIN (6-3)

AL: Red Sox @ Mariners +8 $1.95 WIN (8-7)

AL: Rangers @ Orioles +9.5 $2.05 LOSE (1-3)

NL: Nationals @ Phillies WIN $2.27 WIN (1-3)

NL: Reds @ Braves WIN $1.92 WIN (5-6)

NL: Cardinals WIN $1.83 @ Cubs LOSE (0-3)

NL: Brewers WIN $2.22 @ Diamondbacks LOSE (3-5)

NL: Giants @ Padres +7 $1.87 LOSE (4-2)

CFL for July 12

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0) @ Toronto Argonauts (1-1), Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON, Friday, July 12, 9.40am

The Thursday night CFL spotlight will be on Toronto as the Argonauts host Saskatchewan at Rogers Centre. Easily the top-scoring club in the league so far, Saskatchewan is averaging 37.5 PPG thanks to a season-opening 39-18 romp over Edmonton on the road, and a 36-21 triumph over Calgary. They scored in every quarter, with quarterback Darian Durant converting all but eight of his 34 pass attempts for 258 yards and two touchdowns, shaking off a pair of sacks along the way. Coming out of the backfield, Kory Sheets accounted for another 133 yards and a major on 26 rushing attempts for a squad that has run the ball a league-high 53 times through two games for an average of 147.5 YPG. Note that the Riders have posted back-to-back 30+ point performances only four times in the past three seasons. In their next game they've put up 25, 23, 5, and 20 points.

While the Riders seem to be stacked with talent at the skill positions, Toronto also has some marquee players to keep an eye on. Everyone knows how devastating Chad Owens has been for the team and he did so again versus the Lions with a game-high 11 receptions for 111 yards, adding another 70 yards on kickoff returns and 18 on punt returns as well. The other key components for the Toronto offense are Ricky Ray at quarterback and running back Chad Kackert. Both defences need to be at the top of their respective games or Ray and Durant could carve them up with surgical precision. Because the Argos are at home and will have the full weight of the crowd behind them, give the hosts a slight edge in this one with a trend to the over.

Suggested bet: Game total +54.5 (2.5 units @ $1.91) WIN, Argonauts -1.5 (1.5 units @ $1.91) LOSE (39-28)

• 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 11

Racing for July 11

Horse racing: Warrnambool (Vic), Grafton (NSW), Morphettville (SA), Rockhampton (Qld), Northam (WA). Harness racing: Ballarat (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Newcastle (NSW), Penrith (NSW), Shepparton (Vic). Greyhound racing: Angle Park (SA), Dapto (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Casino (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Hobart (Tas), Maitland (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Sandown Park (Vic), Warragul (Vic), Warrnambool (Vic).

Astute judges are rating the 2013 Dougherty Constructions Grafton Cup field as the best ever assembled as winter staying stars from across the eastern seaboard converge on the Clarence River Jockey Club for today’s centenary running of the $150,000 Listed event over 2350 metres. History shows that it’s mighty tough to win from outside gates in this race, which will make it harder for highly rated contenders such as Destiny’s Kiss (17), Mr O’Ceirin (19), Shenzhou Steeds (15) and local hope Zar Zar Binks (18). One that ticks more boxes than most is #2 Zennista, a 5yo NZ mare to be ridden here by Damien Browne. She’ll jump from barrier 8 after trainer Lisa Latta elected to skip the Queensland Cup last Saturday for this. She was third in the Brisbane Cup, missing by a length after jumping from barrier 17 of 18 before winning the Caloundra Cup over 2400m with Browne aboard on June 29. Given the conditions, #11 Saint Encosta is also worth a small play at a hefty price.

