Newcastle vs Arsenal betting preview 13/08/2011

The Premier League season returns on Saturday and the evening kick off sees a repeat of one of the great games of last season. In that game, Arsenal took a 4-0 lead after just 30 minutes, but Newcastle came back in the second half and leveled the game with just 3 minutes remaining. Both teams have gone through somewhat of a transition since then, losing players, and bringing some new faces in. If you fancy another 8 goal thriller then huge odds of 250.0 can be found at Skybet for another 4-4 draw.

Newcastle vs Arsenal odds

Newcastle’s preparation for the new season has been far from perfect with high profile outgoings and players speaking out about the club’s transfer policy. While on paper it could be said that Newcastle’s squad is weaker than last season after Kevin Nolan was allowed to leave the club and a replacement for Andy Carroll still hasn’t arrived. Joey Barton could also leave the club before the window shuts, which is even more worrying as the Magpies didn’t win a single game last season when Barton and Nolan were absent from the side. New signings Yohan Cabaye and Sylvain Marveaux look good, but it remains to be seen how well they will adapt to the English game. Demba Ba is another summer signing from West Ham were he scored 7 goals in 12 games last season and is looking like Newcastle’s most likely source of a goal. With this in mind, the striker is looking a great price at 3.4 with Stan James to score at any time. Newcastle’s home form was poor last season, winning just 6 games, but they did manage to score 41 goals which was the second highest in the division. This points in the direction of plenty of goals on Saturday then and so betting on over 2.5 goals is bringing odds of 1.8 from Bet365.

Much like Newcastle, Arsenal’s preseason hasn’t been ideal, as the transfer saga surrounding Cesc Fabregas remains unsolved and many believe Arsene Wenger hasn’t strengthened the relevant areas of his squad. Arsenal’s defensive problems could be seen by all last season as they let another title challenge slip, and with no new defensive signings as of yet, it seems all their old problems could continue to haunt them. The Gunners did have the best away record in the league last season though, as their pace on the counter proved a real threat. This is why Arsene Wenger’s men are the current favorites for the weekend clash and best priced at 1.95 at BlueSQ. One of the new faces in North London this season is Gervinho, who arrived from Lille were he looked very dangerous as a forward. The Ivory Coast international looks set to start on Saturday evening and is currently good odds of 6.5 at Paddy Power to open the scoring. Although there are still questions around the future of several players and Wenger is keeping his cards close to his chest in relation to injuries, the Gunnars should have too much for Newcastle, and so a 2-1 away win is showing great value at 8.5 with Skybet.

Highlighted Bets

Over 2.5 goals – 1.8 Bet365
1-2 Arsenal – 8.5 Skybet
Gervinho first goal scorer – 6.5 Paddy Power
Demba Ba anytime scorer – 3.4 Stan James
Both teams to score 1st half – 4.33 Skybet

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Italy vs Spain betting preview 10/08/2011

International friendly matches give coaches a chance to experiment with tactics and formations and fringe players a chance to impress. This certainly seems the case here as both Cesare Prandelli and Vicente del Bosque have used the opportunity to spring a few surprises. Prandelli has called up two players from the Italian Serie B while Del Bosque has called up young Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara after he impressed in preseason.

Championship golden boot odds

Italy – It’s been so far so good in Euro 2012 qualify for Italy as they currently top their group with games in hand. However, a shock defeat last time out to Ireland raised questions about the strength of Prandelli’s squad, as several of the regular starters were left out. Italy’s inability to finish their chances during the Ireland game appears to be the motivation behind the recall of Mario Balotelli of Man City and Antonio Cassano of A.C Milan. Despite this, boss Prandelli has admitted that Giuseppe Rossi will start as the main striker. The Villarreal player netted an impressive 32 goals last season and so odds of 8.5 from Bet365, for the striker to open the scoring, are looking really good value. As for the rest of the team, Prandelli has indicated he may play a strong side as he wishes to measure the Azzurri’s progress against the current world and European champions. Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Aquilani look likely to come back into the team, whilst highly rated Serie B player Angelo Ogbonna could earn his first senior cap. Italy’s defence in qualifying has been very solid so far with just 1 goal conceded in 6 games, therefore odds of 1.62 from Stan James for under 2.5 goals could well be a clever bet.

