by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Newbury – 23rd September 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Uttoxeter & Navan - 26th November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from Newbury. Unfortunately the Ayr Festival has been called off so my selections switch to Newbury this afternoon with the feature The Mill Reef Stakes for up and coming juveniles.

 

14.15 Newbury – Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (Group 3) (11f)

Over the years this has not been a race to think outside the box, in fact the first and second favourites have a high return and looking at the field it looks the same factor once more. David Simcock has won this the past two years and is represented here with Desert Encounter.

His four runs this season have not been over looked, winner of the Listed Buckhounds Stakes at Ascot back in May and was probably unlucky not to follow up at Goodwood when beaten by one of his closest rivals here in Second Step. Subsequently dropped to 10f, he equipped himself well when finishing third in the Coral Eclipse. The winner Ulysses went on to land the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. His last run was too bad to be true, never picked up in the closing stages when finishing a wayward sixth.

Meeting Second Step this time around, he will be tackling this renewal off level weights, different to when he was conceding 3lb for a half a length defeat, and he should be exploiting that advantage this time around. Second Step has gone on to show his consistency, finishing runner up in the Listed Fred Archer Stakes and once more had to settle for second in the Glorious Stakes at Goodwood with Scarlet Dragon back in third just a neck off him.

They dropped him back into Listed company when taking the August Stakes at Windsor, it was not the grandest of renewals, and there has been flaws in the form of that race since. Surprise package could be Johnson-Houghton’s Scarlet Dragon. He seems to run better at pattern level and bounced back from a disappointing run in the Ebor when runner up in the September Stakes behind Chemical Charge. He does though look just outside the recommendation that he can reverse the form with Second Step, and further turn over the race selection in Desert Encounter.

DESERT ENCOUNTER : 2pt Win @ 7/2 (BOG)

14.50 Newbury – Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) (6f)

Favourites have a cracking record in this over the years taking five of the past six renewals. James Tate’s Invincible Army has been up against some quality sprinters this year. It really all started when beaten favourite to land the July Stakes, however the form even of that run has upheld with US Navy Flag going on to win the Tower Stakes in Ireland, Alba Power improving to be just denied in this years top yearlings renewal.

He came on nicely when runner up to the smart Havana Grey in the Molecomb Stakes, and even though he was backed into favouritism on the day, Havana Grey is a good yardstick considering he has gone on to finish runner up in the Prix Morny & Flying Childers when beaten by the vast improving Heartache.

Once more he was put in as the favourite for this years Gimcrack and was surprisingly beaten by Richard Fahey’s Sounds of Mali who made a complete mockery of the race. All the frustration runs paid off when switched to the all weather at Kempton landing the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes and justified the market confidence. There would be no surprise to see him go off at the head of the market this afternoon, regular jockey on board in Martin Harley, should take this.

If anything was going to upset the apple-cart which i am sure it wont, as he says with confidence, then the consistent George Scott runner James Garfield has been a credit to the trainer this season. Despite only recording the one win which came at Doncaster, he did have previous good form when third in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.

He was given the opportunity to step into pattern company and equipped himself that he belonged when finishing fourth in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes, to run even better when just denied in the Group 2 Acomb Stakes and had Lansky well beaten to almost four lengths, the front pair pulled quickly clear of the field, he looks the main danger to the selection here.

INVINCIBLE ARMY : 3pt Win @ 5/2 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Brighton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview
Brighton vs Newcastle United - Match Preview

Brighton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview – After securing their first win of the season in their last home game, Brighton will be hoping to grab another three points. For Newcastle, a win would be their fourth on the bounce!

Brighton need to make the Amex Stadium a fortress if they’re to survive their first ever Premier League campaign. After beating West Brom 3-1 last time, there is cause for optimism, but they need to be winning games like this one. Last time out, they were unfortunate to come unstuck against Bournemouth. After taking the lead through Solly March, goals from Andrew Surman and Jermain Defoe gave the Cherries the win. Despite another good performance, Chris Hughton’s men came away pointless, a scenario they need to stop.

