Tomic hits out at Cash, Masur

John Tomic says he and son, Bernard, remain strong despite criticism. Source: KLEIN MICHAEL / Supplied

John Tomic said he's disappointed with the agendas being waged by Pat Cash and Wally Masur and launched a spirited family defence amid calls for Bernard to sever ties with him.

But while their opinions differed he hoped the former Aussie tennis aces and the rest of the public would get behind his son for January's Australian Open and beyond.

The under siege father of Bernard and rising star Sara said a coaching appointment for Tomic was imminent, but has vowed he to remain part of his son's team.

A defiant Tomic, who is barred from the 2013 Australian Open due to a 12-month ATP Tour ban that followed a Spanish court conviction for assault, said Bernard is aiming to become world no.1.

Tomic, whose family relocated to Melbourne last month, is frustrated at attempts from many high-profile identities' attempts to drive a wedge between him and Bernard but hoped everyone could eventually move on as he aims to emulate the great Rod Laver.

``With all due respect to Pat Cash and Wally Masur I hope that they both get behind Bernard and help him and Australia have the number one tennis player in the world,'' Tomic said.

``Some people have tried to get under our skin but we're ok, we're like a rock, we've got no problems. We have always been behind each other.

``Every business and sport has turbulence, but we're fine. We've had turbulence but I'm still confident that we can achieve success and reach our targets and Bernard will lift more trophies.

130625 Bernard Tomic Source: AFP

``A coaching announcement will be made soon. But I'll be involved, in the background, I'll be behind my son. I'm part of his life.

``Our ambition is clear, that's Bernard's wish is to be number one in the world. He has the opportunity to achieve this and hopefully achieve the heights of the most respected Australian player in the world Rod Laver.

``I know this is a big ask but if my son can have a person to look up too it would be Rod Laver.''

Tomic Sr also thanked the Australian public on behalf of his son, who is in Monte Carlo but will return to Australia in a fortnight to commence his preparations for the grand slam.

The 21-year-old will be aiming to surpass his best grand slam result of reaching Wimbledon's quarter finals in 2011, while his best result in Melbourne is his 2012 fourth round finish.

``All I can ask and hope for is that the Australian public is to get behind my son and continue the amazing support he receives whenever he plays here,'' Tomic Sr said.

``It is so refreshing and overwhelming the constant support Bernard gets from his supporters and gives us hope that he can one day realise his full potential.

``I would also like to personally thank the Australian public in the support that they have shown my son and I will make every effort in helping him achieve this.''

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War horse has world at his feet

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"THERE is no Black Caviar around, no Hay List, no Sepoy - there's Buffering.''

In just a few words trainer Rob Heathcote summed up Buffering's standing in the Australian sprinting ranks after his brilliant win in the Group 1 $1 million VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington yesterday.

Buffering has raced through that era of super sprinters and he's now inherited the crown as the best sprinter in Australia, if not the world.

This is some call but Buffering has now beaten the world's highest-rated sprinter, Hong Kong's Lucky Nine, twice in as many clashed in Melbourne this spring with the latter finishing a struggling

Perhaps only Sydney's super colt Zoustar rates with or above Buffering - and both may meet at Royal Ascot next year.

"We are definitely after Zoustar and you can add Buffering to that list,'' said Royal Ascot's Nick Smith at Flemington yesterday. "You have to admire Buffering, he is just so courageous.''

Buffering had beaten Lucky Nine last start in the Manikato Stakes but there was a huge difference between them in betting for VRC Sprint Classic.

Lucky Nine was backed into $3.40 favouritism while Buffering eased from $8 to $11.

Buffering bounced to the front early, Lucky Nine ranged alongside to challenge at the 400m but suddenly the Hong Kong star was under pressure and fading.

Queensland jockey Damian Browne kisses Buffering after his stunning win. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

The "Brisbane Bulldog" Buffering simply never gives up and he broke clear of his rivals 300m out then held off the late surf of Shamexpress ($18) to win by three-quarters of a length with Moment Of Change ($9) nearly two lengths away third.

Buffering scored his second Group 1 win in as many starts after having 17 attempts at Group 1 level for 10 minor placings.

"In the words of Chris Waller a week ago he said Red Tracer took a long time to win a Group 1 but invariably the second one comes not long after,'' Heathcote said.

"Little Buffering has done the job again today, he's gone back-to-back in Group 1's, and I couldn't be prouder of him.

"He is the sort of horse that gives you 110 per cent every start. What you see is what you get with him, there are no surprises, he leads and says 'catch-me-if-you-can'.''

Heathcote said he felt Buffering had the race in his keeping 400m out when jockey Damien Browne urged the sprinter for a final effort and they broke clear of the chasing pack,.

"There were a few unanswered questions after the Manikato because some people may have felt he was a bit unlucky to win that race,'' Heathcote said.

"But there was no luck involved today - that was pure guts and determination.''

Heathcote has had an extraordinary spring carnival. Brisbane's premier trainer brought three horses to Melbourne and they have won three Group 1 races with Buffering and Solzhenitsyn (Toorak Handicap), a Group 2 with Fire Up Fifi (Blazer Stakes) and all three gallopers have also been placed in Group 1 races.'

Buffering is bound for another Group 1 when he heads to the Winterbottom Stakes at Perth's Ascot track in two weeks. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

Similarly, winning jockey Damian Browne has confirmed he is one of the nation's very best riders with a breakthrough carnival that included major races wins on Buffering and Fire Up Fifi, as well as one of the rides on the carnival with Liesele at Caulfield.

"I've made no secret that I have a huge opinion of Damien Brown, not only as a rider, but as a bloke and he's just so calm, cool and collected and prior to the race I didn't discuss riding instruction because I was happy to leave it to Damian,'' Heathcote added.

Buffering is set to chase a third Group 1 win in the Winterbottom Stakes at Perth's Ascot track in two weeks.

"I'm still going to Perth because I've promised the boys so hopefully Buffering will be a nice drawcard for their carnival then he'll come home to Brisbane,'' Heathcote said. "Fire Up Fifi will also go there for the Railway Stakes.'''

Browne said as soon as he asked Buffering for the kick, he found a quick length and "then it was just a matter of fighting them off."

"He's standing up as the country's number one sprinter,'' Browne added.

Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress nearly pulled up Flemington's Group 1 sprint double with his late surge to run Buffering to less than a length.

"He got a held up for a few strides about the 400m and that didn't help but it was a great run,'' jockey Damien Oliver said.

Peter Moody, trainer of Moment Of Change, also confirmed his sprinter was Perth-bound for the Winterbottom Stakes.

Lucky Nine's struggling sixth had jockey Brett Prebble searching for answers.

"No excuses,'' Prebble said. "He was in the right spot - but just didn't go.''

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MATCH BLOG: Italy v Wallabies

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CAN the Wallabies bounce back from a disappointing defeat to England and get their Spring Tour on track?

Ewen McKenzie's men turn their attention to a clash with Italy, who will be fired up to spring an upset on home soil.

The Azzurri have never tasted victory in 15 clashes with Australia but are on the improve and will be giving it their all when the two sides clash at Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

The Wallabies have been given some insider tips from a local legend, former Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero - now with Sydney FC - ahead of the match and will need to dig deep to clinch their first victory in the northern hemisphere this year.

MATCH CENTRE: Live scores and statistics

LIVE STREAM: Watch Wallabies take on Italy

You can follow the action and have your say as the play unfolds in our LIVE BLOG. Kick-off is 1am (AEDT) Sunday, and we'll be up and running just before the game gets under way.

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Ten-man Sydney win Big Blue epic

Sydney FC have turned their season around with a thrilling win over Melbourne Victory. Source: Brett Hemmings / Getty Images

<b></b>NO ONE could call the A-League dull, not on nights like these. By the end of 90 minutes of bedlam, Sydney FC were bloodied but triumphant, staggering out of Allianz Stadium with a 3-2 win, three points and the Big Blue Cup to boot.

If all three Sydney goals bore a trace of luck, the fact the Sky Blues could still vanquish Melbourne Victory despite playing more than an hour with 10 men just gilded the drama of the night.

The remarkable thing was that the game fell a year to the Saturday since Sydney threw away a 2-0 lead to go down 3-2 to Victory, prompting the resignation of then coach Ian Crook - and both sides seemed hell-bent on marking the anniversary.

