June 2007

Another gong for Dame Judi

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

1m 2f 7yd Handicap. Windsor, Sunday, 15.35 This three-year-old handicap is arguably the most interesting race domestically on Sunday with several progressive sorts involved and you are probably wasting your time if you look beyond winning form last time out....Read more »

Lava Man a rock in Hollywood

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Some early Statesside markers will be put down for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park on October 27 in Saturday night's Hollywood Gold Cup. The front two in the market for the Grade 1 race at Hollywood Park this...Read more »

Skipper backs England to push on

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Paul Collingwood insists the future is looking bright after England beat West Indies by five wickets in the second Twenty20 match on Friday night. The new one-day and Twenty20 skipper was delighted with the way his side bounced back from...Read more »

Moore joy for George

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Middleham handler George Moore stunned punters 12 months ago when outsider Toldo landed the Northumberland Plate, but it is far from impossible that the diminutive trainer could strike again with Macorville in Saturday's renewal (Newcastle 15:20). The key to Macorville's...Read more »

Old boys call for England Twenty20 specialists

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Veteran duo Ashley Giles and Darren Gough have called for England's selectors to pick Twenty20 specialists for this year's World Cup. England have shuffled their pack for the Twenty20 and one-day games against the West Indies, as they seek the...Read more »

Fortune to partner Aussie ace

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jimmy Fortune, runaway winner of the 'Top Jockey' award at Royal Ascot last week, has been snapped up by Australian trainer Gai Waterhouse to partner her start sprinter Bentley Biscuit in Newmarket's Darley July Cup. Many observers felt that regular...Read more »

Savill hoping for a return to the big time

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Former BHB chairman Peter Savill, owner of 1995 French Derby hero Celtic Swing, is hopeful that his Royal and Regal will aquit himself well in Sunday's Irish Derby at the Curragh. The Sadlers Wells three-year-old landed a listed contest in...Read more »

England v West Indies

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sunday 10:45 (Lord's) West Indies will seek to salvage some pride from a wretched tour in this three-match One Day series. A 3-0 humbling in the Test series has been compounded by a tour-ending injury to their captain Ramnaresh Sarwan...Read more »

Top weight shouldn't stop Mambazo

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Top-weight might not be sufficient to stop the in-form Mambazo winning Wolverhampton's 6f Handicap at 15:20. The Stuart Williams-trained sprinter won with a bit in hand over a similar distance at Lingfield last week, a victory for which he's picked...Read more »

Hayden eyes continued Aussie run

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Matthew Hayden has dismissed talk of retirement and looks set to play a big part in Australia's Twenty20 World Cup campaign. The 35-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic 2007, helping his country regain the Ashes before then playing a key role...Read more »

Callan picks up Plate ride

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Leading fancy for Saturday's two mile Northumberland Plate, Aile Eile, will now be partnered by Neil Callan following a late switch of jockey plans. Fran Berry, who had originally been booked to take the mount on the seven-year-old, will be...Read more »

Boscobel in great shape for Irish Derby

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Last week's impressive all-the-way Royal Ascot Group 2 winner, Boscobel, is in great shape for his bid to complete a high-profile double in Sunday's Irish Derby. The Sheikh Mohammed-owned colt, supplemented for the race at a cost of €150,000, made...Read more »

Gayle eyes recovery mission

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Chris Gayle is determined to help the West Indies regain their pride in the upcoming Twenty20 and one-day international matches. The new one-day skipper under-performed in the Test arena, scoring only one half-century at the top of the order, as...Read more »

Dimenticata confirmed for Pretty Polly

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Prendergast has confirmed that his Classic-placed Dimenticata will line up in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday. The filly finished a good second to Finsceal Beo in the Irish 1000 Guineas, a run which convinced her...Read more »

Trott fit for run-out

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England new boy Jonathan Trott looks set to be available for the first Twenty20 match with the West Indies, after training on Wednesday. The 26-year-old was called into the squad for his first taste of international cricket but picked up...Read more »

Dravid eyes late runs

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

India captain Rahul Dravid is looking for an improved batting display in the final ten overs of the second one-day international with South Africa in Belfast. The two sides are set to face each other in the second of a...Read more »