Can Knockaert find his form from last season? Photo Credit: skysports.com

Whilst they have only kept one clean sheet so far this season, the Seagulls have defended manfully, with Dunk and Duffy continuing to prove tough opponents. Where they need to improve is offensively. Anthony Knockaert missed the beginning of the season through injury, and it is imperative that the diminutive winger regains his form from last season. The Frenchman grabbed 15 goals and ten assists as Brighton secured automatic promotion, and the Amex faithful will be hoping to see him step up to the plate again this term.

For Newcastle, a win could be their fourth on the spin in the league. After a disappointing start, the Magpies have found some form, and now look like a side capable of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship. After scoring none and conceding three in their opening two games, they’ve now scored six and conceded one in their last four. Whilst there is no clear conclusion to this upturn in form, Rafa Benitez will be thrilled to see his team succeeding on the pitch. Another three points for the Toon Army could even see them finish the day as high as third.

Atsu has been in fine form for Newcastle so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last season, Newcastle did the double over Brighton as they pipped them to the Championship title. A 2-0 win at St James’ Park in August was then followed up with a 2-1 win at the Amex in February. Those two games last year were the clubs first league meetings since 1992, although there have been two FA Cup ties since, with Brighton winning on both occasions.

I think Sunday will be a tight game. With both sides not wanting to give much away, I can see a draw on the cards. With the current defensive form of both sides, chances will be at a premium. With both sides lacking a natural goal scorer, I can see this fizzling out in to a well contested 0-0 draw.

Prediction: Brighton 0-0 Newcastle

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE 0-0- 13/2

SKYBET: BTTS AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS- 5/2

SKYBET: JOSELU TO SCORE FIRST AND NEWCASTLE TO WIN 1-0- 22/1

SKYBET: BRIGHTON TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 9/4

SKYBET: KNOCKAERT AND ATSU TO BOTH SCORE- 14/1

SKYBET: HEMED TO SCORE A BRACE- 14/1

by ·Comments Off on Forest Green vs Swindon Town – Match Preview
Forest Green vs Swindon Town - Match Preview

Forest Green vs Swindon Town – Match Preview – Friday night football sees Forest Green host Swindon Town at The New Lawn. The home side have made a shaky start on their return to the Football League, but will be hoping to secure a second win of the season.

Since their return to League Two, Forest Green have found life tough. Their opening eight fixtures have yielded five points, and only one win. That win came back on the 19th of August, which leaves Rovers without a win in their last five league games. Tough fixtures against promotion hopefuls Lincoln City, Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers have meant only goal difference separates them from the bottom two.

Doidge has scored four goals this season Phot Credit: EFL.com

Christian Doidge has proved to be a shining light in an otherwise dull season. The striker has managed four goals and one assist this season, but is without any in his last three. So far this season, Rovers have leaked 20 league goals, the joint highest in the division. With ten goals scored, the problem is evidently keeping the ball out of their own goal, and they will have to learn quickly if they’re to secure a second season at this level.

By contrast, Swindon appear to be a side on the up. The Robins now sit in eighth place, only three points behind third placed Accrington Stanley. If Swindon are to make an immediate return to League One, beating the teams around them will be key. A resounding 3-0 win away at Luton will give them some confidence, despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at Notts County.

Norris has been in good form contributing 5 goals for Swindon Photo Credit: totalswindon.com

Whilst they are only just shy of the automatic promotion places, Swindon have the second leakiest defence in the top half of the table. Only Wycombe in 12th place have conceded more, meaning if they could tighten up at the back, a promotion push could be a real possibility. On a positive note, the Robins have notched 12 league goals, with five of them thanks to Luke Norris. The former Gillingham striker has already equalled his goal tally from last season, showing his best form since joining them in 2016.

These two sides have never met in the league previous to this game. This leaves history ready to be written, as both teams scramble for three points that could affect opposite ends of the table. With both sides struggling to defend, and potent in attack, I think both teams to score would be safe bet. With Swindon in good form, I think they will just edge the game.