Suggested bet: Grafton R7 #2 Zennista E/W (two units) LOSE (U/P)

Other tips

Warrnambool R1 #1 Maythehorsebemagic (E/W) 1st ($5.50/$2.00)

Warrnambool R5 #1 Chaparro (win) LOSE (3rd)

Warrnambool R6 #6 Unique Storm (win) 1st ($1.60)

Grafton R2 #2 Darci’s Money (E/W) 1st ($5.10/$1.90)

Grafton R6 #8 Footy Fan (E/W) 1st ($3.30/$1.70)

Grafton R8 #3 I’m Cool (win) LOSE (U/P)

Morphettville R4 #6 Heart of a Lion (win) LOSE (2nd)

Morphettville R5 #8 Jeaunealistic (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tip: Penrith R5 #3 Hez Declan (win)

Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R8 #2 Compass (win)

MLB for July 11

Kansas City Royals (43-44, 21-22 away) @ New York Yankees (48-42, 25-21 home), Yankee Stadium, New York, NY, Thursday, July 11, 9.10am

The New York Yankees are mired in their worst three-game scoring slump in eight seasons but have an ideal spot to reverse that trend against a pitcher who has been easiest to hit in the majors. The Kansas City Royals will send Wade Davis to the mound Wednesday when they continue this four-game set at Yankee Stadium. New York (48-42) has lost three straight (all at home) and has scored one run in every defeat. It’s the first time the Yankees have scored one or no runs in three straight contests since April 27-29, 2005, and they have not done it four times in a row since August 9-12, 1990.

New York should break out against Davis (4-7, 5.42 ERA), who is allowing opponents to bat .322 – the highest mark in baseball. Davis owns a 6.81 ERA on the road, and he’s 2-4 with a 5.80 ERA in seven career starts against the Yankees. He’s had trouble with Ichiro Suzuki (10 for 19) and Brett Gardner (6 for 13). Ivan Nova (3-2, 4.09) who once had a 16-4 season in 2011, has to be feeling good as he’s coming off of his best outing of the season. Nova pitched a complete game victory over Baltimore in which he allowed two runs on three hits and struck out 11 batters. Nova can bring the heat and he’s the perfect pitcher to pitch the Yankees out of their funk.

Suggested bet: Yankees WIN (three units @ $1.72) WIN, game total +8.5 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (1-8)

Other tips

IL: Athletics @ Pirates WIN $1.76 WIN (0-5)

IL: Angels WIN $1.80 @ Cubs WIN (13-2)

AL: Rangers @ Orioles +9.5 $2.00 LOSE (1-6)

AL: Blue Jays @ Indians WIN $1.68 LOSE (5-4)

AL: Twins @ Rays -1.5 $2.14 LOSE (3-4)

AL: Red Sox WIN $1.79 @ Mariners WIN (11-4)

NL: Braves @ Marlins WIN $2.15 WIN (2-6)

NL: Reds -1.5 $1.88 @ Brewers WIN (6-2)

NL: Mets @ Giants +7.5 $1.87 WIN (7-2)

NL: Nationals @ Phillies -7 $2.05 WIN (5-1)

NL: Dodgers WIN $2.00 WIN @ Diamondbacks -8.5 $1.97 LOSE (7-5)

• 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 10

Cricket for July 10

First Test: England v Australia, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England, July 10-14 (play starts 8pm AEST)

The Poms are crushing the Tour de France, Andy Murray’s ended the Wimbledon drought and the Lions have taken the chocolates from the Wallabies. Where will it end? Probably not over the next eight weeks as Australia sets out to regain the Ashes after England’s victory in Australia in 2010-11. This series is England’s to lose. They are $1.40 to win the series and $1.18 to retain the Ashes. Even these prices hold some appeal due to the clear superiority of Alastair Cook's side in almost every department. On paper, only in pace-bowling depth can the Aussies compete with England.

Of course, the game is not played on paper and Australia cannot to be dismissed out of hand. While the timing of Mickey Arthur’s departure reflected the desperation surrounding the team, the arrival of Darren Lehmann as head coach may well have a galvanising effect. But there are just too many question marks over the Australian batting line-up’s ability to score enough run to support a respectable bowling attack. With so little value in the series markets, we’re going wide in some of the exotics to find some value in this series.