England v West Indies Twenty20

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England and the West Indies enter into uncharted territory on Thursday when they play their first ever international Twenty20 match against each other, the first of two games in two days at the Brit Oval in south London. Both of...Read more »

Ground key to Juniper Plate challenge

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Juniper Girl has attracted consistent support for the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday with Michael Bell's filly looking likely to start one of the market leaders. The daughter of Revoque has enjoyed a remarkably consistent career to date, having...Read more »

Tolerance to be Newcastle hero

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Zero Tolerance showed he was returning to something like his best at York last month and David Baron's seven-year-old looks to have an excellent chance in Newcastle's feature handicap (15:30). The gelding began this season in quiet fashion, showing little...Read more »

Mud lover Zennerman to strike in Bell

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Ryan's Zennerman looks to have good prospects of getting off the mark for the season when he contests the historic Carling Carlisle Bell Handicap (15:30). The four-year-old has only a modest win to runs ratio but his form is...Read more »

Cook relishing one-day chance

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Alastair Cook believes there are exciting times ahead for the England cricket team and feels new coach Peter Moores has made a big difference. Cook began his career under former coach Duncan Fletcher, making an immediate impact in the game,...Read more »

Pothas seething at thuggish behaviour

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Middlesex wicket-keeper Nic Pothas was disgusted with fans' behaviour at their Twenty20 clash with Hampshire after items were stolen from the changing rooms in Southgate. The London side triumphed by five runs in the rain-shortened match but it was the...Read more »

Handicapper suggests degree of leniency for Yeats Cup option

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Dual Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats may well find himself on a fairer handicap for the Melbourne Cup than last year when he carried top weight into seventh place in Australia's greatest horse race. Jockey Mick Kinane hinted that connections...Read more »

Stoute team favouring King George bid for Maraahel

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Last weeks gutsy Hardwicke Stakes hero Maraahel could well make his next appearance in the mid-summer showpiece, the King VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. Sir Michael Stoute's grand performer got the better of a tremendous tussle with Scorpion to...Read more »

Mountain towers above rivals

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Cove Mountain looks to have been given an equitable weight in the claiming race at Brighton (15:30) and the mare appears to have an excellent chance of finally breaking her maiden tag. Having failed to find the back of the...Read more »

Murali magic puts Sri Lanka in control

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sri Lanka ended day one of the first Test against Bangladesh in Colombo in a dominant position after Muttiah Muralitharan took five wickets to help dismiss the tourists for 89. 'Murali' did not take long to get into the swing...Read more »

Miss Andretti to return home

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

King's Stand Stakes winner Miss Andretti seems unlikely to stay in Britain to run in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 13, according to trainer Lee Freeman. The mare who broke the track record on the opening day...Read more »

Johnson colt set for Irish Derby bid

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Recent Ascot winner Boscobel may be supplemented for the Irish Derby on July 1, with a decision set to be made on Tuesday. Mark Johnston's colt was an impressive scorer in the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting...Read more »

Twenty20 Wednesday preview

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The Twenty20 season continues apace this week, and Wednesday sees two of the biggest games of the campaign as Yorkshire and Lancashire meet in their second Roses match inside three days and Hampshire host their fierce rivals Sussex at the...Read more »

Moore admits lack of T20 knowledge

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

West Indies coach David Moore has admitted his side lacks the understanding of the Twenty20 game, after the tourists fell to a 51-run defeat at the hands of Derbyshire. The tourists did well in the field to restrict the Phantoms...Read more »

Etain looks best value in Fillies Handicap

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

With several hard-to-win with Fillies in the opening race on Monday's Windsor card, it may pay to take a chance with the Walter Swinburn-trained Etain at 18:40. The daughter of Alhaarth looks the least exposed of the runners, and makes...Read more »

Pietersen targets Windies humiliation

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Pietersen has targeted a crushing defeat of West Indies in the upcoming one-day series to herald in a new era for England's one-day side. Paul Collingwood has succeeded Michael Vaughan as skipper in the shorter version of the game...Read more »

Surrey re-sign Harbhajan

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Surrey have announced the re-signing of India prolific off-spin bowler Harbhajan Singh for the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old was recently left out of India's national team to face England in three Tests and seven one-day internationals later this...Read more »

