Murray v Federer
It's men's semi finals day at Wimbledon and we are set for a classic match between Murray and Federer. Both players have made serene progress so far and are playing some of the best tennis of their respective careers. Murray has dropped just the two sets so far and Federer only one. Something has to give here and I have a feeling that Federer may prove too strong. It's true he has had a kind draw so far but he has hardly broken sweat and just looks so comfortable that I think he will win in four sets.
In the other semi final it's Djokovic against Gasquet. Even though he had to come from two sets down in the quarter final it's impossible to see past the world number one. The way he came back against Kevin Anderson - who himself was playing unbelievable tennis - was the mark of a champion and although Gasquet will be a test, he shouldn't have too much trouble progressing to the final.
Newmarket Day Two
The race of the day is the Group 1 fillies Qipco Falmouth Stakes.
Amazing Maria was the excellent 25/1 winner art Ascot in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, easily beating last years winner Integral. Whether she can reproduce that kind of form remains to be seen however.
The French have a strong hand here with Fintry and Avenir Certain first and second in the recent Group 3 at Chantilly, whether that form is as strong as some others is open to question.
Lucida didn't get a clear run in the Coronation Stakes at Ascot and I feel she would have won if being able to get out earlier as she was flying at the finish. She also ran a cracking race in the 1,000 Guineas to lose by less than a length to Legatissimo. Being a three year old she is in receipt of 9lbs which is a huge plus. I am confident of a big run and making amends for an unlucky defeat last time out.
In the last Ryan Moore rides Express Himself and even though he encountered plenty of trouble in running last time out he managed to win and I can see him coping with the 5lb rise and following that up here.
The Ashes
Another intriguing day with England battling well in the morning to reach a good total of 430. Australia in reply are 264/5 and still 166 runs behind. With the new ball only 10 overs away, England will be hopeful of an early wicket or two so they can expose the tail and take a commanding lead into the second innings. As I mentioned yesterday I think the draw is still the likeliest outcome and it is now as short as 13/8 in places.
Tour de France
A fairly quiet day today save for a crash towards the end which has seen Tony Martin in the yellow break his collarbone and be ruled out of the remainder of the race. Froome is now odds on the for yellow jersey when we were initially on at 2/1 and the double of Froome and Sagan for the yellow and green jerseys is now a 6/4 shot from our original price of 7/2.
Today's Bets
Newmarket 15;15 Lucida - 1 point @ 11/4
Newmarket 17:30 Express Himslef 1 point @ 11/4
Federer v Murray - Federer to win 3-1 - 1 point @ 9/2
Fun Friday treble - half a point treble on the above at around 76/1