Melling Chase Result: Sacre Sprints to Aintree glory

A step up in distance made little distance to Sprinter Sacre as he turned in another breathtaking performance in the Melling Chase at Aintree...

Nicky Henderson's incredibly talented seven-year-old had stretched his unbeaten record over fences to eight with an imperious display in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but was stepping into the unknown on Merseyside.

Tackling two and a half miles for the first time over the larger obstacles, he was a 1-3 favourite to beat a top-class field including Ryanair Chase winner Cue Card, Irish raider Flemenstar and his own stable companion Finian's Rainbow, winner of this race and the Champion Chase last season.

With Cue Card and Flemenstar disputing the lead throughout, the pace gradually increased and all four of the main protagonists turned in some brilliant leaps heading down the back straight.

Sprinter Sacre was travelling with his usual extravagance in behind and once unleashed by Barry Geraghty, the writing was on the wall for his opponents.

Cue Card admirably stuck to his task, but Sprinter Sacre brushed him aside and safely negotiating the final fence to score by four and a half lengths without coming off the bridle.

Flemenstar was a long way back in third, with Finian's Rainbow, who was sent to the front by Tony McCoy leaving the back straight, fading into fourth.

Geraghty said: "He was brilliant. I suppose I could have done with going a little bit quicker.

"He travelled a bit too well and I had to take him back a few times to make use of his jumping. Because of the distance I didn't want to get to the front too soon.

"He was more relaxed than at Cheltenham, but we didn't go quick. He tanked a little. He was very manageable, he wasn't wanting to do anything silly like tear off with me. He was very co-operative and a real gentleman.

"When you let him loose like at the second-last he does it too easily.

"The two and a half miles didn't make any difference. He has plenty of pace and is very versatile."

Henderson said: "He's just a natural athlete. He's got a huge amount of ability and knows how to use it.

"I don't think anybody has taught him about jumping. It is sheer natural talent and it's good to watch when it's over.

"As Barry says that is probably as far as he wants to go. He gets two and a half but he doesn't need any more. It gives him options."

Henderson was not completely ruling out a quick return at Punchestown on April 23, adding: "I'm not ruling it in or out, I sort of think I'd like to show him to the people in Ireland one day.

"He's not had hard races has he. Let's see how he comes out of this."

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Grand National Entries: 57 remain in contention for Aintree glory

"The latest raft of defections means that runs are guaranteed for the likes of Wyck Hill, Chicago Grey... and The Rainbow Hunter."

The weights for the 2013 John Smith's Grand National could be set to go up as several of those towards the head of the weights were withdrawn at the latest forfeit stage.

Of the top five on the racecard, only What A Friend looks a probable runner at this stage, with Albertas Run, Quito de La Roque and Katenko among 16 defections on Tuesday. Imperial Commander, 1 lb ahead of What A Friend, remains among the entries but a combination of lingering injury concerns and an alternative engagement in the Bowl mean he's far from a certain starter.

Among the more fancied runners that were pulled out were Bobbyjo Chase winner Roi du Mee and Badger Ales Trophy winner The Package, the latter of which was pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival last week. 

The others to be withdrawn on Tuesday were Calgary Bay, Midnight Chase, Planet of Sound, Jessies Dream, Problema Tic, Frisco Depot, Alfie Sherrin, Matuhi, Tartak, Summery Justice and Odysseas.

The latest raft of defections means that runs are guaranteed for the likes of Wyck Hill, Chicago Grey (now Timeform top-rated following his win in the Red Mills Chase) and The Rainbow Hunter. Mr Moonshine, runner-up to Cape Tribulation in the Rowland Meyrick over Christmas, is now in the dreaded forty-first position with less than three weeks to go before the race.

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Six Nations: England ready to land Six Nations glory

"England and France are vying for the mantle of favourites in the competition and the title could easily come down to their tussle at Twickenham."