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For long periods it felt like the Easter circus had come to Moore Park at the wrong time of year, with clownish antics across both defences. As early as the third minute Vedran Janjetovic's goalkick was inadvertantly flicked on by Victory captain Mark Milligan - much to the surprise of his defenders, who watched in bemusement as Ricahrd Garcia ran unchallenged onto the ball, nudged it wide of Nathan Coe's charge and steered the ball into the empy net.

First blood Sydney, and soon there was real plasma on show - Brett Emerton's corner was met with a headed clearance by Adama Traore but straight into the face of Seb Ryall, bloodying his nose and breaking a tooth but also sending the ball soaring into the Victory net.

As Ryall was treated on the sidelines it was his teammates who were left metaphorically red-faced, caught out almost from the restart. Traore's careful lofted pass down the inside left allowed Connor Pain to burn Tiago Calvan for speed and cross low into the box, where Archie Thompson sidefooted home with glee.

All this before 20 minutes were up, but the cabaret was far from over. With 26 minutes gone Mitch Nicholls essayed a gorgeous pass for Pain to get goalside of Marc Warren, who haplessly yanked the Victory striker to the floor. Horribly exposed yet again, Warren's red card was almost humane.

To augment Sydney's bewilderment, James Troisi struck the resultant freekick from 20m and watched it deflect off Ryall's heel, wrongfoot Janjetovic and hit the back of the net.

The Sky Blues were in disarray, and just past the half hour a mesmerising Victory move ended with Nicholls' elegant chipped pass to put Milligan clear, only for the Victory captain to volley wide. More chaos followed as Sydney tried to play out from the back but floundered horribly, forcing Janjetovic to tip aside a rebound.

But incredibly Victory then lined up to shoot themselves in the foot. Thompson's lofted pass to the far side of the penalty area was towards one of the shortest men on the pitch, yet Pablo Contrerras simply leapt on top of Del Piero to concede a baffling penalty. Del Piero himself drove it into the bottom corner.

The slapstick went on with Janjetovic fluffing a clearance only for Pain to equally mess up a free shot at goal. On 62 minutes Nicholls carved Sydney open again but Thompson elected to cross instead of shoot, allowing Thiago to make a desperate clearance.

To Sydney's credit they ran themselves into the ground to nullify the numerical disadvantage, with Petkovic a tower of strength. When Thompson did escape, he shot a fraction wide with the goal gaping, but on the break Abbas came close to sealing it with a fine curling effort.

Five minutes of stoppage time was agonising for the home support but finally the triumph was secure.

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Sydney recognises Pumper's milestone

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CHAMPION jockey Jim Cassidy will be honoured for riding 100 Group 1 winners at the Royal Randwick meeting today.

Cassidy achieved the milestone at Flemington last Saturday when he partnered super colt Zoustar to an easy win in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

The Hall of Fame jockey rides has six rides at Randwick today, five for Zoustar's trainer Chris Waller including Amovatio and Field Marshall.

The Australian Turf Club is going to acknowledge Cassidy's achievement by making a special presentation to the jockey during tomorrow's meeting.

Cassidy joins George Moore (119 Group 1 wins) and Roy Higgins (106) as the only jockeys to have ridden a century of major race wins on Australian tracks.

Jim Cassidy reaches 100 Group 1 victories after winning aboard super colt Zoustar in the Coolmore Stud Stakes. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

The ATC will replay some highlights of Cassidy's fabulous career, including some of his most memorable Group 1 wins, on the infield super screen during the day before presenting him with a special trophy and gift to mark his milestone.

"Jim is only the third jockey in Australian racing history to reach this most significant achievement and we are only too pleased to publicly congratulate him,'' ATC chief executive Darren Pearce said.

"We in Sydney have been lucky enough that Jim has made our city his home and so many of those precious Group 1 wins have been on our tracks.''

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Buffering ready for more glory

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CONNECTIONS of Buffering admit it will be somewhat surreal going into Saturday's VRC Sprint Classic now the monkey has been dislodged from their collective backs.

Australia's best Group 1 maiden shed the tag amid wild scenes in the Manikato Stakes late last month.

Rob Ciobo was among the part-owners that let loose that evening.

"I would describe the feeling as being close to the one you have when your own children are born," Ciobo said.

"It's something that you had really been looking forward to for such a long time and then it finally happens. It's hard to describe. It was just an amazing feeling.

"We came back to the unit, with Robert (Heathcote), Damien (Browne), (and fellow owners) Bruce Harry and Chris Lord and probably watched the video about 150 times.

"It took time to sink in. Did this really happen?"

Among the most vivid memories for Ciobo was taking the tram from Moonee Valley back to their Melbourne accommodation.

"We were just talking on the tram and a few people asked if we'd had a winning night," he said.

"When we told them we won the Group 1 race, they said, 'what the bloody hell are you doing on a tram?' We didn't think of doing anything else."

Chris Waller said in the wake of Red Tracer's Tatts Tiara win in June that she would probably win another Group 1 now her hard luck streak had been broken and the prophecy came true last Saturday.

Ciobo and his other owners are hoping the same rings true with Buffering today.

"I can't wait for the race and Robert (Heathcote) is so pumped up he thinks we're going to win again," Ciobo said.

"Buff nearly pulled his arm off when he was walking him again this week. The horse is just feeling enormous."

Buffering runs next in the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth and then spells. The major stumbling block on Saturday seems to be the Hong Kong star Lucky Nine and the Darley juggernaut, which has three runners aiming to defend the race they won with Mental last year.

Lucky Line trotted a lap of Werribee and had a light canter over 1400m on Friday.

Trainer Casper Fownes says he was slightly short of 100 per cent for the Manikato, but will strip at his absolute best on Saturday.

Peter Snowden has freshened Buffering's Doomben 10,000 conqueror Epaulette after an inglorious first-up run in the Moir and has Sessions and Sidestep there for back up.

Lucky Nine remains the $3.50 favourite for the race, with Buffering second pick at $7.50.

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Heart broken as Wanderers cling on

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FOR all of their huffing and puffing, Melbourne Heart look like a team out of ideas as they lost 1-0 in the A-League match to the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Saturated and defeated by a Shannon Cole sucker punch, the result will heap more pressure on struggling Heart coach John Aloisi.

As the rain poured down in the second half, a glimpse at the two coaches was instructive.

Wanderers' Tony Popovic was sheltered by an umbrella, while a stoic Aloisi was drenched by the rain.

It was the second week in a row Heart had the better of the first half without reward - but unlike their trip to Brisbane last week, the Wanderers didn't wait to punish them.

In the 27th minute, Adam D'Apuzzo's cross was nodded on by Tomi Juric to Shannon Cole at the back post who thrashed past Andrew Redmayne on his second attempt.

The Wanderers' height advantage troubled the Heart, with no-one taller than 6 feet in defence.

MATCH CENTRE: HEART v WANDERERS

Just minutes after Cole's opener, Shinji Ono found the towering Matthew Spiranovic who headed onto the bar, the rebound catching Brendon Santalab unawares who headed over from a metre in front.

Despite seven shots to two in the first half, the closest the Heart came was a long shot which rattled the crossbar from David Williams.

He increasingly became the fulcrum of Heart's creative efforts as the match went on but was surprisingly replaced by Nick Kalmar.

Entering the final frenetic minutes, Mate Dugandzic headed against the bar for Heart and Kalmar headed over.

As Heart committed more men forward, substitute Labinot Haliti fired just wide and Juric chose to shoot rather than pass to the open Aaron Mooy.

Still, Popovic cannot complain with the gritty victory that sees his side top of the league.

At the final whistle, it was hard to escape the conclusion that Aloisi must wish he could call on Harry Kewell, stuck in the stands with an ankle injury.

Aloisi's side finished last season with five losses and will find himself under increasing pressure as long as he fails to break through in this campaign.

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Gai gets time, Delzangles cops fine

Gai Waterhouse has requested more time to seek further legal advice, with inquiry to take place next Friday. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis Source: Julie Kiriacoudis / News Limited

GAI Waterhouse has been granted a deferment from Racing and Appeal Disciplinary Board hearing into the raceday treatment of unplaced Melbourne Cup runner Tres Blue last Tuesday.

