totescoop6 Challenge Cup betting and odds

David O’Meara’s previous course and distance winner Smarty Socks currently shades favouritism for Ascot’s renewal of the totescoop6 Challenge Cup, writes Mikey Mumford. The seven-year-old won a valuable Grade 2 event at the track in early September and bids to follow up in Saturday’s 7f sprint. Winning connections will receive a share of the £150,000 pot and eighteen runners will head to post.

totescoop6 Challenge Cup betting tips

The Cheka After scooping a grade one event at Haydock in May he was beaten at odds on at the Curragh. Possibly the yielding ground proved his undoing that day and he was a decent third at Doncaster last time when he attempted to make all. He may have to adopt different tactics here but Eve Johnson Houghton’s runner is always prominent; each-way shout.

Hawkeyethenoo Done most of his winning on good to firm ground including over this course and distance in May. He was mightily disappointing here again after two months off when seemingly holding every chance 2f out. Last time he never got into the Ayr Gold Cup but booking of Kieren Fallon could help this time.

Eton Forever Lightly raced four-year-old who must overcome the draw from stall 1 if he is going to feature here. Raced predominantly over a mile and won over that distance at Doncaster a few runs back but a slight worry is he has yet to win over 7f. Not sure the drop back in trip is what he needs and has been beaten in his two attempts at this trip.

Nasri Made all at Hamilton last time in a very ordinary event and ran a cracker to finish fourth in the Stewards Cup when leading group on stands side before hanging in final furlong. A repeat of that performance would put him in with every chance.

Casual Glimpse Won at Goodwood three runs back but was poor when turned out a month later at the same venue. Ran an okay sort of race over a mile at Doncaster last time but needs to step up on that effort in this hotter company.

Smarty Socks Knows the game inside out and currently in some of his best form for a long time. His win here last time was impressive and showed he has the beating of a few of these rivals. Wouldn’t want the ground to run soft though and done much of his winning on good or firmer ground but a bold bid expected in follow-up.

Decent Fella Scored at Goodwood last time out after a couple of poor runs and he was fourth over this course and distance in June when the ground ran soft. Probably wants ground with a little bit of cut and connections will be hoping victory last time will boost confidence.

Golden Desert Another previous course and distance winner and sprung a bit of a surprise at racings headquarters last time when picking up a grade 2 event over 7f. Had been a little lacklustre before that finishing near the rear in some big field handicaps and will need to prove his win last time was no fluke.

A really competitive renewal and plenty with previous winning form at Ascot which should prove to be a big advantage. Smarty Socks is fully deserving of his favourite tag but it’s a tough ask asking him to follow-up and NASRI can take advantage. His fourth in the Stewards Cup was impressive and he has maintained a decent standard of form albeit in a weaker event at Hamilton. Golden Desert could be the one for the minor honours. [Mikey Mumford]

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Manchester United v Basel Betting Preview

Man Utd: Champions League Group Position: 3rd, Champions League Form: D

There may be no better a fixture to follow a disappointing 1-1 draw at Stoke, especially with both Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez doubtful of playing. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have not lost a home game since 3rd April 2010, and have won 23 consecutive home matches.

The squad is also packed full of talent in all areas, and the tremendous depth is likely to be on show again on Tuesday. Lindegaard, who performed fantastically in Benfica, could start in goal, while the likes of Fabio, Carrick and Welbeck, to name but a few, could all come into contention as Ferguson rotates his side.

Even last season, when looking less than fluent, United were unbeaten in the group stages of the Champions League (and were only beaten once, in the final, by Barcelona) and now they have found their true Manchester United rhythm it is hard to see anything but a swaggering display of attacking football, and many goals.

Manchester United v Basel Betting odds

Basel: Champions League Group Position: 1st, Champions League Form: W

Basel picked up three points at home to the expected group whipping boys Otelul Galati last week, but laboured to a 2-1 home victory when more was expected. It is without doubt that they will travel to Old Trafford hoping to steal a draw, but expecting little. They know any point at Old Trafford is a bonus, and that their Champions League fate is unlikely to be decided by this game.

They picked up only six points in last year’s group stages, one home win and one away win, finishing third and qualifying for the Europa League, which might be their target this year too. Their surprise away victory at Roma secured that spot, but whereas that year Roma, Bayern Munich and Cluj were all better, or at least equal, in terms of quality, this year they have a yardstick in Romanian side Otelul Galati.