Spain – Just like Italy, Spain’s Euro 2012 qualification so far has been relatively straightforward, with 5 wins from 5 games. Although Vicente del Bosque has chosen to go with a fairly strong squad, there is still room for some young players to make an impact. Barcelona’s Xavi has pulled out through injury, and with Cesc Fabregas also injured, Barca’s young midfielder Thiago looks set to win some game time. Spain’s attacking options still remain intact though with David Villa, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente all in the frame to lead the line. Juan Mata was the inspiration behind Spain’s last qualifying victory and the Valencia forward is most definitely worth backing to score at anytime with odds of 5.0 at Bet365 available. La Roja are rightly favourites for the clash on Wednesday with a near full strength squad and some exciting young players, and the best odds of 2.35 come from Betfred. Another market showing good value for this fixture is the Half Time/Full Time combination of Draw/Spain with good odds of 5.5 available from Paddy Power.

Highlighted bets

Giuseppe Rossi first goal scorer – 8.5 Bet365
Under 2.5 goals – 1.62 Stan James
Juan Mata anytime scorer – 5.0 Bet365
HT/FT – Draw/Spain – 5.5 Paddy Power
1-1 Correct Score – 6.5 William Hill

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Rose of Lancaster betting and odds

The Rose of Lancaster Stakes provides the final feature race of Haydock Park’s three-day summer meeting, writes Mikey Mumford. A field of eight runners will head to post for the 1m2f race where Sir Michael Stoute is responsible for current market leader Class Is Class as he chases his third win in this Group 3 contest. Godolphin saddle both Simon De Montfort and Sajjhaa while Roger Varian may hold a strong hand with Hot Prospect, a previous course and distance winner.

Haydock Rose of Lancaster odds

Class Is Class Has been placed in half of his sixteen starts winning three of those on ground described as good. Had nothing more to give at York last time but had run a cracker at Sandown the time before where he had Fallen Idol well held in fifth on his way to a four length victory. His best form has come at this trip and will be ridden up with the pace under former champion jockey Kieren Fallon; shortlisted.

Critical Moment Done most of his racing on good to firm and put together consecutive wins on his final two runs last year. Yet to get going in 2011, Barry Hills’ representative best effort came at Ascot in April behind a runaway leader. Needs to step up on those efforts and may want the ground a little quicker to figure here.

Elusive Pimpernel Fifth in last year’s 2000 Guineas but has gone off the boil since. Was beaten favourite at Newmarket in April and never got going at Sandown a month later. This trip seemed to stretch him last time and his three wins have come over 7f and a mile. He’s been disappointing in his three attempts at 1m2f and hard to have confidence.

Fallen Idol Unbeaten prior to his defeat in this race last year where he appeared to struggle 2f out and was no match for Class Is Class next time at Sandown. Work to do to reverse that bare form and another who has yet to win over today’s trip and probably better over slightly shorter; but hard to rule out for top connections.

Hot Prospect His last win came over course and distance twelve months ago and latest staying-on second at Newbury hinted at a return to form for Roger Varian’s runner. One of only five in the line-up who have won over this trip and return to Haydock might bring out the best in him. Versatile on ground with a little cut and should make a bold bid for a second victory at this track.

Simon De Montfort Racked up a hat-trick of wins in France last year justifying strong support at Longchamp and was a well backed favourite on his reappearance at Meydan in January after 270 days off the track. Not able to back that up at same course next time finishing last of ten despite being sent off 2/1 jolly. May have been something amiss that day and can make amends on his first run in Britain under the impressive Mickael Barzalona.

