Showing posts with label World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World. Show all posts
December 28, 2013
December 24, 2013
September 6, 2013
May 9, 2013
Follow The Money: Ruler being backed as if in a World of his own
Recommended Bets
Lay Enobled @ 2.707/4 Goodwood 13:55
Back Ruler Of The World @ 1.9210/11 Chester 14:45
Back Sorella Bella @ 11.010/1 Southwell 17:10
Today's Follow The Money selections comes from the afternoon meetings at Goodwood and Chester...
Our first mover of the day is a negative one, in the shape of Enobled who runs in the 13.55 at Goodwood and is now trading at 2.6213/8 from 1.8910/11. The Sir Michael Stoute inmate ran just the once as a two-year-old, when a running on third over a mile on Kempton's all-weather surface. That run was a promising one and if improving on that should run a big race but its worth bearing in mind that he wasn't really fancied on his debut going off 14/1 and todays track might not be ideal for a horse having his second run after 197 days off the track.
We move north now to Chester for their 14.45, where Aidan OBrien's Derby entrant Ruler Of The World has been backed from 2.526/4 into 1.9110/11. The three-year-old never ran at two but looked a potential top class performer when winning at Navan last month. It's interesting that connections have wasted no time in getting him out again and stepping him up in class. On his run at Navan the extra two furlongs today is sure to suit and when you also take into account that the yard have won three of the last six running's of this race, everything points to a winning run followed by a possible crack at the Derby. I suppose the only negative is that he was put up by pricewise for the Derby yesterday, negative in the sense that any huge ante-post prices are all but gone.
We stay at Chester for their next at 15.15. Mick Channon's Sorella Bella has been a mover now 11.010/1 from 15.014/1. The filly had an international campaign last season running the three times at San Siro, winning the first of them before running second in a group 1 and 3. That was on the back of some useful performances in lesser company, so its clear she has improved with her racing. She ran in the Nell Gwyn on her seasonal debut and although she was well beaten then it's clear to see she was initially priced on the exchange on this disappointing run. That run should have blown the cobwebs away and back in handicap company she should run a big race.
Recommended Bets
Lay Enobled @ 2.707/4 Goodwood 13:55
Back Ruler Of The World @ 1.9210/11 Chester 14:45
Back Sorella Bella @ 11.010/1 Southwell 17:10
There are no comments on this article.
Chester Vase Result: O'Brien Ruler Of The World
Aidan O'Brien's Ruler Of The World ran out a wide-margin winner of the Chester Vase in the hands of Ryan Moore...
The master of Ballydoyle had saddled three of the last six winners of the recognised Derby trial in Soldier Of Fortune (2007), Golden Sword (2009) and Treasure Beach (2011) and his latest candidate was a 10-11 favourite off the back of a Curragh maiden victory a month ago.
Ruler Of The World tracked the early pace set by Mister Impatience, but took over from the home turn and soon stamped his authority on the Group Three contest.
Once Moore picked up his whip, his mount lengthened quite impressively to pass the post with six lengths in hand.
Mister Impatience was clear second best, ahead of Havana Beat and Feel Like Dancing.
Moore said: "He did it nicely. The race worked out well for him as he got a nice lead.
"He's still a bit green running round here, but once I grabbed hold of him he lengthened really well.
"He'll learn a lot. Going round here will have done him good."
Paul Smith, son of part-owner Derrick Smith, said: "Aidan thinks quite a lot of him, he's been working well at home and we're really delighted with that.
"We thought he might be a little bit green and a little bit babyish.
"I think with the tight, turning track and the crowd, it was a good choice (of race) and it paid dividends.
"You'd have to be very happy with him. He stayed the trip."
Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!
There are no comments on this article.
April 25, 2013
Champions League: Lewandowski has world at his feet
"If the papers are to believed, he could well be heading the same way as his outgoing teammate Mario Gotze to Dortmund's biggest rivals Bayern Munich."
After Robert Lewandowski's incredible virtuoso display sinks Real Madrid, Christian Crowther assesses the hottest number nine on the planet...
It's not often that someone scores a hat-trick against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Well, not ever in fact, until Wednesday night that is.
Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski let the handbrake off in spectacular style, firing in a hat-trick before smashing in a fourth from the spot to cap off one of the most unforgettable number nine performances in recent memory.
Ruud Gullit in the Sky Sports studio could hardly contain his excitement over the hat-trick goal in his analysis. That's hardly surprising given that the Pole displayed extraordinarily nifty footwork before unleashing a thunderbolt into the roof of the net.
Incidentally, those four goals now move Lewandowski within two of current Champions League top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, with the former 5.24/1 to overhaul Ronny, who is available at 1.232/9.
It is worth noting that Real Madrid's superstar has notched ten in his last ten appearances at the Bernabeu, though Dortmund's ace has scored five in eight appearances against Bayern Munich - including a hat-trick in last season's German Cup final - should they meet in the final.
After such a dynamic first-leg showing from Jurgen Klopp's young team - average age just 23 against Madrid - their price of 1.21/5 to qualify for Wembley seems fairly safe and their odds of 3.1511/5 for glory even more tempting.
So what comes next for Dortmund's destroyer? If the papers are to believed, he could well be heading the same way as his outgoing teammate Mario Gotze to Dortmund's biggest rivals Bayern Munich.
