International Racing Festival: Topkapi Trophy heads the Sunday card

William Haggas now trains Master of Hounds.
Timeform's Matt Gardner turns his attention to the second day of the International Racing Festival, featuring both the Topkapi Cup and the Bosphorus Cup...
A field of 11 runners have been declared for the 2012 renewal of the Topkapi Trophy, with four of them being British representatives. Heading the list is Master of Hounds, who ran a career-best on his penultimate start when landing the Group 1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan before finishing eighth in the Dubai World Cup. He has since moved to the William Haggas yard and, if he can return to the sort of form shown in Dubai, he is likely to take plenty of beating here.
Another of note is the Mark Johnston-trained representative Van Ellis, a three-year-old who has won three of his last four starts comprising two handicaps and a listed event. Needless to say this is a step up in grade, but his willing attitude counts for plenty and he could put up a bold showing.
Archbishop, who dead-heated in a Goodwood Group 3 on his latest start, and Red Duke are others to consider, although they are both going to have to improve to challenge Master of Hounds.
Pakal and Indomito will fly the flag for Germany whilst Lucky Bridle looks set to be the sole French representative.
Just six have been declared for the Group 2 Bosphorus Cup, a race staged over 12 furlongs won last year by the James Given-trained Indian Days. Turkish representative Inspector has contested this event for the last four years, finishing first, sixth, eighth and eighth respectively, and is unlikely to be getting much better at the grand old age of eight.
The sole British-trained runner, Retrieve, has form some way in advance of his rivals having finished fourth in a competitive handicap at Goodwood last time and fifth in a particularly strong renewal of the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot earlier in the season.
His main rival is likely to be Flamingo Fantasy, a seven-year-old trained in Germany. Flamingo Fantasy pup up one of his better efforts on his most recent start, when finishing fifth to Joshua Tree in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay at Deauville, but, in all probability, he will need to improve to trouble Retrieve.
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Weekend Preview: Fashionable genes

Could we clone Sir Michael Stoute? Jamie thinks so!

As racing goes back to some of its roots this weekend, in Turkey, Jamie Lynch looks at the way racing and breeding could be going in future...

Crimeform, Aftertimeform, Timewarp; we've had a few epithets over the years, taken with the grace and good humour with which they weren't delivered, but Timeform does have its uses at times, like these times, the measurement times. In the Kingdom of the undefined, the Go Compare Man is King. Because Timeform has used the same handicapping scale and same handicapping procedures- fine-tuned by technology- since day one, way back in 1948, we feel confident in our ability to provide a guide, through Timeform ratings, of the relative merits of horses over the generations, which is the only means of comparison when a horse like Frankel comes along who's so far ahead of his contemporaries. But there is one horse, or perhaps several horses, who could give Frankel a race: more Frankels.

In Rio de Janeiro, at the 2016 Olympics, cloned horses will be allowed to participate. They're out there already, the result of nurture not nature, created not mated, in the world of eventing and polo. The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the global governors of equestrian sport, last month lifted the ban on clones, reasoning that clones are only ever 98% copies of the original, so that, just like there's no such thing as an exact identical twin, there's no such thing as an exact clone, and that the external factors of environment and raising carry more influence than the material itself.

Understandably, and my instincts say rightly, racing has raised the drawbridge as far as this issue goes. Breeding racehorses is a multi-billion-pound business in its own right, also a way of life for some, as well as a tradition for all, and it has taken centuries of trying and testing, matching one stallion line with another from around the world, to get us to the point we're now at with Frankel: the perfect thoroughbred.

All the same, the possibilities are real and deliciously tantalising. Imagine staging the DNA Derby, made up of the all-time greats, or at least 98% versions of them, to find out once and for all who the Daddy really is. The opposition to Frankel(s) might include, amongst others, Bombardier Gerard, Dancing Knave, Harbringer, Sea Bird III, Facsimilie The Stars, Dubai Mirrornnium, Still Reef and Secretaricopycat.

Why stop at horses? If the science is there for horses, it's there (or nearly there) for humans, meaning we can duplicate some legendary trainers and riders, generating 'new' names such as Repeater Easterby, Tom Imitate and Replica Cumani to do the training and (it gets better I promise) Julie Clone, Frankie Ditto-ri and Mimic Kinane for the riding.

On a more serious point, the danger of cloning is the adverse genetic effect on the breed, making horses all the more inbred, and the gene pool in the sport is very small to begin with, as all thoroughbreds go back to three stallions; the Godolphin Arabian, the Darley Arabian and the Byerley Turk.

As his name suggests, the Byerley Turk has his origins in Turkey, which, believe it or not, is where the main action is this weekend. Yes there's the Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday, and yes Danedream runs in a Group 1 at Baden-Baden on Sunday, but for strength in depth the destination is Istanbul. The 'Byerley' bit of the Byerley Turk is the name of the captain who captured him in battle in 1688, and, in recent years, several other British captains- namely Johnston, Balding, Jarvis (M), Dunlop, Given, Channon and (honourary British captain) bin Suroor- have indulged in a bit of re-enactment, capturing the prized races if not the prized horses this time.

The main event is the Topkapi Trophy, run over a mile on turf, won for three years in a row (2008-10) by Michael Jarvis' Pressing, and two of the four British raiders this time are making their debut for new trainers, Master of Hounds (Mike de Kock to Willie Haggas) and Red Duke (John Quinn to David Simcock). Haggas knows what it takes, successful in the 2005 renewal with Brunel, and Master of Hounds looks a class above the rest, already a Group 1 winner in Meydan this year and last seen in the World Cup there (faded into eighth). Like the trainer, the jockey also knows what it takes in Turkey, Christophe Soumillon having won the 2011 Topkapi Trophy aboard Musir for the same owner. You can read Matt Gardner's detailed preview of all four of the big races at Veliefendi here, but suffice to say he too thinks Master of Hounds is a good bet for the feature.

Of the three foundation sires, the Darley Arabian now has almost a monopoly, as 90% of present-day thoroughbreds can be traced back to him, but the Byerley Turk line trickles on, with fitting success in Turkey, courtesy of Halicarnassus in the 2009 Bosphorus Cup, and represented this year by Arsaadi, another Haggas challenger, in the Istanbul Trophy. For carrying the weight of the Byerley Turk stallion line at this year's premier meeting in Turkey, Arsaadi is alone, but at least she's not a clone.

Timeform Radio: Weekend preview podcast

Sandown Racecourse.

Martin Kelly is your host as the Timeform Weekend Preview focuses on Saturday's seven race card at Sandown....

Trainers Hugo Palmer and Clive Cox both have three runners at the Esher track. Hugo is looking for a first Group success while Clive is looking to continue a recent run of good form for the stable.

Timeform's Adam Barnes previews the 2.15, 2.50 and 4 o'clock races.

Click HERE to listen to the podcast.

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US Racing Preview: So Many Ways at Saratoga

There is some excellent racing in the US on Sunday.

Simon Rowlands looks ahead to Sunday's US action...

The penultimate day's racing at Saratoga on Sunday sees the two-year-olds take centre stage in the G1 Spinaway Stakes for fillies on dirt over seven furlongs, due off at 17:56 locally and 22:56 BST.

It is still early days for the youngsters, but some good efforts have started to be posted in recent weeks, and the Spinaway often identifies one of the divisional leaders. It was won 12 months ago by Grace Hall, subsequently second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and still a major force as a three-year-old.

The likeliest filly to follow in her hoofprints on Timeform ratings is the Anthony Dutrow-trained So Many Ways, who has already reached a level of 108p after wins in a maiden at Parx and the G3 Schuylerville here in July.

The latter race showed that So Many Ways does not need to race up with the pace - indeed, she seemingly couldn't that day - and that she seems highly likely to have the stamina for this additional furlong. Most of her six rivals have shown pace-forcing tendencies in their few runs to date, and the ability to see things out well could be at a premium.

There is every chance that one or more of those rivals will make big strides upped to this grade, but the truth is that they will need to if So Many Ways reproduces her Schuylerville effort. The next two best in on ratings are Teen Pauline on 100p and Baby J (behind So Many Ways last time) on 100, while Todd Pletcher saddles the promising pair Corail (96p) and Dreaming of Julia (92p).

But So Many Ways is not exactly standing still at present, either, and she is taken to do what is required to hold her rivals at bay again.
The Spinaway is preceded by the G3 Saranac Stakes for three-year-olds over nine furlongs on turf (due off at 17:22 local time, 22:22 BST), which looks to provide a good opportunity for Lucky Chappy to get off the mark Stateside.

The ex-Italian has shaped well more than once, never more so than when flying home from towards the rear in the G2 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs last time.

Only 120-rated Silver Max was still ahead of him at the line that day, and there is nothing of his calibre against Lucky Chappy on this occasion.

The best of them on Timeform ratings is Excaper - rated 112 - who made the most of a drop in class last time, having become somewhat regressive. It would be disappointing if Lucky Chappy does not have his measure.

The chink in Lucky Chappy's armour, and arguably the reason for more than one of his defeats, is his come-from-behind style. The good news is that there looks to be enough pace on here, courtesy of King Kreesa, Spring To The Sky and Skyring. Lucky Chappy should take some beating.

No prizes are given for figuring that Jenna's Wabbit is the best horse on show in Woodbine's Vice Regent Stakes (due off 16:27 locally, 21:27 BST). He has won six of his nine races in total, including his last three, and can boast a 114 Timeform figure.

However, racing is seldom that simple. Not only does Jenna's Wabbit have to concede 6 lb to all his six rivals - which makes it theoretically quite close with a couple of them - he will have to stretch out to a mile, having gained all his wins at shorter. The one time he tried further than seven furlongs, he ran poorly and finished unplaced.

Jenna's Wabbit will probably win if running to his best, but there's good reason to think that he may not do that, and at his likely odds (he is 6/5 on the Morning Line) that makes him worth opposing.

There was a time when there was just one Derby - at Epsom, over a mile and a half, and on the first Wednesday in June - but they seem to be ten-a-penny now, and Del Mar gets to run its version on Sunday over nine furlongs (post time 18:00, 02:00 on Monday BST).

