All eyes will be on the desert on Saturday as Meydan hosts another great renewal of the Dubai World Cup.

Created through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup provides a truly global stage upon which the best horses in the world come to compete every year.

The US$30m race day is held at Meydan Racecourse on the last Saturday in March and the showpiece in undoubtedly the US$10m Dubai World Cup, won in 2017 by Arrogate.

Bob Baffert’s even money favourite for the race, West Coast was given a less-than-favourable draw for Saturday’s big race.

The four-year-old colt was drawn on the outside in stall 9 out on 10 at the official post-position ceremony on Wednesday.

Second in the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream, Baffert’s runner will need all the help he can get from his pilot Javier Castellano to negotiate his way past all his rivals drawn on the inside of him.

TALISMANIC (nap) presents a great opportunity for Andre Fabre to finally add his name to the Dubai World Cup roll of honour list.

The Frenchman runs Talismanic, the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf winner and based upon jockey bookings and cap colours he appears to be the first choice of the two Godolphin runners in the race.

Talismanic was runner up to the Aidan O’Brien-trained Highland Reel in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase back in December, then was given a prep race at Chantilly earlier this month where he beat stablemate Cloth Of Stars.

Talismanic tackles Meydan's dirt track for the first time but connections are confident he will covert to it well.

Thunder Snow, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, is their other runner in the 10-horse field.

Thunder Snow went to the United States for the Kentucky Derby last year, and although his bucking bronco act eliminated him at the start, he later won the 2017 Prix Jean Prat on turf in France, and has been running well on the dirt this winter at Meydan. 

 Thunder Snow certainly has decent credentials to be competitive in this race. He won both the UAE 2000 Guineas and the UAE Derby last year. He was runner-up twice and won the middle leg of the Al Maktoum Challenge in his three starts at Meydan but the only bugbear in this contest is his wide draw.

The former Godolphin inmate North America ran six times in England when trained by Charlie Appleby. Since then he has been moved to the Middle East and is now trained by Satish Seemar, the handler at the Zabeel Stables.

Arriving there in the summer of 2016, North America racked up four wins on the trot at Meydan Racecourse.

The six-year-old gelding comes into the reckoning after winning the Dubai World Cup prep race, the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, in a track record time. In his past three outings he has improved on every start, from third on his reappearance, and then runner up to Thunder Snow before avenging that defeat to beat that very same horse by seven-lengths.

It would be somewhat of a fairytale is Gunnevera and trainer Antonio Sano were to lift the esteemed Dubai World Cup trophy.

Gunnevera heads into the $10 million Dubai World Cup off a third-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup.  The four-year-old colt has finished behind West Coast in the past three starts and will be hoping to turn that form around with him on foreign soil.

The chestnut runner has won five of his 15 starts including a victory in the Group 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes last March.

Japanese raider Awardee brings along plenty of experience but has not won at this level.

A six-race winning streak from September 2015 to November 2016 has been followed up by failing to trouble the judge in his last eight starts. He has however finished runner-up in two Grade 1’s in that time.

Furia Cruzada finished second-last in the race won by Arrogate twelve months ago but her connections are hoping for a better showing this year.

She finished fourth to Thunder Snow and was an impressive runner-up to Promising Run, only going down by a short head. On Super Saturday, Furia Cruzada finished third behind North America and Thunder Snow in the third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge.

To date the females in this race have failed to break the male stronghold and her odds appear to reflect that herculean task.

Bob Baffert’s other runner Mubtaahij was runner-up behind California Chrome in 2016 and fourth to Arrogate last year. It will be a case of third time lucky for Baffert’s six-year-old who also has the favourite West Coast in the line-up.

The six-year-old Forever Unbridled will be attempting to become the first female winner in the 23-year history of the race. To date, To The Victory (Jpn) has been closest when second to Captain Steve in 2001.

Pavel has shown promise since his debut as a three-year-old in July of 2017 at Santa Anita Park.

He proved his class last September registering a win in the Grade 3 Smarty Jones at Parx scoring by six lengths. A subsequent third in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park cemented his credentials and his passport to Dubai.

Connections will be hoping to at least get in the frame to cover their expenses.

 

Conclusion

Even money for an unfavourably drawn horse is always a risky betting proposition and many people will be looking for a longer priced alternative.

Master French trainer Andre Fabre is well overdue adding this race to his illustrious C.V and Talisman is the each-way play in the race.

 

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

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City travel to Goodison Park on Saturday night knowing that victory over Everton will give the Blues an opportunity to clinch the Premier League title against Manchester United.

With that in mind, City are the obvious play this weekend; the champions-elect will want to secure the crown against their fierce rivals.

Predicting the first game back after an international break is never easy but all of the omens point towards an away win here. Pep’s men are on the road to greatness and this is another step in the right direction.

As with most City matches these days, there isn’t much value in backing the Blues at 7/20 but there are a few tasty markets available with 888sport.

Fancying a dominant away win? You can back City to score three or more goals at 7/5 and plenty of punters will fancy the Blues at that price.

