Carling Cup betting – Arsenal vs Wigan

Arsenal vs Wigan betting preview

Arsenal ended a week from hell with their 4-2 defeat of Aston Villa at the weekend. The defeats at home to Tottenham the week before and the loss to Sporting Braga midweek looked as if Arsenal were in free-fall, however the convincing away win silenced all doughts. The loss of Cesc Fabregas midweek of course was a big blow to the Gunners but the central midfield triangle of Alex Song anchoring with Jack Wilshere and the outstanding Samir Nasri  seems to working out well in his absence.

As we have seen this season Arsenal can get goals from all over the pitch, and against weaker defending sides like Wigan they aren’t afraid to go forward with all they have got. Players like Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri who both scored at the weekend can always be counted upon to chip in with a goal or two. Both are priced at 5/1 to open the scoring on Coral and BoyleSports respectively.

Wenger has never been one to treat the Carling Cup which much interest however with it being 5 years no silverware he may just fancy the Carling Cup this year.  However it makes it difficult to predict his starting line-up, Theo Walcott should be gifted a start after his double salvo in the last cup fixture against Newcastle. But it’s a toss-up between Maruane Chamakh and Niklas Bentdner in regards who will lead the line up front.

Wigan

Wigan’s season has been as expected quite a poor one, however it can be bet on that Roberto Martinez will stick out a strong line-up in a bid to get one over one of the ‘Big-Four’ and book a date at Wembley. Talisman Charles N’Zogbia is a key figure for the Lactics and should be expected to give the goals for them in the big matches, especially with Colombian hitman Hugo Rodellega serving the second game of a three game ban. New acquisition Franco Di Santo will probably be handed a starting place in place of the Colombian, and is priced at a handsome 9/2 to score anytime on BoyleSports and StanJames.

Wigan’s defensive record has gotten better this season; much of this is down to Bolton loanee Ali Al Habsi who has kept Wigan’s results less shameful then earlier in the season. The quality of Arsenal though will most probably be too much for Wigan’s fragile back four, a high scoring fixture looks likely, unless Wigan decide to park the bus in the hope of a home revival. 4-1 Arsenal looks like an interesting bet and is priced at a handsome 18/1 on SkyBet however a more realistic 2-0 Arsenal win is 13/2 on William Hill

Highlighted Bets

First Goalscorer Andrey Arshavin 5/1 Coral
First Goalscorer Samir Nasri 5/1 Bet 365
Anytime Goalscorer Franco Di Santo 9/2 StanJames
Correct Score Arsenal 4-1 18/1 Sky Bet
Correct Score Arsenal 2-0 13/2 William Hill

By John Fernandez

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Betfred.com Temple Stakes betting and odds

Haydock Temple Stakes betting preview

The first sprint of the QIPCO British Champions Series provides Saturday’s feature race – the Betfred.com Temple Stakes, writes Mikey Mumford. The five furlong dash sees 12 runners head to post for the Group Two race at Haydock Park where Hungarian sprinter overdose heads the market. Last year’s winner Kingsgate Native is entered again by trainer Sir Michael Stoute and Robin Bastiman’s popular dual Nunthorpe Stakes winner Borderlescott will also contest the £80,000 purse.

Having won 15 of his 16 starts Overdose has clearly the best form on offer. He made a sound winning seasonal debut in Germany last month and has tasted success in Hungary, Italy, Austria and Slovakia. Trainer Jozef Roszival plans on taking Overdose to Royal Ascot to compete in the King’s Stand Stakes which suggests there is more to come. Certainly the one to beat on paper but at relatively short 9/4 forecast odds there has to be doubts about his ability to handle soft conditions. Yet to race on British soil, the six-year-old might not have it all his own way with proven Group One performers in opposition.

A dual Group One winner in his younger days, Kingsgate Native has struggled to hit top gear since his success here twelve months ago. The six-year-old gelding was behind both Markab and Borderlescott at Royal Ascot last year when only managing sixth despite being sent off market jolly. His form has dipped significantly and he was well behind Nunthorpe winner Sole Power at York last year. Ryan Moore takes the ride but Kingsgate Native must improve markedly if he is to repeat his 2010 success here. Jack Berry’s Mind Games is the only horse to have won consecutive Temple Stakes in 1995 and 1996.

Markab probably needed the run at York last week and connections will hope he will come on for that reappearance. He ended 2010 with victory in the Betfred Sprint Cup at this course and the slight drop in trip should not inconvenience him too much. Henry Candy’s yard is in relatively good form and everything looks set for a nice run at generous odds (15/2).

Nine-year-old Borderlescott isn’t getting any younger but Robin Bastiman’s consistent sort will prove a popular selection in the betting. Winner of two Nunthorpe’s in 2008 and 2009, he won a competitive Group Two at Goodwood last July and should give his running once again. Done most of his racing at five furlongs but probably vulnerable to an improver but great each way value all the same (10/1).

On recent form Tangerine Trees goes into the race in fine fettle. He went in at 18/1 at Newmarket three weeks ago and should handle the track here at Haydock too. Bryan Smart’s six-year-old has won six of his last eight starts (form only bettered by Overdose) and has the benefit of a run already this term. Firms list him at 8/1 and he has run well at bigger prices before (winning at 33/1 last year) so certainly one to upset the record.

An improved run at Newmarket last time finishing third behind subsequent winner Tangerine Trees was more like the form he displayed when winning the Nunthorpe at odds of 100/1. But Sole Power has yet to prove that success wasn’t just a freak result and looks up against it once more in this company at 12/1.