Noseda outlines Soldier's Tale plans

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jeremy Noseda has confirmed that Soldier's Tale will be aimed at the remaining top sprints this year, following his blistering success in the Golden Jubilee Stakes on Saturday. The six-year-old flew the flag for Britain by sweeping home late and...Read more »

Right To Play impresses ahead of Northumberland Plate

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

John Gosden's Right To Play produced a magnificent piece of work ahead of a tilt at Saturday's John Smith's Northumberland Plate. The son of Kingmambo looked extremely well during a spin with ex-French horse Early March, and would have pleased...Read more »

1m 4f Listed Stakes

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Pontefract, Sunday, 15.40 A teasing Listed contest (15.40) is the feature on Sunday's Pontefract card with any number of possible winners. The key race is the recent Listed Hildon Stakes at Goodwood, in which four of these took part, Ivy...Read more »

Eagle Mountain yet to peak

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aidan O'Brien has confirmed that Epsom Derby runner-up Eagle Mountain is on course for the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on Sunday week, with a back-up of three possible stable companions. Derby winner Authorized looks like going instead for the...Read more »

Cole to Newcastle

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Withdrawals from today's Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot could have significant knock-on effects for next Saturday's major handicap, the John Smith's Northumberland Plate, aka the Pitmen's Derby. Rayhani and Strategic Mount, confirmed fast-ground specialists, have been scratched from...Read more »

Surrey v Hampshire

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Surrey v Hampshire, Sunday 14.40 Two of the Twenty20 Cup's early favourites do battle in this televised clash. Surrey, winners of the inaugural tournament in 2003, host Hampshire, finalists in this season's Friends Provident Trophy. The Lions cruised past Middlesex...Read more »

Pietersen takes on senior role

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Star batsman Kevin Pietersen will play a direct role in tactics in the new-look limited-overs England side. The news comes after Paul Collingwood was unveiled as captain for the two Twenty20 Internationals and three 50-over-a-side matches against West Indies. "It's...Read more »

Snape claims hat-trick for Foxes

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Leicestershire Foxes opened the defence of their Twenty20 title with a 13-run victory over Yorkshire at Grace Road. The game was reduced to 16 overs per side because of heavy rain, with skipper Jeremy Snape grabbing a hat-trick for his...Read more »

Maraahel backers to be in seventh heaven

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Maraahel, so often found wanting when upped in class, can win at his level and claim his seventh Group success in the Hardwicke Stakes (Ascot 15:05). Sir Michael Stoute has had a frustrating Royal Ascot to date but in the...Read more »

Improving Scorpion to sting rivals

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aidan O'Brien believes his Scorpion can improve on his recent Group One success in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, when he runs in Saturday's Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Classic winner will have to defy a Group One penalty...Read more »

O'Brien fears heavy weight for Yeats

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats may once again head down under for the Melbourne Cup in November, but trainer Aidan O'Brien fears a big weight in the staying event. The six-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the 2m 4f...Read more »

Collingwood handed captain's role

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Paul Collingwood has been confirmed as England's one day captain, with the Durham all-rounder leading the team in the upcoming matches against the West Indies. The 31-year-old succeeds Michael Vaughan and will lead the team for the two Twenty20 matches...Read more »

Twenty20 - Nottinghamshire v Lancashire Preview

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Saturday sees Sky's cameras visit Trent Bridge for the Nottinghamshire Outlaws clash with the Lancashire Lightning on the second day's play in the Twenty20 Cup. Lancashire were the 8.4 favourites in the outright market for this competition ahead of Friday's...Read more »

Batsman change for Sri Lanka

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Despite being forced to change their opening batting partnership, Betfair punters still see Sri Lanka as firm favourites to beat Bangladesh in the first Test. Upul Tharanga is missing through injury and has been replaced in the side by Michael...Read more »

Pietersen out of captain running

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Pietersen has ruled himself out of the running to replace Michael Vaughan as England's one-day captain. The world's top ranked one-day batsman had been among the list of players understood to have been considered by the selectors. But the...Read more »

Warne form hands Hampshire favourites tag

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Shane Warne played a key role in helping Hampshire reach the Friends Provident Trophy final and Betfair punters feel his influence will help the Hawks win the competition. The Australian spin legend took 2-37 to help his county to a...Read more »

