A final furlong has been added to the race for William Hill’s Australian bookmaking business. 

Two bidders have been given access to black box due diligence – William Hill’s Australia’s nearest and dearest secrets – so they can sharpen up their offers and firm up funding.

Sources said the two still in contention were Paddy Power-owned Sportsbet and CrownBet, and no doubt they are revelling in the chance to see their competitor close up.

Neither needs an introduction to Australia’s punting community.

Sources reckon a decision on the winner is likely to carry into next week. The business is expected to be worth about $200 million.