All the Way for Holloway, First Bracelet Winner of 2013 WSOP

PokerNews reporter Chad Holloway earned the first bracelet of the 2013 WSOP early this morning (Photo: PokerNews)

The 2013 World Series of Poker is well underway, with the first events having kicked off on Wednesday. The daily schedule is already starting to get crowded with four different events in action today and five tomorrow. Meanwhile just hours ago the first bracelet of this summer's Series has been won, with the winner being someone very familiar to those us who spend our time covering the tourney circuit, as PokerNews Senior Editor Chad Holloway took down Event No. 1, the $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em event.

While the record-keeping from three decades ago is somewhat sketchy, an early, initial version of the Casino Employees Event took place from 1983 to 1985 as a $1,000 buy-in tournament then labeled the "Casino Operators" event. Ted Binion (son of Benny) won the tournament in 1983 and 1985, triumphed over a field of 10 players each time, and Sandy Stupak (wife of Bob) bested 14 in 1984.

The event appears to have been discontinued thereafter, then returned in 2000 and has remained part of the schedule ever since. The buy-in has been kept at $500 since its reintroduction, making it the lowest buy-in bracelet event on the schedule. Most years it has appeared as the first event of the WSOP, thereby giving the tournament and its winner special prominence. (Only in 2008 was the Casino Employees Event saved until the very end of the Series.)

In 2000 the event was called the "Dealers Championship," then the next couple of years it was called the "Employee Event" before being permanently changed to the "Casino Employees Event" in 2003. From 2000-2003 it was played as a fixed-limit tournament, then in 2004 became a no-limit hold'em tournament, the format in which it has been played ever since.

Turnouts for the event followed the general trend of rapid growth from 2000 to 2006, starting at just 109 entrants in 2000 and peaking at 1,232 entrants in 2006. Recent years have seen 700-800 players participating, with a jump this year to 898 to create a total prize pool of $404,100.

As the event's name indicates, eligibility to participate is limited to those who are work in some capacity for a casino. As contractors for Caesars Entertainment during the WSOP, PokerNews employees are allowed to play as well, and over the last couple of years several have done so.  

Both Holloway and Josh Cahlik, another PokerNews reporter, were among the 55 players making it to Thursday's second and final day of play in the event, with Cahlik eventually going on to finish 12th for a $5,010 cash.  

Squeezing a large-field tournament into just two days usually means a long second day for the Casino Employees Event, and this year was no exception as it was already past 9 p.m. local time last night when the final table began, with the final nine players all hailing from the United States.

Bobby Rooney enjoyed the chip lead by a wide margin at that point with more than 700,000 chips, nearly 300,000 ahead of Allan Kwong in second position while Holloway sat in third with just under 380,000.

Three eliminations rapidly followed, including Holloway knocking out Michael Trivett in eighth. By then Sean Small -- who made four final tables on the 2012-13 WSOP Circuit this year -- had become a short stack, and soon Holloway eliminated him in sixth place.

Daniel Ellery followed Small to the rail in fifth, and at four-handed Kwong had assumed a large chip lead with Holloway fourth out of four. That group battled on past midnight, with Holloway picking up pots along the way to climb up the counts and into first position. Then Brian Pingel lost the last of his stack to Bobby Rooney and they were down to three.

Three-handed play lasted another hour, then Kwong knocked out Rooney in a hand that saw Rooney all in and at risk with 10c-10h against the Ad-10s of Kwong. All was well for Rooney through the 9c-Kh-3s flop and 8d turn, but the Ac fell on fifth street to pair Kwong's ace, and they were down to two.

Holloway started heads-up play with about a 2-to-1 chip lead over Kwong, but the latter earned a big double-up to seize the advantage in a hand that saw all of the chips go in on a 4s-7d-5h flop. Kwong had Kh-7h for top pair of sevens while Holloway had 6d-5c for a lesser pair and an open-ended straight draw. The 6s came on the turn to give Holloway two pair, but the 4c on the river meant Kwong ended with the best hand.

Over the next hour Holloway chipped back to take the lead, then Kwong took it back, then Holloway grabbed it once again as play continued past 3 a.m. Finally a hand arose that saw Kwong raising from the button and Holloway calling, and a flop coming 5c-Qs-Qd. After Holloway checked, Kwong continued with a bet, then Holloway check-raised. Kwong responded with an all-in shove and Holloway called right away.

Kwong had Ad-Kh, but Holloway had Qh-9s for trip nines. The turn was the 10h, which meant Kwong was looking for a saving jack to make a straight. But the river brought the 2d, and Holloway had won.

"Today a dream of mine came true," tweeted Holloway afterwards as both members of the poker media and many players whom Holloway has covered over the last few years sent him their congratulations. Ironically, he'll be back at several WSOP final tables again starting this weekend, only as a reporter and not a player.

Chatting with my Betfair Poker cohort Matthew Pitt this morning, we discussed how we are both soon heading to the WSOP to join the PokerNews crew and help cover the remainder of the Series. We're both looking forward to getting to Las Vegas where we can congratulate our friend and colleague in person, as well as ask him if he might let us wear his lucky bird shirt at the tables.

2013 WSOP Event No. 1: $1,000 Casino Employees NLHE results:
1st: Chad Holloway -- $84,915
2nd: Allan Kwong -- $52,318
3rd: Robert Rooney -- $33,903
4th: Brian Pingel -- $24,811
5th: Daniel Ellery -- $18,426
6th: Sean Small -- $13,868
7th: Tyrone Smith -- $10,567
8th: Michael Trivett -- $8,146
9th: Hieu Le -- $6,348

In other WSOP news, Event No. 2, the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em Eight-Handed event, has played down from a starting field of 481 to just 28, with Rafal Michalowski carrying the chip lead into Friday's final day of play. David Vamplew, Tom Marchese, and Joe Serock also occupy spots in the top 10, with Brian Rast, David Peters, Dan Kelly, and David "Doc" Sands among those lurking not far behind.

Meanwhile, Event No. 3, a $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em event that allowed for a single re-entry, got going yesterday as well. After both of the "Day 1" flights played out on Thursday, there were 1,821 entries all told for the event, with 660 players surviving to today's second day of the three-day event. Jerry Payne has the chip lead to start play today with Leo Wolpert, David Singer, Tony Dunst, and Josh Arieh also near the top of the counts.

Today the action heats up even more with the start of Event No. 4, the $1,500 NLHE Six-Handed event. The weekend schedule will be highlighted by the start of the much anticipated "Millionaire Maker" Event No. 6, the $1,500 NLHE event with a guaranteed first prize of $1 million.

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Home and Away: Goteborg to heap further misery on bottom side Osters

IFK Goteborg will be keen to keep themselves firmly in the, ahem, top two tonight.

Jonno Turner previews action in Sweden and Ireland as he looks to end the week with a bang...

We're off to Sweden for our penultimate pick of the week - and focusing on action in the Allsvenskan, as in-form IFK Goteborg travel to Osters.

The visitors will line up for this clash high in confidence following three league games unbeaten on the bounce, and boss Mikael Stahre will be keen for his side to build on that positive run here.

Goteborg won the Swedish Cup last week following a penalties victory over Djurgardens, and will now be keen to translate that success to their league campaign.

And just one loss from nine away from the Ullevi suggests that the Blavitt are more than capable of taking maximum points from this clash - and piling the pressure on league leaders Helsingborg, who currently sit two points ahead of them.

Seventeen goals scored in their last nine on the road indicates that much of the away side's threat lies in the final third, and their influential attacker Tobias Hysen in particular will be looking to add to his current haul of five notches this campaign.

Hosts Osters go into this one in miserable form, and have lost their last seven straight outings in all competitions.

Half a dozen goals shipped in their last two games points to weaknesses in the home defence, and that will be something that the visitors look to take advantage of.

That leaves the newly promoted Vaxjo side sitting bottom of the table, and boss Andreas Thomsson will be keen for his charges to engineer a turnaround as soon as possible.

But a visit from a Goteborg side full of momentum is far from what the home side - already struggling to adjust to life in the top tier - would want at this point in the season, and I think that we will see Stahre's side come up trumps at the Myresjohus Arena tonight.

Bet 1: IFK Goteborg (AWAY) @ 2.04

Switching our sights to Ireland now, as Bray Wanderers host First Division Mervue United in the FAI Cup.

The home side go into this cup clash full of confidence following four Premier League games unbeaten, and boss Keith Long will be keen for his side to maintain that form as they prepare for a tricky encounter with lower league Mervue.

A 3-2 victory over Drogheda in their last home outing will have boosted morale down at the Carlisle Grounds, and the Seagulls will be looking to book their place in the next round of this competition tonight.

Visitors Mervue United travel to County Wicklow in poor form - and have lost their last three on the bounce.

In the bigger picture, Johnny Glynn's side have not won in five away from Fahy's Field - and that is not the best preparation for a visit to their Premier League opponents.

When the away side travelled to top tier Sligo last week for a League Cup tie, they were dismantled in a 4-0 defeat - and I reckon that Bray's quality will be too much for them to handle here.

Bet 2: Bray (HOME) @ 1.6

Britain's Got Talent: Rob the builder to make it to the final

Robbie Kennedy can progress to the final tonight

The third semi-final of Britain's Got Talent looks one of the most open of all, with five acts in with a chance of making it to the final. Mike Norman previews...

It's fair to say that Tuesday's semi-final didn't go exactly to plan.

I can't even remember (without looking it up) the name of the act that I tipped to win, she was that bad. Alice Fredenham is her name (now that I've looked it up), and it has to be said that she got it completely wrong.

Yes, she mucked up during her performance. But apart from that her song choice was dreadful. As soon as she started singing - which was in tune - her odds started to drift on the exchange. It was a complete turn off, and she deserved what she got... which was zilch.

She's still available to back at 140.139/1 in the Outright Winner market because there is a wildcard slot up for grabs, but if she does get picked then she will have to imrove dramatically.

At 4.84/1 in that winner market is Tuesday's winner Jack Carroll, who was favourite to win on the night of course, continuing the terrific record of favourites in semi-finals, something I alluded to at the beginning of the week.

