Daily tips for August 6

Racing for August 6

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Goulburn (NSW), Townsville (Qld), Taree (NSW), Devonport (Tas). Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Echuca (Vic), Gloucester Park (WA). Greyhound racing: Bendigo (Vic), Gawler (SA), Devonport (Tas), Goulburn (NSW), Horsham (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Lismore (NSW), Warragul (Vic), Gosford (NSW), Townsville (Qld), Mandurah (WA).

Tips

Geelong R1 #9 Miralago (win) 1st ($1.70)

Geelong R4 #4 Zupacharged (win) LOSE (2nd)

Geelong R8 #3 Meteor Shower (E/W) 2nd ($2.10)

Goulburn R5 #9 Full View (E/W) 1st ($3.80/$1.70)

Goulburn R6 #4 Knockfin Road (win) 1st ($1.90)

Taree R6 #2 Danesiri (E/W 1x4) 3rd ($1.50)

Townsville R2 #1 Payteevee 1st ($2.00)

Townsville R6 #9 Arcanus (win) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tip: Echuca R2 #3 Modern Hitch (win) 1st ($2.10)

Greyhound racing tip: Gosford R7 #1 Glama Pak (win) 1st ($1.30)

MLB for August 6

Special report: 13 players suspended in Biogenesis case

Major League Baseball has handed out 50-game suspensions to 12 players involved in the Biogenesis case. Our friends at Covers.com are reporting that New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez will receive the harshest penalty and be suspended through the end of the 2014 season. Reports indicate ARod will appeal the suspension, which will make him eligible to play during the process.

Steve Mikkelson, oddsmaker at the Atlantis Reno, said Nelson Cruz, the All-Star outfielder of the Texas Rangers, is the only player with any real value to moneylines and totals. Cruz was batting .269 with 27 homers and 76 RBIs prior to the suspension. "I think that without question, the Rangers are impacted the most," Mikkelson said. "That's a big bat in the middle of that Ranger line-up that is worth about three or four cents to the moneyline. You'll also see totals come down a little bit as well."

"ARod is done," Mikkelson said. "I don't think it will have a big effect on the Yankees. It will be more of a media circus on the ball club than anything." Also suspended was Detroit Tigers SS Jhonny Peralta: "I don't think Peralta is a real factor," Mikkelson said. "They went out and got Jose Iglesias who is a much better fielder and that will certainly aid Cabrera defensively. Cabrera can't cover anything out there and Iglesias is a better defensive option than Peralta. Detroit will hit with or without Peralta in the line-up.” Other players that have agreed to suspensions are:

• Everth Cabrera, San Diego shortstop

• Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies reliever

• Jordany Valdespin, New York Mets outfielder

• Francisco Cervelli, Yankees catcher

• Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners catcher

• Cesar Puello, New York Mets outfield prospect

• Fautino De Los Santos, San Diego Padres pitching prospect

• Sergio Escalona, Houston Astros pitching prospect

• Fernando Martinez, New York Yankees outfield prospect

• Jordan Norberto, free-agent pitcher

Tips

AL: Tigers WIN $1.83 @ Indians WIN (4-2)

AL: Yankees @ White Sox -8 $1.83 LOSE (1-8)

AL: Twins @ Royals -1.5 $2.30 WIN (0-13)

AL: Red Sox @ Astros -8.5 $1.91 WIN (0-2)

AL: Rangers @ Angels +8.5 $1.85 LOSE (5-2)

AL: Blue Jays @ Mariners -7.5 $1.93 WIN (3-1)

NL: Dodgers @ Cardinals -7 $1.92 WIN (3-2)

NL: Braves WIN $2.07 @ Nationals WIN (3-2)

NL: Brewers @ Giants WIN $1.61 WIN (2-4)

• 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.

Daily tips for August 5

Racing for August 5

Horse racing: Mildura (Vic), Darwin (NT), Ballina (NSW), Forbes (NSW), Port Hedland (WA). Harness racing: Albion Park (Qld), Charlton (Vic), Globe Derby (SA), Menangle (NSW), Pinjarra (WA). Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Angle Park (SA), Ballarat (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Launceston (Tas), Northam (WA), Nowra (NSW), Shepparton (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW).

