The quality really ramps up this weekend with some great horse racing at both Wetherby and Ascot.
The obvious place to start is the Charlie Hall Chase (3.35) and it’s brilliant that both Bravemansgame and Ahoy Senor have stood their ground.
I’m in the Ahoy Senor camp as I was very impressed with him at Aintree and I thought he did very well to get as close as he did to L’Homme Presse at Cheltenham considering the way he jumped that day.
My slight concern is that he was beaten when he unseated first time out last season and was also beaten first time the previous season, so he might just be a horse that benefits from the outing.
We all know that Bravemansgame will be well tuned by Paul Nicholls and that might end up being crucial, along with any potential improvement from his wind op.
Wetherby is a very fair track and I enjoyed riding there, though I didn’t always have the best luck!
It’s a pretty flat track but it’s a big circuit and it probably offers a bit more of a stamina test than somewhere like Kempton, so I don’t see why the track won’t suit both horses equally.
It will be a great watch and what a fantastic way to kick off the new season.
Elsewhere on the card, I’m prepared to give Sporting John another chance in the West Yorkshire Hurdle (3.00).
He’s quite a frustrating horse as he has plenty of ability but just doesn’t always show it on the racecourse and last season’s exploits were evidence of exactly that as he won two races at Cheltenham and Warwick really nicely, but was disappointing behind Kansas City Chief at Cheltenham.
He’s always promised a lot and you have to bear in mind he’s just a seven-year-old, so time is still very much on his side and with a good record fresh, I fancy him to get the job done.
The other one I’ll have my eye on is Martello Sky in the mares’ hurdle (2.25).
This is a pretty tightly matched bunch on ratings, but I just thought Martello Sky might be open to a little bit more improvement being only a six-year-old.
Over at Ascot there’s some good racing too and all eyes will be on Goshen as he makes his chase debut (1.30).
I like many think he’ll take to the bigger obstacles really well and the key to him seems to be going right-handed.
For a jockey it’s very hard if a horse jumps the other way because the more you try to correct them, the more they will try to resist it and therefore it gets progressively worse as the race develops.
It’s not a character flaw or anything like that, it’s just one of those things that some horses do and as a jockey you just have to try your best to keep them straight.
Goshen was very plucky and brave at his hurdles, so I don’t see any reason why he won’t take to fences. He could be a very exciting novice chaser this season and this looks a good starting point to get his campaign underway.
The big handicap at Ascot is the London Gold Cup (3.15) and I wasn’t surprised to see Major Dundee and Our Power at the head of the betting.
Both horses have very similar profiles being seven-year-olds, with good place form in big handicaps and who look to have plenty of scope to improve this season.
Like many big Saturday handicaps, it’s wide open but I just thought those two might end up being a bit better than their current marks.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
With 43 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, Barry Geraghty is the second most successful jockey in the meeting’s illustrious history.
Career highlights include five Queen Mother Champion Chase victories, two Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs and victory aboard Monty’s Pass in the 2003 Grand National.
Barry has partnered with 888sport for the 2021/22 jumps season, providing his expert insight and horse racing analysis on the biggest races of the week.
Come back every Friday to find out the latest instalment of Barry Geraghty tips for upcoming fixtures across the United Kingdom & Ireland.
Where: Fryth Way, off Pound Lane, Nailsea, North Somerset BS48 2AS
Competition: Western League Division One
Attendance: 149
It was such a huge personal honour when I was unexpectedly asked by Nailsea & Tickenham to perform the official floodlight opening ceremony before this match.
So I set off on a 310 mile round trip to Nailsea which is a Somerset town containing 15,600 inhabitants.
N&T FC are newly promoted to the Western League Division One this season at Step 6 of the national Non-League Pyramid as champions of the Somerset County League.
Therefore the installation of floodlights was essential to meet stringent ground grading requirements for this standard of football.
Half an hour before the 7.30pm kick-off, I stood in front of the growing crowd with a microphone in my hand to announce a countdown from ten down to one before the lights were dramatically switched on and Fryth Way became illuminated for the very first time.
I've had some amazing experiences in my 50 years as a Non-League football enthusiast but this was something completely different for me to undertake. A moment that will always be mentioned in the club’s history annals for years to come.
Ground Description
It is a work in progress. The foundations have been created to erect a new seated grandstand and some seats are on site ready for installation.
In the meantime, N&T currently have a charming homemade covered enclosure that houses some individual chairs for spectators who can enjoy a slightly elevated view on top of grass banking.
Programme Details
A very nice souvenir programme sold at £1. The editorial content put this historic occasion into context by including details about the new lights plus an update on N&T’s future plans.
The Match
The first half was scoreless and quite sterile. In fact, the match had 0-0 written all over it which is always bitterly disappointing for a visiting groundhopper like me.
However, N&T stepped things up completely after the break and rattled home five goals from Jack Thorne, Callum Dunn 2, Joe Berry and an own goal at the very end to seal a resounding victory.
N&T are already pushing for promotion to the Western League Premier Division at Step 5.
The club have certainly come a long way since their formation as recently as 2015 from the merger of two well-established local teams - Nailsea Town FC and Tickenham United FC. In fact, they haven’t looked back since then.
The People
I received a very warm welcome from all the hard working matchday volunteers...
At half-time, I took the microphone again to introduce the spectators to N&T chairman Rob Gregory, club treasurer John Murray MBE (who worked very closely alongside the Football Foundation to secure extensive funding for the floodlights) and former Bristol City captain Geoff Merrick.
All three exuded resounding enthusiasm about the continuing aspirations of N&T on and off the field of play as well as the vital importance that Non-League clubs hold within their adjacent communities.
Like many other people of my age, I fondly remember Merrick as one of eight noble and altruistic footballers (the famous ‘Ashton Gate Eight’) who saved Bristol City from financial ruin in 1982 by ripping up their contracts.
He is 71 now and I found him to be a humble man with a deep love of football at all levels having finished his career in the Non-League ranks. As for N&T, I quickly realised that the club’s prospects look very bright indeed.
Their ambition is to provide the best standard of football and facilities for the surrounding catchment area.
They are attracting increasing support and sponsorship from nearby businesses whilst providing a great platform for young local players to perform on.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to @TonyIncenzo*
England and Australia have each recorded emphatic wins over Afghanistan and Sri Lanka respectively, but their clash on Friday is huge.
England saw the rain truncate their run chase and lead to a DLS loss to Ireland on Wednesday, while Australia are under pressure after their loss to the New Zealanders.
This is a fiercely competitive group, and these two tournament favourites are a long way from guaranteed a place in the last four.
Cricket betting markets narrowly favour the Australians at 4/5 to win the match.
Of course, England dominated the old rivals in the lead up to this tournament, and the hosts have some significant selection dilemmas to answer around the balance of their side. The form of Aaron Finch is a major concern.