However, I’m expecting Guardiola’s men to produce a controlled effort rather than a ruthless one. City will still be effective in attack but the 13/10 for a win to nil is much more appealing for me.

For any optimistic Everton fans, a repeat of last season’s incredible 4-0 victory against City is currently priced at 300/1.

Allardyce’s side have struggled for goals since the former England manager took over at Goodison Park and the Toffees will need to be at their brilliant best to get past this stubborn City defensive unit. This one could be very comfortable indeed…

With so much riding on next week’s clash with United, City may cruise through this clash in second gear. However, they cannot afford to take Everton lightly – the Toffees snatched a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season and could spring a surprise.

The hosts are appealing at 47/20 in the double chance market; plenty of Toffees will be getting on that. Everton do tend to save their best performances for the big games and City will be wary of an onslaught.

Pep is meticulous in his preparation and the Spaniard will be expecting the Toffees to make a fast start. Slowing the game down in the early stages is vital for City; getting through that first 15 minutes unscathed could make the world of difference.

Morgan Schneiderlin is one to consider in the card betting markets. The former Manchester United midfielder is prone to picking up the odd yellow card here and there – 3/1 is a decent price for the Frenchman to receive a card this weekend.

City will be looking to counter on a regular basis and he may be tasked with breaking up their relentless attacks.

Could Everton surprise us? Yes. Will they? Only time will tell. For me, City should have too much for their opponents this weekend and the Toffees may struggle to stop Guardiola’s offensive juggernaut.

As per usual, the visitors will dominate possession and another win beckons ahead of that pivotal Manchester Derby…

TIP: Manchester City to win to nil @ 13/10

CORRECT SCORE PREDICTION: Everton 0-2 Manchester City (6/1 with 888sport)

 

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

Super Sundays are often quite unsuper. This one, though, is a bit different. In part, that’s because any Premier League football seems wildly exciting after the international break.

This international spell was not the worst. There was actually some decent stuff, but friendlies are just not quite the same as the end of the league season. The return of competitive, meaningful football is dearly appreciated.

These two matches are the best of the weekend. That’s not always the case on Sundays, so we can consider ourselves truly fortunate.

ARSENAL vs STOKE CITY

Arsenal and Stoke have a rivalry going back decades. It has flared up since Aaron Ramsey’s horrific leg break against the Potters, however. The Gunners fell to defeat in the reverse of this fixture earlier this season, which further extended their poor run in the Potteries.

Stoke require a win against their old rivals. The club are at a low ebb after an idiotic Charlie Adam red card saw them lose at home to Everton last time out. Only three points from safety doesn’t seem too concerning, but Paul Lambert’s side have a challenging schedule and have won just one league match in 2018.

The hosts have had their own struggles this calendar year, taking 10 points from nine matches. The thrashing of Watford brought an end to a losing streak in the league, but Arsene Wenger is still likely to be replaced at the end of the season. Arsenal have been good at the Emirates, though, scoring more home goals than everyone in the league other than Manchester City.

We can have a pretty good guess at the pattern of this one. Arsenal will have somewhere between 60 and 70% possession, while Stoke look to sit back and give the ball to Xherdan Shaqiri. Stoke’s defence is a million miles from the resilient rearguard of the Pulis years. Kicking it at Shaqiri and hoping he does something has been the extent of Stoke’s attacking play of late.

I don’t see anything other than a comfortable Arsenal win. Lambert has focussed on making Stoke harder to beat, but they don’t look like scoring any goals. Arsenal have nothing on the line here, that’s often when they’re at their best.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/9

CORRECT SCORE PREDICTION: Arsenal 3-0 Stoke City (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

 

CHELSEA vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

It’s do or die time for Chelsea. The reigning champions need a win to have any chance of a top four finish. Their 11 points from nine league matches in 2018 reflects how much Antonio Conte’s side have struggled of late. The Blues have scored just 26 goals at Stamford Bridge in the league this season, only one more than Everton have managed at home in the same number of matches.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are on a great run, taking 24 points from their last 10. Mauricio Pochettino’s side can go eight points clear of Chelsea with a victory, which would as good as secure their own spot in the Champions League for next season.

via GIPHY

The absence of London derby master, Harry Kane, is impossible to ignore ahead of this. As fantastic as Heung-min Son has been this term, Kane’s injury is an immense boost for Chelsea. Spurs do still have more than enough in the final third to trouble this Chelsea back line that has been prone to error for much of the campaign.

This should be a relatively open encounter. Chelsea cannot opt for the defensive tactics that Conte has reverted to at times this season, while Spurs will be keen to move the ball quickly and expose Chelsea in transition. The midfield could easily become crowded, Conte might opt to put a third body alongside Cesc Fabregas and Ngolo Kante as a result.

I fancy goals in this one. It’s hard to call given the unpredictability of the hosts this season, however. It could be one of the matches of the season, given the plethora of diverse attacking talent on display.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ EVS

CORRECT SCORE PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham (Priced at 12/1 with 888sport)

 

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

Amidst the wealth of football betting markets available at 888sport which have become very popular in recent years, are ‘scorecast’ and ‘wincast’ bets. But, what are they and how do they work?