In form OBrien set for another winner

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aidan O'Brien's all-conquering stable has been in terrific form at Royal Ascot and You'resothrilling looks another potential winner for the Irish maestro, in the 6f Albany Stakes at 14:30. Mick Kinane's mount safely holds May Day Queen, who could only...Read more »

Bolger happy ahead of Coronation bid

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Jim Bolger reports he's very happy with his flying filly, Finsceal Beo, prior to her bid for Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Successful in the English 1,000 Guineas on her Newmarket reappearance, Finsceal Beo was then narrowly touched off by...Read more »

Andretti doubling up in Golden Jubilee Stakes

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tuesday's runaway King's Stand winner, Miss Andretti, is bidding to notch a notable Royal Ascot sprint double when she lines up for Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes. The Aussie-based speed merchant smashed the minimum distance course record, however the six-year-old mare...Read more »

England's summer so far - CRICKET FEATURE

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England swept aside West Indies with expected ease and now look forward to the arrival of India. Rahul Dravid's men will provide a tougher test as England seek to prove that they have put their horror tour of Australia behind...Read more »

No major surgery for Nielsen

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tim Nielsen does not envisage making wholesale changes for the Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa as he embarks on a new era as coach of Australia. The retirement of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer means Nielsen has...Read more »

Harmison hoping to play on

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Steve Harmison is hoping to get through England's upcoming Test against India before having surgery on a hernia. The Durham fast bowler played through the pain of a lump in his groin on his home ground to help England triumph...Read more »

Sound Of Nature gets Hunt Cup go-ahead

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Henry Cecil has confirmed the strongly-fancied Sound Of Nature as a definite runner in Wednesday's 1m Royal Hunt Cup at 16.20. Previously it had been thought that the progressive four-year-old would take his place in Friday's 1m2f listed Wolferton Stakes,...Read more »

Hollioake signs for Essex

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Essex have secured the services of Adam Hollioake for the Twenty20 Cup after he came out of retirement for the competition. The former Surrey skipper has been living in Perth, Australia, since he retired back in 2004 but Essex have...Read more »

Friends Provident Trophy semi-final preview

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Wednesday sees the semi-finals of the Friends Provident Trophy, with four deserving sides having made it through the slog of nine games apiece in the North and South Conferences and proved worthy of qualification. Durham, winners of the North Conference...Read more »

Warwickshire leave Bell out

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Warwickshire have opted to leave Ian Bell out of their squad for Wednesday's Friends Provident Trophy semi-final against Hampshire. The news comes as a big surprise after England gave the 25-year-old batsman permission to play as soon as the final...Read more »

Haggas colt looks Enticing

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The Australians provide a strong challenge in the King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot (15:05), but it could be the Irish-bred Enticing who can keep the Group Two prize on home shores for trainer Willie Haggas. Trained as a superstar...Read more »

Andretti not great value - Trainer

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Lee Freedman believes Miss Andretti may be not be value at the current price of 4.5, despite the mare being fit and ready for action in Tuesday's King Stand Stakes. "Anyone who wants to take the silly odds they're...Read more »

Semple sweet on Boy

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Ian Semple believes his Burnwynd Boy has an excellent chance of upsetting some of his better bred rivals in the opening race at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The two-year-old is one of 20 entries in the Coventry Stakes and...Read more »

Aussies wait on Tait fitness

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait is in a race to be fit for September's inaugural Twenty20 World Cup as he requires elbow surgery. The 24-year-old has injured his right elbow and will go under the knife on Tuesday, which means...Read more »

Vaughan tipped to step down

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Mounting talk that Michael Vaughan may step down as England's one-day captain could have a major impact on the betting for the upcoming series against West Indies. The Test skipper has struggled in the limited-overs version of the game and...Read more »

Rebel ready to rock

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Cockney Rebel, the brilliant winner of the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, heads the eight-strong field for Tuesday's St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Geoff Huffer's colt will be looking to add another Group One success to his impressive...Read more »

Bolger very happy with Finsceal Beo

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Finsceal Beo is in excellent form ahead of Friday's Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, according to her trainer Jim Bolger. The English and Irish 1000 Guineas winner currently trades as the Betfair ante-post favourite at 3.3 for the Group One...Read more »

Kaneria on a learning curve

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria said he hoped to keep Essex on the "winning track" after signing a new one-year contract with the county. The new contract will take Kaneria, who has taken 62 wickets in all competitions so far this...Read more »