Simon Mail previews the Six Nations and believes England can go one better than last year and claim the title.

The Six Nations gets underway in Cardiff this weekend and another six weeks of top class, competitive international rugby is eagerly anticipated; Grand Slam champions Wales come into this year with low expectations after a miserable seven-match losing run, meanwhile, England and France are vying for the mantle of favourites and the title could easily come down to their tussle at Twickenham towards the end of February.

Outright Winner

England come into the tournament with plenty of momentum after their outstanding victory over world champions New Zealand. The 38-21 win over the All Blacks in December is the highlight of Stuart Lancaster's spell in charge of England and suggests World Cup success in 2015 on home soil is not out of the question.

If England can come close to this level of performance in the Six Nations then they should be too strong for the opposition. Last year, the team finished second with four wins during Lancaster's initial interim coaching role, and there is no doubt that 12 months on England are in a stronger position with Chris Robshaw established as captain and the emergence of Owen Farrell at fly-half. 

France are an obvious championship threat considering their impressive form last autumn, although Philippe Saint-Andre's enigmatic side are always capable of throwing in a dreadful performance. Ireland have a decent fixture list but there are doubts about the current strength of the team and they have struggled to progress in the last 18 months. 

The fixtures are pretty favourable for England with the trip to Ireland in the second weekend looking the most awkward alongside a home clash with the French. But Lancaster's side managed to beat both teams last season including a 24-22 victory in Paris. Home advantage over France could prove crucial so take an improving England to win the Six Nations at 3.052/1. 

It may also pay off to back England at 43/1 to win the Triple Crown. Two of those matches are away from home but if they show the form produced against the All Blacks then they should be able to clinch these wins.  

Recommended Bet

Back England to win Six Nations at 3.052/1

Wooden Spoon

Wales have fallen dramatically from the highs of 12 months ago and with Warren Gatland absent due to his British and Irish Lions commitments it may be a very difficult season for them.

Scotland are in transition under interim coach Scott Johnson and they could prove troublesome opposition but will lack consistency, and Italy could cause teams problems at home but are still likely to finish bottom, as they have done in four of the last five years, at 1.538/15. 

Recommended Bet

Back Italy to finish bottom at 1.538/15

Top Try Scorer

Chris Ashton failed to make an impact last season but the England winger finished the previous Six Nations as the top scorer with six tries. This year could see a return to his prolific best form and he looked very sharp scoring twice for new club Saracens in dreadful conditions against Edinburgh last week. 

Ashton also finished joint top scorer at the last World Cup so his pedigree is proven at the highest level. The former Northampton Saints back will have taken a lot of confidence from scoring against New Zealand and I expect a big tournament from him so he's worth backing at 98/1 to finish as the top try scorer. 

If you want to take a slightly bigger priced player to top the try scoring charts, Simon Zebo could be the shrewd option. The Irish winger has burst onto the European stage for Munster in the last year, and at just 22, he grabbed a hat-trick in Munster's Heineken Cup win over Racing Metro earlier this month. Assuming he gets his chance in the Ireland side, Zebo could look overpriced if you can get anything around 2019/1.

Recommended Bets

Back Chris Ashton to be top try scorer at 98/1

Back Simon Zebo to be top try scorer at 2019/1 

Follow Simon's latest tips on Twitter @watfordtipster

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Jonathan Wilson: Why Eto'o's Anzhi might have to wait for Europa glory

This evening, Anzhi face another Dutch side, AZ Alkmaar (they are 1.9420/21 to win; AZ 4.57/2). Given how impressively AZ have begun the season – with a draw at Ajax and then a 3-1 home win over Heracles, that may be a little long on them, and seems to assume the long trip will unsettled them. Laying Anzhi at 1.910/11 may be the call.

In recent years, Russian teams have thrived in the Europa League. All eyes are on are Anzhi Makhachkala this season but Jonathan Wilson reckons Guus Hiddink's big spenders might be thwarted this time...