Jim Crowley rides Prohibit (14/1) who was another that needed the run at Newmarket last time. Prior to that, he had run some consistent races in defeat and scooped a 5f sprint at Doncaster last September with Rose Blossom well behind that day. Equally adept at five furlongs Robert Cowell’s runners are not to be taken lightly.

Hamish McGonagall for Tim Easterby’s yard is a likeable sort who won a relatively weak sprint at Musselburgh on his penultimate start. Difficult to assess if that form stands up but must improve against classier opposition. Could sneak in to the money for minor honours at 14/1.

Jim Best’s Stone of Folca (16/1) might attract some attention if he recaptures the form of his neck defeat to Zebedee at Goodwood last year. After a disappointing show in the Nunthorpe he won readily at massive odds against at Folkestone last month in a weak four runner affair. Not without a chance if he is fully tuned up.

When Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan combine they are to be feared but Rose Blossom doesn’t look one of their strongest participants. Beaten comprehensively by a few of these last year this 4-year-old filly is up against it taking on the boys and probably best watched on this occasion at 18/1.

Lightly raced colt New Planet is open to considerable improvement on his three career starts to date. Third behind Zebedee and Dinkum Diamond last time; he won his first two races at York and Pontefract respectively albeit in significantly weaker contests. Overlooked up in Grade.

Group Therapy (18/1) for David Barron finished a good second behind Borderlescott last year and has taken up the running before. Might do the same again before tiring and setting the race up for one of those at the head of the market.

A fascinating renewal which sees Overdose compete at a British racecourse for the first time and he could make it a winning one. But preference is for Markab who needed the run last time and should be a lot sharper because of it. Tangerine Trees is in good heart of late and should not be discounted, neither should Prohibit at a larger price.

By Mikey Mumford

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Totesport Scurry Stakes betting and odds

Scurry Stakes betting preview

After the thrills and spills of Epsom Derby weekend seven days ago the flat racing continues with the Totesport.com Scurry Stakes at Sandown, writes Mikey Mumford. Pour Moi may have scooped the Derby for the French, but the Scurry Stakes prize is certain to stay in Britain or Ireland as a field of ten runners head to post for the 5f sprint. Andrew Balding’s Night Carnation currently occupies favouritism after her win over course and distance two starts back. Competition is fierce however, with Dinkum Diamond (another course and distance winner) and Margot Did likely to be the main challengers. Free £25 bet from William Hill on this race.

Ahtoug’s (10/1) latest going away win at Chester over a stiff 5f was impressive although he was held by Night Carnation the time before. Mahmood Al Zarooni’s three-year-old colt failed by two lengths that day over course and distance but those two had pulled clear of the third horse. Entitled to respect on good to firm ground he often races prominently with the pace; although will have to overcome widest of draws to figure.

He was a little out of his depth in the 5f dash at Epsom last Saturday and Richard Fahey’s Arctic Feeling (16/1) must improve significantly. He was fourteenth of sixteenth on Derby day, slowly into stride and always behind and has found Grade 1 listed company difficult this year. A repeat of his Ayr win last September where he beat the useful Kyrpton Factor by a neck would give him a slim chance, but not sure he will do that.

She’s mixing it with the boys this afternoon but Button Moon’s (25/1) odds on win maiden win was pleasing on her penultimate start. She ran on strongly to score but was well held next time upped in class at Newbury where she was a distant seventh behind both Dinkum Diamond and Pabusar. Work to do to reverse that form and only that maiden win in 13 turf starts doesn’t bode confidence; best watched.

Three-year-old Irish colt Dinkum Diamond (4/1) is a consistent type for Henry Candy’s yard after winning on debut and following up over course and distance last year. He’s struggled since though; never nearer to the leaders in the Norfolk and Nunthorpe and failed to justify favouritism at Newbury latest. Dane O’Neill takes the ride but despite not getting his head in front of late, Dinkum Diamond has ran well in defeat. A previous course and distance winner here at Sandown Park and can go well for connections again.

There’s little to go on about the unexposed Googlette (25/1) on her only two racecourse appearances. This filly outran her 33/1 odds on debut at Newmarket over 6f, beaten a neck by Godolphin’s Al Sharood. Difficult to know what that bare form amounts to with the winner seemingy well beaten in the Albany Stakes next time. Equally adept on the all weather, she duly obliged at Kempton on her last run in 2010 and is open to improvement. Tougher ask here, but should improve again which is more than can be said about some of her rivals; each way claims.

Michael Bell and Hayley Turner team up with the likeable Margot Did (9/2). After winning her maiden at Newbury last May and following up with an easy success at Yarmouth, this filly was touched off in the Albany at Royal Ascot and in the Lowther Stakes at York for what has been an impressive two-year-old campaign. On her reapparance this year, she probably needed the run over 6f in a listed contest at Ascot and was unlucky latest at York where she rallied late to finish fourth a length behind winner Night Carnation, and placed horses Move In Time and The Thrill Is Gone. Entitled to respect now fully tuned up and should be thereabouts once more.

Another who showed early promise landing his maiden at the second attempt at Newcastle is Move In Time (10/1) where beaten favourite Ahtoug was left trailing three lengths behind in third. Hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since but a good second at the back end of 2010 and another close finish on his reappearance at York half-a-length behind Night Carnation suggests he may have turned the corner. Bryan Smart’s stable are in decent form at this time of the year and his win at Beverley in a three-runner race where The Thrill Is Gone was behind in second provided a nice warm-up for this race. Still needs to find a little bit more but wouldn’t discount a good run from stall 2.