Unfortunately for Dortmund, Lewandowski comes to the end of his current contract in 2014 and, after a performance of such magnitude, the striker's agent will surely be dreaming of what super yacht he'll be ordering off the back of a summer move.
The player himself has refused to put pen to paper with his current club and right now, he could pick anywhere on the planet.
The centre forward has been linked with Manchester United in recent seasons, but rumours in Germany suggest that the red of Bayern is his preference.
After losing Gotze to Bayern's advances, this would represent a real hammer blow for Dortmund, though we've already seen how capable Klopp's powers of rebuilding are after they lost Nuri Sahin and Shinji Kagawa in the previous two pre-seasons.
There are no comments on this article.
March 26, 2013
Dubai World Cup: Planteur primed for World Cup bid
Planteur is reported to have settled in well at Meydan as he bids to improve on last year's third place in the Dubai World Cup...
Planteur is reported to have settled in well at Meydan as he bids to improve on last year's third place in the Dubai World Cup...
The six-year-old was in the frame for trainer Marco Botti in 2012 and he warmed up for the trip with a comfortable success at in a Listed event at Lingfield last month.
With Botti remaining at home to supervise Solar Deity's bid for the Lincoln, his wife Lucia is doing the honours at the Emirates' flagship racecourse and she expressed her delight in the way Planteur moved in some light work on the track on Tuesday morning.
She said: "Whatever happens with him, we think he's in better form than last year when he ran a fine race to finish third. Obviously we are now hoping that he gets the luck of the draw."
Trainer Michael Bell, who arrived in Dubai last night, was on hand to supervise his globetrotter Wigmore Hall ahead of the Dubai Duty Free. Also engaging in light work were David Simcock's pair of I'm A Dreamer and Trade Storm.
John Oxx's Saddler's Rock worked well under Jim O'Neill on Monday ahead of the two-mile Dubai Gold Cup while the Hong Kong trio of Eagle Regiment, Frederick Engels and Joy And Fun attracted plenty of press attention as they enjoyed a spin.
Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!
There are no comments on this article.
March 14, 2013
Follow The Money at Cheltenham: Bets for the Ryanair, World Hurdle and Byrne Group Plate
"First Lieutenant is yet to win this season, but has run some excellent races in defeat where he finished third in the Hennessy and was narrowly beaten in the Lexus Chase over Christmas at Leopardstown."
Back First Lieutenant @ 3.55/2 Cheltenham 14:40
It's back to the Cheltenham Festival for the Follow The Money team...
Our first selection is in the Ryanair Chase at 14:40 where First Lieutenant has been well supported from 3.8514/5 in to 3.55/2. This will be the third visit to the Festival for the Mouse Morris-trained runner and he has a decent record here, having won the Neptune Novice Hurdle in 2011 and finishing runner-up to Bobs Worth in last year's RSA Chase.
First Lieutenant is yet to win this season, but has run some excellent races in defeat where he finished third in the Hennessy and was narrowly beaten in the Lexus Chase over Christmas at Leopardstown. He has been given a break since that race unlike main market rival Cue Card, whose form suggests he is best fresh. With only 26 days since Cue Card's win at Ascot we have to oppose him. Davy Russell is back on board First Lieutenant, who looks to have an outstanding chance of giving Michael O'Leary his first winner in the race he sponsors.
Next we move to the World Hurdle at 15:20 where Smad Place has been heavily backed from 16.5n/a in to 10.09/1. Alan King's runner was third in this race last year (beaten nine lengths by Big Buck's) but his two efforts this year are not so impressive - he was well beaten by Tidal Bay at Wetherby and ran slightly better in the Long Walk Hurdle where he finished second. The ground was heavy on both occasions and he will certainly appreciate today's quicker surface. With doubts over Oscar Whisky's stamina and the ground perhaps being against Reve De Sivola, this year's contest has an open look to it and the market support suggests this six-year-old could spring a surprise.
The negative for today comes in the Byrne Group Plate at 16:00 and it is the David Pipe-trained runner Ballynagour who is weak in the market and has drifted out to 6.05/1 from 4.67/2. An impressive winner last month at Warwick on his initial start for the Pipe stable, he has some solid French form and it is possible he is still ahead of the handicapper. In a competitive race however, his odds look short and with the hefty raise in the weights punters are happy to take the favourite on today.
Recommended Bets
Back First Lieutenant @ 3.55/2 Cheltenham 14:40
Back Smad Place @ 10.09/1 Cheltenham 15:20
Lay Ballynagour @ 6.05/1 Cheltenham 16:00
There are no comments on this article.
March 12, 2013
Cheltenham News: Sivola and Oscar top World field
Leading contenders Reve De Sivola and Oscar Whisky form part of a wide-open field of 14 for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham on Thursday...
With staying colossus and four-times winner Big Buck's sidelined through injury, a new name will be etched on the trophy, with Nick Williams' Long Walk and Cleeve Hurdle victor Reve De Sivola seemingly the chief pretender to the World Hurdle throne.
Oscar Whisky was well beaten when fifth 12 months ago for Nicky Henderson but got close to Reve De Sivola in the Cleeve and tries again.
Peddlers Cross, winner of the Neptune Novices' Hurdle here in 2010, when he beat Reve De Sivola by a length and a half, and runner-up in the Champion Hurdle of 2011, represents Donald McCain.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Big Buck's, saddles Wonderful Charm and Celestial Halo, while Henderson also runs Oscara Dara.
