NRL Grand Final

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will make their first Grand Final appearance in more than 40 years when lining up against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

A cult favourite amongst the NRL community, Souths ($1.36) have charged into the Grand Final on the back of a massive forward pack and slick, confident back line and are clear favourites to take the Summons Provan Trophy back to Redfern.

Sneaking into the finals after ending the regular season in position seven, The Bulldogs ($3.25) having seemingly timed their run of form to perfection; following up losses in Rounds 25 and 26 with three impressive finals wins over the Storm, Sea Eagles and Panthers.

Horse Racing

Royal Descent is the favourite in betting markets for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick. Photo (c) Steve Hart

The first weekend of October truly marks the beginning of Australian racing’s busiest period, with four Group 1’s, five Group 2’s, two Group 3’s and a plethora of Listed events over meetings Royal Randwick and Flemington.

The Epsom Handicap (1600m) undoubtedly highlights Randwick’s Super Saturday card, this year pegging 15 classy entrants against each other for Group 1 glory.

Champion miler Boban took out the 2013 Epsom Handicap in a photo finish, and has been charged with carrying a race-high 58kgs for his title defence on Saturday. Giving two and a half kilos to his closest rival Royal Descent, the Bernardini gelding will have to find ideal running position early if to overcome a field which also includes the likes of Toydini, Star Rolling and the resurgent Laser Hawk.

A maiden Group 1 champion will be crowned in the Flight Stakes (1600m) on Saturday, with just seven three-year-old fillies confirmed to line up for Race 8. First Seal and Winx have each claimed a Group 2 victory this time in however neither are trialled over 1600m competitively, allowing for an open betting race.

The Metropolitan caps off the impressive Randwick card, as several Cups prospects line up for the season’s first Group 1 over 2400m. British import Spillway is aiming to secure a position in the Caulfield Cup with a Metropolitan victory, but will need to find an extra gear to overcome Chris Waller’s impressive hand which includes the likes of Junoob, Bagman, Opinion and Our Voodoo Prince.

The Turnbull Stakes headlines a strong nine race card at Flemington on Saturday, highlighted by some of the season’s most exciting staying prospects. Early 2013 Melbourne Cup favourite Puissance De Lune has returned to racing in smart form this time in and will meet early 2014 Melbourne Cup favourite The Offer in the Turnbull. Arguably the weekend’s best betting race, Group 1 champions Green Moon, Super Cool and Hawkspur are all available at excellent odds and are proven over the distance.

Cups prospects will also do battle in The Bart Cummings at Flemington on Saturday, while Emirates Stakes hopefuls River Lad and Smokin’ Joey meet with in-form sprinter Chautauqua and Temple Of Boom in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m).

Other Sports

The English Premier League Season enters Week 7 on Saturday and offers punters particularly good value, as several similarly-formed sides face off.

The round is undoubtedly highlighted by a grudge match between bitter London rivals Chelsea ($1.67) and Arsenal ($5). The last time these sides met, Jose Mourinho’s men delivered the Gunners a demoralizing 6-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge.