Horse Racing Preview - Carlisle - 5th November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview this afternoon has selections coming from Carlisle.

 

13.05 Carlisle – Bet At Racinguk.com Handicap Hurdle (20f)

Shantou Bob (147)
Desert Cry (135)
One For Harry (134)

Despite Warren Greatrex’s nine year old Shantou Bob having to concede weight all round here I would be surprised to see him out of the first two here. He has not been seen much these days, just three runs last season around this time of the year and does go well fresh when runner up at Newbury over three miles. He followed up when winning over the Christmas period landing a class 2 and was not disgraced when running fifth to Uknowhatimeanharry in the Cleeve Hurdle when behind four superior horses which included Cole Harden and West Approach.

Desert Cry beat One For Harry back in March at Ayr over this trip, he was conceding 7lb that afternoon when thrashing him by twenty seven lengths. They meet off the same terms and it is hard to see that form being reversed,

SHANTOU BOB : 1pt each way @ 13/2 (BOG)

15.35 Carlisle – Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase (20f)

Belami Des Pictons (159)
Waiting Patiently (152)

This looks a perfect matchup between Joe Jefferson’s Waiting Patiently and Venetia Williams Belami Des Pictons with the narrow vote going to the latter. They both have a similar profile, however the William’s entry usually needs a run, so I am hoping he is not fully wound up to go this time around as his last run when beating Zeroshadesofgrey I think is not as good as Waiting Patiently’s form when beating Paul Nicholl’s Prolitologue at Haydock.

The fact that jefferson’s horse goes well fresh is a plus, Bryan Hughes gets on with him so well and this looks like a banker of the day for me.

WAITING PATIENTLY : 5pt Win @ 10/11 (BOG)

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Breeders Cup - 4th November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from Del Mar in California with the Breeders Cup. The big day has arrived! I will not be covering them all, so here are my top two races on the card

19:00 Del Mar – Hands Winery Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies (Grade 1) (8.5f)

Heavenly Love (119)

Moonshine Memories (110)

Stainless (108)

Mark Casse’s Heavenly Love was last seen twenty eight days ago when landing the Darley Alcibiades Stakes at Keenland, she overturned the 2/1 favourite that day in Princess Warrior by five and a half lengths off level weights. They have both managed to bag  good draws for this and it be a tough call if Heavenly Love maintains that level of form.

Bob Baffert’s Stainless was last seen running three and three quarter lengths behind Rushing Fall who was seen landing the Juveniles Fillies Turf last night in good fashion. You don’t see that many 33/1 shots representing the legend Todd Pletcher and Johnny V riding her. However i have elected to go for the second rated here in Moonshine Memories.

The unbeaten daughter of Malibu Moon was last seen when beating Bob Baffert’s Alluring Star by two and three quarter lengths in the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita, It was probably the biggest career win of trainer Simon Callaghan who has been out of the game for the past few years, however she looks very smart and even though unbeaten runs have been broken here in the past she just might have to much in the locker for these.

MOONSHINE MEMORIES : 2pt Win @ 5/1 (BOG)

19.37 Del Mar – Breeders Cup Turf Sprint (Grade 1) (5f) 

Hogy (121)

Pure Sensation (118)

Lady Aurelia (114)

Lady Aurelia will be looking for some compensation here after beaten by Marsha in the closest of finishes in the Nunthorpe. She meets Marsh off the same weights, but this time around she has home soil advantage and the faster ground, at evens though she would not interest me. Sir Mark Prescott’s Marsha was overturned in this years L’Abbaye to Battaash who has skipped this event, she will have to overcome Lady Aurelia on her own stopping ground and quick ground.

One I do like here is Michael Maker’s Hogy, the Kentucky Turf Sprint winner beat the likes of Wesley Wards Undrafted, however he has been beaten this year by both Holding Gold and Disco Partner significantly, but at 16/1 he deserves to be on the premises. Pure Sensation is another that has a cracking chance of hitting the frame, he is another that has been beaten by Holding old and Disco Partner this year, best runs have come at the optimum trip.