Just two days after fallen jockeys were remembered as part of National Jockeys Celebration Day, terrible news has reached us from Darwin where jockey Simone Montgomerie has died after sustaining fatal injuries in a fall on Cup Day at Fannie Bay. TVN reported that Montgomerie fell from the Gary Clarke-trained Riahgrand 100 metres from the finish in the $35,000 Wolf Blass Lightning Plate (1000m). There were immediate concerns for the condition of Montgomerie. Paramedics treated her on the track before taking her to hospital in a critical condition. The three remaining races on the Darwin Cup meeting (including the 2000-metre feature) were abandoned and just over an hour after the fall, confirmation came that Montgomerie had died. Montgomerie, a mother of two, is the daughter of trainer Peter Montgomerie. He famously prepared On A Jeune to finish second behind Makybe Diva in the 2005 Melbourne Cup. Our thoughts are with friends, family and associates of Simone.

Tips

Mildura R3 #3 It’s Electrifying (E/W) 3rd ($1.60)

Mildura R7 #3 Red Five (win) 1st ($3.00)

Mildura R8 #1 Prussia Island (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Ballina R4 #8 Active Star (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.50)

Ballina R7 #8 Lambourn (E/W) 3rd ($2.00)

Forbes R5 #4 Your Excellency (win) LOSE (2nd)

Forbes R8 #1 Lord Burghersh (win) 1st ($2.90)

Darwin R3 #9 Ornithologist (win) 1st ($1.90)

Darwin R9 #3 Thumbtacks (E/W) ABANDONED

Harness racing tip: Charlton R6 #1 Philtra Phella (win) 1st ($1.40)

Greyhound racing tip: Shepparton R7 #2 Classy Maldini (win)

MLB for August 5

San Francisco Giants (49-60, 21-33 away) @ Tampa Bay Rays (65-45, 36-21 home), Tropicana Field, St Petersburg, FL, Monday, August 5, 3.40am

Even when they’re struggling at the plate, solid pitching continues to help the Tampa Bay Rays win games. Roberto Hernandez looks to continue his success against the NL and help the Rays build on an extra-inning victory Sunday against the San Francisco Giants. Tampa Bay (65-45) averaged 4.7 runs while winning five of six before tallying three runs in the last three games. However, the Rays managed enough to avoid a third straight loss with Saturday’s 2-1, 10-inning victory over San Francisco. Wil Myers had two hits, including the winning single with the bases loaded, and David Price threw nine strong innings in his duel with fellow Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum to help the Rays snap the Giants’ three-game winning streak. The Rays are 11-3 against NL opponents this season while San Francisco (49-60) is 3-7 against the AL. Tampa Bay’s starting pitchers are second in the AL with a 3.77 ERA, and have allowed one or no runs 39 times.

Hernandez (6-11, 4.71 ERA) gave up two Tuesday, but he also completed his first game since 2010 when he was pitching for Cleveland and known as Fausto Carmona. The right-hander surrendered a two-run homer in the ninth inning and four other hits in a 5-2 win over Arizona to improve to 3-0 with a 1.52 ERA against NL opponents this season. Hernandez has allowed three or fewer runs in six straight starts. Guillermo Moscoso makes his first start of the season here after he allowed a two-run homer, another hit, two walks and struck out three in 2 2/3 innings of a 7-3 loss at Philadelphia on Tuesday in his Giants debut. Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on July 26, the right-hander gets the chance to start now that Barry Zito has been relegated to the bullpen. Moscoso went 8-10 with a 4.10 ERA in 24 starts during 2011 and 2012 for Oakland and Colorado. He was 0-1 with an 8.38 ERA in two starts against Tampa while with Oakland in 2011.

Suggested bet: Rays WIN (three units @ $1.52) WIN, game total -8.5 (two units @ $1.87) WIN (3-4)

Other tips

IL: D'backs @ Red Sox WIN $1.52 WIN +9.5 $2.12 LOSE (0-4)

IL: Royals WIN $1.76 WIN @ Mets +7.5 $2.27 WIN (6-2)

IL: Indians WIN $1.84 @ Marlins WIN (2-0)

AL: White Sox @ Tigers -1.5 $1.91 LOSE +8.5 $1.91 LOSE (2-3)

AL: Rangers WIN $2.13 @ Athletics WIN (4-0)

AL: Mariners @ Orioles WIN $1.52 LOSE -9.5 $1.95 WIN (3-2)

AL: Blue Jays @ Angels -8 $1.98 LOSE (6-5)

NL: Cardinals WIN $2.22 @ Reds WIN (15-2)

NL: Rockies @ Pirates WIN $1.54 WIN (1-5)

NL: Nationals @ Brewers WIN $1.88 WIN -8.5 $1.83 LOSE (5-8)

NL: Dodgers WIN $1.79 @ Cubs WIN (1-0)

NL: Braves @ Phillies WIN $1.79 LOSE -7.5 $1.95 WIN (4-1)

• 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 August 4

Racing for August 4

Horse racing: Kilmore (Vic – abandoned), Gundagai (NSW), Sunshine Coast (Qld), Pakenham (Vic), Muswellbrook (NSW), Kalgoorlie (WA), Launceston (Tas), Carnarvon (WA). Harness racing: Cranbourne (Vic), Dubbo (NSW), Hobart (Tas). Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Canberra (ACT), Gawler (SA), Healesville (Vic), Sale (Vic), Sandown Park (Vic).