 

Prediction: Forest Green Rovers 1-2 Swindon Town

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE SWINDON TO WIN 2-1- 17/2

SKYBET: NORRIS TO SCORE AND SWINDON TO WIN- 11/4

SKYBET: DOIDGE TO SCORE FIRST AND FOREST GREEN TO WIN 1-0- 28/1

SKYBET: DRAW EITHER 1-1, 2-2 OR 3-3- 3/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 1/1

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Ayr – 21st September 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Ayr - 21st September 2017

Today’s horse racing preview selections come from the first day of the Ayr Gold Cup festival, with the feature being the Listed Doonside Cup.

 

13.40 Ayr – EBF Novices Stakes (8f)

Previous course experience has gone along way to provide the winner of this race over the renewals, so on this significance, this brings in two strong contenders in Ventura Royal and Salazar, with the latter just getting the verdict. Kevin Ryan’s gelding won decisively over 7.2f around here on the 12th of August, to be fair the top four behind have not won but have shown significant improvement on their next run so the race could pan out to be a useful Novice contest.

David O’Meara’s filly Ventura Royal has improved on every run and showed this at Thirsk when two and a half lengths behind a strong Fahey winner Exhort. If we judge her on the fifth place finish over 7f around here she still looked green, but the fourth Che Bella franked the form, but the top two have failed to improve, and with no fillies winning this race in all six renewals, and geldings have a 4-6 success in the race the nod goes to Salazar.

SALAZAR : 3pt Win @ SP (BOG)

16.50 Ayr – William Hill Doonside Cup Stakes (Listed) (10f)

I am more interested in two of the three year old’s in this, in Born to Be Alive and Forest Ranger. Firstly, the Richard Fahey entry here in Forest Ranger. What I have seen of him throughout his races, he is a free willing type who should have won more than just his two resume wins. He drops out of pattern company after what looked a good second in the Group 2 Strensall Stakes at York.

Without being too hypocritical of him, he just looks out of his depth. So the selection comes in Karl Burke’s Born to be Alive. Won here back in June over 8f by eight lengths and nearly capitalised on that when just beaten at Clairefontaine in the Listed Prix Pelleas. It might not be a stand out, but entries that have come off the back of good runs abroad have won this, I just feel he apposes value at 5/1 over the 9/4 for Forest Ranger off level weights.

BORN TO BE ALIVE : 2pt Win @ 5/1 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – Manchester United vs Burton Albion – Match Preview
Carabao Cup - Manchester United vs Burton Albion - Match Preview

Manchester United vs Burton Albion – Match Preview – Current holders of the cup, Manchester United enter the third round of the Carabao cup with a fixture against Championship side Burton Albion.

Jose Mourinho’s side won in dramatic style at Wembley last year against Southampton in the final. A late goal from the resigned Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw the Red Devils lift one of their two trophies last season.

Burton Albion have begun their league campaign in very average fashion; claiming eight points from eight matches. An impressive victory against joint Championship leaders Cardiff in the second round booked their place in the third round.

We are likely to see a fair few personnel changes for Manchester United who have a rather full fixture list in the coming months. Mourinho may turn to his squad rotation players for this fixture to give some of his starters a rest. With their awe-inspiring squad depth, we are still likely to see a very talented line up from the hosts. With plenty of speculation around the starting eleven, there isn’t any speculation that they are the favourites for this fixture.

Skybet Correct Score – Manchester United to Win 4-0 – 13/2

With a rocky start to the league campaign, it isn’t too clear what Nigel Clough’s attitude towards this competition may be. Facing a team of Manchester United stature is always a fantastic occasion for a smaller club, so whether Clough will line up strong to try and create a little Burton Albion history is not out the picture. Their last outing against Fulham resulted in a very impressive 2-1 victory, proving their clinical edge that they will hope can keep them in the Championship for another season. Will the Brewers make it a night to remember?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Burton to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 50/1

Martial could start tonight after impressing off the bench Photo Credit: skysports.com

Anthony Martial seems to be settling much more at Old Trafford in comparison to last season where he often rode the bench far too often. Still second picking to Marcus Rashford, it is likely he will get some minutes this Wednesday. He netted a penalty against Everton at the weekend, can he score again to help his bid for a starting position?