Howe Great claimed a notable scalp in Dullahan's in a G3 at Gulfstream Park in March but has proved to be a level below the best of the Triple Crown generation since. Nonetheless, that form should be good enough to see him go very close in this grade, and a non-graded win at Monmouth Park last time confirmed that he is still in good heart.

Front-running My Best Brother is better off with Old Time Hockey from last time and may not be easy to pass, but an on-form Howe Great really should take this.

Recommendations:
1 pt win So Many Ways
2 pts win Lucky Chappy
lay to lose 2 pts Jenna's Wabbit
1 pt win Howe Great

Transfer Deadline Day: Hourly updates on all the big moves

Where will these five end up today?
It's the busiest night of the football season with every transfer potentially impacting on the Betfair markets. Mike Norman is here to update us throughout the evening...
17:30
When you're hosting a Transfer Deadline Day party it's important to be prepared. Peanuts, pickled onions, cheese, crisps, and a fridge full of cold lager lemonade are all at the ready. All we need now is some guests.
We tried to get TDD extraordinaire Jim White but he's otherwise engaged, so we tried to get Jimmy White, but we couldn't afford him. In fact the only White we could afford was a cheap bottle of Chardonnay which I'm currently using to keep my pickled onions nice and moist in.
But enough about my cosy little set-up, what's been happening in the transfer market today?
My colleague Christian Crowther - who got the easy shift by the way - penned an early update with news on the likes of Andy Carroll, Daniel Sturridge, Clint Dempsey and Michael Essien, before later reporting on Joao Moutinho's potential move to Tottenham.
However, since Crhistian's update it has emerged that the Moutinho deal is now in the balance because the club and player can't agree personal terms. They have over five hours to sort it out and boy do Spurs need Moutinho. After the departure of Luka Modric to Real Madrid, fans favourite Rafael van der Vaart has joined Hamburg in a deal worth around 10m.
The arrival of Moutinho will boost the Tottenham midfield considerably and enhance their chances of recording a Top Four Finish this season, for which they can currently be backed at 3.412/5.
I'll be hoping to bring you some news of Michael Owen's whereabouts a bit later, once today's horse racing has finished he'll show his face I'm sure, whilst other big names still waiting for their futures to be decided include Clint Dempsey, Theo Walcott and Yossi Benayoun.
Hourly Trivia: Michael Owen's superstition of always putting his right sock and boot on before his left has carried over to the horse-racing world. When one of his horses needs re-shoeing he insists that the right feet are done before the left.

Bundesliga Betting – 5 Reasons Why Dortmund Win the Bundesliga

5 Reasons Why Dortmund Win the Bundesliga

Borussia Dortmund have convincingly held off Munich for the last two seasons, but can they do it again? We’ve noticed five ways in which Dortmund have gone the extra mile, and ask what this means for Bundesliga betting.

Winning Spree

Borussia Dortmund have shown an amazing ability to string together long stretches of wins over the past two seasons. 2011/12 saw the Black and Yellows go on eight-game and six-game winning streaks, while 2010/11 saw the Borussians earn two separate seven-game winnings sprees.

Bayern Munich have strung together two winning sprees in the same period, with less impressive runs of six and five wins in 2011/12.

Down, Never Out

In the last two seasons, Dortmund have picked themselves straight back up after suffering a defeat. Only once have they suffered back-to-back defeats, while title rivals have succumbed to three back-to-back beatings.

Click here to see the latest Bundesliga odds

The German Invincibles?

While the champions haven’t gone a whole season unbeaten, they have managed to string together some very impressive unbeaten runs. 2011/12 saw the side go 28 games without defeat (ironically after suffering back-to-back defeats), while Bundesliga betting fans witnessed a 16-game unbeaten run in 2010/11.

A Season of Two Halves

The last two seasons have seen Dortmund peak in different halves of the season. The first half of 2010/11 saw Dortmund drop just seven points, while the champions dropped just four points post-Christmas 2011.

Bounce-Back Ability

Except for one two occasions in two seasons, Dortmund have bounced back from a loss with a win. Taking draws into account, the Black and Yellows have dropped points twice in a row just five times in their last 68 Bundesliga games.

What Does This Mean for Bundesliga Betting?

There are three particularly interesting trends that could be factors to consider for Bundesliga betting. The first is that Dortmund nearly always bounce-back from a defeat with a win. After two seasons, it could be argued that this is a deliberate response from the team – they know that they can’t afford to drop points, and so always go out to prove a point after a defeat.

The second trend is that after winning four games in a row, Dortmund have gone on to win the next twos. Does the added confidence of a few wins buoy the team to more victories?

Finally, Dortmund ended 2011/12 having gone unbeaten for 28 weeks. With a streak this good, how long can they last before dropping points? Will bookmakers for Bundesliga betting over-estimate Dortmund’s chances based on unnaturally good form, and thus creating better value for betting on the opposition?

Click here to see the latest Bundesliga odds.

By Jack Ratcliffe

*Odds subject to change

Ryan Moore: Thank God for Turkey this weekend

The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
Ryan Moore despairs at an uninspiring UK racing card this weekend before explaining why the pick of the action is in Istanbul. Keep an eye on an in form runner that looks a bit like a pit pony...
Thank god that Turkey races to the rescue - and Germany too tomorrow, with the Group 1 Grosser Preis Von Baden - on what must be one of the poorest weekends of European racing of the year.
I think this meeting used to clash with the Moulin, so fair play to someone for rescheduling.
But it highlights once again the fact that someone needs to grab hold of our domestic fixture list and ensure our high-class cards are spaced out, wherever possible. Last weekend we had real good Group-race cards at York, Newmarket, Goodwood and Windsor on Saturday.
And, with all due respect, this weekend doesn't really set the pulse racing.
But the racing in Istanbul this weekend certainly has a touch of quality about it, and I think it used to house the richest 1m race in Europe at one point.
Zazou looks the clear form pick in the Anatolia Trophy on Saturday. This race is run on the Polytrack and it was on this surface that he beat Cirrus Des Aigles over 1m2f at Chantilly in March. He went on to finish fifth in the Dubai World Cup and should find life easier here than the Group 1 company he has been keeping recently.
He looks like a pit pony, and as if he should be pulling coal around a mine, but he is stocky and pretty classy with it.
Hunter's Light looked impressive in winning at Haydock last time. That probably wasn't the strongest of races but he looks the biggest danger to Zazou. I rode Marcret to win a Group 3 at Chester in May but he has not really fired since and his overall form leaves him with a fair bit to find with the front two of they are on song.
In the Istanbul Trophy on Saturday, Beatrice Aurora probably sets the standard on her best form, and that is probably when I rode her to finish third in the Earl of Sefton or her fifth in the Windsor Forest. But she needs to bounce back from a poor run at Ascot last time. The German filly Survey is rated better than she showed in the Oak Tree at Goodwood last time, and Rhythm Of Light and Arsaadi probably don't have too much to find with Beatrice Aurora.
And it wouldn't be the biggest surprise if one of the Turkish horses was up to winning this either. I don't know anything about them but this is their big weekend and it would only take a 110-rated horse or so to win this on their home turf.
Godolphin's Retrieve, a good fourth at Goodwood, and Flamingo Fantasy, fifth to me on Joshua Tree at Deauville last time, are the only horses I have heard of in the Bosphorus Cup on Sunday, so I can't shed too much light on that race. But I would have thought Master Of Hounds will run a big race in the Topkapi Trophy on the same day.
He has joined William, from Mike de Kock, since his last run when eighth in the Dubai World Cup, and that and his earlier form in Meydan - notably his Group 1 Jebel Hatta win - makes him the best horse in this race. I also hear that the horse has been going well.
And another positive to this horse's chance is that he is versatile. He can go from the front or take a lead, and that is important when you have foreign horses and jockeys in the race and you are not sure how the race and pace is going to pan out.
Van Ellis, pulled out of the Betfair Celebration mile last weekend, is improving fast and looks the big threat.

Lee Dixon: Arsenal will approach Liverpool trip with caution

Can Arsene's team put the ball in the net at Anfield?

Lee Dixon has fond memories of playing for Arsenal at Anfield but the current Gunners are yet to score. So does our man think Arsene Wenger's men can make the breakthrough against a rejuvenated Liverpool?

Liverpool v Arsenal

Both teams drew their matches last weekend but there will have been very different reactions in the respective dressing rooms.

Pushing the champions as close as Liverpool did - twice going a goal up on Manchester City - will give Brendan Rodgers all sorts of positives to take into this clash.

But on one hand, it can be argued that a game against the champions was ideal for Liverpool. After going down at West Brom, another fixture against middling Premier League opponents could have been even more stressful than meeting one of the big guns. As a player you want those big games, and there's almost nothing to lose if you're defeated by the champions.

That's not to take anything away from Liverpool, however, they were impressive and it was a good reaction to what was a dispiriting opening day defeat.

Compared to that, a 0-0 at Stoke isn't quite so inspirational, but two clean sheets in the first two games is not to be sniffed at. I mentioned last week that Steve Bould had been working on set pieces and his influence is clearly growing on the Gunners' defensive unit. I've been saying for the last two or three years that Steve should have been knocking on Arsene's door to work with the first team. He has finally got his chance and I'm sure Arsene has already seen a difference in training.

The back four that Steve and I were a part of was very well organised and he played a big part in that. We'd gauge our success on how many clean sheets we got, and as many of you know, we weren't too bad at that. The current unit has certainly given the opposition the odd chance in the first two games, but results don't lie and there clearly seems to be a new found resilience there.

That may influence Arsene Wenger's thinking for this Sunday lunchtime test. He is not a defensive minded manager and I have been critical of him in the past for being so focused on attack, but he may tweak that approach as the new personnel upfront aren't quite clicking yet.

Santi Carzola looks the pick of the new boys. Whereas Lukas Podolski has shown the odd flash and Oliver Giroud is in desperate need of a goal, the Spaniard has been positive, always searching for the ball and making telling passes. If Arsenal get anything from this, he'll be a key man, with Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta adding steel to the midfield.

