A field of 13 remaining hopes is engaged to play out today’s Newcastle Cup 2013 on the New South Wales central coast, the Races.com.au team’s insider tips and betting selections for which are detailed below.

Running as Newcastle Race 7 at 4:40pm the $175,000 Group 3 XXXX Gold Newcastle Cup (2300m) has been a great guide to some of the spring’s more prestigious staying features in recent years.

This year there is again plenty of talent among the hopefuls with Gai Waterhouse’s up-and-comer Danas Best, after their fourth straight win, heading the [ldtext link=”Newcastle Cup odds link=”http://www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing/horses/newcastle/1778518-xxxx-gold-newcastle-gold-cup/”] at a current quote of $3.80.

The two other single-figure chances are then early market mover Lucripetous ($7) in their black type debut after two impressive wins on the trot and Ghost Protocol ($7.50) who ran second to Danas Best at Rosehill over the mile and a half last start.

There could also be value a little further down the Newcastle Cup betting markets this year however with the likes of Stayers Cup winner Peal Of Bells ($12) and evergreen veteran Gazza Guru ($13) not without their claims.

So who should you back and sack for the big one this afternoon in Sydney?

1^st

#10 Danas Best ($3.50)

These provincial Sydney meets have been the domain of favourites of late so are sticking with the punters’ pick here. Think history will repeat itself with Waterhouse having won the race 12 months ago with subsequent four-length The Metropolitan winner Glencadam Gold. Like Danas Best they came off multiple lead-up wins and the inside gates have proved advantage in this so barrier four looks ideal especially with just 55kg.

2^nd

#12 Tenby Lady ($10)

Tipping a Waterhouse-trained Newcastle Cup Quinella with Tenby Lady to get a lovely trail up with their better fancied stablemate and hold on for second. American-bred mare has been racing very well. Jim Cassidy comes on so they have the experience of one of the greats. Have run top three in all three of their runs since August 17. Short back-up suits which they get again after a lovely second over 2200m at Warwick Farm on September 11. Distance looks right too.

3^rd

#3 Peal Of Bells ($12)

Were second in this race 12 months ago and rate them a place chance again in 2013. Now carry equal 57.5kg topweight, two kilos more than last year, but probably deserving of that based on some of their recent runs. Back-to-back winner in winter including their 3200m triumph in the Stayers Cup, forgive their Winter Cup eighth when dropping back in distance. Last start was more showing of their true form when second in the Wyong Cup (2100m) and going up to the 2300m will work in their favour.

To get behind our Newcastle Cup favourites or back your own selections at the best prices head to Ladbrokes.com.au and bet with confidence knowing they are Australia’s leading online bookmaker.

*Odds quoted are Fixed Win from Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change