One of the issues with the Europa League is that nobody is quite sure how seriously to take it. Once upon the time, the UEFA Cup was probably harder to win than the European Cup, featuring - as it did - all the best teams in Europe who hadn't won either the league or the cup. That created an odd situation in which the continent's premier competition was actually lesser than a supposedly secondary competition and so, while the present situation, in which the Champions League has primacy, is clearly more logical, it also seems to have provoked a nostalgia-driven revulsion for the new tournament.

The modern Europa League may not be of the same quality as the old UEFA Cup and, as Brian Phillips pointed out in The Blizzard Issue Four, it suffers from people not quite being able to define what it is: "The Second-Tier Distribution of Teams as Apportioned by Mathematical Coefficients Cup" just doesn't sound right. That is what it is, though, and you can't help but think everybody would be a lot happier if they could just accept it on those terms. It's not a competition for the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United: rather it's for the big teams from slight smaller nations (in a football sense) - the giants of Portugal, Ukraine and Russia, for instance - and the smaller teams from the big nations - the likes of Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Fulham.

In Russia and Ukraine, the successes of CSKA Moscow in 2005, Zenit St Petersburg in 2008 and Shakhtar Donetsk in 2009 were seen as major breakthroughs, evidence they could compete again against sides from the west. They helped dispel an inferiority complex that was always a slightly odd feature of Soviet football and that had intensified as state funding ran out following the break-up of the USSR in 1991.

The UEFA Cup was seen as giving a club validity and it's for that same reason that Anzhi Makhachkala will be taking the Europa League seriously. The club was founded in 1991 and, although it progressed from Dagestani local leagues to the Russian Premier League in only a decade, it is only since the billionaire Suleiman Kerimov took over in 2011 that it has become a major player. The signings of Roberto Carlos and Samuel Eto'o and the appointment of Guus Hiddink as coach have won headlines but the issue now is to convert investment into achievement on the pitch.

Anzhi finished a disappointing fifth last season. Domestically they have begun this season with a stutter, a draw at Rostov and a defeat at CSKA leaving them fifth after five games, despite becoming the first side to take points off the champions Zenit with a 1-1 home daw at the weekend. In Europe, they have been a little more impressive, beating Honved 5-0 on aggregate in the second qualifying round of the Europa league before securing their place in the play-off round with 2-0 wins in both legs against Vitesse Arnhem.

This evening, Anzhi face another Dutch side, AZ Alkmaar (they are 1.9420/21 to win; AZ 4.57/2). Given how impressively AZ have begun the season - with a draw at Ajax and then a 3-1 home win over Heracles, that may be a little long on them, and seems to assume the long trip will unsettled them. Laying Anzhi at 1.910/11 may be the call.

Jozy Altidore has been in superb form, scoring four of AZ's five goals in those two matches. He presents the sort of mobile, muscular threat not often found in Russian football and to which, strangely, Hiddink teams have often been susceptible (think of Alan Shearer's performance against Holland at Euro 96, or Emile Heskey's against Russia at home in qualifying for Euro 2008). Christopher Samba, of course, is as well-equipped as any centre-back to deal with a physical threat but if AZ can isolate Altidore against Joao Carlos, Anzhi may struggle. The other option is to sit Georgy Gaboulov and Jucilei very deep in midfield to pick up knockdowns, but that would seem to hand the initiative to AZ.

Anzhi are a coming side, and will take the Europa League seriously, but given how difficult their play-off round is 30 looks far too short. AZ at 46.045/1, in fact, probably offer better value.

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Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Crowning glory?

Timeform Radio Tip / Andrew Sheret / 19 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Has Andrew picked two winners at Kempton (above)?

"Mark Johnston could hardly have his team in better order so it's worth taking a chance on Crown Counsel (16:50 Kempton)... "

Andrew Sheret makes the case for his two Monday afternoon selections at Kempton...