It's not been in the Arsenal makeup to play defensively and, while I don't think Wenger will leave his attacking philosophies at the Shankly Gates, I don't see the visitors going full bore in search of a win.

All three results look possible at Anfield but there's plenty of juice in the draw price of 3.613/5 for me, and that's where I see the value. The market can't split over/under 2.5 goals, but I feel that if anything this will be on the low scoring side, so unders it is.

Recommended Bets
Back the draw @ 3.613/5
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.9720/21

The Tactical View: Michael Cox

I agree completely with Lee. Low-scoring, and a draw a distinct possibility too. So how about another 0-0? Arsenal have had two goalless draws in a row, and although Liverpool’s games have seen many more goals, I think this match might be one of those where neither side truly takes the initiative. A third consecutive 0-0 draw would be highly unusual for Arsene Wenger’s side, but they recorded four in a row a while back, so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility, and is available to back for [13.0].

The Betfair Trader's View: Alan Thompson

There were fewer goals witnessed at Anfield last season than any other Premier League ground and, with games involving Arsenal resulting in zero goals so far this season, I think it's fair to expect a low scorer. Even though the last goalless draw between these two was in 1999 - they have met 26 times in the league since then. I think Lee is on the right track with his under 2.5 goals prediction and [2.0] seems a fair price.

La Liga Preview: Granada to crash on road to Madrid

Leo Messi has hit the target in 11/12 recent starts

Real Madrid have trousered the Spanish season's first trophy and Jose Mourinho must now think about winning a league game or two. Tobias Gourlay expects his team to be full of ideas about how to do it on Sunday

Real Madrid v Granada
Sunday 18:50 (Live on Sky Sports 1)
Real 1.111/9 Granada 34.033/1 draw 12.011/1

Their worst league start since 2001.

Cristiano Ronaldo goalless in back-to-back games for the first time this year.

Boy, did Real Madrid need the Super Cup on Wednesday night.

It's a small-time competition, but for the first time in four games this season Jose Mourinho's team held on to win a match in which they had taken the lead. And it was Barcelona they beat.

After slipping five points behind their rivals in just two matchdays - by way of comparison, Real dropped only 14 points in 38 games last season - the Blancos are up and running.

Gonzalo Higuain has scored in each of the three matches he's started this term, but Mourinho might feel it's Karim Benzema's turn to have a go against Granada, who have lost 8/10 on the road since the start of February.

Whoever starts upfront, it's Ronaldo who is overdue. As well as uncovering all of the stats we've already used, Opta has dug deep to report that so far this season the Portuguese has had more shots without scoring than anyone else in La Liga.

Juan Antonio Anquela's reign at Granada started with defeat at Real Valladolid, so it will be the memory an older success that he will summon this weekend. In 2009 his third-tier Alcorcon side beat Real 4-1 over two legs of the Copa del Rey.

But it won't be Jerzy Dudek in goal this time and Real might easily reverse the result. The champions have scored four or more in 12/20 at the Bernabeu since the start of the last campaign, while Granada crashed badly on the road to the Big Two last season, conceding five to each of them.

In the Correct Score market, Any Unquoted pays out if either side hits four and is on offer at 2.26/5 this weekend.

Barcelona v Valencia
Sunday 20:30 (Live on Sky Sports 1)
Barcelona 1.241/4 Valencia 15.5n/a draw 7.06/1

Valencia held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in the opening round of matches. Jonas scored with los Che's only shot on target that day, but Mauricio Pellegrino's men might be granted more opportunities at the Camp Nou.

A face mask will protect Carles Puyol's fractured cheekbone if he plays, but it won't hide his age. Barca's 34-year-old captain is probably on the wane, and it's definitely true that Javier Mascherano isn't a centre-back. He's a 5'8" peg in a 6'2" hole. The team is vulnerable to set-plays into the box and Victor Valdes, who is struggling with his own game, is yet to keep a clean sheet in four matches so far this season.

The home side shouldn't have any trouble finding the onion bag themselves. Leo Messi has locked onto the back of the net in 11 of his last 12 games for club and country. He scored four times in this fixture last season and you'll be very lucky to get 1.51/2 about him troubling the scorer on Sunday evening.

Pellegrino must do without Ricardo Costa in defence and possibly Fernando Gago in midfield. Even with those two in the starting lineup, Valencia conceded three to Deportivo La Coruna last weekend and have not adequately replaced Mehmet Topal, who provided serious defensive ballast in midfield last season.

If you fancy Barca - they have won this fixture five times in a row by a total score of 20-2 - take the 1.758/11 about them to be ahead at half-time and full-time. The Blaugrana have led after 45 minutes of each of their last 20 home victories.

If you don't like those odds, both teams to score is 1.9520/21.

Best Bet
Back Both Teams to Score @ 1.9520/21 in Barcelona v Valencia

US Saturday Preview: Jackson can claim Shackleford

Simon has previewed the best of Saturday's action
Simon Rowlands takes a look at Saturday's action, which focuses on one of Saratoga's last big meetings of the season...
Saratoga's six-week racing extravaganza draws to a close on Monday, but not before a clutch of top-level races are run this weekend, starting with a couple of G1s and a G2 on Saturday.
The Bernard Baruch Handicap over an extended mile (due off 16:39 local time, 21:39 BST) is the least valuable of the trio, with $250,000 in the purse, but may be the most inviting from a punting point of view.
Data Link is the best horse on show, of that there is little doubt, having won the Maker's Mile and Monmouth Stakes this year already, but he has paid for this by being asked to concede plenty of weight to most of his rivals. He may pull this off, but at forecast short odds the smart call could be to look elsewhere.
Alma d'Oro will run only if the race is switched to dirt, and looks to have something to find anyway, while Dominus is smart and attractively weighted but a virgin on this turf surface.
A more appealing proposition is the turf specialist Guys Reward, whose winning streak came to a halt in the Fourstardave Handicap here last time. But that was behind the best horse in North America at the moment, in Wise Dan, and on a soft surface, and Guys Reward's earlier efforts put him right in the mix here. At forecast odds, he looks worth a bet in this company.
The $500,000 Forego Stakes (due off 17:12 locally, 22:12 BST) brings together some quality rivals at the extended sprint trip of seven furlongs. There are few tougher or more versatile horses in terms of distance around than Shackleford, and he should be a major player again.
However, it is easy to see him getting caught up in a pace duel with the speedy Pacific Ocean here, and while Shackleford should win that battle he could end up losing the war as a result.
The beneficiary could well be Jackson Bend, who needs every inch of seven furlongs but who is dependable and high-class when everything goes right for him. Don't be put off by Jackson Bend's defeat over course and distance last time, as the race was not run to suit him and he did perfectly well in the circumstances.
Wise Dan may be the current top dog in North American racing, but there are a few snapping at his heels, and one of those is Mucho Macho Man, winner of three of his four starts this year. Mucho Macho Man posted a 126 Timeform rating when winning the Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park last time, dishing out handsome beatings to Hymn Book, Trickmeister, To Honor And Serve and Stay Thirsty.
The last three of that quartet reoppose Mucho Macho Man in Saturday's nine-furlong Woodward Stakes on dirt (due off at 17:45 locally, 22:45 BST) and have their work cut out if he is in anything like the same form. The problem is that Mucho Macho Man is unlikely to be much of a price - perhaps around the 2.6 mark on Betfair - and it is not too difficult just to sit out this contest.
Short odds also look to be in the offing for Roxy Gap in the G3 Seaway Stakes up at Woodbine (post time of 16:51 locally, 21:51 BST). She's a smart performer (rated 115) and more reliable than her main rivals, but would be vulnerable to Tu Endie Wei if that one had a going day in receipt of 9 lbs.
Tu Endie Wei's best efforts have been when at, or near, the front, and that should be easier for her to achieve here with just five runners and no clear pace-forcers among her rivals. Additionally, the return to Woodbine's synthetic surface looks to be a bonus. It all adds up to a credible bet.
Highlight of Del Mar's card over on the West Coast is the G1 Del Mar Debutante Stakes for two-year-old fillies over seven furlongs (18:00 local time, 02:00 on Sunday BST).
Undefeated 112-rated Executiveprivilege looks likely to be all the rage, but she faces a serious rival in Heir Kitty, who came up only slightly short behind Know More in a G2 here a month ago and could still improve on her 110 Timeform rating after just two starts.
That defeat means Heir Kitty may be overlooked in favour of "sexier" types here, but that could well be a mistake. Win, place (i.e. first 2) and show (i.e. first 3) bets on Heir Kitty on the Tote (there will be no market on Betfair) all make appeal in the circumstances.
Recommendations:
1 pt win Guys Reward in the Bernard Bruch Handicap
1 pt win Jackson Bend in the Forego Stakes
1 pt win Tu Endie Wei in the Seaway Stakes
0.5 pt each Tote win, place and show Heir Kitty in the Del Mar Debutante Stakes