This match is taking place at the MCG, where rain hit on Wednesday.
This ground produced a classic between India and Pakistan earlier this week, and its massive square boundaries can play in the favour of bowlers who hit the pitch like Josh Hazlewood and Mark Wood.
The pair are the favourites to be their respective teams leading wicket takes at 13/5 and 29/10.
England’s batting struggled early on against Ireland, with lateral movement causing problems for the top order.
If the ball jags around in the powerplay again, there could be value backing Harry Brook to top score for Jos Buttler’s team at 19/4.
The performances from England in the warm-up matches surely make them the best bet to win this one at Evens. Conditions will be slightly different to when they faced Ireland, with the match taking place later in the day.
Should the ball continue to move, Australia’s batsman could equally find it challenging if England pitch up.
There aren’t many bigger betting on cricket events than the T20 World Cup. Postponements have made these tournaments come along like London buses, with the 2022 edition arriving almost exactly a year after Australia were crowned champions.
The Aussies are the hosts this time, and are favourites to defend their crown before the live betting action kicks off on 16th October.
Familiar conditions play into the hands of the Australians, but it’s worth noting that hasn’t always been a decisive factor in T20 World Cups.
India won in South Africa, Pakistan won in England, West Indies won in Sri Lanka and India, and the Aussies themselves lifted the trophy in UAE.
With T20 tournaments around the world, the vast majority of players are used to adapting their games to different surfaces.
Favourites For T20 World Cup
India are narrowly behind the host nation in the betting markets, while England come in at 7/2.
A new white-ball era has been ushered in for England under Jos Buttler’s leadership, and there are some significant questions to be answered in the lead up to the tournament with Ben Stokes set to return and Jonny Bairstow ruled out through a golf injury.
Jofra Archer’s pace is sorely missed, but England are delighted to have Mark Wood back in the fray.
Run prevention is the problem for the 2010 winners, though, and Harry Brook’s form has created something of a selection dilemma in the middle order. How do they balance the team?
Australia have the mix of power at the top of the order and some of the greatest Australian cricketers with the ball – an attack led by Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood is going to slow down a lot of line ups.
They might be down in sixth in the team rankings, but the Australians will like their chances in Group 1 with Afghanistan, England and New Zealand plus a couple of qualifiers.
Teams With A Chance
It is part of tournament tradition to tab the Kiwis as dark horses, but their chances appear slim even after reaching the final last year. The batting is not as explosive as other top teams.
If England and Australia are in the box seat to progress from Group 1, things are a bit more interesting in Group 2.
Bangladesh are underdogs, of course, but South Africa and Pakistan both pose a threat to India. The South Africans impressed in their matches with England, and Pakistan are doing the same.
Both teams possess exceptional fast-bowling units. Pakistan are at their best facing pace-bowling – playing in Australia should benefit them.
South Africa perhaps don’t have the batting depth of others, but they have raw power to take the game away from opponents if they hit their stride. The form of Babar Azam and Quinton De Kock will be pivotal.
Usually a contender in T20 World Cups, the West Indies have to go through the first round and are in a period of transition. They don’t have the same upside as previous editions of this tournament.
Men’s T20 World Cup Prediction
When it comes to making a prediction for the Men’s 2022 T20 World Cup, it’s clear that Australia and India deserve to be considered favourites.
England’s bowling is their Achilles heel, and that is what probably stops them going on a deep run.
From a betting perspective, Pakistan and South Africa represent the best value to win the tournament.
There is downside with both teams, but they deserve to be taken seriously as contenders given the importance of elite quick bowling in Australia.
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Former Manchester United defender David May believes the Reds can one day be the equal of their arch-rivals City now that Erik Ten Hag is in charge.
"I certainly think United are going the right way but what’s going on across the other side of Manchester is sensational, it really is. They are an absolute machine.
"But Pep had time and was given money so why can’t United do the same? Are they close to Manchester City right now? No, nowhere near.
"But another window, another season, we can eventually get there and I do think Ten Hag is the perfect manager to do that, I really do."
Having twice won the league at Old Trafford during the club’s Nineties heyday, May went on to front their television channel and podcast in retirement, all of which makes him an authority worth listening to when it comes to United’s fortunes.
So, what exactly has he seen during the Dutchman’s opening months at the helm to suspect that the good times may be returning after several seasons of disappointment
"Running, sprinting and work-rate have all improved. Under Rangnick that was a no-no; that never happened. I also think there is a discipline he’s brought to the team.
"Everybody knows how we want to play and how we want to press and if you don’t do that, you don’t play. He’s brought that mentality to the team that has been missing for four or five years.
"I would like to see more goals and more opportunities made and we can get more out of Jadon Sancho. Keeping clean sheets is imperative too because at the other end United will score.
"But United fans have seen progress. Over the last two or three seasons it’s not been the best football to watch at times, but Ten Hag has come in and steadied the ship and got people playing, and we’re now seeing the best of those players."
From the players in question, naturally May focuses first on the centre-backs, it being the position where he made 64 Premier League appearances for the Reds with distinction.
It’s an impressive tally given that often he was back-up to one of the club’s greatest ever defensive partnerships in Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister and May is reminded of the pair presently when watching Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
"I know that Varane got injured at the weekend, but the partnership between him and Martinez is outstanding. It really is. You can see they have an understanding.
"Martinez reminds me of Brucey, who would run through a brick wall, but he loves to get on the ball as well. He’s not afraid of passing the ball. There are similarities too with Vidic and Rio, with Martinez like Vidic, and Varane the Rolls-Royce.
"It’s a perfect partnership and I just love the way Martinez plays. He seems to look after everybody. If someone gets kicked, he’s in there, and he’s not afraid to put his foot in. You can see that. He’s aggressive and that’s infectious. He’s been fantastic."
Further forward, midfield has too regularly been a problem area for United, that was until Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were signed last summer.
What have their contrasting styles brought to the Old Trafford centre-circle that was previously so sorely lacking?
"Composure, vision and experience. Eriksen can receive the ball anywhere, it doesn’t matter to him. Whereas Casemiro has all the experience of winning things.
"We haven’t had that for some time, two players that can dictate play. Eriksen in particular has been fantastic, especially after what he’s been through as well – god bless him, to come back from something like that is special - and to think that we got him on a free."
Another new recruit has also hit the ground running, in the form of Brazilian winger Antony. Mention of his confidence prompts a laugh from May, who views that to be a big part of the 22-year-old’s make-up.
"Antony is arrogant. You can see by the way he plays and struts around. The way he brings the full-back onto him and says, ‘come on then, let’s have a go’.
"If there is one fault about him it’s that he needs to work on his right foot. Because he gets into so many brilliant positions where it would be easier to actually use his right foot.