Myplacelater Largely consistent filly who found herself in the winner’s enclosure on no less than four occasions in 2010. Was outpaced over this trip at York in May but put in a better effort in a listed event last time despite not going pace of winner (Sajjhaa) in second. Likely to be held again by that rival on these terms but game sort who should give her running.

Sajjhaa Justified strong support at York last time and quickened nicely over 1f out and a repeat performance would put Ted Durcan’s mount bang there again. She kept on for a clear second in the Middleton won by Midday in May and should have the beating of few of these; surprise if she’s not in first three.

A nice little renewal and one of Haydock Park’s summer flat season highlights. Sajjhaa can go well if reproducing her second behind Midday and her latest York success. However preference if for Godolphin’s other runner SIMON DE MONTFORT who had a good 2010 campaign in France and his last run in Meydan can be forgiven. He’s relatively fresh and can make his British bow a winning one; Hot Prospect might be the one for minor money. [Mikey Mumford]

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Charity Shield betting preview 2011/12

This season’s curtain raiser has added spice as Premier League Champions Manchester United take on local rivals and FA Cup winners Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday. Man United are the most successful side to play in this competition with 14 wins, whilst Man City also have history in the Community Shield, lifting it on 3 occasions. Interestingly Ryan Giggs is also the holder of the most appearances in the competition, with 14, and will undoubtedly add to that on Sunday.

Championship Shield odds

Current Premier League champions Man United are the slight favourites to lift the trophy on Sunday and are best priced at 1.75 with Bwin. Although it has been a summer of transition for The Red Devils, they have added some real quality to their squad, and a good history in the competition means they are looking good as favourites to lift the trophy. It will though, be interesting to see how Man United line up, as in the past Alex Ferguson has started with his strongest team. This could mean debuts for new signings David De Gea in goal, Phil Jones in defence, and Ashley Young in attacking midfield. Wayne Rooney has looked sharp in preseason and so odds of 2.85 with Unibet for the striker to score at any time during the game, are definitely worth a look. Games between these two sides have been notoriously close over recent seasons, which means that Man United to win the tie on penalties is looking good at 6.5 with Skybet.

Manchester City are the slight underdogs going into the match on Sunday and priced at 2.1 with Bet365. City haven’t competed in the Community Shield since 1973, but they did beat Manchester United in the FA Cup semi final last season, which could give them an edge. Like their rivals, City have had somewhat of a change over the summer, with several players leaving and arriving, but their starting 11 won’t be much different to last season. Carlos Tevez will definitely miss out after been given an extended leave of absence. There will though, be a place for new £38m signing Sergio Aguero, who could well make his debut on Sunday. The Argentine striker has real quality and is looking good to open the scoring with odds of 6.5 available from Boylesports. Much of Roberto Mancini’s success at City has been based on a solid defence, which should continue again this season. With this in mind, a correct score of 1-1 is looking likely and so a good bet at 7.0 with William Hill.

Highlighted bets

Sergio Aguero to score first – 6.5 Boylesports

Wayne Rooney anytime scorer – 2.75 Bet 365

1-1 correct score – 7.0 William Hill

Man United to lift the trophy – 1.73 Bet 365

Either side to win on penalties – 6.5 Skybet

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Championship golden boot betting 2011/12

Although there is still the majority of preseason to go, the Championship teams are starting to take shape and its time to start looking at making early bets. The Championship top scorer should be an interesting one this season, with 5 of last seasons top 10 scorers having left the division.

Championship golden boot odds

Danny Graham topped the scoring charts last season for Watford with an impressive 24 goal haul despite his side only finishing mid-table, and that is what earned him his move to newly promoted Swansea City, but with him and many others moving on from the division who is going to follow in Graham’s footsteps? Let’s start by looking at the players relegated from the Premiership who are among the favourites to take the crown.