Weekend Preview: All quiet on the domestic front

Danedream is the star attraction this weekend
Having enjoyed tremendous action last week at the York Ebor meeting, racing in Britain this weekend, understandably, looks to be an altogether more low-key affair...
Arguably the pick of Saturday's domestic action can be found at Sandown, where the Group 3 Solario Stakes is the feature race on the card. Subsequent Breeders' Cup Classic winner Raven's Pass came to the attention of most racing fans when routing his rivals in the 2007 renewal, and the two-year-old contest has been won in the past by other top-notch performers such as Oh So Sharp and Alhaarth. It would register as a surprise were any of Saturday's field to emulate that top-quality trio, but an interesting race, featuring some unexposed types, looks to be in store.
Master of War boasts the strongest form credentials, having finished second in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last time. The step up to seven furlongs promises to suit Richard's Hannon colt and he will be fancied by many to triumph on Saturday. However, Fantastic Moon, who is completely unexposed having had only the one start to date, looks set to provide stiff competition under the much heralded William Buick.
The following contest is also a Group 3 affair, with a host of talented fillies and mares set to go to post. Ladys First managed to gain just reward for a string of useful efforts when landing a listed race at Haydock last time, where she relegated Sir Michael Stoute's improving filly Dank into second. Dank reopposes on Saturday and is sure to have her supporters, along with Godolphin's Irish History who will be bidding to bounce back from a below-par effort behind the pair.
Speed is of the essence at Beverley on Saturday, where a maximum field of sixteen go to post in the Beverley Bullet, a listed prize run over five furlongs. Borderlescott may be in the twilight of his career, but the veteran campaigner is still showing the odd hint towards past glories and there would be no more popular winner than Roger Bastiman's ten-year-old stalwart. Pepper Lane bounced back from three poor runs this season to record a career-best effort in the Great St Wilfred at Ripon, following on from her success in the same race the previous year. Although needing to prove that she is as effective away from Ripon, there will be plenty willing to take the chance that she is capable of following up here.
There could be a moment of historical significance at Bath on Saturday evening as Rex Imperator holds strong claims of becoming the first Timeform Notebook winner. The drop back to five furlongs should hold no fears for Roger Charlton's talented colt, who has shown speed in abundance in his fledgling career to date. Soft ground would be the biggest concern for Rex Imperator, particularly as it brings Ballesteros, a proven mudlark, firmly into the equation.
Domestic racing on Sunday is a typically quiet affair, with Folkestone and Newton Abbott due to stage meetings, although it should be pointed out the latter is in some doubt having abandoned Saturday's fixture due to waterlogging.
Better quality of racing comes from the continent as the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden is the highlight of Sunday's action. Danedream bids to retain her title, and she certainly arrives in good form having won the Betfair-sponsored King George on her most recent start. The presence of the progressive three-year-old Pastorious ensures that it is unlikely to be a walkover for Danedream, though.
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GSOP Live Prague

CZECH-RAISING IN PRAGUE

Join Team Betfair in the poker and party capital of Eastern Europe for the second stop off in this season's GSOP Live Tour - GSOP Live Prague.

Taking place between 11th December - 16th December at Corinthia Hotel Prague, GSOP Live Prague includes a $1,650 Main Event and a full selection of Side Events and Side Games.

$3,000 GSOP Prague Package:

$1,360 + $140 Main Event buy-in

5 nights' sccommodation at Corinthia Hotel

$500 Travel & Spending Money

Hospitality

 

Event Details

» Date: 11th - 16th December 2012
» Buy-in: $1,360 + $140
» Place: Prague, Corinthia Hotel Prague

How to Qualify

» Daily online qualifiers are now available through the poker client. You can qualify via either the Super Steps levels or the Online Qualifiers.

» Super Steps levels: from $1.20
» Online Qualifiers: Buy-in from $2.20
» Online Finals: Buy-in $300+$20

 

 

Man City v QPR: Goals expected in comfortable City win

Man City grab a late winner v QPR in last season's thrilling contest
Feizal Rahman previews Saturday's late kick-off and he believes that although City might not win by a 3-2 scoreline again, there should still be plenty of goals at the Etihad...
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers, KO: Saturday 17:30, ESPN, Match Odds: Man City 1.222/9, QPR 18.017/1, The Draw 7.87/1
Manchester City take on QPR at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday evening in a rematch of last season's final day thriller. A last-gasp goal from striker Sergio Aguero in the dying seconds of that contest handed the home side a 3-2 victory and their first Premier League title.
However, Roberto Mancini's squad will be without the Argentinean for this match - Aguero still sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the season opener. QPR, meanwhile, will miss midfielder Samba Diakite who has returned home to France to deal with personal issues.
Match Odds
Before Sunday's draw at Liverpool, Manchester City were on a run of seven Premier League wins that followed their last league defeat at Arsenal back in April. However, Opta note that the champions are unbeaten in 30 games at the Etihad, dropping points in just two of those.
Managed by former City boss, Mark Hughes, QPR got off to a horrendous start to the season with a 5-0 thrashing at home to Swansea. Having made several new signings, the West Londoners will hope to avoid the relegation battle they faced last term, retaining their top flight status by a solitary point.
However, the Hoops were the worst away team in the league last season, losing 14 games in total and Opta reveal that they have taken just three points from the last 42 available on the road and have averaged just a point per fixture, home and away, throughout 2012.
Historically, QPR have a decent record at City with three victories in their last five visits prior to last season. However, the most recent of those wins came back in 2000 when Shaun Goater was the most glamorous name that City could boast among their squad.
City will be good for three points at 1.222/9 and should be able to do so with far less drama than the last time these two met. The champions won by at least two clear goals on 13 occasions at home last season and the Citizens are 2.01/1 to win this match with a -2.0 Asian Handicap.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
There was an average of 3.5 goals per league match at the Etihad last season with City themselves averaging 2.9. Opta state that QPR have gone 17 away games in the top flight without a clean sheet and have conceded 40 times during that sequence. Over 2.5 Goals is available at a short 1.42/5.
Five of the last nine meetings between these clubs in all competitions have resulted in at least four goals, including a 3-2 scoreline in both league games last term. City can be backed at 27.026/1 to repeat that outcome in the Correct Score market with Over 3.5 Goals on offer at 2.021/1.
Other Markets
There have been 37 goals scored in the last 10 league matches at the Etihad. However, only 11 of these were scored in the first 45 minutes and Under 1.5 First Half Goals is available at 1.865/6. City have led at half time by one goal in six of last eight at home and a 1-0 Half Time Score is 4.03/1.
Carlos Tevez has scored in each of his last three appearances for City and will be 5.04/1 to break the deadlock as First Goalscorer. However, midfield colossus, Yaya Toure, has netted four times in his previous five outings for City and is 3.02/1 To Score at any time.
Despite boasting the stingiest defence in the Premier League last term, the Citizens have conceded two goals in each of their last three league contests. Both Teams to Score could reward at 1.910/11 with Bobby Zamora - who hit the target in both starts for QPR this term - around 6.05/1 to find the net.
Recommended Bets
Back Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.021/1
Back Under 1.5 First Half Goals @ 1.865/6
Back Both Teams to Score @ 1.910/11

Thirsk Placepot: Friday August 31

Thirsk is the venue for today's Placepot.
Thirsk is the Placepot venue of choice on Friday for Timeform's Matt Gardner...
14:10 - With Orions Hero being a non-runner the simplest solution is to include the one with experience that sets the standard, Master Ming, and the well-bred National Poet, who cost €240,000 as a foal. The step up in trip should suit the former, having stuck to his task well at Folkestone last time, whilst National Poet, a Nayef half-brother to Irish 1000 Guineas winner Bethrah, starts life in a winnable contest and could well make the places.
14:40 - Bollin Felix and Solar View, both penalised for recent successes, look the pair to focus on here, with the latter preferred as a Placepot selection. The three-year-old has progressed well this year, winning three of his last four starts, and looks sure to go well following his Catterick win two days ago, where he was merely kept up to his work to score by a length and three-quarters.
15:15 - Grievous Angel looks fairly solid in the context of this race, finishing second in maidens on each of her last three stars, and she has an excellent chance of making the places once down in grade here. Emperor's Daughter is likely to provide the stiffest competition for win purposes, but at present we only need the first three and the selection of Grievous Angel should suffice.
15:50 - There are reasons for taking on the two current market leaders, Profile Star and Catwalk, with the former's best efforts coming at five furlongs whilst the drop to this trip is unlikely to suit the latter. Therefore, we will take both Gowanharry, who is re-fitted with the tongue-tie and would certainly have a chance if returning to her best, and Tidal's Baby, who shaped with encouragement at Chepstow last time, when possibly needing the run, and is worth bearing in mind.
16:25 - Frognal had an obvious chance in this event but is a non-runner, so the one to side with is Select Committee, who hasn't been as consistent this year as is usually the case but has placed on his last two starts and can do so once more. The seven-year-old has done most of his racing at five furlongs, but an extra 200 yards on this sharp track shouldn't inconvenience him and he can see us safely through to the final leg.
16:55 - Having selected three bankers up to this point, it would be a shame not to include one more in the concluding leg. Karaka Jack is the one the tickles my fancy, the five-year-old having been in better heart of late than his form figures suggest. His stamina was stretched when fifth at Goodwood over a mile and one furlong on his penultimate start before never getting involved having missed a beat at the start in a decent handicap at Newbury last time. It is a risk selecting jus the one, but with three places currently on offer it is a risk worth taking.
Selections:
14:10 - 5, 6
14:40 - 11
15:15 - 1
15:50 - 6, 7
16:20 - 6
16:55 - 1
= 4 lines
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Deadline Day: Sturridge to replace Carroll at Liverpool?

Daniel Sturridge could secure a late loan move to Anfield
As the mayhem of transfer deadline day unfolds, Christian Crowther rounds up the Premier League's early action...
Andy Carroll's immediate future has finally been decided as the unwanted Liverpool striker last night arrived at West Ham to sign on a season-long loan.
The deal had looked as though it might never happen, with Liverpool preferring a permanent transfer for the player, but in the end the Hammers got their man.
It is believed West Ham will have the option to sign Carroll permanently for an undisclosed fee at the end of the season.
The switch ends months of speculation over the player Liverpool paid a club-record 35 million for back in January 2011.
West Ham's capture of the England striker has strengthened the Irons' position as 2.26/5 favourites to finish as the highest placed promoted club in the Premier League this season.
Of course now Liverpool have offloaded the big man, speculation has intensified over who Brendan Rodgers will bring in as a replacement.
Clint Dempsey is one name which won't disappear, however sources close to Liverpool have suggested there is no money available to fund such a move, with Fulham obviously holding out for a sizeable fee for their star asset.
If the Dempsey deal cannot be done, other rumours suggest that the Reds will try and sign unsettled Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge on a season-long loan instead.
Sturridge has not started a game for the European champions so far this season and following the arrival of Victor Moses, a move to Anfield could well suit both parties.
One other Liverpool player whose time on Merseyside is almost certainly over is midfielder Charlie Adam, who is reportedly at the Britannia Stadium undergoing a medical to finalise a deal of around 4-5 million with Stoke.
The Scotland international should be in Tony Pulis' squad for their trip to Wigan on Saturday where the Potters are 3.55/2 to grab their first win of the campaign.
Another piece of business nearing completion is Nigel de Jong's move to AC Milan, with the Man City midfielder delighted to be joining the seven-time European champions.
"I'm happy, AC Milan is a great club and they are a new important chance for me in my life," the Dutch midfielder told Sky Sports Italia.
Milan, who finished just four points behind eventual Serie A winners Juventus are 8.88/1 to wrestle back the scudetto this season.
Staying in Italy, it also appears as though Juventus are very close to signing Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner, with the Danish striker said to be undergoing a medical in Turin today.
One deal that appears to have broken down at the 11th hour is Tottenham's move for Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris, with the French club announcing that the two parties have been unable to agree a fee.
Elsewhere on the rumour mill, some stories are emerging of a possible shock switch for Chelsea's Michael Essien across the capital to Arsenal, and Spurs have been told they must break the bank to land Porto's Joao Moutinho from Porto.