First Test: England WIN (three units @ $1.83) WIN

Series tips

Most Series Runs – Australia (Chris Rogers) one unit @ $5 (best of the series)

Series Correct Score – England (3-1) 0.5 units @ $7.50

Series Correct Score – England (4-1) 0.5 units @ $8

Most Series Runs – Overall (Jonathan Trott) one unit @ $7

Most Series Runs – England (Matt Prior) 0.5 units @ $13

Most Series Wickets – England (Stuart Broad) one unit @ $4.25

Most Series Wickets – Australia (Nathan Lyon) 0.5 units @ $7.50

Feature: There’s no end to Nigerian ingenuity

With thanks to the AP, I came across this story this morning and thought you’d enjoy it. Nigeria is famous for the generosity of people attempting to give away vast amounts of money in return for your bank details but we suspect the local bookies may not have been quite as willing to part with their cash after these two football matches over the weekend.

Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine figured they needed a big win in the final round at an amateur tournament to outdo the other and earn promotion to Nigeria’s professional football leagues. Their wins were definitely big: 79-0 and 67-0. The results have sparked outrage, an indefinite suspension of the four clubs involved in the games, and an investigation into match-fixing by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The NFF overnight called the results from the tournament on Monday in the north-eastern city of Bauchi “a mind-boggling show of shame”. The scorelines were “scandalous”, the NFF added. “The teams involved, their players and officials, match officials, (tournament) coordinator and anyone found to have played some role in this despicable matter would (will) be severely dealt with,” NFF director of competitions Mohammed Sanusi said.

Chasing a place in Nationwide League Division 3, Nigeria’s lowest professional league, Plateau United Feeders reportedly scored 72 of their mountain of goals against Akurba FC in the second half. That’s a rate of more than a goal a minute; in fact, a goal about every 40 seconds – non-stop for 45 minutes! At the same time, Police Machine swept 61 goals past Babayaro FC in the second half after leading by a relatively modest 6-0 at halftime.

In theory, Plateau United Feeders won promotion to the big leagues having scored 81 goals – in three games. Police Machine ultimately could manage only 69. Plateau and Police won their opening games 2-0, then drew 0-0 when they met in the second round, meaning goals would be the decisive factor for promotion to the big time if both won their final games.

Racing for July 10

Horse racing: Canterbury (NSW), Bendigo (Vic), Eagle Farm (Qld), Gawler (SA), Belmont (WA), Grafton (NSW). Harness racing: Geelong (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld), Mildura (Vic). Greyhound racing: The Meadows (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Richmond (NSW), The Gardens (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Cranbourne (Vic), Rockhampton (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Grafton (NSW), Cannington (WA).

A great card of racing is scheduled for today with metro action in Sydney and Brisbane, provincial racing in Bendigo and the penultimate day of the XXXXGold July Racing Carnival at Grafton. The $150,000 Ramornie Handicap is the highlight at the Clarence River Jockey Club today but for our best of the day, we’ll be closely watching a local hope in the Tursa Grafton Guineas over 1600m on the dead (4) today. Trained locally by Felicity Firth, #17 Primed to Win was the first emergency and made the field after Smart Moochi’s scratching. The 3yo gelding has won at his last two starts and steps up to the mile for the first time at his seventh start. Chris Whiteley will ride at the minimum of 54kg and his work has never been better. #1 Casino Card and #5 Peace Force look the main dangers.

