1000 Guineas preview Sunday May 4th 2008
March 31, 2008
RACING - MAY 4 NEWMARKET 1000 GUINEAS
HISTORY
The One Thousand Guineas Stakes is a Group One flat race for three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres) on the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk, in early May. It is one of the five British “Classic” races, the others being the Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, Oaks and St. Leger
It was first run on April 28, 1814 and is the fillies’ equivalent of the Two Thousand Guineas. It takes its name from the guaranteed prize fund for the inaugural event, one guinea being £1 1s, or £1.05. On that basis, the race should be worth £1050. The 2008 renewal is actually worth £375,000.
THE 1000 GUINEAS TODAY
RECENT WINNERS
2007: Finsceal Beo, trained by Jim Bolger (IRE) and ridden by Kevin Manning.
2006: Speciosa, trained by Pam Sly and ridden by Michael Fenton.
2005: Virginia Waters, trained by Aidan O’Brien (IRE) and ridden by Kieren Fallon.
2004: Attraction, trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Kevin Darley.
2003: Russian Rhythm trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Kieren Fallon.
2002: Kazzia, trained by Saeed bin Suroor and ridden by Frankie Dettori.
2001: Ameerat, trained by Michael Jarvis and ridden by Philip Robinson.
2000: Lahan, trained by John Gosden and ridden by Richard Hills.
THE 1000 GUINEAS 2008
The seventy-four entries for the 1000 Guineas include nineteen contenders from Ireland, eight from France and five from Dubai. Irishman Aidan O’Brien has more entries for the first fillies’ Classic than any other trainer (seven). His leading contender appears to be Ascot’s Group One Fillies’ Mile winner and ante-post favourite Listen.However, the O’Brien entries also include Newmarket’s Group Two Rockfel Stakes winner Kitty Matchem who defeated her once-raced stablemate Psalm at Naas in October. Savethisdanceforme landed a Listed contest at the Curragh in October, having finished fourth in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp.
Jim Bolger, trainer of 2007 winner Finsceal Beo, again looks to have a very strong hand with both Saoirse Abu and the intriguing Lush Lashes among his entry of six. Saoirse Abu has excellent credentials, having landed the National Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes (both Group One events). Lush Lashes has only had the one run, but won a million euros on her only start in the Goff’s Fillies Million. Bolger reports both fillies to have wintered well and that Saoirse Abu may head straight to Newmarket, while Lush Lashes may take in one of the trials en route.
A strong French contingent is headed by Alain de Royer Dupre’s unbeaten Zarkava, an impressive winner of the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp for the Aga Khan. The Pascal Bary-trained Natagora ran up off four consecutive wins in France in the summer and has won on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, capturing the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes in October.
Saeed bin Suroor’s all-conquering Godolphin string has four entries. The pick of the four may be Laureldean Gale, second in the Group Three Prix du Calvados at Deauville in August well beaten by Zarkava at Longchamp.
For the home team, James Fanshawe saddles the unbeaten Spacious, half a length superior to Kotsi in the Group Two May Hill Stakes, at Doncaster in September. Newmarket trainer John Gosden is aiming to add a second 1000 Guineas victory with Sense Of Joy. Sense Of Joy broke her maiden in emphatic fashion by making a winning debut on Newmarket’s July Course and then triumphed in the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood. Sir Michael Stoute has taken the Classic twice, most recently with the brilliant Russian Rhythm, and has three entries including Visit, winner of the Group Three Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot. Trainer John Dunlop and owner Hamdan Al Maktoum experienced 1000 Guineas glory in 1990 and 1991 with Salsabil and Shadayid, respectively. The pair has the unbeaten Listed winner Muthabara for this year’s renewal. Clive Brittain, having saddled Pebbles and Sayyedati to success, has entered Group Three Sweet Solera Stakes winner Albabilia and Listed UAE Oaks runner-up Love Of Dubai.