Memsie Stakes Preview: Cups interest in Memsie

The Memsie Stakes takes place at Caulfield on Saturday
This afternoon's running of the Grade 2 Memsie Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield will rekindle interest in the major spring staying races that lie ahead...
One of the early spring weight for age contests, the Memsie Stakes has been won by some of Australia's best gallopers, counting amongst it winners So You Think (2010), Weekend Hussler (2008), Makybe Diva (2005), Sunline (2000/01), Dane Ripper (1998), Naturalism (1992), Rubiton (1987) and Manikato (1982).
The Memsie Stakes has been used as the campaign starting point not only for winners of past Caulfield and Melbourne Cups but also as a Cox Plate lead up. In the last 20 years a combined 14 winners of the "big three" have used the Memsie as a launch pad for successful spring campaigns.
Viewed (2009) was the last Caulfield Cup winner to use the Memsie Stakes as part of his lead up campaign and So You Think won the Memsie Stakes/Cox Plate double in 2010, whilst popular stayer Efficient commenced his successful 2007 Melbourne Cup bid in that year's Memsie Stakes.
The Memsie Stakes sees several horses commencing their spring campaign, notably former Italian stayer Voila Ici now with Peter Moody, former USA galloper Sanagas now with the "Cups King" Bart Cummings as well as 2010 Melbourne Cup runner-up Maluckyday. The 2012 Sydney Cup winner Niwot and the Lloyd Williams' staying pair of Green Moon and Midas Touch also compete.
All will come under close scrutiny by punters looking for early Cups selections but as far as Saturday's race goes it is hard to go past proven weight for age gallopers Rekindled Interest and Sincero. On Timeform ratings it is impossible to split the pair, both assessed at 124, however, on head to head analysis, Rekindled Interest has a three to zero advantage over Sincero which could just give him the edge.
A luckless third behind Pinker Pinker in last year's Gr 1 Cox Plate, Rekindled Interest carried that form to Sydney during the Autumn, stamping himself as a genuine performer at that level. After being run off his feet early in the Gr 1 William Reid Stakes behind Foxwedge and Hay List, he was most unlucky just going down in a tight finish behind Metal Bender in a quality renewal of the Gr 1 George Ryder Stakes over 1500m at Rosehill. Trained by Jim Conlan, Rekindled Interest was due to resume racing a couple of weeks back in the P B Lawrence Stakes but was held over to the Memsie because of the rain affected ground.
On Saturday he should get perfect track conditions and in a race where there does not seem to be too much early speed should never be far from the pace. Under that scenario, I am expecting Rekindled Interest to unleash his customary turn of foot in the closing stages which should see him prove too strong.
The main danger is the NSW-trained galloper and dual Gr 1 winner Sincero who will be no push over. Also Timeform rated 124, Sincero resumes from a spell and is heading for another Cox Plate entry, a race he finished ninth in last year. While the jury is out on his ability at 2000m and beyond, no such doubt exists at 1400m with the son of Umatilla winning four of his five runs at that distance including the Gr 1 Stradbroke handicap in 2011. It is also worth remembering his only other Gr 1 win was at 1500m in the 2011 George Main Stakes under weight for age conditions.
Sincero comes into the race looking very close to top form on the back of two barrier trials, the last at Rosehill in late August. The only slight unknown is his ability to handle Caulfield, a track at which he has raced just once previously when close up behind Descarado in the Gr 1 Caulfield Stakes over 2000m. With that experience, I can see no reason why he will not perform close to his best. Rekindled Interest will need to do all things right to hold him out as new rider Michael Rodd will get a cosy run from his low barrier.
Grand campaigner Heart Of Dreams, a proven Gr 1 performer, is on the comeback trail after injury. It is hard to leave him out of contention despite his high draw. Heart Of Dreams resumed in the Gr 2 P B Lawrence Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield 14 days ago with a steady closing fifth to Second Effort in very heavy ground. He was one of the few horses on the day to make ground from well back in the field and he will have taken considerable benefit from the run. Placed five of seven runs second up, Heart of Dreams is more than capable of getting into the frame, especially racing on his home track where he is a three time winner.
Crack West Australian galloper Luckygray, rated 119 by Timeform, also comes through the P B Lawrence Stakes and a better performance can be expected on a firmer track this afternoon. A prolific winner in his home state and winner of the Gr 1 Railway Stakes last December in controversial circumstances, Luckygray resumed off a 56 day break to tackle the Lawrence, only to find the heavy conditions too testing finishing a close up fourth. No doubt he will improve off that effort and should settle better as he raced uncharacteristically forward on that occasion. Luckygray is another who may not find the tight Caulfield track to his full liking but his overall race record of 10 wins from 14 starts speaks for itself. He stays under consideration.
Last start Adelaide winner Happy Trails (111) and British import Green Moon (119) are certain to have admirers. Happy Trails, a last start winner of the Gr 3 Spring Stakes at Morphettville, will appreciate the 1400m of Saturday's race but will need to improve again in this line up under weight for age conditions.
Newcastle Cup winner Green Moon surprised in the Autumn with an impressive fresh up display in the Gr 2 Blamey Stakes over 1600m at Flemington and if in the same form this afternoon would have to be respected. The former UK galloper has improved steadily since coming to Australia and showed versatility winning the Newcastle Cup over 2300m and placing second in the Caulfield Cup behind Southern Speed before winning the Blamey off a break. Craig Williams retains the ride and despite Green Moon's staying prowess he is more than capable of mixing it with this field while on the fresh side.
Lawrence Stakes winner Second Effort was impressive enough in that race but will not have the same track conditions here, something that will count against him as eight of his nine career victories have all been on wet racing surfaces.
Enjoy a competitive Memsie Stakes.
Recommendation - Back Rekindled Interest @ $7.00n/a
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The 80/20 Bet: Friday, Sandown 16:00

A once-raced maiden is Nick's 80/20 selection today. Will the horse improve on its only previous outing?

Today's 80/20 is Estifzaaz in the 16.00 at Sandown. This colt caught the eye on debut when finishing sixth to Luhaif at HQ in June. He held every chance a furlong from home but failed to quicken and finished out of the money. I thought that was a promising effort and he should run well at a fair price in this interesting maiden. At present he is trading at 6.25/1 on the exchange.

Womens US Open: Selections for every match played on Friday

Sharapova is fancied to win in straight sets later today
We've reached the third round in the Women's Singles and the guys at Abelson Info are back to preview all of today's action...
Varvara Lepchenko (31) v Sam Stosur (7) 16:00 Arthur Ashe Stadium
H-to-H 0-0
Sam Stosur is the defending US champion and apart from a semi-final appearance at Roland Garros her form since her win here last year has been disappointing. That said, Lepchenko's form has been nothing to write home about recently and she retired in her last tournament. Easy win for Stosur.
Selection: Stosur
Na Li (9) v Laura Robson 16:00 Louis Armstrong Stadium
H-to-H 0-0
Robson's confidence, boosted by her mixed doubles silver in London, will be sky high after the best win of her career against Clijsters. Certainly she is poised to make the breakthrough to the higher level. Can she repeat the feat against Li Na? Unfortunately not. Li Na is on a roll herself, having reached two finals on the North American leg of the WTA Tour, losing in Montreal and winning in Cincinnati in successive weeks earlier this month and she should prove too experienced for Robson.
Selection: Li Na
Marion Bartoli (11) v Kristina Mladenovic 16:00 Court 11
H-to-H 0-0
Bartoli is up against one of her compatriots Mladenovic who has had two good wins to get this far. Bartoli's form since Wimbledon has been good and she should overpower her younger opponent to record an easy win.
Selection: Bartoli
Pauline Parmentier v Petra Kvitova (5) 18:30 Grandstand
H-to-H 0-1
Parmentier, at her best merely a fringe player, has never got this far in any previous Grand Slam and is now up against Kvitova who has shown great form since the tour moved to North America. Kvitova must be in with a chance to win a second Grand Slam here and should make the next round easily.
Selection: Kvitova
Maria Sharapova (3) v Mallory Burdette 20:30 Arthur Ashe Stadium
H-to-H 0-0
Wildcard Burdette, who has won two ITF events this summer, has done well to get this far in the tournament. This is where the dream ends and Sharapova will prove far too powerful - Sharaaova in straight sets.
Selection: Sharapova
Nadia Petrova (19) v Lucie Safarova (15) 20:30 Grandstand
H-to-H 4-1
Petrova holds the advantage over Safarova, but they haven't met since 2010 and Safarova is now the higher ranked. Both have had comparatively easy passage into the third round and we take Petrova to maintain her hold over her rival.
Selection: Petrova
Mandy Minella v Anna Tatishvili 23:00 Court 11
H-to-H 0-0
Expect a close game between two evenly matched women which is reflected in their rankings, Minella's 79 to Tatishvili's 73. Minella has the better form going into this tournament, but Tatishvili has spent more time on the US hard courts and is taken to progress.
Selection: Tatishvili
Victoria Arazenka (1) v Jie Zheng (28) 02:30 Arthur Ashe Stadium
H-to-H 2-1
Arazenka made two semi-finals at Wimbledon this year, Wimbledon proper and the Olympics and she should get further here, particularly as Serena Williams is in the other half of the draw. Zheng's best days are now behind her and she shouldn't trouble Arazenka. Arazenka has yet to drop a set and she should continue that run here.
Selection: Arazenka

