Vibrato each-way value against Un De Sceaux March 9, 2015 THE horse that most racegoers will be looking forward to seeing at Cheltenham this afternoon is Willie Mullin’s breathtaking novice chaser Un De Sceaux in the Racing Post Arkle (2.05pm). Not since Sprinter Sacre demolished his rivals in this race three years ago has a more exciting horse been sent over the larger obstacles. Unbeaten [...]
Top tips from: Paddy Power March 9, 2015 The Cheltenham Festival is without doubt our single busiest week of the year. Where casual punters and racing purists alike come together and celebrate all things tweed, with the best jumps racing in the world on show. More so than any other year, the betting landscape for the festival revolves around the Irish Champion trainer, [...]
Faugheen to prove he is the real deal in Champion March 9, 2015 BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS THE CHAMPION HURDLE AND MARES’ HURDLE THERE may only be a field of eight for this afternoon’s Stan James Champion Hurdle (3.20pm), but what we lack in quantity is more than made up for in terms of quality. Red-hot favourite FAUGHEEN may well be the name on everyone’s lips this afternoon, but [...]
Glens Melody likely to chase Annie home in Mares’ Hurdle March 9, 2015 CHELTENHAM without Quevega will seem a little strange this year as Willie Mullins’ wonder mare is not around to record a seventh straight win in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle (4.00pm). However, the all-conquering Mullins yard have nominated an able substitute in the extraordinarily talented Annie Power, whose only ever defeat came in last year’s World [...]
The Job Is Right can keep Irish eyes smiling in the four-miler March 9, 2015 BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS THE REMAINDER OF DAY ONE THE TOBY Balding National Hunt Chase (4.40pm) is run over four miles and only amateur riders can take part. I always keep a close eye out for the jockeys in this contest, as the better ones will have been offered loads of rides. Without doubt the leading [...]
Racing FX March 9, 2015 I’VE got three rides today and I’m on TELL US MORE in the Supreme Novices’ (1.30). He got beat in the Grade One at Naas in early January and we’re stepping back in trip today. I don’t think that will be a problem for him, he’s got a bit of class and he should run [...]
FA Cup: Rodgers refuses to criticise after Reds fire blanks March 8, 2015 LIVERPOOL 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers refused to condemn his side despite failing to overpower resolute Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers during their goalless FA Cup quarter-final clash at Anfield yesterday. The Reds have lost just twice during regulation time in their past 28 matches and have won five successive Premier League fixtures, [...]
Sarries dent Wasps’ play-off bid as Tigers hand London Welsh reprieve March 8, 2015 WASPS director of rugby Dai Young insisted his side are progressing despite crashing to a 26-17 defeat to play-off rivals Saracens and surrendering their unbeaten Premiership record at the Ricoh Arena yesterday, Tries from flanker Jackson Wray and wing Chris Wyles helped turn the tide in Saracens’ favour after the Allianz Park outfit had trailed [...]
Football Comment: Arsenal can exploit United’s ongoing frailties March 8, 2015 WHEN Arsenal have fired this season there is no doubt they have been superior to Manchester United, that is without question. But while the Gunners have been in great form over recent months they remain capable of having a bad day. That was most recently showcased against Monaco in the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash, [...]
Great Britain set for a Davis Cup venue dilemma March 8, 2015 GREAT Britain are set to face a quandary over the staging of their Davis Cup quarter-final with France after sealing progress to the last eight with success over the United States in Glasgow yesterday. Hosts Britain will decide the venue for the clash, which will take place between 17-19 July, while Glasgow’s Emirates Arena and [...]