Weekend Review: Grand National contenders largely enhance claims

Timeform Debate / Timeform / 05 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Can Junior win at Royal Ascot, Cheltenham and Aintree?

"Junior was under pressure a long way out but did his Grand National claims no harm for all that his jumping wasn't impeccable..."

Timeform give an overview of the weekend's racing, featuring a number of horses with the upcoming Festivals on their agenda...

It was Greatwood day at Newbury on Saturday and the Gold Cup Handicap Chase went the way of Aerial for Messrs Nicholls and Walsh. Having looked held when not fluent four out, Aerial was the recipient of a vintage ride and got up in the shadow of the post, the 3 lb he had been dropped since his last run enough to make the difference. Short-head runner-up Dan Breen bounced back to form, settling better than has often been the case, while Rileyev showed more stamina than he had previously, sticking to his task in typical fashion to edge out last year's winner Fine Parchment for third.

Earlier on the card, last year's Grand National fifth Niche Market had teed himself up for a return bid with a narrow second to the better-than-ever Marufo in the veterans' handicap chase. The former may be winless since his 2009 Irish National victory but he should give his Aintree supporters a run for their money come April 14. Fellow National possibles Hello Bud and Fair Along finished fourth and fifth respectively, while the lacklustre Blazing Bailey was promptly retired after being pulled up.

Benbens built on his solid effort on his latest outing when seeing things out well to take the Betfair-sponsored handicap hurdle over three miles, whilst French recruit Balgarry defied a massive market drift on his first start for David Pipe to run out a comfortable winner of the two-mile handicap hurdle, suggesting his entries in the Coral Cup and Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' race are not at all frivolous.

The feature up at Doncaster was the Grimthorpe Chase, a class 2 handicap over three and a quarter miles. With the strong-travelling Pentiffic falling at the last (albeit having looked as if coming to the end of his tether), the race fell into the lap of Ikorodu Road and Junior, the former getting the verdict in a photo finish. Junior was under pressure a long way out but did his Grand National claims no harm for all that his jumping wasn't impeccable, whilst the winner gained a belated first victory over fences and looks well worth trying over the four miles of the Scottish National.

There were also comfortable wins for Corkage, who defied career-high mark in the opening three-mile handicap hurdle, the unbeaten Aland Islands, who successfully returned from four months off in the two-and-a-half mile novice hurdle, and Ultimate, who took advantage of only half the fences being jumped (due to low sun) in the extended two-mile handicap chase.

Further north at Kelso, Master of The Hall was a ready winner of the two-and-three-quarter-mile Premier Chase, travelling easy under a patient ride before responding generously to Tony McCoy's urgings late on. However, for most watchers the race was more about the return of Grand National winner Ballabriggs, who travelled with typical zest before making an uncharacteristic error at the eleventh and seemingly failed for match fitness in the closing stages. Fellow National entry According To Pete stuck on doggedly for second after forfeiting the lead with a mistake at the ninth.

The track also staged the Grade 2 Premier Kelso Hurdle for novices, which saw Lucinda Russell's Tap Night step up significantly to secure his yard's second successive win in the race, staying on strongly to defeat of Tolworth scorer Captain Conan and Bury Parade. Cheltenham is now being considered for him, as it is for handicap chase winner Red Tanber, whose sound jumping enabled him to overcome a drop back in trip to record his fifth win in his last six starts.

There was also intriguing action internationally with Godolphin's It's Tricky (Top Flight Handicap), Calibrachoa (Tom Fool Handicap) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile hero Hansen (Gotham Stakes - read the review HERE) each winning graded events on dirt at Aqueduct, and Dubai World Cup hopeful Cirrus des Aigles getting turned over by German raider Zazou in a fibresand minor event at Chantilly.

Even further afield, Sheikh Mohammed experienced the ups and downs of racing when his outsider Raspberries won the seven-furlong Group 3 at Flemington just 80 minutes after his Dubai-bound favourite Helmet had finished 12th of 16 to Mosheen in the Group 1 Australian Guineas on the same card.

