With heavy tracks wreaking havoc for punters so far this winter, IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read shares his thoughts on the season and looks offshore for value.

“Given the results of late, one would be forgiven for throwing out the form guide and relying on birthdays and other special dates to determine their selections. After all, the country has been rapt by lotto mania in last few weeks. The favourites have found the opposition a bit slicker than the tipsters anticipated, with punters investing cautiously as a result. My advice is, if you like to ‘bet when wet’ then stick with the value and play wide,” said Read.

Changing focus to the upcoming July Cup at Newmarket in the United Kingdom on 10 July, Read tells all not to overlook Aussie warhorse Takeover Target, “With Scenic Blast as short as $2.35 in the July Cup, Australian racing could once again be the toast of the racing world. The local English bagmen hold big liability on the Western Australian sprinting machine; however Takeover Target seems forgotten and is trading as high as $10. All the best to the connections of both representatives in this time-honoured classic.”