BETTING ON THE 1000 GUINEAS
Best prices as at 12th March 2008.
7/1 Listen, 8/1 Spacious, Zarkava (all Boylesports), 14/1 Natagora (Totesport), 16/1 Sense of Joy, Lush Lashes (both Bet 365) 20/1 Nahoodh (Blue Square), Savethisdanceforme, Laureldean Gale, Saoirse Abu, You’resothrilling (all Boylesports), 25/1 Cape Amber (vcbet), 33/1 BAR.
Each-way terms are ¼ the odds a place 1,2,3.
Ante-post betting is the most popular form of betting on the 1000 guineas, as it is for all five classic races. Online betting sites have been offering prices throughout the winter, despite the fact that the race does not take place until May. The fundamental idea is to back your idea of the winner before it is fully exposed and the price shortens. In this way, a much bigger price can be obtained than on the day of the race. A certain amount of caution is required, though, since if the selection does not run, the bet is lost. Another popular bet with punters is (dependent on the breeding of the filly in question) to back a horse to win the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks (run over 1m 4f at Epsom, in June). It is possible to obtain massive prices about such an eventuality, and the Guineas-Oaks double has been completed successfully forty-seven times. Another type of double that punters seem to like is to attempt to pick the winners of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas. Again, big prices are available, but are a realistic reflection of the bet’s chance of success.
In last year’s 1000 Guineas, Jim Bolger’s Finsceal Beo ran The Rowley Mile faster than any filly or colt in the history of Newmarket’s two famous Classics. While another record-breaking performance on May 4 is unlikely, the 1000 Guineas promises to be another wonderful renewal
Premiership Betting preview Saturday 29th March
March 28, 2008
Birmingham v Man City
Birmingham are hanging dangerously just above the relegation zone after just one solitary win in their last twelve games, whilst Manchester City are heading for their best-ever Premiership finish in Sven Goran-Eriksson’s first season in charge at Eastlands.
Dietmar Hamann should return from suspension to make his 50th Appearance for Man City, whilst Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell starts his suspension with this game.
Birmingham v Manchester City Match Odds:
Bolton v Arsenal
Third-from-bottom Bolton host Third-from-top Arsenal at the Reebok this weekend, as we enter the business end of the season. Both teams need the points desperatel, with Arsenal facing Liverpool in their next three matches, followed by a trip to Old Trafford which could well determine the outcome of their Premiership title challenge.
If Arsenal fail to win, it will be the longest run of games without a win (six) since Arsene Wenger took over as manager. That fact will not be helped by the fact that Bolton have won the last three home games against Arsenal.
Bolton v Arsenal Match Odds:
- Bolton - 9/2 (Totesport)
- Draw - 11/4 (Boylesports)
- Arsenal - 4/5 (Ladbrokes)
Derby v Fulham
This game looks like the battle of the doomed, and Roy Hodgson will know that only a victory over Paul Jewell’s men will give them any hope of pulling off the great escape. For Derby however, this could be the match that mathematically relegates them back to the Championship, a day that has been coming since at least September 2007.
Fulham have not won away from home in more than 18 months, whilst Derby have failed to win a Premier League match in their last 25. Sunderland’s record as the worst-ever Premier League team looks to be under threat too, as failure to beat Fulham would equal Sunderland’s 26 without a win, and the final points tally of 15 looks like a mountain to climb with seven games to go, having taken just 10 from the last 31 matches.
Derby v Fulham Match odds:
Man United v Aston Villa
Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa are the guests at Old Trafford for the Saturday Teatime kickoff (Live on Setanta Sports 1), and victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men could send them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League if Arsenal fail to beat Bolton in the 3pm kickoff. United have never lost at home to Villa in the Premier League.
Manchester United have won 9 of their last 11 games, including their last five in a row, and have yet to concede a goal in more than six hours of football. Villa on the other hand have failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 games, and could potentially fall to ninth place with defeat at Old Trafford.