Pick of the field on recent form which Night Carnation (7/4) sets the standard after her course and distance win in April. Handles the track and finished a good second over slightly further at Doncaster last year; so no problems with the trip. Had Move In Time, The Thrill Is Gone and Margot Did just behind at York last time despite carrying her head awkwardly. One to beat again here but this filly knows how to win.

Hid Goodwood maiden win last July earned Pabusar (12/1) many plaudits when he was pushed out to lead by Jim Crowley inside the final furlong. Was just touched off at York next time over a shorter 5f and looked liked he’d improve for the run on his reappearance this year where he finished sixth of eight (well held by Dinkum Diamond). Ralph Beckett’s runner can be forgiven for that run and should be challenging for place claims at the least.

The Thrill Is Gone (14/1) ran a cracker behind Night Carnation and Move In Time at Beverley latest; this after a creditable third at York over 5f. Richard Hughes rides for Mick Channon and this filly breaks well from gates so could make the running and have a few of these battling it out with her up front. The only negative is she has only her maiden win to show for her efforts; wouldn’t rule out just yet and any market confidence would be significant.

A trappy little affair over a sharp 5f means The Thrill Is Gone must be considered if she can lead from the gates. Likewise Margot Did enters calculations here after an impressive two-year-old campaign, Night Carnation sets the standard on form and should be capable of taking this but preference is for MOVE IN TIME who may have just turned the corner and can win this for trainer Bryan Smart and Tom Eaves. Free £25 bet from William Hill on any race at Sandown.

By Mikey Mumford

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Royal Ascot Golden Jubilee Stakes betting and odds

The Golden Jubilee Stakes betting preview

A pulsating royal week at Ascot concludes on Saturday with the Golden Jubilee Stakes, writes Mikey Mumford. The fifth leg of the QIPCO British Champions’ Series features a number of overseas contenders as they all slug it out over 6f for a share of the £450,000 purse. Ballydoyle won this race twelve months ago with the impressive Starspangledbanner but they are without a runner this year. Delegator is currently market leader and Derby winning jockey Mickael Barzalona takes the ride in Frankie Dettori’s absence; while Aussie sprinter Star Witness lines up for the second time in five days after his second in the King’s Stand Stakes.

German raider Amico Fritz (33/1) has bits and pieces of form in his native homeland; winning over 6f at Cologne on his reappearance this year and at Baden-Baden in August on soft ground. He finished fifth in this race last year after showing some impressive form as a three-year-old. Defeats at Longchamp and Woodbine towards the end of 2010 he had no real excuses for, and he will need to find a little more if he is to trouble here.

Never really got into a hot handicap at Doncaster on his first run this campaign but Bated Breath (6/1) has won a shade cosily on his next two starts at Haydock and Windsor respectively. Roger Charlton’s runner was an excellent three-year-old and seems to be rediscovering this form of late; had Monsieur Chevalier well behind latest and Richard Hughes should have him handy in the final furlong.

Andrew Balding bought Dalghar (12/1) out of Alain De Royer Dupre’s French yard at the end of last year after three creditable runs in Britain. The five-year-old colt was fifth in the Queen Anne Stakes twelve months ago (never nearer Goldikova and Paco Boy) and was a close third in the Betfair Cup at Goodwood. He signed off last year with another second placed finish at Ascot but it will be interesting to see if his new trainer has had time to work with the horse after his recent sixth at York behind both winner Delegator and Hitchens.

Definightly (25/1) is one of three runners for trainer Roger Charlton but needs to find form similar to his two Goodwood wins in 2010. Relatively exposed compared to some of these,  he has won over slightly further but three of his five wins have come on soft ground and he’s not guaranteed to get it unless the heaven’s open; supporting role most likely.

Second to Sea The Stars in the 2,000 Guineas in 2009 and beaten just a neck by Mastercraftsman in the St. James Palace in the same year, Delegator (7/2) now carries Godolphin blue after being bought out of Brian Meehan’s yard. He’s thrived under Saeed Bin Suroor and has won over a miles so can be delivered late and a repeat latest York win should put him bang there.

Genki (14/1) finished a disappointing seventh in the Duke Of York last time (behind Delegator, Hitchens and Dalghar) and has a lot to find on that bare form. Prior, he had run out a good winner over 6f at Newmarket but unsure which horse will turn up. Drawn in stall one, he’s been given a huge task and might be best to look elsewhere this time.

Some solid form on the on the all-weather last year but Hitchens (50/1) is best on ground described as good to firm. Heavily raced for a six-year-old, he kept on well at the Curragh latest to land an ordinary contest and will have to improve again to figure here. Was a non-runner in the Wokingham twelve months ago so connections will be hoping for better here.
A good win at Doncaster (had Hitchens well beaten) at the beginning of April was Jimmy Styles’ (50/1) first success since 2009. He failed to show any of this form next time at Newmarket, a race won by Genki and difficult to know what that form equates to with the second horse Iver Bridge Lad a decent seventh in the King’s Stands on Tuesday. Need to put his best foot forward to challenge; not sure he will do though.

His sixth in the King’s Stands on Tuesday failed to pull up any trees and Kingsgate Native (12/1) hasn’t got his head in front since winning the Temple Stakes last year. Sir Michael Stoute’s representative has it all to do here turned out quickly. Star Witness had his measure on the opening day of the meeting and he lines up once more; Kingsgate Native has a lot to do to reverse that form.

