This weekend sees Merseyside play host to a sporting event which, for just a few short minutes, has the world interested. But enough about Liverpool v Fulham, I'm here to talk about the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.
For me, it is one of our country's greatest sporting events, and one that I always look forward to for the whole year. I am not a massive racing fan, although its a sport I like to think I know a bit about. This year will be slightly different for me, however. For the first time in living memory, I will not be watching the great race live due to my Nottingham Forest season ticket (rightly) taking priority. Lets hope Forest can last the course and distance in the next few weeks, but that's for another time.
My earliest memory of the race as a kid was probably watching Seagram power past Garrison Savannah to take the money in 1991, when I was just five. Since then, I have witnessed many ups and downs, backed two winners (1996, 2004) and many, many losers. But, no matter what horse you are on, where your money is won or lost, it is a Saturday like few others in the British sporting calendar for drama, anticipation and excitement.
As for this year's renewal, there are plenty of runners in with a chance. All of the first six home last year are back again, including Comply Or Die and Mon Mome, both of which have genuine hopes of becoming the first horse since 1974 (Red Rum, of course) to win it more than once.
I am going to back three of those first six from last year in My Will, State Of Play and Cerium, who only scraped into the race today (Friday) but has had a surge of interest since it was initially named a reserve.
My Will came close last year, and this time carries less weight (11-2) than last year. he should have another decent run following similar preparation. State Of Play has a great chance in my opinion despite a quiet season. He has won over the big fences in the past, and experience like that is invaluable. I thought it was tough not to select at 16/1. As for Cerium, he was 5th last year at incredibly long odds, and was not even fully fit. His long price of 66/1 suggests it will take another monumental effort, but you never know, it is Aintree after all.
Enjoy the race!
Friday, 9 April 2010
Friday, 2 April 2010
A crucial day for the title race - my thoughts
This Saturday is likely to be the biggest day of the season so far in the Barclays Premier League, as champions and leaders Manchester United host Chelsea, who sit just a point behind. The game is being billed as the title decider, which is fair enough - there are only five games left after this one - but I only think the championship can be lost this weekend, and even then I'm not too certian if that will be the case.
Chelsea, despite playing catch-up currently, know that six wins will win them their first league title since 2006. Their problem is that Manchester United are in exactly the same position. The game therefore has to be played like a cup-tie for my money. Had Arsenal not roared back into contention, Sir Alex Ferguson's side would have been very happy not to lose the game, whereas Chelsea need to win whatever the circumstances. The Gunners' surge of late, and their so-called easier run-in however, means that United need to go all out for a victory.
Arsene Wenger will be praying that it is a draw at Old Trafford, the game finishing just minutes before his side entertain Wolves at the Emirates Stadium. On paper, Wolves at home is one of the more winnable games in this league, but just how much will Wednesday's game against Barcelona have taken out of them? Of course, they are without Cesc Fabregas for the remainder of the campaign, the talisman behind their blistering form since their home defeat to Chelsea which appeared to knock them out of contention, but they should be good enough for three points.
That would leave them on 71 points, possibly just two behind United at close of play. They could however be five behind if United and Wolves record wins, and that would be too large a gap to close in my opinion.
These two games will go a long way to deciding just how many teams are still in the title race. Personally, I think we will still have as many questions as answers, and all three teams will fight it out a little while longer.
Chelsea, despite playing catch-up currently, know that six wins will win them their first league title since 2006. Their problem is that Manchester United are in exactly the same position. The game therefore has to be played like a cup-tie for my money. Had Arsenal not roared back into contention, Sir Alex Ferguson's side would have been very happy not to lose the game, whereas Chelsea need to win whatever the circumstances. The Gunners' surge of late, and their so-called easier run-in however, means that United need to go all out for a victory.
Arsene Wenger will be praying that it is a draw at Old Trafford, the game finishing just minutes before his side entertain Wolves at the Emirates Stadium. On paper, Wolves at home is one of the more winnable games in this league, but just how much will Wednesday's game against Barcelona have taken out of them? Of course, they are without Cesc Fabregas for the remainder of the campaign, the talisman behind their blistering form since their home defeat to Chelsea which appeared to knock them out of contention, but they should be good enough for three points.
That would leave them on 71 points, possibly just two behind United at close of play. They could however be five behind if United and Wolves record wins, and that would be too large a gap to close in my opinion.
These two games will go a long way to deciding just how many teams are still in the title race. Personally, I think we will still have as many questions as answers, and all three teams will fight it out a little while longer.
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