Tips

Gundagai R3 #10 South The Alert (E/W) 1st ($11.90/$3.20)

Gundagai R5 #12 Jo Jo Girl (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Gundagai R6 #3 Areteare LOSE (U/P)

Muswellbrook R2 #1 Blind Alley (win) 1st ($2.00)

Muswellbrook R5 #1 Net Worth (E/W) 1st ($6.30/$2.40)

Sunshine Coast R2 #10 Wish Upon A Star 1st ($1.60)

Sunshine Coast R6 #3 Ten To Zero LOSE (4th)

Kalgoorlie R5 #5 Massivo (E/W) 3rd ($1.60)

Kalgoorlie R7 #6 Car Park (win) 1st ($2.60)

Harness racing tip: Cranbourne R2 #2 Melita Bromac (win) 1st ($1.40)

Greyhound racing tip: Sale R5 #3 Kiss Me Ketut 1st ($1.90)

NRL (R21) for August 4

Canberra Raiders (10-8) v Melbourne Storm (11-1-6), Canberra Stadium, Sunday, August 4, 2pm

It’s been a rough month for Melbourne, who come into this clash on the back of three losses from their past four games and desperately needing a win to steady the ship. It’s not the end of the world of course. Any side boasting the likes of Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk is bound to bounce back eventually. And they found themselves in a similar position last year when they dropped five in a row between Rounds 16-21 before winning their next eight games to claim the title. But the Storm will be keen go turn the tide sooner rather than later. With South Sydney waiting in the wings for Melbourne next weekend, that makes this trip to Canberra very much a must-win if they are to look to another premiership charge. Canberra have had Melbourne’s measure of late, having won their past two encounters including a hugely impressive 24-20 win at AAMI Park in May. They are also riding a 12-game winning streak at Canberra Stadium dating back almost exactly 12 months. For the Raiders, this game also looms as a significant one as they look to cement their spot in the top eight.

Poised delicately in seventh spot on the Telstra Premiership ladder on 24 competition points, they will be acutely aware of the Knights and Warriors breathing down their neck – and the chasing pack just a few points further back. They also face a nightmare run home with this week’s Storm clash followed by games against the Roosters, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Warriors and Sharks. With that in mind, every home game is vital. There have been some good signs for Canberra of late. The decision by coach David Furner to move boom rookie Anthony Milford to full-back has worked wonders with his ability to conjure a decisive play. And with their backline starting to find form they certainly boast the strike power to trouble any side in the NRL. Both sides have named identical sides to the 17 that took the field in their respective matches last week. Only once have the Raiders defeated Melbourne twice in a season – way back in 2000. However, they have a great chance to do just that this week given that they have averaged 28.4 points per game in Sunday home fixtures over the past two seasons. They will be hard to beat if they equal that average here. (Preview thanks to NRL.com)

Suggested bet: Raiders +4 (two units @ $1.91) LOSE (4-68)

AFL (R19) for August 4

Footscray (5-12) v Sydney (13-3), Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 4, 1.10pm AEST

Recent history between these sides is scattered with fixtures played in Canberra and the SCG but the last one was played at Etihad with Sydney cruising home by 82 points in round 21 last year. Like Freo, the Swans have excelled despite a long list of injuries this year and turned in a sublime performance against the Tigers last Sunday. Footscray gave their long-suffering supporters something to cheer with a solid win over an injury-decimated West Coast in round 18 but they remain lumbered with a list that trails the other 17 clubs by some margin. The Swans on-ballers’ ability to win the ball from beneath ruckman Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke is remarkable (take a look how close they’ll position under their ruckman at stoppages) and they’ll enjoy the dimensions of Etihad, which are not dissimilar to the SCG. If the Swans come to play, the line on offer is a gift and worth a play.