Last time he ran at Kempton, Avonbridge (14:50 Kempton) didn't adopt the positive tactics which served him so well when making all at Wolverhampton in February. But a return to front running could pay dividends this afternoon as there's a good chance he'll be able to dominate from stall one. The unexposed Black Cadillac is bound to be popular but has a wide draw/shorter trip to cope with and Avonbridge looks to represent a bit of value against him.

Mark Johnston could hardly have his team in better order at present so it looks worth taking a chance on Crown Counsel (16:50 Kempton) bouncing back to form after a break. He's certainly well treated if he does, having run well in competitive handicaps off marks in the low 90s, while a low draw is ideal for one who usually races handily.

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New Timeform Radio signing John O'Connell makes the picks today - will it be a winning debut? We'll find out after the 15:45 at Newton Abbot...

David Cleary looks at Uttoxeter's Midlands Grand National card for today's best bets...

It's the biggest day of the jumps racing calendar as the Cheltenham Festival reaches its climax on Friday afternoon. Can Rory land his Yankee?...

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Grand National Betting: See sets sights on National glory

News / Timeform / 19 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Next month's Grand National could be the target for Becauseicouldntsee

"The nine-year-old was beaten only by Jonjo O'Neill's Sunnyhillboy after running prominently throughout, and heads to Aintree with leading claims..."

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...

The nine-year-old was beaten only by Jonjo O'Neill's Sunnyhillboy after running prominently throughout, and heads to Aintree with leading claims.

Becauseicouldntsee got no further than the second fence last April but Glynn has high hopes he will fare better next month.

"It was a good run at Cheltenham and it was just a pity that the winner didn't get into the Pertemps, which Jonjo said was his first choice with Sunnyhillboy," said the County Clare handler.

"He's run a blinder, though, he jumped great and we're looking forward to Aintree.

"It's taken a bit out of him, he was cooped up in a small box for a few days and then there was the travelling so I hope he recovers. He's used to being out in a field day and night.

"He's fit as a flea, which is a bonus, and I just hope he gets further than last year.

"I'd like Nina (Carberry) to ride him in the National but she might have to ride her Uncle Arthur's (Moore) horse (Organisedconfusion) so Davy Condon might ride."

Becauseicouldntsee is around the ([28.0]) mark for the Aintree highlight on April 14, with Prince de Beauchene currently trading as ([11.0]) favourite. Prince de Beauchene currently heads the Timeform ratings for the Grand National, with Becauseicouldntsee considered 16lbs inferior to that rival at the weights.

...........
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This weekend saw Roger Charlton's unbeaten three-year-old Top Offer attract market support for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5......

So You Think is set to be among the field for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday March 31.......

Timeform look back on the weekend's action, the highlight of which was the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.......

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F1 Betting: Can Hollywood Hamilton regain the glory?

Formula One / Ralph Ellis / 07 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

"Hamilton's car was off the pace last year. But so was he. Trailing champion Sebastian Vettel by 165 points at the end of the campaign might have been excusable - ending 43 behind his McLaren team mate Jenson Button definitely wasn't."

No-one doubts Lewis Hamilton's ability but all has not gone to plan since winning the Drivers' Championship in 2008 and the Brit could be a top-three lay at [1.9], according to Ralph Ellis

There's one big question about the 2012 Formula One season that won't be answered until the first race in Melbourne: which Lewis Hamilton will turn up?

Will it be the one who was so single mindedly obsessed with winning his first world title in an amazing season for McLaren in 2008? Or will it be the distracted, impatient, accident waiting to happen who competed in most of the Grand Prix races in 2011?

Hamilton's ability as a driver has never been in question. He has the natural instincts of a racer, and the story of how he came from a broken home in Stevenage, with no history in motorsport, to become arguably Britain's biggest motor racing star of the 21st Century is the stuff of Hollywood.

