Big bucks beckon but modest Li stays grounded and targets Wimbledon win June 5, 2011 FRENCH OPEN winner Li Na may have hit the big time by becoming China’s first grand slam champion – but the 29-year-old believes she could be forgotten if she does not triumph at Wimbledon. Li (right) is guaranteed a rapturous welcome when she next returns to her homeland, having beaten defending champion Francesca Schiavone in [...]
Plaudits roll in for Froch after Johnson victory June 5, 2011 BRITAIN’S Carl Froch looks set for a reunification fight against American Andre Ward after his impressive points victory over former world light-heavyweight champion Glen Johnson on Saturday. “Froch showed he has the qualities of a champion in there, and I respect him,” said Californian Ward, who was working ringside as a TV analyst. Johnson’s promoter [...]
Noren has no time to celebrate Welsh win June 5, 2011 SWEDEN’S Alex Noren sealed the second European Tour title of his career yesterday but revealed he’s got no time to celebrate his achievement. The 28-year-old claimed the Wales Open at Celtic Manor by two shots from France’s Gregory Bourdy and Denmark’s Anders Hansen. But instead of toasting his success, Noren now heads to Sunningdale for [...]
Tanfeeth: a decent price at 10/1 to give Ed Dunlop victory in first race June 3, 2011 THE Investec Horses Help the Heroes Handicap (1.40pm) is often a stepping-stone to stardom, with Conduit and Dandino just two examples of progressive horses going through the ranks en route to Group celebrations. Dandino, who was allowed to start at 17/2 last year, has never stopped improving, so much so that he climbed into Group [...]
It’s looking so bright for Johnston on the Downs June 3, 2011 WHEREAS the quality two-year-olds wait for Royal Ascot, the whizz-bang youngsters invariably head for the Woodcote Stakes (2.10pm) over the fastest six furlong downhill dash in Britain. With all eight runners being previous winners, we are looking at ready-made material rather than scopey individuals who might make up into Group winners. Mark Johnston has won [...]
Why the legendary Lester Piggott is pinning his hopes on Carlton House June 3, 2011 EPSOM is a unique racecourse where jockeys can encounter more traffic problems than you will find during the rush hour on the M25, but one man who never had any trouble finding his way around the historic Surrey Downs was Lester Piggott, hero of a record nine Derby victories between 1954 and 1983. Lester, though [...]
Premio Loco a diamond bet in Investec Diomed June 3, 2011 THERE have been a few upsets over the years in the Group 3 Investec Diomed Stakes with just one winning favourite in the past decade. It’s a difficult race for punters to weigh up as they have to decide whether to side with improving handicappers, or those dropping back in class from Group 1 or [...]
the INSIDER June 3, 2011 TODAY I will be strong and won’t just back anything. I will keep to a plan. No deviation. Yesterday was painful – top filly, working brilliantly, just needed to turn up. She must have been due at a different track! Must learn from my mistakes. Will CARLTON HOUSE be a mistake? Top trainer, top jockey [...]
Easterby duo are the best bets in Investec ‘Dash’ June 3, 2011 THE Investec Entrepreneurial Class ‘Dash’ (3.15pm) is widely regarded as the quickest five furlong sprint anywhere in the world. You need a horse that can break quickly, hold its position on the downhill run and then power clear entering the final half furlong. However, there aren’t many other contests where the draw can have more [...]
Horse-By-Horse Guide to the Investec Derby June 3, 2011 Carlton House Red-hot favourite who was subject to a last minute injury scare following an impressive win in the Dante. He showed terrific bravery that day by muscling his way through a tiny gap and can give Sir Michael Stoute his sixth Derby win and, more importantly, the Queen her first! The one to beat. [...]