Mens US Open: Selections for every match played on Friday

Home favourite Roddick has a tough match against Bernard Tomic
We're still at the second round stage in the Men's Signles but that's not a problem for the guys at Abelson Info who have previewed every game scheduled to take place today...
Igor Sijsling v David Ferrer (4) 16:00 Grandstand
H-to-H 0-1
Sijsling managed to take just one game off Ferrer in a match just a couple of months ago. He will be hoping for something better here but I wouldn't expect too much. He hasn't got the game to trouble Ferrer and this will be an easy straight sets victory for the number four seed.
Selection: Ferrer
Steve Johnson v Ernests Gulbis 16:00 Court 13
H-to-H 0-0
This is a really intriguing clash between two non-seeds. I am a big fan of Gulbis but I much prefer him when he is the underdog as he seems to perform much better in that scenario. As clear favourite here he may not be as effective. Johnson has ability and will give Gulbis plenty of headaches - but it probably won't be quite enough.
Selection: Gulbis
Rogerio Dutra Silva v Novak Djokovic (2) 18:00 Arthur Ashe Stadium
H-to-H 0-0
The Brazilian knew when he saw the draw that round one was his final as this is way too much for him. Novak is in good nick and he has no mercy for his opponents so he will be attempting to wrap this up in double quick time.
Selection: Djokovic
Juan Martin Del Potro (7) v Ryan Harrison 18:00 Louis Armstrong Stadium
H-to-H 0-0
It was a really nice win for Harrison in round one and those kind of victories are career building for someone so young. This is another step as he faces one of the favourites for the title. Del Potro is ruthless in these games and Harrison will find nowhere to hide. It will be great experience for the American but nothing more.
Selection: Del Potro
Richard Gasquet (13) v Bradley Klahn 18:00 Court 17
H-to-H 0-0
That was a career win for Klahn in the first round over Melzer. He will be buoyed by that but that alone will not be enough. Gasquet is all class and will have absolutely no problem disposing of Klahn in straight sets.
Selection: Gasquet
Gilles Muller v Lleyton Hewitt 18:00 Court 11
H-to-H 0-1
These two last faced each other 8 years ago so I don't think we can read too much into that. They have both been around the scene a very long time and will be desperate for a third round spot. Hewitt will be most people's idea of the winner but I think Muller is underrated and will be a big threat.
Selection: Muller
Leonardo Mayer v Tommy Robredo 00:00 Court 4
H-to-H 0-0
Nobody is more surprised than me to see Tommy Rob in the second round of a grand slam event. He has been a pleasure to watch over the years and maybe he has one more in him as he got a good draw here. Mayer is beatable and there is no reason why Robredo shouldn't be able to to take advantage of his flaws.
Selection: Robredo
Steve Darcis v Stanislas Wawrinka (18) 18:30 Court 13
H-to-H 0-1
Darcis is underrated and as such Wawrinka will start this match far too short a price. For value purposes Darcis is your man as he is a good player in good form. Wawrinka is on his day a better player but he doesn't always perform.
Selection: Darcis
Jarkko Nieminen v John Isner (9) 20:30 Louis Armstrong Stadium
H-to-H 0-3
It wasn't that long ago that I thought we may have seen the last of Nieminen on the big stage but I give a lot of credit to the guy for fighting his way back here. This test against Isner is a real tough one though and the giant American will probably have too many weapons on the day.
Selection: Isner
Alexandr Dolgopolov (14) v Marcos Baghdatis 20:30 Court 17
H-to-H 3-2
Five setters were not what either of these were hoping for coming into the tournament but at least they came through them in round one and they will both be looking for something simpler here. I doubt they will get it though as they are well matched and it is likely to be a dogfight. I do worry about Baghdatis and his fitness levels though so on the back of that long match I just favour Dolgopolov.
Selection: Dolgopolov
Julien Benneteau (31) v Dennis Novikov 20:30 Court 11
H-to-H 0-0
It was a tidy win for 18 year old Novikov to open with and he will fancy giving the much older Benneteau the run around here. Trouble is Benneteau is a clever player and he will have way too many tricks for the inexperienced American.
Selection: Benneteau
Philipp Kohlschreiber (19) v Benoit Paire 21:00 Court 13
H-to-H 0-0
There was a lot to like about Paire's win over Dimitrov in round one and I would not put people off backing him at reasonable odds. Kohlschreiber was predictably professional in his dispatching of Llodra. This could quite conceivably be a five setter and Paire could surprise a few people.
Selection: Paire
Fabio Fognini v Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 22:00 Court 7
H-to-H 2-2
A relatively even contest that I would give the edge to Fognini if this was on clay. However I think that Garcia-Lopez has the better game on these hard courts and with a great win after going two sets down in round one he will be up for this in a big way.
Selection: Garcia-Lopez
Grega Zemlja v Cedrik-Marcel Stebe 22:00 Court 8
H-to-H 0-0
It is looking like Zemlja will start favourite for this encounter and that is a huge plus for Stebe backers. Zemlja has game but Stebe has good momentum and comes here after a very encouraging win over Troicki. He also has more recent contact with the main tour and will be at a level higher than Zemlja.
Selection: Stebe
Janko Tipsarevic (8) v Brian Baker 22:30 Grandstand
H-to-H 0-0
There will be an overwhelming amount of support for Baker and not without hope as he is proving to be a real handful. Tipsarevic however is pretty good at blocking out any peripheral events and will concentrate on getting the job done. There will be a set in this for Baker but no more.
Selection: Tipsarevic
Andy Roddick (20) v Bernard Tomic 00:00 Arthur Ashe Stadium
H-to-H 0-0
This is a mouth-watering clash between two crowd favourites. No problems in round one and whichever one wins will take plenty of confidence away. Roddick is deservedly favourite and with home support you have to give him the edge.
Selection: Roddick

Gordon Elliott: Thoughts on my runners at Down Royal and Killarney

Gordon has runners at Down Royal and Killarney today
Gordon's forays north tend to be profitable and he sends four runners to Down Royal this afternoon, whilst also sending one south to Killarney. Get his thoughts on all five runners.
16.40 Down Royal - Dumbarton
He made a promising hurdling debut at Ballinrobe on his first run for us recently but he probably just got a bit tired towards the end of the race. He seems to have come on for the run and has been in good form at home since. Hopefully he should be up to winning races for us but he would like the ground to dry out a bit more. Martin Ferris rides him and he should run a decent race.
18.10 Down Royal - Beef To The Heels
This is his first run since May and it looks like a very competitive race so we're just looking for a decent run from him. He has a bit to find on ratings with a number of them and if there was much more rain we might not let him take his chance. He is a horse that will be going chasing shortly and hopefully he'll pay his way over fences.
18.40 Down Royal - Formal Bid
He hasn't been able to make the breakthrough over hurdles so far but he has been running okay and hopefully his time will come. He finished fourth in a maiden hurdle at this track last year when Paul Carberry, who is back on board today, rode him. He has slipped down the weights a little bit and if he could pick up some prize money we'd be happy.
19.15 Down Royal - Raajih
He has been very consistent recently, winning at Newton Abbot and finishing second on his three outings since. We're putting cheekpieces on him for the first time, hoping that they might give him an extra edge. This is his first run in a handicap hurdle in Ireland so we'll know where we stand with him after this. He won't mind the ground or the trip and we'll be disappointed if he is out of the money.
16.50 Killarney - Bigearsonmyright
He ran well to finish fifth on his hurdling debut at Tramore recently, running on well in the closing stages. He jumped a bit novicey there but he has schooled well at home since and should be better for that run. He could run into a place but he has almost 10 lengths to make up with Porterman, who finished runner-up to Mr Lando at Tramore, and he might find it difficult to reverse that form.

Chelsea v Atletico Madrid: Blues have Super Cup edge

Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres are proving a potent combo
Both these sides arrive in top form but Christian Crowther expects Chelsea's new fluid style to prove too much for Atletico Madrid...
Chelsea v Atletico Madrid, Friday 19:45, ITV 1/Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Chelsea 2.3811/8, Atletico Madrid 3.3512/5, The Draw 3.45n/a
Chelsea surprised the whole of Europe by becoming Champions League winners last season and they now have the chance to embellish that victory by winning the Super Cup after a fine start to their domestic campaign.
The European champions could not arrive in Monaco in better form, having won all three of their Premier League fixtures to leave themselves sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League pile.
Ironically, it will be quite a different Chelsea side which line up at the Stade Louis II from those triumphant Munich heroes as players such as Didier Drogba have made this exits, allowing the likes of Fernando Torres to come to the fore.
However, it's arguably a better side already, following Chelsea's spending spree on a wealth of new signings, with Eden Hazard proving a revelation since his 32 million move from Lille.
And perhaps even more pleasing for Blues fans is the fluidity of Chelsea's new-look side and the way the likes of Hazard and fellow playmaker Juan Mata have proven so elusive for defenders to cope with.
There is no doubting that Chelsea face a really dangerous Atletico Madrid side - fresh from a 4-0 thumping of Athletic Bilbao and with plenty of European pedigree themselves - but in this mood I feel that the Blues will edge it.
Twice Europa League champions in the last three seasons, Atletico won this trophy two years ago with a victory over Inter, and the Spaniards will certainly push Chelsea all the way here.
Both teams to score
Prolific to say the least, Chelsea have hit the target in their last eight games in all competitions and have plundered ten goals in their opening four games of this season.
As well as Chelsea's impressive haul, Atletico have now scored in their last 12 games in all competitions, scoring two or more in half of those matches.
With this in mind, getting behind both teams to register seems like a very attractive prospect at 1.855/6.
Over 2.5 goals
Neither side have struggled when it comes to finding the net lately and in former Atletico captain Fernando Torres and their current idol Radamel Falcao, both sides have a quality striker in form.
The Chelsea man has three in four games and Falcao arrives in Monaco in menacing form fresh from bagging himself a hat-trick in La Liga.
With these two marksmen around, seeing the net bulge at least three times is a strong possibility and at 2.01/1, it appears a shrewd bet.
Best Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.855/6
Other Recommended Bet: Back over 2.5 goals @ 2.01/1