Another stiff task lies in wait for Monsieur Chevalier (33/1) who finished in mid-division in the King’s Stand on Tuesday. Richard Hannon’s four-year-old colt was always behind before keeping on at the same pace and he needs a repeat of his admirable two-year-old form after missing the whole of the 2010 campaign. Has had only two runs in 2011 and will come on for this.

Palace Moon (50/1) has ran okay behind the leaders in a number of races last year but was a distant fourth at York in May and doesn’t look on the upgrade for trainer William Knight. Never dangerous in the Dubai Duty Free Cup which went to Delegator, he has yet to prove himself in this company and looks a little out of his depth.

His latest third at Haydock behind Bated Breath was ordinary and Royal Rock (50/1) was in the Doncaster Handicap where Jimmy Styles scooped the prize. In his favour, he has won over course and distance here in 2009 but was comprehensively beaten at the same track a year later in that very same race. Has form on the all-weather and good to soft and would want a little bit of cut in the ground before backing him.

He ran a cracker at 50/1 in this race last year behind Starspangledbanner and James Fanshawe’s runner Society Rock (14/1) will be hoping to go one better this time. However, his form dipped after the race but his recent second to Bated Breath gave signs of a revival and on that basis he cannot be discounted at another big price. Acts on this surface and over the trip; each way claims.

Steven Arnold wasn’t too hard on Star Witness (4/1) in Tuesday’s King Stand’s Stakes with the Golden Jubilee presumably in mind. He finished a half-length behind winner Prohibit without Arnold getting overly serious. A repeat performance would see this Aussie raider in with a firm shout who finished  second to the world’s top rated flat horse Black Caviar last year; one for the shortlist.

On the back of his recent Leopardstown win which has been franked by the second horse Zoffany’s half-a-length defeat to Frankel on Tuesday, Bewitched (7/1) is in with a real chance. Johnny Murtagh takes the ride on the horse who won over course and distance last year on good to soft; beating a handful of the rivals he will face here. A consistent performer who should run his race once more; chance.

Elzaam’s (8/1) six-length win at Newbury last time out was impressive and Roger Varian seems to have his stable in fine fettle after taking the mantle from Michael Jarvis. A relatively unexposed sort, this three-year-old won well on debut but and has been placed on numerous occasions since. Will have to up his game once more in this company but is an improver something that can’t be said about some of these.

Poor by his own trainer’s admission in the 1,000 Guineas in May, Hooray (12/1) has stacks of ability. Sir Mark Prescott’s charge won the Lowther last year and followed up with a couple of nice wins at Kempton and Newmarket. He won the Surrey Stakes at Epsom two weeks ago and a repeat run would put him in the fray; has to be considered.

A fine showpiece event to conclude a fascinating weeks racing could well go to Hooray who ran well last time at Epsom. Likewise Bewitched should run another good race on the back of Zoffany’s close second to Frankel; form which stands up and Delegator looks a worthy favourite on recent evidence. But the vote goes to STAR WITNESS who ran a real sound second in the King’s Stand on Tuesday and with a little held in reserve for this race. [Mikey Mumford]

By Mikey Mumford

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The John of Gaunts Stakes betting and odds

Haydock The John of Gaunts Stakes betting preview

With little over a week before the Epsom Derby this weekend’s action comes from Haydock Park with The John of Gaunts Stakes providing Saturday’s feature, writes Mikey Mumford. Get a free £50 bet from Betfred on this race.

A field of ten runners will head to post for the race now run under the title of the Timeform Jury Stakes with sprint king Dandy Nicholls responsible for current market leader Regal Parade. The seven furlong dash will also see Godolphin’s Shakespearean looking to get back to winning ways and Beacon Lodge who was a winner last time out over course and distance.

Such was his impressive win in the Spring Trophy Stakes here three weeks ago Beacon Lodge can go well again for Clive Cox. The six-year-old had both Kakatosi two lengths behind that day and took another Grade One event at Haydock in 2009. Adam Kirby should give him a toe into the race from stall seven and looks good each way value at 7/1. He failed to justify favouritism at Windsor on his penultimate start but is the only runner to have won last time out, conditions should suit as well.

American import Doncaster Rover (25/1) is a consistent sort in Grade One company despite not landing top honours. He won over six furlongs here two years ago but has failed to find form since a listed win at Newmarket last August. Outpaced in both starts this term he finished 11th of thirteen runners on good to firm ground at Newmarket last month. Inler was well ahead of him in fifth and looks up against it as the rank outsider in this competitive field.

Ryan Moore has won this event for the last three years and has a good chance of making it four aboard William Haggas’ High Standing (8/1). It was clear the six-year-old gelding needed the run on his reappearance at Leicester where the rider removed his blind late, but he is equally adept at five, six and seven furlongs. Regal Parade had him comfortably beaten in the Shadwell Stakes at Newbury last year but has won over shorter at Haydock and has demonstrated good early pace; one for the shortlist.

Himalya (14/1) form is nothing to write home about of late, he finished behind Doncaster Rover at Newmarket and never got in the race in the Victoria Cup at Ascot last time. Jeremy Noseda’s representative needs to improve significantly on that effort and his first and only career win came in a maiden event at Doncaster in 2008. Grade Onemight be a cut above for this five-year-old although he does stay the sharp seven furlongs and has run well in defeat previously. Each way claims at the most.