Skybet First Goalscorer – Anthony Martial – 4/1

Lucas Akins will hope to score past the Utd defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

As aforementioned, if Burton do come out victorious it will surely be a night to remember. All of the players will want to get on the scoresheet, however Lucas Akins will be the one to watch. After scoring the winner against Fulham, he will want to continue his scoring trend.

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Lucas Akins to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 7/2

 

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by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – Leicester vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Carabao Cup - Leicester vs Liverpool - Match Preview

Carabao Cup – Leicester vs Liverpool – Match Preview – The fourth round of the Carabao Cup takes place this Tuesday, with Liverpool facing a trip to Leicester in one of three all Premier League ties. A win for either of these sides would take them in to the round of 16.

Liverpool haven’t had the greatest of weeks. A 5-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester City and a 2-2 home draw with Sevilla in the Champions League has put a dampener on the Reds’ start to the season. They followed this up at the weekend with a frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield, to finish off a poor week for Jurgen Klopp’s men. Liverpool will be hoping to return to winning ways at the King Power Stadium and avoid going four games without a win.

Solanke could lead the line for Liverpool at Leicester Photo Credit: skysports.com

One highlight of the Reds’ season so far has been Mohamad Salah. The Egyptian scored Liverpool’s equaliser at the weekend, to take his tally to six for the season in all competitions. The winger has been a constant menace for opposition defences so far this campaign, as he begins to repay the reported 35 million pound fee Liverpool paid to prize him from Roma.

Leicester by contrast have had an indifferent start to the season. A draw at Huddersfield this weekend was the Foxes fourth point of the campaign, which is a disappointing return from five games. In the defence of Craig Shakespeare’s side, they have already faced tricky trips to the Emirates and Old Trafford, as well as hosting last year’s Premier League champions. Even against superior opposition, they have been unlucky to not pick up any points, and I’ve no doubt their form will soon improve.

Iheanacho will be hoping for a starting place Photo Credit: skysports.com

Liverpool haven’t won at the King Power stadium since 2014, when Leicester first returned to the Premier League. Since then, the Reds have lost both of their games there, with the Foxes coming out 2-0 and 3-1 winners. In the last six games between the two clubs they have recorded 20 goals between them, averaging at just over three goals a game.

If, as expected, the two managers make changes to their regular side, I would expect goals to be in large supply. Over 2.5 match goals and both teams to score would be my bet, with both teams notoriously leaky at the back.

Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Liverpool

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE LEICESTER 2-1- 12/1
SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 MATCH GOALS- 11/10
SKYBET: VARDY TO SCORE FIRST AND 1-1 DRAW- 30/1
SKYBET: SOLANKE AND SALAH TO BOTH SCORE- 6/1
SKYBET: IHEANACHO TO SCORE A BRACE- 14/1
SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 14/1

by ·Comments Off on Manchester United vs Everton – Match Preview
Manchester United vs Everton - Match Preview

Manchester United vs Everton – Match Preview – Premier League leaders Manchester United host Everton this Super Sunday where Wayne Rooney will return to Old Trafford.

The Manchester United legend left the club this summer to return to his boyhood club, Everton. It is sure to be an emotional return for the player, club and fans.
Jose Mourinho’s side have flexed their muscles thus far, however had a slight hiccup in their most recent league outing away to Stoke. A 2-2 draw was frustrating for the United fans however a deserved result for Stoke who went toe to toe with the Red Devils. Since the draw, United began their Champions League campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 victory over Basel.

Everton have had a poor run of performances lately; the most recent seeing them torn apart by Tottenham and were lucky to only lose 3-0. New signings, Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson, seemed to have gone off the boil the past few outings, however no one is doubting their class, especially in front of goal.

