Unless you are a punt drunk or a Sydney Colt groupie you shouldn’t bet on Sydney as it is a rough day. Have some mail for a $34 horse today. A lounge chair, TVN’s coverage of Flemington and an online account with a corporate bookie is the go.

Race 7 n4 MERCONMAN e/w ($34w $9p) I have taken the quoted prices with Sportsbet (also available with IAS) this morning. This neddy has trialled well and worth a few bob e/w. If it flukes the win I will be able to pay off Greece’s national debt

Race 8n8 LIGHTINTHENITE ($4.0) My only query here is that the connections have left Christian Reith on board. His last ride, when the neddy was the subject of a national plunge (and my biggest bet of the year), bordered on criminal. He chased the tearaway leader in sectional times that made it completely impossible for the horse to have any chance. Any repeat will see Christian fed to the lions!!

Money lost, nothing lost. Confidence lost, everything lost.