Suggested bet: Grafton R6 #17 Primed to Win E/W (two units) LOSE (U/P)

Today’s tips

Bendigo R5 #9 Skawboard Pressure (win) LOSE (2nd)

Bendigo R7 #4 Up the Creek (E/W 1x4) LOSE (U/P)

Canterbury R1 #1 Sweet Kiss (E/W 1x4) NTD (3rd)

Canterbury R2 #1 Arabian Gold (win) 1st ($1.70)

Canterbury R4 #2 Pretty Famous (E/W) 1st ($8.00/$2.70)

Canterbury R6 #2 My Highlight (win) LOSE (3rd)

Eagle Farm R1 #1 Canisbay (win) 1st ($2.20)

Eagle Farm R2 #2 Neuschwanstein (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.30)

Eagle Farm R8 #8 Witches Lips (E/W) SCRATCHED

Grafton R7 #4 Youthful Jack (E/W) 1st ($41.60/$8.50)

Grafton R8 #1 Fashion Opera (win) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tip: Mildura R2 #1 Nikki’s Delight (win) 1st ($1.50)

Greyhound racing tip: Grafton R6 #1 Scissor Queen (win) 1st ($1.80)

MLB for July 10

Toronto Blue Jays (43-45, 18-24 away) @ Cleveland Indians (46-43, 25-18 home), Progressive Field, Cleveland OH, Wednesday, July 10, 9.10am

The Cleveland Indians haven't fared well against the AL East since taking two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays to start the season. The Indians’ 8-19 mark against the East is the second worst among AL teams as they begin a three-game home set against the Blue Jays here. Ubaldo Jimenez (6-4, 4.67 ERA) will open this set, and he’s gone 2-0 with a 3.81 ERA in his last five outings. The Indians had won four straight starts by the right-hander before he gave up four runs over five innings of a 10-7 defeat at Kansas City on Thursday. Jimenez owns a 6.82 home ERA compared to a 3.31 mark on the road. He’s limited Toronto slugger Jose Bautista to a double in 16 at-bats.

The Blue Jays tallied 13 runs in a 1-4 stretch before breaking out in an 11-5 home win over Minnesota on Sunday. The Blue Jays’ Josh Johnson (1-3, 4.89) has received no runs of support in three of his last four outings. That was the case Wednesday when he surrendered six runs (one earned) in a 6-2 defeat to the Tigers. Johnson won his lone start against the Indians on May 20, 2012, yielding one run over seven innings of a 5-3 victory for Miami. He has limited Cleveland slugger Mark Reynolds to a home run and eight strikeouts in nine at-bats. We like the Indians to keep their record in the black with a lean to the over.

Suggested bet: Indians WIN (2.5 units @ $1.95) WIN, game total +9 (1.5 units @ $2.07) LOSE (0-3)

Other tips

IL: Athletics @ Pirates WIN $1.90 LOSE (2-1)

IL: Angels WIN $1.78 @ Cubs LOSE (2-7)

IL: Astros @ Cardinals -7.5 $1.87 LOSE (5-9)

AL: Rangers WIN $2.03 @ Orioles WIN (8-4)

AL: Twins @ Rays WIN $1.61 WIN (1-4)

AL: Red Sox @ Mariners +7.5 $2.02 WIN (11-8)

NL: Nationals @ Phillies WIN $1.75 WIN (2-4)

NL: Braves -1.5 $2.02 @ Marlins WIN (6-4)

NL: Dodgers @ Diamondbacks WIN $1.87 LOSE (6-1)

NL: Mets WIN $2.27 @ Giants WIN (10-6)

• 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 9

MLB for July 9

Chicago Cubs (38-48, 19-25 away) @ Chicago White Sox (34-51, 19-20 home), U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, IL, Tuesday, July 9, 10.10am

Matt Garza will seek to lead the Chicago Cubs to their first season sweep of the White Sox in 15 years in this make-up game at U.S. Cellular Field. Garza’s name has continued to swirl in trade rumours, but it's hardly hindered his pitching. He’s gone 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA in his last four starts. Garza (4-1, 3.45 ERA) will try to keep rolling by leading the Cubs (38-48) to a 4-0 finish against their crosstown rivals after their May 28 game was rained out. They didn’t take as much time to record their only other season sweep of the White Sox, winning three games June 5-7, 1998.