Suggested bet: Sydney -44.5 (two units @ $1.91) LOSE (99-134)

Adelaide v Port Adelaide, AAMI Stadium, Sunday, August 4, 3.20pm AEST

Ladder positions and form often don’t matter when it comes to the Showdown as evidenced by the 18-16 spread over the previous 34 meetings between the AFL’s two SA sides. Indeed, the underdog has outperformed the favourite by a scale of almost 2:1, and that was the case when the Power clawed their way back from a 31-point deficit to beat the Crows by nine points back in round 3. Adelaide is cast into the role of the spoiler here – Brenton Sanderson’s side is out of finals contention while Port have defied all the pundits and cling to a spot just inside the top eight. Rory Sloane is a big out for Adelaide but the return of Patrick Dangerfield more than makes up for his absence. I have a significant lean to the Power here – they’re virtually at full strength and, inaccuracy aside, have more attacking avenues available than the Crows, who’ll also be without Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan as forward options.

Suggested bet: Port Adelaide WIN (two units @ $1.82) WIN (103-107)

Collingwood (11-6) v Essendon (13-4), MCG, Saturday, August 3, 4.40pm AEST

One of four games for which coin-flip odds were posted, the latest meeting between old foes Collingwood and Essendon will carry some extra spice after allegations of the Magpies’ “biological superiority” were made as part of another week in never-ending drugs saga. Somehow, the Essendon players have been able to cast aside the off-field dramas when they’ve entered the field of play for the bulk of 2013, but cracks certainly started to appear in their 56-point loss to Hawthorn last week. It’s difficult to get a read on the trends in this fixture as their annual ANZAC Day clash often mocks the form of the day. The intangibles are likely to heavily play on the outcome of this match too. On pure form, I’d go with the Bombers although their win over the Magpies in round 5 was their first in eight outings. Despite their less-than-impressive showing against GWS last week, I suspect the Pies will be able to cast their own off-field issues aside and make a statement here.

Suggested bet: Collingwood WIN (two units @ $1.80) WIN, game total -182.5 (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE (133-54)

MLB for August 4

Chicago White Sox (40-67, 18-39 away) @ Detroit Tigers (62-45, 35-19 home), Comerica Park, Detroit, MI, Sunday, August 4, 9.10am

This is one of the most one-sided MLB games I’ve spotted for quite some time. Max Scherzer has been as dominant immediately following the All-Star break as he was before it, and he’s pitched extremely well of late against the lowly Chicago White Sox. Hoping to match his career high with a 16th win, the right-hander tries to help the Detroit Tigers extend their season-high winning streak to seven and send the visiting White Sox on their first nine-game slide in almost 22 years on Friday night. Scherzer (15-1, 3.01 ERA) suffered his first loss when he allowed four runs in six innings to Texas in his last outing before starting for the AL in the All-Star game. He's yielded two runs and five hits over 14 innings to win his first two starts after the break.

Pitching on his 29th birthday last Saturday, Scherzer became the fourth pitcher since 1979 to go 15-1 after he allowed one hit and struck out seven in six innings of a 10-0 victory at Philadelphia. Scherzer also has received a major league-best 7.64 average runs of support. The Tigers (62-45) improved to 6-0 on an eight-game homestand with Friday’s 2-1 win in the series opener. They’ve won seven straight at home and 10 of 11 overall. Chicago starter John Danks (2-8, 4.57) is 0-3 with a 4.86 ERA in his previous five starts overall, but he allowed one earned run and two hits in six innings while not factoring in the decision of a 3-2 loss at Cleveland on Monday. The White Sox, who have lost 11 of 12, last dropped nine in a row on August 19-28, 1991.

Suggested bet: Tigers -1.5 (three units @ $1.80) WIN (0-3)

Other tips

IL: D'backs WIN $2.35 LOSE @ Red Sox -8 $2.05 WIN (2-5)

IL: Royals WIN $1.75 @ Mets WIN (4-3)

IL: Indians @ Marlins WIN $2.14 LOSE (4-3)

IL: Yankees @ Padres WIN $2.05 LOSE -7 $1.97 WIN (3-0)

AL: Rangers WIN $1.94 @ Athletics LOSE (2-4)

AL: Mariners @ Orioles -1.5 $2.10 LOSE -9.5 $1.84 LOSE (8-4)

AL: Astros @ Twins -8.5 $2.00 LOSE (4-6)

AL: Blue Jays @ Angels WIN $1.61 WIN (3-7)

NL: Dodgers WIN $1.95 WIN @ Cubs -7.5 $2.00 WIN (3-0)

NL: Rockies @ Pirates -7 $1.91 PUSH (2-5)

NL: Cardinals WIN $2.49 LOSE @ Reds +8 $1.83 WIN (3-8)

NL: Nationals WIN $1.75 @ Brewers WIN (3-0)

