22nd September: Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Newbury)

A total of 38 entries are still engaged in the Group Two Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury which takes place on day two of the Dubai Duty Free International Weekend, Saturday, September 22.

The six-furlong contest for two-year-olds boasts an excellent roll of honour with Ribchester (2015) and champion sprinter Harry Angel (2016) among the recent winners.

Aidan O'Brien has yet to win the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes. Britain's and Ireland's champion trainer still has six entries including Land Force, winner of the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, and the Coventry Stakes third Sergei Prokofiev.

Louis Treize (Richard Spencer), who was an eye-catching winner on the All-Weather at Newcastle, is an interesting contender.

Heartwarming (Clive Cox), one of several fillies among the entries, warmed up for the Mill Reef Stakes by running in the Listed Byerley Stud Stakes over five furlongs at Newbury where she finished a promising second.

Heartwarming's trainer Clive Cox, who won the Mill Reef Stakes with Harry Angel, also has the July Stakes runner-up Konchek in the field.

The winning most British trainer of all time, Mark Johnston, has two contenders to go with, notably Royal Ascot scorer Main Edition and Marie’s Diamond for the Middleham Park syndicate.

The impressive Goodwood nursery handicap victor Don Armado (Stuart Williams) is also expected to contest the race.

22nd September: William Hill Gold Cup (Ayr)

Royal Ascot winner Bacchus and last year's July Stakes scorer Cardsharp are the most prominent names in next Saturday’s Ayr Gold Cup. 

The Brian Meehan-trained Bacchus was last seen finishing down the field behind Polydream in the Prix Maurice de Gheest.

Cardsharp is the joint top-rated runner with Bacchus. He won the Listed Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury in June and is quoted at 33/1 for the Scottish contest.

Godolphin, who have never lifted the 6f contest, have three entries in the form of Top Score, Brian The Snail and the more fancied Culturati who ran well at York last time.

Having won the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon four weeks ago, the David Baron-trained Gunmetal is bidding for another big Saturday handicap win at Ayr.

Gunmetal won at both Thirsk and Newmarket in the spring and finished third at the Curragh in the Scurry Handicap in July. He is clearly in good heart and 16/1 seems like a decent each-way bet at this stage.

Red-hot trainer of the moment, Andrew Balding, who sent out last year's winner Donjuan Triumphant to win the rescheduled race at Haydock, saddles Stone Of Destiny, while the 2016 runner-up, Growl, is among a number of entries  from the two-time winning trainer Richard Fahey.

The Dean Ivory team are also mulling an Ayr Gold Cup run for Flaming Spear.

The six-year-old picked up a 5lb penalty for winning a valuable £100,000 Goodwood handicap, but he is still 1lb well in after a 6lb rise from the handicapper.

The Prix De La Foret is still an option for the horse but punters are confident he will be heading to Scotland and there is plenty of money for him at 12/1.

29th September: Cambridgeshire Handicap (Newmarket)

The Kieswetter family’s 2017 Sun Met champion Whisky Baron (W.Haggas) has been allotted top weight for the race but there are some doubts about his participation.

Whisky Baron (9st 10lb) is one of three leading fancies for Haggas alongside Alfarris and Seniority.

Other well known names in the line up include Zhui Feng, successful in the 2017 Royal Hunt Cup, and the Brian Meehan-trained Spark Plug, the winner of this race two years ago.

David Menuisier has the fast-improving Danceteria as his main candidate. Danceteria has won his last three starts, all mile and a quarter handicaps on Newmarket’s July Course.

Menuisier’s other two entries, History Writer and Dragons Voice, would both need to pick up penalties in order for them to get into the handicap proper and take their places.

Andrew Balding’s Pivoine won a couple of autumn handicaps last term for Sir Michael Stoute and bolted up at the Ebor Festival last month.

John Gosden’s Stylehunter has also been well touted for the race and is a well-supported 12/1 chance in the horse racing betting.

29th September: Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes (Newmarket)

Signora Cabello and Pretty Pollyanna are all set for a rematch in the Cheveley Park Stakes at the end of the month.

Signora Cabello has won four of her five starts for John Quinn, including Group Two victories in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte.

In the Prix Morny at Deauville she was narrowly beaten by the Michael Bell-trained Pretty Pollyanna when the pair of them made it a British trained 1-2.

The John Gosden-trained Angel’s Hideaway is hoping to put misfortune behind her in this contest.

She went to York for the Lowther on the back of a convincing victory in the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot but she was checked in her run at critical time and was eased down by Frankie Dettori.

The winner of the Lowther Stakes that day was Aidan O’Brien’s Fairyland who reopposes and is an 8/1 chance.

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

After months of qualifying, the Champions League proper gets underway this week. The group stages might not always provide the greatest drama, but this is still an exciting time. Football’s premier club competition is back.

There are some cracking matches on Tuesday night. Here are a few thoughts and tips on four of them…

INTER MILAN vs Tottenham Hotspur

Inter had an interesting summer window, and crucially kept hold of Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic.

The season, though, has not started at all well with just one win in four Serie A matches, despite a relatively favourable schedule. Luciano Spalletti’s side have been a little unlucky so far, but performances quickly need to turn into results.