HOGY : 1pt each way @ 25/1 (BOG)

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Brentford vs Leeds Utd - Match Preview

Brentford vs Leeds Utd – Match Preview – Leeds United face a tough test at Griffin Park when they face an in-form Brentford while trying to rectify their own fortunes.

The Whites have lost five of their last six matches, and six of their last eight, and have now dropped out of the play-off places after a very promising start to the campaign – two points below the resurgent Derby County but having played a game more.

Consecutive 2-1 home defeats to Sheffield United and Derby County have compounded a very poor run of form for Thomas Christiansen’s side and with the goal remaining to finish at least in the top six come May, an upturn in results starting against Brentford is paramount.

The Bees’ recent period could hardly be more different; undefeated in eight league matches and with three wins from the previous four games, Dean Smith is taking the London club in the right direction after what was a very sluggish start to the year.

Such as the incredibly narrow margins in the division though, just four points separate Leeds (23) in 7th with Brentford (19) in 15th.
Brentford have only lost once to Leeds in the last eight fixtures between the two sides and will be confident of taking a positive result again this time out.

Ollie Watkins has scored 5 in his last 7 games Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch

Much of The Bees’ recent improvement has been down to the form of Ollie Watkins – the 21-year-old has found the net in five of his last seven games and will be key should Brentford pick up another win. The approximately £1.8m transfer fee paid to Exeter City in the summer for his services seems to be proving an absolute bargain, bigger clubs will undoubtedly come sniffing for such an exciting talent should such a return continue.

 

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Chelsea vs Manchester United - Match Preview

Chelsea vs Manchester United – Match Preview – Chelsea and Manchester United face off in Super Sunday action at Stamford Bridge with what could prove to be a top four six-pointer.

Both sides are fresh from their UEFA Champions League midweek matches with Manchester United fairing the happier with their results. Chelsea suffered a 3-0 loss away to Roma in the joint heaviest defeat the current Champions have had under Conte’s management. Jose Mourinho’s side saw off Benfica 2-0 at Old Trafford with an own goal and a Daley Blind penalty making the difference.

The hosts seemed to crawl into a shell against the Serie A side after just one minute with Stephan El Shaarawy opening the scoring. Whilst the usually potent attack struggled, it was the defending that has had many people talking. Some almost comical defending performances from their usually solid defenders will have many Chelsea fans worried heading into this fixture against a Manchester United side that beat Tottenham most recently in the Premier League. The home advantage could give Chelsea the upper hand.

Hazard looks back to his best and will be trouble for the United defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet match Result – Chelsea to Win – 7/5

Although the visitors for Sunday’s fixture got three points during midweek, their performance wasn’t the most convincing. French winger Anthony Martial had the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot, but the cool-headed finisher fluffed his lines and the penalty was saved. Despite the miss, Martial was a delight to watch as he has been for the whole season. The whole United attack has bucked its ideas up this season after a few seasons of frustration in front of goal. Striker Romelu Lukaku has scored 7 goals and has three assists so far this season being involved in just under half of their goals thus far.

Matic returns to his former club this Sunday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Man Utd to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 11/4

In matches against the top six, Jose Mourinho has been accused of using boring tactics yet they have been effective. It wouldn’t be surprising if this Sunday we saw a similar game plan of parking the bus and keeping the ball in the middle and bottom third of the pitch. Chelsea also enjoy playing possession football, so we could have a real midfield battle on our hands. Whilst everyone would love to see a goal fest, the match is very important to both that they don’t lose, so we could see some very reserved styles.

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Newmarket - 3rd November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview selections come from Newmarket with three selections from the meeting and the first day of the Breeder’s Cup from Del Mar in California, with two selections from the meeting, taking place this evening.