The basic answer for both is that in these kinds of bets, you’re backing a combination of players to score and final results, often seeking to take advantage of increased odds for correctly predicting a winning combination. However, there are differences between the two and their associated markets, which we will explain below...

Scorecast

The aim of a scorecast bet is to successfully predict a combination of which players will score and when, plus the correct final score of the match itself.

At 888sport there are three scorecast markets available for football matches, as follows:

Scorecast - Anytime Goal

For this selection, the winning aim is to choose a player who you think will score at any time during the ninety minutes of play (plus stoppage time in league matches), along with predicting the correct final score.

For example: Choosing Lukaku to score at any time during the match and predicting a final 1-0 match score. If both those conditions are met, your bet will win.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that in the case of cup matches, any extra time played doesn’t count, and your bet will only win if the player chosen has scored within normal time, and the score predicted is only achieved in normal time.

If the player you have chosen to score doesn’t start the match, your bet will be declared void and your stake will be returned. Also, own goals don’t count in the anytime goal part of the bet, although they do still count towards the final score prediction.

 

Scorecast – First Goal

The aim of this selection is a combination of predicting which player will score the first goal, and the correct final score.

For example: Choosing Lukaku to score the first goal of the match and predicting a 1-1 draw as the final score of a Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea. Get both right and your bet is a winner.

Again, extra time doesn’t count in the case of cup matches, for either part of the bet. The first goal and the correct match score must be achieved within the normal ninety minutes of play, plus any stoppage time.

Own goals don’t count towards the first goal part of the bet, but they do still count towards the correct final score. In such a scenario, if an own goal was the first of the match, the next player to score would be considered to have scored the first goal of the match.

Scorecast – Last Goal

To successfully win this bet, you need to predict which player will score the last goal of the match, and the correct final score.

For example: Choosing Lukaku to score the last goal of the match and correctly predicting a 3-1 final score in favour of Manchester United against their opponent. Get both correct and you’ll have a winning bet.

As always for either part of the bet, extra time doesn’t count in the case of cup matches, with only the last goal scored and the final match score of ninety minutes (plus stoppage time) counting towards a successful bet. Likewise, own goals don’t count either, even if scored by a player you’ve backed.

Scorecast – Tips

Predicting the anytime, first goal and last goal scorers in matches can be quite tricky, so it’s always worth checking player statistics and form before making your choices. Combine those with also trying to predict the correct final match score, you’ll also want to check the scoring form of teams, so it’s easy to understand why higher odds are offered in each scorecast market.

However, a winning combination of both parts of the bet can bring potentially high returns from even a small stake, hence the appeal of the scorecast markets.

There is also lots of flexibility in the scorecast markets. For example, just because you back a player to score the first goal, doesn’t necessarily mean you must also back their team to win. You can back a player to score first for one team, and also back their rival to win by a specific score.

Wincast

The aim of a wincast bet is to successfully predict a combination of which players will score and when, plus which team will win the match, irrespective of the final score. This is the key difference between wincast bets and scorecast bets, although choosing which player will score and when in the first part of the bet remains the same.

The three key wincast markets at 888sport are as follows:

Wincast – Anytime Goal

In this bet your aim is to choose a player who you think will score at any time during the ninety minutes of play (plus stoppage time in league matches), along with predicting which of the two teams will win the match.

For example: Choosing Messi to score at any time during a match, and successfully choosing Barcelona to beat their rival. If both predictions end up being correct, your bet wins.

However, cup match scorers and winning teams must come within the normal ninety minutes of play (plus any stoppage time), in the case of cup matches, because extra time doesn’t count within your wincast bet.

Wincast – First Goal

This time you’re choosing which player you think will score the first goal in a match, and which of the two teams will win the game.

For example: Backing Messi to score the opening goal of a La Liga match, and Barcelona to win. Get both parts of the bet right, you’re a winner.

Own goals don’t count, so the next player to score is declared to have scored the first goal in such a scenario. As usual, extra time isn’t counted in the cast of cup matches, so both the first goal and the match winning team must be achieved within ninety minutes (plus stoppage time), because extra time doesn’t count.

Wincast – Last Goal

Here you’re predicting which player will score the last goal of the game, plus backing which team will be the final winner of the match.

For example: Selecting Messi to score the last goal of the match, combined with successfully choosing Barcelona to secure the win. Do that with both and your bet will have a positive outcome.

Again, own goals don’t count towards the last goal part of the bet, even if scored by a player you’ve chosen. Likewise, extra time in cup matches doesn’t count, only the last goal and final result within normal time plus any stoppage time added by the referee.

Wincast – Tips

Just as with scorecast betting, successful wincast betting may sometimes require some careful study of player and team form, along with a glance at statistics for the players and teams involved, because getting both parts of the bet right isn’t easy. Odds offered for a wincast bet are generally higher than placing individual bets, although neither are quite as high as scorecast bets, reflecting the varying levels of difficulty when making predictions.

