Doncaster v Leeds Betting Preview

The Championship returns after the international break on Friday with Doncaster taking on Leeds in a Yorkshire derby. Both teams are enjoying good runs after poor starts to the season and will be looking for the win to continue this and get ahead of their rivals playing on Saturday afternoon.

Doncaster vs Leeds Betting odds

Doncaster

Doncaster Rover had a shocking start to the season and were sitting bottom of the league after 7 games with just 1 point to their name. This prompted the sacking of long-term manager Sean O’Driscoll, the arrival of Dean Saunders and Rovers haven’t looked back since. In his 3 games in charge Saunders has won 2 and drawn 1, propelling Doncaster out of the relegation zone. Billy Sharp is continuing his return from injury and the prolific striker is looking a good bet at 2.88 with Stan James to score at any time during the match. Despite the upturn in form, Rovers have struggled for goals this season, with just 6 from their 10 league games. With this in mind then, betting on under 2.5 goals with odds of 2.0 from Skybet could give a good return. Despite beating Leeds in the 2008 League 1 play-off final, Rovers have struggled against their West Yorkshire rivals at home recently, and haven’t won any of their last 3 meetings.

Leeds

Like Doncaster, Leeds also had a poor start to the season and only took 4 points from their first 5 league games. However, their form has also picked up and the Whites are now unbeaten in their last 4 league games, winning 3 and scoring 9 goals. This has left Leeds just 3 points outside the play-offs with a game in hand on their rivals. Despite their upturn in form, Leeds have still conceded 15 goals in their 10 games and have only managed to keep one clean sheet. Ross McCormack has been in blistering form for the Whites this season and is the joint top scorer in the Championship with 8 goals from 9 games. Therefore, the Scotland Striker is great odds at 11.0 with Bet365 to score 2 or more goals during the game. Leeds are slight favourites for the match on Friday and should have too much for a rejuvenated Doncaster, and so betting on a 2-1 away win at 9.0 with William Hill is looking like a good bet.

Highlighted Bets

Billy Sharp anytime scorer – 2.88 Stan James
Under 2.5 goals – 2.0 Skybet
Doncaster WIN – 3.1 William Hill
Ross McCormack to score 2 or more – 11.0 Bet365
2-1 Leeds correct score – 9.0 William Hill

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Article by Sam Markham

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Liverpool vs Man Utd Betting Preview

Liverpool

Liverpool go into this game after two impressive victories against Everton and Wolves, but the Merseyside outfit have shown inconsistency this season too. Disappointing results away to Tottenham and Stoke will tell Kenny Dalgleish that his side still have work to do and his strike force will need to find some sharpness if they are to improve on a very average 10 goals in 7 games. The past five meetings however tell us that Liverpool step up to the challenge when it comes to Manchester United and they have recorded some very impressive victories, such as the 4-1 of two seasons ago. They’ll be hoping that key players Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger return for this big clash against a side that can score goals.

Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson knows his side enter this bitter clash with an undefeated start to the league season but perhaps more importantly, knowing his side have taken maximum points against top rivals such as Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. However, it has to be said that all these games have come at Old Trafford and United haven’t been as comfortable away from home, as shown by the recent 1-1 with Stoke City. Their ability to score many goals (27 in 7 games) means that United cannot be written off and you’d fancy them to get on the score sheet, especially if in-form winger Ashley Young is fit to start following his recent injury. United have good form against the big clubs and always rise to a new challenge, making them a very difficult side to beat.

MANCHESTER UNITED TO WIN – 7/5 William Hill

Liverpool edge the recent head-to-heads when it comes to this fixture but Manchester United are favourites to walk away with all three points this time round. The flying start made by United this season highlights a gap in quality when compared to the slightly inconsistent Liverpool. With Liverpool potentially missing Johnson and Agger, their defence could fall victim to a brilliant United attack that is led by the inform Wayne Rooney and supported by the equally impressive Young and Nani. Also, Liverpool’s average strike-rate this season makes it unlikely that they’ll break United down often enough to repeat the feat of scoring several goals against them as in the past.