Brian Meehan enters the relatively unexposed Inler who won a competitive Grade Two event at Doncaster on his final start last year. After the Irish raider changed stables from John Best’s yard a year ago, Inler was well beaten over six furlongs at York last time but prior to that had run well in defeat at Newmarket finishing a length behind subsequent winner Genki. Should be more improvement to come from this four-year-old colt and could sneak into the minor money at 12/1.

An impressive 2010 season saw Kakatosi (8/1) land all but two of his contested races winning back to back Sandown sprints on ground described as good to firm. Unsure whether he’ll get these conditions at Haydock but was headed inside the final furlong by Beacon Lodge over course and distance last month. A little more is needed to reverse those placings but Andrew Balding horses are in good fettle of late and not one to write off just yet.

Stone wall last of eight in a listed event at Ascot at the end of last month makes it difficult to fancy King of Dixie. Jim Crowley’s mount needs to rediscover the form that landed that Ascot renewal twelve months earlier. Bred to stay a mile it remains to be seen whether the drop in trip will suit the seven-year-old whose only two turf wins have come on good ground. He will have to turn in an exceptional performance to take a hand in this race at 20/1.

Paper favourite Regal Parade (5/2) takes his place at the head of the market on the back of a close second to Delegator in the Duke of York two weeks ago. A run at the Curragh in didn’t go to plan despite being sent off 9/4 favourite on his reappearance this term. The Cheka narrowly failed in that race in Ireland but no doubt Regal Parade retains the ability to win a contest like this. Has won over a furlong shorter at this track and probably boasts the best recent form in the field.

The wide draw is a big negative for Godolphin’s Shakespearean (4/1) who has struggled to put his best foot forward since his win on Epsom Derby day last year. He did have Himalya well behind when landing a Newbury Group 2 event in August but a disappointing end to 2010 makes it hard to have confidence. Decalred a non-runner in the Lockinge this must have been the intended target for connections and market confidence would be significant.

The Cheka (7/1) is interesting for Eve Johnson Houghton after her second in a listed event at Windsor over a mile earlier this month. The five-year-old gelding was just headed at Curragh two starts back and will easily get the seven furlongs. He’s better on soft ground so any rain will help his cause and certainly a contender if reproducing that form.

Several in with chances here with Regal Parade the pick on recent form but Dandy Nicholls’ runner could be vulnerable to an improver. Beacon Lodge must be taken seriously on the back of his recent course and distance win and likewise Kakatosi who has performed admirably in defeat on his last two starts. However, the tentative vote foes to HIGH STANDING who can give Ryan Moore a fourth consecutive win in this at the expense of The Cheka; he can follow him home. Get a free £25 bet from William Hill when you open an account here

By Mikey Mumford

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Investec Derby betting and odds

The Derby betting preview

The flat season certainly is in full swing; witnessing Frankel destroy the 2,000 Guineas field probably eclipsed the Royal Wedding celebrations a day earlier. And now the prestigious of the five classics and Britain’s richest horse race; the Investec Derby at Epsom takes place on Saturday, writes Mikey Mumford. The Queen’s Carlton House is all the rage as he bids to give her Majesty a first derby winner; after nine failed attempts. The race over 1m4f is open to three-year-olds thoroughbreds and fillies; they will have to successfully negotiate Tattenham corner before they lay down their charge for the finish line. Get a free £25 bet on the Derby with William Hill here.

Doubts have been cast as to whether Carlton House remains in contention for the race after he suffered swelling to the leg in a routine gallop this week. A decision will be made on Sir Michael Stoute’s colt closer to the time but should he pass a fitness test this year’s Dante winner looks the one to beat. Ryan Moore rode him with the utmost restraint before unleashing his assault on Seville at York and while he may need to improve further; there’s no questioning he still has more to offer. It would be fitting for the Queen should she finally land the Derby in a Royal Wedding year but at 9/4 Carlton House looks short enough and expect that price to plummet closer to the off.

In his six starts Castlemorris King has looked out his depth for trainer Michael Attwater. He’s gone off at 80/1 and bigger on four of those starts and is earmarked at 500/1 (1,000/1 with Stan James) currently for this race. Undeserving of his place in this field; needs a miracle to make an impact here.

Difficult to weigh up Marhaba Malyoon on her two starts; he won ran on strongly to take a poor event at Bath on debut and finished last of six in the Derby Trial at Lingfield latest. Does not possess the quality and class of some of these and another who just makes up the numbers at 150/1.

John Gosden has never won the Derby and after a comfortable maiden victory at Sandown Masked Marvel (25/1) could only manage mid-division finishes at Ascot and Sandown again. He rediscovered in a listed event at Goodwood over 1m3f in an okay race and could run a nice race if putting his best foot forward.

Ballydoyle have supplemented four runners for the Derby, one of whom Aidan’s son Joseph O’Brien takes the ride on; Memphis Tennessee (20/1). He finished a good second behind stable’s first string Recital at Leopardstown last time over 1m2f and won his maiden at Dundalk the time before. O’Brien’s horses are always dangerous but one would expect Recital and Seville to challenge the top order.

Kieren Fallon ditched the ride on Ed Dunlop’s Native Khan so able deputy Johnny Murtagh comes in to do the steering on this Craven and Solario Stakes winner. The French colt was beaten into second by Dubawi Gold in the 2,000 Guineas; both proved no match for Frankel but it is unlikely he’ll come up against anything like him here and is respected. Native Khan (10/1) is unraced beyond a mile so there are question marks over this extended distance.