I'm not a fan of Carroll's act, though it's difficult not to admire his bravery, nerve and quality for someone so young. Comedian's don't do well on this show however (where have you heard that before) and I will be looking to get him beat come the night of the final.

Tonights semi-final looks a decent contest but only because of the fact that you can give a chance to at least four or five of them in the Semi-Final 3 Winner market, as opposed to the usual two.

Luminites are the current 2.26/5 favourites, and have a decent chance of making it three from three for favourites this week. They are a vocal act consisting of four ex-buskers and they have the usual combination of a good-looking female lead singer, a guitar player, a rapper, and someone who just looks good to make up the numbers.

I fear they'll have to be outstanding to win tonight, and I'm not convinced they will be.

Robbie Kennedy could well be outstanding. Not just tonight but in his career should he be given a chance after Britian's Got Talent. This is a really likeable acoustic guitar singer who rather chose the wrong song in his audition, before Simon Cowell told him to sing something else.

And when he did perform another song he brought the house down and the judges to their feet. He has that rough edge to his voice, which draws you in and urges you to listen more. He's 3.412/5 to back tonight, and he could be the one in an open heat.

Rosie O'Sullivan - another vocal act with a fantastic voice - could well prove a huge danger to the front two in the betting, but the advice is to perhaps get involved In-Play. Tonight could be one of those times when whoever performs last stays in the memory longer.

The kids have dominated this year's show so far, and dance troupe Pre Skooll could continue the trend. They were slick and polished in their audition and there's no reason why they won't poll a lot of votes this evening. At 2.89/5 in the To Qualify market they have a chance.

Recommended Bets

Back Robbie Kennedy to win at 3.412/5 or higher
Back Pre Skooll to qualify at 2.89/5 or higher

Women's French Open Betting: Bartoli to fly the flag for France

Bartoli should keep the home fans happy

The second round has produced some interesting clashes at Roland Garros, Abelson Info preview Day 5's action from the French Open 2013...

With world number one Serena Williams safely through to the third round, there are a whole host of top seeds hoping to follow suit on Thursday.

Amongst the biggest stars in action is defending champion Maria Sharapova, and she is expected to have little trouble getting past the challenge of world number 77 Eugenie Bouchard despite her run to the semi-finals in Strasbourg last week.
Much has been made of how the Russian's run to the final gets increasingly tricky as the tournament progresses, but it is unlikely she will slip-up against her Canadian opponent.

Similarly, there is little chance of an upset when 2011 champion Na Li takes on Bethanie Mattek-Sands in her second round match. The sixth seed has won their previous two encounters, with the last coming on the clay in Stuttgart in straight sets earlier this year.

As a result, expect the Chinese star to make it comfortably through, along with both Victoria Azarenka and Sam Stosur who take on Annika Beck and Kristina Mladenovic respectively.

However, it may not be so simple for Petra Kvitova when she faces the in-form Shuai Peng. The latter made it through to the final at the Brussels Open before eventually falling to Kaia Kanepi, and despite trailing 3-0 in the head-to-head with her Czech opponent, she will fancy her chances of putting up a strong challenge.

Their last meeting in Miami earlier this year went the distance, therefore backing Kvitova to come through in three sets may be worthy of a small investment at 4.03/1.

With the field thinning out, there is more value to be had across the draw with several players hoping to upset the odds and build on their solid start to the tournament.

French hopeful Marion Bartoli came through a real battle in the first round to keep the buoyant home crowd cheering. Having overcome Olga Govortsova last time out, she will be confident of extending her tournament further when she takes on Colombian qualifier Mariana Duque-Marino.

Duque-Marino has been in great form this year, but given her vastly inferior world ranking she won't relish the prospect of stepping into the lion's den in what will be the last game of the day out on Court 1. With the home faithful demanding a victory, expect Bartoli to respond and book her place in the next round.

Elsewhere, Kirsten Flipkens battled back from a set down to clinch a first round win over Flavia Pennetta, but she will have to overcome another Italian if she harbours hopes of progressing further.

Standing in her way is former champion Francesca Schiavone, and having breezed past Melinda Czink last time out she can be confident of setting up a third round clash with the aforementioned Bartoli.

As the top seeds continue to emerge unscathed from the pack, it all points toward a fascinating end to the week.

Recommended Bets:
Back Bartoli to beat Duque-Marino @ 1.84/5
Back Schiavone to beat Flipkens @ 1.9110/11
Back Kvitova to beat Peng 2-1 @ 4.03/1

In-Running Week: Noble on a trading Mission

Noble Mission has been added to Neil's list.

Neil Munro returns with the latest update to his in-running feature...

It must be difficult to live with a very successful brother, but of course the person to ask about that is my sister! 

But in all seriousness, Noble Mission has had to live with many a written article starting with the phrase 'full brother to Frankel'. I am not sure how good his reading skills are but he definitely has his own thoughts about the racing game and is an interesting character to attempt to trade on.

Horses on the database:
Noble Mission - The talk on Racing UK before Noble Mission's most recent appearance at Goodwood centred around whether 8/13 was a good price to take about a horse that had shown that he was quirky. The conversation seemed to lead to the fact that the stated price had that factored in and if he was more straightforward he would have been trading at 1/3.

My thinking was more about the in-running trading possibilities and I knew that on Noble Mission's in-running CV he had traded twice his BSP in the run and gone onto win for three of his four career victories. Indeed he had gone on to trade four times his BSP twice as well. Thus I was more interested in backing him in the run. He went off a BSP of 1.664/6 so I put in offers at 2.3211/8 and 3.64n/a and both of those got matched up as he hit one of his flat spots. He ended up trading at 5.409/2 as a high. Because he had done this before, I was fairly confident that he would then deliver late on, which he then did, and in fact went away from the field at the finish. In reality this was all that should have been expected as this was a fairly easy Listed contest to pick up. It will be interesting now that connections will have to step him back up into Group company.

Back Noble Mission at 2x and 4x BSP in the run, with some in-running lays dependent on the quality of the contest that he is entered in.

Breton Rock - David Simcock's three year old is undoubtedly talented, having proved that with two wins in two runs as a two year old. His seasonal reappearance at Chester was full of potential, despite suffering defeat, as he finished a close second despite being out of the handicap and slightly rearing at the start. So expectation was high for his next run in the 7f handicap on the same card as Noble Mission ran on at Goodwood. But let me just take you back to that last comment that I made. Breton Rock slightly reared at the start. This had made me look into the colts in-running style so far and it was noticeable that he had been slowly away (not majorly but enough) on his first two runs and it was his class and the fact that he keeps finding which allowed him to taste victory.

These qualities also came through at Chester. So I was intrigued to watch his run at Goodwood and decided to just try and back him at 4xBSP in the run in case he slightly blew the start again. Well he completely blew it, rearing up and giving six to seven lengths immediately to the field, so to finish six lengths down to the eventual winner showed again that he ran a decent race. He traded back around his starting price in the run despite having gone to around 20.019/1 at the start so he does have huge trading possibilities or if you are a pure punter you should wait until the race has gone in running and you have seen how he has got away before placing a bet.  

Back Breton Rock at 2x and 4x BSP in the run and then lay out your combined stake at the matched price.

Arch Villain - Let us complete the trio of horses that I am adding to the in-running database by staying at Goodwood and looking at the four year old gelding who formed part of a double for the in-form Amanda Perrett. Arch Villain completed a hat-trick of wins made up of a win at the back end of the flat season last year with two wins this season. This was by far his best performance, stepping up in to Class 2 handicap company, and proving he can cope. The handicapper will definitely have his say now but Arch Villain's sustained galloping style could still make him competitive off a mark in the early 90's. He keeps finding and because of this has traded at double his BSP for four of his five victories, as well as regularly trading shorter as he gets involved in the business end of a race. 

Back Arch Villain at 2x BSP in the run and then put up an offer to lay out your stake at the BSP with further low offers to create a green book.

Something for the weekend

Oaks
Pace is always an interesting angle in the major races and I have a feeling that connections of Gertrude Versed could consider a prominent position as she won at Kempton by dictating from the front. Another angle could be Miss You Too who has been keen in races when held up and connections might think they have nothing to lose by letting her have her head. They are both big prices and could have the possibility of trading shorter in the run.

Madame Defarge has been put up as a big price option by a couple of tipsters and Michael Bell's filly certainly has improvement in her after only two career starts. But my worry has been her slightly high head carriage and the fact that she has treated very kindly by both jockeys in the run, as though they think she won't react well to the whip. I may be wrong on this but something to keep in mind.

At the top of the market Secret Gesture has travelled supremely well in her races and should give you a chance of getting out at low odds in the run if you feel the need. Moth on the other hand became slightly unbalanced in the dip at Newmarket during the Guineas and could be found out at Epsom. I can easily see Moth trading bigger in the run, whether she goes onto success or not.

Derby
The Derby I am struggling with. If I look at the likely pace in the race, the obvious angle is Ocovango, but we do not know what Aiden is going to do to challenge him with a number of entered milers in the field on his behalf? Does he want a fast even pace for the stayers or a slow muddling pace for Magician? I guess I do come back to Ocovango as he is the most likely to be up on or around the pace so he could still be worth a small play as a back to lay trade.

With concern to other plays the only one in mind at the moment is to put up a very low offer on Dawn Approach in case his stamina does not see him though. We know he will travel well and it is likely his class will get him through to success but it might be worth trying to lay at around 1.111/9 to try and make a cheap winning position.

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Epsom Oaks: Gesture holds the strongest hand

The Oaks is the feature race on Friday.

Timeform's Tony McFadden assesses the main contenders in the Epsom Oaks...

You will often hear about owners dreaming of big-race success; however, I would imagine Sheikh Fahad Al Thani - the main man behind Qatar Racing Limited - is capable of conjuring up a particularly vivid mental image of winning the Oaks, for his beloved silks have already been carried to Epsom Classic glory. Or at least they have if you squint a bit whilst watching a replay of the 1980 Oaks.