Tottenham’s season began with three victories. Consecutive defeats and disjointed performances are a worry for Mauricio Pochettino, however. Harry Kane is still not sharp, and the midfield remains flimsy.

Despite some very impressive displays in Europe last season, Tottenham are not a good price to get a victory in Milan. Inter have the firepower to cause Spurs problems and should at least avoid defeat.

TIP: Inter to win or draw @ 4/9

PREDICTED SCORE: Inter 1-1 Spurs (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

LIVERPOOL vs PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Group C should be a cracker. Liverpool and PSG are the two favourites to progress, but Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli will be no pushovers and a trip to Belgrade play against Red Star is a potential banana skin for any team.

Liverpool’s flying start to the season is perhaps not that surprising. PSG are also five wins from five, and that’s even less shocking.

This has everything to be a thriller, there are two attack-first managers, several superstar forwards and two of the competition’s favourites going head-to-head.

This could meander into nothingness. It’s just a group match after all. Somehow, though, that seems unlikely given the players on display. Goals are the way to go, as picking a winner is almost impossible.

TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 6/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 2-2 PSG (Priced at 10/1 with 888sport)

Monaco vs ATLETICO MADRID

Monaco had another summer of squad rebuilding. Fabinho and Thomas Lemar were the most notable departures as Leonardo Jardim starts all over again.

The season has not started well either, with Les Monégasques winning just once in their first five league matches. Lemar returns to his former club and will likely start for Diego Simeone's side on Tuesday evening.

Atleti have had a slow start themselves, however, picking up a mere five points from their opening four La Liga matches.

After the semi-final jaunt of two seasons ago, Monaco finished bottom of their group last term. This is one of the toughest tests they could face to start the competition. The visitors look good value to get off to a winning start.

TIP: Atletico Madrid to win @ 4/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Monaco 0-1 Atletico (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

Schalke 04 vs FC PORTO

Schalke have had a rough start to the campaign. Defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend made it three straight losses for the Bundesliga side, who lost key men in the summer, Max Meyer and Leon Goretzka.

Porto’s preparation for their Champions League season-opener was far from perfect too, having drawn with Chaves in the cup at the weekend. The Portuguese giants are favourites to make the last 16 from Group D.

The visitors are good value to avoid defeat. Porto have the attacking players to exploit a defence that has struggled so far.

TIP: Porto to win or draw @ 11/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Schalke 1-2 Porto (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The St Leger Stakes is the final Classic of the season and takes place at Doncaster on Saturday 16th September. The race is confined to three-year-olds.

Our St Leger tips and preview for 2023 is here!

In recent years the two races that have supplied the bulk of the winners have been the Great Voltigeur and the Gordon Stakes with 11 out of 16 winners since 2000 running in one or the other on their previous start. The Epsom Derby can also provide some interesting clues.

Here is a runner-by-runner guide to this year’s renewal on Town Moor.

Dee Ex Bee (M. Johnston/S. De Sousa)

Many pundits have said that Mark Johnston’s horse has looked a Leger type all season long, particularly after his impressive second to Masar in the Investec Derby in June, but it is somewhat of a worry that he is winless this term.

From finishing runner-up in the Chester Vase in May, Dee Ex Bee has held his form all year and it would come as no surprise to see him finish in the frame again here.

Kew Gardens (A. O'Brien/R. Moore)

The Galileo colt is vying for outright favouritism on the back of winning the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and the Group One Grand Prix de Paris earlier this year.

Beaten just under two lengths when third in the Great Voltigeur at York last time, O’Brien felt that Kew Garden’s 5lb penalty for his Longchamp win proved decisive in his defeat and that the switch back up to 14 furlongs will be just what he needs.

Loxley (C. Appleby/J. Doyle)

Loxley finished second in the Bahrain Trophy in July and has subsequently won twice in France in impressive fashion. The Godolphin owner horse had been under consideration for the Prix Niel this weekend but has been rerouted to Doncaster instead.

A bold showing on Saturday and Appleby will probably be going to the Arc at Longchamp with a live hope.

Nelson (A. O'Brien/M. Hussey)

A handy looking two-year-old last term who successfully made all the running in the Ballysax Stakes this year as a three-year old.

Since then he appears to have been on pace making duties and it will probably be the same case again here.

Old Persian (C. Appleby/W. Buick)

Old Persian booked his ticket to the St Leger with victory in the Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last time out.

He has had a great season with four wins, including at Royal Ascot and the Great Voltigeur is seen as a leading trial for this race. He will however need top of the ground going so keep an eye on the forecast.

Proschema (T. Dascombe/R. Kingscote)

Proschema confirmed the promise of two placed efforts last autumn when getting off the mark on his seasonal debut at Doncaster.

He won over an extended mile and three furlongs at Haydock and has acquitted himself well in handicaps this season. Most recently he caught the eye when third to Ghostwatch in the Melrose Handicap at York.

There are a lot worse 50/1 outsiders you can pick out on a Saturday afternoon.

Raymond Tusk (R. Hannon/A. Atzeni)

Sixth in the Coral-Eclipse, Raymond Tusk was a staying-on second in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury last time out and Richard Hannon is optimistic the extended one-mile-six-furlong trip is achievable for his runner.

Owners Middleham Park Racing came within three-quarters of a length of claiming the 2016 renewal with Ventura Storm and are enjoying plenty of winners at the moment. Could it be their turn this year?