"He’s still a young kid but the money United paid for him, and how much Ten Hag wanted him, just goes to show what a player he is, and what a great player he’s going to be. He gets fans on the edge of their seats and we’ve not had that for a long time."
Of course, it’s not all wine and roses just now, with the ongoing Cristiano Ronaldo soap opera proving to be a distraction the Reds could well do without.
May concedes that his ex-team-mate is inevitably heading for the exit door and furthermore will need to be replaced sooner, rather than later.
"We need a centre-forward because Ronaldo will almost certainly leave. But who? With a World Cup coming up, you just don’t know what’s out there. There could be a surprise package."
Before we dig down into possible names however, the imminent tournament in Qatar prompts another concern.
"The World Cup is coming at the worst possible time for United. They’re just getting some momentum going forward.
"Other teams will be looking forward to the World Cup and a chance to reset but it’s a bad time for us as we’re just starting to see Ten Hag’s philosophy coming through."
Still, these are details that can be navigated and made small. For May, the big picture at the club that he loves is getting brighter all the time.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Shamrock Rovers are the most successful club in the history of Irish football. The League of Ireland Premier Division side have a rich history in the game that stretches back well over a century.
Backed by a passionate fanbase, Shamrock Rovers are thriving behind the scenes and on the pitch, having become a familiar name in recent UEFA competitions.
The club’s current standing is stronger than ever, built on their wonderful, silverware-laden history. As principal shirt sponsors, 888 are delighted to lend support to Rovers, their fans and their great community.
888 Supports The Hoops
A leader in football betting odds, 888 became the official sponsor of Shamrock Rovers in 2021. As the Principal Sponsor of the club, the famous 888 logo can be seen on team shirts and in advertising around the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.
888 is one of the world’s foremost online betting companies with fantastic live betting services. For spread betting in Ireland, football fans will find exciting wagering opportunities.
The support of Shamrock Rovers by 888 is a big commitment to the local Dublin market and the local community.
Kieran Spellman, VP – Head of 888sport stated at the time of the deal: “we are very much looking forward to playing our part in supporting our local team.”
The History Of Shamrock Rovers
The actual origin date of Shamrock Rovers has gone back and forth between 1899 and 1901.
For a long time, the date 1899 was emblazoned on the gates at the club’s former home Glenmalure Park. But many believed that it should be 1901 and the latter date stuck in some circles.
But new evidence led the club to go back to 1899 and to name a suite at the new Tallaght Stadium after that year.
The club started in the southside suburb of Ringsend, and that initial location lends itself to the club’s name. The old Rovers HQ was situated on Shamrock Avenue.
Part owners of Shamrock Rovers FC are the Shamrock Rovers Members Club, which boasts more than 400 members.
Membership is available to anyone, and it is the modern incarnation of the 400 Club consortium, which back in 2005 helped secure the future of the club.
After fluttering around the lower league scene in Ireland, sometimes withdrawing from action and even disbanding, Shamrock Rovers kept bouncing back.
In 1921, at the time a Leinster Senior League team, Rovers reached the final of the first-ever FAI Cup, losing there to St James’s Gate.
From there it was a move up to the League of Ireland for the Dublin club.
The Big Breakthrough
There was a remarkable introduction for Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland.
They made their debut in the 1922/23 season as part of an expansion of the top flight. Six new clubs were invited to join the existing six that formed the League of Ireland.
Stunningly, newcomers Shamrock Rovers won the league title at the very first attempt. They claimed the title by a five-point margin over Shelbourne, another club who were making their debut that season.
Shamrock Rovers lost only one of their 22-matches in the campaign, averaging more than three goals per fixture.
Of their 77 goals tallied for the season, 27 of them were scored by one of their great influential characters from history, Bob Fullam. The former Leeds player enjoyed tremendous success during his time with Rovers, which spanned four years.
That early success laid the foundations for Shamrock Rovers, as they would go on to break records.
Ten Titles Up For Rovers
When Shamrock Rovers claimed the 1963-64 League of Ireland title, it quickly brought up their tenth success in the top flight. Back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021 saw them edge closer to doubling their tally of domestic league titles.
But along the way, there was also tremendous success for Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup. Throughout the 1960s they won a remarkable six cups on the spin.
Because of all the silverware that has flooded the Dublin club’s trophy cabinets, Shamrock Rovers have firmly established themselves as the most successful club in the country.
Notable Shamrock Rovers Players
Paddy Coad
Paddy Ambrose
Bob Fullam
Derek Treacy
Gary Twigg
Reaching Tallaght Stadium
There have been periods of history in which Shamrock Rovers were without a permanent home.
After the sale of Glenmalure Park, which fans had protested the sale of, Rovers bounced around at venues including Tolka Park to the RDS in Ballsbridge and the Morton Stadium.
In 2000 the ground was broken on a new site in Dublin, promising to usher in an exciting new era for the club.
But it took a long time before Shamrock Rovers would be able to call the new Tallaght Stadium home. By 2005 progress had not been made. It looked as if the realisation of their new home wouldn’t happen at all.
A long period of legal wrangling rattled on. Exhausting judicial battles were fought out before a ruling came about in 2008 that the continuation of the Tallaght Stadium build could happen.
In March 2009 and after more than two decades without a home of their own, Shamrock Rovers kicked off at the Tallaght Stadium. It was a huge sense of relief.
The following season after moving in, Shamrock Rovers would win their 17th league title. It was their first such success since 1994. Things were now settled behind the scenes and the Hoops could kick back into gear.
The main stand at the Tallaght Stadium was the first structure to be built and houses the home support.
On the opposite side of the pitch there’s a place for the visiting fans and in 2019 further development of the Stadium pushed the capacity up to 8000.
Tallaght Stadium is already the biggest ground in Irish football. A scheduled North Stand to complete the four sides of the arena is set to push the capacity up to 10,000.
The Glenmalure Suite at the stadium is a nod towards their history and the years that they spent at their former venue.
It was their home between 1926 and 1987 and one that Shamrock Rovers fans at the time desperately didn’t want to see go. But now their fans can cheer Rovers on in their wonderful new modern home.
European Adventures
There have been many great European adventures that Shamrock Rovers have had down the years. Their first foray into UEFA competition came in 1957 when the Irish champions made their way into the European Cup for the first time.
It was a historic, trailblazing season by Shamrock Rovers in that regard. It was the first time in the competition that teams from the Republic of Ireland had been given entry by UEFA.
The Hoops made their debut in the Preliminary Round of the European Cup and received an amazing tie against Manchester United.
The first leg was hosted at Dalymount Park in Dublin and the visiting Red Devils proved too strong for Shamrock Rovers, running out 6-0 winners.
The second leg back at Old Trafford was a much closer affair. After falling 2-0 behind in the match, Shamrock Rovers admirably clawed their way back into the game, ending up losing 3-2.