Unfortunately it seems that in the last couple of years it's been Hollywood that's taken over. Lewis has lapped up the celebrity lifestyle and his on-off relationship with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was unquestionably a distraction last year. Yes, his car was off the pace. But so was he. Trailing champion Sebastian Vettel by 165 points at the end of the campaign might have been excusable - ending 43 behind his McLaren team mate Jenson Button definitely wasn't.

Hamilton's star quality explains why he is [1.9] to be back in the top three drivers this season. But even with a car that, by all accounts, will be far more competitive it's still far too uncertain whether Lewis himself will be properly focused.

David Coulthard has warned today that Hamilton's relationship with his glamorous girlfriend could still cast a shadow on his performance - especially if it means frequent flights to LA. The BBC1 pundit said: "I don't think it is going to be good if you are clocking up lots of miles in between events."

Hamilton's camp insist that his approach will be different this year. They believe his decision to move his home from Switzerland to Monaco will help him be more focused. And Nicole's break with The X Factor means she can spend more time in Europe to cut down on his travelling.

But it still leaves a doubt to suggest that if anybody from the Woking team will give Red Bull a run for their money this season it is still more likely to be Button. He is [10.5] in the Drivers' Championship betting and, based on last season, that looks far more like value.

Five things you might not know about David Coulthard
1. Born March 1971 in the tiny Scottish village of Twynholm, he was born literally on four wheels - his mum was still on the trolley going into the labour ward!

2. His grandfather had driven in the Monte Carlo rally, and father Duncan had been Scottish karting champion before giving up racing to concentrate on running the family haulage business

3. He suffered from bulimia as a teenager as a result of keeping his weight low enough to be more competitive in kart racing.

4. His business interests include a string of hotels - the Dakota in Edinburgh won the title of Scotland's best hotel restaurant in 2008. Until two years ago he owned the Columbus in Monaco, but sold it for more than £30million.

5. He met the Spice Girls at the height of their fame, but they didn't know who he was. He introduced himself as "I'm David Coulthard, the driver", and got the reply: "Oh, right, what time are you coming to pick us up?"

Red Bull were the all-conquering force of Formula One last year and they should land the Constructor's again - but McLaren look primed to run them close, says James Frankland...

The forthcoming season sees an unprecedented six world champions in the Formula One field - meaning a quarter of the runners lining up in Melbourne on March 18 will have lifted the Driver's World Championship trophy. James Frankland analyses the...

Ralph Ellis questions whether McLaren's new nose design will be a success, and he also tells us a few things we didn't know about Williams mentor Alexander Wurz....

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Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Duncan's shot at Gold Cup glory

Timeform Radio Tip / David Cleary / 16 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

The Queen with the Ascot Gold Cup

"Duncan rates the value against Fame And Glory."

Rain is around for day three of Royal Ascot but that shouldn't dampen enthusiasm for what's been a terrific meeting so far, writes David Cleary.

Day two saw a shock reverse for So You Think in the Prince of Wales's Stakes and his connections will be looking to get things back on track with Fame And Glory in the Gold Cup. He is the best horse in the race, but he's not run quite to top level in two starts this year, albeit winning both, and he wouldn't be absolutely sure to stay, faced with what is always an extreme test of stamina.

Neither, for that matter is Duncan, the horse with the second best form, but he is a half-brother to a Doncaster Cup winner (over a quarter-of-a-mile shorter) and by a stouter stamina influence than that sibling, so the prospects are pretty good that he will get home. His quirkiness is a worry but his second to Harbinger at last year's Royal meeting is a standout effort against most of his rivals and he rates the value against Fame And Glory.

Sagramor is favourite for the Britannia Handicap, but deservedly so, as he has the best form chance, is going forward judged by his win in a very similar race at Haydock last time and is the ideal type for this, suiting by coming off a strong pace. He's well drawn into the bargain, and with luck in running will be knocking at the door. It might also be worth throwing a few quid at Madawi. He's never really run in a race that he could win, so is hard to weigh up, but he's bred to be better than this mark and his most promising run came when held up off a strong pace.