Carlton Cole – 11.0 Coral
Carlton Cole is the current favourite for the top goal scorer and may well be a good bet at 11.0 with Coral. The former England international had a disappointing season last year, but could be an impressive player in the Championship if he can refind some form under Sam Allardyce. Cole has a good eye for goal but it still remains to be seen if he will stay at West Ham or move back to the Premiership.

Cameron Jerome – 21.0 Skybet
Another player relegated from the Premiership is Cameron Jerome, although his odds are a lot longer than Cole’s, there are several comparisons between the two. Like Cole, Jerome endured a fairly disappointing season last year, finishing with just 5 goals in all competitions. There have also been rumours of him leaving Birmingham before the start of the season. Jerome has scored some spectacular goals for Birmingham and if he can find some consistency this season then he could well be in the running for the top goal scorer award, and with odds of 21.0 available from Skybet, he is definitely worth an outside bet.

Craig Mackail-Smith – 17.0 William Hill
Among the other favourites for the top goal scorer award, is Brighton’s Craig Mackail-Smith. The striker made a big money move from Peterborough in the summer after an impressive season last year scoring 34 goals in all competitions as Peterborough were promoted from League 1. All eyes will be on Mackail-Smith, but he certainly has the talent and desire to impress, and odds of 17.0 from William Hill are not to be sniffed at.

Finally we’ll look at some of the players that performed well in the Championship last year and could well take the next step towards the top goal scorer award this season. Shane Long is one of those players, as the Irishmen scored 21 league goals last season and the striker is the current second favourite to impress again this year. Long has a great shot on him, is a good athlete and can take penalties, with these attributes it is no wonder he is priced as best as 11.0 with Skybet.

Another of these players is Luciano Becchio, who managed 19 league goals last season and is one of the few players from last season’s top scorer’s list still in the division. The target man is great in the air and will no doubt form the centre of Leeds United’s attack this season. Longer odds of 26.0 from William Hill may drift if the Yorkshire club strengthen their current squad and Becchio has a good start to the season.

Read our other Championship betting articles here – Championship winner betting and Championship relegation betting.

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Championship winner betting 2011/12

This season the Championship title looks to be more fiercely contested than previous years. In past seasons, there have been 1 or 2 teams significantly stronger than the rest, whereas last year the league looked fairly even, this season the league looks stronger than ever with 3 or 4 teams looking capable of winning the title. There is of course the 3 relegated teams in Birmingham, West Ham and Blackpool, whilst Leicester have invested heavily to win promotion and of course last year’s losing play off finalists Reading that will all be looking towards that top spot in the league.

Championship winner odds

Leicester – 5.5 Betfred
The current favourites to win the Npower Championship next season are Leicester City, and they are best priced at 5.5 with various bookmakers such as Betfred and Paddy Power. Under Sven-Goran Eriksson they only managed to finish just above mid-table last season, but plenty of big signings such as Paul Konchesky, David Nugent and Matt Mills have propelled them to favourites. Although they may need one more proven goal scorer to get 20 plus in the league, and it is still uncertain whether the players will blend together, they look good value for the favourites tag at the moment.

West Ham – 5.5 Sportingbet
West Ham United are joint favourites with Leicester to win the title next year, with a similar price of around 5.5 also available from many bookmakers such as Sportingbet and BlueSq. The Hammers actually look a better bet at the moment as their squad appears to have more strength in depth. Of course they were always going to be around the favourites after suffering relegation last season, but new manager Sam Allardyce is experienced in getting results and knows the division after achieving promotion with Bolton. They have also made an impressive big money signing in Kevin Nolan, who can get plenty of goals from midfield, and have so far managed to hang on to a lot of their squad from last year. Of course though, these odds may change slightly if the Hammers do lose a lot of their big names, but that looks unlikely as they will be attempting to emulate what Newcastle achieved a couple of years ago.