After five more seasons in Europe split between the European Cup, Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, Shamrock Rovers would get their first taste of success in European action.
In the First Round of the 1966-67 European Cup Winners’ Cup, they hammered Spora Luxembourg 8-2 on aggregate.
The reward for Shamrock Rovers was a Second Round tie against German powerhouses Bayern Munich.
The tie was a lot tighter than it looked like it was going to be on paper. Bayern Munich narrowly won the tie 4-3 on aggregate, after being held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Dublin.
Snapshot of Shamrock Rovers
Ireland’s most successful club
Shamrock Rovers were the first Irish team to play in Europe
In 2011 Rovers became the first Irish team to make the Europa League Group Stages
More Republic of Ireland players have come from Shamrock Rovers than any other club
The Hoops are the all-time leading record holder for League of Ireland titles
Shamrock Rovers hold the record for the most FAI Cup victories
The Hoops Go Toe To Toe With Europe’s Biggest
There have been some wonderful European ties that Shamrock Rovers have played.
They have gone up against some of the biggest teams on the continent, like the aforementioned Manchester United and Bayern Munich. It’s been a wonderful experience for their dedicated fans.
Shamrock Rovers have been in duels with the likes of Valencia, Schalke, Celtic, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan.
The 2011/12 season was particularly special for the Hoops. Long-standing head coach Stephen Bradley led them into new territory in modern European football.
Following a qualification Play-Off victory over Partizan Belgrade, Shamrock Rovers landed in the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League.
It was the deepest that they had ever been in a UEFA Competition. It gave the fans a taste of something new, something special.
Furthermore, it was also a massive boost to the ambition of the club, despite them going as underdogs in football betting to make qualification to the knockout stages.
The Hoops would lose all six matches in the group stage against Rubin Kazan, Tottenham Hotspur and PAOK, but it was a valuable experience nonetheless. It gave a glimpse of what more was needed to kick on.
Consistent European Bids
Given their high status in Ireland, Shamrock Rovers have been a familiar face in the qualification rounds of the Europa League, Champions League and the newer UEFA Europa Conference League.
That consistency, which in turn comes from their strong, successful domestic form, will only create further chances for the club down the line. It’s a great bedrock for further progress on the European front.
Shamrock Rovers have done brilliantly to bring top European football to their fans, packing out the Tallaght Stadium with extra fixtures on top of their domestic league and cup campaigns.
The Fantastic Fan Base Of Shamrock Rovers
Fans play a part in the growth of any club. The backing of passionate supporters willing to flood through the turnstiles is crucial to the existence of all clubs.
Shamrock Rovers have a tremendous fan base, largely from the southside of Dublin because of the origins of the club.
But naturally, given the big appeal of the club, members come from further afield from that.
Many make the journey from locations across the country to attend matches. Some supporter clubs are even dedicated to following Shamrock Rovers when they play away from home.
Shamrock Rovers are proudly Irish, from the name of the club, the club’s green colours and the shamrock on their club crest.
Fans not only at the Tallaght Stadium but following the club on away days, proudly fly flags and banners that show their proud Irish identity.
As for rivalries, the biggest that Shamrock Rovers have is against St Patrick’s Athletic with it being a local derby. The other long-standing derby duel that Shamrock Rovers have is against their old rivals Shelbourne.
Shamrock Rovers Youth
The future of Shamrock Rovers doesn’t just rest in the hands of the men’s first team and transfer business there.
There is a thriving youth scene at the club as well. It is a massive set-up boasting far-reaching arms, pulling together some of the brightest young talents around.
There are more than 200 youth players at Shamrock Rovers including an Under 17 women’s team. It is such a great community resource, giving opportunities to youngsters. It is the first professional youth academy in the country.
The range of youth teams at Shamrock Rovers goes from the Under-8 right through to the Shamrock Rovers II side, their reserves. With scholarships available to help with education, the club gives so much back to the local community.
888, who have offices not too far from Tallaght Stadium, are now part of that local investment through the backing of Shamrock Rovers. It’s a great club to be on board with.
There’s the mouth-watering prospect of more domestic titles to extend their records in the League of Ireland Premier Division and FAI Cup, plus plenty more big European nights to come. Good times lie ahead in Dublin.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
How will France fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at Les Bleus in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...
France History at the World Cup
From playing their first international fixture in 1904 to the present day, France have been a major player on the global stage, and this is epitomised by a proud and long heritage at the World Cup.
One of just four European teams to participate in the inaugural tournament, Les Bleus evolved as a footballing nation, eventually developing a ‘golden generation’ in the Fifties, complete with Raymond Kopa and the scarily-prolific Just Fontaine, who reached the semi-finals in 1958.
There followed a period of strife, with just the one qualification across the subsequent two decades but in the Eighties, France returned with bags of panache and inspired by a midfield four that became known as the ‘carre magique’ (magic square).
With three-time Ballon d’Or winner Michel Platini bossing proceedings, a magnifique and memorable side entertained their way to a further two semis, all the while captivating a watching world.
In the Nineties, France went one better, winning the competition on home soil by beating Brazil 3-0 in a final that saw the incomparable Zinedine Zidane take centre stage, scoring with a header.
Eight years later, Zizou was again in a World Cup final, and again used his head, but this time for all the wrong reasons.
At the most recent World Cup in Russia 2018, Les Bleus lifted the famous trophy anew, meaning they are one of only six nations to claim the tournament twice or more, but with France it’s as much about the players as their achievements.
From Fontaine, to Platini, to Zidane, what incredible talent they have bestowed on us, and that generosity continues to the present-day with Kylian Mbappe, who is set to run amok in Qatar.
With his blistering pace and trickery, Mbappe is the scourge of the live betting markets, capable as he is of changing the course of a game in a heartbeat.
France Nickname
Some international nicknames require an explanation. ‘The Blues’ possibly does not.
What may be of interest, however, is why the colour is so historically associated with France, to the point of the shading being commonly known as ‘French Blue’.
It’s because from the 12th century on, the heraldry of their royalty family has had the hue prominent in the background, representing the sky and a bright tomorrow.
World Cup 2022 Group
Even though Group D has a strong favourite in France it’s still arguably the most intriguing of all the quartets, featuring a very decent Denmark side and two others who are more than capable of springing a surprise.
Tunisia are a difficult outfit to break down while Australia ran France close and held Denmark in an almost identical grouping during Russia 2018.
The home shirt may not be one of the stand-out kits at Qatar but the gold trim on navy blue is always a fetching combination. It’s conventional but classy.
For their away number, Nike have been inspired by the country’s traditional Toile de Jouy fabric. Think Versailles. Think decadence. It’s rather lovely.
Who Is The France Manager?