Pietersen already looking ahead

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Pietersen has said Peter Moores' ruthless new England want to "demolish" Australia when the two nations next compete for the Ashes in 2009. Ricky Ponting's all-conquering Aussies swept the Three Lions aside in a 5-0 Ashes whitewash over the...Read more »

Experience the key for Woods

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tiger Woods feels his vast experience of playing in pressure situations will be invaluable as he battles it out for the US Open title. The 31-year-old American and world number one is two shots off the lead ahead of Sunday's...Read more »

England cool on Tres return

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England chairman of selectors David Graveney has played down talk of Marcus Trescothick returning to the side for the Tests against India. Trescothick missed the winter after being struck down by a stress-related illness but he is now back in...Read more »

Top filly faces stud flop George

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Stud flop George Washington faces one of the most eligible fillies in training when he gets his racing career back on track in the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday's opening Royal Ascot programme. When George Washington was winning the 2006...Read more »

Cape hopes for clear run

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

6f Handicap. Sunday, Folkestone, 15.20 Decent prize money has attracted some fair sprint handicappers to Folkestone for the 6f contest at 15.20. Three who are likely to be the focus of punters' attention - Forest Dane (third), Cape (sixth) and...Read more »

Mason set to see shoulder specialist

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Worcestershire paceman Matt Mason is hoping that a visit to the same specialist that treated Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar will put an end to his long-term shoulder problem. The Australian underwent an operation on the problem in February and...Read more »

Jazz to call the tune at Sandown

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

David Barron is a man the bookies fear when he attempts to raid the southern coffers and the Thirsk-based handler heads to Sandown with Partners In Jazz, a likely sort to land the spoils in the RBS Handicap (14:25). Now...Read more »

Sanders red hot for jockey's championship

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Following seven winners in the last two days, jockey's championship trail-blazer Seb Sanders has attracted a flood of money to claim the title for the first time in his long career. Sanders booted home a 31/1 four-timer at Lingfield on...Read more »

Windies name one-day skipper

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Chris Gayle has been appointed as the West Indies captain for the upcoming one-day series against England. The experienced opening batsman, who has made 164 ODI appearances, will lead the tourists in the three-match series with stand-in Test skipper Daren...Read more »

Spirit too strong for Sandown rivals?

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Gleaming Spirit showed enough on his latest start to suggest Sandown's 5f Handicap at 14:40, could be well within his grasp. The Alan Jarvis-trained three-year-old showed signs of promise in his three outings in maiden company, but it was last...Read more »

Sammy fear for Windies

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Darren Sammy is an injury doubt for the West Indies' final Test against England, due to begin on Friday, which is likely to have a major impact on the 'West Indies Top Wicket Taker' market. The all-rounder picked up a...Read more »

Fahey double-handed in the Wokingham

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Richard Fahey has revealed that both Knot In Wood and Wyatt Earp are in good form ahead of their scheduled tilt at the Wokingham Stakes, one of the biggest betting races of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. The 6f...Read more »

Benbaun bidding to go one better

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Benbaun, second in last year's King's Stands Stakes, is on target for his bid to go one better at Royal Ascot on the opening day of the meeting next Tuesday. Trainer Mark Wallace is also eyeing Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes...Read more »

Hoggard upbeat injury report

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Matthew Hoggard says he expects to be fit enough to play for England in the fourth Test against West Indies at the Riverside. The Yorkshire bowler has missed the last two Tests after suffering a groin injury during the drawn...Read more »

Traders to get Newbury treat

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Treat has done very little wrong in three Group One contests and can earn herself some more black type when stepping down in class in the feature race at Newbury (15:50). Mick Channon's filly improved with every race last season,...Read more »

England v West Indies - fourth Test

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Although England secured the Wisden Trophy and the series with the West Indies when they took the third Test at Old Trafford on Monday to lead 2-0 with one game to play, there was more than enough evidence from that...Read more »

Pit back at favourite hunting ground

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Royal Ascot specialist Baron's Pit is set for another run at the meeting with trainer Ed Vaughan confirming the seven-year-old will run in the Wokingham on Saturday week. The gelding won the Norfolk Stakes as a two-year-old in 2002 before...Read more »