Birmingham – 15.0 Coral
Birmingham are also among the favourites for the Npower Championship title but are slightly longer odds and best priced at 15.0 at Coral. City appear to be longer odds as they have lost quite a few more high profile players than the other relegated teams, with Roger Johnson, Craig Gardener, Lee Bowyer all leaving the club and Barry Ferguson, Nikola Zigic and Cameron Jerome still expected to follow them out the door. Birmingham also have the Europa League to compete in after winning the Carling Cup last season which will only hinder their chances in the league with the potential for long midweek trips across Europe. They do though, have a good manager in Chris Hughton who has experience in winning promotion from this league with Newcastle.

Those are the main 3 contenders for the Npower Championship title, but there are also a few outsiders that are worth a look at and could well be in with a chance if they have a good season. Nottingham Forest are one of those teams, they’ve been in and around the playoffs the last couple of seasons and under new manager Steve McClaren are expected to be challenging again. A couple of good signings in Jonathan Greening and Andy Reid may well help them on their way and could be a good bet at 15.0 with bet365. Reading are another side who could well be in for a good season after missing out in the Play Off final last season. They have though, lost their captain and centre back Matt Mills to Leicester, and they will be looking to use the money from that transfer to find a replacement.

Read our Championship relegation betting article and Championship golden boot article here.

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Nassau Stakes betting and odds

Goodwood Nassau Stakes betting preview

A glorious five days at Goodwood draws to a close on Saturday with the Nassau Stakes providing the week’s final feature race, writes Mikey Mumford. The fillies’ Group One race part of the QIPCO British Champions’ Series sees seven runners head to post for a share of the £185,000 purse. Midday will look to complete a fantastic week for Sir Henry Cecil and Prince Khalid Abdulla after Frankel’s thrilling success over Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes on Wednesday. Snow Fairy and Misty For Me rate the main dangers for the race over 1m1f.

Crystal Capella Lightly raced filly who has won on her seasonal reappearances for the last two years. She stepped up markedly on her Haydock fourth (the third Meeznah won the Lillie Langtry yesterday) by scooping the Princess of Wales’s at Newmarket latest over 1m4f. Has a 66% strike rate on good ground and should go close again for Sir Michael Stoute.

Field Day Broke her maiden tag at the first time of asking at Newmarket and won a valuable listed fillies’ race at Ascot last year for Brian Meehan. Yet to get going in 2011 and outpaced in her first two starts this campaign and weakened in the final furlong in the Windsor Forest Stakes last time. Bit to prove on that evidence and needs to step up significantly.

Midday Top class filly who won this race in 2009 notched victory at York on her first start this year but has had to settle for a couple of second place finishes since. She was a left behind St Nicholas Abbey in the Coronation Cup on her penultimate start and was no match for Misty For Me at the Curragh latest despite being sent off 1-3 market jolly. Work to do to reverse those placing’s but will be better suited by the Goodwood track and should make a bold bid.

Principle Role Landed a listed event at Newcastle last time after a valiant effort over course and distance the time before where she just lost out at the finish. Often takes a keen hold and may force the pace but can give it a good go from the front but preference is for stable’s other runner.

Snow Fairy A well beaten fourth of five on the Coral Eclipse on her 2011 reappearance after a hugely successful 2010 campaign where only Midday had her measure prior to her dissapointing Leger defeat. A previous course and distance winner who will improve for her Sandown run with Frankie Dettori taking the mount.

Barefoot Lady A real tough sort who won an ordinary fillies’ Group 3 on her first start this campaign and has run well in defeat since despite not landing another blow. A good fifth in the 1000 Guineas and short head defeat to the useful Joviality at York next time reads well and she will fight all the way to the line; good each way claims.

Misty For Me Ballydoyle’s sole representative ran an ordinary sort of race in the Oaks this year after being comprehensively beaten in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. Picked up a couple of Group One’s in her native Ireland including last time (a sixth-length win over Midday) and rates a main danger if continuing her good form.