Astonishingly Godolphin have never won the Epsom Derby and Rewilding’s disappointing show last year failed to put an end to that run. Frankie Dettori won on Authorized in 2007 (his first Derby winner) and he tries again on Ocean War (14/1) trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni. He  notched a couple of impressive Newmarket successes in April and this grey should give his running once more. Whether he’s good enough is unknown but he couldn’t have a better jockey aboard.

Pisco Sour (66/1) ran a really nice race in the Dante behind Carlton House and Seville without ever really troubling the leading pair. Hughie Morrison has him in good order after a good second to Fury last coupled with a success on the all weather at Southwell and a straightforward win at Windsor. However, he’s not met the competition he’ll meet on Saturday and one or two will ahve their reservations about him in this company.

The most likely challenger to Carlton House in the betting is Pour Moi (7/2) for shrewd French trainer Andre Fabre. Up and coming star Mickael Barzalona has the huge task of delivering this horse who Fabre says is his best ever Derby Hope. Pre Greffulhe winner Pour Moi price has hardened since these comments but none of Fabre’s previous nine Derby runners have troubled the judge. However, it’s hard to discount a success in this one day after numerous Arcs, Coronation Cups, a Guineas and an Oaks under his belt already.

Ballydoyle’s main hope probably lies with Recital after who won on debut and at Leopardstown latest where he was sent off odds on favourite. His only defeat came on good to firm ground at Leopardstown at 8/13 where he hung badly left. It’s difficult to assess what this form equates to but this form alone will not win him the Derby he must up his game in this stronger company under Kieren Fallon. At 9/2 he looks a little short and as has been proved he is beatable.

Punters losing faith in Seville after his defeat to Carlton House in the Dante should not be hasty in discounting him this time. He can reverse the form providing the extra distance does not prove too much of a hindrance. The race seemed to fall into the hands of Carlton House last time and Seville probably took the lead too early and a waiting game might be deployed this time. Christophe Soumillon is in the saddle and he might well fare the best out of the Aidan O’Brien’s contingent. He’s never been out of the top two; big run expected.

Treasure Beach has bits and bobs of decent form in the book; notably his Chester Vase win where he beat the well fancied Nathaniel. He was third in the Juddmonte never near to Frankel, and won an average Nursery at Galway last year. Similar to Seville, he too has never finished outside the top three and at 25/1 must be quietly fancied to sneak in there again under Colm O’Donoghue.

Alain de Royer-Dupre enters French colt Vadamar (14/1)who failed to beat Pour Moi in the Pre Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud last month despite being sent off odds on. He could only finish third in that race but connections are quietly confident that the horse, who has reportedly been working well at home, should run his race.

Another great Derby and there are several in with chances. Aidan O’Brien holds a strong hand with his four runners with preferences for Seville and Recital. The Queen’s Carlton House will surely go off around the even money mark if he runs and looks the one beat on the back of the Dante win. But the tentative call goes to NATIVE KHAN who consistently runs good races and deserves his break on the biggest of stages; Pour Moi could battle it out with him. Get a free £25 bet on the Derby with William Hill here.

By Mikey Mumford

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Epsom Coronation Cup betting and odds

The Coronation Cup betting preview

The spotlight might be on the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday but the Coronation Cup provides a welcome distraction in the build up to Derby day, writes Mikey Mumford. This Group One race is open to thoroughbreds aged four years and older and runners will travel 1m4f; the same distance of both the Oaks and the Derby. A small field of five will tackle the event this year and it certainly makes up for what it lacks in quantity with quality. Henry Cecil’s Midday and Ballydoyle’s St Nicholas Abbey will go head to head in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. Free £25 bet from William Hill on any race at Epsom.

Dandino is a consistent sort for James Given and despite a poor showing in the Leger last year he has hit the ground running in 2011 with game successes at Ripon and Newmarket respectively. He has won over this distance before so there can be no qualms about the trip and is seen at his best on good to firm ground. Paul Mulrennan partners this four-year-old colt and he could easily upset his 9/1 odds and give both Midday and St Nicholas Abbey a lot to think about.

His reappearance at Newbury in April combined with a creditable third behind eventual winner Dandino, has given Indian Days renewed hope of mounting a challenge in the Coronation Cup. He seems to be getting better with age but this six-year-old is clearly James Given’s second string and he could be left chasing shadows here. Champion Jockey Paul Hanagan takes the ride but looks aout of his depth a little here.

He was ruled out of the Derby last year despite a large number of ante-post bets leading up to the race last June. St Nicholas Abbey’s withdrawal was deemed to not have stood the rigorous preparation necessary for Epsom last year and few believed they would never see Aidan O’Brien’s charge on a racecourse again. But after his disappointing sixth in the 2,000 Guineas last year he banished the memories of a humiliating defeat at the Curragh where he was 4/11 favourite with an easy win at Chester latest. He beat useful type Harris Tweed that day and bookmakers have run for cover here and list him at 10/11 to scoop the Coronation. A little short to be getting stuck into; but it looks a two-horse race between him and Midday.

Roger Charlton’s Clowance (40/1) is the rank outsider for this event despite a win in the John Smith’s Stakes at Newbury last year. Is relatively unexposed for a six-year old with only eight starts but has been absent since October and has it all to do here.

His most impressive performance at York last time where he easily dispatched of stablemate Timepiece and Music Show, rightly earned Midday all the plaudits. A similar run to last year’s Oaks where he was just held by Sariska should make him hard to beat here. The Henry Cecil trained and the Khalid Abdulla owned mare is genuine and looks the better value at 6/4; can account for St Nicholas Abbey. Midday stays the 1m4f and acts well on good ground.