 

13.45 Newmarket – Irish Stallion Farms ‘EBF’ Bosra Sham Fillies Stakes (Listed) (6f)

ONE MINUTE (98)
Abamanova (92)
Aurora Eclipse (90)

Willie Haggas’s One Minute comes here with a wealth of experience already, she is still unknown quality around the six furlong index after her fourth in the Group 3 Dick Poole Fillies Stakes at Salisbury back in September. Her last visit here did not end well when finishing last over seven furlongs in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes, she was in touch up to the point she hit the rising ground which by then the distance had beaten her, back over a quick six she should build on this.

Irish raider Abamanova has bagged a reasonable draw in stall eight, she lookerd a nice prospect when taking her maiden at Bellewstown, but has failed to impress since when finishing last of ten in the Listed Legacy Stakes, the third rated here Aurora Eclipse was seen finishing twelve lengths in front of her, a tough ask to hold that line of form.

This looks an easier task, despite what her opposition have run up to they do not hold her ability. One that could catch the eye at a price is Michael Bells Revived who ran close to Threading on debut to go on and win her novice run at Redcar back in August. Has been coached through nicely and is not out of this by any means.

ONE MINUTE : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

14.20 Newmarket – Quy Mill Hotel & Spa Conditions Stakes (6f)

SPIRITUAL LADY (95)
Rajar (92)

This looks a match up from the top two in the market with the narrow vote going to last years Bosra Sham winner, Spiritual Lady. She was last seen finishing midfield in the Listed Boadicea Listed Stakes over course and distance.

However, she rates a few pounds ahead of her nearest rival Rajar who is a double course and distance winner last summer, but has failed to shine since slapped with a 10lb penalty, will find things tough against the selection here.

SPIRITUAL LADY : 3pt Win @ SP (BOG)

14.55 Newmarket – EBFStallions.com Quy Mill Hotel & Spa Fillies Handicap (12f)

FLEABISCUIT (102)
Star Story (82)

Not the greatest of races with Hugo Palmer’s Fleabiscuit expected to her current mark of 88 on what she has achieved so far. Despite her twenty two lengths defeat to Rhododendron in the Group 1 Fillies Mile, she steps up into unknown territory on index, however this is a significant drop in class and should be winning this.

Best of the rest could be Ralph Becketts lightly raced daughter of Sea The Stars, Star Story, who is stepping also up in trip to an index that her sire was impressive over when landing the Arc. I just cannot entertain the rest on what ability and level they have been competing.

FLEABISCUIT : 3pt Win @ SP (BOG)

20.10 Del Mar – Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes (Dirt) (7f)

I am a big fan of jockey Kent Desormeaux who rides Jeff Bonde’s Ismelucky, she made light work after a four month break when landing a valuable stakes race at Los Alamitos, she will have to fend off the likes of Spiced Perfection and One More Board and the selection in Show it N Moe it.

Even though she finished behind Spiced Perfection over course and distance she gets the 4lb back this afternoon and should reverse that form for Gary Sherlock and permanent jockey Evin Roman.

SHOW IT ‘N’ MOE IT : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

23.35 Del Mar – Longines Breeders Cup Distaff (Grade 1) (9f)

Very hard to see past John Sadler’s Stellar Wind here, the daughter of the mighty Curlin was very impressive when putting comfortable daylight between her and Bob Baffert’s Vale Dori, the third Faithfully also trained by BB has run creditably twice since finishing runner up to the very smart Paradise Woods at Santa Anita.

It’s hard to see who can over come the likely favourite here, as we well and truly know Mike Smith is no stranger to Breeders Cup glory, he rides here Bob Baffert’s Abel Tasman who was last seen beating Elate by two lengths at Saratoga, they meet once more here and I could see tht form being reversed this time around.

STELLAR WIND : 3pt Win @ 7/4 (BOG)

 

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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Fulham - Match Preview

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Fulham – Match Preview – League leaders Wolves will be hoping to extend the gap at the summit of the Championship table with a win on Friday night against Fulham.