Martial will be hoping for a starting place this Sunday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Manchester United have reinforced very well over the summer and have a squad depth that many other clubs are in awe of; Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata, Henrikh Mhkitrayan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial, just to name a few. This attacking prowess has impressed so far with plenty of creativity and fluidity when attacking with pace. The speed and clinical edge has been too much for the defences so far and Everton’s defence has looked ropey in recent performances. Mourinho will be looking to blitz this Everton defence.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Manchester United to Win – 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 6/4

Ronald Koeman has been enduring a tough run of fixtures having faced Tottenham and Chelsea before Sunday’s clash. It is possible Koeman could line up in a defensive fashion in an attempt to absorb the Manchester United pressure. Everton have seen an injection of youth in their squad with last season’s introduction of Tom Davies and Dominic Calvert-Lewin adding more pacey attacking option for the Merseyside club. Can Everton cause an upset?

Skybet Match Result – Everton to Win – 9/1

Rooney returns to Old Trafford Photo Credit: skysports.com

As mentioned, Wayne Rooney has been dominating headlines with his return to the Theatre of Dreams. He surely won’t score and steal the headlines, will he?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Wayne Rooney to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 100/30

Wayne Rooney to Score and Be Carded (Market not currently available on Skybet, Check back!)

£75 million striker Romelu Lukaku has taken no time to introduce himself to the Manchester United fans and has illustrated his class in front of goal already with four goals; leading to the golden boot race. Could he add another?

Skybet Player to Score Both Halves – Romelu Lukaku – 6/1

 

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Ffos Las – 17th September 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Nottingham - 1st November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from Ffos Las with 2 selections from the meeting.

 

14.30 Ffos Las – EBF Novices Stakes (7.2f)

This is probably going to be a contest that is not going to take much to win,with a few of these already having success. we also have a couple of debutante’s here from strong yards. Charles Hills Epic Fantasy makes his belated appearance, the son of Invincible Spirit was not renown for acting on soft ground, however the dam side Impressionism did have winning success on soft to heavy ground over today’s trip, a solid booking of a jockey inform in David Probert and any market support should be noted.

Both Christopher Wood and Greeneyedafghan are subsequent winners, the former trained by Ralph Beckett was seen winning on debut on good to soft at Salisbury, the third Al Jellaby franked that form last week, but the yard are not showing much from their juveniles over the last month with a poor return of 1-27 and it might be worth looking elswhere. Greeneyedafghan got off the mark also at the first attempt when winning here at Ffos Las over 6f on heavy ground.

The form of his Windsor run last time was confusing considering that he was only stepping in to Novice company, even though the sire Sepoy had a good record with give under foot,but he never ran above 6f in his career, so this step up could bring doubts that he will get the trip, Even the dam side ran only once over the distance without showing anything and was kept around 5-6f.

Despacito was firmly put in her place on debut in the same Novices contest that saw Greeneyedafghan back in 6th by nine lengths. He was in receipt of 9lb that day and she gets the same weight with her allowance, but I would expect William Muir’s charge to reverse that form this time around. Our Power represents a yard who are not renown for juvenile winners and have had just the one runner this season who showed nothing.

Thee are excuses that can be made here, but I am going to feel that Charles Hills has found an opportunity in what looks a very vulnerable feature to get his entry off to a win at the first attempt.

EPIC FANTASY : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

16.00 Ffos Las – Army Cadets Wales Supporting NSPCC Schools Services Handicap (16f) (0-90)

Peter Bowen’s Rolling Maul still looks ahead of the handicap here by some way off 85. Course and distance winner two runs and had what looked to have with plenty in hand in that 0-80 class. He then defied his 6lb penalty when just holding on at Newmarket in this company and had Look My Way beaten to two an a half lengths when conceding 15lb at the weights.

Look My Way deserves to be a lot closer this afternoon with the extra 1lb on board that should bring him a lot closer with Rolling Maul this time around, and with David Probert and Andrew Balding amongst the winners this week I am going to give him the nod that he can gain compensation for that defeat.

LOOK MY WAY : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Doncaster – 16th September 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Doncaster - 16th September 2017

Today’s horse racing preview selections come from Doncaster, with the St Leger the main feature on the card. Its been a hard week to be fair, with below par runs from many that you would have thought had the success in them, I am sure they will bounce back.