The Championship Weekend Previews: Blackpool a huge price to beat Foxes

Ian Holloway's Blackpool look a big price to beat Leicester
Mike Norman is already in profit with his Championship bets this season and this weekend he hopes to add more to the coffers by backing Blackpool at a big price to beat Leicester...
Leeds 2.47/5 v Blackburn 3.39/4; The Draw 3.55/2
Leeds are playing well, there's no doubt about that. An opening day victory over Wolves was followed by an unlucky loss to early league leaders Blackpool before Neil Warnock's men got back to winning ways by beating Peterborough. Add in two impressive cup wins and it's four wins from five for United, 11 goals scored and just three conceded.
Blackburn have also started the season well going on results alone, but they haven't been playing great and that showed in midweek when they lost in the Capital One Cup to League One outfit MK Dons.
I sense Leeds are in for a good season and their form at Elland Road is going to be crucial if they are to be in the promotion picture come May. I'm not at all confident that Rovers will be there at the death however and I think the home side can win this game. Argentine striker Luciano Becchio is capable of scoring many goals at this level and he could well prove to be the difference in this encounter.
Recommended Bet: A confident Leeds side will be a match for any team this season. Back Leeds to win @ 2.47/5
Nottm Forest 2.021/1 v Charlton 4.216/5; The Draw 3.55/2
A lot of good things are expected from Forest this season but I'm not so sure. They were awful last terms and the addition of a few new faces and a bit of cash won't change things overnight. They'll improve as the season goes on but for now, and especially in this game, I think they are worth taking on.
Sean O'Driscoll's men have started the season ok but it's no wins in three now and they were thrashed in midweek on home soil by a much-changed Wigan side. In fact, Forest's only wins this term were both 1-0 victories over Fleetwood and Bristol City respectively.
Charlton have accumulated the same amount of points as Forest from their first three Championship games but their results read a little better. An away draw to Birmingham was excellent and victory over Leicester was fine too, and despite the Addicks being disappointed with a 0-0 home draw with Hull, they defended brilliantly against a very well-organised Steve Bruce side.
I'm of the opinion that Chris Powell's side can challenge for promotion this term, or at least be in the play-off picture throughout. They ran away with the League One title last season and their away form was very impressive. They're a big price here to register their first away win of this season.
Recommended Bet: Forest are ok but Charlton are still buzzing and full of confidence after last season's League One triumph. Back Charlton to win @ 4.216/5
Leicester 2.245/4 v Blackpool 3.55/2; The Draw 3.65n/a
If someone can explain to me why Leicester are strong favourites to win this game then please go ahead.
I've made no secret of the fact that I thought the Foxes were vastly under-priced to win the Championship last season and I was equally bemused as to why they were one of the pre-season favourites this term. In short, I don't think they are very good and I wish I'd have laid them at odds-on in the Top 6 Finish market.
Nigel Pearson's outfit started this season with a win over a poor Peterborough side but they've since lost three on the bounce, including a shocking home defeat to Burton in the Capital One Cup. True, Pearson rotated his squad but if you're conceding four and losing at home to a League Two side then that is arguably an indication that your squad isn't that good.
Blackpool on the other hand have started the league season in superb fashion, winning all three games, scoring 10 goals, and conceding just the one. Obviously home advantage should count for something for Leicester, but comparing each club's early season form and my general feeling on how good each side is then I can't believe that Ian Holloway's men can be backed at 3.55/2 to win this game.
Recommended Bet: Christmas might be the best part of four months away but the Tangerines at this price is an early present. Back Blackpool to win @ 3.55/2 (Best Bet)
Season P/L (1pt each bet, 2pts Best Bet)
Wagered: 12 pts
Returned: 15.76 pts
P/L: + 3.76 pts

Deutsche Bank Day One 3-balls: US Open champion to show his class

Webb Simpson is a strong fancy to win his first round 3-ball
Dan Geraghty is back with more 3-ball tips ahead of Friday's first round at the Deutsche Bank Championship. Who is he backing and who is he opposing?
This week's FedEx Cup fix comes from TPC Boston in Massachusetts and the action starts a day later than usual, on Friday. So, presuming some of you can tear yourselves away from Sky Sports News, Jim White and transfer deadline day, there's some three balls to bet on.
Ian Poulter finds himself drawn with two of the slowest players in the field in Ben Crane and Kevin Na. The Englishman may find it hard to get into a rhythm but even if the slow round doesn't affect him he looks short enough at 2.35/4 and can be opposed.
Vijay Singh has been in good form of late but short putting is still an issue. He can be opposed in Friday's three ball with fellow tour veteran Ken Duke and Scott Stallings. Stallings has struggled with injury for most of the year (torn cartilage in his ribs) but says he is finally pain free, this was evidenced by his fine victory at the True South Classic in July and the American could well be a force in his home state.
A missed cut last time out and a disappointing finish the week before, but I'm adamant Webb Simpson is striking the ball really well. The defending Champion is being largely overlooked this week; He's out with Louis Oosthuizen and Bo Van Pelt on Friday morning, write him off at your peril.
Jason Day did what was required last weekend, his chances of making the 100 man field this week were looking bleak at one stage but the Australian will be delighted he's in; Day was third here last year and second the year before that. He's in a bit of a false position way down the FedEx Cup standings and is a worthy favourite in his opening round three ball with Charley Hoffman and Blake Adams.
The price on last week's winner Nick Watney to win his three ball looks a little insulting. The American is clearly back in form and will look to continue his late push for a Ryder Cup place when he tees it up with Tiger Woods and Brandt Snedeker who both look short enough.
Robert Garrigus is my man to follow in the FedEx Cup playoffs, he tees it up with Bill Haas and Kyle Stanley here and looks a nice price to come out on top.
Recommended Bets
2pts Lay Ian Poulter @ 2.35/4
2pts Lay Vijay Singh @ 2.35/4
2pts Back Webb Simpson @ 3.185/40
2pts Back Jason Day @ 2.111/10
1pt Back Nick Watney @ 3.613/5
1pt Back Robert Garrigus @ 3.185/40
Season Profit/Loss: -2.09pts

Champions League 2012/13: Latest Betfair odds after today's draw

It all kicks off again on September 18
The draw was kind enough to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal but Manchester City find themselves in another group of death...
Manchester City have been dealt another tough Champions League assignment following today's draw.
The Premier League champions failed to qualify from their group last season and it could be another struggle for Roberto Mancini's men - they must play a trio of fellow league champions in the shape of Real Madrid, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.
City have moved out from around 9.08/1 to 11.010/1 to win Europe's premier club competition with big rivals United going in the opposite direction. Sir Alex Ferguson's men trade at 8.88/1 after being drawn alongside Braga, Galatasaray and Cluj.
Barcelona, who must play Benfica, Spartak Moscow and Celtic, are the market leaders at 3.814/5 with Madrid close behind at 5.59/2.
The other English teams will expect to make the latter stages of the competition.
Defending champions Chelsea have to tackle Shakhtar, Juventus and new boys FC Nordsjaelland.
Arsenal will fancy their chances of getting out of a group containing Schalke, Olympiakos and Montpellier. The Gunners are 23.022/1 to win their first Champions League.
Last season's losing finalists Bayern Munich face Valencia, Lille and BATE Borisov. The German giants are 14.013/1 fifth favourites to win the competition.
The first group fixtures take place on September 18.

Champions League: Another awful draw for Man City

Barcelona remain favourites after the group-stage draw
Manchester United have overtaken Manchester City in the Champions League betting following the group-stage draw...
Manchester City will once again be forced to fight their way through the toughest Champions League group after being flung in champions-exclusive quartet with La Liga winners Real Madrid, Eredivisie kings Ajax and Bundesliga title holders Borussia Dortmund.
Despite being second seeds this time compared to in pot three when harshly dealt with last season, the Premier League's finest are again in illustrious company, and it could have been even worse as they only narrowly swerved Paris St-Germain in favour of Ajax.
Those scrambling for a positive slant can be encouraged by Dortmund's failure to clear an easier group in 2011/12. Ajax - who are paired with Real Madrid for the third successive year - also fell at the first hurdle.
However, the severity of the draw has been enough to strip them of their status as third favourites, with Roberto Mancini's men drifting to 11.010/1 and being passed by neighbours Manchester United, who are now 8.88/1 to claim the trophy for the fourth time.
Their backers will be satisfied by their deployment in Group H alongside Sporting Braga, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj, though they will have to ensure that complacency doesn't become an issue having exited a similarly unglamorous group in the previous campaign.
Holders Chelsea's group falls some way between the two Manchester clubs for difficulty, with unbeaten Italian champions Juventus and Ukraine's elite force Shakhtar Donetsk both sides that they would rather have avoided. Debutants FC Nordsjaelland complete the line up for the 15.014/1-rated Blues.
Arsenal will need to outclass at least two of Schalke, almost annual opponents Olympiakos and Olivier Giroud's former team Montpellier to escape Group B and reach the last 16 for the 13th season in a row. The Gunners are 23.022/1 to keep the trophy in the capital.
Elsewhere, Celtic fans can look forward to the ultimate glamour tie on their Champions League return having joined 3.814/5 tournament favourites Barcelona in Group G. Benfica and Spartak Moscow, who employ ex-Bhoy Aiden McGeady, complete a tricky but not impossible group.
As for the other three groups, headline-makers Paris St-Germain 20.019/1 will believe that they got off fairly lightly by being handed Porto, Dynamo Kiev and Dinamo Zagreb in Group A, particularly after at one point standing a 50% chance of joining Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Asset-stripped AC Milan and Malaga will feel progress is far more obtainable after being handed one another, Zenit St Petersburg and Anderlecht in Group C, and though none of the trio are league winners, Bayern Munich, Valencia and Lille won't look forward to colliding in Group F, which is completed by BATE Borisov.
Group A: Porto, Dynamo Kiev, Paris St-Germain, Dinamo Zagreb
Group B: Arsenal, Schalke, Olympiakos, Montpellier
Group C: AC Milan, Zenit St Petersburg, Anderlecht, Malaga
Group D: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund
Group E: Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, Nordsjaelland
Group F: Bayern Munich, Valencia, Lille, BATE Borisov
Group G: Barcelona, Benfica, Spartak Moscow, Celtic
Group H: Manchester United, Braga, Galatasaray, CFR Cluj