Southern France (A. O'Brien/J. Heffernan)

Southern France ran in the Irish St Leger trial last time out at the Curragh, finishing fourth, and O'Brien has plenty of plans for the colt for the remainder of this season and beyond it.

He chased home Kew Gardens in the Queen’s Vase and his fourth in the Irish Leger Trail was quite miraculous given the impossible position he was in turning in.

He could quite easily rate as the biggest danger to Kew Gardens in this field should he show all his brimming potential.

The Pentagon (A. O'Brien/W. Lordan)

The Pentagon finished fifth in both the Great Voltigeur and the Irish Derby this season and is probably the likely pace angle in this race.

It is very hard to see him being the surprise package of the Aidan O’Brien quintet in this feature.

Zabriskie (A. O'Brien/J. Crowley)

A Frankel colt who came third in the Dante earlier in the season but has shown nothing that points to him being a Leger winner.

More than likely he will be making sure the coast is clear for the stable’s other fancied runners.

Lah Ti Dar (J. Gosden/L. Dettori)

Lah Ti Dar, the runaway winner of the Galtres Stakes at York’s Ebor meeting, was confirmed late in the week as a runner in the St Leger.

The Dubawi filly is running on Town Moor in preference to the Group 1 Prix Vermeille, a major Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trial, on Sunday afternoon at Longchamp.

Ruled out of the Investec Oaks at Epsom in June, Lah Ti Dar made an impressive return to action with a 10-length demolition of her rivals at York.

Whether John Gosden and Lady Lloyd-Webber will rue not going down the Prix Vermeille and the Arc route remains to be seen, but if she wins on Saturday it will be deemed a masterstroke.

Maid Up (A. Balding/R. Hornby)

Supplemented into the race this week, Andrew Balding's filly has won four of her last five races and produced a top performance when landing the Group Three March Stakes at Goodwood on her latest appearance.

Whether she is up to this grade is questionable but she certainly deserves to take her chance.

Verdict

With the Aidan O’Brien stable beginning to click back into first gear after a recent spell of sickness in the yard it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to see O’Brien land yet another big race 1-2-3.

Kew Gardens and Southern France appear to be the main O’Brien protagonists but some of his outsiders do surprise us all in the Classics and another forgotten horse could run a blinder on Saturday.

Selection: Southern France e/w.

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

European football is back! With top domestic leagues in Germany, Spain, Italy and France already starting to take shape, I’ve compiled my latest European accumulator ahead of this weekend’s action. Check out my 11/1 four-fold below…

Real Sociedad vs FC BARCELONA

It looked like the 2018/19 campaign was going to be one to remember for Real Sociedad after their 2-1 victory away at Villarreal on the opening weekend. Unfortunately, the hosts have come crashing back down to earth in dramatic fashion.

Since then, Sociedad have failed to inspire confidence – picking up just one point from their last two fixtures. This is their first home game of the season and the Anoeta Stadium regulars will be raring to go; this will not be a walk in the park for Barcelona.

Barcelona were rampant in their most recent La Liga outing, putting eight goals past newly promoted Huesca. Ernesto Valverde’s side will be looking to maintain their 100% winning record here and the omens are certainly favourable.

The Spanish giants have won the last five meetings between these two sides; the 31/20 for an away win with both teams scoring is worth a punt.

TIP: Barcelona to win and both teams to score @ 31/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Sociedad 1-3 Barcelona (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

NAPOLI vs Fiorentina

Napoli are 4/7 favourites to emerge victorious in this one despite losing 3-0 to Sampdoria in their most recent Serie A clash. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are still adapting to a change in system and this is the ideal opportunity to prove themselves on the big stage.

The 2017/18 runners up came back from two goals down to defeat AC Milan earlier in the campaign and that resilience could prove useful. Watch this space, Napoli are heading in the right direction.

Who's going to win the Serie A title next season then?

RT - Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli
❤ - Max Allegri's Juventus pic.twitter.com/uWPXfA3Qzr

— 888sport (@888sport) May 23, 2018

With two wins from two league games, Fiorentina are full of confidence and Napoli will view this one as a potential banana skin. One of Italy’s “almost” teams in recent times, it could be time for Fiorentina to announce themselves as major players in Serie A.

Both teams to score has landed in just one of the previous four meetings between the two sides. However, punters may be inclined to take the 11/20 on offer given Fiorentina’s recent form.

TIP: Napoli to win @ 4/7

PREDICTED SCORE: Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH vs Schalke 04

Currently unbeaten in 2018/19, Borussia Monchengladbach will be right in the mix to finish in the top four. Monchengladbach have always been solid on home soil and Dieter Hecking’s side were always in control when beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 earlier in the campaign.

This could be another comfortable encounter for the five-time Bundesliga winners. 5/4 is a solid enough price considering their exploits at home. Monchengladbach should be too strong.

Schalke have failed to inspire confidence so far this season, losing both of their Bundesliga fixtures whilst scoring just once. Backing the visitors to emerge victorious here would be foolish, especially taking their poor away form from 2017/18 into account.

For those statisticians out there, both teams to score has landed in each of the last five meetings involving these two clubs. I fancy Monchengladbach to keep Schalke at bay but the 13/20 represents decent value if you fancy the visitors to nick a goal.