Waterhouse was due to appear before the board yesterday to answer a charge that an antibiotic cream called Flamazine was applied to the heel of Tres Blue on Cup morning, which is in contravention of the Australian Racing Board's new rules against raceday treatment.

Stewards allowed Tres Blue to start in the Melbourne Cup because the ointment used on the stayer does not contain any prohibited substances.

Waterhouse requested more time to seek further legal advice before answering the charge. The board will now reconvene next Friday to hear the Tres Blue inquiry.

French trainer Mikel Delzangles, right, and strapper Mathieu Brasme before the inquiry at Racing Victoria HQ. Picture: Michael Klein

Frenchman Mikel Delzangles, trainer of Dunaden, did appear before the board yesterday to answer a similar charger after his stayer was orally administered an anti-ulcer paste on Cup morning.

Delzangles told the board that Dunaden was given the substance daily and his stable hand Matthew Brasme didn't realise he had done anything wrong.

"I feel bad," Delzangles said. "It's not good for racing. We made a mistake and we will not do it again.

"Matthew (Brasme) didn't think he was doing anything wrong."

Racing Victoria's Integrity General Manager Dayle Brown said swabs taken from Dunaden and the paste (Twydil Stomacare) had come back clear of any prohibited substance.

Brown said stewards were not pushing for a six month disqualification as outlined in the mandatory rules set out by the Australian Racing Board in February.

Instead, Delzangles was issued with a $2000 fine for breaching the raceday treatment rule.

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Waller continues reign with treble

Trainer Chris Waller gets a pat on the back from jockey Jim Cassidy after they combined to win with Multilateral. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

THE unstoppable Chris Waller training spree continued with an historic treble at Flemington yesterday, highlighted by the win of Dystopia in the Group 3 Mumm Stakes.

This was the first time Waller has trained three winners on a day at Headquarters, and the first time any trainer has boasted three winners on a day of the carnival since 2008.

Waller had a 100 per cent strike rate as his only three runners saluted.

He started with Marmelo ($3) in the opening event, the Flemington Style Plate (1700m), and made it a running double with Multilateral ($3.80) in the Swisse Wellness Trophy (1800m).

However it was the win of Dystopia ($5) that was important, being the first Flemington winner he has trained for the Ingham family.

Dystopia defeated the Robert Smerdon-trained Shamal Wind ($6.50) by one-and-a-half lengths, with She Can Skate ($7) fighting on well for third, a short head away.

John Ingham said it was most rewarding to win a Group race at Flemington with the regally-bred mare, who cost more than $1 million as a yearling. The now seven-year-old daughter of Redoute's Choice out of Bourgeois, the dam of Stratum, made amends for another of their stable, Catkins, being beaten a whisker by Red Tracer in Saturday's Group 1 Myer Stakes.

Jockey Hugh Bowman races away aboard Dystopia to win the G H Mumm Stakes. Picture Mark Dadswell Source: News Limited

"We are in it for racing now," John Ingham said, "now we have sold the stud."

"She will make a good broodmare but we wanted to race her, and it is great to win a race with Chris at Flemington during the carnival," he said.

Waller won with Zoustar and Red Tracer on Saturday and his three wins yesterday continued his extraordinary hit-rate.

"It is a team effort. That is shown by the fact we had three different jockeys win the races today _ Glyn Schofield, Jim Cassidy and Hugh Bowman.

"Hugh has one a lot of work with this mare. She is not easy to handle but she has a lot of ability.

"I'm proud to have one winner on a day at a carnival like this, but to have three is special," he said.

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Rupee's right on the money

Snitzerland and Lankan Rupee clear out from the 300m to stage a stirring duel, with Lankan Rupee a narrow victor. Picture: Jay Town Source: Jay Town / News Limited

MICK Price reckons he lost a stud horse but gained a racehorse when it was decided to geld the impeccably-bred but wayward Lankan Rupee.

Lankan Rupee, who nosed out star mare Snitzerland up the Flemington straight yesterday, would have been worth $10 million-plus had he harnessed his ability and won a Group 1 race as a colt.

Lankan Rupee is a son of $500 million sire Redoute's Choice and the impeccably-bred Estelle Collection.

Price trained Estelle Collection and Lankan Rupee's owner, Sri Lankan Muzaffir Ali Yaseen, owned and bred Redoute's Choice.

"The owner has been with us for 20 years so it's great to get a result for them,'' Price said.

Lankan Rupee showed star quality as a two-year-old but was erratic.

Yaseen and Price decided the best way to maximise the colt was to geld him.

Price said the gelding operation was touch and go.

"It was quite tricky actually. He had one (testicle) up and one down and he required a general anaesthetic to alter his manhood,'' Price said.

"Now it's onwards and upwards. He's a really nice horse.''

Craig Newitt returns to scale aboard super impressive Lankan Rupee. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

In yesterday's Dilmah Earl Grey Stakes (1000m) Snitzerland and Lankan Rupee cleared out from the 300m and staged a stirring duel, with Lankan Rupee a narrow victor.

"I thought Snitzerland looked absolutely outstanding in the mounting yard and I think we beat the right horse in the race,'' Price said.

Of the developed print result, a confident Price said: "Never in doubt.''

Jockey Craig Newitt, beaten a head aboard Lankan Rupee behind Snitzerland in a race at Caulfield last October, said monstrous Lankan Rupee "sized her up'' from the 200m.

"It was a tough win. He ranged up alongside her, she fought back. It was just a really tough effort,'' he said.

The dash for cash is now on for Lankan Rupee, who will never be worth a fortune at stud but will be programmed to add significantly to his stake earnings of $245,000.

"His rating is going to go sky rocketing now. He's basically made himself a black type horse.''

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The show isn't over for Waller

Trainer Chris Waller can cap off a tremendous carnival if stable star Boban is successful in the Emirates Stakes. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

CHRIS Waller has one superstar in his stable, Zoustar, and he may have another if Boban wins tomorrow's Group 1 Emirates Stakes.

The four-year-old gelding has hit amazing heights this campaign but Waller will not yet tag him a star.

"Saturday will tell us more but if he wins the Emirates he will be an emerging star for sure," Waller said.

Boban, who joined Waller from Anthony Freedman a year ago as a benchmark 70 galloper, won a benchmark 90 and then the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap at Rosehill to start his campaign.

With only 53kg, he beat a star-studded field in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) to earn a trip to Melbourne.

Victorian racegoers where agog when he settled last but won the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) in arrogant fashion at Caulfield.

Waller knows he has an exceptional talent, but is aware the Emirates is the son of Bernadini's acid test.

"He won a Group 1 (Epsom) on the minimum weight (53kg) and now carries 57kg in the Emirates against a truly quality field. Obviously that is a concern," Waller said.

"It is amazing how far he has come in a short time.

"He has won really impressively at Caulfield since the Epsom and has done everything right on the track since. I'm sure he will run really well, but it is his toughest test."

Bookmakers and the TAB believe Boban can confirm his emergence as a star galloper.

Punters have backed him from $4.60 to $4 favourite with the TAB.

He runs into Group winners galore, headed by Group 1 Toorak Handicap winner Solzhenitsyn, Group 1 Doncaster winner Sacred Falls, Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap winner Linton, Group 2 Crystal Mile winner Toydini, Group 3 Bobbie Lewis Handicap winner Speediness and Group 3 David Jones Cup winner Spurtonic.

Boban is owned by a group of prominent Melbourne owners, including John O'Neill and Mark Pejic, who have been involved in gallopers such as Mummify, Benicio, Glass Harmonium and Sphenophyta.

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WA claim points against SA

Western Australian batsman Adam Voges punches a backfoot drive through the covers. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Paul Kane / Getty Images

WESTERN Australia have claimed first innings points but only just in an evenly poised Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at the WACA.

Twice WA lost a clump of wickets on Thursday but edged past SA's 222 when they were eight wickets down and were dismissed just a few overs later for 230.

Firstly the Warriors lost 3-9 to fall to 3-97 and then 3-2 to be 7-160. But Mitchell Johnson (27) and Sam Whiteman (30) combined for a 50-run stand to steer WA to safety from the precarious position.

WA were cruising at 0-49 overnight and then 0-88 on Thursday, but were struggling at 4-117 at lunch that included the scalps of openers Marcus North (50) and Cameron Bancroft (40).