Carrying the crimson colours of the late Dick Hollingsworth - whose silks live on with Mark Dixon and his horse Skilful - Bireme and Willie Carson travelled well before forging clear inside the final couple of furlongs to score by two lengths; Sheikh Fahad will surely be imagining Secret Gesture, the most recent of his high-profile purchases, replicating that smooth victory in his almost identical claret silks.

Secret Gesture only had two outings as a juvenile, creating a good impression as she won the latter of those starts, a one-mile maiden at Newbury in testing conditions, by a comfortable two and three quarter lengths. However, the stoutly-bred daughter of Galileo was always likely to be seen to better effect as a three-year-old and she certainly made an impressive return to action in the Lingfield Oaks Trial, slamming her rivals by upwards of ten lengths, drawing clear on the bridle and winning with plenty in hand. 

It was presumably that emphatic success which persuaded Qatar Racing Limited to add the Ralph Beckett-trained filly to their burgeoning string and, say what you like about their purchasing methods, they clearly have good taste: Secret Gesture enters the Oaks as Timeform's top-rated filly. 

Considering Secret Gesture's lightly-raced profile and the effortless style of her reappearance win, it won't come as a surprise to hear that she still retains the 'p', a symbol signifying that further progress is likely. Ralph Beckett has proven his prowess with fillies in the past, famously producing Look Here to spring a surprise in the 2008 Oaks, and you can be sure that Secret Gesture will arrive at Epsom primed to perform to her best.

Secret Gesture, however, is by no means the only filly in the contest that is capable of better. Chief among her rivals open to significant improvement is Liber Nauticus, the well-regarded daughter of Azamour who attracted substantial ante-post support on the back of an encouraging win in a strong Goodwood maiden.

Making her seasonal reappearance in the Musidora Stakes - one of the premier trial races for the Oaks - Liber Nauticus was sent off as an odds-on favourite for the in-form Sir Michael Stoute yard. Although her one-and-a-half length success over Romantic Settings, a Musselburgh handicap winner, has been described in some quarters as 'workmalike', Liber Nauticus won with more in hand than the winning margin would suggest. Tellingly, Ryan Moore was very sparing with his use of the whip, pushing her out hands-and-heels in the main, and she is entitled to come on plenty, especially when you consider it was only the second start of her career.

Although the bare form is well short of what is required to win an average renewal of the Oaks, Liber Nauticus does appeal as a very smart filly in the making. The big question, however, is will the Oaks come too soon in her development? It is probably a question that not even Sir Michael Stoute or Ryan Moore can honestly answer at this stage as she hasn't been fully tested on the racecourse - and probably won't have been asked for everything on the gallops - and Epsom will provide the acid test.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Moth shot towards the head of the ante-post market following an encouraging display in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the daughter of Galileo is certainly bred to relish the increased emphasis on stamina at Epsom. Something of a late developer having made little impression on either start as a juvenile, Moth showed a sharp turn of foot to get off the mark in a fillies' maiden at the Curragh before taking her form to a whole different level when finishing a staying-on third at Newmarket. Given her form, pedigree and connections, it would rank as little surprise were Moth to play a leading role on Friday.

There was a suspicion that Hughie Morrison's Banoffee had benefitted from enjoying the run of the race when making a successful debut at Newbury. However, she certainly didn't have everything go her own way at Chester. Riding Banoffee for the first time, Kieren Fallon had to wait for a split as he entered the short Chester straight with plenty of rivals still to pass, but his filly displayed a sharp turn of foot, picking up well to mow down the opposition in good style. That level of form falls well short of what is required to win an Oaks, but we have yet to see the best of Banoffee and she can't be ruled out, for all others make greater appeal.

An outsider that may perhaps be of interest, particularly if the rain persists, is The Lark. Michael Bell's filly is certainly bred for the job being a half-sister to Sariska, the winner of this race in 2009, and she shaped well on her return, finishing third having been left too much to do. She looks sure to stay one and a half miles and is a likely improver granted a test of stamina.

As you might expect in the Epsom Oaks, there are plenty of fillies that look capable of leaving the bare form well behind granted a stamina test at one and a half miles. Secret Gesture is just about the standard-bearer based on her emphatic, wide-margin win at Lingfield and she can get her career in the colours of Qatar Racing Limited off to a dream start.

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Henry II Stakes: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

James Fanshawe: Trainer of High Jinx.

Timeform analyse the field for Thursday's Group 3 at Sandown...

Times Up is a smart stayer who looked as good as ever when landing Lonsdale Cup at York and Doncaster Cup, beating High Jinx both times. Should prove just as good for new yard but has needed comeback in past.

Cavalryman was impressive when winning listed event over C&D last summer, and looked as good as ever when winning Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan last time. One for the shortlist.

Askar Tau is a quirky sort but still smart on his day, as he showed when second in Goodwood Cup and Ascot Group 3 last year. Never on terms on return and percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Colour Vision won last year's Ascot Gold Cup and ran some creditable races in defeat after. Shaped as if amiss when last seen in October but was an impressive winner on last year's reappearance. Leading contender.

High Jinx is a progressive stayer, winning handicap at Newmarket before finishing second to Times Up in Group 2s at York and Doncaster. Runner-up in Prix du Cadran final outing and big player.

Ley Hunter was a smart performer up to 2m in 2011 for Andre Fabre, winning Group 3 at Longchamp. However, well beaten on debut for this yard in this event last year and not seen since.

Number Theory is a tough and consistent performer who made great strides in handicaps last year, winning 3 on the bounce at Haydock. Would have needed return and should not be underestimated. Likely to stay.

Model Pupil is a lightly-raced colt who showed showed smart form when touched off in Chester Vase at 3. Made an encouraging winning reappearance at Doncaster but unable to build on that next time. Extra trip may suit.

Sir Graham Wade developed into smart stayer in second half of 2012, winning Old Borough and Mallard handicaps before landing listed event in France. Good third in Group 3 at Ascot but tailed off last time.

Gloomy Sunday is a useful performer in France but this looks a tough task on first run overseas.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. High Jinx
2. Colour Vision
3. Cavalryman

Timeform Verdict: Godolphin hold a strong hand as they bid for their fourth win in this race, Colour Vision and Cavalryman looking the pick of their trio, but High Jinx is arguably the most progressive in the field and can prove to be a big force in the Cup races this year. 

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Home and Away: Hosts Honka looking to extend impressive home form

The Veikkausliiga is now well underway - and Honka are looking strong.

Jonno Turner looks to build on three wins from four picks this week with two selections from Finland and Brazil...

We're off to Finland for our first pick of the day - as in-form Honka welcome FC Lahti to the Tapiolan Urheilupuisto, looking to make it four home wins on the bounce.

Mika Lehkosuo's side have been formidable on their own patch of late, and that form has lifted them into fifth position in the Viekkausliiga with nine games played.

And a 2-1 win on the road at KuPS last time out will have boosted morale in the Keltamustat camp, as the Espoo side look to improve on a seventh placed finish last campaign.

Visitors Lahti line up for this clash in miserable form, and just one win from their opening eight league outings suggests that the Mustat Kuhnurit are in for a struggle this campaign.

Tommi Kautonen's side currently sit second bottom of the table, and will be desperate to arrest that slump this evening - but four losses and a draw from their last five suggests that they might struggle to engineer a turnaround in Espoo.

In the bigger picture, that makes five away outings without a win this campaign, and that travel sickness threatens to derail Lahti's season before it's even really begun.

I fancy the hosts' momentum and vigour to stand them in good stead in this clash - and, with home advantage, I reckon they'll secure all three points.

Bet 1: Honka (HOME) @ 1.92

Turning our attentions to slightly warmer climes now, and the Brazilian Serie A, as Cruzeiro look to continue their recent impressive form, at Atletico PR.

The visitors began the new league campaign with a whopping 5-0 thrashing of Goias last week, and they will be keen to build on that result as they look to make it 19 wins from 20 games in all competitions.

Marcelo de Oliveira Santos' side have notched a massive nine goals in their last two games, and that attacking threat gives them a real chance of securing a positive results in Parana this evening.

Hosts Atletico PR line up for this one having won just one of their last five, and a 2-1 opening day loss to Fluminense sees them sitting 15th in the table ahead of this one.

Ricardo Drubscky's charges will be desperate to correct that in front of their own fans, but no clean sheets in half a dozen outings suggests that they might struggle against the final third might of their guests.

Bet 2: Cruzeiro (AWAY) @ 2.52

Betfair Live Video: San Lorenzo reluctant to give up the chase in the Argentinian sprint finish

The visiting San Lorenzo faithful

It's a Saturday scorcher from Betfair Live Video as the Allsvenskan and Torneo Final take centre stage for two pulsating league fixtures from Sweden and Argentina... 

Helsingborgs vs Atvidabergs
Saturday 15:00

With the Allsvenskan league table beginning to take shape, in-form Atvidabergs travel to the Olympiastadion to face surprise league leaders Helsingborgs. 

The hosts have made a blistering start to this year's campaign. After finishing sixth in last year's Allsvenskan in their attempt to defend their title, a few Scanian eyebrows were raised regarding their progress. However since this season's introduction of new boss Roar Hansen the Reds have bounced back in predatory style. 

The forward pairing of Robin Simovic and David Accam have already staked their claim of being a deadly duo in this year's campaign. With eleven goals between them, they have both played major roles in the team's seven wins so far, combined with the ever-present threat of midfielder Mattias Lindstrom in support, you would get short odds on Helsingborgs being this season's top scorers.  

After a sluggish start, the visitors have hit form in recent weeks. After a steady mid-table finish last campaign the boys from Atvidabergs have looked to kick on this season with boss Peter Swardh at the helm. Taking nine points from the last four games (scoring ten in the process) has put them in good stead approaching a fixture that many feel is a 'shot to nothing' game where anything will be considered a bonus. 

Imad Zatara - remember the name. After playing a bit part in last year's campaign, the Palestinian has cemented his place in the Atvidaberg starting eleven, and is beginning to reap the rewards. Scoring in three of his side's four victories, all at their Kopparvallen home, the 28-year-old is on course for his most fruitful season yet, in a somewhat stop start career. 