 

13.50 Doncaster – William Hill Portland Handicap (5.6f)

A cavalry charge to start the day off, with 5 places paid by most bookmakers there is value to be had, but I have just picked out the one here that I have followed all season religiously in Roger Varian’s Compas Scoobie. I just feel the questionable run last time at Epsom was the ground and the fact they ran him far too quickly after his win at Bath.

He has had three weeks this time around to re-cooperate and with the conditions in his favour I am expecting a big run, especially now Andrea is back on board, his form on ground coming up soft is 112 which is even more encouraging. As we do have another twenty one runners in the field I am not taken with that many, Henry Candy’s Vibrant Chords and Charles Hills A Momentofmadness make most appeal of the rest. The former won at Goodwood back in May when beating Charles Hills A Momentofmadness by three parts of a length.

Vibrant Chord will have to concede just the 2lb this time around ,1lb better off than last time they met at Goodwood. They have been both consistent this year, Candy’s charge was probably very unlucky not to win here last time out when run out of it by Desert Law who was beaten out of sight on the first day of this meeting. However, the form-line through Desert Law favours Vibrant Chord as a Momentofmadness was given a heavier defeat by Desert Law.

COMPAS SCOOBIE : 2pts each way @ 16/1 (BOG)

14.25 Doncaster – Alan Wood Plumbing and Heating Park Stakes (Group 2) (7f)

Two horses have gone back to back since 2003, Iffraajj who won it back to back for two different trainers, and Arabian Gleam for Jeremy Noseda, I feel this could be the third. Breton Rock’s Lennox Stakes win puts him right there with a shot, with Home of the Brave and Acclaim both beaten on that occasion. The Hungerford Stakes was probably a tough race for him, being up against the likes of Massatt and Librisa Breeze was no mean feat.

Interesting though Oisin Murphy has elected to ride Acclaim and Atzeni stays loyal to Breton Rock, who has got it right. Acclaim has been put in as the favourite to land this race for Martyn Meade who saw Chilean recently land the Ascendant Stakes at Haydock. The concern is that the trainer is 1-23 with his older horses since last August, and had to deal with hitting the bar once more with Acclaim who was out gunned in the Maurice De Gheest by Brando last month.

Acclaim never came here last year and diverted to Newbury where he landed the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes on soft ground, so maybe the price of 11/4 is purely reflecting a big run is expected on this ground.

BRETON ROCK : 1.5pt Win @ 5/1 (BOG)

15.00 Doncaster – Howcroft Industrial Supplies Champagne Stakes (Group 2) (7f)

Charlie Appleby won this back in 2015 with the smart Emotionless and once more he looks to have a decent colt on his hands with Mythical Magic. 2-2 now in his career and the fact he has improved from his first to second run which we saw when he landed the Listed Prix Francois Boutin at Deauville. The interesting thing is he is getting quicker with every run, he shaded three seconds off his Ascot debut when winning in France in just fifteen days.

Mark Johnston’s Dream Today was impressive when bolting up at 14/1 at York, the third Laugh A Minute won the £300,000 Yearlings race on Thursday. He is an unknown quality in the race, as most of Johnston’s horses usually come on for a run, but Dream Today looks very forward and I would not be surprised if he gives the selection the most to do.

MYTHICAL MAGIC : 3pt Win @ 11/4 (BOG)

15.35 Doncaster – William Hill St Leger Stakes (Group 1) (14.6f)

I have not had the privilege of witnessing many good distance horses on the flat, obvious two being Yeats and Double Trigger, even Kingston Hill creeps into the category, so when I once more get the chance to see a decent stayer its always good to jump on the wagon. Varian and Atzeni won this three years ago with Kingston Hill who stepped up to this trip the one time and brought success, this year their representative is the vast improving Defoe.

His transition has been sublime to watch this year notching up 4-4 for the season, he has improved every time Roger Varian has stepped him up in trip, and even a quote this week form jockey Andrea Atzeni who keeps the ride ahead of Harry Bentley that he has been showing signs of further improvement at home. If this is the case then he looks a solid bet at around 9/2.