A strong Irish team features Bog Warrior, Zaidpour, So Young and Solwhit.
Dual race winner Albertas Run features among eight declared runners for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.
Jonjo O'Neill's 12-year-old won the two-mile-five-furlong showpiece in 2010 and 2011, as well as finishing second to Riverside Theatre last year, but has not run since last year's Grand National meeting at Aintree.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Riverside Theatre reopposes, having himself only run twice since his big day 12 months ago, and 2010 Champion Bumper hero Cue Card takes his chance for Colin Tizzard.
Plenty of interest will surround the Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant, who runs in this race in preference to the Gold Cup on Friday.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding was beaten just a head by Tidal Bay in the Lexus over three miles at Christmas and prior to that was third to Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth in the Hennessy at Newbury.
Morris said: "The decision has been made to let him run in the Ryanair and I think with the way the ground has gone, it's probably the right decision."
Champion Court, For Non Stop, Menorah and Ghizao complete the line-up.
Get Timeform data for Cheltenham for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!
There are no comments on this article.
January 28, 2013
World Hurdle: Geraghty expecting more from Oscar
"I don't think we saw the best of him, but I think he got the trip so the World Hurdle is a big option for him..."
Barry Geraghty believes Oscar Whisky was not at his best in the Cleeve Hurdle on Saturday, despite him finishing a narrowly-beaten second...
Nicky Henderson's dual Aintree Hurdle winner has posed an ante-post conundrum for punters with some believing he holds a lively chance in the Champion Hurdle and others thinking he is tailor-made for the World Hurdle.
Saturday's run was only the second time he has tackled the World Hurdle trip of three miles, finishing fifth in the big race last season, and he went down only narrowly in heavy ground to Reve De Sivola.
However, Geraghty did not feel comfortable at any stage, suggesting better can be expected in March.
"He never travelled with anywhere near the same zest as he has done his last few runs," Geraghty told At The Races.
"I don't think we saw the best of him, but I think he got the trip so the World Hurdle is a big option for him."
Oscar Whisky has hardened in the betting for the World Hurdle after Saturday's encouraging effort, now trading as favourite at 6.05/1.
Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.
There are no comments on this article.
January 6, 2013
BDO World Championship Tips: Wilson could Bully no.1 seed out of the tournament
"Wilson has beat Bunting on two of the three occasions that they crossed paths in 2012."
Back Wilson +1.5 sets @ 2.01/1
Jaymes Monte picks out his best bet from Sunday's Lakeside action as the 2013 BDO World Championships roll into a second day...
Having failed to qualify for last year's BDO World Championships Stephen Bunting heads into this staging of the event as the number one seed and second favourite for the title. The Bullet won the 2012 World Masters, 2012 Zuiderduin Masters and multiple smaller events over the past 12 months to catapult himself up the rankings and into contention for Lakeside glory.
But number one seeds don't have a particularly good track record at Frimley Green and Bunting has been handed a tricky opening round draw against an in-form James Wilson.
Wilson, a Bullseye winner more than two decades ago, has only recently picked up his darts again but is already beginning to make waves in the BDO. The 40-year-old reached the quarter-finals of the 2012 World Masters by beating Alan Norris and Scott Mitchell, amongst others, and has won the Jersey Classic and England GP of Darts Grand Final this season. He has also beat Bunting on two of the three occasions that they crossed paths in 2012, including in the Lancashire Open final.
As number one seed you'd expect Bunting to be the strong favourite, but he is too short at odds of 1.364/11 given the class of his opponent, and can be taken on in both the Match Odds and Handicap markets.
Wilson +1.5 sets is a 2.01/1 chance and the 3.613/5 about him going on to win the match is simply too big.
Recommended Bets:
Back Wilson to beat Bunting @ 3.65n/a
Back Wilson +1.5 sets @ 2.01/1
There are no comments on this article.
October 25, 2012
World Series Tips: Humbled Tigers to level the series
"The Tigers will be hurting from last night, and led by Doug Fister, I expect them to level the series tonight."
Back Detroit Tigers @ 1.865/6
Detroit were surprisingly beaten by San Francisco in the first game of the World Series, but Richard Fletcher thinks the Tigers can pounce on the Giants tonight to make this one game apiece
Detroit Tigers @ San Francisco Giants 01:07 BST
It's Game 2 of the 2012 World Series, and the Detroit Tigers head back to San Francisco's AT&T Park with their tails firmly between their legs after last night's 8-3 defeat. The Tigers looked a little rusty after their five days off and the Giants' hefty slugger Pablo Sandoval capitalised by hitting a homer trifecta, with the first two coming off the normally dependable Justin Verlander (who looked overwhelmed at times) to crucially win a postseason series opener.
The Giants incredibly won six elimination games on the bounce to make the World Series, and they will want to avoid the heart-attack inducing tension of another if at all possible. The Game 1 winners have gone on to win the Series 66 times, or 61.7 percent of the time, and since 1993 all of the 11 home teams who were victorious in Game 1 have ultimately become champions.