The Cubs have won seven of 11 after taking two of three from NL Central co-leader Pittsburgh this weekend. They recovered from their 18th blown save of the season for a 4-3 win in 11 innings Sunday. The Cubs also have a team-record 11 wins in interleague play this season, posting a 2.99 ERA while hitting 23 homers in 17 games against the AL in 2013. The White Sox (34-51) have been heading in a different direction, losing nine of 11 after a three-game sweep by Tampa Bay over the weekend. The club lost 3-1 on Sunday and has scored nine runs in its last five contests.

In his first start against the Cubs, Hector Santiago (3-5, 3.50) will try to build on a solid effort last time out. The left-hander gave up two runs over seven innings of a 4-2 defeat to Baltimore on Wednesday. Santiago, who matched a career high with nine strikeouts, has attempted to help himself by moving his bullpen sessions back one day. Santiago will likely have to face a rejuvenated Alfonso Soriano, who is expected to serve as the designated hitter for this game. Soriano, batting .342 with five homers and 14 RBIs in his last nine contests, has gone 8 for 17 with two HRs and six RBIs in four games as the DH this season.

Suggested bet: Cubs WIN (1.5 units @ $2.10) WIN, game total -8 (1.5 units @ $2.02) LOSE (8-2)

Other tips

IL: Athletics @ Pirates -7.5 $1.70 WIN (2-1)

AL: Rangers @ Orioles WIN $1.95 LOSE (8-5)

AL: Tigers WIN  $1.65 @ Indians WIN (4-2)

AL: Royals @ Yankees WIN $1.68 LOSE (5-1)

AL: Twins @ Rays WIN $1.63 WIN (4-7)

AL: Red Sox @ Mariners WIN $1.85 WIN -7 $1.83 LOSE (4-11)

NL: Nationals @ Phillies -9.5 $1.91 WIN (2-3)

NL: Braves -1.5 $2.05 @ Marlins WIN (7-1)

NL: Reds WIN  $1.78 @ Brewers LOSE (3-4)

NL: Rockies WIN $2.35 @ Padres WIN (4-2)

• 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 8

NRL (R17) for July 8

Manly Sea Eagles (7-1-6) v Parramatta Eels (3-11), Brookvale Oval, Monday, July 8, 7pm

This one hardly looks like a ratings winner but should provide the Sea Eagles with their eighth win of the NRL season, and we're hoping that's by a comfortable margin. Stats don’t lie – and the figures show the Sea Eagles have been solid in 2013 and the Eels have been plain awful. Manly lie fifth on the Telstra Premiership ladder but are desperate for a win and two competition points following three consecutive defeats by six points or less. Despite the tight losses to the Roosters, Bulldogs and Warriors, the Sea Eagles are just a point out of the top four.

The last-placed Eels, meanwhile, are proving to be the easy-beats of 2013 – the competition’s battlers have won just three matches and are currently enduring a five-match losing streak. Manly welcome back five-eighth Kieran Foran after he was struck by a severe case of food poisoning just hours before kick-off last week. The Kiwi’s return pushes utility Tom Symonds to the bench. For the Eels, Jarryd Hayne has been named to return for the Monday night clash at Brookvale Oval, though his fitness will be closely monitored late in the week. The Origin star’s inclusion pushes Jake Mullaney, who started in the No.1 against South Sydney in the Eels’ most recent match in Round 15, onto a five-man bench.

– Preview, NRL.com

Suggested bet: Manly -18 (three units @ $1.91) WIN (50-10)

Racing for July 8

Horse racing: Echuca (Vic), Corowa (NSW), Sunshine Coast (Qld), Muswellbrook (NSW). Harness racing: Albion Park (Qld), Devonport (Tas), Globe Derby (SA), Gloucester Park (WA), Menangle (NSW), Yarra Valley (Vic). Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Angle Park (SA), Ballarat (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Grafton (NSW), Launceston (Tas), Northam (WA), Nowra (NSW), Shepparton (Vic).