Man United v Aston Villa Match Odds
- Manchester United - 1/3 (Boylesports)
- Draw - 9/2 (VC Bet)
- Aston Villa - 11/1 (Bet 365)
Portsmouth v Wigan
Portsmouth go into this match seven points off fifth placed Everton with 7 matches remaining, so their best hope of European qualification may lie in the FA Cup, where they are the only reminaing Premiership team, and will face Championship side West Brom at Wembley next weekend.
Wigan meanwhile have more modest ambitions, and will be content with Premier League survival for the third year in a row. They are currently five points above the relegation zone, having averaged a point a game. They will be wary of getting sucked back into the relegation scrap however, having witnessed Sheffield United’s freefall last season which saved them from the drop.
Portsmouth v Wigan Match Odds
Reading v Blackburn
Reading host Blackburn Rovers at the Madejski on Saturday having turned around an eight-match losing streak to record three victories in their last four games, and propel themselves five points clear of the drop zone. Another victory against Mark Hughes’ team at home will go a long way to securing their Premiership status for a fourth season.
Blackburn meanwhile are eight points off the fifth-place UEFA Cup qualification place, and may have to be content with ending the season in the top-half of the table, unless they can string together a fantastic run of victories to propel them above Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Everton into the final UEFA Cup place.
Reading v Blackburn Match Odds
Sunderland v West Ham
Sunderland host West Ham at the Stadium of Light as they look to put some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone as they try to avoid dropping back down to the Championship at the first attempt for the third time in a row. Roy Keane’s side currently lie two places and four points above the relegation places.
West Ham meanwhile will be hoping to do the double over Sunderland, and get their third Premiership win in a row over Sunderland as they finish off the season in the top half of the table, which will be extremely welcome after their flirtation with the relegation struggle last season.
Sunderland v West Ham Match Odds
- Sunderland - 11/8 (Boylesports)
- Draw - 47/20 (VC Bet)
- West Ham - 47/20 (VC Bet)
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Northern Ireland v Georgia Latest betting news
March 26, 2008
Northern Ireland v Georgia Latest Betting News - Wednesday 26th March, 19:45 kick-off, Windsor Park. Nigel Worthington should name Burnley’s Kyle Lafferty and Leicester’s Gareth McAuley in his side after they both shook off knocks to be able to face Georgia in this friendly matchup in Belfast on Wednesday night.
Linfield trio Alan Mannus, Michael Gault and Peter Thompson are also named in the squad, but are not expected to start after being involved in club action on Tuesday night.
Match winner betting - Northern Ireland are strong favourites to win this match, with Bet 365 pricing them at 10/11 for the win, whilst Boylesports are offering 7/2 for Georgia to cause an upset and win in Belfast. Bet 365 have the best odds for the draw (12/5).
Correct score betting - How many goals will Northern Ireland score? Bet365 offer a simple 1-0 victory at odds of 11/2, whilst Ladbrokes will give you 7/1 for a 2-0 win. Blue Square have the best odds for a closer 2-1 win for the Irish (15/2), whilst those looking to back Georgia can get some tasty odds - Boylesports will give you 9/1 for georgia to win 1-0 and 25/1 for a 2-0 win. Blue Square again have the best odds for a 2-1 win, but at much greater odds for the Georgians to win (16/1).
First Goalscorer betting - David Healy is not surprisingly the favourite to score first given his recent scoring record for Northern Ireland ( 9/2, Blue Square). Despite the fact he is unlikely to start the match, Peter Thompson is second-favourite with Blue Square at odds of 13/2. They are then followed by Paterson (7/1, VC Bet) and Lafferty (7/1,Blue Square).
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Scotland v Croatia Latest betting news
March 26, 2008
Scotland v Croatia Latest Betting News - Wednesday 26th March 2008, 20:00 kick-off, Hampden Park. George Burley’s first task as Scotland manager couldn’t be much tougher - He simply has to overcome conquerers of England (which should make them welcome at Hampden Park), Croatia. And he’ll have to do it without 5 of his squad who have withdrawn through injury. Yes, injury. nothing whatsoever to do with the Old Firm derby match this weekend that could well decide the destination of the SPL title. No, it’s due to injury.