TIP: Monchengladbach to win @ 5/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Monchengladbach 2-0 Schalke (Priced at 10/1 with 888sport)

MARSEILLE vs Guingamp

Marseille are usually reliable on home soil and the Stade Velodrome fans will be baying for blood ahead of this clash. Goals are there for the taking and Marseille could run riot if Rudi Garcia lets his side go for the jugular.

Take the 8/25 for a Marseille triumph and stick it in your accumulator. The French giants are a class above Guingamp on paper and that will be clear for all to see on Sunday evening. Although saying that, Marseille did concede five to Bournemouth in preseason...

1 mins: Bournemouth 1-0 Marseille
25 mins: Bournemouth 2-0 Marseille
35 mins: Bournemouth 3-0 Marseille
47 mins: Bournemouth 4-0 Marseille
50 mins: Bournemouth 5-0 Marseille

Congratulations to Bournemouth on winning the 2018/19 Premier League title.#BOUMAR pic.twitter.com/h5slzbWg2C

— 888sport (@888sport) August 4, 2018

The writing is on the wall for Guingamp: relegation down to France’s second tier is looming unless there is a significant improvement. With four defeats from four league games, it isn’t looking great for Antoine Kombouare’s men.

Getting to half-time with the scores level would be some achievement; they would at least have something to defend in the second half then. Punters fancying an uneventful opening 45 minutes can back a goalless draw at 16/5.

TIP: Marseille to win @ 8/25

PREDICTED SCORE: Marseille 3-0 Guingamp (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

With two Premier League fixtures on Sunday and one on Monday night, punters will have to wait for the final leg of this treble. This weekend’s line-up isn’t quite as ‘super’ as in previous weeks but there are still a few intriguing encounters.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will get Sunday’s action underway at home to Burnley before Marco Silva’s Everton host bottom-of-the-table West Ham United. Looking at those fixtures, goals could be the order of the day.

Monday Night Football will see Brighton & Hove Albion travel to Southampton; not the most glamorous affair on paper admittedly but some football is better than no football. Have a scroll down and check out our 11/2 treble, starting with that Sunday afternoon clash at Molineux.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs Burnley

Wolves left it late before snatching a winner at West Ham in their last Premier League game before the international break but the hosts can build on that success here.

Nuno Espirito Santos’ side have scored in both home league games so far this season and the EVS for over 1.5 home goals is worth considering. Wolves will be confident of notching three points in this encounter.

This will be Burnley’s 13^th competitive fixture of the campaign – the Europa League has been something of a hindrance for Sean Dyche’s side in recent weeks. It is now time for Burnley to focus solely on the Premier League.

The visitors have failed to inspire confidence in 2018/19 and the writing is on the wall for another defeat. Burnley should create chances though and 11/10 for both teams to score is worth a second look.

TIP: Over 1.5 home goals @ EVS

PREDICTED SCORE: Wolves 3-1 Burnley (Priced at 14/1 with 888sport)

EVERTON vs West Ham United

The Toffees will be looking to put on a show for the Goodison Park faithful this weekend and it would be foolish to back against Everton in this encounter. All signs point towards a home win…

Everton have scored six goals without reply in their last two home matches against West Ham and another comfortable afternoon beckons. Silva’s side are well priced at 21/20 to pick up another victory this weekend.

2-2 vs Wolves ⚽️⚽️ 
2-1 vs Southampton ⚽️⚽️ 
2-2 vs Bournemouth ⚽️⚽️ 
3-1 vs Rotherham ⚽️⚽️⚽️ 

You can't say Marco Silva's Everton are boring! ?#EFC pic.twitter.com/IIqNSEV9NF

— 888sport (@888sport) August 29, 2018

The visitors have lost four out of four in the Premier League and Hammers fans will fear the worst here. Manuel Pellegrini’s men conceded four against Liverpool on their last trip to Merseyside – this could be another disappointing away day.

10/13 for West Ham to win or draw is far too short given their recent woes. Everton have the quality to outclass the Hammers in almost every department.

TIP: Everton to win @ 21/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Everton 2-0 West Ham (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

SOUTHAMPTON vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

Southampton raised a few eyebrows with their victory away at Crystal Palace prior to the international break and Mark Hughes’ side will be looking to build on that success. After all, Saints are usually stronger on home soil.

Unfortunately, this could be an uninspiring affair for viewers though. The selection landed in 12 of Southampton’s home games last season – 3/5 represents solid value considering their lack of attacking prowess.

Brighton have struggled to inspire confidence since beating Manchester United; Albion have failed to score in two of their previous three competitive fixtures. Funnily enough, one of those encounters was a League Cup clash against… Southampton.

The Seagulls could go into defensive mode if they manage to nick an early goal. Brighton to win or draw at 4/5 is worth a second look considering how inconsistent both teams are but opting for ‘under’ on the goal line is the best bet.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 3/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Southampton 1-0 Brighton (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Premier League football is back. The Nations League was a significant upgrade on friendly fixtures but England’s defeat to Spain dampened the mood somewhat. However, that was then and this is now – and it is time to look at Saturday’s televised fixtures.