The wounded Tigers have Doug Fister on the mound this evening, who in the regular season only went 10-10 with an ERA of 3.45 due to an injury-jinxed year, but in his late season play in September and especially in the postseason, he really stepped up a gear. The self-confessed Giants fan has a 0-0 record from his two playoff games in 2012 (both ending in victories for Detroit), and that hardly does him justice after pitching 13.1 innings which featured 13 strikeouts, and only two runs in 12 hits.
Another key attribute for the Giants last night was the strength of the pitching of Barry Zito, and crucially the dependability of their bullpen led by Tim Lincecum (who relieved Zito in the 6th inning) who were able to largely contain the Detroit offence and protect their six run lead. The Giants will tonight start lefty Madison Bumgarner who went 16-11 with an ERA of 3.37 in regular season action, but who is now 0-2 in the postseason this year, conceding a total of 10 runs in eight innings pitched, in losses to both the Reds and Cardinals.
The Tigers will be hurting from last night, and led by Doug Fister, I expect them to level the series tonight.
Recommended Bets
Back Detroit Tigers @ 1.865/6
There are no comments on this article.
September 14, 2012
World Cup 2014 betting: Levein entrenched in defensive mentality
"Whether it be tactically or otherwise Levein has become entrenched in a defensive mindset."
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.75/7 – if Miller starts
Jaymes Monte previews Scotland's second home qualifier in the space of four days and picks out his best bets...
International football managers are judged on two things and two things only; tactical decisions and team selection. Early in his career as Scotland manager Craig Levein angered fans when deploying what was essentially a 4-6-0 formation in a Euro 2012 qualifier game away to Czech Republic. Although he refused to publically admit it after the game he recognised the error of his ways and hasn't since deployed the same brutally defensive tactics. Now his decisions on personnel are being brought into question.
Against Serbia on Saturday Levein opted to start Kenny Miller, a player who recently took the decision to move to Vancouver Whitecaps and play in the MLS and has scored just one goal in seven matches in what can only be described as a second-rate league, over Jordan Rhodes, a player who has just been transferred for £8million and scored 40 goals last season. Okay, there is an argument to say that those goals came in League One, but is the MLS any better than English football's third tier? And even if you think it is, Miller is now 32 opting to play out his career in relative obscurity, while Rhodes is a 22-year-old high in confidence and traversing a steep upward trajectory in his career.
Whether it be tactically or otherwise Levein has become entrenched in a defensive mindset. On Saturday Miller was the failsafe, workmanlike option. Picking Rhodes would have been a signal of intent, a sign that Scotland wanted to go out and score goals, rather than hope to knick the three points with the only goal of the game.
It makes sense to wait until the teams are announced before betting on this game. If Miller is selected ahead of Rhodes again then a chunky bet on Under 2.5 goals is advised, at odds of 1.705/7. If Rhodes gets the nod then take that as a signal of intent and back the 1.855/6 being offered about a home win. This is a game that Scotland can and should win, if only the manager would share that same optimism.
Recommended Bets:
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.705/7 - if Miller starts
Back Scotland to win @ 1.855/6 - if Rhodes starts
There are no comments on this article.
September 13, 2012
World Cup 2014 Betting: Strong and sluggish starters
"Despite a torrid qualifying campaign for Euro 2012 and starting so badly under new boss Sinisa Mihajlovic, Serbia have come up trumps in Group A."
With the first two European rounds of World Cup qualifying over, Christian Crowther separates the early bolters from the stutterers...
THE STRONG
Serbia
Despite a torrid qualifying campaign for Euro 2012 and starting so badly under new boss Sinisa Mihajlovic, Serbia have come up trumps in Group A. A hard earned draw against Scotland and an emphatic 6-1 home win against Wales have left them level on four points with perceived frontrunners Croatia and Belgium. They are now a tempting 4.84/1 to top the group.
Bosnia
Bosnia have racked up no fewer than 12 goals in their first two matches in Group G, winning both comfortably, and sit ahead of Greece as a result of their mammoth haul. Ok, eight of those goals came against Liechtenstein but Bosnia followed that result with a convincing 4-1 win at home to a Latvia side which had already troubled the Greeks. Edin Dzeko and co are still second favourites behind the Euro 2012 quarter-finalists at 2.245/4 to win the group.
Russia
Under new boss Fabio Capello, Russia started with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Northern Ireland and then followed it up with an emphatic 4-0 road victory over Israel. Away wins and a healthy goal difference are so important for any team harbouring group-topping desires and Russia could not have started better in those departments. Capello's charges are looking good at 2.265/4 to progress automatically from Group F.
THE SLUGGISH
Slovenia
Although not a recognised giant of European football, Slovenia will be desperately disappointed to have been the only team in Group E not to have picked up any points. It's a really open group though, with Switzerland the sole side to have taken maximum points as everyone else went on to record a win and a loss.
Scotland
If away wins are an important part of qualifying success then home wins generally fall under the essential category. Craig Levein's team have only gleaned two points from their opening two encounters after successive frustrating draws at Hampden Park. Scotland have it all to do to qualify and not surprisingly have slipped out to 20.019/1 to win the group.
Wales
Already suffering from a bruising start to the campaign, it will be hard for Wales to recover from such a humiliating defeat to Serbia. Losing to Belgium was probably acceptable given the sending off and the quality of opposition, though this latest result leaves Welsh hopes in tatters.
There are no comments on this article.