The Coronation Cup should well and truly get Epsom’s two-day meeting off with a bang. It looks a two-horse race on paper; St Nicholas Abbey looked good on her Chester run but was easily turned over on her penultimate start at massive odds on which doesn’t bode confidence. Therefore, MIDDAY gets the vote; she acts around here and Henry Cecil is in good form and Midday can give it another boost. Free £25 bet from William Hill on any race at Epsom.

By Mikey Mumford

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Premier League betting – Wolves vs. Blackburn

Wolves vs Blackburn betting odds, tips & free bets

They don’t come as important as this in the Premier League, the winner of this game will be certain of another year in the English top flight, while a loss for the other team and a win for either Birmingham, Wigan or Blackpool could see the loser relegated to the Npower Championship. Six-pointer, more like multi-million pounder. Both of these teams have had a brief spell of relative good form; however it comes down to this game as even a draw could see both relegated.

Wolves League Position: 16th League Form: DLDWW

Wolves have had a torrid season with injuries to key player Kevin Doyle coming at the exact wrong time in the season, but Steven Fletcher has stepped into the fray well and has scored 3 goals in his last 2 starts meaning that he is almost certain to start the game perhaps alongside the fit again Doyle. Steven Fletcher is therefore a great bet at odds of 10.0 on PaddyPower to score a brace as he did against West Brom. Wolves have conceded one goal in their past 3 games while Blackburn have scored 1 goal in their last 3 games, so both teams to score at odds of 1.67 on SkyBet could be a good bet.

The return of England international Mathew Jarvis is very important for Mick McCarthy’s side and the winger could cause Blackburn’s Gael Givet a few problems, his crosses will mostly be nullified by the superb Christopher Samba, so he may be forced to go more direct and try some shots himself and with 5 goals to his name this season he is good value at 13.0 on SkyBet.

Blackburn League Position: 15th League Form: LLWDD

Blackburn have owed much of their good fortune of late to one man and that man is Christopher Samba, the Congolese international single handily kept them in the game against Manchester City and has produced some great display in the past weeks. One thing you can also rely on the big central defender to do is to challenge in the air at set-pieces, something which he has managed 4 times this season, so a bet on him scoring last could be a good one at odds of 19.0 on PaddyPower could definitely prove valuable.

Steve Kean’s men have seen a changing front line all season impact on their goalscoring and with no certain frontman, goalscoring duties should fall to the wingers Marme Biam Diouf and Junior Hoillet who could provide some serious trouble for the shaky Wolves backline.

The end result is most likely to be a draw but with two wins in two games under their belt you may just fancy Wolves to pip Blackburn in this sure to be hotly contested game, so with tensions high why not bet on whether there will be a red card in this integral fixture, do you think anyone will lose their heads in the final tie of the season.

Highlighted Bets:

Anytime Goalscorer Steven Fletcher 10.0 PaddyPower
First Goalscorer Christopher Samba13.0 SkyBet 
Last Goalscorer Christopher Samba 19.0 PaddyPower

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – West Ham v Sunderland

West Ham v Sunderland betting odds, tips & free bets

West Ham take on Sunderland at Upton Park on Sunday in a final day clash that has no real bearing on the top or bottom of the league. West Ham are already relegated after a 3-2 defeat at Wigan last weekend and Sunderland will be safe from relegation no matter what the result is. West Ham have a good recent record against Sunderland, winning the last 4 meetings between the two at Upton Park.

West Ham

West Ham are preparing for life in the Championship next season after being relegated last week and ending their 6 season stay in the top flight. Manager Avram Grant was also relieved of his duties less than an hour after the final whistle at Wigan and so Kevin Keen will take caretaker charge of this game. Because of this, and the fact that it’s the last game of the season means it may be quite difficult to predict what team is chosen. Keen could well pick youngsters as there is nothing left to play for, or consequently he could pick a strong team hoping for a win to perhaps secure the job on a permanent basis. The second seems more likely which is why West Ham are favourites for the match and a 2-1 home win is looking good at 9.0 with Skybet. Demba Ba is likely to start the match as he is the Hammers top league scorer with 7 goals. The striker is also a great bet at 6.5 with Paddy Power, to open the scoring.

Sunderland

A great first half of the season has not been matched by a good second for Sunderland who have slipped from on the fringes of a Europa League place to just avoiding relegation. A lot of that has been down to injuries, which have been terribly unkind to the black cats this season. In fact they are still struggling for players with around 10 of their first team squad still side lined through injury. The injuries have been that bad for manager Steve Bruce, that he has had to play recent games without a recognised striker on the pitch. Stephane Sessegnon has in fact played up top in recent weeks and so is a good shout at 3.4 with Skybet to score at any time during the match. Sunderland’s form going into the final day isn’t great with just 2 wins from their last 6 and which is why they are underdogs but still a decent price at 3.8 with Betfair.

Highlighted Bets

2-1 West Ham – 9.0 Skybet
Demba Ba first scorer – 6.5 Paddy Power
Stephane Sessegnon anytime scorer – 3.4 Skybet
Both teams to score first half – 4.0 Skybet

By Sam Markham

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Epsom Oaks betting and odds

The Oaks betting preview

Before the Epsom Derby takes centre stage on Saturday, thirteen fillies will contest the Investec Oaks twenty-four hours earlier, writes Mikey Mumford. This Group One event over a mile and four furlongs sees Godolphin’s Blue Bunting head the market after her success in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month. Mahmood Al Zarooni’s charge has been the ante-post favourite since that race but she faces stiff competition from Aidan O’Brien’s four entries from Ballydoyle. Free £25 bet from William Hill on any race at Epsom.