Recommended Bets
Back Duncan @ [8.0] in the 15:45 at Royal Ascot
Back Sagramor and Madawi @ [9.4] and [50.0] respectively in the 16:25 at Royal Ascot

Day one at Royal Ascot provided some excellent racing but perhaps not the results that David Cleary was hoping for. Can he reverse his fortunes on Wednesday?...

David Cleary looks at the betting ahead of a monumental first day at Ascot...

It's the quiet before the Royal Ascot storm but racing must continue! Rory Delargy is the Timeform Radio pundit on Monday for afternoon racing at Carlisle on the Flat and over the sticks at Sedgefield. Here are his best bets for the afternoon...

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Eurovision Odds: UK fancied for Euro-pop glory

Eurovision Song Contest / Joe Dyer / 10 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Remember them? Blue could reclaim the glory with a successful Eurovision campaign

"Whether Blue can overcome the Euro-pop politics that dominate the competition remains to be seen."

After being dead in the water for the last few years punters believe that former chart darlings Blue could put the UK back on the Eurovision map

Ageing boy band Blue could be in with a chance of winning this year's Eurovision Song Contest, according to the betting on Betfair. The four-piece are currently the second favourites at [8.2] to land the continental music prize with their effort I Can.

France's entry Sognu by Amaury Vassilli is the current [6.4] favourite to win the competition, while Estonia's Getter Jaani is in third with Rockefeller Street at [9.0].

X Factor rejects Jedward, who are representing Ireland, are out at [34.0] for Eurovision glory.

Betfair's Alex Bake said: "Blue weren't particularly fancied this morning, trading out at [11.0]. But the punters' reaction to their entry seems to have been positive, which has seen them shorten.

"But whether they can overcome the Euro-pop politics that dominate the competition remains to be seen."

After being dead in the water for the last few years punters believe that former chart darlings Blue could put the UK back on the Eurovision map...

England football fans will certainly be hoping the Eurovision Song Contest provides no omens for the World Cup......

Eurovision is great for throwing up surprise winners - and great betting stories - but it always pays to know who the big guns are and why. Here's a rundown of the big five......

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Follow The Money: Debut Glory?

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 16 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Follow The Money are betting on two horses at Lingfield this afternoon

"Fairynuff has been the subject of good support, trading at [6.2] from an opening [12.0]."

Today's follow the money market movers come from the meetings at Lingfield and Musselburgh...

In the 14.00 at Lingfield there's been a big move for the first time out York Glory, having been backed from [12.0] into [3.65]. Kevin Ryan knows how to get a horse to win first time out and also has a good course record with his juveniles. This three-year-old has a decent US pedigree so should handle the Polytrack. The colt is the only unraced horse in the field, so if ready could improve past the rest of the field.

Fairynuff has been the subject of good support in the 14:20 at Musselburgh, trading at [6.2] from an opening [12.0]. Kate Walton knows how to get the best out of her horses and this lightly raced seven-year-old steps up from two to three miles today. If the horse improves for the step up in trip today he could be very hard to catch.

Back at Lingfield we head for the maiden at 16:00. The race has seen a negative move for Mick Channons Momkinzain, having drifted from [1.9] out to the current [2.82]. The four-year-old ran a promising race on debut at Newbury when third to Tactician but has not improved in three subsequent runs. Another reason for the negative move might also be the fact that the Mick Channon stable is going through a quiet patch at present.

Recommended bets:

Back York Glory @ [3.65 ] Lingfield 14.00
Back Fairynuff @ [6.2] Musselburgh 14.20
Lay Momkinzain @ [2.82] Lingfield 16.00

Today's follow the money market movers come from the meetings at Lingfield and Musselburgh......

Today's Follow The Money market movers come from the meetings at Folkestone, Newcastle and Southwell....

Today's market movers spring from the cards at Plumpton and Catterick......

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