St Leger: Chippendale team delay call

Doncaster is home of the St Leger
Connections of Thomas Chippendale will wait for about a week before deciding on the three-year-old's next race...
The Sir Henry Cecil-trained colt holds entries in the St Leger and the Prix Niel at Longchamp in the middle of next month.
Winner of the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, Thomas Chippendale was last seen finishing fifth to Thought Worthy in the Great Voltigeur Stake at York last week when he was giving 3lb to all his rivals.
"He's fine. We haven't made a decision on what we are going to do with him yet," said Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden.
"He's entered in France in the Prix Niel, but we won't make a decision for a week or so. He's also been left in the Leger. He'll probably have one or two more races this season, then we'll put him away for next year. The race at York didn't suit us so we really didn't learn an awful lot from it."
Thomas Chippendale is currently available to back at 42.041/1 in the St Leger ante-post market.
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Yards Per Play Betting – Using Yards Per Play Rankings

Using Yards Per Play Rankings

Football betting punters should learn to evolve betting strategies to get ahead of bookmakers in the NFL. One way of doing this is to place close attention to Schedule changes and to use yards per play rankings to exploit discrepancies in Handicap markets.

The NFL has always seen a gulf in quality between the best and worst franchises. Since the scheduling rule changes in 2002 dictated that only two games per year would be based on a team’s record from the preceding year, the number of mismatched fixtures has increased, resulting in the bad teams losing regularly, and the good teams winning more often.

So what does this mean for punters betting on the NFL? This article sets out to explain how to use yards per play rankings from last seasons NFL to your advantage in 2012/13.

Using Yards Per Play Rankings To Your Advantage

With the emergence of big mismatches, there are now more profitable opportunities to change betting strategies and do what is often unthinkable – back the quality team as large favourites.

One way to evaluate a team is to look at its offensive yards gained per play and the defensive yards allowed per play. As you would expect, the teams that gain more yards than they allow, tend to win more than they lose.

While this rule isn’t exclusively accurate, it is as good a predictor of future performance, as past head-to-head results.

The table below shows yardage data from the 2011 NFL season for each franchise competing in the 2012 NFL season. By calculating the yardage difference between offensive and defensive yards per play (Y/P) for each franchise, will give you a solid base for predicting results.

By looking at the table it is clear to see that the four worst teams in terms of yardage per play differential in 2011 were the St Louis Rams (-1.1), Jacksonville Jaguars (-1), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1) and the Indianapolis Colts (-0.8), neither of which qualified for the playoffs.

In comparison the four best teams by yardage per play differential were the Pittsburgh Steelers (1.4), Houston Texans (0.9), New Orleans Saints (0.9) and the Philadelphia Eagles (0.9). All teams qualified for the playoffs bar the Philadelphia Eagles who won eight but also lost eight.

Betting odds can often fail to reflect the difference between the elite teams and the teams that struggle.

While the results are not surprising, a yardage differential can be used to analyse matches between two teams. There is a simple rule that is used by sharp bettors using the NFL yardage differential to calculate a betting advantage - each 0.15 yards per play is worth 1 point on the handicap market.

Using Yards Per Play To Calculate Handicap Discrepancies

By using the 2011 stats above we can examine the 2012 NFL week 1 match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos.

By looking at the table from last year, the Steelers have a yards per play differential of +1.4, while the Broncos’ net differential was 0.4. The difference between the two franchises was 1, so by dividing this number by 0.15 suggests the Steelers should be around a 7 point favourite on a neutral field.

However, the Steelers are actually offered at -1 1.962*, while at home the Broncos are offered at +1 1.962*. The handicap odds offered with Pinnacle Sports suggest the teams are much closer than the yardage per play calculation would suggest.

With this said, as with all tools for evaluating teams, this calculation is best used in conjunction with other handicapping methods. Many statistical methods become far more viable after 4-6 games at which point the 2012 data could be analysed.

It is also vital to gather as much knowledge on betting variables to accompany your yards per play calculations such as preseason results, what players have drafted to which team, and which players are sidelined through injury.

These betting variables coupled with the yards per play calculation will give you the best chance to work out any NFL handicap discrepancies. Pinnacle Sports offer the best online odds for all 2012 NFL fixtures.

By Michael Gales

*Odds subject to change

England Squad Announcement: Terry in, Young out

John Terry is in Roy Hodgson's latest England squad
Roy Hodgson has named his latest England squad with Ashley Young perhaps being the most surprising omission, but no prizes for guessing who is the most controversial inclusion...
John Terry has been included in the England squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Moldova and Ukraine despite still facing an FA charge of racial abuse.
The Chelsea centre back - who is one of six players called up by Roy Hodgson from the reigning European champions - was found not guilty of a Crown Prosecution Service charge of racial abuse against QPR defender Anton Ferdinand but has since been charged by the FA.
If found guilty Terry can expect a punishment similar to the eight-game ban that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez received last season when found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. It will also pose a huge question as to why Terry was available for selection in the first place with the charge still to be heard.
Terry's club team-mate Ryan Bertrand keeps his place in the squad after winning his first senior cap in the 2-1 friendly victory over Italy earlier this month, but there's no place for Manchester United winger Ashley Young; Sunderland new boy Adam Johnson seemingly getting the nod ahead of him.
With Wayne Rooney out injured Hodgson has called up a quartet of strikers - Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck - who don't start regularly for their club sides.
In fact, approximately just nine of the 21 outfield players selected can claim to being first choice club players with five of those being old-heads Terry, Ashley Cole, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard, and captain Steven Gerrard.
England face an away trip to Moldova a week on Friday before hosting the Ukraine at Wembley four days later. The Three Lions are available to back at 23.022/1 in the World Cup 2014 Winner market.
What do you think? Should Terry have been called up with the FA hearing still to come and did Young deserve to be dropped? And who will start in attack for England? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
England squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Sunderland), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)

Sprint Cup: Slade Power misses Group 1 contest

Slade Power represents the same connections as Sole Power
Slade Power has suffered a setback that will rule him out of the Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday week...
Edward Lynam's three-year-old has missed several days' work because of an abscess which means he will not be ready to compete in the six-furlong Group 1 on Merseyside.
The County Meath trainer will now aim Slade Power at the British Champions Sprint at Ascot on October 20.
"He's had a slight setback. He's had an abscess on his shoulder and he's not going to make the Sprint Cup," said Lynam.
"He's going to go to Ascot for the Champions Day Sprint in October. It's nothing serious, but he's missed work the last few days. He's fine, but he's just not going to be ready in time."
Ortensia, who won the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, currently heads the ante-post market for the Sprint Cup, trading at 4.57/2.
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Turkish Racing Festival: British raiders look to land the spoils

Veliefendi Racecourse plays host to some excellent racing this weekend
Entries for the International Racing Festival, taking place at Veliefendi on September 1 and 2, have been made, featuring a number of British raiders...
Six races during the Turkish Racing Festival, a quintet of Group 2 events and one Group 1, look to be of most interest at this stage, with British runners entered in all but two of them.
The Group 2 Anatolia Trophy, staged over ten furlongs and won last year by the Mark Johnston-trained Dordogne, has attracted the attention of a pair of smart performers this year in Master of Hounds and Zazou. The former has joined William Haggas after a fruitful campaign in Dubai over the winter, a win in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta being the highlight, and he looks set to continue his globetrotting career by participating here.
Zazou finished fifth in the Dubai World Cup, three places ahead of Master of Hounds, and last month achieved third place at Munich behind Pastorius, the winner producing the second best performance by a three-year-old seen this year.
Other entries to catch the eye in this contest are the Marco Botti-trained pair, Kingsdesire and Marcret, and the Godolphin trio Hunter's Light, Retrieve and Sandagiyr.
Sandagiyr also holds an entry in the Group 2 Topkapi Trophy, where he could be joined by Godolphin teammates Dysphonia and French Navy. Mark Johnston could well hold a strong hand in this event, potentially being represented by Bannock, Fulbright and Van Ellis, whilst the entry of Archbishop, who dead-heated with Trumpet Major in a Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood, is also of note.
The aforementioned Dysphonia, a listed winner in Australia who hasn't brought her "A-Game" on her two most recent starts, could alternatively compete in the Group 2 Istanbul Trophy. She may face the likes of Laugh Out Loud, who is best judged on her win in the Group 2 Prix de Sandringham on her penultimate start, and Beatrice Aurore, who had been holding her form well this year prior to getting loose before that start at Ascot last time. Survey, a Group winner in her native Germany, is also worth a second look despite being well below form in the Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood last time, as she probably did too much too soon there.
The Group 2 Bosphorus Cup, a race dominated by the British last year with Indian Days winning, Campanologist second, Afsare fourth and Halicarnassus fifth, could well play out in similar fashion this time around, with the Brits responsible for seven of the 12 entries. Headlining the act is Dubai Prince, who recently put up a career-best when winning the Group 3 Strensall Stakes at York, finally living up to the promise that he had shown earlier in his career in the process.
Retrieve also holds an entry in this event, as do Calvado Blues and Lost In The Moment. Looking to gatecrash the Godolphin party is Sense of Purpose, from the Dermot Weld yard, and Inspector, who is trained in Turkey and has run in this race for the last four years, winning in 2008 before finishing sixth, eighth and eighth.
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