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Article by Matt Wood

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Betfred Cesarewitch betting and odds

The Betfred Cesarewitch provides the pick of the action on Future Champions day at Newmarket this weekend, writes Mikey Mumford. Thirty-four runners will head to post to do battle over 2m2f and Nicky Henderson’s Veiled currently shades favouritism in her hat-trick bid. Elsewhere, Seb Sanders and Sir Mark Prescott team up with Tuscan Gold, while Frankie Dettori takes the ride on Never Can Tell.

Betfred Cesarewitch betting tips

Veiled Looking to complete her hat-trick after wins here and at Ascot this year and won at further than this last time out. Eddie Ahern is aboard again and excellent claims should she get good ground. She looks the one to beat.

Keys Quite lightly raced sort who continued his fine three-year-old form into this year and duly picked up a decent Ascot Handicap last time. Has shown he is capable on different conditions although yet to race beyond 2m, there should be no doubts about the trip. The nature of his penultimate Newbury win should put him in the picture.

Kazbow Lost out the last twice in tight-knit finishes but had won gamely the time before at Doncaster when making all over 1m6f. Unraced beyond 2m and while connections seem confident he’ll get the trip not sure this is ideal, danger though if he stays.

Never Can Tell Game winner over 1m7f at Chester last time but had lost out to Colour Vision who he meets again the time before that. Work to do to reverse the form with that rival but a largely consistent performer who could easily outrun his odds but more for place claims than win purposes.

Cosimo De Medici Won the last twice including over course and distance last time in the trial for this race. Has more going for him than some of these and although often slowly away he often does his best work late in the day and each-way claims here.

Tuscan Gold Run only once this year when a one pace third at Goodwood but had been performing well on the all-weather and on turf last year. Lack of racing this campaign would be a slight worry though but stays at least 2m and chances if breaking well from central draw.

Beyond Has won half of his 10 career starts but the majority of those have come in weak races. However, his win in a Sandown event last time proved he has the ability to compete in better races but this company might be too much for him.

Becausewecan Good performer for Mark Johnston and won a decent event at Ffos Las last time when up against younger and improving sorts. Has work to do though on his Ascot effort in June where he finished in mid-division and never going the pace of the leaders but couldn’t be in better heart.

Another fascinating big field handicap which could go one of several ways. Veiled makes most appeal on her latest form and as a previous course winner but she’s taking on the men here. And for that reason, KEYS looks an excellent option; he was most impressive at Newbury two runs back and a similar performance should put him in the mix. Becausewecan and Cosimo De Medici have also been running consistently of late and can reward those each-way punters. [Mikey Mumford]

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Montenegro vs England betting preview

Montenegro

The Montenegrins come into this game knowing they must win here to have any hopes of qualifying. After a 0-0 draw at Wembley in October last year where they suffocated much of England’s play, they must now come out looking to score.

Can Montenegro face a team of England’s quality, with the pressure qualification on them and the need for victory, and come out with a result? The quality of players such as Fiorentina Stevan Jovetic and Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic (Montenegro’s captain) can certainly bring them moments, but a sustained attacking performance is a different matter. Their five goals in six group games does not inspire confidence.

Their recent qualification form is poor too. Whether their current position in the group is justified remains to be seen after a home draw against Bulgaria was followed by defeat away in Wales, the team who currently sit in bottom place.