Don't rule them out; Atvidabergs will have a go on Saturday afternoon. Scoring freely and high on confidence, expect the visitors to breach the host's defence for only the eighth time this year, however with a ruthless strike-force on home turf, expect the league leaders to extend their lead at the top of the tree.

Recommended Bet:
Back both teams to score @ 1.564/7
Back 2-1 Helsingborgs @ 6.05/1

Atletico Rafaela vs San Lorenzo
Sunday 00:15

The Estadio Nuevo Monumental Rafaela welcomes the visit of San Lorenzo in the early hours of Sunday morning, as the Crows look to extend their winning run to five on the spin, amounting a last minute surge to topple Newell's off their perch.

After finishing in eleventh spot following the end of the Torneo Inicial, San Lorenzo have made better progress in the Torneo Final. Sitting in fourth spot and only six points off the lead, a five-way fight is on to determine who takes on Velez in the end of season championship final. 

The visitors are the league's form side. On a run of four league wins and unbeaten in seven, coach Juan Antonio Pizzi knows that maximum points from the remaining games is a must if his side have a realistic chance of catching the leaders. 

Ex-Everton striker Denis Stracqualursi will be disappointed with his second half to the season. After bagging seven goals in the Torneo Inicial, the Argentine would have hoped to have taken that form into the closing stages of the season, however with only one goal in sixteen appearances to his name, Denis is no longer proving a menace to the Argentine defences. 

The hosts have had a disappointing season. Sitting off the pace in eighth spot, after finishing the Torneo Inicial in thirteenth, the La Crema faithful will be nervous going into the last few fixtures knowing that relegation is still an outside possibility due to the averaging system. 

Without a prolific goalscorer, a lot of Atletico Rafaela's good work has come from the partnership of Lopez and Gonzalez. After spending a majority of the last five seasons out of favour or on loan, Jonathan Lopez has finally found his shooting boots scoring five times making him this season's top goal scorer.

Expect the visitors to come out strongly in Rafaela. Goals will be few and far between, but one should be enough to satisfy the travelling La Gloriosa.

Recommended Bet:
Back San Lorenzo to win @ 2.68/5
Back 1-0 San Lorenzo @ 7.413/2

Channel 4 Racing: Liber Nauticus the horse to back in the Oaks at Epsom

Tony Calvin's tips today come from Epsom

Tipster Tony Calvin had picked five horses for Friday's Epsom races, including Liber Nauticus in the Oaks...

If I hear anyone else trot out Vincent O'Brien's "if you think you have more than one Derby winner, you probably have none," line this week - or whatever the exact quote was, as I am sure it has been bastardised down the years - I won't be responsible for my actions.
 
Everyone is well aware that Aidan O'Brien has to throw a lot of darts at the Derby board when he is up against a superstar from another yard. And so it is with Dawn Approach in the field this season, when he puts five in the firing line.
 
Not rocket science is it? So if you are going to comment on the bleedin' obvious, at least be original, shall we ladies and gentlemen?
 
However, if we keep to that "mediocrity in numbers" logic, should the warning signs start flashing wildly when you look at a five-race card on Channel 4, and you think there is a bet in each one?
 
Probably...but, just as this column advises caution when the Channel 4 races dictate, so we have to back our judgement when punting opportunities present themselves. So brace yourself.
 
The highlight of Friday's Channel 4 card is obviously the Oaks at 16:00, and I get the distinct impression that a very big run is expected from Liber Nauticus.
 
And at around the 5 mark, I think she rates the bet in the race.
 
She certainly wasn't as impressive as Secret Gesture was in winning her trial, but she got the job done professionally in the Musidora at York and everything about the filly suggests that 1m4f, and perhaps even further in time, will see her improve a good deal and she looks the sort to progress with experience, too. Grinders usually do.
 
She only has 3lb and 2lb to find with the market leaders Secret Gesture and Moth respectively on Timeform figures, and is confidently expected to bridge that gap, and more.
 
We will go through the other four fancies on the card in chronological order. First up is Waterway Run in the 13:35. 
 
She has arguably failed to build upon her Group 3 win in the 7f Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket last September in three subsequent starts, but this represents an easier assignment than Group 1 starts in the Breeders Cup and a creditable 6th of 20 in the French 1,000 Guineas last time.
 
She is worth chancing at odds of around 11+ in a very winnable Group 3 contest. Maybe the ease in the ground will bring about some improvement in her, too.
 
Resurge's form figures at Epsom read 121215772, and it is easy to make a convincing case for him return to winning form on the course today in the 14:10.
 
He won this race off a 3lb higher mark two seasons ago, and I think we can assume that trainer Stuart Kittow, who saddled a 20-1 winner at Salisbury last week, will have him cherry ripe for this. Looks for odds of 8 upwards for him.
 
He did run below par on his reappearance last season on this course, but that came on unfavourably heavy ground, and the season before he ran a cracker to finish second over track and trip on his first start of the campaign. The story around him in simple then; he is a well-handicapped horse who loves the track and he is likely to be primed for his return. He probably wouldnt want much more rain, though.
 
Sri Putra doesn't get the credit he deserves, and it could be that the market has underestimated him yet again in the Diomed Stakes a 14:45. He rates a bet at around the 6 mark.
 
He is certainly better than a Group 3 horse at his best - witness his York win last season and an excellent fifth in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes - is officially the best horse in the race, and won first time out last season. That'll do for me at the price.
 
The rain throughout the week is good news for Benzanno's chance in the 15:20.
 
He goes best with cut in the ground, and luckily the handicapper has dropped him 3lb for a couple of below efforts recently on faster ground. Throw in course forum figures of 4212, and we have a tempting betting proposition at around 12 or bigger.

Recommended Bets

Back Waterway Run at 9.417/2 in the 13:35 at Epsom
Back Resurge at 7.87/1 in the 14:10 at Epsom
Back Sri Putra at 5.85/1 in the 14:45 at Epsom
Back Benzanno at 9.89/1 in the 15:20 at Epsom
Back Liber Nauticus at 5.24/1 in the 16:00 at Epsom

Epsom Oaks: Gesture holds the strongest hand

The Oaks is the feature race on Friday.

Timeform's Tony McFadden assesses the main contenders in the Epsom Oaks...

You will often hear about owners dreaming of big-race success; however, I would imagine Sheikh Fahad Al Thani - the main man behind Qatar Racing Limited - is capable of conjuring up a particularly vivid mental image of winning the Oaks, for his beloved silks have already been carried to Epsom Classic glory. Or at least they have if you squint a bit whilst watching a replay of the 1980 Oaks.

Carrying the crimson colours of the late Dick Hollingsworth - whose silks live on with Mark Dixon and his horse Skilful - Bireme and Willie Carson travelled well before forging clear inside the final couple of furlongs to score by two lengths; Sheikh Fahad will surely be imagining Secret Gesture, the most recent of his high-profile purchases, replicating that smooth victory in his almost identical claret silks.

Secret Gesture only had two outings as a juvenile, creating a good impression as she won the latter of those starts, a one-mile maiden at Newbury in testing conditions, by a comfortable two and three quarter lengths. However, the stoutly-bred daughter of Galileo was always likely to be seen to better effect as a three-year-old and she certainly made an impressive return to action in the Lingfield Oaks Trial, slamming her rivals by upwards of ten lengths, drawing clear on the bridle and winning with plenty in hand. 

It was presumably that emphatic success which persuaded Qatar Racing Limited to add the Ralph Beckett-trained filly to their burgeoning string and, say what you like about their purchasing methods, they clearly have good taste: Secret Gesture enters the Oaks as Timeform's top-rated filly. 

Considering Secret Gesture's lightly-raced profile and the effortless style of her reappearance win, it won't come as a surprise to hear that she still retains the 'p', a symbol signifying that further progress is likely. Ralph Beckett has proven his prowess with fillies in the past, famously producing Look Here to spring a surprise in the 2008 Oaks, and you can be sure that Secret Gesture will arrive at Epsom primed to perform to her best.

Secret Gesture, however, is by no means the only filly in the contest that is capable of better. Chief among her rivals open to significant improvement is Liber Nauticus, the well-regarded daughter of Azamour who attracted substantial ante-post support on the back of an encouraging win in a strong Goodwood maiden.

Making her seasonal reappearance in the Musidora Stakes - one of the premier trial races for the Oaks - Liber Nauticus was sent off as an odds-on favourite for the in-form Sir Michael Stoute yard. Although her one-and-a-half length success over Romantic Settings, a Musselburgh handicap winner, has been described in some quarters as 'workmalike', Liber Nauticus won with more in hand than the winning margin would suggest. Tellingly, Ryan Moore was very sparing with his use of the whip, pushing her out hands-and-heels in the main, and she is entitled to come on plenty, especially when you consider it was only the second start of her career.

Although the bare form is well short of what is required to win an average renewal of the Oaks, Liber Nauticus does appeal as a very smart filly in the making. The big question, however, is will the Oaks come too soon in her development? It is probably a question that not even Sir Michael Stoute or Ryan Moore can honestly answer at this stage as she hasn't been fully tested on the racecourse - and probably won't have been asked for everything on the gallops - and Epsom will provide the acid test.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Moth shot towards the head of the ante-post market following an encouraging display in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the daughter of Galileo is certainly bred to relish the increased emphasis on stamina at Epsom. Something of a late developer having made little impression on either start as a juvenile, Moth showed a sharp turn of foot to get off the mark in a fillies' maiden at the Curragh before taking her form to a whole different level when finishing a staying-on third at Newmarket. Given her form, pedigree and connections, it would rank as little surprise were Moth to play a leading role on Friday.

There was a suspicion that Hughie Morrison's Banoffee had benefitted from enjoying the run of the race when making a successful debut at Newbury. However, she certainly didn't have everything go her own way at Chester. Riding Banoffee for the first time, Kieren Fallon had to wait for a split as he entered the short Chester straight with plenty of rivals still to pass, but his filly displayed a sharp turn of foot, picking up well to mow down the opposition in good style. That level of form falls well short of what is required to win an Oaks, but we have yet to see the best of Banoffee and she can't be ruled out, for all others make greater appeal.