In keeping with most Sunday's, Ireland provided the best action with Jessie Harrington's Champion Bumper fancy Jezki comfortable remaining unbeaten in two and Leanne upholding the form of her Clonmel win by following up in the Carrickmines Handicap Chase. Pittoni justified favouritism in the Ballsbridge Hurdle but was dismounted lame shortly after the race.

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Timeform Horses to Follow 2012 is out now! Includes Fifty to follow on the Flat, top trainer interviews & much more! Click HERE for more information.

With the new Flat turf season rapidly approaching, Timeform launch their latest 'Horses to Follow' publication, containing Fifty of the best prospects for 2012, plus big-name interviews and much, much more. It's out on March 3rd, ready for the Lincoln, in good time for the Guineas, and still only £8.95....

If the worst comes to the worst and Kauto Star is forced to miss the Gold Cup, then it's a simple task for Long Run and Sam Waley-Cohen. Or is it? Timeform Chief Correspondent Jamie Lynch gets on his bike to find out......

Timeform look ahead to a weekend featuring a number of Grand National hopefuls running at Newbury and Kelso on Saturday, as well as quality Irish and International action on Sunday......

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Britain's Got Talent 2011: Girls Roc-ket to being leading contenders

Britain's Got Talent / Mike Norman / 11 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Something about Girls Roc caught the eye of our BGT reviewer

"It obviously helps when you’re outgoing, sexy and gorgeous but don’t let that detract from how good these girls actually were."

After a few weeks of disappointing audition shows, Mike Norman is in a far better mood after witnessing some proper talent on Saturday.

Admittedly I've been a bit grumpy of late, so much so that I've been accusing the current series of Britain's Got Talent as being dull and boring thus far.

Well either the guy dressed as Zorro at my last fancy dress party was Simon Cowell, the ITV producers heard my drunken rants about the rubbish being screened, or there is indeed a god out there happy to appease my wishes. But however it came about, Saturday's latest offering of bizarre, disillusioned, and fame-hungry contestants were far better than what we have seen in the three previous weeks.

Of course, when a septet of scantily-clad, none-too-shy beautiful women open the show then it's difficult to envisage BGT as anything but pure heaven and bliss.

Girls Roc really did rock. Ignoring their obvious assets, this bunch of sexy blondes and brunettes got the night off to a fantastic start. Much of what they did - flame throwing, fire eating, power tool stunts or whatever they are called - has been seen many times before, but these girls did it during a very confident and synchronised routine. It obviously helps when you're outgoing, sexy and gorgeous but don't let that detract from how good these girls actually were. It could easily have been seven hairy bikers doing the same routine for all I care, they would have still impressed... honest!

From a completely selfish point of view, it will be an utter disgrace if Girls Roc don't appear in the live semi-finals. But don't worry about that, I'll have a word with Zorro at my next fancy dress party.

Perhaps the silliest act I've ever seen on any series of BGT came when 21-year-old art student Nathan Wyburn appeared on Saturday to create a picture of judge Michael McIntyre from slices of Marmite-covered toast. From an art perspective it was ok, but from a variety act perspective it was brown bread just as much at its conclusion as it was before it commenced.

You only have to be a decent dancer to progress further on BGT; if you're an exceptional dancer then you can suddenly find yourself being touted as the potential winner before you've even had chance to polish your shoes.

On Saturday we saw two such dancers, one in the style of Billy Elliot, the other a cross between George Sampson and the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz.

Eleven-year-old James Hobley found his passion for dancing when his mum took him to a dancing event as a child. James discovered that dancing helps a muscle problem he has in his legs, and it also helps him to overcome his struggle against autism. I'm no expert in the kind of dancing that he enjoys, but living just a stone's throw away from where Jamie 'Billy Elliot' Bell grew up I'd like to think that I know a thing or two to suggest that James can go a long way in this year's competition. His story and appeal are exactly what the British public warm to, so definitely keep him on your shortlist for when the Winner market materialises.

Michael Moral on the other hand just oozed class during the robotic, body-pop style dance routine that he performed. The problem I have with Michael - and it's nothing personal - is that's he was born and still lives in France. This is Britain's Got Talent for Christ's sake! Can you just imagine the announcer at the Royal Variety Performance if this guy wins? "And the winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent is... French!"