• 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 August 3

AFL (R19) for August 3

Greater Western Sydney (0-17) v Melbourne (2-15), Skoda Stadium, Saturday, August 3, 1.45pm AEST

Melbourne have set new standards for bruise-free, insipid football in 2013 with their effort against North Melbourne last week perhaps establishing a new low. Just passing time until a new coach is confirmed? In contrast, the young Giants turned in an inspired performance to give Collingwood a real fright at the MCG last Saturday evening. Statistically, the sides match up evenly with the bookies in agreement, opening with a pick’em price for the game. GWS dominated Melbourne for three quarters when they met at the MCG in round 4 and, while I hadn’t expected the Giants to break their duck this season, I have little doubt that the league newcomers will give Kevin Sheedy a farewell gift with victory over the hapless Dees. Melbourne has found it extraordinarily difficult to penetrate their forward 50 zone while, at the other end, they’ll be without James Frawley in the battle to stop wunderkind forward Jeremy Cameron.

Suggested bet: GWS Giants WIN (two units @ $1.60) WIN (124-87)

Hawthorn (15-2) v Richmond (11-6), MCG, Saturday, August 3, 2.10pm AEST

This is another case of the obvious bet not necessarily being the best course of action. The Hawks played some of their best footy of the year in easily accounting for the Bombers last Friday night while the Tigers, gallant in the first quarter, had no answers to Sydney’s class at the SCG. However, Damien Hardwick’s knowledge of the Hawks, where he was an assistant before joining the Tigers, served them well last time out as they smashed the eventual grand finalists by 62 points. The Hawks’ game-plan is beatable if the opposition midfield can force them wide when they bring the ball off half-back. The height and strength of Buddy Franklin and Jarryd Roughead may be negated by the lousy weather forecast for Saturday afternoon, while I have a ‘bounceback’ factor in play here for the Tigers. Not suggesting an upset but happy to play the Tigers at the line.

Suggested bet: Richmond +28.5 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (66-107)

West Coast (7-10) v Gold Coast (6-11), Patersons Stadium, Saturday, August 3, 4.40pm AEST

In 2012 West Coast finished 13 points shy of a preliminary final, while Gold Coast won just three games and finished second last. There was 126 points between the two teams in round 14 last year yet, ahead of this clash, just one game separates them on the ladder. Both are coming off average performances in round 18 – the Eagles looked listless as the Bulldogs ran over the top of them while the Suns didn’t have the cattle to counter a buoyant Carlton at Metricon. However, Guy McKenna is the enviable position to recall Rory Thompson, Dion Prestia and David Swallow for this clash while skipper Darren Glass is back for the Eagles. The key here is the ruck – no Zac Smith or Tom Nicholls will leave Dean Cox almost unchallenged at the stoppages although the class of the Gold Coast on-ballers should ensure a reasonable share of the clearances. I have a slight lean to the Eagles covering the line, but not much interest.

Suggested bet: West Coast -15.5 (one unit @ $1.91)

Carlton (9-8) v Fremantle (12-4), Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 3, 7.40pm AEST

Carlton may be the side scratching for its top eight survival, but I suspect that it will be Fremantle that makes a statement of intent here. Unbeknownst to many AFL followers, clubs with their finals sports secure often undergo rigourous training about a month out from September before tapering over the final four weeks of the home and away season. Ross Lyon adheres to this philosophy, which served him so well at St Kilda. Additionally, the Dockers seem to have Etihad Stadium sorted, with their record reading 4-0 on their past four visits. These fixtures have also been generally close, with three of the past four decided by less than 10 points. I’m very keen on the Dockers here – Hayden Ballantyne is a big ‘in’ while they’ve yet to lose to a side outside the top eight. Meanwhile, the Blues have yet to beat a top eight side with the exception of Port Adelaide.

Suggested bet: Fremantle WIN (two units @ $2.00), game total -167.5 (three units @ $1.90, best of the round)

Brisbane Lions (7-10) v St Kilda (3-14), Gabba, Saturday, August 3, 7.40pm AEST

These sides have met just once over the past six seasons, with the Saints on a 4-0 winning streak including the past three here at the Gabba although the margin has never stretched beyond three goals. Ironically, the top goal kicker in their 13-point win last time out was Ahmed Saad, the player now facing a two-year suspension after returning an irregular drug sample. St Kilda can thank Essendon that their 2013 woes haven’t filled more space in the media as the club’s commitment to youth hasn’t exactly been a rip-roaring success, underlined by their capitulation at Geelong last Saturday night. Brisbane’s hopes of a top eight berth may have ended at the hands of Port Adelaide in round 18, and they’re forward set-up remains well below the best in the competition, but that won’t be an issue here as they beat-up on a St Kilda counting down the days to the end of the season.