July 18, 2012
World Matchplay Darts Betting: The Power can light up Blackpool at a big price
"Wes Newton is now a firmly established top eight player and has recently moved above Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld to number five in the rankings."
Phil Taylor is aiming for a record-equalling fifth successive World Matchplay title at the Betfair-sponsored event. Jaymes Monte assesses the betting ahead of the Blackpool action...
The Obvious Choice
It doesn't take a darts aficionado to pick Phil Taylor out as a potential winner of the World Matchplay. The Power has 11 Matchplay trophies in his cabinet and has won the last four in succession.
Those bare statistics alone suggest that the 2.71/1 available on Taylor winning the 2012 World Matchplay are fairly generous. And the draw handed to the world number one backs up that idea.
Taylor can be vulnerable in the early stages of tournaments, but an opening round match against old foe Mervyn King will only serve to focus his attentions. Should he beat King then Vincent van der Voort or Ian White would not be expected to pose much of a threat in the second round while the same could be said for potential quarter-final opponents Andy Hamilton, Brendan Dolan, Mark Webster and Colin Lloyd.
Gary Anderson is the next highest seed in the top half of the draw but the Scot hasn't played competitive darts for over a month due to an eye problem, and so his form is something of a mystery.
Come next Sunday evening that 2.71/1 on Taylor could look like a gift from the darting gods.
One to Trade
The best options for trading in the outright winner markets of a darts tournament usually come from players in the opposite half of the draw to Taylor. However, this week, the bottom half of the draw is a potential minefield and so I am plumping for an in-form player in The Power's half but in the opposite quarter.
Wes Newton is now a firmly established top-eight player and has recently moved above Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld to number five in the rankings.
Young James Hubbard will provide a stern examination in the opening round, but The Warrior's experience on the main stage should see him progress with some comfort. Justin Pipe or Joe Cullen await in the second round, and Newton would go into a match against either as a deserved short-price favourite. Then, given Anderson's injury problems, Dave Chisnall is probably the most likely quarter-final opponent.
Although Chizzy has had a fantastic year, Newton has a considerable 6-1 head-to-head advantage over the St Helens flinger, and would again go into the match as strong favourite. Taylor is a potential semi-final opponent but by that point Newton will be trading considerably lower than the 36.035/1 that is currently available and we can bag a tidy profit.
An Outsider to Keep Onside
As mentioned above, the bottom half of the draw is a real minefield. But it does offer up a couple of bigger priced options as a result.
Richie Burnett showed that he can still mix it with the best by reaching the semi-finals of last season's World Grand Prix and subsequently beating Mark Webster at the World Championships. He then teamed up with Webster to guide Wales to the semis of the PDC World Cup of Darts, before a rather inconspicuous UK Open.
The Prince of Wales appeared to have slipped back into the 'also-ran' status that he had become accustomed with, before bursting back to life in Dusseldorf a fortnight ago. There he beat Andy Jenkins 6-2 in the opening round with an astonishing 121 average before defeating Scott Rand, Michael van Gerwen and James Hubbard to reach the semi-finals. The 1995 Lakeside Champion couldn't go all the way as Raymond van Barneveld beat him in the semis, but he did enough to warrant backing him this week, for small stakes at 140.0139/1.
The action kicks off this Saturday evening with the final taking place the following Sunday. I'll be here all week with daily previews of individual matches so be sure to check these pages before placing your individual match bets.
Recommended Bets:
5 points - Back Phil Taylor to win @ 2.71/1
3 points - Back Wes Newton to win @ 36.035/1
1 point - Back Richie Burnett to win @ 140.0139/1
There are no comments on this article.
March 30, 2012
Timeform Dubai SmartPlays: World Cup Card, Saturday March 31
Tipping 
/ Stephen Molyneux / 30 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Jeremy Noseda: Trains Meydan nap Western Aristocrat
"Jeremy Noseda has an excellent record with his runners in Dubai and Western Aristocrat was just beginning to really get his act together towards the end of last year..."
Timeform Dubai Handicapper Stephen Molyneux brings you his SmartPlay selections for the $10 million Dubai World Cup card...
14:10 - African Story will be the strongest favourite of the night in the opening Godolphin Mile but the value lies elsewhere, specifically with Western Aristocrat. Jeremy Noseda has an excellent record with his runners in Dubai and Western Aristocrat was just beginning to really get his act together towards the end of last year, winning a Grade 1 in America and also finishing a fine third in the Hollywood Derby on his final outing. His form has more depth and hopefully he can get us off to a good start.
14:45 - The Dubai Gold Cup looks a match between Fox Hunt and Opinion Poll and that is the order in which I think they will finish. Jockey bookings suggest otherwise but my take on Frankie Dettori riding Opinion Poll is that he is a tricky horse and Dettori knows him well whilst Fox Hunt was a regular ride for Silvestre de Sousa last year so it makes sense to go that way. Fox Hunt has more to offer at this trip and should hopefully confirm form with Opinion Poll from their running in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy last time.
15:25 - Aidan O'Brien sends his strongest ever team to Dubai and Wrote could be the first of potentially at least two winners for Ballydoyle when he takes his chance in the UAE Derby. Wrote progressed with each run last year, culminating in victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and a reproduction of that effort should see him have too much for the likes of Mickdaam and stablemate Daddy Long Legs.
