20 Feb: FA Cup & Ascot

FA Cup

It is the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend and there are some interesting looking matches. Several of the top Premier League clubs are still involved and therefore there are a few chances of upsets being caused.

Arsenal kick things off with the lunch time kick off at home to Hull and even if they rest a few players they shouldn't have too much trouble with the Championship side. Hull have had a good run so far and a really strong team currently sitting top of the table, however they won't have faced anything like the class of Arsenal and I expect them to fall short.

On Sunday the big match of the weekend and the draw takes place when Chelsea play Man City at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's form has picked up over the past few weeks and they put on a decent display against French champions PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday.

City have to travel to the Ukraine to play Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday as well as playing Liverpool in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday so it can be safely assumed that they will have a changed team. Chelsea are also likely to make changes but I think they will prove too strong for City here as they have more at stake. This is their only realistic chance of a trophy this season (there is obviously still a chance for the Champions League but with the quality of teams left it is extremely unlikely) and they will be all out to win.

Betfair Ascot Chase

A fascinating line up of horses of which some are top class but have appeared to be past their best based upon outings so far this season.

Silviniaco Conti has been particularly disappointing being beaten comfortably by Cue Card in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and then he was pulled up in the King George, a race he had won twice before. I can't imagine that the drop down in trip will be particularly beneficial so he is on the short side in the betting for me.

Ma Filleule for Nicky Henderson got back to winning ways last time out but that was in Listed company and even in receipt of her mares allowance it is hard to see her beating all of this top class field.

Dynaste has also been below par this season with some poor showings, however the drop back in trip to the distance he won the Ryanair Chase at the festival in 2014 may well bring out the best in him and if it does, he will be very difficult to stop today. Tom Scudamore is likely to ride him handily and he will certainly be strong in the finish so it will take a really top performance from one of the others to win here.

Today's Selections

Arsenal v Hull - Arsenal minus one - 2 points @ 6/4 (Betfair Sportsbook)

Chelsea v City - Chelsea win - 3 points @ 16/19 (Marathon Bet)

Ascot 15:35 - Dynaste - 2 points @ 9/2 (Betvictor, William Hill)