Suggested bet: Brisbane -25.5 (two units @ $1.91), game total -183.5 (one unit @ $1.90)

Racing for August 3

Horse racing: Moonee Valley (Vic), Rosehill (NSW), Doomben (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Belmont (WA), Kembla Grange (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Coonabarabran (NSW), Broome (WA), Darwin (NT), Sunshine Coast (Qld). Harness racing: Globe Derby (SA), Albion Park (Qld), Bendigo (Vic), Bunbury (WA), Menangle (NSW), Wagga (NSW). Greyhound racing: The Gardens (NSW), Wentworth Park (NSW), Cannington (WA), Richmond (NSW), The Meadows (Vic), Traralgon (Vic).

So where would you rather be today? Freezing off your extremities at Moonee Valley or kicking back with a cold one in the Top End for the penultimate day of the Carlton Mid Darwin Cup Carnival and today’s running of the bet365 Palmerston Sprint! SA trainer Michael Hickmott would love nothing better than to put the Palmerston Sprint trophy to sit alongside his two Darwin Cups and, in smart speedster #3 Rescue Mission, Hickmott believes he has the horse capable of winning the Territory's premier dash. The winner of six of 28, the 5yo gelding was runner-up to Adebisi in the G3 Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield in February with firm fitting his preferred surface. He had a look at Fannie Bay back on July 13 and is primed for this with Victorian hoop Reece Wheeler taking the ride.

Suggested bet: Darwin R7 #3 Rescue Mission (E/W 1x4) LOSE (4th)

Other tips

Moonee Valley R1 #1 Clevadude (E/W) 1st ($4.20/$2.10)

Moonee Valley R3 #1 The Cleaner (win) LOSE (3rd)

Moonee Valley R4 #3 Ominous Quality (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Moonee Valley R6 #9 Vizhaka (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Moonee Valley R8 #9 Henwood (win) 1st ($2.40)

Rosehill R2 #4 Champagne Cath (win) LOSE (4th)

Rosehill R3 #1 Dee ‘N’ Gee (E/W) LOSE (NTD)

Rosehill R4 #9 Canny Ballad (E/W) 2nd ($2.50)

Rosehill R6 #8 Coup Ay Tee (E/W) 1st ($7.90/$2.30)

Rosehill R7 #4 Sacred Flyer (win) 1st ($2.60)

Rosehill R8 #12 Tenby Lady (place) LOSE (4th)

Doomben R1 #1 D'jet (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($2.10)

Doomben R5 #5 Keep It Moist (win) LOSE (4th)

Doomben R7 #2 Gundy Son (E/W) 3rd ($2.50)

Morphettville R4 #12 Dylanson (E/W) 3rd ($1.60)

Morphettville R6 #5 Fast And Free (win) LOSE (U/P)

Morphettville R7 #10 Saturday Affair (E/W 1x4) 1st ($4.80/$1.90)

Harness racing tip: Bendigo R9 #7 Union Belle (E/W)

Greyhound racing tip: The Meadows R6 #2 Our Tommy (E/W 1x2)

Note: The racing industry is recognising National Jockeys Celebration Day across the nation today. Race-clubs and racing patrons will celebrate the contribution former and current jockeys have made to the racing industry in Australia for more than 200 years. More than 500 riders have lost their lives in racing accidents since 1810. Blessings will be offered and a minute's silence observed for those who have lost their lives at many tracks today. Donations can be made by visiting the Trust’s website – www.njt.org.au.

CFL (week 6) for August 3

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) @ Edmonton Eskimos (1-4), Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB, Saturday, August 3, 11.05am

Something’s gotta give here as the 1-4 Eskimos host the 1-4 Tiger-Cats for one of our stronger plays of the weekend! The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are reeling after back-to-back losses to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in which they were outscored 69-20 and surrendered 298 total rushing yards. Quarterback Henry Burris and the Tiger-Cats will try to recover when they visit the floundering Edmonton Eskimos. Burris leads the league with 1510 passing yards, but Hamilton has only managed 99 points – tied with Edmonton for lowest in the league – because of its lack of a running game. Running back Lindsey Lamar appeared to have solved Hamilton’s running issues with more than 100 total combined yards in a little over one quarter of action last week before he was injured by a high hit during a kick-off return. Lamar, who has 564 return yards as a rookie, was on the sidelines at practice Monday, along with newly signed linebacker Brandon Isaac.