Wincast betting also offers a good range of flexibility in each part of the bet, because although you might fancy a particular player to score the anytime goal, first goal, or last goal, you might also prefer to back their rival team to win the match itself.

General Thoughts

In some ways, both scorecast and wincast bets can almost be considered as being similar to a mini accumulator, in which you’re backing multiple outcomes for the chance to win at higher odds. However, certain variables and betting lines can’t always be added to accumulator bets, which makes the combination possibilities in both the scorecast and wincast betting markets very appealing to punters when focusing on individual matches.

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

One international fixture down, one more to go. It was refreshing to see Gareth Southgate go with a much-changed side in Amsterdam on Friday night and most England fans were left relatively happy with the performance.

Jesse Lingard’s goal was the difference between the two nations and England now turn their attention to Italy. The Italians struggled against Argentina, losing 2-0 in front of a small crowd at the Etihad Stadium.

Wembley is a sell-out for Tuesday evening and England will be looking to put on a show for their supporters. Southgate’s side lead my 11/1 four-fold here; check out the best bets ahead of Tuesday’s fixtures…

Russia vs FRANCE

Russia were put firmly in their place by Brazil on Friday night and Tite’s men, currently 19/4 favourites for World Cup glory, could prosper this summer.

The hosts gave a decent account of themselves but three goals in a crazy 13-minute spell in the second half saw Brazil pull clear. Russia could collapse again when France travel to St Petersburg.

Les Bleus let a two-goal lead slip against Colombia and Didier Deschamps will be demanding a response in this contest.

Okay, it wasn’t the strongest of France line-ups but it was almost certainly good enough to defeat their South American opponents. I would be shocked to see France fall short again and the 7/10 for an away win is a good price.

TIP: France to win @ 7/10

 

GERMANY vs BRAZIL

Germany are well fancied for this summer’s World Cup – and with good reason.

The 2014 winners were a class above their rivals throughout that tournament and a second successive triumph would cement their spot as one of the greatest international teams of all-time. This could give us some indication as to whether Germany are still the team to beat.

If nothing else, one thing is for sure: this one won’t be finishing 7-1. Brazil will be looking to send out a statement four years after that embarrassing defeat on home soil and they look well placed to push Germany close.

Both teams have enough quality to score goals and that makes the 4/6 very appealing indeed. It could be a very entertaining fixture.

TIP: Both teams to score 4/6

 

POLAND vs South Korea

Poland will be quietly confident of winning this one. Losing to Nigeria on Friday was not in the script and Adam Nawalka’s side will want to bounce back at the first time of asking.

It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Poland respond in the best possible way here; Robert Lewandowski was very critical of their performance and the hosts should improve.

South Korea were dominant for long spells against Northern Ireland but were defeated by Michael O’Neill’s side.

On paper, the visitors have the talent to cause problems for Poland but I can see this one being fairly straightforward. 19/20 for a home win is excellent – their sixth spot in the FIFA rankings is a stretch but Poland are a well-oiled football team.

TIP: Poland to win @ 19/20

 

ENGLAND vs Italy

As previously mentioned, England produced a polished effort to get past the Netherlands in Amsterdam – much to the delight of fans across the country.

The Three Lions have scored just three goals in their last 450 minutes of international football but they’ve not conceded during that timeframe either. Let’s focus on the positives instead of the negatives with the 2018 World Cup approaching.

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Italy were poor against Argentina and this is England’s match to lose. 11/10 is a great price for Southgate’s side and plenty of punters will be getting on England in the coming days.

This is a sub-par Italian side and, with no World Cup this summer, their players probably aren’t as determined to win. Don’t read too much into this clash.

TIP: England to win @ 11/10

 

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

With a larger gap between the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals this year there will be plenty of noteworthy horses winging their way over to Merseyside to contest their feature races.

There will also be horses entered who for one reason or another missed Cheltenham and will be completely fresh and raring to go when they arrive at Aintree.

Let’s take a look at some of those Aintree hopefuls - all of whom have Grand National aspirations.

Minella Rocco

Last year's Gold Cup runner-up was the most high-profile runner to miss this year's Festival due to the ground and it could easily play into his strengths given his excellent spring record.

Minella Rocco has now been burdened with top-weight of 11st 10lb from a handicap mark of 162 after the latest Grand National confirmation stage when Gold Cup participants Definitely Red, Edwulf and Outlander were taken out.

His trainer, Jonjo O’Neill, is rather keen on the eight-year-olds prospects in the race. Speaking at the recent Aintree lunch, O’Neill said: “I’ve no concerns about him on the jumping front.”

“I think it will be ideal for him, a big galloping track with wide open spaces. The Canal Turn might b a bit sharp that will require a few more strides as he is a big old horse. I’m really looking forward to bringing him here.

“He’s definitely at least 17 hands, and I know this because when you put a saddle on him he is a fair old horse.