The men to watch? Captain Marco Streller is a 6 ft 5” striker who could cause an aerial threat, and will have been encouraged by Peter Crouch’s influence on Saturday night. Alexander Frei is the Swiss National sides all time top scorer (and was once charged after appearing to spit at Steven Gerrard in an international game). Radoslav Kovac will be remembered by any West Ham fans after leaving their club this summer. However, the match winner in the side is young attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. The two footed 19 year old has all the makings of a top quality player, and will be the man United fear.

Match Prediction: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN – 1.2 William Hill

23 consecutive home victories is a daunting statistic for any side to face, and Basel will need to be at the top of their game, United off theirs and still get a little luck to come away with any form of positive result.

The team selection is probably going to be worth waiting for before confirming your bets. United should roll over Basel if they play like they have been, for the most part, in the Premiership. Considering their outstanding home record, a loss seems completely off the cards. And if they can continue their form, expect goals.

Highlighted bets

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.45 Sporting Bet
First Goalscorer: Ryan Giggs – 13.00 Paddy Power
Correct Score: 4-0 Manchester United Win – 10.00 Sky Bet
Manchester United Clean Sheet – 1.8 Bet 365

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Article by Chris Wilkerson

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Bayern Munich v Man City Betting Preview

The second match day in this seasons Uefa Champions League campaign sees Manchester City travel to Bayern Munich in the pick of the group A matches. Man City drew with Napoli in the last match day but Bayern Munich enjoyed a good 2-0 home win away at Villareal. Both sides are expected to qualify from this group so the two head to head matches between them could well decide who finishes 1st and 2nd.

Bayern Munich v Man City Betting odds

Bayern Munich

FC Bayern have enjoyed an incredible start to the season after winning 7 matches in a row scoring 23 goals and keeping a clean sheet in every game. That is quite an achievement and was the perfect reaction to losing their first game of the season 1-0 at home to Borussia Monchengladbach. Die Bayern are among the favourites to win this competition this season and are also favoured to win on Tuesday with the best odds of 1.91 coming from William Hill. Bayern have several players that could hurt City with the likes of Ribery, Robben and Muller all likely to pose a goal scoring threat, however Mario Gomez is their current top scorer this season. The big striker has 8 goals in 5 league games and is looking good at 6.0 with Paddy Power to open the scoring on the night. Bayern’s clean sheet record in their last 7 matches is fantastic and if you think they can keep another on Tuesday then odds of 2.75 are available from Bet365.

Man City

Manchester City go into the match in Germany on the back of a 2-0 Carling Cup win over Birmingham, but they did slip up on Sunday when they dropped a 2 goal lead against Fulham. That was the first points Man City had dropped in the Premier League and they have looked a little more suspect at the back this season. Although only slight under dogs going into the game, nobody would be surprised if City came away from Germany with a win and so a correct score of 2-1 is looking good at 13.0 from Ladbrokes. Sergio Aguero has been in fantastic form this season since signing from Athletico Madrid and the striker is a looking a safe bet to score at any time with odds of 3.0 available from Skybet. City may well go into the game on Tuesday a little more cautious after their first game with Napoli ended in a draw, so betting on under 2.5 goals with odds of 2.0 from Bet365 could be another sensible bet.

Highlighted bets

Bayern WIN – 1.91 William Hill
Mario Gomez first scorer – 6.0 Paddy Power
Bayern clean sheet – 2.75 Bet365
Man City 2-1 WIN – 13.0 Ladbrokes
Sergio Aguero anytime scorer – 3.0 Skybet
Under 2.5 goals – 2.0 Bet365

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Article by Sam Markham

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Betfred Cambridgeshire betting and odds

All signs point to Newmarket this weekend as the Betfred Cambridgeshire handicap takes place on the Rowley Mile, writes Mikey Mumford. It forms the first part of the Autumn Double with the Cesarewitch scheduled to take place a fortnight later and connections will be gunning for a share of the £160,000 pot. Thirty-five runners will head to post for this cavalry charge over 1m1f and it is no surprise to see improving three-year-olds head the market. Dare To Dance and Questioning are vying for favouritism; however only two horses aged three have won this event in the last decade. Last year’s winner Credit Swap lines up again but as ever a lot will depend on the draw and where the pace in the race comes from.