Didier Deschamp remains a divisive figure, with critics insisting the former Juventus ‘water-carrier’ tethers the extravagant talent he has at his disposal.
This is despite the 54-year-old guiding his team to World Cup and Nations League success in recent years. There’s just no pleasing some people.
Best France Player
The French squad may not be as packed with world class talent as it used to be, but it remains a stellar cast, and head and shoulders above his team-mates is the generational Kylian Mbappe.
Twenty-eight goals in 59 appearances for his country is a ratio the great Fontaine would have been satisfied with and at 23 years of age the PSG megastar is only going to be get better.
Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.
A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.
Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at EVERY nation competing at the 2022 World Cup to find the respective players with the highest transfer market values...
Not only is the World Cup a chance to gorge on football, it is an opportunity to see the world’s best in action, going head-to-head for the sport’s ultimate prize.
Also, each World Cup is a window for other players to step into the spotlight, for lesser-known names to swing World Cup odds, potentially altering their careers.
— Tony Incenzo - my 50th football season (@TonyIncenzo) October 4, 2022
The pre-tournament betting favourites are stacked with worldwide stars – some of the names featuring in this list are predictable, but others will raise eyebrows.
Certain countries have a surprise name in top spot, while the smaller nations are represented by players who the majority will not have heard of. All fees are courtesy of Transfermarkt and were converted to GBP on October 3rd 2022.
Only two other World Cup nations have a highest player market value of lower than Akram Afif’s mark of £5.36 million. Afif, who has amassed 85 caps for the tournament hosts since 2015, has 25 goals for his country.
He began his senior career in Europe with Eupen before joining Villarreal and then Sporting Gijon on loan. Afif returned to Qatar in 2018, however, staying with Al Sadd on loan until he made the move permanent in 2020.
A three-time winner of the Qatari Stars League and Asian Footballer of the Year in 2019, Afif must be at his best if the host nation are to go defy the sports betting odds and make it out of the group.
Signed by Brighton from Independiente del Valle for around £4 million in 2021, Moisés Caicedo turns 21 just a couple of weeks before the World Cup gets underway.
Caicedo already has 25 Ecuador caps to his name, and the central midfielder has become a key player for Brighton after spending last season on loan with Beerschot.
Ecuador are taking a young squad to the World Cup. A lack of experience could be an issue, but there is real upside, and they will fancy their chances in Group A.
Scorer of the penalty which confirmed Senegal’s place at the World Cup, Sadio Mane is the nation’s highest-value player at just shy of £60 million.
This is despite Mane moving for around £30 million to Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window – Mane is followed by Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly in the market value rankings.
Clearly Senegal’s biggest star, Mane is bound to attract some support in Golden Boot betting odds. He’s currently 66/1 to finish as top scorer, a longer price than Darwin Nunez, Roberto Firmino and Timo Werner.
Sadio Mane has moved another step closer to leaving #LFC this summer.
🔴⚽️ We look back at some of his greatest moments in a Liverpool shirt.https://t.co/TaFtbqfJ6W
Apparently worth more than Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch, Matthijs de Ligt comes in as the Netherlands’ most expensive player ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Like Mane, de Ligt swapped one European superpower for another in the summer, signing for Bayern from Juventus for a fee just below £70 million.
Still only 23 years old, de Ligt could play in the next three World Cups after Qatar. His age is major factor in having such a high market value.
England – Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, £87.64 million
It’s a three-way tie among English players. Harry Kane is 29, perhaps at the tail-end of his prime, yet has retained serious transfer value thanks to his lengthy track record of production at both domestic and national level.
Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham are already Champions League calibre players, but this value is largely in their potential.
Foden is 22; Bellingham is 19. This duo are the future of the England team, and their form will have a significant sway on how England are viewed by football prediction experts in Qatar and beyond.
Four other England players – Mason Mount, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jadon Sancho, Declan Rice – are valued at over £70 million. Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish rank just behind that quartet to round out the top 10.
No team has longer World Cup odds than Iran’s 500/1. It will be a major live betting upset if they register points against the USA, Wales or England. One player they are dependent on is Porto striker Mehdi Taremi.
Only a handful of Iranian players feature in the top European leagues, and Taremi is one of them, along with Brentford’s Saman Ghoddos, Bayer Leverkusen’s Sardar Azmoun and Feyenoord’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
There are high hopes for the USA at this World Cup, but Christian Pulisic’s form and gametime is a major concern.
Pulisic has been outspoken about his fractured relationship with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, and it remains to be seen how Graham Potter utilises the former Dortmund winger.
USMNT fans will be desperate to see Pulisic feature frequently in Chelsea betting tips in the build up to the World Cup. After impressing in the second half of 2020, his career has stalled due to injuries and inconsistency.
For a long period, Gareth Bale would have been top of the market value chart among Welsh players. Ben Davies has taken Bale’s slot with the ex-Real Madrid forward now plying his trade in MLS.
Davies has 74 caps over the last decade, having established himself as a reliable performer for club and country.
A regular at Spurs, his experience will be invaluable as the Dragons look to pip the US to the second qualifying spot in Group B.
Age matters when it comes to market value. Lionel Messi is joint-third, behind Cristian Romero as well as Lautaro Martinez.
Despite plenty of rumours throughout the summer, Martinez has remained with Inter, and The Bull will have a major role to play for the Argentines in Qatar.
He has an excellent record of 21 goals in 40 for La Albiceleste – will he follow in the footsteps of Mario Kempes and Guillermo Stábile and become the third Argentine to win the World Cup Golden Boot?
With a squad exclusively playing in the Saudi Pro League, it’s not a surprise that Saudi Arabia has the lowest market value on this list.
Sultan Al-Ghannam comes in at under £3.4 million – the right-back for Al-Nassr has 23 caps and no goals to his name.
Including Qatar, Saudi Arabia have qualified for six of the last eight World Cups. Their victory in Russia was their first World Cup win since 1994, though, and they have their work cut out in a tricky Group C.
Mexico – Hirving Lozano, Edson Alvarez, £29.21 million
Are Mexico being underrated? They are 4/1 to win Group C, and while they don’t have the star power of Poland, this is a squad with plenty of quality players.
Projected transfer values point to Napoli’s Hirving Lozano and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as the best of the bunch.
Alvarez, linked with Chelsea on transfer deadline day, is the less eye-catching of the two. Lozano is a rapid winger who will torment opponents on the break.
You have to go all the way back to 1990 for the last time Mexico didn’t reach the last 16 of a World Cup (and even that was because they were banned).
Named the Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2020 and 2021, Robert Lewandowski continues to score at a prolific rate for club and country.
He has started his Barcelona career in fine form, and carries Poland’s hopes at the World Cup, as the Biało-czerwoni aim to make the last 16 for the first time since 1986.
Only 10 players have scored more international goals than Lewandowski. He could climb into the top seven by Christmas if he has a productive time in Qatar.