“He’d be a classier horse than Don’t Push It, who would never have been second in the Gold Cup.

“He’d have a better attitude, too, than Don’t Push It and will handle the day quite well. Don’t Push It handled it quite well, but he was a bit of a nutter at home but this fella is a lovely horse. “

Minella Rocco will be bidding to become the first horse to win the marathon contest on his first run following a wind operation.

“He’s had everything done,” he added.

“We have done his palette since Leopardstown so hopefully that will help him a bit more. He’s in great form and working well. We were looking forward to going to Cheltenham but there was no point on that heavy ground.”

The J.P McManus owned gelding is a general 16/1 chance to win the National.

 

Tiger Roll, Causes Of Causes, The Last Samuri

Gordon Elliott’s Tiger Roll burst into to forefront of the Grand National betting after an emphatic win the Cross Country Chase at The Festival.

It was Tiger Roll’s third Festival victory and until then he had not really been considered as one of Elliott’s leading hopes for the Grand National.

Elliott, who trained Silver Birch to win the National in 2007, said about the top-priced 14/1 chance for Aintree: "Tiger Roll has come out of Cheltenham well and the Grand National is now the plan for him."

Cause Of Causes could not repeat last year's win in the Cross Country on the rain-softened ground and was pulled up by his rider Jamie Codd. He will be heading to Aintree to try and go one better then when he finished runner-up to One For Arthur twelve months ago.

Elliott said after the race: "Jamie (Codd) said he was flat out. I was worried about the ground and it never happened today. He is a bit sore so we will see how he is."

Speaking about the third home in the Cross Country, The Last Samuri, who is a best-priced 16/1 shot for the Grand National this time, trainer Kim Bailey said: "I am delighted - it was always going to be a National prep.

"It is a bit different to carrying top-weight in a handicap."

The Last Samuri didn't return back into Cheltenham’s winner's enclosure that afternoon and Bailey explained: "The horse always gets very tired afterwards. He is a horse that is marked out by the vets in all of his races.

"The vets are very happy with him - I am quite used to it now.”

 

Blaklion

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Blaklion bypassed the Cheltenham Gold Cup in order to make a full recovery from his Haydock exploits and to also take in a wind operation.

Earlier this season Blaklion finished runner-up in the Charlie Hall Chase and won the Becher Chase and has retained his position at the head of the Grand National market, despite that crushing defeat at Haydock last month.

Twiston-Davies reported Last week: "He's had soft cauterisation of his palate, which is a very minor one. We gave him a galloping scope and that's what came up."

He added: "It was always the plan to miss Cheltenham and all is going well. He's in great form."

The nine-year-old, out of Kayf Tara, can still be backed at 12/1 for the Aintree showpiece.

 

Total Recall

Willie Mullins has confirmed that Total Recall is an intended runner in the Grand National despite coming down three fences from home in the Gold Cup.

Total Recall won his first three races after joining Mullins from the retired Sandra Hughes, landing the Munster National at Limerick, the “Hennessy” at Newbury and a handicap hurdle at the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.

Total Recall, who will shoulder 11st 4lb, is vying for favouritism with Blaklion.

 

Anibale Fly

This season’s Gold Cup third Anibale Fly is entered in the National and has been backed down to odds of 16/1 for the Aintree marathon but his actual participation is far from assured.

Connections are likely to make a decision in the next few days as to whether the eight-year-old will return to English shores or stay at home for the Irish equivalent.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, has confirmed the Tony Martin-trained horse has a couple of options they need to mull over.

"He's come out of the Gold Cup very well. He ran very well and stayed on nicely," said Berry.

"We'll see how he is and we'll make a decision early in the week here where he's going.

"He has the two options and he'll definitely go for one or the other."

 

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

Ante-post favourite Blaklion (10/1) remains firmly at the head of the horse racing betting for the 171st renewal of the £1-million Randox Health Grand National after a total of 105 entries were declared for the race at noon on Wednesday 31^st January.

Looked after and trained by dual Grand National-winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, Blaklion is one of six entries from the Naunton based handler.

His 2018 entries also include the multiple Grade One winner Bristol De Mai (25/1), who is the most likely candidate for top-weight, BetVictor Gold Cup hero and popular Merseyside favourite Splash Of Ginge (50/1) and the Aintree Grade One scorer Flying Angel (66/1).

Britain's current champion Jump trainer Nicky Henderson, who has yet to add this race to his illustrious CV, will saddle three contenders in Gold Present (25/1),Vyta Du Roc (33/1) and O O Seven (66/1).

Irish-trained runners account for 40 of the initial entries with 11 of those runners coming from the Gigginstown House Stud. Total Recall (25/1), Cause Of Causes (25/1) and Ucello Conti (33/1) are the most prominent runners in the betting from Ireland.

Definitly Red (20/1) was pulled up last April after his saddle slipped. Brian Ellison's runner should be a major contender again after his impressive win in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham last time out. Before returning to Aintree he will take in the small matter of running in the Gold Cup next month.