Jayasuriya has Twenty20 vision

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Lancashire's Twenty20 Cup chances have been boosted with the signing of big-hitting Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya, who has penned a month-long deal at Old Trafford. The 37-year-old will join the north-west outfit on June 19 as overseas cover for...Read more »

Dark to charm punters at Beverley

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Dark to charm punters at Beverley After an indifferent start to this season, Dark Charm showed signs he was returning to winning form last time out at Redcar and he may prove too strong for his rivals at Beverley (15:20)....Read more »

King to go for Jubilee

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Last season's Wokingham winner Baltic King looks unlikely to defend his crown and will possibly step up in class and run in the Golden Jubilee Stakes. The Hughie Morrison-trained seven-year-old produced a dramatic burst of speed to capture the race...Read more »

Hogmaneigh run depends on ground

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Stuart Williams has warned punters that his Hogmaneigh may not run in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot if the ground is too quick. The four-year-old has been popular in the Betfair market since winning the Vodafone Dash at...Read more »

Double bowler boost for India

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

India have been given a double boost before naming their squad for the tour of Ireland and England as both Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel have been passed fit. Zaheer suffered a groin injury during his third over in the...Read more »

Vaughan will show no mercy

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England captain Michael Vaughan has urged his side to be ruthless in the fourth and final Test against the West Indies at Durham, starting on Friday. England clinched the four-match series with a 60-run victory in the third Test at...Read more »

Ex-star slams ECB over bowling

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Former England star Dominic Cork has criticised the ECB for allowing bowling coach Troy Cooley to team up with Australia. The Lancashire bowler has responded to some poor bowling from the likes of Steve Harmison and Liam Plunkett in England's...Read more »

Ball in our court - Tremlett

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Chris Tremlett is confident home advantage will count in Hampshire's favour when they face Surrey at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday with a place in the Friends Provident semi-finals at stake. Hampshire's crucial two-run win over Kent on Sunday saw...Read more »

England win seals Test series

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England ended stubborn West Indies resistance to win the Old Trafford Test by 60 runs and clinch the series. Chasing a record 455 to win, the tourists were eventually all out for 394, led by the irresistible force of Shivnarine...Read more »

Queen Anne is next target for Red Evie

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Michael Bell has Red Evie in good form for her eagerly-anticipated crack at the Queen Anne Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot's meeting on June 19. Bell's filly was a revelation in 2006, progressing from winning an...Read more »

Spencer going for Gold aboard Geordieland

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jamie Spencer has been booked to ride Geordieland at Royal Ascot's Gold Cup on Thursday week. Jamie Osborne's six-year-old, who flopped Down Under when well beaten in the 2006 Melbourne Cup, had previously put up a much better effort by...Read more »

Friends Provident Trophy - PREVIEW

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The Friends Provident Trophy group stage is about to reach a thrilling conclusion. Wednesday sees the last round of matches and no fewer than nine of the 20 teams have a chance of reaching the semi-finals. The South Conference is...Read more »

Ford poised for India post

Editor / 10 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Graeme Ford's first task as the expected new coach of India will be to rally his troops ahead of the upcoming three-Test series in England. The South African was recommended by the committee charged with finding a successor to Greg...Read more »

Harmison will battle on

Editor / 10 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Steve Harmison has vowed to battle through his bad patch and cement his place in the fourth and last Test against West Indies on home soil. England face the struggling Windies at Durham's Riverside in the final match of the...Read more »

Hoggy on way back

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Matthew Hoggard is expected to return to the England side for the fourth Test against West Indies after recovering from injury. The news will come as a welcome boost with England's bowling looking patchy at times during the Third Test....Read more »

Punters impressed by in-form Somerset

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Justin Langer believes Somerset are in a good position for promotion from County Championship Division Two and Betfair punters share his confidence. The south west county picked up another comfortable victory at Taunton on Friday, defeating Leicestershire by an innings...Read more »

Friends Provident Trophy Conference Preview

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

With most teams having only two games to play in the Friends Provident Trophy Conference season, less than half of the sides are in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals with most of their remaining games almost sudden-death. Although...Read more »

Freddy targets summer return

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Andrew Flintoff says he is confident that he will be able to play for England this summer, as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery. There were concerns that the all-rounder would not play for his country again this year,...Read more »

