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Captain's Blog - Wednesday 13th June 2012

I am in the office early today so that I can not only prepare for a day in the studio with Richard Hoiles, but also to keep my eye on the State of Origin match down under between New South Wales and Queensland. Queensland are the better side and are 1-0 up in the series but there is something niggling away at me that says New South Wales on home territory are going to nick this and set up a magnificent deciding game in a few week's time.

Aside from the rugby I am due to be covering Beverley with Richard today and to be honest I cannot say that I have identified any stand out bets. Given my current form this may be of some relief to you. I could blame the ground and the weather for my tipping woes but that is just a pathetic excuse really.

For my selection today I am going to look elsewhere, more specifically I am going north of the border to Hamilton and to the 6.50pm. Hopes N Dreams was an impressive winner last time at the track, winning cosily despite missing the break and doing so in a tremendous time. She competes in a much stronger race, but looks capable of being competitive at this level and should be backed to win tonight.

Black Caviar seems to be settling into her Newmarket base quite nicely and she is bang on course to win the Diamond Jubilee Stakes a week on Saturday. Personally I believe she will bolt up, but would not be prepared to get heavily involved if the forecasted rain arrives.

Apparently there is going to be an absolute deluge this weekend and then again next week, which would at least render the ground soft and it will not be fresh ground either as it will have been raced on all week. I am not saying she can be beaten because I believe she is the best horse in the world, but we would all be foolish not to factor in the conditions under which she may have to race. All I can say is that I hope the weather men have got it wrong!

Time for me to get stuck into the Beverley card now, which does not fill me with a great deal of joy having already had a cursory look at the meeting. However needs must!

All the best.

Todays Selection

6.50 Hamilton - Hopes N Dreams