Adam Voges and Mitch Marsh briefly led a rescue mission with a partnership of 41, before WA again lost a flurry of wickets with Redbacks captain Johan Botha (4-47) the main destroyer.

Marsh was out for 20, Voges for 38 and then Ashton Agar's struggles with the bat since his stunning Ashes debut continued when he was bowled by Botha without scoring.

Chadd Sayers also bowled well, taking 3-64, while Trent Lawford picked up 2-36.

Johnson will now get another chance to press his case for the first Ashes Test against England at the Gabba with the ball after the left-arm paceman was below-par in South Australia's first innings, taking 2-74 from 16.4 overs.

He will take confidence out of doing well with the bat, though, with his 27 including five boundaries that were crucial in WA claiming the first innings points.

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Johnson overcomes injury scare

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ASHES hopeful Mitchell Johnson overcame an injury scare to claim two wickets in Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the WACA Ground.

In reply to the Redbacks' 222, WA crawled to 0-49 at stumps on day one, with Marcus North on 22 and Cameron Bancroft on 25. Johnson was forced to go off for treatment after digging his big toe into the turf while bowling.

But the 32-year-old returned to the fray to collect a late wicket and finish with 2-74 from 16.4 overs.

Johnson missed more than six months of cricket after tearing ligaments in his big left toe in November, 2011.

However, a WACA spokesperson said Johnson's latest injury wasn't related to that setback.

Redbacks opener Phil Hughes blew a golden chance to push his case for an Ashes call-up after being dismissed for 25.

Hughes received a life on five when Bancroft dropped a tough one-handed chance at third slip.

But his luck ran out shortly after, with an attempted hook off the bowling of Jason Behrendorff (4-58) skying into the air for wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman to catch.

Johnson, who's also bidding to earn a recall for the first Test against England later this month, opened his day in horrendous fashion, with two of his first three deliveries called wides. The left-arm quick was lucky not to have another two wides called during the over.

But he soon found his rhythm, and would have claimed the wicket of Sam Raphael (21 off 96 balls) in his second over had John Rogers held onto a diving, one-handed chance at gully.

Johnson's second spell was particularly fiery, with a series of bouncers leaving the Redbacks' batsmen hopping.

The left-arm quick also beat the bat on a number of occasions, and finally received some reward when he trapped Travis Head lbw for 51.

Johnson wrapped up the innings with the scalp of Joe Mennie, whose half-century lifted the Redbacks from 7-160 to 222.

North, whose unbeaten century against Victoria last week salvaged a draw for WA, was yet to score when Trent Lawford dropped a sharp, one-handed chance at slip.

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Franjic closer to World Cup dream

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HARD work to lose the predictable nature of his play has Brisbane Roar's Ivan Franjic one step closer to next year's World Cup.

Franjic was one of four A-League players yesterday named in new Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou's squad for the November 19 friendly against Costa Rica in Sydney.

The squad includes Franjic's Brisbane teammate Matt McKay and former Roar quartet Tommy Oar, Robbie Kruse, Dario Vidosic and Michael Zullo.

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Former Roar boss Postecoglou rates all six highly and seems keen for Franjic to cement the Socceroos' right fullback position that may have been permanently vacated by dumped veteran Luke Wilkshire.

That is despite Franjic no longer playing at right back for the Roar, with current Brisbane boss Mike Mulvey preferring to use him on the wing or in the midfield.

"The fullback position's pretty important to the way we want to play," Postecoglou said. "Having worked with Ivan and seen him develop the last couple of years, I'd certainly like to try him in that right back position.

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"He's been playing well for Brisbane in other positions this year, but from a national team perspective it'll definitely be right back that I'll be looking at him."He's been in great form and as long as he's playing well, then his club coach can put him where sees fit. It certainly will not affect what happens in the national team."

Franjic, 26, is happy to play anywhere if it means he's in Postecoglou's World Cup plans, despite admitting he still has plenty of work ahead of him to go to Brazil next year.

"I've been doing a lot of extras, working on weaknesses in my game and trying to change my game up so I'm not predictable," Franjic said. "Working on my left foot, going different ways when I dribble, cutting in and out."

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Capped five times for Australia, Franjic said thinking about Brazil was silly, with his focus being on the Roar's weekend clash with Central Coast in Gosford and the subsequent Socceroos camp with Postecoglou.

"Most important for me is Sunday, then impressing Ange in the camp," he said. "You have to be playing well for your club otherwise you won't get picked for your country."

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Moyes defends 'pathetic' Young

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David Moyes defended Ashley Young after the Manchester United winger was involved in a new dive row against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.

Young went to ground theatrically during United's 0-0 draw in their UEFA Champions League Group A clash in Spain, earning a penalty that Robin van Persie could only strike against a post.

Replays showed minimal contact from Markel Bergara - who was booked for his apparent indiscretion - and Young was castigated by Sky Sports pundit Ray Wilkins.

"This is pathetic," Wilkins said. "This is as bad for me as all these over-the-top tackles we're getting at the moment because that is a conning of the referee.

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"I just wish Ashley would cut this out because he's a good player but he's getting a bad name."

United boss Moyes warned Young about diving earlier this season but adopted a more defensive tone after the whistle in San Sebastian.

"I've seen it and the boy certainly tugs him in the box," the Scot said. "The referee is two yards away from it and decides to give it.

"All I know is he got a penalty kick from a decision; I don't know about his reputation, but the referee is there and he gave it.

"The referee made decisions all night. He's the one who saw fit to award a penalty and send a player off."

United's goalless draw has thrown Group A wide open, with Moyes' men now in a three-way tussle with Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk to secure a place in the knockout stages.

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Scott says let them eat bugs

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ADAM Scott has settled on Moreton Bay bugs as a Champions dinner baffler for Augusta and boldly put a career Grand Slam of majors as the main course on his own menu.

The charismatic world No.2 yesterday made certain no one could misconstrue his Masters triumph as hitting any sort of comfort zone because, for the first time, he stressed his hunger to one day walk with the golfing gods.

Winning his first Australian PGA title at Royal Pines, starting today, to complete the rare Triple Crown of big titles in his own country is his immediate aim on a Gold Coast course where it will likely take four rounds of 67 to go close.

Joining Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to win all four of the modern majors is aiming as big as it gets in golf but the mere fact he is daring to dream is the impressive part.

Golf star Adam Scott will be honoured today when he is given the keys to the city by the Gold Coast mayor.

"My time to achieve is now so I need to make the most of where my game sits and keep pushing hard because there are so many good players out there," a relaxed Scott said after an eagle and four birdies in his pro-am day two-under-par 69.

"As long as I keep the intensity and practice and prepare I think I can win more majors, win another Masters, win the (British) Open, hopefully US Opens and PGAs.

"I'd love to win the career Grand Slam and put myself in that really small group of players who have win all four majors.

"That would be a good goal but that's a long way off. I've only got one so there's a lot of work to do."

Joining the Masters elite and seven top-10 finishes in his past 12 majors have not only spread belief through every sinew but given him a new perspective of his potential place in the game now Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald can deal with the "best player to never win a major" tag.

"I think all the great perks that come from winning the Masters are still yet to happen to me personally. Knowing I'm going back there for hopefully the next 50 years, going to the Champions dinner and attending with legends of the game are going to be the big things that I feel are life changers," Scott said.

"To have a young guy ask me in 40 years what Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer were like will be quite amazing."

Adam Scott holds the Key to the City at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. Photo: Matt Roberts Source: Getty Images

One of the cool spin-offs to Masters glory is selecting the menu for the Champions dinner the following year. Woods put humble cheeseburgers and strawberry shortcake on the 1998 menu. Bernhard Langer had wiener schnitzel and blackforest cake on a distinctly German menu in 1986.

"Don't be surprised if Moreton Bay bugs are on the menu somewhere. I don't know if I'd get away with serving meat pies," revealed Scott of his liking for the distinctly Queensland crustacean that Augusta National Golf Club will now have to find a way to fly in.

The jacket. It's all about the jacket for Scott, who must return it to a hanger in the Champions locker room in April for wearing only at Augusta National after his year is up.

"I often walk past the closet and if it's just hanging there, I just don't mind slipping it on to wear it around the house for a little bit. Every time I see it I think this is what you've wanted for so long, you may as well wear it as much as you can," Scott said with a smile.

"When someone is coming over I sometimes just leave it hanging over the sofa. The look...'Are you kiddin' me, is that the?'. It's pretty cool seeing that look.

"As a golf fan myself just seeing it for the first time was amazing. I like the fact I can share it with everyone else."

There is emotion that Scott has deliberately kept bottled away for seven months so soaking up the warmth of fans is still fresh.

"I put my head in the sand a little bit from reflecting on the whole thing too much because I wanted to keep playing well for the year and not just wear the jacket and get on the turps for the rest of the year and celebrate," Scott told a spellbound pre-tournament dinner audience.

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Kangaroos' player request denied

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AUSTRALIA have had their application to bring in a replacement player for the injured Luke Lewis knocked back at the World Cup.

The Kangaroos had applied for approval to send for a new player to join the squad in Ireland in the wake of Lewis' injury.

However team management were notified overnight that the request was rejected because the tournament rules did not allow injured players to be replaced.

Australia had argued that the injury Lewis suffered when he dislocated his shoulder after colliding into an advertising sign placed on the field during the 34-2 win over Fiji should have given them special dispensation because of the bizarre circumstances in which the injury occurred.

Lewis travelled with the squad to Dublin this week and will stay on for the game against Ireland on Saturday before returning to Manchester where he will then get a flight home to Australia to have surgery on his injured shoulder.

Lewis suffered tendon damage and could require a full shoulder reconstruction that would delay his start to the 2014 NRL season.

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No Wilkshire, Cahill and Neill in

Disappointment on the faces of Luke Wilkshire (L) and Lucas Neill. Source: News Limited

STALWARTS Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill will be named in Ange Postecoglou's first Socceroos squad on Wednesday, but defender Luke Wilkshire will become the first casualty of the new regime.

Postecoglou's urgency to begin renewal of the squad starting against Costa Rica on November 19 means a return for Ryan McGowan, the defender sacrificed by Holger Osieck after September's 6-0 loss to Brazil, and another chance for former Mariners midfielder Oliver Bozanic.

But the emphasis from Postecoglou will be somewhere between evolution and revolution, with veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer also expected to be included but all players to be told they enter camp with a clean slate.

Wilkshire played in last month's 6-0 loss to France before leaving the team camp and has since played four games for his club Dinamo Moscow.

Lucas Neil and Luke Wilkshire Source: News Limited

Though Postecoglou's squad selection will not be seen as dramatic, the starting XI he picks against Costa Rica at Allianz Stadium is likely to have a greater flavour of reform.

A clutch of players who worked with Postecoglou at Young Socceroo or club level will be involved in the squad, including Mitch Langerak, Dario Vidosic and McGowan.

The latter was not picked by Osieck for the German's last game in charge against France after being tormented by Brazilian attacker Neymar when played out of position at rightback in Brasilia.

Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer are expected to be named in Ange Postecoglou's Socceroos squad to face Costa Rica. Source: Getty Images

Bozanic made his debut in last month's win over Canada in London, the game where assistant coach Aurelio Vidmar was briefly in charge between Osieck's sacking and Postecoglou's appointment.

The son of former Socceroo Vic Bozanic, the 24-year-old has thrived since his transfer from Central Coast to the Swiss club Luzern - scoring five times in 14 games from midfield.

It's understood that Postecoglou's attempts to select his squad were complicated by the fact that with just one game in what is a double FIFA window, clubs only have to release their players to join the squad 48 hours before kick off.

Oliver Bozanic will also find himself in the squad. Source: News Limited

For his first camp working with the squad, Postecoglou has sought a week's involvement, and has faced awkward negotiations with some players' clubs over some players' release.

The importance of the game against Costa Rica becomes stark when set in the context of being one of just three before Postecoglou has to name his squad for the World Cup finals in Brazil.

A friendly in March will be followed by a send-off game in May, soon after which the final touring party must be named.

If you haven't checked out the latest edition to the Fox Football stable, what are you waiting for?

Episode Four of the Fox Football Podcast is now live. Herald Sun chief football writer David Davutovic makes his debut alongside regulars Adam Peacock, Simon Hill and Daniel Garb.

All the big A-League issues, including ref blunders, Muscat's initiation, Heart's failures, F3 derby brilliance, plus plenty of fodder from London, with an eye on Manchester United's clash with Arsenal on the weekend, are some of the highlights of 30 minutes well worth listening to.

You can check it out here at the iTunes store, subscribe, and share your rating!

And if you're an Android user, you can find the pod on the iPP Podcast Player app.

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Troisi hopeful of 'Roos re-call

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JAMES Troisi is hopeful rather than expectant of a call-up to Ange Postecoglou's first Socceroos squad on Wednesday.

But one thing is for sure, the midfielder will become impossible to ignore if he keeps producing as he has for Melbourne Victory in recent weeks.

Troisi was Victory's best player in the 3-2 win against Wellington on Monday night and his two goals took him to the top of the A-League scorers charts (four in four games).

Postecoglou will name a squad for the November 19 friendly against Costa Rica in Sydney that is expected to include experienced campaigners Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill, but not Luke Wilkshire.

Troisi, 25, has not featured in the green and gold since the World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in February last year, but is keen to add to his nine Socceroos caps.

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The big 5 hurdles facing Ange

"For me first and foremost it's always been about club football," Troisi said.

"I need to play week in, week out and keep doing well and then hopefully I get a call-up.

"That's up to Ange, but hopefully I keep doing what I've been doing here and he sees that as a good thing."

After a frustrating 2012-13 season at Serie A club Atalanta where he struggled to get game time, Troisi said it was a relief to be playing consecutive matches, particularly with the World Cup only eight months away.

Neill to survive Ange axe

"I was happy with the way I took those two goals," he said.

"I haven't had a lot of game time for a long time so I'm ­happy to get 80-90 minutes in each week so far. Game by game I'll be feeling better and getting stronger."

Victory coach Kevin Muscat said Troisi's first month has been all the more impressive given his late start to the pre-season.

James Troisi is targeting a spot in Ange Postecoglou's first Socceroos squad. Source: Getty Images

"He's had to understand and really have a look at the way we play," Muscat said.

"But he's certainly fitted in really well for us. He just gives us an added dimension through getting goals from midfield as well."

Troisi said it had been crucial to start a new era at the club with a win on Monday and he was adamant nothing had changed in the transition from Postecoglou to Muscat.

"It's what we've been working on at training and will continue to work on," Troisi said.

"It was an important win for us, to get Musky going I guess, but not much has changed.

"Ange has cemented that in to the club and in to Musky. It's a philosophy he believes in.''

If you haven't checked out the latest edition to the Fox Football stable, what are you waiting for?

Episode Four of the Fox Football Podcast is now live. Herald Sun chief football writer David Davutovic makes his debut alongside regulars Adam Peacock, Simon Hill and Daniel Garb.

All the big A-League issues, including ref blunders, Muscat's initiation, Heart's failures, F3 derby brilliance, plus plenty of fodder from London, with an eye on Manchester United's clash with Arsenal on the weekend, are some of the highlights of 30 minutes well worth listening to.

You can check it out here at the iTunes store, subscribe, and share your rating!

And if you're an Android user, you can find the pod on the iPP Podcast Player app.

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Horwill set to be dropped to bench

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DEPOSED skipper James Horwill is under immense pressure to keep his place in the Wallabies team with lineout general Rob Simmons returning from injury.

Horwill is battling to stay in Australia's starting pack to play Italy as coach Ewen McKenzie warned no player could feel settled due to their dreadful 3-8 Test record this year.

Struggling to find his A-game, the 44-Test lock was stripped of the captaincy for last weekend's 20-13 loss to England where he produced an improved second-row display at Twickenham.

But Simmons' ability to shrug off his knee problem in training, plus his form and starting importance as lineout caller, means one lock will make way.

Australia's lock James Horwill playing against England. Source: AFP

Sitaleki Timani struggled on the slippery Twickenham surface but his previous impact off the bench had put him ahead of the former skipper before Simmons' injury ensured they both started the tour opener.

McKenzie admitted he got the desired outcome - a more energetic display by Horwill - against England, but didn't get the result. He is keeping his selection cards close to his chest as well as choice of captain for Sunday morning's (AEDT) Test against Italy in Turin but Ben Mowen is expected to stay as leader.

Mowen is set to shift from No.8 to 6 in the back-row after Scott Fardy was ruled out due to a head knock, opening the door for Ben McCalman to return to the back of the scrum.