16:00 - The Al Quoz Sprint is hugely competitive and it wouldn't surprise me if the whole field are priced up at double figures on Betfair. I will probably back a couple as I love tackling these sprints and Addictive Dream will be high on the list having really impressed me in Dubai this year. He won both his races on turf and shaped as if still in form on tapeta last time when again trying to slip his field over two furlongs out but having nothing left on the more demanding surface. The other one to throw in the mix is Prohibit, who had valid excuses for his defeat last time and is over-priced as a result.
16:35 - The other sprint on the card, the Dubai Golden Shaheen, is less competitive in terms of depth but just as difficult to solve. The Australiians will be cheering on Sepoy, the Americans Giant Ryan and The Factor whilst old favourite Rocket Man will also have plenty of support, but I prefer Krypton Factor who has really impressed me since reverting to six furlongs. A tough juvenile for Sir Mark Prescott, he has really thrived of late and had plenty in hand when beating Hitchens last time despite enduring a wide trip. He should stalk the pace from stall five and hopefully Kieren Fallon will be able to make his move at the two-furlong marker and prove hard to run down.
17:25 - The Dubai Duty Free regularly eclipses the Dubai World Cup for strength in depth and this year's renewal is no different. The Hong Kong challenge is really strong, to the point of me almost deserting my old mate Mutahadee, but Mike de Kock simply can't not have a winner on this card given his unwavering support for the Dubai Racing Carnival as a whole and Mutahadee could be his best chance. He positively bolted up on his first two starts this season and simply had too much to do when third behind Master Of Hounds in the Jebel Hatta last time, still showing a fine turn of foot to get into a challenging position at all. He has been well backed since the markets for this race opened and hopefully his supporters will be collecting their rand come the finish.
18:00 - Godolphin seem sure to have a winner at some point and I'm hoping that Cavalryman will do the business in the Dubai Sheema Classic. It's easy to forget that Cavalryman finished third in the Arc back in 2009 and it's just as easy to remember that he hasn't really threatened to win a race since then. That might be about to change, however, after an encouraging comeback that saw him run on strongly into second behind Mikhail Glinka in the Dubai City Of Gold recently. He wouldn't be the first horse to revive all of a sudden and whilst Sir Nicholas Abbey and Cirrus Des Aigles will provide stiff opposition, Cavalryman represents the each-way value.
18:40 - My take on the Dubai World Cup can be read HERE and in truth my opinion hasn't changed in the seven days since I wrote that. So You Think was shortened in the aftermath of the barrier draw and it's not hard to see why. As I said, he needs keeping safe in any staking plan whilst I have been encouraged by the confidence surrounding Eishin Flash who is the each-way selection.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Western Aristocrat to win the 14:10 (nap)
Back Fox Hunt to win the 14:45
Back Wrote to win the 15:25
Back Addictive Dream and Prohibit to win the 16:00
Back Krypton Factor to win the 16:35
Back Mutahadee to win the 17:25
Back Cavalyrman to win and place in the 18:00
Back So You Think to win the 18:40, back Eishin Flash to win and place
........
Visit timeform.com to download a race card for Dubai World Cup night.
The world's richest race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday March 31, has attracted a star-studded fourteen-runner field. Timeform give you their assessment of the race, runner by runner.......
Timeform's Australian team provide you with their three best bets on a Group 1 card at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday......
Timeform's North American team give readers three more bets for Friday evening's action......
Dubai World Cup: Timeform runner-by-runner guide
Dubai / Timeform / 30 March 2012 / 1 Comments 
Who will win the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan?
"So You Think... can add another Group 1 win to his CV."
The world's richest race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday March 31, has attracted a star-studded fourteen-runner field. Timeform give you their assessment of the race, runner by runner....
Master of Hounds (Mike de Kock/Christophe Soumillon) was just denied in the UAE Derby last year for Aidan O'Brien, and made breakthrough at top level when making all to win Jebel Hatta earlier this month. Unlikely to get his own way here, however.
Eishin Flash (Hideaki Fujiwara/Christophe Lemaire) is a smart performer who won Japanese Derby back in 2010. Continued to run creditably at the top level since, runner-up in Group 1 Arima Kinen on Christmas Day. Could go well at a decent price.
Zazou (Waldemar Hickst/Olivier Peslier) is a smart German-trained runner who beat Rio de La Plata when winning Premio Roma in November. Ended year by finishing third in Hong Kong Cup and claimed scalp of Cirrus des Aigles on reappearance.
So You Think (Aidan O'Brien/Joseph O'Brien) was top class in Australia and won Tattersalls Gold Cup, Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes in first European campaign last year. Should have few problems on this surface and could prove tough to beat.
Smart Falcon (Ken Kozaki/Yutaka Take) is a high-class Japanese front-runner who has won 23 races in his career, including his last 9. Warmed up for this with easy success in listed race in January, and worthy of plenty of respect.
Planteur (Marco Botti/Ryan Moore) looked set for excellent campaign in 2011 when winning first 2 starts, including Prix Ganay. Didn't go on as expected after that, but claims if new yard can get him firing on all cylinders.
Royal Delta (William Mott/Jose Lezcano) was a dual Grade 1 winner in 2011, winning both the Alabama Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic. Not disgraced over inadequate trip on return last month, and should be spot on here.