A hugely anticipated race where seven of the finest fillies should put on a show as Glorious Goodwood draws the curtain and Midday should be thereabouts to put the gloss on a fantastic meeting for connections. But the opposition is tough and Snow Fairy should be better for her poor Coral Eclipse display and has a chance but CRYSTAL CAPELLA can give Sir Michael Stoute another winner at Goodwood as his horses start to hit peak form. [Mikey Mumford]

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Championship relegation betting 2011/12

In recent years, relegation favourites have usually been the teams promoted from the Npower League 1. However, last season bucked that trend with all sides finishing comfortably in the top half, with Norwich even achieving back to back promotions. It seems that this may in fact carry on this season, with at least 2 of the promoted teams looking strong and not among the favourites from the drop. Of course, other teams among the favourites to go down are those that struggled last season in Doncaster, Barnsley and Coventry.

Championship relegation odds

Barnsley are the current favourites for relegation from the division after struggling last year, finishing in 17th place, and consequently losing their captain Jason Shackell to Derby over the summer. Although they have strengthened with the money from that transfer by bringing in 4 players, only one of those in Miles Addison is proven at Championship level. This, along with the fact that new manager Keith Hill hasn’t managed at Championship level before appear to be the main reason why the Tykes are the current joint favourites. Best odds 2.88 with Coral.

Doncaster: The other team in line for the drop is fellow Yorkshire club Doncaster Rovers. Rovers finished last season just one place above the relegation zone, despite a good start to the season when they could have been pushing for the play-offs. Their main problem last season was their defence, which saw them concede 81 goals, more than 2 of the relegated teams. In an attempt to rectify this, Sean O’Driscoll has brought in defenders Tommy Spurr from Sheffield Wednesday and Richard Naylor from Leeds. This may add a bit more defensive stability, but you feel their main hopes of survival will depend on the fitness of striker Billy Sharp, who has been prolific for Rovers, when fit, in recent seasons. Best odds 3.0 with Coral .

Peterborough United are another team among the favourites to struggle this season, but with slightly longer odds of 3.5 available at Skybet. Promoted from League 1 last season, the Posh have also lost their top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith to Brighton and have openly admitted that they cannot attract proven Championship players because of their wage structure. They have though, invested in some good young players such as Nicky Ajose from Manchester United and loaned other Manchester United youngsters. It remains to be seen though, if they are able to make the step up in the Championship. Best odds on relegation 3.5 with William Hill.

There are other teams that look likely to be in and around relegation trouble this season and may well be worth a bet. Coventry City currently hold short odds of 3.0 with Sportingbet, as they also fell apart in the second half of last season and have since lost 3 of their key players in Marlon King, Aron Gunnarsson and Keiren Westwood. Crystal Palace are also fairly short odds of 3.4 with Unibet after also just avoiding relegation last season, but they have strengthened their ranks in preparation for the new term.

Read our Championship winner betting preview and Championship Golden boot.

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King George VI betting and odds

Ascot King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Sir Michael Stoute’s Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Workforce returns to the course of his biggest flop to date for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot this weekend, writes Mikey Mumford. The next leg of the Qipco British Champions’ Series sees a select field of five runner’s line-up for the 1m4f race. Despite, Workforce’s odds on defeat in this race last year, the support for the Khalid Abdulla owned four-year-old has refused to dry up and he currently heads the market. Godolphin are represented by both Debussy and Prince Of Wales’s hero Rewilding whilst the Aidan O’Brien challenge rests with the rejuvenated St Nicholas Abbey. Nathaniel completes the field for John Gosden after being implemented in midweek. Check out our betting preview for the 2012 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stakes, and make sure you get a free bet for this race.

Debussy has bits and pieces of form for John Gosden on turf and the polytrack but has yet to build on that form in the royal blue of Godolphin. After changing hands at the end of last year he was stone wall last in the Prince of Wales’s and is expected to play another bit part role here. Ahmed Ajtebi is likely to force the gallop and he should take them on a good early clip but hard to see him sustain it.