Betfred Cambridgeshire runners

Arlequin Beaten a neck over a little further here last year James Bethell’s representative is no stranger to these big field handicaps. He was just held close home at York last time and won a good Goodwood event beating the impressive Modun on his penultimate run. Looks sure to give his running once more and good each-way claims.

Man Of Action Lightly raced American raider who won over a mile at Doncaster last time out with a bit in hand. That his only noteworthy success this year but was impressive as a three-year-old and has a chance if repeating some of that form. He looks stable’s first string and Frankie Dettori prefers him to Roayh.

Cry Fury Won an ordinary Goodwood handicap on his penultimate start but prior to that had only won on the polytrack at Kempton. Held in high regard but readily brushed aside at Doncaster last time in the race Man Of Action won and has work to do to reverse the form with a few of these rivals.

Sagramor Winner of the Britannia at Royal Ascot in June, he was disappointing at Goodwood last time weakening well inside the final two furlongs. Hughie Morrison’s charge should have no problems with the trip though, and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back to form here.

Questioning Trainer has won this race three twice in the last four years and looks to hold a strong hand in this renewal. Yet to win on turf Questioning has ran a couple of good races in defeat and was beaten a neck in a listed event at Haydock last time. He is open to improvement but worrying he has yet to get his head in front in six attempts on turf, first time visor could help.

Maqaraat A few hard luck stories lately running into a couple of useful types at Newmarket and Chester before scooping a weak maiden at Haydock last time. This is much tougher and he didn’t quite get the 1m2f here on his penultimate start so slight drop in trip should help him but tends to find little inside the final furlong.

Credit Swap Last year’s winner has gone a little but backward since his success last October. He went hurdling towards the latter part of 2011 and was largely ineffective back on the flat at Goodwood last time. Doesn’t come here in the sort of form he did last year and could struggle against a few of these.

Dare To Dance Only had four career starts and won his maiden at long odds on at Sandown in July. But he duly followed up at this course over 1m2f on good to soft ground and has to be respected if building on that effort. No doubt this is much more competitive but one of a handful that can boast winning course form; shortlisted.

A real competitive renewal where the conditions, the draw and the early pace will be huge factors in deciding the winner. Arlequin is respected after some real good efforts this year and may be a good each way shout while Questioning cannot be discounted for trainer John Gosden who knows how to saddle a Cambridgeshire winner. But the tentative vote goes to SAGRAMOR who is better than he showed last time and can bounce back to form. [Mikey Mumford]

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Stoke v Man United Betting Preview

Manchester United take on Stoke in the evening kick off on Saturday and they are looking to extend their best ever start to a season under manager Alex Ferguson. Stoke though, have also started the season very well and currently sit in 5th place in the league after 5 games. Both these sides won their midweek Carling Cup games and will be looking to continue that good form in the league. This fixture finished 2-1 to Man United last season, but will Stoke have something more up their sleeve this time round?

Stoke v Man United Betting odds

Stoke City

Stoke have had a good start to the season so far, they currently sit in 5th place in the league, have progressed in the Carling Cup and have made a solid start to their Europa League campaign. It could though, have been even better for Tony Pulis as his team suffered a shock 4-0 defeat away at out of form Sunderland last week. Although the Potters have had a good Premier League start, none of their players have more than 1 goal in their opening 5 and they have only scored 3 goals. New signing Peter Crouch is still looking for his first goal for Stoke and the big striker is looking a good bet at 4.33 with William Hill to score at any time. Stoke have a poor record against Man United in recent seasons and have lost all 6 of their previous meetings with the current champions. However, the direct style of Stoke could prove too much for Man United’s young defence and so betting on a home win with odds of 7.0 from Paddy Power may not be a bad idea.

Man Utd

Man United have had a great start to the campaign and could even afford to miss a penalty in their victory over Chelsea last Sunday. With 5 wins out of 5 in the league so far this season, the Red Devils are firm favourites to win at the Britannia on Saturday. A correct score of 3-1 is looking good value at 13.0 from bet 365, as Man United have scored plenty of goals this season but have still looked a little soft in defence. The current champions have started their last two games against Leeds and Chelsea very brightly and so betting on Man United to score in the first 10 minutes with odds of 5.5 from Skybet is also looking good. Wayne Rooney has started the season in fierce form after netting 9 goals in 5 games and is great odds at 4.5 with Paddy Power to open the scoring on Saturday.