"I'm open-minded about leadership and team selections," McKenzie said.

New Australia rugby captain Ben Mowen says James Horwill has handled his shock sacking with great character.

"I'm not going to make it comfortable until we start getting outcomes.

"I'm not committed to anything. I don't think, given our circumstance that we can say anything is locked in.

"At this stage, with four Tests left and where we've been, no one can feel settled."

McKenzie has already shown this year that no one is safe, after dropping world-class halfback Will Genia two months ago.

After being sparked back into form, Genia had a poor game with the boot against England, including a charged-down box kick that gifted the home side their first try.

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McKenzie put the onus on his No.9 to execute better under pressure as he was being targeted in that facet of his play. It was a disappointing moment given we had been tracking pretty well (at 13-6 ahead)," he said.

"In the end you've got to execute under pressure, and we didn't."

The loss of Fardy is a genuine blow as the fearless flanker has been one of their most dynamic forwards since starting against the All Blacks in late August, and Italy play a highly-confrontational game.

But it's been tempered by Simmons returning, and damaging hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau putting himself closely in the mix to play his first Test of an injury-riddled year off the bench.

Australia have sorely missed Polota-Nau's power game after a broken arm put him out of the Lions series loss and a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Rugby Championship. AAP jsm/jds

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Tips from those who've been there

Sea Moon, ridden by Hugh Bowman, wins the Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey. / News Limited

SEVILLE, Dear Demi and Sea Moon are the way to go, according to a sextet of trainers and jockeys who have won the Melbourne Cup.

Brian Jenkins, who trained 1998 winner Jezabeel, said Dear Demi had beaten the handicapper.

"She has a remarkable number of similarities to Jezabeel in the same weight, jockey, barrier and saddlecloth," said Jenkins, who will be an interested spectator at the Cup.

"Whether she will be able to push forward then come back under Chris Munce like Jezabeel did is the unknown."

PROFILES OF THE CUP CONTENDERS

Cup-winning jockeys Steven King and Wayne Harris would love to see Steven Arnold ride Sea Moon to victory, given the battle 175cm Arnold has fought with weight.

Queensland-based John Meagher has noticed a distinct change in the race since he won it in 1985, then spent years training in Singapore.

"It is almost a weight-for-age race, very different to the Anzac Day handicaps of the old days,'' Meagher said. "It has become a fantastic race."

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TRAINERS

John Meagher (What A Nuisance, 1985): Arguably too hard to tip but Sea Moon has had two mile-and-a-half runs leading in. Dandino, Dear Demi, Fawkner and Seville have all had good preparations.

David Hayes (Jeune, 1994): In a very open Cup, I will tip Dear Demi. I really liked her late in the Mackinnon, although her barrier (16) is an obvious hurdle.

Brian Jenkins (Jezabeel, 1998): Dear Demi is the same number (22), has the same barrier (16), the same weight (51kg) and same jockey (Chris Munce) as Jezabeel, so I have to tip her.

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JOCKEYS

Pat Hyland (What A Nuisance, 1985): The Caulfield Cup is always a good guide, so based on that Fawkner is the horse to beat, and you know he will be right on the day.

Steven King (Let's Elope, 1991): I think Seville has largely flown under the radar and his Cox Plate run was spot-on. But I would love to see Steven Arnold (Sea Moon) win one, given the battle he has with weight.

Wayne Harris (Jeune, 1994): Sea Moon's European form is superior to most of his rivals, although maybe I'm biased because I would love Steven Arnold to win a Cup.

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Demi's date with destiny

Jockey Jim Cassidy riding Dear Demi wins the Crown Oaks last year. Source: Mark Dadswell / News Limited

OWNER John Singleton, critical of the number of international runners in the Melbourne Cup, has declared his mare Dear Demi is the omen tip for punters at Flemington today.

But "Singo" says betting on the Cup has become a raffle because punters can't line up the European form.

"Am I the only person who doesn't get it but why are we allowing all these overseas horses to run in our race?'' Singleton said.

"They call the Melbourne Cup the race that stops a nation for a reason - it is Australia's race but we are letting all these Pommies in to take the prizemoney.

"The betting turnover is going down on the race because it is more like a raffle now. Most of these overseas horses haven't had a run here before and punters don't know who to back.

"Maybe I'm the only one who thinks they should ban the internationals, I suppose it is what it is, c'est la vie, but I don't get it.''

Singleton has been trying to win the Melbourne Cup for 40 years and believes Dear Demi is his best chance.

He is looking at a potential $10 million payday if Dear Demi can defy the international invasion - and believes the stars are aligning for his mare.

"If you believe in omens, then have something on Dear Demi,'' Singleton said.

"I bought Jezabeel after she won the 1998 Melbourne Cup and bred a few from her before selling her a couple of years ago (to Western Australia breeding interests).

"But did you know the year Jezabeel won she was saddlecloth number 22, started from barrier 16, carried 51kg and was ridden by Chris Munce - and that is the same with Dear Demi!"

The Melbourne Cup field includes a record nine northern hemisphere-trained stayers - Dunaden, Red Cadeaux, Brown Panther, Dandino, Mount Athos, Royal Empire, Simenon and Ruscello.

In fact, no fewer than 19 horse in the Cup field began were bred overseas and began their race careers in Europe.

There are five Australian-bred stayers in the race - Dear Demi, Fawkner, Ethiopia, Hawkspur and Super Cool - and first the first time in nearly 100 years there is not one New Zealand-bred galloper in the race.

Singleton has owned two Golden Slipper winners and some outstanding racehorses over the last four decades but the Melbourne Cup has eluded him.

But after the Clarry Conners-trained Dear Demi ran an outstanding third in the Caulfield Cup, Singleton backed his mare with bookies nationwide to win $6 million in the Melbourne Cup. Coupled with the $3.8 million first prizemoney, it is potentially a massive payday for the high-profile owner if his mare wins the famous Flemington two-miler.

"Dear Demi is the best chance I've had in the Melbourne Cup,'' he said.

Demi Rutter (centre), daughter of John Singleton's partner Yvette Hartman, whom mare Dear Demi is named after, takes part in the Melbourne Cup parade. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

"She had not luck and ran a great race in the Caulfield Cup, she had no luck again in the Mackinnon Stakes and still ran second, so hopefully we get the luck she needs this time.

"Veloso won the (1983) Mackinnon and was favourite for the Cup but drew wide and ran fifth. Zagalia ran fifth in the (2003) Cup and that is the closest I've been to winning it.

"Dear Demi is right in the race against those horses who we know their form - it is the overseas horses which I can't line up.''

Conners said Dear Demi is "holding her form nicely'' and said the Mackinnon Stakes run last Saturday has her fit and ready for the Melbourne Cup.

"The mare is spot on,'' Conners said. "She is racing very consistently and I can't have her any better for this race.

"From that barrier (16) we are probably going to have to go forward.

"I'm getting a heap of advice from about 4000 people who said if we go back, we can't win.

"I'm going to leave it up to Chris and hopefully he can slot in somewhere midfield with cover early and I'll be happy. It is up to the mare after that.''

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More than ever, the Cup runneth over

Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle rides with racing's holy grail, the Cup. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Tony Gough / News Limited

ACCORDING to the Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, 700 million people in 120 countries will watch the Melbourne Cup today.

That's what he told a few hundred from just this country who gathered in Federation Square yesterday to listen to prominent trainers, jockeys and owners tip their horses and, almost without exception, wax lyrical about what a fantastic event the Flemington racing carnival is.

"I would rather be here than anywhere else. It is the greatest carnival of our racing year. We are very privileged," said the Qatari Sheik Fahad Al Thani, who delayed a planned trip to the Hunter Valley to check out some horses so he could participate in the parade through the city.

Of course, it helps that the sheik has already experienced the thrill of winning the Cup with Dunaden two years ago, and will send the same horse out again today, while he is said to have celebrated even more flamboyantly when Side Glance won the million-dollar Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday.

Kids dressed up as jockeys take part in the Melbourne Cup parade down Swanston St, Melbourne. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

He is a convert, and so is almost every other member of the ever-growing invading army who have changed the dynamics of the event for ever.

Retired soccer superstar Michael Owen is here for the first time and loving it - he didn't anticipate riding through crowded city streets in a convoy of open cars because he never dreamt that would happen just for a horse race - and English-based Italian trainer Luca Cumani is an incurable addict.

