Betting tips / Brad Thompson / 21 April 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

A slashing run by Bagman last start caught the eye of Brad Thompson, indicating he is a genuine chance to knock off the hot favourite at Morphettville on Saturday.

Bagman will contest the Holdfast Insurance City Of Adelaide Handicap (1400m), gunning to cause an upset over the dominant favourite Sheila's Star, which has returned to racing in supreme style this preparation.

Sheila's Star comes over from Melbourne after successive wins where she has destroyed her rivals by a combined 7.5 lengths.

But on the same day as Sheila's Star's most recent victory, Bagman unleashed a powerful finish in the Victoria Handicap at Caulfield a fortnight ago, scoring third behind the talented pair Smokin' Joey and Under The Eiffel.

Bagman has lifted to another level this preparation -- either he is a late maturer, or he has thrived since being transferred from leading trainer Mark Kavanagh, into the care of his son, Sam.

The rookie trainer has saddled up just 15 runners in his short career, but both of his wins -- including the first-up win of Bagman at Morphettville -- have been with his stable jockey Chad Lever in charge of the steering.

Lever takes the ride of Bagman, a three-time winner at the 1400m distance, from barrier eight. Although Sheila's Star is the main danger, topweight Budriguez meets Bagman much better at the weights for a narrow defeat in the Matrice Stakes on March 24.

But the improving Bagman is an attractive each-way bet.

With the expected flood of money for Sheila's Star, backers can expect $6-$7 for a Bagman win, and even money for the place.