Labor still the strong tip among punters

An hour into the count there is plenty of anticipation around the tally room but as yet no clear leader in the race for who will lead the Northern Territory for the next four years.

Tipsters expect Labor with Clare Martin on board to start making its move and take consecutive cups after Labor's inaugural shock win over the CLP in 2001.

And there has been plenty of money amongst the punters.

Sportingbet has moved Labor in to an almost unbackable favourite at $1.07.

One New South Wales punter reckons Labor's a sure thing, outlaying a $100,000 bet.

The CLP with hoop Denis Burke back for his second ride after being sacked by the party in 2003 has blown out to $6.00.

The roughy is the Greens which have fielded a record 11 candidates, hoping to snare a seat or two from their more highly fancied opponents.

The policy talk of the town by both the major parties is law and order.

Labor wants to scratch habitual drunks out of the race and force them into treatment or jail before they are allowed back trackside.

The CLP says itinerants and drunks have already run their race, taking a zero tolerance approach.

Mr Burke also hopes a plan to connect the Territory to the National Electricity Grid at a cost of more than $1 billion will get him across the line.

Heading into the home straight experts say unless there is an extraordinary swing, Labor will romp in the win by at least two lengths, perhaps forcing Mr Burke out to pasture.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Sat, 18 Jun 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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