✍️ "Barcelona have rebuilt a top level team - this is a statement by president Laporta, the board and once again Xavi Hernandez."
Transfermarkt has Kylian Mbappe as the most valuable player in world football.
Already a World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or candidate, it’s hard to argue with that assessment. Mbappe has 28 goals in just 59 international caps, and he doesn’t turn 24 until two days after the World Cup final.
There is a debate to be had about the best player in the world heading into this winter’s tournament, but there’s no question Mbappe is in the conversation.
He has scored at just under a goal per game over the last four seasons, and we’ve already seen him deliver on the biggest stage.
Australia – Aaron Mooy, Matt Ryan, Harry Souttar, £4.87 million
There’s another three-way tie at the top here between Celtic’s Aaron Mooy, Copenhagen’s Matt Ryan and Stoke City’s Harry Souttar.
The Australians aren’t given much of a chance as the rank outsiders in Group D, and they are a non-factor when it comes to pre-tournament power rankings.
Ryan and Mooy are recognisable names for Premier League followers, while Souttar is still at the beginning of his career at the top level. The 23-year-old has played just 54 times for Stoke and has only collected 10 caps for the Socceroos.
Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has comfortably the highest market value among Danes, a few million ahead of Andreas Christensen and Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen.
Højbjerg splits opinion between Spurs fans, but he has generally been a consistent performer since his move from Southampton in 2020.
Denmark have failed to qualify for two of the last four World Cups, though they have performed well over the last couple of years and firmly fit the dark horse mould.
Ellyes Skhiri, a midfielder for Bundesliga side Koln, was born in France and began his club career with Montpellier, but opted to represent Tunisia, debuting for the Eagles of Carthage in 2018.
Quarter-finalists at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Tunisia have some tournament experience in their favour, but they have never made it out of the first round at the World Cup.
Their win in 2018 was their first World Cup victory since 1978.
The future of Spain and Barcelona, Pedri doesn’t turn 20 until a few days into the World Cup and he’s already an integral cog in this Spain side.
Slight and standing at 5’9, Pedri is the latest in a long line of undersized Barcelona stars who compensate for their smaller stature with supreme technical and tactical ability.
Don’t be fooled, though, Pedri is quick to accelerate too and possesses balletic agility to evade defenders. In truth, this market value seems on the low side – his release clause is around £900 million.
Turning 36 before the end of the year and out of favour at PSG, Keylor Navas is somehow still the highest valued Costa Rican player according to transfermarkt.
Navas starred at the 2014 World Cup, pulling off a catalogue of impressive saves, and has 107 caps to his name.
Long thought of as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet, Navas’ prime years are behind him at this stage. Costa Rica are rank outsiders to progress from the first round, priced way out at 55/1 to win Group E.
Keylor Navas has been outstanding for PSG in the Champions League this season 💪 pic.twitter.com/v2eyzcSkIU
Germany – Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, £77.9 million
Two Bayern Munich players share top spot. Joshua Kimmich is in his peak years, aged 27 and a vital member of his teams at club and international level.
Jamal Musiala, much like Jadon Sancho, backed himself by moving to the Bundesliga, and switched allegiance from England to Germany in 2021.
Just 19 years old, Musiala is one of the most exciting teenage footballers in the world, and the former Chelsea academy player has collected 17 Germany caps already.
Kimmich, in comparison, is a grizzled veteran, having featured in the last two Euros and the 2018 World Cup.
Bookies narrowly favour Spain over Germany in Group E -- their group stage clash is one of the key dates at the World Cup.
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has the highest projected market value of any Japanese player.
Tomiyasu moved to north London for under £17 million, however, and has looked worth every penny. He will be 24 by the time the World Cup gets underway, surely with his best years ahead of him.
Unfortunate to be drawn alongside Spain and Germany, it will take something special for Japan to match their last 16 appearance from Russia. This is their seventh consecutive World Cup qualification.
Who else? Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard have all moved for mega transfer fees, but Kevin De Bruyne was always going to be number one here.
The Manchester City midfielder has been the best player at his position for the last few years, and continues to excel in Pep Guardiola’s winning machine.
Even at 31, there are no signs of decline from the former Chelsea midfielder. De Bruyne is a masterful passer, smart presser, and owner of a potent shot from range.
Whether drifting into wide areas for pick out a pinpoint cross or dictating from central positions, De Bruyne is set to shine in Qatar. Will this Golden Generation finally deliver?
Erupting onto the Bundesliga predictions scene as a teenager, Alphonso Davies is still only 22 years old.
For Bayern, he is a marauding full-back, using his road runner pace to stretch the pitch. For Canada, he is a forward, pairing with Jonathan David and Cyle Larin to torment defences. Davies has 12 goals in just 34 international appearances.
The former Whitecaps star has the weight of a nation on his shoulders in Qatar. Canada are an entertaining team to watch, and they have a real chance of making it out of the group, but Davies will need to be in top form.
Achraf Hakimi is perhaps the biggest name in Morocco’s squad, but this team has been more than the sum of its parts in recent years, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in each of the last two editions.
Hakimi has big-game experience with PSG and Borussia Dortmund, and his market value is set to increase further in the next year or two.
Morocco’s chances at the World Cup could depend on the performances of Chelsea attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who has had a turbulent relationship with the national team to say the least.
Runners-up at the 2018 World Cup, Croatia have seen a changing of the guard with several veterans retiring over the last few years.
Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Domagoj Vida remain available heading into the 2022 tournament, but it is Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol who has the highest market value.
A 20-year-old defender capable of playing in the middle or on the left-hand side, Gvardiol was linked heavily with Leeds in the 2021 summer transfer window and was subject of a bid from Chelsea in 2022.
Only Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have a higher market value than Vinicius Junior. There’s good reason for that.
The sky is the limit for the dazzling Brazilian – he has only made 16 appearances for Brazil so far, but was sensational in Real Madrid’s run to the 2022 Champions League title, forming a symbiotic partnership with Karim Benzema.
Of course, Brazil aren’t short on high-cost players. Neymar, Antony, Marquinhos and Rodrygo are all valued at over £61 million.
888Sport tab Brazil as the pre-tournament favourites at 4/1. Vinicius has already enjoyed a breakout season, but a big World Cup would take him to another level.
Signed by Juventus for around £60 million in January 2022, Dušan Vlahović’s international career is in its infancy, but he was quick to make an impact for Serbia, scoring eight times in his first 16 caps.
Vlahović is one option in a talented Serbian squad, including Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ajax’s Dusan Tadic.
Age, again, is what really elevates Vlahović’s value. His goal scoring record is impressive, but he’s been an elite player for a short period of time.
This figure is largely down to the Belgrade native being 22 years old – he should have a decade-plus left at the very top.