Lara offers help to Windies

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Brian Lara has offered his help to the current West Indies touring party in an attempt to improve their batting. The 38-year-old hung up his spikes at the end of the World Cup and the Windies are missing his quality...Read more »

Vaughan eyes bowling improvement

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Michael Vaughan feels Allan Donald's appointment as a bowling consultant can only help improve England's inconsistent pace attack. There has been criticism of England's bowlers since the disappointing Ashes tour, with the likes of Steve Harmison, Liam Plunkett, Sajid Mahmood...Read more »

Irani plans to retire

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

All-rounder Ronnie Irani has rejected Essex's new contract offer and will retire from first-class cricket at the end of the season. The former England man has been plagued by knee problems for the past few years, which has prevented him...Read more »

West Indies sweat on Gayle fitness

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

West Indies will give Chris Gayle every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the third Test against England at Old Trafford. Gayle is set to have a rigorous workout in the nets today before the selectors finalise their team...Read more »

Cricket - England's injury problems

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England have suffered a series of injury problems over the last two years. Former Coach Duncan Fletcher highlighted the absence of key players as the principal reason for the winter's Ashes whitewash and the physio's room remains as full as...Read more »

India call for Emburey and Ford

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

John Emburey and Graham Ford have emerged as the two main contenders for the position of the new coach of India after Dav Whatmore was ruled out of contention. Former England offspinner Emburey and ex-South African coach Ford have been...Read more »

Sidebottom reveals England team aim

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom has revealed that he is looking to secure a regular place in England's Test side on a long-term basis. The 29-year-old Nottinghamshire man was handed a first Test call-up in six years by coach Peter Moores...Read more »

India call for Emburey and Ford

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

John Emburey and Graham Ford have emerged as the two main contenders for the position of the new coach of India after Dav Whatmore was ruled out of contention. Former England offspinner Emburey and ex-South African coach Ford have been...Read more »

New India chief to be named imminently

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

India's cricket board is hoping to appoint a new coach imminently so the team can step up their preparations for July's Test series with England. Australian Dav Whatmore appears to be the leading contender to secure the job, with the...Read more »

Prior targets another Test ton

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

After a whirlwind start to his Test career, England wicket-keeper Matt Prior is now targeting another century against West Indies. The 25-year-old cracked an unbeaten 126 on debut in the weather-hit draw at Lord's and went on to make a...Read more »

England v West Indies

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Thursday 11.00 England are one up with two to play and will retain the Wisden Trophy if they avoid defeat at Old Trafford. Since drawing on their last visit to Manchester in August 2000, the West Indies have lost 10...Read more »

No surprises as England keep a winning squad

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Ryan Sidebottom has retained his England place and looks set for another opportunity to stake a claim as the top England wicket taker against West Indies in the Third Test. But Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard are again out as...Read more »

Mahmood swings Lancashire fortunes after injury blow

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sajid Mahmood is to undergo a double hernia operation that will rule him out of up to six weeks of action for Lancashire and England. The Bolton-born paceman will be unavailable for the remaining two Tests against West Indies and...Read more »

Revenge sweet for Silverwood

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Middlesex paceman Chris Silverwood was delighted to have made a full contribution to his side's crushing seven-wicket win over Somerset at Lord's. The former England fast bowler took 9-62 in the match as the north Londoners wrapped up victory on...Read more »

Freddie may be ready

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England may be able to call on the services of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff sooner than expected after positive news on his troublesome ankle. The 29-year-old went under the knife for the third time in two years on Friday, after ongoing...Read more »

Give Flintoff a break - Lloyd

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Former England coach David Lloyd feels England would be better served resting Andrew Flintoff for the entire summer to aid his recovery from injury. The Lancashire star is set to undergo more surgery, his third operation in two years, as...Read more »

FTP preview - Surrey v Essex

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The Friends Provident Trophy is coming down to a vital period with many counties going into their final three Conference games knowing that one more defeat will leave them on the verge of an early exit, despite the fact that...Read more »

Samuels joins touring party

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Marlon Samuels has been called up to the West Indies Test squad to replace the injured Ramnaresh Sarwan. Skipper Sarwan has returned home to the Caribbean after suffering a shoulder problem in the second Test defeat at Headingley, leaving the...Read more »