Monterosso (Mahmood Al Zarooni/Mickael Barzalona) performed creditably in light campaign last year, winning Dubai City of Gold then finishing third in this race. Should be sharper for recent return when fourth to Capponi.
Silver Pond (Doug Watson/Johnny Murtagh) was formerly trained in France by Freddie Head where he won Group 2 at Chantilly last year. Encouraging start for this yard when runner-up to Capponi, but more needed to feature here.
Transcend (Takayuki Yasuda/Shinji Fujita) has a good strike rate and only narrowly denied in this race last year. Since won 2 of his 4 starts, although wasn't at his best when midfield in Group One February Stakes last time.
Capponi (Mahmood Al Zarooni/Ahmed Ajtebi) has continued to progress this year, winning his last 2 starts, latest when beating Silver Pond in Round 3 of Maktoum Challenge. Entitled to a crack at this level.
Prince Bishop (Saeed bin Suroor/Frankie Dettori) has done well since visored, and produced career-best when winning handicap here in January. Only third behind Capponi last time, and difficult to see him proving good enough to win this.
Mendip (Saeed bin Suroor/Silvestre de Sousa) is lightly-raced, but has a good strike rate and won Round 2 of Maktoum Challenge in February. Not in same form when behind Capponi last time, and this tough race in which to bounce back.
Game On Dude (Bob Baffert/Chantal Sutherland) is a consistent performer who won 3 times during 2011 before running best race when second in Breeders' Cup Classic. Tuned up for this by winning Grade 2 at Santa Anita last month.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. So You Think
2. Eishin Flash
3. Smart Falcon
Timeform View: The Japanese-trained Victoire Pisa won this last year and the Japanese are well represented again in a bid to follow-up. The pick of their trio may be Eishin Flash, whilst the prolific Smart Falcon also warrants plenty of respect. However, they may struggle to cope with So You Think, and this globe-trotting star can add another Group 1 win to his CV.
Visit timeform.com to download a race card for Dubai World Cup night.
Timeform Dubai Handicapper Stephen Molyneux brings you his SmartPlay selections for the $10 million Dubai World Cup card......
War, huh, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing apparently. Jamie Lynch takes Edwin Starr to task by suggesting that, rightly or wrongly, war sometimes has its place in framing sporting events, and the Dubai World Cup is one that could benefit from a little extra drama....
"The weather is crap". A direct quote from a Dubai resident as the welcome breeze takes the edge of a temperature soaring into the 30's. Things are also beginning to hot up in advance of the World Cup on Saturday as Timeform's Dubai handicapper, Stephen Molyneux, takes you through some more musings from his days in the desert....
March 29, 2012
Dubai World Cup: Mott eyes historic win
News / Timeform / 29 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Royal Delta will take her chance in the Dubai World Cup.
“She's got many things going for her. The one thing we don't know is whether she is good enough..."
There will be a certain sense of symmetry if Royal Delta wins Saturday's Dubai World Cup for her American trainer Bill Mott...
After all, Mott saddled the winner of the inaugural running, two-time American Horse of the Year Cigar, in 1996 and now has Royal Delta striving to be the first filly or mare to triumph in the world's richest race.
The 58-year-old Mott has put a lot of thought into Royal Delta's attempt to enter the Dubai World Cup record books.
Even before Royal Delta was proclaimed America's champion three-year-old filly of 2011, Mott was planning a Dubai assault.
And when Benjamin Leon, who races under Besilu Stables, spent US$8.5 million to buy Royal Delta at auction last November from the estate of her breeder, the late Saudi Prince Saud bin Khaled, Mott shared his vision with the owner.
"As her trainer, I told him up front that the Dubai World Cup would be the perfect place to take her," said Mott, a US Hall of Fame inductee 13 years ago.
"She's got many things going for her. The one thing we don't know is whether she is good enough.
"The distance doesn't seem to be a factor; she's won over 2000m. She's won races on a synthetic track. She's won under the lights and she doesn't need any medication to speak of.
"She's jumped through a lot of the hoops that you have to clear to win here."
After the purchase Leon decided to leave the filly with Mott rather than transfer her to another trainer and it did not take him long to embrace the idea of trying to win the Dubai World Cup.
"He spent a lot of money for her and obviously the filly is a champion. But he's an owner who is clearly willing to take risks. It didn't take much convincing to talk him into it," Mott said.
Royal Delta, the seventh female performer to run in the World Cup, is training with the same enthusiasm she displayed prior to her victory in last year's Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Churchill Downs, according to Mott.
"She's quite determined, and she uses it to her advantage," Mott said.
Royal Delta, rated 124 by Timeform, can currently be backed at [14.5] for the Dubai World Cup with current market leader So You Think trading at [3.4].
The kiwi representation in Saturday's Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (off 06:10 GMT) over 2000m is one of the strongest in recent memory with NZ Derby-winning filly Silent Achiever leading the charge, writes Timeform Australia's Gary Crispe......
With Japanese runners filling the first two places in last year's Dubai World Cup, the country's three representative's in Saturday's $10-million race run over 2000m on Meydan's tapeta surface will be worth serious consideration......
The draw for the Dubai World Cup was made on Wednesday afternoon with ante-post favourite So You Think handed stall number four......
March 28, 2012
Dubai World Cup News: O'Brien team in good shape
Dubai / Timeform / 27 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
The O'Brien family have plenty of chances on World Cup night in Dubai
"O'Brien has sent six high-profile runners for the richly-endowed Meydan meeting..."