Kim Bailey's 2016 Grand National runner-up The Last Samuri ( 20/1) is prominent in the horse racing odds once again.

Colin Tizzard has three entries in Sizing Codelco (50/1), The Dutchman (33/1), who won the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock in January, and Third Intention (100/1).

Joe Tizzard, assistant trainer said: "The Dutchman would have to be our leading hope after his last run at Haydock. He will head back up there in three weeks for the Grand National Trial and go from there.

"He has gone up 13lb to 148, so he should get a run in the National. It looks like he will stay that sort of trip and he jumps nicely.

"It was a strong run first time out at Haydock (second behind Sam Spinner in the Stayers' Handicap) and we possibly went back to the well too quickly at Cheltenham with him. He was hugely impressive at Haydock last time."

Other Grand National-winning trainers with 2018 entries include Paul Nicholls, whose sextet of possible runners is headed by dual Scottish Grand National victor Vicente (25/1), and Mouse Morris, who has Irish Grand National scorers Rogue Angel (50/1) and Thunder And Roses (40/1) among his three entries.

Vicente’s owner Trevor Hemmings has won the Grand National three times since 2005 and is the joint most successful trainer in the history of the world’s greatest chase. His other entry is Welsh Grand National fourth Vintage Clouds (Sue Smith, 40/1).

Welsh Grand National hero Raz De Maree (Gavin Cromwell IRE, 40/1) is engaged, as is impressive Classic Handicap Chase victor Milansbar (Neil King, 50/1).

Abolitionist (40/1) was third in last season's Irish Grand National when trained by Ellmarie Holden, and has since been bought by Dr Richard Newland, who claimed National glory with Pineau De Re in 2014.

Newland said: "Abolitionist is coming back from an injury. We got him in the autumn and then he had an issue with a stress fracture.

"He is on the way back now and doing really nicely. He is a nice horse who shows a good attitude and we are pleased to have him.

"We are stepping up his work and hope to have him on the track towards the end of February. Then all being well, he will go on to Aintree for the Grand National.

"He could have a spin over hurdles at Ascot on February 17 or there is a veterans' chase at Doncaster on February 21.

"The rules have changed, so he has to run in a chase this season to be qualified. If he starts off over hurdles, then he would run again over fences in March."

The entry figure has broken the 100-mark for the fourth time in the last five years – entry details since 2010 are as follows:- 2018-105; 2017-110, 2016-126, 2015-98; 2014-115; 2013-84; 2012-82; 2011-102 and 2010-112.

The weights for the 2018 Randox Health Grand National are decided by the British Horseracing Authority’s Head of Handicapping, Phil Smith, in what will be his final National. The allocated weights will be unveiled on the evening of Tuesday, February 13th, at BAFTA in London’s West End.

The Randox Health Grand National is the only handicap of the year where Phil Smith has absolute discretion to deviate from the normal handicap ratings when determining the weights.

A maximum of 40 runners can go to post at 5.15pm on Saturday, April 14^th.

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

Good news, this is the final international break of the season. Bad news, there’s no Premier League football because of it. However, there are at least a few exciting-looking fixtures this time around – most of the top nations are preparing for the 2018 World Cup.

Plenty of punters will be keeping a close eye on Argentina’s clash with Italy on Friday night. Jorge Sampaoli’s men are my top tip ahead of this weekend and I’m backing Lionel Messi and co to get the job done at the Etihad Stadium. Check out my best bets below…

 

ARGENTINA vs Italy

Argentina should have enough to emerge victorious in this fixture. Just look at their squad on paper; there are very few weaknesses, particularly in attack.

Inspired by Lionel Messi, Argentina can put on a show for the fans and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is well priced at 27/20 to score on Friday night.

via GIPHY

Meanwhile, this Italy side is in a sorry state. It will take some time for the Italian people to forgive the national squad after failing to qualify for the World Cup – it is hard to put too much faith in Italy at this moment in time.

This ageing squad may struggle to keep tabs on Argentina’s potent offense and that is why I fancy the 10/11 for Sampaoli’s men to prevail.

TIP: Argentina to win @ 10/11

GERMANY vs SPAIN

Another exciting encounter Germany and Spain are two of Europe’s strongest nations. 2014 World Cup champions Germany will be quietly confident of victory and Joachim Loew’s men may want to send out a statement.

Unfortunately for them, Spain are no slouches and the 2010 winners will be expecting to challenge this summer. They will rely heavily on a mixture of players from Barcelona and Real Madrid...

Both teams to score is probably the best bet here at a very appealing 7/10. At that price, it is well worth sticking in an accumulator and crossing your fingers.

International football can be difficult to predict at the best of times but both have the attacking quality to score. Neither side will be going hell for leather and there could be a few lapses in concentration at the back.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 7/10

 

NETHERLANDS vs ENGLAND

Like Italy, the Netherlands also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but Dutch football is now heading in the right direction.

On home soil, you’d have to fancy Holland to capitalise against this shaky England defence and the 17/20 for both teams to hit the back of the net is printing money.