Conditions look ideal with a dead (4) of offer for today’s meeting at Corowa on the Victoria/NSW border by the Murray River. Our best of the day is scheduled to jump at 4pm in race 8, the Benchmark 70 Hcp over 1600m. Trained at Benalla by Peter Burgun with regular rider Shirley Hunter returning to the saddle, #2 Grand Sai Wan disappointed on his recent trip to Moonee Valley but bounced back to finish a close second in similar grade at Bendigo two weeks ago. This is no tougher after some key scratchings, the 4yo gelding is fourth-up, he’s racing up to his career best rating and should collect a fifth win in 24 starts.

Suggested bet: Corowa R8 #2 Grand Sai Wain WIN (two units) 3rd ($1.60)

Other tips

Echuca R1 #6 Red Spyder (win) LOSE (U/P)

Echuca R3 #10 Master Dee Art (E/W) 3rd ($2.00)

Echuca R6 #11 Rhinnon's Gold (E/W) 3rd ($3.80)

Echuca R9 #7 Zazparella (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($2.00)

Corowa R9 #1 Tennessee Lad (win) LOSE (U/P)

Sunshine Coast R7 #2 Punters Pride (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tips: Yarra Valley R1 #7 Aloha Don Ho (win) LOSE (U/P)

Greyhound racing tips: Shepparton R10 #3 Nolen (win) WIN ($1.20)

MLB for July 8

Boston Red Sox (54-35, 23-19 away) @ Los Angeles Angels (42-45, 23-25 home), Angel Stadium of Anaheim, CA, Monday, July 8, 10.10am

After making a name for himself with the Los Angeles Angels, John Lackey failed to meet expectations in his first few seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He’s continuing to make up for lost time. Lackey aims for a fourth consecutive victory as the visiting Red Sox conclude a three-game set against Los Angeles, which tries to build on a thrilling win. Lackey (6-5, 2.81 ERA) failed to approach the All-Star form and big-game reputation he earned with the Angels in his first two years with Boston, going 26-23 with a 5.26 ERA in 2010-11. He missed all of 2012 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

The right-hander, however, leads the Red Sox rotation with a 4.39 strikeout-to-walk ratio and owns a career-low ERA. Jered Weaver (2-4, 3.79) has been pitching much better than his record would suggest. The right-hander beat St Louis 5-1 on Tuesday to snap a five-start winless stretch, allowing one run in seven innings while throwing a season-high 105 pitches. Weaver has gone 1/3 with a 4.78 ERA in his last five starts versus Boston. David Ortiz is 11 for 34 with three homers against Weaver, including playoffs, while Dustin Pedroia is 5 for 31. The Angels are 40-13 in Weaver’s last 53 home starts while the under is 37-13-6 in Weaver’s last 56 home starts.

Suggested bet: Angels WIN (2.5 units @ $1.80), game total -8 (1.5 units @ $1.87)

* No other tips today

• 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 7

AFL (R15) for July 7

Melbourne v Sydney (MCG, Sunday, July 7, 1.10pm AEST)

The Demons fell over the line with little conviction last week but a win’s a win for a side that had managed just one victory for the season. In contrast, the Swans ground out a meritorious victory at a sodden SCG over the Blues and will be confident of victory here despite a less than impressive record at the MCG. They’ve won just three of their past 14, although they knocked over Collingwood here in round nine. Demons co-captain Jack Grimes has been named on an extended bench while the Swans may regain the services of Shane Mumford and Sam Reid. Melbourne looks a different side under Neil Craig with the players’ confidence increasing each week. They won’t win, but we’re expecting they’ll continue to improve on their previous poor scoring output.