I would expect him to go off favourite near post time, but at present at the head of the market is Ballydoyles Capri. He looked a useful juvenile last year when winning the Canford Cliff and Beresford Stakes, going on to finish third in the juvenile Group 1 Criterium in France. He has taken a while to get going this year, finishing sixth in the Derby and then franked the form when going back on home soil to land the Irish equivalent.

This race must have been on the agenda for some time, as we have not seen him since winning the Irish Derby, Favourites have won two of the past four renewals, but on a wider scale they have a poor level of return. Capri will have to be taken seriously from a trainer that has won this race on four occasions. However, I do feel there is value in this race with Andrew Balding’s Count Octave.

The son of the mighty Frankel and related to Treasure Beach is very closely matched with another that is fancied in Stradivarius. Since winning his maiden at Wolverhampton, he was quickly put into the limelight getting a chance early to run in pattern company, he ran well enough when finishing fifth to Venice Beach who finished six lengths behind Cracksman in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. The runner up Wings of Eagles went on to win the Epsom Derby.

He was suddenly stepped up in trip to 13.5f a trip that no Frankel progeny was expecting to face, but he ran a blinder finishing a neck behind Stradivarius, Secret Advisor was back in third that day and has recently franked the form when winning the Melrose Stakes, the fourth Belgravia has also given the form a boost when winning a 21k race at Leopardstown back in July.

Count Octave has progressed under the radar, his recent run behind Call To Mind in the March Stakes shows he is one that has been over looked. I have to be realistic that this is a big step up in trip and class, but he has a similar profile I think to Defoe and is five times the price, so purely this is why i think his an interesting runner in the race and I am willing to give him an each way shout.

COUNT OCTAVE : 1pt Each Way @ 20/1 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Chelsea vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Chelsea vs Arsenal - Match Preview

Chelsea vs Arsenal – Match Preview – Super Sunday kicks off with the Champions Chelsea hosting North London club Arsenal in a fixture that always provides great moments and talking points.

Both sides have been busy in the past week in their respective European competitions with Chelsea beating Qarabag FK 6-0 in their Champions League curtain raiser, whilst Arsenal hosted Koln in the Europa League on Thursday. After much controversy ahead of kick off on Thursday, Arsenal managed to come back from a losing position with a fine finish from Alexis Sanchez being the pick of the bunch.

Chelsea will look to exact revenge from the FA Cup loss to their opponents Photo Credit: skysports.com

Chelsea didn’t have the dream start to their domestic campaign but have turned it around since their opening day howler, losing 3-2 to Burnley at home. Conte’s questionable transfer business seemed to have had some initial effects on the field however the new faces seem to be settling rather well. Alvaro Morata has had no issue finding the net and Davide Zappacosta stole headlines with a worldy goal midweek in the Champions League. With tactics seeming to now produce positive results, can Chelsea get another positive result this Sunday?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Chelsea to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 9/2

Arsenal haven’t had a fantastic start to life in the 2017/18 campaign. With losses to Stoke and Liverpool, it seems the harrowing disbelief from the fans in their teams’ ability is living on into the new season. With constant tactical and personnel changes being implemented by Arsene Wenger, it’s no surprise they are discomforted. They will require a steady performance from their side if they are to counter the possession based threat that Chelsea possess. Can Wenger turn the fans on his side?

Skybet Match Result – Arsenal to Win – 3/1

Chelsea’s big summer signing has impressed since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard Alvaro Morata has been a presence for Chelsea, spearheading the attack and possesses an unstoppable aerial threat with the right service. Can Morata light up the home crowd on Sunday?

Skybet To Score a Brace – Alvaro Morata to Score a Brace – 7/2

Sanchez showed his commitment to Arsenal with a fine strike midweek in the Europa League Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite being amidst plenty of rumours around his future, Alexis Sanchez is continuing to impress every time he plays for Arsenal. His goal on Thursday exampled his creativity and versatility on the ball to create the space for himself. If he plays in between the midfield and defence, he could be an issue for the Chelsea defence.

Skybet To Score From Outside the Area – Alexis Sanchez to Score from Outside the Area – 16/1

 

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