Wolves returned to the top of the table on Tuesday night following their win away at Norwich. With Sheffield United losing at QPR, Wanderers now sit one point clear of second-placed Cardiff City. After heavily investing in the summer, Wolves are reaping the benefits. The summer acquisitions of Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves and Leo Bonatini have in particular stood out. Bonatini is currently the joint top-scorer in the division grabbing nine goals in his first 15 games, with six goals of those strikes coming in his last five league games.

Bonatini has 9 goals so far for Wolves Photo Credit: skysports.com

With attacking options like Bonatini, Jota, Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro, it’s no surprise they’re the top scorers in the division. Wolves also hold an impressive defensive record, conceding just 15 goals so far this season. This has been largely down to summer signing Willy Boly, who returned from injury with a goal at Carrow Road in midweek. If Wolves are to finish in the top two this season, it’s vital they keep their key players fit.

Fulham have fallen below expectations so far this season. Last year’s league top-scorers have struggled to hit the heights of their sixth placed finish last term and sit in 16th place. With all three sides from last year’s play-offs struggling to recapture their form, the pressure is starting to build on their managers. Slavisa Jokanovic can take some solace in the fact that his team are only six points adrift of the top six. If they can muster a run of form similar to last season, then there’s no reason why they can’t still be in the mix for promotion come the end of the year. If they are to make the top six, they need to improve sooner rather than later or face another year of disappointment.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney has found it difficult so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last season these two cooked up one of the best games in Championship, with the match finishing in a 4-4 draw. Wolves have won four of their last five games against Fulham and haven’t lost to them in the league since 2012. That run stretches over six matches and form would suggest that run will only continue. Fulham’s last win at Molineux came back in 1985 which underlines how poor their recent record is against them.

With Wolves going from strength to strength at the moment, I can only see one winner. With Fulham having only won three games on the road this season, I think it could be a comfortable night for the home team. My bet would be for Wolves to win by 2+goals, given the attacking and defensive abilities of both teams.

 

Prediction: Wolves 2-0 Fulham

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE WOLVES 2-0- 17/2

SKYBET: WOLVES TO WIN BY EXACTLY 2 GOALS- 4/1

SKYBET: WOLVES TO WIN TO NIL- 9/4

SKYBET: BONATINI TO SCORE FIRST AND WOLVES TO WIN 3-1- 45/1

SKYBET: JOTA AND COSTA TO BOTH SCORE- 11/2

SKYBET: FONTE TO SCORE FIRST AND DRAW 1-1- 40/1

SKYBET: CAIRNEY TO SCORE FROM OUTSIDE THE AREA- 14/1

Stoke City vs Leicester City - Match Preview

Stoke City vs Leicester City – Match Preview – Both of these teams will be looking for back to back wins as they meet at the Bet365 Stadium. Claude Puel will be hoping to continue his 100% start as manager of Leicester with another win against Stoke.

With pressure beginning to grow on Mark Hughes, Stoke’s 1-0 win at Watford last weekend was timely. The Potters’ boss had begun to draw criticism from supporters following Stoke’s stuttering start to the new campaign. Darren Fletcher’s first goal for the club secured three points and they will be hoping to back that up with a win in front of their own crowd on Saturday. If they could get that victory it would be the first time they have secured back to back league wins all season. It would also be the club’s third home win of the campaign.

Darren Fletcher scored his first goal for Stoke in the 1-0 win over Watford Photo Credit: skysports.com

Leicester got off to the perfect start under Puel last time out with a 2-0 win over Everton. Jamie Vardy scored the first goal of the Frenchman’s reign, just as he did under his predecessors Claudio Ranieri and Craig Shakespeare. The Englishman looked back to his electric best as he terrorised the ageing Everton backline and secured his team all three points. Puel elected to play winger Riyad Mahrez just in the number ten role, which worked a treat. The Algerian’s close control and eye for a goal was clear to see as he and Vardy linked up well.