The Eskimos’ only win came against Hamilton in heavy rain at the Tiger-Cats’ temporary home in Guelph, Ontario, in Week 2. Quarterback Mike Reilly was pulled briefly after a poor start in last week’s loss to the Montreal Alouettes, but returned to bring Edmonton within one yard of winning on a long final drive. Reilly has completed only 72-of-128 passes and has thrown more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (five) in his first stint as a CFL starter, but the Eskimos are short on options to replace him as they look for their first home win of 2013. Running back Hugh Charles had his strongest performance of the year in Edmonton’s 30-20 victory over the Tiger-Cats. Charles ran for 119 yards, including a 70-yard dash that resulted in his only touchdown of the season. The Eskimos defence has 10 sacks, while linebackers Damaso Munoz and JC Sherritt lead the team in tackles with 34 and 31, respectively.

Suggested bet: Game total -53.5 (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE, Hamilton +3.5 (three units @ $1.91) WIN (30-29)

MLB for August 3

San Francisco Giants (48-59, 20-32 away) @ Tampa Bay Rays (64-44, 35-20 home), Tropicana Field, St Petersburg, FL, Saturday, August 3, 9.10am

The Tampa Bay Rays ended July on a down note, but it still ended up being the best month in franchise history. No AL rookie pitcher in the past 92 seasons had a better July than Chris Archer. The right-hander goes for a fifth consecutive winning start here when the Rays continue their push for the AL East lead with the San Francisco Giants making their second-ever visit. Going for its 24th win in 28 games, Tampa Bay (64-44) finished with three hits in a 7-0 loss to visiting Arizona on Wednesday. The Rays, though, went 21-5 in July, and they would have opened this three-game series percentage points ahead of Boston for the East lead had the Red Sox not rallied for six runs in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 8-7 victory over Seattle. Archer (6-3, 2.39 ERA) enjoyed a historic July, going 4-0 with a 0.73 ERA in five starts after throwing a two-hitter in Saturday's 1-0 road win over the Yankees. Since 1921, that is the lowest ERA by any AL rookie in July.

Archer gets his first look at the Giants (48-59), who arrive in St. Petersburg after rallying for a 2-1 victory at Philadelphia on Thursday. San Francisco, last in the NL West, has won two in a row following a 1-8 stretch. The reigning World Series champs go for their first three-game win streak since July 11-13 with Madison Bumgarner (10-6, 2.76) on the hill. The All-Star left-hander leads the Giants in wins and innings, but the club hasn’t done much to support him lately, scoring once in his last two outings. Bumgarner has surrendered one run in those starts after his eight scoreless innings were wasted in Saturday's 1-0 loss to the Cubs. The Rays, who had their seven-game interleague home winning streak snapped Wednesday, haven’t dropped two straight overall since June 26 and 28. Tampa Bay won two of three from the visiting Giants from June 8-10, 2004, to even the all-time series at three games apiece.

Suggested bet: Tampa Bay WIN (2.5 units @ $1.67) LOSE, game total -7 (2.5 units @ $1.75) WIN (4-1)

Other tips

IL: Royals @ Mets +8 $1.98 LOSE (2-4)

IL: Indians WIN $2.02 @ Marlins LOSE (0-10)

AL: Mariners @ Orioles -1.5 $2.08 WIN (8-11)

AL: Astros @ Twins -8 $2.00 WIN (3-3)

AL: Rangers WIN $2.23 @ Athletics WIN (8-3)

NL: Dodgers WIN $1.75 WIN @ Cubs -9 $1.91 WIN (6-2)

NL: Braves WIN $1.59 WIN @ Phillies +8.5 $1.80

NL: Rockies @ Pirates WIN $1.61 LOSE (4-2)

NL: Cardinals WIN $2.02 @ Reds WIN (13-3)

NL: Nationals @ Brewers WIN $2.25 LOSE (4-1)

• 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 August 2

NRL (R21) for August 2

Penrith Panthers (8-10) v Sydney Roosters (14-4), Centrebet Stadium, Friday, August 2, 7.35pm

It doesn't get much harder than playing the miserly Roosters at the moment. Second on the competition table, they have the best points for-and-against differential of any side (plus-237) and have conceded the least amount of points (209). That is an average of just 11.6 points conceded per game, the sort of average that premiership-winning teams often boast. During their current, five-game winning streak, the Roosters' defensive average is even better than their stunning overall average. While beating the Bulldogs 20-18, the Sea Eagles 18-12, the Dragons 36-0, the Sharks 40-0 and the Knights 28-12, they have conceded at an average of 10.4 per game. For the Roosters, Mitch Aubusson rises from the bench to replace Williams in the starting side, and Aidan Guerra comes in on the bench.