Manchester City new boy Manuel Akanji has the highest transfer value among Swiss players, just ahead of Chelsea summer signing Denis Zakaria and Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Akanji has made 41 appearances for the Rossocrociati, who are the betting favourites to join Brazil in the last 16.
The Swiss have reached the first knockout phase in each of the last two World Cups, but you have to go all the way back to 1954 for the last time they played in a World Cup quarter-final.
The calendar year started poorly for Switzerland, with a five-match winless run. They improved in September’s international break, recording wins over Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic.
Former Fulham midfielder Frank Anguissa has flourished with Napoli, and will have a key role for Cameroon at the 2022 World Cup.
Les Lions Indomptables finished third at the latest edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, but history isn’t on their side in the World Cup. Cameroon haven’t made it out of a World Cup group since 1990.
This is a tricky group – they have the weakest squad on paper, and need their big names to impress.
The three highest-valued players in the Portugal squad are based in Manchester. Bruno Fernandes pips Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias with the latter just ahead of Rafael Leao and Joao Felix.
Portugal are blessed with an array of attacking talent, and Fernandes is probably the most secure of a starting berth.
Their group doesn’t have a proper weak link, but they were fortunate to avoid any of the other tournament favourites. They are 21/10 to reach the last four.
Quarter-finalists in 2010, Ghana are in a lull at the moment. They failed to qualify in 2018, and exited at the group stage of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.
A squad which was once littered with talent thriving in Europe’s top leagues is still heavily reliant on the Ayews.
Only five teams have a longer price to reach the quarter final. Ghana might play spoiler, but it’s hard to see them competing for qualification.
A lot of attention will be on the ageing spine of this Uruguay team, but La Celeste see those veterans supplemented by fresh talent from Darwin Nunez and Rodrigo Bentancur to Federico Valverde and Matias Vina.
Valverde has become a regular at Real Madrid since the last World Cup, excelling in various different roles and collecting experience in the Champions League.
Plenty will be interested in Uruguay at 21/10 to win Group H.
South Korea have the biggest gap between their highest-value player and second place. Heung-min Son is worth exactly three times Min-jae Kim of Napoli.
Winner of the Premier League Golden Boot last season, Son has 35 goals for South Korea and will give his team a chance of snatching a victory in the group stage.
Eliminated in the first round in each of the last two World Cups and only quarter-finalists at the 2019 Asian Cup, it will take something miraculous for South Korea to make it into the knockouts.
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
How will Poland fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at the Eagles in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...
Poland History at the World Cup
Two decades after forming a football federation and an international team, Poland qualified for the 1938 edition of the World Cup, remarkably losing 6-5 to Brazil in extra-time after successfully progressing through their group.
Ernest ‘Ezi’ Wilimowski scored four times in that crazy encounter, but it still wasn’t enough, the Ruch Chorzow forward one of the legendary goal-scorers of his day and being blessed with highly prolific strikers appears to be a theme for the proud nation.
Throughout the Seventies, Wlodek Lubanski terrorised defences on the global stage while presently we are witnessing the tail-end of Robert Lewandowski’s phenomenal career.
The second deadliest hit-man to wreak havoc on the Bundesliga has notched 76 times in 134 outings for his country and at 34 years of age will be determined to sign off on his farewell World Cup with yet more goals.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 30, 2022
Post-war, Poland endured a long period in the international wilderness, too often the whipping boys to superior sides, but when a golden generation of talent emerged in the early Seventies that all changed dramatically.
Inspired by Grzegorz Lato and Juventus ace Zbigniew Boniek, the Eagles twice reached World Cup semi-finals, exiting at the last 16 stage on a further two occasions. They were now a team to be feared.
Only then came another long era of decline, and it wasn’t until this century that Poland finally began to reclaim a place amongst the upper echelons of world football, participating in three tournaments since 2002.
This time out they are distant outsiders in the World Cup betting but with Lewandowski on a mission nothing can be ruled out.
Poland Nickname
The Polish national side are nicknamed the Eagles in deference to the country’s coat of arms, that displays a white crowned eagle with golden beak and talons.
According to legend, Lech, one of three Slavic brothers who founded several nations across Europe, settled in Poland when he spied the majestic bird on a hunting expedition.
World Cup 2022 Group
Finding themselves in Pot 3 when the draw was made for Qatar 2022 last April, Poland were fortunate enough to be grouped with
Saudi Arabia, the lowest ranked side in the competition, but unfortunate to get Mexico, the best side in Pot 2. Argentina meanwhile, are the group favourites for many reasons, one being a certain Lionel Messi.
Nike have really played it safe with both of Poland’s shirts though there is a lot to be said for the understated simplicity of the red away number. The white detail on the cuffs and collar makes for a clean design.
The less said about the graphic across the shoulders of the home kit however, the better. It is supposed to be an eagle’s nest. Really.
Who Is The Poland Manager?
Czeslaw Michniewicz is something of an unknown quantity, despite the former goalkeeper having Lech Poznan and Legia Warsaw on his coaching C.V.
Taking charge after Paulo Sousa unexpectedly resigned at the very end of 2021, his time at the helm has already gained him a reputation for tinkering, changing formations one game to the next.
To an extent, that makes Poland an unknown quantity too, which is no bad thing.
Best Poland Player
How can it be anyone other than Robert Lewandowski, the formidable forward who has won the European Golden Shoe for the past two campaigns.
Now scoring for fun for Barcelona, after leaving Bayern last summer, the team captain and bona fide superstar has broken more goalscoring records than Luke Shaw has had hot dinners.
If Group C goes to type, Argentina top the quartet with Saudi Arabia exiting, possibly after pulling off an upset along the way. That leaves Poland and Mexico duking it out for second spot.
The two nations face one another in their opening fixture, with Michniewicz’s side justifiable slight favourites in the sports betting.
Bet on Poland at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!
Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.
A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.
Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell trains in the beautiful Kinross countryside half an hour north of Edinburgh with her partner Peter Scudamore. Together they have evolved into the most successful racing yard in the Scottish jump racing.
At this juncture in time, Lucinda has trained over seven hundred winners including several graded races, and winners at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals.
Her biggest achievement thus far was training One For Arthur to win the Grand National in 2017. Here are five horses I believe you should be following from the Lucinda Russell stable for the 2022/23 season.
Ahoy Senor
The Cheltenham Gold Cup became an even more realistic port of call for “Lu and Scu” back in April after Ahoy Senor turned around his Cheltenham form with Bravemansgame and L'Homme Presse, and landed the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree.
The former Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury will probably be the next logical step for the gutsy seven-year-old on his journey to Prestbury Park.
Corach Rambler is on the Grand National antepost radar of many a pundit, including myself, and I instantly formed that opinion when I saw him return into the winner’s enclosure after taking a 3m Novice Chase at Aintree on Old Roan Day 2021.