Vardy and Mahrez have linked up well since the Algerian moved behind the striker Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Stoke’s failing to pull up any trees at home, Leicester will see this as a perfect opportunity for back to back away wins in the Premier League. It would also secure their third win on the bounce, which has shot them away from danger. It would also leave the Foxes’ unbeaten in six league and cup games, with things already beginning to look rosier at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester have lost only one of their last six games against Stoke but haven’t won at the Potters since 2014. Stoke have lost three of those matches, with two ending in a stalemate. Three of the last four games at Stoke have ended as a draw, with the last two meetings both ending 2-2. With both sides vulnerable defensively, I can see goals in this game as well.

Although Stoke got a great win last time out, I don’t think they’ll have enough to take all three points here, with Leicester in good form. My bet would be for Vardy to get himself on the scoresheet again, with the Englishman having recorded six goals in 12 appearances this campaign.

 

Prediction: Stoke 1-1 Leicester City

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE DRAW 1-1- 5/1

SKYBET: VARDY TO SCORE AND LEICESTER TO WIN- 11/4

SKYBET: BTTS AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS- 5/1

SKYBET: CHOUPO MOTING AND MAHREZ TO BOTH SCORE- 8/1

SKYBET: STOKE TO WIN AND BTTS: NO- 7/2

SKYBET: LEICESTER TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 14/1

SKYBET: BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 16/1

SKYBET STOKE TO WIN BOTH HALVES- 8/1

Spurs vs Real Madrid - Champions League Preview

Spurs vs Real Madrid – Champions League Preview – Spurs host the current Champions League holders Real Madrid this Wednesday in Group H.

Both sides are sharing the same amount of points, goals scored and goals conceded thus far in the group stage. The last time these two met a few weeks ago they couldn’t be divided as the score at the Bernabau was 1-1. An own goal by Raphael Varane was cancelled out just before half-time thanks to a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both sides are without some key players with the hosts missing Erik Lamela and Victor Wanyama whilst the visitors are still without ex-Spurs winger Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, Mateo Kovacic and Keylor Navas. The last day has seen a huge boost for Mauricio Pochettino as Harry Kane has returned to training, it is still unknown whether he is fit enough to play.

Son could replace Kane if the England striker does not recover from injury in time Photo Credit: skysports.com

Spurs have had their worst week in quite a while suffering back to back losses. Firstly, they threw away a 2-0 lead against West Ham in the Carabao Cup and most recently lost to Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. Spurs created enough chances to at least grab a point, but it was clear that Kane was sorely missed up front. They created 13 chances which is a promising sign heading into Wednesday’s fixture.

A victory over Real Madrid would see them lead Group H with just two matches to go in Group H. Although a victory would be huge for the club and fans, Madrid are one of the strongest, if not the strongest side in Europe and pose a huge threat to Tottenham, so to even draw the match would still be an achievement for the North Londoners. Can Spurs turn their recent fortunes around?

Skybet Match Result – Tottenham to Win – 2/1

Real Madrid haven’t quite been clicking as of late in comparison to the Real Madrid of last season. They are currently eight points behind league leaders Barcelona in La Liga and most recently lost to Girona 2-1 despite taking the lead. With things not going their way domestically, Zinedine Zidane will put all his efforts into the Champions League to ensure a successful European campaign.

Asensio can muster up magical moments at any time for Madrid Photo Credit: skysports.com

Tottenham will be a tough nut to crack for the Spaniards, however their class on paper stands them in good stead to leave Wembley Stadium will some points. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the dangerman as always for Madrid, however he is accompanied by Karim Benzema, Isco, Luka Modric and Marco Asensio who are all world class players. Can Madrid grab a victory?

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

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Nottingham - 1st November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from Nottingham and Kempton with one selection from each meeting.