All eyes will be on Wembley for this weekend’s early kick-off. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will take on Tottenham Hotspur under the famous arch and plenty of punters will be expecting goals here.

Both teams to score has landed in four of the previous five meetings between these two sides and 888sport have opened at 1/2 for a goal at both ends.

In the later fixture, high-flying Watford take on Manchester United at Vicarage Road. The Hornets have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages so far this season and Javi Gracia’s men will take some stopping on recent exploits.

Another defeat for the visitors will only increase the pressure on Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho. This could be a cracker…

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

Mauricio Pochettino’s men let a lead slip through their fingers against Watford and Spurs will want to atone for that error here.

The hosts were ruthless in the 3-0 victory at Old Trafford last month and a similar performance should be enough to hand Liverpool their first defeat of the campaign. Tottenham are well priced at 9/5 to come away with three points.

Liverpool have picked up maximum points so far this season but this is the first real test for Klopp’s men. Avoiding defeat here is an absolute must for the Reds; three points will be a confidence-boosting bonus ahead of a hectic October.

Notoriously fast starters, the visitors represent solid value at 41/50 to score at least once in the first half.

Punters will be split right down the middle on this clash – it is a tough one to call. Taking everything into account, Spurs have probably had the less disruptive international break and that might be enough to tip the scales in their favour.

Expect a feast of goals on Saturday afternoon – over 2.5 goals is well worth sticking in an accumulator at 8/13.

TIP: Tottenham to win and both teams to score @ 18/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham 3-2 Liverpool (Priced at 19/1 with 888sport)

Watford vs Manchester United

Watford are heading in the right direction and it would be foolish to dismiss the Hornets completely ahead of this clash.

Gracia’s side have been simply sublime in recent weeks and punters will be wary of Watford’s fast start to the season. 10/11 for the hosts to win or draw is worth a second look if you are unsure whether to trust United at Vicarage Road.

Are the Red Devils worth backing at 9/10 to emerge victorious? That is the million pound question. Mourinho’s side will fancy their chances against Watford but the Hornets could wreak havoc in the final third.

✔️ Win percentage = 100% 
✔️ Position = T-1st 
✔️ Goals scored =T-3rd 
✔️ Goals Conceded = T-2nd 

Is there a more deserved Manager of the Month than Watford's Javi Gracia? pic.twitter.com/hpJZKnGCLX

— 888sport (@888sport) September 7, 2018

It is hard to put too much faith in the United defence at this moment in time and it may be wise to consider looking away from the outright markets.

United have been hit and miss during Mourinho’s tenure and the Red Devils could combust if put under pressure. Both teams to score is the most appealing bet ahead of this one; 4/5 is an excellent price given Watford’s recent success.

Some will fancy the Hornets to scrape another famous scalp but I fancy the Red Devils to just about edge it.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 4/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Watford 1-2 Man United (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Ready And Able

Enable is reported to be none the worse for her exertions at Kempton on Saturday.

Having been on the sidelines for most of the year, the John Gosden-trained four-year-old made her first start since landing last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly and duly won the four-runner Group Three September Stakes with relative ease.

The popular filly, who also won the English, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks last season, as well as the King George, is now a 7/4 chance with us here at 888sport to successfully defend her Arc crown at ParisLongchamp.

Enable❓ 
Sea of Class❓ 
Lah Ti Dar❓ 
Poets Word❓ 
Crystal Ocean❓ 
Cracksman❓ 

This year's Prix De l'Arc de Triomphe could be some affair. ? pic.twitter.com/kiktXxbnuS

— 888sport (@888sport) September 9, 2018

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, said on Sunday: "She is good this morning and there are no problems.

"She was in very good form going into the race and we always hoped she would produce a good performance.

"The way she did it was very pleasing. I think everything about it was good and I don't think you could have asked for any more in how the race worked out.

"She good into a good rhythm, and although she was a little bit fresh, she settled really well, and she quickened well when asked. The runner-up (Crystal Ocean) is a very solid horse.

"The Arc is a huge race and she will have to bring her A-game, but that was a very good start to her year, if a somewhat belated one.

"It was great to see her do what she did at Kempton."

Her trainer John Gosden said: "She found a beautiful rhythm. It was a lovely trial back for the big one in four weeks' time. I couldn't be more happy with the way it's gone, absolutely delighted.

"She's 80-85 per cent fit today, the race will bring her on. It's all down to the filly, a great performance.

"She's very strong, just so determined. The hardest thing for her was standing around doing nothing, she just loves racing."

Her jockey, Frankie Dettori was also impressed: "That was awesome. I wasn't sure how fit she was as she's only being going a mile at home, but then she's trained by a master trainer. She got the job done and felt as good as ever. Bring on the Arc!"

David Probert, who rode Crystal Ocean on Saturday, said: "I was happy enough down the back, but with the 5lb penalty it was hard to serve it up to Enable properly in the straight."

He added: "He handled the surface well and if Sir Michael wants to take him to the Arc he's run a nice prep, make no mistake."

Wait And Sea

Punters may just want to bide their time having an early wager on the William Haggas-trained Sea Of Class in the Arc after he revealed that the ground would be the determining factor as to whether or not she will be supplemented for the race.

The Irish and Yorkshire Oaks winner is a 5/1 horse racing betting shot for the French showpiece, but connections will have part with 120,000 euros to add her to the field four days before the actual race.