The John Dunlop stable has won this twice before in 1984 and 1990 and Beatrice Aurore represents good each way value (16/1). It was clear this three-year-old filly needed the run on her reappearance at Doncaster in April and she proved this when scoring by two lengths at Goodwood next time over a mile. She ran on well to notch another win at the same track two weeks later over a slightly extended trip and should go well now fully tuned up. Unraced beyond a mile and two furlongs is the nagging worry but kept on well at Goodwood on her penultimate start and should appreciate the extra distance.

One of the rank outsiders for this stiff assignment, Barry Hills has never won this renewal and Blaise Chorus (66/1) is unlikely to put a halt to that. She finished second on debut at Lingfield albeit in much weaker company but ran a cracker behind Wonder of Wonders next time in a listed event at Chester. Still has a lot to do up in grade once more and is drawn widest of them all; likely best watched this time unless market confidence suggests otherwise.

Blue Bunting defied odds of 16/1 to land the 1,000 Guineas last time and had Havant and Misty For Me well behind that day, who she will meet again on Friday. This three-year-old American filly only defeat to date came on his racecourse bow at Newmarket where she bumped into a progressive sort in Theyskens’ Theory. Since, she has won over a mile at Doncaster but is unraced beyond this distance. Frankie Dettori will once more take the ride on the favourite (2/1) and good ground with a little cut should see her thereabouts.

Lightly raced Dancing Rain landed the spoils in an average Newbury race on her penultimate start despite being headed three furlongs from home. William Haggas’ runner went for a listed event over the same course and distance next time but was headed in the closing stages. Yet to race at 1m4f, she should relish the longer trip and could be one to follow the leaders home at 14/1.

Raced on a variety of surfaces, one of Aidan O’Brien’s four chances lies with Eirnin (100/1). She won a weak contest over a mile at Navan on ground described as yielding but makes a massive step up in class here. Will probably take up the running should things turn tactical but should soon fall away.

After winning on her debut at Haydock last year Fork Handles (66/1) has struggled to impose herself upped in both trip and grade. Mick Channon’s filly finished a comfortable third last time behind both Wonder of Wonders and Blaise Chorus but needs to improve significantly to reverse that form. She often gets restless in the stall and gets held up; not one to have much confidence in.

Unbeaten prior to her last start in the 1,000 Guineas, Havant (11/2) failed to land a blow in that race labouring into sixth. That was on good to firm ground and Sir Michael Stoute’s representative is at her best on a softer surface. The way she won on debut at Newmarket and again next time in a similar race over seven furlongs was most impressive. However, her ability to see out the 1m4f has to be taken on trust; one for the shortlist though.

John Gosden’s in decent form ahead of Izzi Top’s (25/1) attempt in the Oaks. She just touched off Dancing Rain at Newbury latest and justified favouritism to land a weak Windsor fillies’ maiden in April. Difficult to know what that bare form amounts to but a consistent sort nevertheless who hasn’t finished outside of the top three in her four career starts; chance.

Misty For Me (13/2) is probably Ballydoyle’s second string in the race behind Wonder of Wonders, but she can go one better than her stablemate on her recent Curragh win in the Irish 1,000 Guineas. She had an off day in the English 1,000 Guineas on her only run on British Soil but better can be expected this time if handling the surface. Prefers good ground but unsure whether she’ll appreciate further than a mile.

Jessica Harrington’s Siren’s Song (20/1) bumped into a useful type in Mesariya on her debut at Leopardstown in March. She franked that form by winning over 1m2f next time at Navan last month and is one of the more interesting contenders bred for further than 1m4f in time. It’s more than likely she’ll meet some much more fancied types but not without a chance if taking to the course around Epsom.

Aidan O’Brien has won this three times in the last thirteen years but Mickael Barzalona’s mount Why (100/1) does not rank amongst his previous winners Imagine and Alexandrova who scored in 2001 and 2006 respectively. Why has been kept busy over in Ireland only just landing a poor Leopardstown maiden. Massively up against it and the likely pacemaker for Wonder of Wonders and Misty For Me.

American filly Wonder of Wonders (7/2) has come into herself in 2011 for the team at Ballydoyle. She won easily at Tipperary over 1m4f before proving equally as effective on good to firm ground at Chester latest. She beat Blaise Chorus and Fork Handles that day and they will do well to pass her at Epsom over a trip she sees out. Kieren Fallon has been booked to take the ride and everything is in place for a bold show.

Everyone is looking forward to seeing if Zain Al Boldan (10/1) can maintain her untarnished record at Epsom after a trio of highly impressive wins for Mick Channon. This filly gets on very well with jockey Sam Hitchcott and a repeat of her six length win in the Oaks trial at Lingfield must put her bang there. The manner in which she quickened up over the 1m3f left a lot to be desired and connections quietly fancy her to run another cracker on Friday; highly fancied.

Another fascinating fillies’ renewal to kick start the Epsom Derby weekend and plenty should go well. Havant’s last run can be forgotten so expect her to go well, likewise Misty For Me who can outrun Wonder of Wonders for Ballydoyle. However, it could take a lot to knock ZAIN AL BOLDAN off her stride and she can maintain her 100% record; look out for Izzi Top who can sneak into the places give trainer John Gosden a first win in this.

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By Mikey Mumford

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