An outsider that may perhaps be of interest, particularly if the rain persists, is The Lark. Michael Bell's filly is certainly bred for the job being closely related to Sariska, the winner of this race in 2009, and she shaped well on her return, finishing third having been left too much to do. She looks sure to stay one and a half miles and is a likely improver granted a test of stamina.

As you might expect in the Epsom Oaks, there are plenty of fillies that look capable of leaving the bare form well behind granted a stamina test at one and a half miles. Secret Gesture is just about the standard-bearer based on her emphatic, wide-margin win at Lingfield and she can get her career in the colours of Qatar Racing Limited off to a dream start.

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Timeform US SmartPlays: Thursday May 30

Our US team provide you with three bets on Thursday

Timeform's US team provide you with selections from Charles Town and Finger Lakes on Thursday...

Finger Lakes race 9 (21.46 BST) win back #6 COME ON OVER at 3.55/2 or longer
Charles Town race 2 (00.43 BST) win back #10 INCREDIBLE TERMS at 3.55/2 or longer
Charles Town race 8 (03.25 BST) win back #8 BANNER YIELD at 3.02/1 or longer

Get FREE Timeform Star Ratings & Comments for the US & Canada at http://www.timeform.com/free/.

The 80/20 Bet: Thursday, Sandown, 19:15

Can Cavalryman score for Godolphin ?

A competitive Group 3 event at Sandown is the venue for today's 80/20...

Today's 80/20 is Cavalryman in the 19:15 at Sandown.

This talented individual beat Ahzeemah at Meydan in March. He cruised in to the lead a furlong from home ,and pulled clear to win with plenty in hand.

He fits very well with these, and should go close at a fair price in this fascinating contest.

At present he is trading at 5.95/1 on the exchange.

The 80/20 Bet: Thursday, Sandown, 19:15

Can Cavalryman score for Godolphin ?

A competitive Group 3 event at Sandown is the venue for today's 80/20...

Today's 80/20 is Cavalryman in the 19:15 at Sandown.

This talented individual beat Ahzeemah at Meydan in March. He cruised in to the lead a furlong from home ,and pulled clear to win with plenty in hand.

He fits very well with these, and should go close at a fair price in this fascinating contest.

At present he is trading at 5.95/1 on the exchange.

Hilary Needler Trophy: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Beverley plays host to the Hilary Needler on Wednesday.

Timeform analyse the field for the Hilary Needler Trophy at Ripon on Wednesday...

Blockade showed a similar level of form first 2 starts before making all at Wolverhampton (5f) earlier this month. Should continue to improve, but will need to.

Champagne Babe proved she had plenty of speed when readily taking weak Thirsk maiden earlier this month (well backed). Below that level upped in grade at York last time, yet not one to dismiss lightly.

Fredricka is a cheaply-bought daughter of a 5f winner at 2 yrs. Made only a moderate impact when seventh on debut at Haydock 5 days ago (6f), and will need to step up considerably to take a hand here.

Intense Feeling got off mark at the third attempt in Warwick seller last month (5f). Stepped up on that effort in better grade since, including at Pontefract last time (6f), and likely to give her running again.

Iseemist put up modest efforts in pair of maidens in April, but improved for the experience when landing 4-runner Goodwood maiden (5f) earlier this month (gamely). More required to get involved here, though.

Lexington Rose is a Captain Gerrard filly who improved for her debut when taking Ripon maiden last month (5f), and has bettered that with respectable fourth in listed event at York since. Strong claims.

Limegrove is the type her trainer thrives with, 1-lengths second in minor event at Salisbury earlier this month. Shaped as if still in form from tricky draw at Chester last time, and chances again.

Lorimer's Lot is a daughter of Camacho who showed modest form in a couple of starts before improving to win weak Catterick maiden earlier this month (5f). This race looks considerably stronger, however.

Mops Angel kooked rather unlucky not to finish closer when fourth at Doncaster in March. Confirmed that to land Pontefract maiden following month (5f), and no surprise to see her go forward again.

Rosebay Coral was easy to back when well held on debut at Ripon in April, but put that experience to good use when winning comfortably back there (5f) last time. Needs to improve again to figure.

Ventura Mist progressed with each of her 3 starts so far, and gained reward for her efforts with battling win at Thirsk (5f) 11 days ago. Has a bit to find with Lexington Rose, but should run her race again.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mops Angel
2. Lexington Rose
3. Limegrove

Timeform Verdict: Lexington Rose has looked professional to date and looks sure to be involved, however Mops Angel has also done very little wrong, notably when landing the Pontefract maiden won by last year's heroine Jadanna, and she gets the nod. Limegrove was severely inconvenienced by the draw at Chester last time and should be seen to better effect here.

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Home and Away: Stjarnan looking to freeze out Thor on their own patch

All eyes are on cup action in Iceland

Jonno Turner previews action in Iceland and Sweden as he looks to secure two more winners in his Home and Away column...

We're off to Sweden for our first pick of the day - as Djurgardens host Kalmar at the Olympic Stadium, looking to build on two home league victories.

The Blaranderna line up for this clash sitting bottom of the Allsvenskan, but their recent form belies their position, and they have looked a formidable force on their own patch in the last couple of weeks.

A win in this outing could lift the Stockholm side out of the drop zone places, and boss Per-Mathias Hogmo will be desperate for his charges to take advantage of that opportunity.

Three unbeaten in their last three league encounters suggests that a corner may have been turned, but today will be a real test of that improvement.

Kalmar travel to the capital sitting fifth in the table, but find themselves in inconsistent form on their travels, having won just two of their opening five league outings away from the Guldfageln Arena.

Nanne Bergstrand's side will have been rattled by a 2-0 loss at IFK Goteborg in their last game on the road, and that makes four outings without a clean sheet for Roda Broder ahead of this one.

Djurgardens are unbeaten in four of their last five against their guests, and I fancy their home advantage to see them to another three points here.

Bet 1: Djurgardens (HOME) @ 2.48

Staying in Scandinavia now, but switching our attentions to Iceland - as Stjarnan aim to extend their excellent recent form, with a win at Thor.

The visitors sit just one point outside the Europa League places, fourth in the Urvalsveild following four unbeaten, and two wins on the bounce away from home will give them much confidence ahead of this clash.

Furthermore, two clean sheets in those games suggests that Logi Olafsson's side are more than capable of grinding out a hard-fought win on their travels, and I reckon that could give them the advantage in what looks likely to be a tight cup encounter.

Thor line up for this clash having lost three of their opening five league games - and, occupying an underwhelming seventh place in the table, they may look to focus their attentions on their Urvalsveild campaign.

Pall Gislason's side have kept just one clean sheet from their last half a dozen outings, and that indicates that their guests are likely to be presented with a chance or two here.

And history certainly doesn't favour the Thorsvallur side, who have lost two of their last three outings in this competition on their own patch.

When these two sides met in the League Cup in March, Stjarnan ran out 5-3 winners at Thor - and I think that the visitors have enough about them to win this clash, too.

Bet 2: Stjarnan (AWAY) @ 1.87

Royal Ascot: Kingdom shines in racecourse work

Animal Kingdom will take to the turf at Ascot.

Animal Kingdom's team were more than satisfied with the colt's rehearsal at Ascot as he had a serious workout on the course ahead of next month's Queen Anne Stakes...

Trainer Graham Motion and the assortment of investors in the future stallion are carrying out a distinctly bold experiment by transferring the former winner of the Kentucky Derby on dirt and March's Dubai World Cup on Tapeta to the grass of Berkshire.

Although successful on the turf in America, the rain-softened going on the straight mile course was something different for the powerful chestnut to encounter, but the blowout was considered of such importance that jockey John Velazquez jetted across the Atlantic especially, and was in Britain for only a day.

Animal Kingdom, rated 128 by Timeform, has been stabled with David Lanigan in Lambourn for the few weeks since he arrived victorious from Dubai and came to Ascot with an un-named lead horse with a Lanigan rug.

Taking in the final five furlongs of the straight course, the five-year-old did not really need his companion as he stretched lengths away from him and Velazquez pushed right him out to the post.

There was a moment of anxiety for the vastly experienced Puerto Rican as Animal Kingdom fly-jumped at the line, but the combination were quickly back on an even keel.

"He hadn't been on soft turf like today but he handled it very well," said Velazquez.

"He's very versatile, he has won on dirt, synthetic and grass, I wasn't sure if he'd handle it but he did.

"I hadn't ridden him since Gulfstream the February before last, but he felt the same, he's by far one of the best horses I have ridden."

Referring to the minor fright, the 42-year-old said: "He just saw the line and jumped right on top of it.

"It's a different place, and you've got to expect something new.

"The grass was going one way, and the line the other and he jumped on top of it, rather than over it.

"I knew he had seen something, but he'll have blinkers and a shadow roll (noseband) on raceday anyway. Everything else went very well."

Velazquez has experienced the Royal meeting himself already and won the 2009 Windsor Castle and Queen Mary Stakes on Wesley Ward's quicksilver two-year-olds Strike The Tiger and Jealous Again.

"I know the track very well, you just need the horse to help you out," he said.

"I arrived yesterday morning so I did get my sleep. I had been riding at Belmont on Monday but I was beaten on the wire in the (Grade One) Metropolitan Handicap, so it was a long journey!

"I go back today and ride at Belmont tomorrow. I don't know how long I will come back to Ascot for, but it would be great to stay and get some more rides."

Motion was born in Cambridge but moved to America as a teenager and is based in Maryland.

A highly successful trainer Stateside, he, too, was returning home and will be back next Saturday to oversee preparations until Ascot.

Motion missed the incident after the line as he had accompanied Animal Kingdom to the start aboard his hack.

"John was very pleased and I'm really happy how he handled the soft grass," he said.

"This isn't something I would normally do but I thought this was very important. What we're doing is so different, every stone we turn over will help.

"David Lanigan's has been great, it's a relaxed environment and I'd imagine he'll do an easier piece of work next week and one bit more the week before Ascot."

Animal Kingdom is now owned by three parties - Arrowfield, Sheikh Mohammed and Team Valor - and a number of representatives were watching the work.

