The Doomben Cup 2017 takes centre stage in Brisbane on the weekend, our insider betting tips and the latest odds on the weight-for-age winter classic detailed below.

Two gallopers are nearly equal favouritism in the markets for Saturday’s $650,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) with It’s Somewhat ($4.40) and Articus ($4) the ones the punters at Ladbrokes.com.au are coming for.

Darren Beadman will saddle-up the flying Godolphin-raced It’s Somewhat who is unbeaten this campaign, but now occupies the second line of Doomben Cup betting after easing in the markets.

The Doncaster Mile winner was impressive as a $31 roughie in that Sydney autumn feature, before winning the traditional Doomben Cup lead-up at the Gold Coast in the Group 2 A.D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) a fortnight back.

That race has produced more Doomben Cup winners than any other from the past decade and with It’s Somewhat drawn a treat in barrier six (into five), he’s a deserving favourite.

Darren Weir saddles-up the danger and new favourite in Doomben Cup odds Articus and it’s hard to knock anything from his stable this season.

Imported European Articus missed a flight to Queensland for a Hollindale run, but posted a Melbourne win in the lead-up on the same day and is out to frank that form getting up over his pet distance (6-4-1-0).

Earlier we published our comprehensive Doomben Cup 2017 Form Guide Preview and our tips based on the facts and status uncovered to take to the bookies are found below.

2^nd

#1 It’s Somewhat ($4.40)

He’s lost favouritism in the latest markets, but happy to stick with the Godolphin galloper who is rock hard fit and chasing four wins from as many starts this time in. He ran third in this race last year and 12 months on is going far better. The Doncaster win was excellent and the Hollindale form should be the one to follow into this. Drawn a treat and he has winning form on Heavy going. Distance at this stage of his campaign is ideal and at weight-for-age will be hard to beat.

2^nd

#9 Maurus ($11)

Nice price offered on the consistent John Thompson-trained Maurus who comes off back-to-back thirds. The latest was to It’s Somewhat when only a length back in the Hollindale. Third-up he’ll be peaking, won over 2200m here in April last year and the Doomben Cup fifth that season was also brave when under two lengths off he and the winner. Wet track is also a huge plus (3-2-0-1) and just needs the luck from the wide alley.

3^rd

#13 Rudy ($26)

Blowout roughie of the field that is overs shapes-up as the Helen Page-trained Gold Coast galloper Rudy. He’s been thereabouts all campaign including being beaten under three lengths for his mid-field fifth in the Hollindale Stakes. Yet to win over this distance, so that’s the test, but loves Doomben (14-5-2-3) and is outstanding on mud tracks (8-4-1-1).

Whether you’re backing or sacking our exclusive Doomben Cup 2017 betting tips make sure you’ve got access to the best winter racing odds at Ladbrokes.com.au.