 

Another big test for Gareth Southgate as England prepare for the World Cup. There will be an intense atmosphere and the Three Lions could struggle to slow Holland down if they go for the jugular.

England will have spells of control though and I fancy the visitors to grab a goal or two. Difficult to predict a score due to so many unknowns.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 17/20

 

Peru vs CROATIA

A slight change of pace here. Peru ended their 36-year World Cup drought by qualifying for this summer’s competition and the South American side may struggle against some of the best teams in the world.

Yes, they play regularly against the likes of Argentina and Brazil but Peru’s lack of experience against European nations may come back to haunt them.

This should be a comfortable affair for Croatia. 10/13 is a decent price for the European side to emerge victorious in this fixture – even with a couple of key men ruled out.

Croatia have enough class and quality at both ends of the pitch to control this contest and it could be a predictable encounter. Back against Croatia at your peril…

TIP: Croatia to win @ 10/13

 

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

No sooner has the dust settled on four excellent days of action at the Cheltenham Festival that punters and pundits alike are already looking towards how the betting markets are shaping up for next year’s Festival.

Here at 888sport, we take a look at some of the key races over the past week and gauge what impact the results have had on the Cheltenham ante-post front for next March.

Gold Cup

Native River and Might Bite were installed as 6/1 co-favourites for the 2019 Gold Cup after a thrilling dual in this year’s race.

Joining them on 6/1 is the RSA Chase winner, Presenting Percy. Patrick Kelly’s raider landed the race in comprehensive fashion by 11 lengths from Monalee and is now considered a genuine Gold Cup contender.

Presenting Percy’s jockey, Davy Russell, was keen however to play down the hype surrounding the horse, believing it is too early just yet to describe Presenting Percy as a future Cheltenham Gold Cup contender despite his convincing victory last week.

The leading jockey at the four-day Festival is keeping an open mind as to what the future holds for the seven-year-old, putting his faith fully behind Patrick Kelly’s training ability.

Anibale Fly, who finished in third place at 33/1, was immediately backed into 14/1 from 33/1 for the Grand National at Aintree and also closed to 14/1 from 20/1 to win the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday.

 

Champion Hurdle

Buveur D'Air retained the Champion Hurdle title with a thrilling victory from Melon and will be bidding to make it a hat-trick of wins in 2019.

The 4/6 favourite held on by a neck under jockey Barry Geraghty to give trainer Nicky Henderson a seventh victory in the race.

Buveur D'Air was passed by Melon on the uphill finish before battling back to triumph from the 7/1 shot, with 25/1 chance Mick Jazz in third.

Buveur D’Air is quoted at 7/2 to keep hold of his title next season. Melon is an 8/1 chance.

 

Queen Mother Champion Chase

Altior claimed the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham to remain unbeaten over jumps.

In the process he was winning at the Festival for a third successive year in a third different race. Next year he will be hunting down Festival win number four and hoping to retain his Champion Chase crown. Perhaps he will still be unbeaten when he lines up again in March 2019?

Second in the horse racing betting markets for next year’s race is Footpad at 5/1. He is also rated as a 12/1 chance for the Gold Cup should he land up there.

Footpad ran out a dominant winner of the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase at Cheltenham last Tuesday.

His trainer Willie Mullins believes Footpad could develop into a serious contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup following his brilliant display in the contest.

Valiant runner-up Min is a 12/1 chance to return to Prestbury Park and take top honours next time around.

Stayers’ Hurdle

Penhill struck for the second year running at the Cheltenham Festival when springing a 12/1 surprise for trainer Willie Mullins in the Stayers' Hurdle. Successful in the Albert Bartlett in 2017, Penhill had been missing for 323 days but easily blew off the cobwebs up the hill, showing no race-rustiness at all.

Last August, Tony Bloom, the horse's owner as well as the Brighton & Hove Albion football chairman, admitted that the horse might not run again. Bloom had wanted to take him to the Melbourne Cup but an injury curtailed that trip and the rest is history.

With Paul Townend on board, Penhill belied his 12/1 odds by out-lasting Supasundae (6/1) up the Prestbury Park hill with Wholestone finishing strongly in third.

Penhill (7/1), Supasundae (8/1) and Wholestone (16/1) are the prices on offer should these three horses return next year for another crack at the race.