The Queen Anne will be his final start before he takes up duties at Arrowfield Stud in New South Wales, Australia. He will then potentially 'shuttle' across continents.

Arrowfield owner John Messara said: "We've already had a pretty strong amount of interest already, with some very good mares booked."

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The 80/20 Bet: Wednesday, Beverley, 19:35

All eyes on Mops Angel in the Hilary Needler

The Hilary Needler at Beverley is the venue for today's 80/20...

Today's 80/20 is Mops Angel in the 19:35 at Beverley.

This filly beat Hello Beautiful in good style at Pontefract last month. She finished strongly, and pulled clear inside the final furlong to win with something to spare.

I think she has more to offer, and should go close at a decent price in this good looking contest.

At present she is trading at 7.06/1 on the exchange.

Gordon Elliott: The thoughts on my two runners at Punchestown tonight

Gordon sends two runners to Punchestown tonight

A busy week for Cullentra House so far, and they send two runners to Punchestown on Wednesday evening. Read Gordon Elliott's exclusive thoughts on their chances here...

17.45 Punchestown - Toner D'Oudairies

We have been delighted with his progress in novice chases since he came back from the Cheltenham festival after running in the Martin Pipe conditional handicap hurdle there in March. He'd been running in novice chases before he went to Cheltenham, but he's been getting his act together of late over fences and been putting in much improved efforts since his return to the larger obstacles. He won a decent novices' chase at Fairyhouse in the middle of April beating Dul Ar An Ol by 5L, and that win was sandwiched in between two seconds, firstly at Thurles behind Lord Ben and then most recently at Killarney when stepped up to 2m6f on soft ground behind Gillian Callaghan's Mad Brian.

He's officially rated 129 over fences now, and on ratings he will need to improve to be competitive here tonight as he faces some higher rated rivals who will make life a bit tougher for here. Paul Nolan's similarly owned Far Away So Close looks the one to beat, and his two recent seconds in good handicap chases at this track set the standard. I'd like to think that the four-furlong drop in trip and the forecast good to firm ground would suit our horse, and he continues to thrive at the minute and is in good order at home. I'd be hopeful he goes into this contest with a solid each way chance if continuing his good recent progress under Davy Condon, in what looks a highly competitive chase.

18.45 Punchestown - Don't Back Down

He managed to get his head in front for the first time over fences at Cork in a decent novices' chase back at the start of April over 2m4f on soft ground which we were delighted with, as he hadn't won under any discipline since picking up a maiden hurdle over 2m4f at Fairyhouse on new years day back in 2011. We decided to step him up to 3m1f in his previous run at Wexford in the middle of April, and he was pulled up by Davy Russell on that occasion after he made a bad mistake at the sixth fence after which he could never get competitive. I'd like to think we could put a line through that run now, as it was the mistake and neither the ground nor the trip that was to blame for the below par performance.

He never had the chance to show us what he could do over an extended trip, so we have decided to try him at 3m1f as I've always thought he would appreciate a longer trip in time. A drop of rain would do his chances no harm, however in saying that he doesn't need soft ground, as it was the bit of nicer ground at Cork that saw him prevail. If he can bounce back from his last run here tonight, and just hunts around for Davy Condon I'd be hopeful he has a decent chance of reaching the frame and picking up some of the nice prize money on offer.

England v Ireland: Rooney to provide Wembley spark

Wayne Rooney has a knack of opening the scoring for England

Roy Hodgson's patched-up squad take to the field for the first of two international friendlies in a week as Christian Crowther offers his insight...

England v Republic of Ireland, Wednesday 20:00, ITV, Match Odds: England 1.528/15, Rep of Ireland 8.07/1, The Draw 4.47/2

You have to feel a little for Roy Hodgson, the timing of these friendlies couldn't be any worse, coming just days after the draining domestic season came to a close.

With some of his prospective players having played in excess of 50 games, it's no surprise to see an innocuous toe injury or two appearing as the sound of suitcases zipping can be heard in the background as the phone call is made.

Still, what players that are left in a rapidly dwindling squad ought to be up for making an impression in these World Cup qualifier auditions.

Hodgson's reign has so far delivered a mixture of results, with some potentially damaging draws in qualifying against the likes of Poland punctuated by some impressive friendly victories over Italy and Brazil since exiting Euro 2012.

Despite a series of big-name desertions, England are still worthy favourites for victory at Wembley, over an Ireland side ranked 32 places below them by the wise heads at FIFA.

England are unbeaten at Wembley since Hodgson took stewardship in May 2012, with a 100% record from two friendlies at the national stadium. Meanwhile, Giovanni Trapattoni's squad have been unconvincing in recent draws in qualifying against Austria and Sweden.

The Republic are likely to be at their most dogged in a bid to stop England in this derby atmosphere but the difference in quality should provide England with joy. Ireland's players are largely drawn from the lower end of the Premier League and below, while Hodgson has the pick of players from the top clubs in the country.

First Goalscorer

Wayne Rooney's decision to hand in a transfer request for a second time at Old Trafford may be questionable, but his form in an England shirt is not. Six goals in as many appearances ahead of this game for his country make the potential captain a tempting pick, especially having struck first on four occasions in this fruitful run.

Half Time

One refreshing feature of the Hodgson era has been his side's ability to start games with decent impetus even in the often docile environment of the international friendly. The last six times that England have taken to the field under Hodgson, the ex-Fulham boss has been able to enjoy his half-time cuppa with his team's nose in front.

Best Bet: Back Wayne Rooney to score first @ 5.39/2
Other Recommended Bet: Back England to lead at half time @ 2.01/1 

Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Eligible to take the opener

Timeform look at the national hunt action at Ballinrobe

Timeform's Irish team concentrate on the action at Ballinrobe, providing you with three bets...

The Noel Meade-trained Eligible shaped with some promise on his hurdling debut at Punchestown, racing with zest out in front before being collared on the home turn, and he can show the benefit of that experience by landing the opener at Ballinrobe. There are plenty of horses in opposition that simply don't look up to winning a race, but that accusation cannot be thrown at Eligible - who also showed fair form in bumpers - and he can score with a hood fitted for the first time.

Onzo Mor may be better over fences but he is weighted accordingly and he can take advantage of his lower hurdles mark in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at 18:30. The step back up in trip could be the key for Denis Cullen's charge as he simply lacked the pace to get involved over the minimum trip last time, though he did stay on fairly strongly, leaving the impression he can strike granted a stiffer test.

Muzak is not the most prolific of winners but he has been in good heart of late and should give a good account in the 19:30. John Monroe's ten-year-old is seemingly as effective over fences as he is hurdles, so reverting back to the larger obstacles is unlikely to pose any problems and he has fewer questions to answer than most of his rivals.

Irish SmartPlays:
All at Ballinrobe

Back Eligible in the 17:30
Back Onzo Mor in the 18:30
Back Muzak in the 19:30

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Timeform UK SmartPlays: Tuesday May 28

Colin Tizzard's Lord of The Dunes can get us off to a flying start

Timeform provide you with a bet from three different venues on Tuesday...

The Colin Tizzard-trained Lord of The Dunes appeared to win with plenty in hand at Taunton and he can supplement that success by taking the 16:20 at Newton Abbot. Always travelling strongly, Lord of The Dunes led on the bridle and was fully in command a fair way out at Taunton, confirming the promise of two earlier efforts in handicap company. Given the way he powered through that contest, today's slightly shorter trip is unlikely to pose any problems and the unexposed five-year-old can take another step forward.

The well-bred Tahaf shaped better than the bare result on his handicap bow at Redcar and he can register his first success in the final race at Leicester (17:35). A half-brother to Hibaayeb, a winner of the one-and-a-half mile Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, Tahaf was always likely to appreciate the step up to ten furlongs at Redcar, showing much improved form as he finished third. He was arguably unlucky not to finish closer to the front pair as he simply did too much too soon, making rapid headway three furlongs from home, and it is likely that this unexposed three-year-old has more to offer.

Our final SmartPlay runs at Yarmouth this evening as we side with Michael Bell's three-year-old Hot Mustard in the one-mile handicap at 19:40. Hot Mustard has yet to win but his latest effort when finishing second over seven furlongs at Redcar was the best he has managed so far and it probably sets the standard in this event. Considering how he appeared to go the wrong way as a two-year-old, it is encouraging that Hot Mustard has now strung together two solid efforts in succession and he should give a good account as long as he sees out the trip.

Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Lord of The Dunes @ 3.55/2 in the 16:20 at Newton Abbot
Back Tahaf @ 2.8415/8 in the 17:35 at Leicester
Back Hot Mustard @ 4.77/2 in the 19:40 at Yarmouth

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!

The Derby 2013: Fabre taking the Pour Moi route to success with Epsom contender Ocovango

Pour Moi comes home first for Fabre

Andre Fabre knows the thrill of winning a Derby and he saddles third favourite Ocovango for the 2013 running of the Classic, but what does French racing expert Isabel Mathew make of the colt's chances? 

Wider opinion may say that Andre Fabre is less bullish about his Epsom Derby 10.09/1 third favourite Ocovango than he was before winning the event with Pour Moi two years ago, however this should not be feared. 

France's 24-time Champion Trainer's more reserved countenance is most likely a result of the added pressure surrounding the colt's challenge in contrast to when he took the event for the first time in 2011. Unbeaten in three races to date, Ocovango has a big reputation, and a lot to lose.

Fabre now knows exactly what it takes to have a winner of the Classic, having succeeded on his ninth attempt. Despite this, a factor in his thoughts is surely that he has been in exactly the same position before with two other unbeaten colts held in extremely high regard, Pennekamp and Visindar. Sent off favourite, both of these were never the same again. 

Like Pour Moi and Ocovango, Visindar too had taken the Group 2 Prix Greffulhe in preparation for Epsom, in the process taking his unbeaten tally to three, just like Ocovango.

The difference this time however is that the Chantilly handler has followed exactly the same path as he did for Pour Moi's challenge when he sent the colt over to canter on the track a week before the big event for the first time.

Evidently all went according to plan with his young jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot, who has had just one ride in England in his career, when third with Brigantin in the Ascot Gold Cup last year.