Highlighted bets

Stoke WIN – 7.0 Paddy Power
Crouch anytime scorer – 7.0 Paddy Power
3-1 away WIN – 13.0 Bet365
Wayne Rooney first scorer – 4.5 Paddy Power

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Brighton v Liverpool Betting Preview

Brighton: League Position (Championship): 3rd, League Form (Championship): DWWWL

Brighton have had a fantastic start to life in The Championship and life at their brand new stadium, known as The Amex. Gus Poyet’s team have stepped up a level in class and taken the transition in stride, unbeaten in all competitions until defeat by Leicester on Saturday.

They have also continued their attacking approach to the game, playing swift passing football. Summer signing Craig Mackail-Smith has added to their style, and also brings a hard working ethic to their front line.

They have already knocked out Gillingham in the first round and Sunderland in the next round. Another Premiership team at their brand new ground comes in the form of Liverpool, and there is no chance Brighton will sit back and try to steal victory.

Brighton v Liverpool odds

Liverpool: League Position: 8th, League Form: DWWLL

Liverpool’s great start to the Premier League campaign has been blighted by two away defeats on the run. A harsh defeat at Stoke was followed by a humbling destruction at White Hart Lane by Spurs. Although they had two men sent off, they were being outplayed by Tottenham, which may lower expectations of a title assault and remind the players and fans about the challenge of securing a top four spot this season.

Liverpool have lost three of last five away games, but showed in the last round at Exeter that they will take this competition seriously. Reina, Skrtel, Adam, Suarez and Carroll all played, and with no European distractions this season Liverpool could take this competition seriously.

They will be without Skrtel and Adam after their red cards, Agger suffered a fractured rib and also Meireles (now of Chelsea) from the team that beat Exeter. The quality in their side is evident, so the motivation and the squad depth will be tested here.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 4.00 Betfred

It is hard to look past Liverpool in this tie. Although poor away from home, Dalglish’s side appear to be taking the competition seriously, mixing fringe youth players, with Premier League experience themselves, and established stars. Liverpool have only failed to score once in their last 38 meetings with lower league opposition in the League Cup, and with at least one of Suarez, Carroll and Bellamy likely to play they should be expecting to score.

Brighton themselves are an attacking side, and have scored six in their three home league ties this season, although also conceding three which shows teams are scoring there.

Brighton’s top scorer Ashley Barnes is at 10.00 with Ladbrokes to score first, and is the best value of all the punts on offer. An attacking side out to prove their quality at home will be on the front foot from kick off.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.67 Stan James
First Goalscorer: Ashley Barnes – 10.00 Ladbrokes
Correct Score: 2-1 Liverpool WIN – 17.00 Bet Fred
Both Teams To Score – 1.75 Blue Sq

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Chelsea v Fulham Betting Preview

Chelsea face Fulham on Wednesday in the Carling Cup as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. This is both sides first game in the competition this season but Chelsea were knocked out in the 3rd round last season to Newcastle and Fulham also suffered defeat in that round to Stoke. The Blues do have history in the cup, winning the competition 4 times as recently as 2005 and 2007, but Fulham have only ever reached the last 8.

Chelsea v Fulham Betting odds

Chelsea

Chelsea suffered an early season title blow on Sunday when they lost out 3-1 away to Manchester United in a game that included an early contender for miss of the season from striker Fernando Torres. New manager Villas-Boas will be wanting to bounce back from that defeat and may see the Carling Cup as an early chance to win some silverware. With this in mind, a 2-0 home win for Chelsea is looking like a good bet at 7.5 from Skybet. It is quite difficult to predict what sort of team Villas-Boas will pick, however it almost certainly won’t be full strength after 2 games last week and another home game against Swansea coming up this Saturday. However, Chelsea’s reserve team should still be strong enough to fend off what could be a changed Fulham side. Juan Mata has impressed since his arrival from Valencia in the summer and the midfielder is looking a good bet at 7.0 from Bet365 to open the scoring.

Fulham

Fulham relieved some of the pressure on boss martin Jol on Sunday when they battled back from 2 goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City. However, it has been a less than satisfactory start for the Cottagers and they currently sit 3rd bottom with just 3 points from 5 games. Manager Jol also has the Europa League to think about, so it looks likely that he will rotate his squad for this game with Chelsea. Fulham’s bad start to the season is represented in their odds for Wednesday night and the Cottagers are priced as long as 10.0 at Stan James. Bobby Zamora has scored 4 goals in all competitions this season and is most certainly the danger man for the away side. The big striker is looking a good bet at 4.5 with Skybet to score at any time during the match. Fulham have only scored 1 goal away from home this season though, and Chelsea have hardly been prolific so betting on under 2.5 goals at Skybet is looking a good choice.