Haggas is keen to run her if conditions are favourable, but would have no hesitation in abandoning those plans should the ground be against her.

Speaking recently, Haggas said: “I don’t think she’ll run before the Arc, she’s in the Prix Vermeille (September 16) but I don’t fancy that.

“I think there’s every likelihood that if she’s OK, she’ll be supplemented for the Arc, but I’m very concerned about the ground. I can’t believe it’s still dry and it’s not going to stay dry for long I’m sure.

“If the ground is good or faster on Arc day and she’s OK, then she’ll be there.

“Very few horses are very effective on fast and soft ground. I suspect she won’t like it (soft ground), her action suggests she flicks off the top of the ground.

“There’s every chance now we’re going to keep her as a four-year-old so if it’s soft, it’s a lot of money to supplement and we can go next year.”

Leger Doubt

Whilst all the focus has been on Enable in the last few days, it is all too easy to forget that John Gosden also trains another exciting Arc prospect in the shape of Lah Ti Dar.

After the three-year-old filly comprehensively demolished the field in the Galtres Stakes at York, it was assumed by many that her next port of call would be the St Leger at Doncaster.

But Simon Marsh, racing manager to her owners Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, revealed the filly was far from certain to run in Yorkshire and may head to Longchamp that weekend for the traditional Arc warm-up, the Prix Vermeille.

Less than 6⃣ weeks until the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe. 

It's building up to be one hell of a race! ? 

Preview: https://t.co/8Lji9uKsut pic.twitter.com/6rD3ozbngc

— 888sport (@888sport) August 28, 2018

Marsh said: "Lah Ti Dar has come out of the race very well and is absolutely fine, but while she'll be left in both the Leger and the Vermeille we're leaning towards the Vermeille. If we were to go for the Vermeille, we would then look at running her in the Arc."

The unbeaten Lah Ti Dah is currently available at 8/1 in 888sport's horse racing odds for the big race.

Triple Handed

John Gosden could well end up saddling a trio of runners in the Arc on October 7th as Cracksman still remains on course for a tilt at the race providing the weather comes up trumps for him.

“He is great form but he does need plenty of rain,” trainer Gosden said “I don’t want to run him in the Arc unless it is good ground, at least.”

The Anthony Oppenheimer owned four-year-old has put in all his best performances on rain-softened ground.

In fact Cracksman is actually undefeated in all his three starts on soft ground including his seven-length demolition of Poet’s Word in the Champion Stakes last October.

Current Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe Odds:

• Enable (7/4)
• Sea Of Class (5/1)
• Cracksman (7/1)
• Lah Ti Dar (8/1)
• Crystal Ocean (12/1)
• Poet's Word (12/1)
• Roaring Lion (14/1)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Saturday sees the 52nd running of the Sprint Cup being run at Haydock Park, a race that features some of the fastest horses in Europe.

Be Friendly won the initial running of the race in 1966 and there is a statue in his memory right next to the paddock at the Merseyside track. Be Friendly registered back-to-back victories in 1966 and 1967 and is the only horse ever to do so thus far.

The Sprint Cup is steeped in history with Champions including classic sprinters such as the late Sir Peter O’Sullevan’s Be Friendly, Danehill and G-Force, and three times winning jockeys Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery and Willie Carson.

Here we take a look at the trends and statistics of the race, not over the past fifty-two years, but over a much more manageable ten year period.

Age (Winners-Placed-Runners)

3-y-o: 6-4-31

4-y-o: 0-10-40

5-y-o: 3-2-22

6-y-o+: 1-4-32

Only two horses aged over five have been victorious in the past thirty years. That is quite an ominous sign for Brando and The Tin Man.

Gender

Fillies and mares are not to be dismissed lightly in this race. Since 2004 they have won three times and placed three times.

Form Lines

7/10 winners had finished in the first three places in a Group One race in their past two runs.

8/10 winners had won at least one sprint race that season prior to running in this race.

9/10 winners had won over 6f or 7f in their careers.

5/10 winners had at least one previous run at Haydock.

Owner Form

One of the most influential owners in the world, Sheikh Mohammed has an unenviable record in the race over the years.

He recorded four winners in his traditional maroon and white colours and he has registered two more victories under the auspices of Godolphin. Harry Angel would hand him a seventh success should he win on Saturday.

Draw

Seven out of the last ten winners came from a double-figure stall number.

The weather also appears to have a slight bearing on the draw. The two most recent high drawn winners won on ground the easy side of good, whilst the low drawn winners won when the going was firm.

Given that the going on Saturday is predicted to be softening up due to rain being forecast in the area then it may pay to side with a higher drawn horse.

Odds

Five of the last ten winners have been priced between 9/1 and 14/1.

Favourites have won four times in the last ten years.

Other Key Trends

Rating: 7/10 winners had a rating of 111 or higher.
Group Wins: 8/10 winners had at least one win in a Group race.
Season Form: 9/10 winners had at least three runs that season, 9/10 winners had at least one previous win that season.

Top Contenders

Harry Angel will need to fend off eleven other rivals as he bids to become just the second dual winner of the £325,200 Sprint Cup (4.15pm).