Boudot has arguably been waiting in the wings behind Maxime Guyon and Mickal Barzalona for some time, but now has his chance to hit the big stage. What he lacks in experience he makes up for confidence and talent. He will have been well prepared by Fabre.

From his reappearance in the Listed Prix Franois Mathet, Ocovango has been a colt that has really taken the eye. That was on very soft ground, as was his sole juvenile start. The jury was then out as to whether he could make the same impression on a firmer surface, which he did last time. 

In two out of his three races to date the colt has led, and he is sure to be ridden handily on Saturday, especially given his number one draw. This was the case in the Prix Greffulhe, where he drew half a length clear from a French Derby prospect having made all the running. 

Despite several positives, there are a couple of potentially negative factors surrounding Ocovango's challenge. To date he has never faced a field bigger than six. Showing himself slightly keen when held up in the Franois Mathet, it remains to be seen how he will cope with the roughness of a race like the Derby. 

In contrast to his stablemate Pour Moi, the colt also appears to have less acceleration in the final stages, but more of a constant cruising speed. This is something that could be difficult if he gets into trouble in-running, and it's unlikely that we will see him coming down the middle for a last-gasp victory in the style of his predecessor!

These shouldn't however take away from the fact that the colt is hugely talented whose limits have not been tested. He is sure to relish the trip on breeding, and also has the advantage of going on all grounds, so it would be no surprise to see the French flag flying once more on the Downs. 

Jamie Lynch's Derby Preview: Staying with the family

Dawn Approach's stamina will be put to the test in the Derby

What's the key race ahead of this year's Derby? Is it the Guineas, or the Derrinstown, or the Dante? Jamie Lynch suggests it may in actual fact be a maiden hurdle at Limerick in 2005 as he unravels the pivotal issue of the race...

On April 24th, the day of the inconsequential Derby Trial at Epsom, the wider racing world paid tribute at the passing of a horse who changed the face of breeding, Storm Cat. The sire of over 100 Graded winners, including eight champion racehorses, Storm Cat's fee, at his height, was $500,000, though as many as 91 of his yearlings sold for $1m or more. His legacy lives on, by bloodline but also by name, with related 'Cats' still purring and pursing around the globe today. 

Two such 'Cats', Fantasticat and Danticat, a son and grandson respectively of Storm Cat, met one July evening in a two-year-old maiden at Tipperary in 2003. Danticat emerged on top, but from then on the pair took very different paths: a tale of two kitties, you could say. 

While Danticat's career consisted of pot-hunting around Ireland, picking up low-grade handicaps, including over hurdles, Fantasticat took off once rerouted to his spiritual home in the USA, winning the Super Derby - yes, the Super Derby - at Louisiana and ending up in the Breeders' Cup Classic. 

He could be a key piece of evidence in the specific conundrum of this year's Derby at Epsom, 'he' being not the Super Derby winner but the humble pot-hunter.

Danticat is out of Colonial Debut, making him a half-brother to Hymn of The Dawn and, crucially therefore, a near-relation of Dawn Approach, effectively his uncle. In Danticat, here we have a horse who, by Tale of The Cat, was bred to be a miler, but showed sufficient stamina to win at an extended mile-and-a-half on the Flat and as far as two miles over hurdles; and stamina, and stamina alone, is the will-he-won't-he riddle over Dawn Approach in the Derby. And it is a riddle.

What needs economising when it's at a premium, no doubt.
And what can you run out of, but not run without.
What proof was in Rum but was lacking in Whisky.
What goes down even when saved, making stretching it risky?  

Stamina. That's what makes the Derby the ultimate test, as it challenges endurance as well as ability. Nobody is questioning Dawn Approach's ability, and nobody is questioning his would-be stamina from the male line of his pedigree, which, from three generations back, reads Sadler's Wells, Derby winner (Galileo), Derby winner (New Approach). The doubt lies elsewhere, principally in the other half of his breeding. 

Naturally, there is a fear-factor involved in a horse going four furlongs further than he's ever been before, especially against rivals that are guaranteed to improve for the distance, but the sceptic squadron who are gunning for the distaff side of Dawn Approach's pedigree - the dambusters as we'll call them - are perhaps overlooking the starker evidence, including Danticat's testimony for the defence. 

Dawn Approach goes into the Derby with a Timeform rating (132) that, in the last 25 years, only Generous and Workforce have surpassed in actually winning the race. That's how exceptional he already is. By Timeform reckoning, Dawn Approach has upwards of 11 lb in hand of the Derby pack, the equivalent of around six lengths, giving him some leeway for a 'get away if not quite stay' performance. I think he'll stay, which is all that can be said. It's impossible to know or to be forthright, but you can put a price on it. 

If the Derby was run over a mile, or even a mile and a quarter, Dawn Approach would be nearer 1.42/5, reflective more of his proven ability and less of his invisible stamina. As it is, he's around 2.0421/20, suggesting it's 50/50, a coin toss, as to whether he stays or not. It's not though, is it? But neither is it as simple as all that...

The Racemakers will be out in force at Epsom, but the ones with a Qipco jacket and vainglorious smile will be put into the shade when the true, blue-ticked Racemakers roll into town: Ballydoyle. These are the boys who can really make and shape a race for you. They will have a plan to beat Dawn Approach, and however many horses it takes, betting without the one (most probably Flying The Flag) in there to set 'a nice, even tempo', in the same way that McDonalds likes to provide nice, even food.  
 
The faster they go, the greater the stamina test, the better for their stayers, and the worse for Dawn Approach. That's the presumed logic, though Aidan O'Brien has sometimes bowled a googly when least expected, and it's least expected in this year's Derby. Either way, the Ballydoyle challenge won't be what it might have been, remembering how Kingsbarns blew away his teammates - Battle of Marengo included - in the private trial ahead of the Racing Post Trophy, then blew away the field in the race itself. 

It wasn't in the conventional way, but Telescope inadvertently had his Derby claims advertised on Dante day, firstly by the Dante, conspicuous by his absence, aspiring to be substandard in the event, and secondly by Elkaayed, whom he beat in a maiden last year, looking a potential Group horse with an impressive win at Newmarket a few hours later. However, Telescope has lost his only race this year, his race against time, now ruled out of Epsom, calling for a stiff upper lip to hide the embarrassment that Britain can't win its own Derby

The shortcomings of the British defence, coupled with what looks a Ballydoyle B-Team, sheds some light on the gathering weight of support and momentum behind the overseas pair, Ocovango and Chopin, though neither should be so short as they are in the market. 

If Ocovango's recent scrambling win had been a listed race - which is about all the form amounts to - rather than the Prix Pour Moi, then two plus two wouldn't equal five, while Chopin, or Anbrechen Ansatz - Dawn Approach in German - as the volks back home evidently regard him, is indeed comparable to Dawn Approach in that he's head and shoulders above his direct contemporaries and unproven beyond a mile, but the pair are chalk and cheese, or colcannon and sauerkraut, in terms of substance and pedigree.

There are holes to be picked in all of the opposition, just as there's a Danticat-shaped hole in the argument that Dawn Approach has no supportive stamina on his dam's side, and the deeper you get the more it looks a simple case of his winning depending on whether or not he'll stay, which, for me, is 80/20 in his favour rather than the 50/50 coin toss the market says it is.

Conjecture rules in racing, but the facts are these: Dawn Approach is from a stallion line of Derby winners, he's out of a half-sister to a winning hurdler, he's unbeaten all along, he has got better with each step up in trip, his style and temperament is conducive to a mile and a half, and, most crucial of all, he's the best horse in the race, by far. Put it like that and it's not a hard riddle, and he's no even-money shot.

Hey diddle diddle, Danticat solved a riddle, and Dawn won the Derby in June.   

Recommendation:

Back Dawn Approach to win the Derby

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Epsom Derby: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Dawn Approach is sure to be a red-hot favourite

Timeform analyse the chances of each runner in the 2013 Derby... 

Battle of Marengo has done little wrong since debut, improving again when winning Derrinstown Trial at Leopardstown, beating Criterium winner Loch Garman. Step up in trip will suit in first-time cheekpieces.

Chopin was supplemented for $75,000 by new owner on back of impressive 8-length success in 8.5f Group 3, beating subsequent German Guineas runner-up. Certain he has more to offer stepped up in trip.

Dawn Approach is a top-class and unbeaten son of the 2008 Derby winner New Approach, and was most impressive when winning the Guineas on return last month by 5 lengths. Potential stamina doubt looks the only chink in his armour.

Festive Cheer was an easy winner of a Dundalk maiden at 2 yrs that worked out well and improved again when narrow third in 11f Longchamp Group 2 on return. Further step up in trip will suit.

Flying The Flag is out of the Irish Guineas and Nassau winner Halfway To Heaven, but looks down the Ballydoyle pecking order here having been held in the French and Irish Guineas so far this year.

Galileo Rock looks all stamina, closely related to high-class stayer Saddler's Rock. Not beaten far in 1m Sandown Classic Trial on return and will relish longer trip, but possibly more of a Leger type.

Libertarian was held by Galileo Rock at Sandown but dented some lofty reputations when running out impressive winner of the Dante subsequently, finding plenty. Step up in trip will suit but a lot more needed here.

Mars was favourite for this even before he won 7f Dundalk maiden in good style last summer. Encouraging sixth in the Guineas only run since and will have plenty more to offer over middle distances.

Mirsaale booked his place in the field with success in the 1m trial at the course in April. Longer trip will be no problem but has a mountain to climb on form to get involved.

Ocean Applause is a fairly useful maiden but hasn't beaten another rival on his last 2 starts. Impossible to make a case for in refitted headgear.

Ocovango is an unbeaten French-trained colt who made all readily in 1m Group 3 Prix Greffulhe last month. Trainer landed same race before scoring in this with Pour Moi in 2011 and should improve up in trip.

