There’s some brilliant racing this weekend in England and Ireland at Sandown, Aintree and Fairyhouse. Champion Chase winner Sizing Europe is the star of the show at Sandown and his jumping over the cross fences should be a sight to behold. I’m just a bit worried about the really hard race he had last time out and any rain in Esher before Saturday would work against him.
My best bet on the card is Safran De Cotte (each-way) in the handicap hurdle at 1.25. This is a horse I have always liked and the Henry Daly team have always thought a lot of. He was one of the few horses in the yard to be running well last term when the stable was suffering from a virus. He ran well on his re-appearance at this track over an inadequate trip when he was staying on in eye-catching fashion. The longer trip will suit, he should be a good deal fitter and I’m convinced Safran De Cotte is on a winning mark.
Over at Aintree I’m sure Frankie Figg will be primed to run another big race in the Grand Sefton.
At Fairyhouse on Sunday I’m looking forward to seeing Sous Les Cieux again in the Royal Bond as he’s a gorgeous looking individual and reminds me a lot of Mikel d’Haguenet. First Lieutenant will be tough to beat in the Drinmore at 1.20 but keep an eye on Bog Warrior, who the Tony Martin team think is a bit special. Willie Mullins has got the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle by the……..
“The real deal”. That is how Graeme Souness described Manchester City after the match at Anfield on Sunday. And this from a man who knows exactly what it takes to win League titles. Graeme was most impressed by the way Roberto Mancini’s side dominated the first 25 minutes of the match and then showed real steel and determination to hang on for a point when they were down to ten men. What a contrast to the City side that folded so meekly at Anfield last season. Punters on Betdaq clearly agree as they have shortened Manchester City to 1.7 win the title. They should be far too good for Norwich this weekend.
Manchester United have a tougher task at Aston Villa. Villa are looking for their 50th win over United in all competitions but United have won 21 of the last 28 PL meetings, losing just one of the last 31.
Villa’s only PL win in the last 16 years was 1-0 at Old Trafford in December 2009. United are unbeaten in their last 15 PL visits to Villa Park, spanning 16 years. Villa’s last PL win at home was 3-1 in Aug 1995. Ian Taylor, Mark Draper and Dwight Yorke (pen) with the goals for Brian Little’s side. Take That were at number one at the with Never Forget. However, don’t forget that the last three meetings between these two at Villa Park have been drawn. Another stalemate at 3.5 on Betdaq is a distinct possibility.
This week’s Super Sunday focusses on a crucial game at the bottom of the Premier League – Wolves v Sunderland. The summer bought real optimism for both sets of fans but it looks like being a winter of discontent with both sitting just outside the drop zone and are just 3.3 (Wolves) and 6.4 (Sunderland) with to be relegated. Wolves have won the last three PL meetings and did the double over Sunderland last season for the first time since 1980-81. However, Sunderland sacked Steve Bruce on Wednesday evening and I could see a gamble on them at 3.1 on the Daq if they make an inspired appointment before Sunday.
From Molineux I’ll head back down to London as Monday Night Football is back in action next week with Fulham against Liverpool. Liverpool won both meetings last season, thumping Fulham 5-2 at Craven Cottage, and have now won three of their last four visits to Craven Cottage. Kenny Dalglish has got his team really well set up away from home and they could be a great bet at 2.19.
ED’S BEST BETS:
Safran De Cotte (win and place) Sandown 1.25
Man City to beat Norwich
DRAW Aston Villa v Man U
Liverpool to beat Fulham
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