Match winner betting - It looks like this one might be a tough match to call - The bookies have made Croatia favourites to win, but only just, with odds of 7/5 (Boylesports), compared to 11/5 (VC Bet) for the Scottish victory. Blue Square have the best available odds for the draw at 9/4.
Correct Score betting - Blue Square have the best odds for most of the potential scorelines for Scottish victories: 1-0 (15/2), 2-0 (14/1), 2-1 (11/1), 3-0 (40/1), 3-1 (33/1) and 3-2 (40/1), whilst Ladbrokes cover the best odds for Croatian victories such as 2-0 (11/1), 2-1 (10/1), and 3-0 (33/1). Croatia to win 1-0 is currently 13/2 with Bet 365. The draws are available as follows: 0-0 (17/2, VC Bet), 1-1 (11/2, Boylesports), 2-2 (16/1, Stan James), 3-3 (80/1, skybet), 4-4 (500/1, Paddy Power).
First Goalscorer betting - Klasnic (Stan James) and Olic (Boylesports) for Croatia, and Kris Boyd for Scotland (Bet 365) are joint favourites to open the scoring at odds of 15/2. They are followed by Kenny Miller at 8/1 (Bet 365) and Steve Fletcher at 9/1 (Ladbrokes). Lee McCulloch is priced at 11/1 with Totesport. Gary Teale, the Derby County winger currently on loan at Championship side Plymouth Argyle is one of the outsiders worth considering at odds of 25/1, with Boylesports, along with Anthony Hutton (50/1).
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Luxembourg v Wales Latest betting news
March 26, 2008
Luxembourg v Wales Latest betting news - Wednesday 26th March 2008, 19:15 kickoff. John Toshack will name an injury-ravaged side to face Luxembourg at the Stade Josy Barthel on Wednesday evening, following injuries to key players Danny Gabbidon, James Collins, Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale as he prepares his side for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign in September. Toshack is likely to give first caps to American-born Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill and Stockport County defender Ashley Williams.
Match winner betting - Wales should win this match, and win it well. At least according to the form book they should! The best available odds for Wales to beat Luxembourg are just 1/3 (Blue Square), whilst Bet365 will give you 9/1 for Luxembourg to win, and 4/1 for the draw.
Correct score betting - Of course, predicting the correct score is normally much harder, particularly in a friendly match such as this, when it is likely that both sides will make wholesale changes at half-time - Sometimes it means the game peters out into a non-event with few goals, and other times it means that the floodgates open as sides lose their defensive edge.
Wales to win 1-0 is just 13/2 (Blue Square), whilst Stan James have a 2-0 Welsh win at 6/1, and the 3-0 at 8/1. Ladbrokes have Wales to win 3-1 at 11/1, whilst Bet 365 have the best odds for a 4-0 Welsh whitewash at 14/1. Not surprisingly, the best odds are for the Luxembourg victories (1-0 is 18/1 with Blue Square, whilst you can get 70/1 for a 2-0 win!), and you can even get 14/1 for a 0-0 draw!
First goalscorer betting - The question isn’t whether Wales will score - It’s who will score for them first! Freddie Eastwood is the favourite at 4/1 with Blue Square, who also have Jermaine Easter at 9/2. Easter has been in fine form for Plymouth Argyle in recent weeks, and scored a great solo goal on Saturday against Watford - Will he take his scoring streak into this game?
Blue Square also have the best odds for Jason Koumas to score first (13/2), whilst Bet 365 have the best odds for Danny Nardiello to break the deadlock. Those looking for longer odds might want to look towards Nyatanga (33/1, Ladbrokes), Roberts (33/1, Boylesports) or Ricketts (40/1, Bet 365).
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
