According to Sal, the Socceroos have to bridge a particular skills gap before they can mix it with the elite countries. Meanwhile he offers his thoughts on the AFL’s Round 18 and the key races at Caulfield.
Sal’s Preview – Round 17: It’s All in the Draw!
July 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal looks at the World Cup before commenting on who makes the cut under the ‘Wildcard’ system, tipping this week’s winners and checking the form at Flemington.
Almanac Life: Tyrendarra
July 1, 2026 by 2 Comments
Pestwac reflects on a time when the geology and geomorphology of south-western Victoria dominated his working life. As is often the case in his stories, racehorses manage to make an appearance on the margins!
Sal’s Preview – Round 16: A Messi Problem for Nas
June 25, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal thinks that Coach Lyon might learn a bit from Argentina’s use of Lionel Messi to ease the pressure on and increase the effectiveness of Nas. There are tips for the main races at Caulfield and Eagle Farm too.
Sal’s Preview – Round 15: Next stop USA
June 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal surveys the Socceroos, Round 15 of the AFL and the main races at Flemington. It’s a big weekend in prospect!
Sal’s Preview – Round 14: Let the Feast Begin
June 11, 2026 by 2 Comments
Sal previews both the World Cup and Round 14 before offering his thoughts on the big races at Sandown and Eagle Farm this weekend.
Almanac Racing: One Hundred Ways to Lose Your ‘Couta’ – A Broken Punter’s Lament
June 5, 2026 by 2 Comments
Wayne Peake has created ‘A Broken Punter’s Lament’ to the tune of Paul Simon’s ’50 Ways to leave Your Lover’.
Almanac Road Trip: Plenty of horses and umpires at Swan Hill but no trains
June 5, 2026 by 8 Comments
With the three day Swan Hill Cup carnival occurring this weekend we reprise Roger Lowrey’s report of the carnival, his punting mates, and other attractions undertaken on his trip in 2022.
Round 12 Preview – Vale Neale Daniher – A Life of Hope
May 28, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal Ciardulli pays a tribute to Neale Daniher. He also presents his thoughts and tips for Round 12 of the AFL season accompanied with his racing tips for Caulfield and Eagle Farm.
Sal’s Preview: Round 10 Preview – The First Domino Falls
May 14, 2026 by 1 Comment
Sal Ciardulli presents his thoughts and tips for Round 10 of the AFL season 2026, also his racing tips for Flemington and Doomben.
Sal’s Preview – Round 9: I know it’s only Ruck and Roll, but I like it!
May 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal presents his thoughts and tips for all the Round 9 matches plus his tips for the weekend’s racing.
Sal’s Preview – Round 8: Just Swanning Around
April 30, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Adjudication errors and Draft issues are in Sal’s firing line this week. The feature races at Bendigo and Morphettville also come in for scrutiny.
Almanac (Life) Stories: Drover – The Blue Whale of the District
April 29, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Pestwac draws on his life experience to relate the tale of Drover and Rover, two very unalike horses who caused a problem at the country races one day.
Almanac Horseracing: It’s A Gas Gas Gas
April 23, 2026 by 4 Comments
The People’s Elbow offers his thoughts on the main races at Flemington this weekend. Interestingly, he finds comparisons to gas policy in Australia. (Alert: some coarse language)
Sal’s Preview – Round 7: Through a Dark Blue Hue
April 23, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal brings perspective to the Elijah Hollands situation and makes his call on likely Round 7 winners. This week’s major track meets are at Flemington and Morphettville.
Almanac Horse Racing: Fun With Numbers 2
April 22, 2026 by 3 Comments
Pestwac goes back to the track with insights (?) into systems that improve the odds of you winning.
Sal’s Preview – Round 6: If You Don’t Mind Umpire!
April 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal offers his take on the various issues involving umpires before offering his tips for the main races at Mornington and Randwick.
Sal’s Preview – Round 5: Let’s Gather in the Autumn Glow
April 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Sal cogitates on the concept of Gather Round and its location before offering his Round 5 tips as well as his thoughts about the feature races at Caulfield and Randwick.
Sal’s Preview – Round 4: All Aboard The Coaching Cycle – Bring your Alibi to the Championships
April 2, 2026 by 1 Comment
Sal takes the coach critics to task for their two-handed approach to the suitability or otherwise of particular coaches. But the continuing daytime Grand Final time slot gets a big tick.
Almanac Horseracing: Boo ars only
April 1, 2026 by 7 Comments
Pestwac, as we know, spent a lot of time on the punt where he came into contact with any number of colourful characters. Today it’s Dickie, a man of military bearing – although he probably wasn’t!
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