 

14.30 Nottingham – Watch Racing Uk On Virgin 536 Handicap (5.1f) (0-75)

FANTASY KEEPER (78)
Minigold (75)
Seamster (74)

Michael Appleby’s three year old should be able to go one better this afternoon off the back of his good second over the extended 6f here at Nottingham last month. Being by Mayson he should relish any cut in the ground and would seriously expect a bold showing here.

Minigold has also been very consistent this year, the Beverley winner was unlucky when finishing third here over course and distance, off todays current mark of 75, has small room for further improvement at this level.

FANTASY KEEPER: 1pt each way @ SP (BOG)

19.25 Kempton – 32Red Handicap (0-90) (11.9f)

AL HAMDANY (83)
Fair Power (83)

Marco Botti’s three year old Al Hamdany would have to be taken seriously if bringing his second over 11f at the back end of September to Koeman. He had a rating of 89 that day and has been raised just the 1lb, John Egan will replace Adam Kirby who has been retained by Charlie Fellowes on the hotpot Hajaam.

Fair Power is one that could outrun his odds, Sylvester Kirks gelding hit a brace of wins in lesser company over the summer, has been running against some useful types over the past couple of runs and at 14/1 can be in the mix.

AL HAMDANY: 1pt each way @ SP (BOG)

 

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Burnley vs Newcastle United - Match Preview

Burnley vs Newcastle United – Match Preview – Burnley will be looking to secure a first home win since early September when they face Newcastle United. A win for either side could catapult them up to sixth place in the league table.

Dyche has been a man in the media this week, with several outlets linking him with the vacant managerial role at Everton. Such attention is a testament to the job he has done at Burnley, solidifying a team with a far inferior budget to most of their rivals. Many would like to see Dyche progress to a bigger club as a reward for his hard work. With the lack of British coaches that occupy England’s finest jobs, it would certainly be a statement from the board at Goodison Park.

Burnley will be hoping to improve their home record this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

After failing to secure an away win until the 29th April last season, Burnley haven’t struggled on the road this year. In fact, it’s been at Turf Moor where they’ve dropped points. The Clarets home has been a fortress in recent years, so it comes as a surprise that they’ve only won there once this season. Burnley’s impressive form this season has been built on a defensive solidarity and clean sheets, with the Clarets conceding more than one goal just three times in the league.

Lascelles has shown his leadership skills for Newcastle this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Newcastle have lost just one of their last seven games and have learnt how to pick up points on the road. Rafa Benitez’s side have lost just twice away from home this season and picked up an impressive point at Southampton in their last away game. During this run of form, the Toon Army have conceded just five goals and have picked up three clean-sheets. This has been largely down to the improved form of Jamaal Lascelles. The club Captain has risen to the challenge of becoming a Premier League defender after an impressive Championship campaign last season. Not only is Lascelles contributing at the back, he’s also a huge danger from set plays as well.

These two last met in the 14/15 season, where both games ended as a draw. Before those two games, you’d have to go back to 1983 for the last time these two met. This only further underlines the job that Dyche has done at Burnley by propelling them into England’s top division.

Whilst both teams have been good of late, I think Burnley can snatch the win here. If this ended as a draw, I wouldn’t be surprised but I’m going to hedge my bets with a home victory. A safe bet would be under 2.5 match goals, with both sides defensively solid.

 

Prediction: Burnley 1-0 Newcastle United

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE BURNLEY TO WIN 1-0- 15/2

SKYBET: UNDER 2.5 MATCH GOALS- 8/13

SKYBET: WOOD TO SCORE FIRST AND BURNLEY TO WIN 2-1- 30/1

SKYBET: RITCHIE AND VOKES TO BOTH SCORE- 9/1

SKYBET: LASCELLES TO SCORE A HEADER- 22/1

SKYBET: BURNLEY TO WIN TO NIL- 7/2

SKYBET: ATSU TO SCORE FIRST AND NEWCASTLE TO WIN 2-1- 70/1