Suggested bet: Game total +174.5 WIN (85-116)

Fremantle v St Kilda (Patersons Stadium, Sunday, July 7, 3.20pm AEST)

How’s this for a list of inclusions for the Dockers? Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands, Michael Barlow, David Mundy and emerging defender Lee Spurr are all a chance to return for the visit of the struggling Saints. That Freo remain in contention for a top four spot having endured such a long list of injuries is testament to the club’s depth and player management. The Saints may have won five of their past six in Perth, and four out of their last five against the Dockers, but that all ends here. So far in 2013 at Patersons Stadium, Fremantle’s opposition is averaging only 60-points per game and three teams have finished with six goals or less. Throw in the loss of Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke and it’s hard to find an avenue to goal for the Saints but the line is too high.

Suggested bet: St Kilda +57 WIN, game total -156.5 LOSE (100-70)

Essendon v Port Adelaide (Etihad Stadium, Sunday, July 7, 4.40pm AEST)

Port Adelaide have beaten Sydney and Collingwood in successive weeks at home, but there’s not much respect for those wins here with the Bombers rated a four-goal favourite. This may be a minority view among punters but I’m growing increasingly sceptical of betting on Essendon games. It’s abundantly clear that the supplements program stretched well beyond ‘anti-obesity peptides’. Worse still, a cloud hangs over the 40 premiership points that the side has amassed so far this year. Regardless of your point of view, the playing field is not even in Essendon games. Despite their stellar form since the mid-season break, Port have lost their past seven at Etihad and probably lose here as well but should cover while the ‘over’ also looks a solid play.

Suggested bet: Port Adelaide +21.5 LOSE, game total +182.5 WIN (118-88)

MLB for July 6

Los Angeles Dodgers (41-44, 16-23 away) @ San Francisco Giants (39-46, 24-16 home), AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA, Sunday, July 7, 9.15am

If the Los Angeles Dodgers are to continue their current surge, they might have to do it without one of their key players. The Dodgers could be minus outfielder Matt Kemp when they try to hand the host San Francisco Giants a fifth straight loss. After losing five straight in the series, Los Angeles has won four in a row over a San Francisco team that’s tallied 28 runs while dropping 12 of 14. With Kemp day to day, Carl Crawford could see more time after his return on Friday from missing more than a month with a hamstring injury.

Los Angeles looks to stay hot against San Francisco starter Madison Bumgarner (8-5, 3.08 ERA), who is 4-1 with a 2.18 ERA in his past five starts. Bumgarner, who threw 16 straight scoreless innings against the Dodgers prior to last week’s start, is 6-3 with a 2.54 ERA in nine starts versus the NL West rival. The Dodgers counter with right-hander Stephen Fife (3-2, 2.83), who allowed four hits in seven scoreless innings of a 6-1 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. Bumgarner’s good, but the Giants can’t score at the moment so the Dodgers look reasonable value here.

Suggested bet: Dodgers WIN (one unit @ $2.65) LOSE, game total -7 (two units @ $1.95) WIN (4-2)

Other tips

IL: Mariners WIN $2.90 @ Reds LOSE (4-13)

AL: Orioles @ Yankees WIN $1.80 WIN (4-5)

AL: Twins @ Blue Jays -9 $2.05 WIN (6-0)

AL: Tigers @ Indians WIN $2.25 LOSE (9-4)

AL: White Sox @ Rays WIN $1.75 WIN -7 $1.80 WIN (0-3)

AL: Astros @ Rangers -1.5 $1.65 LOSE (9-5)

NL: Marlins +1.5 $1.74 @ Cardinals WIN (4-5)

NL: Pirates WIN $1.75 @ Cubs LOSE (1-4)

NL: Padres @ Nationals WIN $1.44 WIN -8.5 $2.00 LOSE (4-5)

NL: Braves @ Phillies -8.5 $2.00 LOSE (13-4)

NL: Mets WIN @ Brewers +8 WIN (6-7)

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