He subsequently went on to earn Derek Fox the “Ride Of The Season” after Fox persevered with him for the entire duration of the Ultima which he eventually won going away up the hill.
Russell will definitely be targeting him at the big staying chases this season and with any luck he’ll take the biggest one of them all next April.
A former Irish point winner, the Russell team believe Corrigeen Rock is capable of doing extremely well over fences this season and he duly won his first handicap at Kelso recently after fluffing his lines first time up at Perth.
With the five-year-old likely to get three miles, the options are limitless for this son of Westerner and he’s going to be a popular pick with punters who are betting on horse races online with us.
It all went awry on chasing debut for Corrigeen Rock but the five-year-old makes no mistake on his second outing over the larger obstacles with a battling victory in the Beauchamp Estates Handicap Chase for the Derek Fox and @lucindavrussell team 🥇 pic.twitter.com/ePqSRTNGHb
The mare Haute Estime didn’t really get the rub of the green on her chase debut at Kelso in early October, slipping at one point and then stumbling two from home.
If she can iron out those little blemishes then she looks like a decent prospect going forward.
She finished third at 100-1 in a Grade 1 contest at Aintree last April so she is clearly a talented horse that just needs to be slowly nurtured along.
Your Own Story is out of Dylan Thomas, a bloodline Russell regularly homes in on.
Winner of two Irish points, he won over hurdles at Carlisle in March and finished well in fifth place on his handicap debut at Ayr's Scottish National meeting.
This season he will be tackling the novice handicaps, and those contests that are run on galloping tracks over three miles will be there for the taking.
Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.
He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.
Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?
He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations.
The October Showcase meeting is the starting point of the season. All the big tracks are kicking things off, but when you walk through those gates at Cheltenham there’s a different buzz, a different energy.
That’s nothing against the other tracks, it’s just different here.
Even though it’s a smaller meeting, every winner at Cheltenham is cheered home like a champion. For jockeys, trainers and owners, it doesn’t matter what meeting it is, a winner at Cheltenham is like nothing else.
I remember winning the opening race on the Friday of the October meeting a few years on Carnardier – it’s always such a buzz.
I often get asked which of my winners at Cheltenham meant the most, or gave me the biggest thrill, but that’s like picking between your children. Sprinter, Moscow, Kicking King, Bobs Worth, Epatante, Champ…they were all so special.
Everyone knows how dry it’s been this summer and autumn, so hopefully they get some of the rain that’s forecast.
They’ve been watering for weeks and things can always go either way with the elements.
Cheltenham is so well drained that you pay for it when there’s a dry spell, but they’ve done absolutely everything they can and I’m really looking forward to what I’m sure will be some great racing.
Constitution Hill
I have a soft spot for all my old horses who are still racing like Epatante, but we have a really special family connection with Constitution Hill.
He’s as close as a pet to us that you can get. I went down to see him this summer with his owner Michael Buckley and he looked great.
He’s definitely strengthened up; he’s improved physically and hopefully that will translate to improvement in his ability. We’ll never forget his Supreme Novices’ win, what a day!
Cheltenham Friday Tips
The squareintheair.com Novices’ Chase (2:10) is an interesting race where you can give chances to a few of them, but I would side with JETOILE.
He was only just touched off by Aucunrisque at Uttoxeter earlier this month and he’s 5lbs better off here.
Ash Tree Meadow was fourth in the Galway Plate two starts back, which is very strong form, but I wonder if he’s better over further than two miles.
In the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (2:45), SHE IS ELECTRIC looks like she will be hard to beat. She won well at Gowran the last day, likes decent ground and gets 4lbs off Music Drive.
All five have got some sort of a chance in the 888sport Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (3:20), but you’d have to be impressed with what HANG IN THERE has done.
He’s four from five over fences and couldn’t have done it any easier at Newton Abbot the last day. He has the match practice as well as fitness and well-being on his side, so he’s the one for me.
Cheltenham Saturday Tips
The opening 888sport Novices’ Hurdle (1:30) looks quite open, but SAINT PALAIS is rated 148 over hurdles and 153 over fences.
This will be his first start of the season, but he won first time up last year and with a mark like that, and his level of experience, it’s hard to oppose him.
THE HOLLOW GINGE was only beaten a head in last year’s 888sport Is Made To Play Handicap Chase (2:05) and I think he can go one better here.
He was disappointing for the rest of last season but he’s now 10lbs lower than 12 months ago. Don’t forget he was a fine fourth to Cloth Cap in the 2020 Ladbrokes Trophy. He goes well fresh and the Twiston-Davies yard normally does well at this meeting.
In the Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2:40), there is very little, in fact nothing, between Knight Salute and PIED PIPER based on their Aintree run where they dead-heated before Knight Salute was awarded the race in the stewards’ room.
But I’d say Pied Piper has a bit more size and is open to more progression. He’d be a pretty strong fancy.
The 888sport Handicap Chase (3:15) is always a good race and I like EDITEUR DU GITE. He’s on the verge of Graded level and had some great form last season.
He won at both the November and December meetings and was then a fine fourth to Global Citizen in the Grand Annual.
He’s the one to beat, but Effernock Fizz also offers some value. She has improved a lot since moving to Cian Collins and won the Welsh Champion Hurdle the other day.
Pertemps Qualifiers (3:50) are normally hard puzzles to solve, but even more so when there are 18 runners. The one who interests me here is AN TAILLIUR for Jonjo [O’Neill].
He was second to Marie’s Rock at Kempton over Christmas and then won well at Haydock in April. He has a good level of form, Jonjo’s horses are running well and as a six-year-old, he can still find some more improvement.
There’s a small but select field for the Jim Wilson Memorial Novices’ Chase (4:25). LIFE IN THE PARK has won all three starts this year and was very good in Listowel on his chasing debut last month.
Like a lot of Henry’s [De Bromhead], he looked to improve for going over fences. I like him but you also have to respect Mahler Mission who won a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January.
That probably wasn’t the strongest race, but John McConnell does well when bringing his horses over to England.
The finale (5:00) looks like an interesting bumper and I will be going with STRONG LEADER for Olly Murphy.
He bolted up on debut in Warwick in May and is very well bred by Westerner out of a mare who was a half sister to Hennessy winner Strong Flow.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
With 43 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, Barry Geraghty is the second most successful jockey in the meeting’s illustrious history.
Career highlights include five Queen Mother Champion Chase victories, two Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs and victory aboard Monty’s Pass in the 2003 Grand National.
Barry has partnered with 888sport for the 2021/22 jumps season, providing his expert insight and horse racing analysis on the biggest races of the week.
Come back every Friday to find out the latest instalment of Barry Geraghty tips for upcoming fixtures across the United Kingdom & Ireland.