He's been trying for eight years to win the race and when Mount Athos blew his best chance last year, he was so frustrated he vowed never to return.

But here they are again, same man and same horse, with Cumani telling the crowd yesterday the race is getting stronger and stronger and therefore more difficult to win. "It's a massive, massive race now," he said.

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Cumani appears to be on the money there.

There is a strong school of opinion that this is the 153-year-old race's classiest edition.

Cr Doyle said that too so, like his audience figures, it must be correct. Owen said it's what he had been told.

The stats back it up.

It will be contested by a record nine northern hemisphere horses, five of the first eight finishers from last year, including the first two, 13 Group 1 winners, two former Cup winners, nine victorious jockeys and five winning trainers.

The competition is so fierce that 12-time winner Bart Cummings hasn't been able to get a horse in the field - and Glen Boss doesn't have one to ride.

Trainer Gai Waterhouse and jockey Craig Williams, two of the very best at racing's two key jobs, are trying to win it for the first time after umpteen attempts, just two of a host of potentially great storylines waiting to play out.

Damien Oliver, who will be riding Fiorente, takes part in the parade. Source: News Limited

Luck will play a part - famously superstitious trainer Mark Kavanagh groaned when he was reminded Super Cool will carry No.13 saddlecloth and start from barrier 13 - and so will experience, with jockey Jimmy Cassidy, 50, having first won the race 30 years ago and Damien Oliver 18 years ago.

Apprentice Chad Schofield, who will have his first Cup ride on English stayer Ruscello, is 19 and was in nappies when Oliver prevailed on Doriemus in 1995.

It is so hard to pick the winner that one corporate bookie has reported an unprecedented surge in each-way betting.

One of the few certainties is that more than 100,000 people will flock to Flemington, as has been the case for all but two of the past 15 years.

Less than six weeks ago the footy Grand Final also pulled six figures, and, according to a bulletin from Cricket Australia last week, the world record cricket crowd of 90,800 is likely to fall at the MCG in another seven weeks.

Three monstrous crowds for three different sports in three months - no other city in the world could challenge that.

Melbourne is lucky to have these permanent blockbusters along with the Open tennis, the Grand Prix and any number of other major events that come along in any given year.

But when the roses bloom at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, the others are racing for second place. Today will be no exception.

RON.REED@NEWS.COM.AU

TWITTER: @REEDRW

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Singo and Tom still at it

Bookmaker Tom Waterhouse gave the impression he was hardly in the mood to mend any bridges with John Singleton. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

CLEARLY there's still bad blood between larrikin owner John Singleton and bookie Tom Waterhouse.

The pair were involved in the very public spat earlier this year during the More Joyous inquiry.

The inquiry received so many headlines, so we don't feel the need to re-tell the story.

But while Singleton tries to win the Melbourne Cup today with his tough mare Dear Demi, Waterhouse gave us the impression he was hardly in the mood to mend any bridges.

``I try not to think about `Singo','' Waterhouse told At The Track on tour.

``What he did and all the trouble he caused, bringing racing into disrepute with his bizarre claims, it was dreadful from our (family's) perspective and racing's perspective. That's why he was found guilty and fined. I try not to think about him.

``I never spoke to him beforehand. And I can't imagine I'll be speaking with him (now).''

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Waller might be the fortune 'teller

CHRIS Waller and Jimmy Cassidy have proven a lethal trainer-jockey combination in recent months, and will team up today with Hawkspur in the Melbourne Cup.

But Waller maintains it's his stablemate Foreteller - not Hawkspur - who he's leaning towards in the Cup.

``Foreteller is a genuine weight-for-age horse, he's won two Group 1 races, and he drops back to a handicap with a very good weight,'' Waller said.

``For that reason I'd put him slightly ahead of Hawkspur.''

Meanwhile, if punters are itching for a bet before 3pm, try dumping a bit of cash on Waller's Arinosa, the ghostly grey who runs in the Group 3 Lavazza Short Black (1400m) at 12.30pm.

``We were tossing up between running her here or in the (Group 1) Patinack, so if we thought she could win the Patinack, she's going to blow that field away tomorrow,'' Waller said. ``She's well weighted, and the 1400m is the right distance for her.''

That's right, 12.30pm.

Everything is Crystal clear

THE Crystal Club at Crown Casino was definitely the place to be yesterday afternoon. We spotted French jockey Gerald Mosse, the rider of Cup hope Red Cadeaux, having a bite, then the lovely Jennifer Hawkins on her way to a workout, dressed in a pink singlet and black pants. Trainer Chris Waller was seen in another corner locked in deep conversation with one of the managing owners of Foreteller, Neil Werrett, of Black Caviar fame.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh and jockey Corey Brown during the Melbourne Cup parade. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

Corey leader in the ink stakes

BROWN Panther's hoop Richard Kingscote loves his tattoos, but we reckon he's got nothing on our very own Corey Brown.

Brown, who partners Super Cool later today, has ink that runs all the way down one arm, and is about to add to his impressive collection.

``I do have a Melbourne Cup under my (left) arm of the actual Cup, and I was meant to go back and get `Shocking' written on it, but I haven't,'' said Brown, in reference to his 2009 Cup triumph.

``I'd get something again if I win tomorrow. I'm actually about to start another tatt that will start on the lower chest and go down to my hip.''

There is no shortage of what a tattooist could so with the words `Super Cool'.

Why Melbourne isn't cool #6

Guys who spell their name `Bradd'. That was the name of the bloke who was called on to stage at yesterday's Call of the Card, and took an eternity to declare his Cup winner.

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Membership restricted in 100 club

Jim Cassidy still pumped after his 100th Group 1 win on Zoustar celebrates a new sponsorhip with Jeep before the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

JIMMY Cassidy notched his 100th career Group 1 winner on Saturday - but the exclusive club looks like remaining just that for a good few years to come.

When The Pumper kicked home Zoustar to victory in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), he joined the late George Moore (119) and Roy Higgins (108) as the only hoops to have ridden a ton of majors during their career.

While Damien Oliver needs just three Group 1s to also join the club - he'll have a good chance on hotpot Fiorente in tomorrow's Melbourne Cup - it appears some time before the next member is inducted.

In fact, there's every chance no other jockey will reach triple figures before they end their careers.

Of the current riders, big-race specialist Glen Boss sits on 79, while the next jockey on the leaderboard, Chris Munce, is yet to reach the half-century.

As Cassidy celebrated his awesome achievement yesterday, he told The Daily Telegraph it would take a rider with the backing of a powerhouse stable to have any chance to close in on the milestone.

"Not many riders go out and ride five or six Group 1s in a season, unless you're a Kerrin McEvoy with the backing of a big stable,'' Cassidy said.

"It's also whether you're prepared to keep riding that long to chase a record of that calibre.

"I missed a lot of time, I'd hate to think how much time I've lost _ it would be five years, plus - and it's taken a long time do to. But if you concentrate, focus and make sacrifices, that's what it's about.''

Cassidy has put no time frame on how much longer he'll keep riding. At 50, he's riding as well as he was 30 years ago when he won his first Melbourne Cup on Kiwi.

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Cassidy praised the support of leading trainer Chris Waller, the trainer of Zoustar, as well as the man who has put the spit and polish on his Cup ride Hawkspur.

Asked to name his three favourite Group 1s, Cassidy said: "It would be Kiwi in the 1983 Cup, Might And Power's Caulfield Cup win in 1997, and yesterday's win on Zoustar. I just hope I don't get Alzheimers' because I never want to forget that one."

Higgins, like Cassidy, said it would take a jockey with the backing of a giant stable to have any hope of racking up the ton.

"I won't see another jockey (make the 100 club aside from Oliver) in my lifetime, and I'm 75,'' Higgins said.

``What you need is the backing of a powerful stable. The two guys up until now who had broken the 100 barrier was the great George Moore, who was tied to the great TJ Smith, and I rode for Bart Cummings. If you don't have that support, you'll find it very, very hard getting near that number by freelancing.''

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My guy is really a Super chance

Kav says Super Cool is in excellent order and that he was happy with his fifth in the Cox Plate and he's improved since. Picture: Jay Town Source: Jay Town / News Limited

I'M slightly confused when I look at the Melbourne Cup betting and see my horse Super Cool is a $41 chance.