But given the talent and entertainment Moral, and the likes of Hobley and Girls Roc demonstrated at least the show is moving in the right direction - quality-wise at least.

Three weeks into the auditions and Mike Norman is far from impressed with what we've seen so far, though a couple of Youtube entries have definitely impressed our hard-to-please blogger....

Mike Norman wasn't overly impressed with Saturday night's Britain's Got Talent auditions, but he believes a few acts are worth keeping an eye on as the show progresses....

Britain's Got Talent returns on Saturday so our resident Reality TV addict Mike Norman outlines what we've got in store for you over the coming weeks....

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Greyhounds Betting: Derby contenders battle for Betfair Blue Riband

Events / The Lord / 17 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

The Betfair Blued Riband final goes off on Tuesday

"Westmead Guru could be tough to hold if blazing a trail. And remember he knows Hall Green well, he started his career here!"

A great few days for greyhound racing will conclude with a fantastic final for the Betfair Blue Riband at Hall Green on Tuesday. The Lord provides a run down of the dogs to follow.

Coming just after the weekend's first Classic of the season at Shawfield, the Scottish Derby final, Tuesday's race will see the Sky cameras beam top-class greyhound racing into our living rooms for the second time in four days.

Some £8,000 is up for grabs in the Betfair Blue Riband final and the line-up is bolstered by a number of leading contenders for the Derby at Wimbledon, headed by Monmore Puppy Derby runner-up Express Shuttle.

He lines up from trap one and kicks off my run down of the six greyhounds gunning for glory...

Trap 1: Express Shuttle (Chris Allsopp)

Came over with a big reputation from Ireland and has not disappointed. Famously led in the Monmore decider until the stirring finish of wonder pup Droopys Greg denied him late on. Ran a great race given the trouble he found at Wimbledon on Trainers' Championship night to claim valuable points for Allsopp. Boasts great early pace which laid the foundation for an impressive success in the heats at Hall Green, but will be edging out to the middle from trap one in the decider.

Trap 2: Westmead Guru (Kelly Findlay)

This strapping near 39-kilo dog certainly knows how to put his weight round. Could dive inwards or outwards from this pitch and backers of the favourite inside will be hoping he turns right! Winner of the Henlow Derby he certainly has a big-race pedigree and is being geared towards Wimbledon and the English Derby. Helped by having a wide-mover outside and could be tough to hold if blazing a trail. And remember he knows Hall Green well, he started his career here!

Trap 3: Springwell Hot (Bob Hall)

This local runner has excelled in a competition which represented a steep rise in class. In the form of his life, he's been like a fine wine of late, maturing with age. He's a veteran performer now, no less. Must trap in the style he has shown of late, particularly in heat and semi which showed a mark improvement from recent A1 contests. Can he do it again now pitched in the middle?

Trap 4: Johnnys Way (Nick Colton)

Trainer Colton is looking for a quickfire Sky big-race double after Jolly Poacher in the Arc at Swindon. The kennel is red-hot just now and this two-year-old is doing them proud. Ran on strongly to finish second in the semis, but it's difficult to see him strike a blow unless there's a Jolly Poacher-type start. And with Springwell Hot moving off from three, trouble looms at the turn. But equally any trouble up front could see him cause a shock as, like Sweeps Hill, he's strong from halfway

Trap 5: Alfies Options (Dean Childs)

Led almost from start to finish in the semis and clearly packs an early punch required to lead on the outer. If anything he slightly stumbled on exiting the boxes in the semis before pacing up well to the turn. A cleaner break, and he might just be the improver in the field to upset some of the shorter-priced runners. Indeed, that might be a necessity because both trap three and four will be swinging off at the turn. Thankfully for supporters, there is a zero pace outside. Always highly regarded, Alfies Options is no strong runner but this 480m is easier than Swindon's where he struggled to last home in the Arc.