Highlighted Bets
Chelsea 2-0 WIN – 7.5 Skybet
Mata first scorer – 7.0 Bet365
Fulham WIN – 10.0 Stan James
Zamora anytime scorer – 4.5 Skybet
Under 2.5 goals – 2.5 Skybet

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Man Utd vs Chelsea Betting Preview

Manchester United, League Position: 1st: League Form: WWWW

Manchester United have started this season like a team who want to prove their domestic dominance, scoring 18 goals in four games, and winning all of them. Even with injuries in their back line, young defenders Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones have stepped in seamlessly, defending fantastically and launching attacks from the back. Nemanja Vidic remains sidelined for this weekend’s fixture, but Rio Ferdinand should return.

The midfield will be missing young English midfielder Tom Cleverley after he was injured in the 5-0 win at Bolton last Saturday, but the Champions still have options. This is the most contentious area when it comes to Manchester United’s line up. Park Ji-Sung, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs all featured midweek in a solid draw away at Benfica in the Champions League, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be wary of the strength of Chelsea’s midfield. Big game players like Fletcher and Park could feature, whilst Giggs was a pivotal player in their success against Chelsea last season. Four wins from five matches against each the boys from Stamford Bridge could be a sign that United have the knack in this fixture.

Man Utd vs Chelsea Odds

Chelsea, League Position: 3rd: League Form: DWWW

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted Chelsea are still a threat, and that manager Andre Villas-Boas has had a good start. Yet it’s the Manchester sides that head the table, not only in position but performance too. The discussions about Chelsea centre on the continued struggle of Fernando Torres and not of a title assault.

Who leads Chelsea’s attack is hard to guess. A front three of Sturridge, Anelka and Mata looked mobile and threatening in victory over Sunderland, yet Torres created both goals in the Champions League victory at home to Bayer Leverkusen midweek. However, one goal in 23 appearances is not the kind of record you want for a striker about to face the Champions. Didier Drogba misses out, and this will be a real showing of how low his manager’s confidence in him is if Torres does not start.

John Terry and Frank Lampard return after a midweek rest, and their experience could be as crucial as their ability here. Only one clean sheet in their past eight league games is very un-Chelsea like, whilst the fragility shown by their defence in ties against Sunderland and Norwich so far this season will be a welcoming sight to their upcoming opponents.

Match Prediction: Manchester United WIN – 1.91 Ladbrokes

It is hard to look beyond Manchester United for any game, but a home tie in the form they are in points straight to United victory. When the big games came last year the Reds found ways to beat Chelsea, Javier Hernandez finding the net in three of those five matches last term.

Chelsea’s lack of clean sheets and Manchester United’s prolific scoring makes both teams to score a very tempting bet. Chelsea will be very hard pushed to keep a clean sheet, and their manager must be expecting them to need goals.

The positives for goalscorers are in the Manchester United side of the market. Rooney has scored more goals (eight) so far this term than any other team, aside from Manchester City. He also takes penalties and freekicks. Hernandez came back into the side like he hadn’t been away, and three goals in five games against Chelsea last season is hard to ignore.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.91 Coral, Stan James, Blue Sq, William Hill
First Goalscorer: Javier Hernandez – 7.00 Ladbrokes
Correct Score: 2-1 Manchester United – 10.00 Ladbrokes
Both Teams To Score: Yes – 1.83 Coral, Blue Sq
Wayne Rooney to Score Anytime – 2.25 Sky Bet, Victor Chandler, Stan James, William Hill

By Chris Wilkerson

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Tottenham vs Liverpool Betting Preview

Tottenham League Position: 15th League Form: LLW

Spur’s league campaign was stunted by the postponement of their opening fixture against Everton and while they suffered drubbings against both Manchester clubs they managed to find their first 3 points with a 2-0 victory over Wolves last weekend.

Tottenham vs Liverpool Betting odds

New signings Scott Parker and Emanuel Adebayor were stand out performers with Luka Modric also on song and the ex-Togolese captain scoring on his debut. The strong on loan striker has a good record against Liverpool after he scored against them in 2008. If you can see him scoring against a Liverpool defence, which hasn’t looked at its best this season so far, why not back him at 3.25 on Ladbrokes to score any time in the fixture.

