It's high time all sports came up to speed in the integrity stakes Racing has always lived with a measure of corruption. Since the Hyde Park era, smarties have sought an edge. The days of a red-hot dead-un, a short-priced favourite in peak form sent out to be beaten, are all but gone because of the latest drug-testing technology and experienced professional stewards, tuned to the whiff of hot cases. Other sports are just breaking into the area. Last week, grim-faced politicians and sports administrators were bleating about "organised crime" and illicit drugs. "Sports scientists" have entered the dialogue. In racing, we just have chemists - traditionally one needle ahead of the analysts, who are making it harder for them every day. No doubt the fixers, those looking for an edge, have come to the fore with the expansion of sports betting. Certainly cricket and some forms of football have been targets. But don't let anyone tell you rugby league has been squeaky clean. It's like saying boxers have never been in the tank. In the modern era, it's more transparent because of sports betting. But in NSW punters can be satisfied they are getting a fair go most of the time. We don't have to waffle about integrity as Victoria does. It's been practised here for decades. One step ahead "All this controversy about drugs in sport and the fixing of sporting results, to my eyes, makes the integrity of horse racing look rather good," Jason Keegan wrote. While cheating and fixing of sports and political corruption have been around forever, it does appear, on the surface, [that] the policing and eradication of such is on an upward spiral. I mainly bet on Melbourne but follow the form in NSW. I have no doubt, thanks to Ray Murrihy, NSW is the best policed. What surprises about drugs in football is a player, carrying an injury, can be needled with painkillers to get onto the ground. Try giving the same potion to a horse. Peptides are on racing's barred list. You can bet any "help" used on humans has been well tested on horses. Racing NSW tests for peptides out of competition and staged a raid, or testing mission, on a Warwick Farm stable last Monday. A new freezer has also been introduced by RNSW, constantly on the move to keep up with chemists, to preserve samples that may produce positives in future. Grab for power? The rivers of gold, anticipated from corporate bookmakers along the lines of the mining tax, hasn't trickled through to the cash-strapped Australian Turf Club, which celebrated its second birthday on Saturday. The ATC is responsible for quality racing and, with the new Randwick grandstand under way, extra funds are vital. Alas, the ATC has come up against Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys, renowned for being frugal in the best interests of the industry. However, to some it is a takeover bid by Racing NSW for control of the Sydney racing club that replaced the Australian Jockey Club and Sydney Turf Club. Maybe it will hinge on the successful completion of the Randwick venture, seen as the jewel in the ATC crown. Fixed emotions Official SP percentages for Sydney racing on a Saturday average about 104 per cent, 108 Melbourne. The five so-called huge betting corporates range from 118 to 129 per cent with deductions. If you bet fixed odds you'll be fixed up," Pittsburgh Phil, of Coogee Bay, wrote to Winning Post. Alas, a punter who took $7 about a winner which paid $4 wouldn't be complaining. Ford shows mettle Many jockeys with an "unfashionable" tag, like Jay Ford, only need the opportunities. Ford was a big part of the Takeover Target saga but again showed his flair on Happy Galaxy in the Expressway. Ford judged the pace perfectly and didn't indulge in a speed battle. Craig Williams at Caulfield again showed he is the hardest jockey to get past, emphasised by his effort on Adebisi in the Rubiton Stakes. Single produced a strong finish for second in the last at Warwick Farm on Saturday at his second start after a spell to indicate he will more than pay his way soon. Sugar Rush, at $3 in the first at the Farm, was one of the first horses beaten, finishing a 5.6-length fifth.