Montenegro vs England Betting odds

England

The Toffees go into the lunchtime kick off on the back of just 1 defeat in 6 games in all competitions and they put in a good defensive display against Man City during that loss. Although it was a frustrating transfer window again for Everton fans, they still look like a solid mid table side that could mount a push for Europe and will give Liverpool a tough game. Tim Cahill has a great ability of scoring important goals and so the forward is looking like a good bet at 8.0 with Bet365 to open the scoring on the day. Although the Toffees do go into the game slight underdogs at 3.3 with Coral, the tight nature of derby games between these two means that it may not be a bad bet at all. Everton have conceded on average of 1 goal a game this season and scored an average of 1 a game also, therefore betting on a 1-1 draw should give a decent return at 7.0 from Ladbrokes.

Liverpool

England require a point in Montenegro to confirm qualification to Poland/Ukraine 2012, and will expect at least that here. Their last game of the qualifying stages takes them on their travels, where they have been most successful as of late. Three wins from three away matches in these group stages, scoring eight goals and only conceding one, makes 1.75 look a decent price on the Three Lions.

Manager Fabio Capello is expected to pair Manchester United teammates Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney up front together, with Welbeck leading the line. Welbeck has already shown this season that he can bring performances out of Rooney, taking the forward role very similarly to Javier Hernandez, making runs and space that Rooney thrives from.

The midfield is full of options, with prematurely written of Frank Lampard finding his scoring boots for Chelsea last weekend with a hat trick, whilst Scott Parker offer deeper options for shielding the defence.

More should be read from the performance away in Bulgaria than at home to Wales in the context of this match. Capello seems to have drilled his side into a perfect shape for tactics on their travels, and England can carry that on here.

Match Prediction: ENGLAND WIN – 1.75 Stan James

The overriding factor in this game is the quality England possess. With Montenegro looking for a win, an England goal will force them out into attack, and it’s hard to argue against England scoring when you consider their away record and their attacking talent. Welbeck, Young and Rooney have been in terrific form for Manchester United, and that pace on the counter could lead England to glory. The side also showed in Bulgaria that they were comfortable picking teams off, after absorbing early pressure before exploiting the gaps left by their opponents.

That away form is hard to ignore too. Eight goals in three away fixtures suggests they have adapted to the conditions they have met, and thrived. Montenegro themselves have fallen apart in recent group fixtures, with the draw to Bulgaria and defeat against Wales, and are there for the taking.

With all this in mind, the markets could be too weighted towards a tight game. 2.15 is a great price for over 2.5 goals, a value bet with England’s scoring record and Montenegro’s need for a result.

Danny Welbeck is also well priced, will be the real striker in England’s XI and could be value at 8.5 for the first goal.

Match Odds:-

Montenegro – 5.5 Bet 365
Draw – 3.5 Sky Bet
England – 1.75 Stan James

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Tottenham v Arsenal Betting Preview

Tottenham: League Position: 6th, League Form: LLWWW

After playing the Premier League’s top two in their opening two matches, Tottenham have started to show their true colours over recent weeks. The 4-0 victory over Liverpool showcased the best of their high tempo, attacking game, and has restored confidence.

Apart from their return to form Manager Harry Redknapp must be delighted with how his summer acquisitions have settled. ‘Keeper Brad Friedel looks as comfortable as his experience would have lead us to expect, whilst Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor have slotted in and performed from day one. On top of that, Luka Modric has settled back into his game after the on/off transfer saga of the summer.

More than enough incentive is on offer this weekend. There is the chance to open a five point gap on a top four rival, but probably more importantly for the fans, there is the opportunity to further demoralise North London rivals Arsenal after their poor start.

Tottenham v Arsenal Betting odds

Arsenal: League Position: 13th, League Form: LLWLW

Make or break for Arsenal? A defeat here leaves them five points short of Tottenham, and then, if each team takes three points this weekend, a possible six points behind Liverpool, nine behind Chelsea and 12 behind Manchester United and Manchester City. The title would already look to be slipping away from them, whilst they can ill afford to give away such a deficit in the battle for Champions League football.

Victories against Shrewsbury, Bolton and Olympiakos in their last three games has done little to inspire confidence, and came without the Arsenal swagger of previous seasons.