Earmarked as the most likely 2010 St Leger winner, Rewilding bounced right back to form following his classic disappointment last September by wearing down So You Think at Ascot latest. Frankie Dettori’s mount relishes the good ground and poses a serious threat here. He was well beaten by Workforce in the 2010 Derby but should be much better and wiser this time around.

He confirmed the promise of his Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe win last year with a routine win at Sandown on his reappearance and Workforce looks all set to banish those 2010 King George memories this year. So You Think always looked like getting the better of him in the closing stages of the Coral Eclipse but Sir Michael Stoute’s colt lost nothing in defeat and can go one better here. He’s won at 1m4f and great chance of doing so again.

The nature of Nathaniel’s King Edward VII Stakes success saw John Gosden’s three-year-old colt supplemented for this race at a cost of £75,000 on Monday. The early market signals are positive too with the youngster in the field being trimmed into 13/2 from 9/1. However, he will have to reverse the placing’s with St Nicholas Abbey on the basis of their recent Chester form where the latter succeeded by a head. Not without a chance though, and can prove a tough nut to crack should he get conditions.

A real quality line-up for Britain’s second richest horse race and Rewilding is fairly solid at third-best in the market should he pick up from his Prince of Wales’s victory. Not entirely sure he will and ST NICHOLAS ABBEY and Workforce will be waiting in the wings but slight preference if for the former who can continue his rich streak of form. [Mikey Mumford]

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Newbury Weatherbys Super Sprint betting and odds

Weatherbys Super Sprint betting preview

Another big sprint handicap provides this Saturday’s feature race for Newbury’s Dubai Summer Festival – Weatherbys Super Sprint, writes Mikey Mumford. The sharp 5f sees twenty-five runners head to post for a share of the £200,000 purse. The race is restricted to two-year-old thoroughbreds horses sold as yearlings by public auction and the weights each will carry are determined by the sale price of the horses. Richard Hannon has won this race seven times since its inauguration in 1991 and he saddles four this time in his bid for gold and his unbeaten colt Eureka tops the early market.

Found a couple too good on his first two starts but Electric Qatar (14/1) did pull a little hard last time at Haydock and warrants respect here. Tom Dascombe’s yard is in fine form and stable jockey Richard Kingscote takes the ride and the stiff 5f should suit a horse that breaks well and can take up the running.

Racked up a hat-trick of wins after landing her maiden over 5f at Beverley in April; Lily’s Angel (7/1) does most of her work inside the final furlong and landed the Empress Stakes at Newmarket latest. Fifth in the Albany at Royal Ascot, she is equally adept on soft ground and has won over further; place claims at the least.

Ed McMahon trained John Fretwell’s Temple Meads to victory in this last year and they combine again with Impassive (12/1) this time. Difficult to know what this filly achieved in her maiden against weak opposition at Nottingham but a likely improver; not one to rule out for connections.

Redact (6/1) is unbeaten in his first two starts for Richard Hannon and his going away win on the polytrack at Lingfield was most impressive. He brought forward that form on turf last time at Salisbury justifying odds on favouritism over 6f. Ryan Moore rides and he should make a bold hat-trick bid.

The nature of Mention’s (14/1) victory over 6f at this course last time was eye-catching considering she was headed well over halfway and got back up inside the final furlong. She was off the pace on her first racecourse appearance at Lingfield on good to firm but still plugged on well to take fourth; likely to improve again with the in-form Silvestre De Sousa aboard.

Eureka (9/2) was always travelling well under a patient Richard Hughes ride on route to winning his maiden at 16/1 over slightly further at Nottingham. He won well next time on much firmer ground at Salisbury and should give this a good go in his hat-trick bid. Probably just about the one to beat on paper, he could give Richard Hannon his eight success in this race.

Plenty in with chances as one would expect with these big sprints but Richard Hannon holds a strong hand with both Eureka and Redact who should go close in their hat-trick bids. Impassive cannot be ruled out for connections who won this race twelve months ago but MENTION can hold them all off after winning over further here last time. [Mikey Mumford]

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