So You Think and Aidan O'Brien's large contingent of Dubai runners have arrived safely in the Gulf ahead of Saturday's World Cup meeting...
O'Brien has sent six high-profile runners for the richly-endowed Meydan meeting, with Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes winner So You Think (Timeform master rating of 131) topping the bill in the Dubai World Cup itself.
Three-year-olds Daddy Long Legs (116) and Wrote (118p) are entered in the UAE Derby while very smart older horses Await The Dawn (126) (Dubai Duty Free), St Nicholas Abbey (127) and Treasure Beach (120) (Dubai Sheema Classic) are also in action.
Pat Keating, O'Brien's travelling head lad, said: "The horses all travelled well, and arrived here in good order, no problems whatsoever.
"They have all had uninterrupted preparations in Ireland, the weather back home over the winter has been OK.
"We have a bigger team here this year than in the past, and I'd say they all come here with chances."
While Godolphin trainers Mahmood Al Zarooni and Saeed Bin Suroor both have runners in the Dubai World Cup, the only horse to be permanently trained in Britain is Planteur (123).
The Prix Ganay winner has been transferred from Elie Lellouche to Marco Botti in Newmarket for this season.
Botti's wife, Lucia, said: "He arrived on Monday and travelled over very well. I am happy with him and he will be out on the track on Thursday and Friday mornings."
Botti also gave a leg-stretch to ex-O'Brien runner Joshua Tree, who has raced three times at Meydan this year and steps up to two miles for the Dubai Gold Cup.
"He is well, came out of his last race fine and is fit and ready to go," she said.
"I think he should stay the distance as he was fifth in the St Leger as a three-year-old and I have definitely seen an improvement in him while he has been out here.
"His final piece of work was on the grass and we are now just keeping his routine going in the build-up to Saturday."
The yard's third runner is Jakkalberry (116) in the Sheema Classic.
Likely to be seen later in the week is John Quinn's UAE Derby contender Red Duke (112).
Last year's Superlative Stakes winner is still in the shake-up for the Qipco 2000 Guineas.
Quinn said "He arrived from Heathrow at 7.30 Monday night, and he travelled and ate and drank well.
"I'm impressed with what I've seen of Meydan so far. We'll have a look at the track tomorrow, and he'll probably go out on the all-weather on Thursday. Tom Queally will have a sit on him."
...........
Racehorses of 2011 is out now and contains essays on the top performers, over 300 photos, Timeform Top 100s and much more. Click HERE to secure your copy.
Peter Snowden's Helmet and Sepoy head a strong Australian challenge at the Dubai World Cup meeting and, according to Timeform ratings, both will be strong contenders in their respective races says handicapper Stephen Molyneux.......
Champion Stakes winner Cirrus des Aigles will come from stall eight as he attempts to win the Dubai Sheema Classic on March 31.......
Most British-trained runners fared poorly when the draw for the Dubai Duty Free was announced on Monday......
March 20, 2012
Dubai World Cup: O'Brien to ride So You Think in Meydan showpiece?
News / Timeform / 20 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Joseph O'Brien
"O'Brien became the youngest ever jockey to win at the Breeders' Cup meeting when partnering another possible Dubai mount, St Nicholas Abbey..."
Joseph O'Brien has played down speculation linking him with the mount on So You Think in the Dubai World Cup on Saturday week.
Trained by his father Aidan O'Brien, Timeform 131-rated six-year-old entire So You Think is favourite for the $10million Dubai World Cup at Meydan on the back of a solid first season in Europe after joining Ballydoyle from Australia.
O'Brien became the youngest ever jockey to win at the Breeders' Cup meeting when partnering another possible Dubai mount, St Nicholas Abbey (Timeform rating 127), to a famous victory in the Turf.
With Ryan Moore, a jockey O'Brien snr repeatedly turned to in the big races last season, apparently lined up to partner current [22.0]-shot Planteur for Marco Botti or Silver Pond ([21.0]), many believed it paved the way for the youngster to take the most important ride of his career.
However, while several horses trained at Ballydoyle appeared among the 'likely fields' released by the Dubai Racing Club at the weekend, the jockey revealed that none are yet definite runners.
"As yet we're not quite sure what's going and what's not going," said O'Brien.
"I haven't been told what I'll be riding and all the horses still have a couple of pieces of work to be done.
"Nothing is 100% certain to be going just yet."
So You Think is currently trading as the [4.3] favourite for the Dubai World Cup on Saturday March 31, while O'Brien may also renew his association with unbeaten RP Trophy winner Camelot this season, the 117P-rated three-year-old current market leader for both the 2000 Guineas ([3.6]) and Epsom Derby ([3.5]).
..........
Race Passes subscribers already enjoy access to our ratings, form & in-play data. And now there's more - we've added a list of Horses In Focus, last 3 runs on the meeting summary & coverage of big races abroad. And all for the same price!
Jason Maguire believes Cinders And Ashes will have learnt plenty from his Supreme Novices' Hurdle victory at the Cheltenham Festival......
Twenty horses were announced at the five-day stage for the Winter Derby on Monday, with Premio Loco currently heading the field......
Trainer Noel Glynn is looking forward to the John Smith's Grand National with Becauseicouldntsee after his fine run in defeat in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)