Rafael van De Vaart has is yet to open his account for this season and will be hungry for goals after being omitted from the Europa League squad. Last season the Dutch hitman opened the scoring for Spurs against Tottenham with a superb strike, so his odds of 8.5 on Victor Chandler to score first could be cause for a few quid ventured on him being the first goalscorer.

Liverpool

The last time Liverpool beat Tottenham was back in January of 2010 where Dirk Kuyt bagged both of the goals. Kuyt has featured this season and should keep his starting berth ahead of Andy Carroll and if you fancy him to bag a brace against Spurs again then he is tipped at good odds of 26.0 on Blue Square, which must be worth some money.

The last 5 meetings between these sides haven’t warranted any more than 4 goals so a good bet might be to tip the game to have under 4.5 goals at odds of 1.14 on Victor Chandler.

Luis Suarez will be picked out as the danger man in this squad and will be looking to add to his tally of 2 goals this season by scoring here. Tottenham’s defenders aren’t the quickest and with Suarez’s dribbling he could cause them problems as they tire so why not tip him to score last at odds of 7.5 on Victor Chandler.

2-1 has been the score in 2 of the 3 most recent games between these sides so tipping a 2-1 to the side more in form after their win last weekend could prove a good bet at odds of 11.0 on Ladbrokes.

Article by John Fernandez

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Ayr Gold Cup betting and odds

All eyes will be on Scotland this weekend as the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup takes centre stage with 27 runners expected to do battle over the sharp 6f, writes Mikey Mumford. Pepper Lane is currently the market leader for trainer David O’Meara after winning her last three handicaps. However, there are several contenders queuing in behind to put an end to her four-timer and look out for those bookmakers paying out on five places.

Ayr Gold Cup runners

Regal Parade Winner of this race in 2008 for Dandy Nicholls but has struggled to hit top gear so far this year. Made no impression at York last time over 7f but does seem better at slightly shorter and is one of only a handful in the race with previous course and distance winning form. It will be interesting to see which way he goes in the market.

Hawkeyethenoo Trainer bidding to become first to saddle winner of this race in 36 years and his representative does have a good record at Ayr. He was impressive in the Victoria Cup at Ascot where he won going away and a repeat of that performance would put him bang there. Has won over a little bit further but 6f will suit and everything in place for a bold bid.

Tajneed Been largely disappointing the last twice but ran a cracker behind Hoof It at York in July after being help up early on. Done all his winning on good and good to soft so would appreciate a little cut in the ground and chances if putting his best foot forward.

Pepper Lane Clinging on to favouritism but up and coming trainer has had a good year so far and the nature of his last three wins were most impressive. Particularly at Ripon last time where he made all from stall 17 and had the beating of quite a few of the rivals he will face here. Has easily the best recent form on offer and major chance of completing four-timer.

Eton Rifles Handsome winner at Goodwood on his penultimate run and came up a little short last time after he led 2f out. However, he is a largely consistent performer and another who wouldn’t mind the ground running a little soft. Will probably have to settle for minor honours rather than win purposes.

Mac’s Power Tough sort who is often in the thick of things and has run some creditable races in defeat this year. Should give another good account in this sphere and will get his head in front sooner or later but not sure if it will be here.

Colonel Mak Does have a bit to find with Pepper Lane and a few others on the back of his Ripon sixth two starts back. Another who displays previous course and distance winning form so has a liking for Ayr and chances should he get a good toe into the race from stall number 15. This task is a significant step up from his recent Ffos Las success but at least he comes here in good heart.

Mayson Difficult to discount the Hanagan and Fahey combination in these big field handicaps and the lightly raced Mayson ran a decent race when 40/1 a Ripon last time. He finished third that day but that was his first run of 2011 and expected to be better for that outing and can make his presence felt once more.

Very difficult to call with all 27 runners having earned their placed in this sphere but a couple do stand out. None more so than David O’Meara’s Pepper Lane who has been most impressive winning her last three handicaps and she has easily the best form on offer. But her winning streak could be about to end and HAWKEYETHENOO can take advantage. He failed in his bid in this race last year but has won some decent events in the past twelve months and it could be his and Jim Goldie’s year. Mayson can get in the money for Richard Fahey after his likeable return at Ripon while Colonel Mak can run into some place money. [Mikey Mumford]

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