Arsene Wenger’s side have won only four of their last 17 league games, and are winless in seven away league matches. What their frail defence does not need right now is a physical, pacey and vengeful striker waiting to attack them. Enter Adebayor.

However, the victory here would lift the whole club, force them back into form and put them in reach of their rivals, whilst leapfrogging Tottenham. The game should be open, there were eleven goals in the two league fixtures last season, which could lend itself to both sides styles.

Match Prediction: Tottenham Win – 2.2 William Hill

Premier League history has Arsenal as the dominant force in North London football, but the arrival of Harry Redknapp on Spurs has helped swing the pendulum to a more level playing field. In fact, last season Arsenal took only a point from the two league games these sides played. Since Harry Redknapp joined Tottenham, Spurs have won two, drawn three and lost two of the seven meetings in all competitions.

Tottenham’s attacking options are playing with more confidence than Arsenal’s, their midfield looks in perfect balance whilst Arsene’s men miss key components due to injury and the defence, especially centre back pairing of King and Dawson, is far more trusted than Arsenal’s.

The figure of Adebayor will loom over this fixture too. Returning to play against Arsenal for the team he once dominated so many times when in red. Eight Arsenal goals in nine North London derbies, can he perform on this fierce stage again, and become only the second man to score for both of the sides in this derby’s history. The Tottenham alternative could come from Van Der Vaart, how has three goals in two outings in this fixture.

Highlighted bets

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.68 188Bet
First Goalscorer: Emmanuel Adebayor – 6.00 Bet 365
Correct Score: 3-2 Tottenham Win – 26.00 Bet Fred
Both Teams To Score: 1.57 Coral
First to Score for Their Team: Robin Van Persie – 4.33 Bet 365
Anytime Goalscorer Double: Adebayor and Van Persie – 6.5 William Hill

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Everton vs Liverpool Betting Preview

It’s that time of the year again as the first Merseryside derby of the season takes place this Saturday lunchtime at Goodison Park. Everton won this fixture last season and will be hoping for more of the same this year as they head into the clash slight underdogs against their closest rivals. Both sides have had a decent start to the season and a win for either team could do wonders for their league position.

Everton vs Liverpool Betting odds

Everton

The Toffees go into the lunchtime kick off on the back of just 1 defeat in 6 games in all competitions and they put in a good defensive display against Man City during that loss. Although it was a frustrating transfer window again for Everton fans, they still look like a solid mid table side that could mount a push for Europe and will give Liverpool a tough game. Tim Cahill has a great ability of scoring important goals and so the forward is looking like a good bet at 8.0 with Bet365 to open the scoring on the day. Although the Toffees do go into the game slight underdogs at 3.3 with Coral, the tight nature of derby games between these two means that it may not be a bad bet at all. Everton have conceded on average of 1 goal a game this season and scored an average of 1 a game also, therefore betting on a 1-1 draw should give a decent return at 7.0 from Ladbrokes.

Liverpool

Liverpool have made a fairly solid start to the season, winning 3 of their 6 league games, but after the money they spent in the transfer window many expected more. Nevertheless they have some good players who will gel over the season and produce the goods. One of those is Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan has had a good start to the season already, which is why backing him at 2.5 with Paddy Power to score at any time could be a smart bet. Liverpool will be desperate to atone for their defeat here last season and as it will be a tight game, a 2-1 away win is looking good with odds of 11.0 available from Ladbrokes. Steven Gerard could continue his comeback from injury on Saturday and if the England man does then that will surely only boost Liverpool’s chances.

Highlighted bets

1-1 Draw – 7.0 Ladbrokes
Cahill first goal scorer – 8.0 Bet365
Suarez anytime scorer – 2.5 Paddy Power
Under 2.5 goals – 1.73 Stan James
2-1 Liverpool WIN – 11.0 Ladbrokes

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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

For a full list of free bets for this race and all the other sporting action this weekend, visit our free bets section.

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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