2018 Results Recap

Tuesday

• 1:30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

1.Summerville Boy - T George - N Fehily - 9/1

• 14:10 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

1.Footpad - W Mullins - R Walsh - 5/6f

• 14:50 Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

1.Coo Star Sivola - N Williams - L Kelly - 5/1

• 15:30 Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

1.Buveur D'air - N Henderson - B Geraghty - 4/6f

• 16:10 OLBG Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) 

1.Benie Des Dieux - W Mullins - R Walsh - 9/2

• 16:50 National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

1.Rathvinden - W Mullins - Mr P Mullins - 9/2

• 17:30 Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed)

1.Mister Whitaker - M Channon - B Hughes - 13/2

Wednesday

• 13:30 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

1.Samcro - G Elliott - J Kennedy - 8/11f

• 14:10 RSA Insurance Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

1.Presenting Percy - P Kelly - D Russell - 5/2f

• 14:50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

1.Bleu Berry - W Mullins - M Walsh - 20/1

• 15:30 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

1.Altior - N Henderson - N De Boinville - Evsf

• 16:10 Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country Chase)

1.Tiger Roll - G Elliott - K Donoghue - 7/1

• 16:50 Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

1.Veneer Of Charm - G Elliott - J Kennedy - 33/1

• 17:30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1)

1.Relegate - W Mullins - Ms K Walsh - 25/1

 

Thursday

• 13:30 JLT Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

1.Shattered Love - G Elliott - J Kennedy - 4/1

• 14:10 Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

1.Delta Work - G Elliott - D Russell - 6/1

• 14:50 Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)

1.Balko Des Flos - H De Bromhead - D Russell - 8/1

• 15:30 Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1)

1.Penhill - W Mullins - P Townend - 12/1

• 16:10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

1.The Storyteller - G Elliott - D Russell - 5/1f

• 16:50 Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

1.Laurina - W Mullins - P Townend - 4/7f

• 17:30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase

1.Missed Approach - W Greatrex - N McParlan - 8/1

Friday

• 13:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

1.Farclas - G Elliott - J Kennedy - 9/1

• 14:10 Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

1.Mohaayed - D Skelton - B Andrews - 33/1

• 14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

1.Kilbricken Storm - C Tizzard - H Cobden - 33/1

• 15:30 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

1.Native River - C Tizzard - R Johnson - 5/1

• 16:10 St. James's Place Foxhunter Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

1.Pacha Du Polder - P Nicholls - H Tucker - 25/1

• 16:50 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

1.Blow By Blow - G Elliott - D Meyler - 11/1

• 17:30 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap (Grade 3)

1.Le Prezien - P Nicholls - B Geraghty - 15/2

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

The 2017/18 Champions League draw took place earlier today and Bayern Munich will be very happy with their quarter-final draw.

The German giants, five-time winners of Europe’s elite club competition, will take on Sevilla in the last eight and Jupp Heynckes’ side look very well priced at 15/4 to claim another triumph this season.

Sevilla produced one of the performances of the last-16 when beating Manchester United and the Spanish side will fancy their chances.

The first leg on home soil is crucial – Sevilla cannot afford to let Bayern take a lead back to the Allianz Arena. The 8/15 available for both teams to score in the opening clash is well worth considering.

All-English Affair The Tie Of The Round?

Most of the early focus has been on Manchester City’s tie with Liverpool. On paper, this is a tasty contest and plenty of punters will be keeping an eye on the early odds.

At the time of writing, Pep Guardiola’s men are 27/20 to win the first leg at Anfield but Liverpool, the only Premier League club to beat City this season, offer more value at 21/10.

via GIPHY

Jurgen Klopp will have his side fired up for that contest and the Anfield faithful will be fully behind the Reds. Another memorable European night awaits if Liverpool approach this clash in the correct way.

City might get through over two legs but it would be foolish to dismiss Klopp’s side on home soil.

 

Real Madrid Too Strong For Juventus

Zinedine Zidane’s side have failed to inspire confidence in La Liga this season but have saved their best form for Europe’s elite competition.

It would take a brave man to back against Los Blancos – punters will fancy another Madrid triumph. Currently 7/4 to take a lead into the second leg in Spain, Real will be looking for a positive result in the first fixture.

Two goals in as many minutes handed Juventus the initiative against Tottenham Hotspur and the Italian giants defended resolutely to snatch a memorable win at Wembley.

All of the romantics will be hoping for a Gianluigi Buffon success this year; the Serie A champions will find it difficult against this potent Real Madrid offense though.

 

Barcelona Confident Of Reaching Semi-Finals

Barcelona face Roma in the fourth and final last eight clash – and most will be expecting a straightforward win for the La Liga outfit.

Lionel Messi was simply sublime against Chelsea last time out and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can inspire Barca to another Champions League win. They are 3/10 to win the first leg at Camp Nou…

The Italian outfit will try to keep things tight defensively ahead of the second leg in Rome but that is easier said than done.

Barcelona are usually red hot on home soil and this one could be over after the first encounter. With a favourable tie, Barca have been priced up as 5/2 favourites in 888sport’s Champions League odds.

 

Europa League: Arsenal And Atletico Well Placed?

Arsene Wenger’s men will face CSKA Moscow in the quarter-finals and most Gunners fans will be happy enough with that tie. The thought of travelling to Russia isn’t exactly appealing but Arsenal will fancy their chances of advancing to the next round.

Meanwhile, Europa League favourites Atletico Madrid (27/20) take on Sporting Lisbon and Diego Simeone’s men have to be preferred over two legs. The La Liga outfit will take some stopping in this competition.

Lazio face Red Bull Salzburg whilst dangerous dark horses Marseille will go up against the Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. Arsenal, Atletico, Lazio and Marseille could make up the final four…

 

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