The four-year-old made mincemeat of the opposition in the 2017 renewal, scoring by four-lengths from Tasleet and ending the year as the highest-rated sprinter in the world with a rating of 125 in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings.

Harry Angel made a winning return in the Duke Of York Stakes at York in May, but has not raced since injuring himself in the stalls at Royal Ascot on June 23rd.

Tasleet is having his first start since finishing third in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in May.

The supplemented pair of James Garfield and Sir Dancealot come into the race on the back of career-best performances.

James Garfield was agonisingly worn down near the line in the Prix Maurice de Gheest over six and a half furlongs at Deauville on August 5th , while Sir Dancealot didn’t let a penalty curtail him winning the seven-furlong Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on August 18th.

The Tin Man boasts a great record in the Sprint Cup, having finished second in 2016 and third 12 months ago. The six-year-old will be ridden by in-form jockey Oisin Murphy and the weather is certainly a positive for his chances.

The Richard Fahey-trained Sands Of Mali took the Sandy Lane Stakes over course and distance in May, a feat also achieved by the past two winners of the Sprint Cup which is a good omen for connections.

Sir Michael Stoute is represented by three-year-old Eqtidaar, who had Sands Of Mali just in behind him when landing the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Gustav Klimt and Speak In Colours, trained by his son Joseph O'Brien, are the two Irish contenders for Saturday's Sprint Cup.

Gustav Klimt was last seen finishing fifth in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury three while Speak In Colours was victorious in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh in mid-August.

Brando finished ninth behind Harry Angel last year, but part owner Peter Tingey believes the six-year-old should be shorter in the horse racing betting markets despite finishing unplaced when in the Prix Maurice de Gheest on his latest start. He has pointed out that at one time or another Brando has finished in front of most of his rivals in this race.

Brando’s trainer, Kevin Ryan, also saddles Hey Jonesy who looks to be totally up against it.

Andrew Balding’s Donjuan Triumphant won the re-scheduled “Ayr Gold Cup” here over course and distance last season and will relish underfoot conditions should the forecast showers arrive.

Whether he will be good enough in this grade remains to be seen but the British weather can be one hell of a leveller sometimes.

Conclusion

According to reports Clive Cox has left no stone unturned in this quest to have Harry Angel fully tuned up and fit for the defence of his crown, so obviously he will be a tough nut to crack.

However, I’m not overly keen on taking 5/4 about any horse returning from injury so I will be siding with the brave Prix Maurice de Gheest runner-up, James Garfield, to kick-on again from his Deauville exertions.

888sport suggests: James Garfield (e/w).

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The UEFA Nations League is here and it will be interesting to see whether the biggest national teams in the business take this competition seriously.

Gareth Southgate has admitted that England are turning to youth in the next stage of their cycle. A mouth-watering clash against Spain offers the ideal chance for some of the fringe players to impress…

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but I’m backing the Azzurri to prosper at home to Poland on Friday night.

With Roberto Mancini at the helm, Italy will be pragmatic but that should be all that is required to defeat a struggling Poland. If you fancy a 14/1 accumulator ahead of the first round of Nations League fixtures, have a scroll down and check out my other tips.

THURSDAY

Germany vs France

Nobody expected Germany to crash out of the group stages in Russia this summer but that is exactly what happened.

Whether it was a case of complacency or simply falling short, Joachim Low’s side were not good enough and they paid the ultimate price. Back on home soil, Germany will be desperate to make amends as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps has selected a strong squad and the World Cup winners will be quietly confident of securing a positive result. Hugo Lloris is one notable absentee and France will miss the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper.

I fancy Germany to edge this one but both teams to score (7/10) is my top tip ahead of this clash – it is hard to envision either side keeping a clean sheet.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 7/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Germany 2-1 France (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

FRIDAY

Italy vs Poland

Mancini has wrung the changes ahead of this contest, bringing in a number of new faces whilst also recalling Giorgio Chiellini for the first time in almost a year.

The Bologna crowd will be expecting a strong Italy performance this weekend and the Azzurri will be determined to put on a show for their fans. 11/10 for over 1.5 home goals is well worth considering.

Adam Nawalka was sacked in the aftermath of the World Cup and it may take some time for Jerry Brzeczek to adjust to life as an international manager. Expecting an instant impact in this fixture would be foolish to say the least…

Poland were abysmal in Russia this summer and Italy haven’t lost on home soil for over two years. All signs point towards a home win and 7/10 is an excellent price.

TIP: Italy to win @ 7/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Italy 2-0 Poland (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

Lithuania vs Serbia

Lithuania have won just three of their 24 international fixtures and another defeat beckons here. To put their lack of attacking prowess into perspective, the hosts have scored three goals in their last 900 minutes of international football.

It would be one of the shocks of the weekend if Lithuania were to get a result here. The 23/20 available for a draw at half-time may be the best way to go if you fancy the hosts.

As mentioned in a recent Premier League recap, Aleksandar Mitrovic is starting to prove his worth. The Fulham striker has notched four goals so far this season, putting him joint-top in the Golden Boot race.

Punters can back Mitrovic at 13/8 to continue his fine run of form here – an excellent price considering Serbia’s threat going forward. This could get ugly for Lithuania.