Ruler of The World is a Galileo half-brother to Duke of Marmalade. Another trial winner for Ballydoyle when running away with Chester Vase in first-time cheekpieces, storming clear. Respected with stamina assured.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Dawn Approach
2. Mars
3. Chopin

Timeform View: The unbeaten Dawn Approach is a confident selection to confirm his stamina and become the third 2000 Guineas winner in the last 5 years to follow up at Epsom. Ballydoyle will clearly have a major say over how matters unfold with Mars and Battle of Marengo arguably the pick of their hopefuls, while Chopin, the first-ever German-trained runner in the race, can also reach the frame.

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Against All Odds: Atletico MG to keep it tight for a change

Luan's goal last week has likely sealed the tie for Atletico MG

In tonight's Copa Libertadores action live on ESPN and Betfair Live Video from 02:00 GMT, Atletico MG take on Tijuana in what Paul Robinson believes will be a low scoring affair.

This is the second leg of their quarter-final clash with the victor going on to face Newell's Old Boys in the semis. The first leg between the pair finished 2-2 in Mexico last week and with a couple of away goals in the bag, the Brazilians are red-hot favourites to progress.

Atletico MG are a free-scoring side, especially at home. In their last 14 games at Estdio Independncia they have netted a minimum of two goals each time - keeping just three clean sheets. The difference tonight is that they don't need to score loads of goals, in fact, they don't even need to win. A 0-0 or 1-1 draw would suffice and I expect Cuca to send his team out with a more cautious approach.

Tijuana on the other-hand need to score at least once to have any chance of qualifying. An upset was on the cards as they led 2-0 at the hour mark in last Thursday's match, but a Diego Tardelli strike in the 66th minute tipped the balance back in favour of Mineiro and the injury time equaliser from Luan hammered home the advantage.

The Mexicans pulled off a shock by beating Palmeiras in the last round after drawing 0-0 at home. They managed to score twice in Brazil to run out 2-1 winners, but this is a further step up in class and I don't envisage a repeat.

Antonio Mohamed's men have fired five blanks in their last seven away matches and I am quite confident of that being six from eight after tonight. Atletico MG don't need to win though and given that they won't be going all out for goals, at around the 1.8810/11 mark, I have to make over 2.5 goals my lay of the day. 

Recommended Bet
Lay Over 2.5 goals in Atletico MG v Tijuana @ 1.8810/11 

2013 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 149 pts
Returned: 135.03 pts
P/L – 13.97 pts (after commission)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)

Follow The Money: Alsahil runs at Hamilton and is expected to impress

Alsahil runs at Hamilton at 16:40 today

Today's Follow The Money comes from the meetings at Brighton and Hamilton...

We start at Brighton in the 15:00 where Bloodsweatandtears has come in from 4.72n/a in to 3.9n/a. He has been expensive to follow on the AW this year, though there looks to be plenty of reasons for the support today. His win came over this course and distance last spring, the return to a shorter trip should be a plus, and the return to turf, especially with the recent rain all adds up to what should be a much improved performance this afternoon.

Moving to the 15:30 we have today's drifter with Dodina going from 2.546/4 out to 3.65n/a. Although she's a well-bred filly and her debut third placing looked reasonable, the runners who finished in front of her that day don't look anything special, so with that form looking suspect, she might be one to avoid until she confirms whether she is as good as her breeding suggests.

Finally we move to Hamilton for the 16:40 where Alsahil has seen strong support, coming in to 7.613/2 from 1615/1. Micky Hammond's runner put in his best career run on this track last year when a clear winner. His two runs this season have been disappointing, however, he may have needed the runs, with his weight now dropping below his last winning mark a much improved performance today wouldn't surprise.   

Recommended bets

Back Bloodsweatandtears @ 3.9n/a 
Lay Dodina @ 3.65n/a 
Back Alsahil @ 7.613/2

Greyhound Derby: Who's who guide

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"There can be only one starting point, Ballymac Eske. Barrie Draper's superstar, already being compared with the great dual Derby champion Westmead Hawk, is the one they all have to beat"

Winning the Epsom Derby takes about two and a half minutes and requires you to win one race. Winning the Greyhound Derby about half a minute longer and also only requires you to win one race - the final - but that's as far as any comparisons can go.

Before the Greyhound Derby winner is crowned on Saturday 29th June, they will have run in six races (hence the 'three minutes to win it' theory) and have overcome over 150 rivals! Darrell Williams assesses those most likely to succeed.

There can be only one starting point, Ballymac Eske. Barrie Draper's superstar, already being compared with the great dual Derby champion Westmead Hawk, is the one they all have to beat and with the Scottish Derby already safely in the bag, talk of an unprecedented Triple Crown - which would also involve winning the Irish Derby - is already on the street. His impressive Juvenile victory - amazingly his first Wimbledon victory - coupled with the addition of far more early speed in his races should have answered any critics he may have had - not that there were many to start with!

But winning the Derby then suddenly got a whole lot tougher with virtually a 'who's who' of Irish contenders suddenly in the melting pot. But which ones are likely to provide the most serious opposition?  

Hardly an easy one to answer with many of them having had little experience of the Plough Lane circuit - although that obviously doesn't apply to last year's unlucky semi-finalist Droopys Jet or indeed finalist Judicial Ruling, but both have had little racing of late.

Ballymac Vic is one of the fastest dogs the Irish have, but has had little in the way of luck in major finals so far, while Kereight King, with A P McCoy amongst his owners, and now with Pat Curtin, has been a prolific winner courtesy of his superb early toe. 

Perennial Irish champion handler Paul Hennessy has come mob-handed with any number of his team potential winners. Money Talks is particularly rated by his handler and may do even better at Wimbledon than he has in Ireland, while Priceless Sky also looks ideally suited to the south London circuit. 

Graham Holland's Knockglass Billy has an Irish Laurels victory to his name, but it's his sprint speed that could take him a long way, and while the trip may be on the sharp side for Tyrur Sugar Ray, you wouldn't be surprised to see him keep on qualifying, even if his requirement for a rails pitch is of some concern. 

Think Derby and the name Charlie Lister is never far away, and rightly so with the 'Derby king' the race's most successful handler ever with six victories. With most of the attention on 'Eske' and the Irish this year, Lister has been allowed a relatively quiet route through to the event, but never under-estimate his string. Lemon Pluto may turn out to be his best, granted his early speed and light campaign, while youngsters Golden Wonder and Sidaz Jack could easily belie their tender years.

Champion trainer Mark Wallis has won two of the last four Derbies, with Blonde Snapper still fresh in the mind after his triumph last year, and while his challenge is not quite so obvious this time, dogs like classy Bridge Honcho and high class bitch Bridge Ruth plus Golden Sprint winner Glanmire Lad - provided he gets the trip - should ensure his participation through to the latter stages again.

And don't believe Barrie Draper is all about Ballymac Eske. His supporting team of Puppy Derby winner Farloe Warhawk - one of the most prolific winners on the circuit and a greyhound who screams top class - plus the talent that is Eden Star - what a story that would be given his numerous injury problems - could even provide Draper with multiple finalists come the last Saturday in June.

Matt Dartnall, who came so close with Farloe Ironman twelve months ago, relies on fascinating ex-Irish based Isabels Boy, whose 'early' should ensure he goes a long way, while everyone's favourite Rab McNair, with wife Liz, go to the party with Arc winner Shaneboy Alley, whose status as a wide running early bird should serve him well.

Paul Young's resurgence in the past twelve months ensures a strong battalion for potential Derby glory with strong-running Teejays Bluehawk and fast Jaytee Hellcat perhaps the best.

Markets are now available on both the Greyhound Derby winner and on the popular 'back a dog to reach the final' markets - so get stuck in. It is, after all, the world's greatest greyhound race, and it's so much better with a bet!

Greyhound Derby 2013 

Greyhound Derby Finalist 2013

England Cricket: KP's back - so time for Bell to start ringing

Could Ian Bell be the answer as an opener for the Ashes?

Kevin Pietersen is stepping up his fitness work as he rejoins England's cricket squad while they contest a One Day Series against New Zealand. Ralph Ellis says he will have a big impact, even if he's not actually playing...

Reintegration was the buzz word for cricket last winter. The sub-plot to England's Test series triumph in India was all about bringing back the explosive batting talent of Kevin Pietersen and drawing a line under - or should that be pressing the delete button - on those silly texts.

In the event Alastair Cook got it dead right, KP made a huge contribution to the tour to the sub Continent, and all went well. But now it starts all over again. The ego has landed in the England camp today as Pietersen returns to work with the rest of the squad in preparation for the Ashes.

Coach Andy Flower has clearly laid down the policy that KP will be held back to take care over his fitness. He hasn't played since March, and although he is pain free following treatment on his knee, nobody wants to take any chances.

"We can't give a date or a timeline for Kevin playing - his focus is on getting back to fitness," said Flower.

As such Pietersen won't take any part in the One Day international series with New Zealand that starts tomorrow, or in the ICC Champions Trophy that follows it. He won't even bat against England's One Day bowlers in the nets because they will be locked into using a white ball while he needs practice against a red one.

But the shadow of Pietersen will hang over England's squad throughout all the ODI action because the big question will be who drops out of the side that thrashed New Zealand 2-0 to make way for his return.

Nick Compton is the obvious target, sent back to Somerset to try to find some form having mustered just 39 runs in four visits to the crease. But dropping him would mean Joe Root being moved up to open the innings, and coach Andy Flower might be reluctant to put the youngster in the firing line quite so quickly - especially after his brilliant performances in the middle order.

There is another answer - promote Ian Bell. The Warwickshire batsman was the other guy who more or less missed out in the runfest against the Kiwis with a top score of just 31. But his pedigree at Test level is proven and it might be that switching him to the top of the order would be just the challenge to bring the best from him again.

Bell will be opening in the one-dayers, and will know the Pietersen sub plot and that if Compton does survive he will be the next in the firing line to get dropped. All the more reason to think about backing him to be England's top series batsmanwhen the three match ODI series against New Zealand begins at Lord's tomorrow.

England are between 3.052/1 and 4.3100/30 in the early Series Score market to win 3-0, and after their comprehensive triumph in the Test series that looks well worth backing. New Zealand's batsmen all struggled in English conditions against a ball that swung and there's no reason to think they will do any better in the short form of the game than they did in the five-day matches.