It is going to be even harder for the Panthers when you consider their injury problems, which mainly hit them in the forwards. Sure, the Roosters are without suspended superstar Sonny Bill Williams, but the Panthers are without Sam McKendry, who has been missing long term, Matt Robinson and Nigel Plum. Lachlan Coote and Brad Tighe remain unavailable in the backs as well. The Panthers made a strong run of six wins from eight games to break into the top eight, but their injury problems then mounted and they struggled in their past two games, losing 32-14 to the Knights and 38-10 to the Sharks. They have dropped to 10th, and need to start winning again now if they hope to make the finals. But it's going to be a huge challenge for them here. Mose Masoe returns on the bench for the Panthers, replacing Sam Anderson. Josh Mansour is added to what is a five-man bench.

Suggested bet: Game total -40.5 (two units @ $1.85) LOSE (6-42)

Other tip

Newcastle Knights -5.5 (one units @ $1.91) LOSE v Brisbane Broncos -37.5 (two units @ $1.90) WIN (18-18)

AFL (R19) for August 2

North Melbourne (7-10) v Geelong (14-3), Etihad Stadium, Friday, August 2, 7.50pm

It’s not often two sides meet the week after both scoring 100-plus-point victories, but that’s the case here as the Scott brothers and their Kangaroos and Cats kick-off round 19 under the roof at Etihad. It took North a half to hit top gear against the Demons before they rattled on 16 goals to one after quarter-time to win by 122 points here last week. Likewise, St Kilda was tied with Geelong at quarter-time before the Cats put on a clinic, booting 17 goals to one over the next three quarters. Geelong may have won eight of the past nine against the Roos, but the record is evenly split 4-4 at Etihad with just four points separating the sides when they met in round 2. The Roos will be without skipper Andrew Swallow until well into season 2014, while Chris Scott had quickly recalled Jimmy Bartel, Josh Hunt and the rested Mark Blicavs. With respect to the Roos record at Etihad, I suggest just a small play on the ‘under’ based on the Cats’ ability to deny opposition sides access to their forward 50.

Suggested bet: Game total -206.5 (one unit @ $2.00) WIN (96-86)

Racing for August 2

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Scone (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Canberra (ACT). Harness racing: Mildura (Vic), Young (NSW), Melton (Vic), Newcastle (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld), Globe Derby (SA), Gloucester Park (WA). Greyhound racing: Casino (NSW), Mt Gambier (SA), Bendigo (Vic), The Gardens (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Wagga (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Winnellie Park (NT), Mandurah (WA).

They’re racing on an unseasonable dead (4) and under clear skies at Scone today with the eight-race card featuring plenty of horses chasing their first win. One of those is our best of the day #1 Couch Potato, jumping from barrier 4 in the National Jockeys Trust Maiden Plate over 1100m. The Kris Lees-trained 4yo gelding resumes after almost a year away from the races. He was one of the better performers at the Newcastle trials on July 16, winning his trial in 55.36 seconds – the fastest of three 900m trials – and defeated horses that have won races in the process. The four-year-old son of Snitzel is yet to win in three race starts but has form around horses that have won metropolitan races.

Suggested bet: Scone R2 #1 Couch Potato WIN (two units) 1st ($1.60)

Other tips

Geelong R4 #7 Bondi Tram (E/W 1x4) 1st ($3.80/$1.70)

Geelong R6 #2 Godfrey (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Geelong R8 #8 Beau Jez (win) LOSE (4th)

Geelong R9 #6 Dr Brock (win) 1st ($2.80)

Scone R1 #4 Always Tomorrow (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Scone R3 #2 Cardiff Arms (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.40)

Scone R5 #4 Strada Lodge (E/W 1x4) LOSE (U/P)

Canberra R2 #5 Zartiki (E/W 1x2) 2nd ($2.00)

Canberra R4 #2 Flaming Star (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Canberra R8 #3 Aupose (E/W) 3rd ($1.60)

Ipswich R4 #1 Bon Temps (win) 1st ($2.20)

Ipswich R6 #4 Bronco (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.50)

Harness racing tip: Melton R4 #1 Echeveria (win) LOSE (4th)

Greyhound racing tip: Wentworth Park R4 #1 Little Grey (win) 1st ($1.60)

Note: no MLB tips will be posted for August 1 games in the US 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.