TIP: Aleksandar Mitrovic to score @ 13/8

PREDICTED SCORE: Lithuania 0-3 Serbia (Priced 10/1 with 888sport)

SATURDAY

England vs Spain

The Wembley crowd will be expecting a positive performance following England’s exploits in Russia this summer but this is not going to be straightforward by any means.

With a number of key players ruled out through “injury”, Southgate’s options are limited. It would take a brave man to back against England based on their World Cup efforts but the 9/10 for both teams to score is the most appealing bet at this moment in time.

???

England's latest 23-man squad screams 'in-form'.

? Luke Shaw
? Adam Lallana
? Joe Gomez
? Alex McCarthy
? James Tarkowski

? Nick Pope
? Phil Jones
? Ashley Young

Any surprises? pic.twitter.com/IuV9M3ipMT

— 888sport (@888sport) August 30, 2018

Luis Enrique has the experience to lead Spain back to the top of world football and there will be punters tipping the visitors at 33/20 to prevail under the Wembley arch. On paper, Spain are arguably the stronger of the two sides…

A score draw looks likely on Saturday night. Diego Costa has pulled out of the Spain squad but that shouldn’t hinder Enrique’s men too much. It could be all square come the final whistle.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 9/10

PREDICTED SCORE: England 1-1 Spain (Priced at 11/2 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The Premier League season is already a month in (give or take a few days). Every team has played four matches, we’ve seen shocks, thrillers and bore draws. It’s been everything you expect from England’s top flight so far.

With the always-bemoaned international break underway, it seems a good time to take a look back on what has happened so far and how the Premier League betting markets look…

City Still Lead The Way

Manchester City haven’t quite looked themselves so far. Pep Guardiola’s side still have 10 points from a possible 12, but their last two performances have been underwhelming compared to the majestic displays we saw for the majority of last season.

Few will be panicking about the reigning champions just yet, mind. City remain the 13/20 favourites to win the title and it will take several more disappointing results before anyone realistically doubts their ability to retain the crown.

Pep Guardiola: "We are the best Premier League club ever? I'm not sure of that. We won one Premier League title." 

Well, that ends that debate then... pic.twitter.com/HENQblSro0

— 888sport (@888sport) June 8, 2018

Liverpool, just as it was at the start of the campaign, are second favourites at 11/4. Jurgen Klopp’s side still have a 100% record, and have conceded just one goal so far, courtesy of an Alisson howler.

After tearing West Ham apart on opening day, Liverpool have been less than their usual thrilling selves too. The fact they won those matches against stubborn defences perhaps tells us more about this team than a 5-0 victory would have, though.

Signs Of Life At Stamford Bridge

Chelsea, like Liverpool, have four wins from four. A period of adaptation was expected under Maurizio Sarri, but the Blues have found a way to get victories so far, even if a couple of their performances weren’t been great.

The five-time Premier League champions were a bit of an unknown quantity coming into the season. However, having retained Eden Hazard and added Jorginho, they are already at 33/100 to finish in the top four.

The defence is still a concern – particularly if David Luiz keeps having David Luiz moments – but they look a threat whenever they have the ball.

Chelsea are out at 10/1 to win the title. Their early season form makes that look better value than it really is. There will be ups and downs in Sarri’s first season.

The 15/4 on Chelsea to be ‘the winner without Manchester City’ is their best price at the moment.

Hornets Are Buzzing

Javi Gracia’s Watford are the story of the season so far. The Hornets join Chelsea and Liverpool with a 100% record, including a stunning comeback victory against Tottenham last weekend.

Unsurprisingly, some are already suggesting Watford will ‘do a Leicester’. While that remains incredibly unlikely (250/1), their 12/1 price to break into the top six might be worth a look at. This is no fluke from Gracia’s side.

Watford are the real deal and four more things we learned from the Premier League this weekend https://t.co/5Cpbde59aA pic.twitter.com/vvqHovzFZo

— 888sport (@888sport) September 3, 2018

The Hornets have been resolute defensively and ruthless in attack. That, whatever league you’re in, tends to be a pretty good way to play football. Only Liverpool, per understat, have a lower non-penalty expected goals against, for instance.

Former Watford boss and now Everton manager, Marco Silva, sees his side at 5/1 to make the top six. Given what we have seen from both sides so far, the Hertfordshire club are definitely the better value.

Fading Hope For The Hammers

Everything looked so bright for West Ham this summer. Manuel Pellegrini arrived to play the West Ham Way^TM, and the owners invested heavily, bringing in exciting talents like Felipe Anderson and Issa Diop.

After four defeats from four, including two at home, things suddenly look bleak at the London Stadium again. The Hammers are in to 5/2 to go down this season. Pellegrini is joint-favourite at 3/1 to be the first manager to be handed his P45.

West Ham were one of the favourites to be ‘best of the rest’ when the season started. They are now 15/4 to make the top 10.

Even after this dreadful start, that’s still a decent price given the sheer quality Pellegrini has at his disposal in the final third. He will need to find a way to fix the midfield before anything else, though.

Newcastle sit just above West Ham in the bottom three, but their horrible fixture list to start the campaign is the cause of that rather than poor performances. Burnley also have just one point, however, and are 8/5 to go down.

Sean Dyche’s side look to have regressed to the mean after riding their luck last season and could be in for a really tough season.

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*