I can only wonder why. I can't think of a reason he should be at such big odds.

Is it because I haven't broadcast the fact the Melbourne Cup has been his goal from the moment he returned to my stables in the winter?

Possibly. But if somebody had asked me I would have told them.

I think because he was early favourite for the Caulfield Cup, everyone assumed that was the race he was set for.

I can tell you that was never the case. He was going to run in the Caulfield Cup on the way to the Melbourne Cup but after he jarred up in the Caulfield Stakes I had to change tack and run in the Cox Plate as his lead-up race.

The odds may also have something to do with the fact Super Cool is by Fastnet Rock.

Fastnet Rock hasn't had a two-mile winner but, then again, he hasn't had a runner at the distance. He's sired an Oaks winner, Mosheen, and Super Cool has already finished second in a Victoria Derby.

I've done some research this weekend into pedigrees. I've found this - there are no set rules. Kala Dancer was a sprinter and he sired a Melbourne Cup winner in Subzero. O'Reilly was a great sprinter who can sire Newmarket Handicap and Caulfield Cup winners.

All I can say is that I continually look back and think that horses placed in the Victoria Derby have a good record in the Melbourne Cup.

Also there have been only two other three-year-olds who have won an Australian Cup and then tackled the Melbourne Cup.

We all saw what Saintly did in 1996 and we all know the tragedy with Dulcify in 1979.

Super Cool is in excellent order. I was happy with his fifth in the Cox Plate and he's improved since.

Super Cool has a swim in the pool at Flemington after a morning's work. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Limited

This will be my fourth runner in a Melbourne Cup and I'm thrilled to have a runner in Australia's biggest race.

People don't realise how hard it is to get a runner.

Just ask Nigel Blackiston who just failed to get Let's Make Adeal in.

I've managed to have won one with Shocking in 2009.

I'm in privileged company as there are not that many of us, but I crave a second one.

The three-handled Cup on my mantelpiece is starting to look a bit lonely.

You have only to look at this year's Cup field and the trainers to know the race is an addiction.

Lloyd Williams is an addict. He's won it four times and he has six runners tomorrow.

Godolphin is back for another attempt at winning. Same for Gai Waterhouse and Luca Cumani. That trio won't rest until they have won a Cup, but once they've won one that won't cure any addiction, it will only make it worse.

Chris Waller looks on his way to joining the Melbourne Cup junkies club.

Then there are the other overseas trainers who have come back, led by Mikel Delzangles, Ed Dunlop and Marco Botti.

There's no doubt the Cup has got tougher to gain a start in, and also tougher to win.

In a race of many chances I think Fiorente is the hardest to beat. But don't underestimate my guy.

Kav's top select, the Gai Waterhouse-trained Fiorente, who is a drifting favourite. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Limited

KAV'S TOP FIVE

FIORENTE

"He looked like he needed the run in the Cox Plate and he certainly got the hit-out he needed. He finished second in last year's Melbourne Cup so he can run the distance out. He also has a big race rider on in Damien Oliver. There's no question whether he can run the distance and he looks capable of going one better."

VEREMA

"She's in the astute Alain De Royer-Dupre stables. He knows what it takes and her form is impeccable."

ROYAL EMPIRE

"Although they haven't won a Cup Godolphin's runners invariably run well. Been racing well at home."

MOUNT ATHOS

"Great run in the Cup last year."

SUPER COOL

"This is the race he's been set for. He's improved since the Cox Plate."

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Punters come for Irish stayer

As much as $81 was being offered about Simenon in the Melbourne Cup with some bookies only a week ago but the gelding is now into $18 and firming for the big race. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

AN Irish gelding who was racing over hurdles less than 12 months ago has emerged as the "best bolter" in the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington tomorrow.

In shades of the triumphant Melbourne Cup coups engineered by Ireland's Dermot Weld with ex-hurdlers Vintage Crop (1993) and Media Puzzle (2002), Simenon is ready to thwart some of the world's best stayers in Australia's greatest race.

As much as $81 was being offered about Simenon in the Melbourne Cup with some bookies only a week ago but the gelding is now into $18 and firming for the big race.

There is certainly no tougher horse in the Melbourne Cup field than Simenon. He raced twice in five days at Royal Ascot last year over 4023m in the Ascot Stakes and then 4369m for the Queen Alexandra Stakes - and won them both by an aggregate margin of 13 lengths.

YOUR MELBOURNE CUP SWEEP GENERATOR

But by the end of last year, Simenon was getting beaten in lowly hurdle races in Punchestown but trainer Willie Mullins was already planning for the 2013 Melbourne Cup.

PROFILES OF THE MELBOURNE CUP PLAYERS

Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle also raced over hurdles before their Melbourne Cup triumphs which ushered in the internationalisation of Australia's most prestigious and richest race.

There are a record eight northern hemisphere-trained stayers in the Melbourne Cup field tomorrow but Simenon has created the least fanfare - until now.

"This is a very underrated horse,'' said respected British racing expert Jim McGrath.

"He is trained by one of Europe's top trainer of jumpers, Willie Mullins, who is a superb horseman.

"Simenon should have nearly won the Herbert Power Stakes and this horse has got a good turn of foot.

"If you ask me, Simenon is without question the best value in the Melbourne Cup.''

Justine Hale works Chris Waller runner Hawkspur at Flemington. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Limited

Fiorente remains the $7 favourite to win the Melbourne Cup ahead of foreign raiders Mount Athos ($9), Dandino ($10) and Verema ($13).

Hawkspur, unluckily beaten as favourite in the Caulfield Cup last start, is out to $13 after drawing barrier 18 - the only starting position which hasn't produced a Melbourne Cup winner.

But Sydney's premier trainer Chris Waller is unconcerned by the draw, adding he has trained five Group 1 winners this year and only one has started from inside gate 10.

Waller did concede Hawkspur and his other Cup runner, Foreteller, are risks at 3200m but felt both horses were so fit and in such good form, they were worthy of Melbourne Cup starts.

Dear Demi's owner John Singleton backed his mare to win $6 million in the Melbourne Cup after her close third in the Caulfield Cup last month. She only enhanced her claims for the Flemington two-miler with her fast finishing second in the Mackinnon Stakes on Derby Day.

Dear Demi makes ground late on winner Side Glance (centre) in the Mackinnon Stakes on Derby Day. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Trainer Clarry Conners was naturally disappointed when Dear Demi drew barrier 16 but said the mare could not be going any better ahead of tomorrow's race.

"I thought she ran a mighty race in the Mackinnon Stakes, I'm happy with where the horse is, she is going 'beautiful','' Conners said.

Meanwhile, Tabcorp expects to hold $100 million in bets on the Melbourne Cup.

"Research commissioned by Tabcorp shows that 74% of people who bet on the Melbourne Cup in NSW and Victoria, bet with TAB,'' said Tabcorp's managing director David Attenborough.

"We expect to process in excess of 50 million transactions on the day.''

During peak periods tomorrow, TAB expects to process up to 2000 bets per second. In excess of $180 million was wagered through NSW and Victorian TABs on Melbourne Cup Day last year with $90 million bet on the Melbourne Cup itself.

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Pellegrini says Hart needs a rest

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Manuel Pellegrini believes Joe Hart will benefit from a break from the Manchester City team but says he must work hard to get back into his first-choice line-up.

Hart was left out of the side for Saturday's clash with Norwich City following a number of recent mistakes, including the one that presented Fernando Torres with a winning goal for Chelsea last weekend.

Costel Pantilimon came in against the Canaries and had a comfortable afternoon in a crushing 7-0 victory, meaning Hart will have to wait for his next opportunity.

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Pellegrini is not sure when Hart will play next but has backed the England international to return to his best form in time.

"Joe needs a rest. I think it will be useful for him," said the Manchester City manager.

"He played the last two years and had every match here. Every player can have a bad moment.

"We will work hard behind Joe so we can return him to his normal performance as soon as possible."

Pellegrini added: "I don't know when he will be back in the team but he knows he must work very hard.

"He has the support of myself and all the players.

"He is the No.1 here in England and I am sure he will return to the normal performances he's had in the last two years."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/9006272/manchester-city-boss-manuel-pellegrini-says-joe-hart-needs-a-rest-after-missing-norwich-game

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