Cheltenham week has come to an end and what a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable week it was. Here on the blog we turned over a nice profit including the brilliant winner of the Gold Cup, Don Cossack.
Premier League
Attentions turn to football now and another potentially exciting weekend in the Premier League with teams hoping to close the gap on leaders Leicester with just eight games to go.
The weekend starts with a lunchtime kick off at Goodison where Everton host Arsenal. Everton still have an outside chance of claiming a European spot by finishing sixth and Arsenal's rapidly fading title hopes mean they will need to win the majority of their matches to stand any chance.
Everton's league campaign has been hugely inconsistent which is shown by their current 12th place in the table. At one stage Arsenal were looking a really good bet for the title but have done their customary implosion during March and it now looks like they will be without a trophy this season.
I have a feeling they will edge this match, knowing a win is a must and Everton having one mind on the FA Cup semi final that is coming up shortly, and a best price of 7/4 is worth taking.
Leaders Leicester travel to Crystal Palace side that are not in good shape. They have plummeted down the table and if they have a few more poor results are in danger of being sucked into a relegation fight. Both teams like to sit back, soak up pressure and hit on the counter attack so something has to give today. Being the home side I think Palace will be forced to make the running and this will play perfectly into Leicester's hands. They have shown how devastating they can be with plenty of goals coming from quick breakaways and I am confident they will consolidate their position at the top of the table by 5pm this afternoon.
16:10 Betfred Midlands Grand National
This looks a particularly strong renewal of the Midlands Grand National with a couple of horses rated 145 at the top of the weights. It has an open looking feel to it with the ground in perfect condition so any number of horses are in with a sniff.
I like the chances of Cogry who runs for Nigel Twiston-Davies. His horses are in fine form and Cogry had a good prep for this race finishing third of seven at Warwick over two and a half miles in February. He was a respectable fourth last year at Cheltenham in the National Hunt Chase over four miles so we can be confident that he will last home. He also goes well in the conditions and with Ryan Hatch onboard claiming three pounds I think a clear round of jumping will give him an excellent chance.
Today's Selections
Everton v Arsenal - Arsenal - 2 points @ 7/4 (Coral)
Premier League ACCA - Arsenal, Swansea, Liverpool & Man City - 1 point @ 21.20
Midlands Grand National - Cogry - 1 point each way @ 8/1 (Skybet - paying five places)