Trap 6: Sweeps Hill (Craig Andrews)

Like Springwell Hot he's a Hall Green ever-present and that is worth two lengths here. A fast finisher who struggles to go with the early pace, crowding amongst the leaders is a must for him to strike gold. Nevertheless he is brilliantly drawn and could well get a gorgeous tow round behind earlybird Alfies Options. And were Express Shuttle and Westmead Guru to tangle he could find himself turning closer up the field than is usually the case. And noone wants this strong runner on their shoulder off the last bend.

The Lord's disciples will soon be quids-in with two early lays on a cracking Betfair Trainers' Championship card live on Sky Sports from Wimbledon tonight....

"Second only to the Derby in terms of importance to those involved"...

Three to be against in the Sky-televised action from Doncaster...

Betfair website

NBA Betting Preview: Championship contenders Bulls can brush off Jazz

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 11 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can this team go all the way?

"The Bulls have developed in to serious championship contenders and look certain to give Boston and Miami all they can handle in the post-season."

With only a month to go before the play-offs, the race is hotting up on both coasts. This weekend there are some intriguing ties and Nick Shiambouros has the best betting angles.

The Miami Heat beat the Los Angeles Lakers 94-88 in a tense affair at the American Airlines Arena on Thursday night. Both teams traded punches all night but it was Miami who proved the stronger late in the game. The Heat took the lead with just over 90 seconds left and held the Lakers at bay in determined fashion.

The victory snapped a five game losing streak for the Heat who were delighted to get back to winning ways. Chris Bosh was the leading scorer for Miami with 25 points. This superstar forward played with a great deal of intensity and was the most effective player on the floor.

This was an important win for Miami who are only 3.5 games behind Boston in the Eastern Conference.

The Dallas Mavericks thrashed the New York Knicks 127-109 at the American Airlines Center late on Thursday. The Mavs came out firing and built a ten point lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter Dallas scored an incredible 41 points to take a 72-51 lead in to the intermission.

In the second half the Knicks tried to stage a rally but it was a case of too little too late.
The great Dirk Nowitzki had a big night for Dallas scoring 23 points. The German born forward dominated New York inside the painted area and played a huge part in this impressive win.

The Mavericks are playing some outstanding basketball at the moment and are only 5.5 games behind San Antonio in the Western Conference.

With just over a month left in the regular season there are some important games with playoff implications taking place this weekend.

On Saturday, the Chicago Bulls play host to the Utah Jazz at the United Center. The Bulls have won four in a row and are just 1.5 games behind Boston in the Eastern Conference.

MVP candidate Derrick Rose is playing at a ridiculously high level and is the best point guard in the NBA in my opinion. Britain's Luol Deng and centre Joakim Noah have given Rose plenty of support in the past few weeks and have played a huge part in this team's success.

This young team has developed in to serious championship contenders and look certain to give Boston and Miami all they can handle in the post-season.

The Utah Jazz have not been playing well recently and are still coming to terms with the loss of point guard Deron Williams who was traded to New Jersey earlier this year. The Jazz have dropped to tenth place in the Western Conference and are in real danger of not making the post-season.

The Bulls should easily brush aside the Jazz in this one. They should be priced around [1.9] with the advertised handicap.
On Sunday, the Phoenix Suns visit the Orlando Magic in a crucial fixture. The Suns are in ninth place in the Western Conference and need to put a run together to give themselves a chance of making the playoffs.

The Suns are a high energy team that score plenty of points. They are led by veteran point guard Steve Nash who is averaging over 15 points per game.

Orlando comes in to this game with a record of 41-24.The Magic are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and are certain to make the post-season.

The Suns are worth an interest at around [3.8] in the match odds market. They are in a must win situation and have a sporting chance of causing the upset.

Recommended bets:

Saturday back Chicago with advertised handicap at [1.9]
Sunday back Phoenix in the match odds market at [3.8]

With only a month to go before the play-offs, the race is hotting up on both coasts. This weekend there are some intriguing ties and Nick Shiambouros has the best betting angles....

Two struggling NBA teams play a weekend double at the O2 Arena and the underdog could win both, says Nick Shiambouros...

Kobe and co. are on the up but Oklahoma are having a good season and could cause the champs a few problems. Nick Shiambouros selects the best weekend NBA bets....

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