Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sports World |
- Grin wiped from Welsh smilesWales have had a very mixed few weeks with injuries but things looked to have finally turned a corner, with the news of a
- Dunlop still undecided over Fairy Dubai bid
- Chief's campaign in handicapper's hands
- 2011 WTA World Tour season predictions
| Posted: 11 Jan 2011 07:11 AM PST Wales have had a very mixed few weeks with injuries but things looked to have finally turned a corner, with the news of a number of key players returning to action in time for next month's Six Nations. After George North was ruled out for a lengthy spell with a shoulder injury, Shane William's and Leigh Halfpenny both handed Wales boosts, with the news they are both making great progress in their return from lay-offs and should get some game time before January ends. Another returning star has also made a recovery from injury, Gavin Henson, has made his intentions clear about returning to the national side after nearly two years out of the game with a number of injury and ego issues and he feels Wales can upset the Six Nations odds and achieve a Grand Slam. The latest news from Warren Gatland's squad is that experienced prop Gethin Jenkins, has been ruled out of the tournament after deciding to have surgery on his long-standing toe injury. The Cardiff forward has had struggled with knee and calf injuries over the past few seasons and Jenkins had missed his country's autumn internationals. The toe injury had been bothering the Welsh prop for a while but he had been hoping to avoid surgery. That hasn't been the case though and Jenkins will be out of action for two months, missing the whole of the competition. That may hand a chance to Ospreys prop Paul James, who is winning the race to start as Wales' loose-head against England on February 4th, in the tournament's opening game. James is a decent replacement for Wales but their chances will have taken a dent with the vastly experienced Jenkins missing out.  |
| Dunlop still undecided over Fairy Dubai bid Posted: 11 Jan 2011 04:02 AM PST Ed Dunlop and the owners of the superb Snow Fairy have yet to make a decision as to whether or not the globetrotting filly will be prepared for a crack at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March, or any other race at the prestigious World Cup fixture, writes Elliot Slater. Following an outstanding three-year-old campaign that saw the daughter of Intikaab win four Group 1 races, (the Epsom and Irish Oaks, and major races in Japan and Hong Kong), the bargain basement 1800 euro buy returned to Dunlop's Newmarket stables only a few weeks ago and has reportedly settled back in well; so well in fact, that she has already put on 25kgs in a short space of time. Horse racing Ireland entries will be made for Snow Fairy in the Dubai World Cup (10 furlongs), the Dubai Sheema Classic (12 furlongs) and the Dubai Duty Free (9 furlongs), but the filly's participation will very much depend on whether or not she shows Dunlop that she has fully recovered from her gruelling 2010 campaign in time to stand the journey to the Middle East and perform to the best of her abilities. After such a strenuous three-year-old campaign many people have suggested that a longer break might pay richer dividends overall, with all the major summer and autumn middle distances races being potential targets both at home and abroad. Snow Fairy will start cantering again next week and her trainer believes that he will know pretty quickly if she is ready to go back into full training, or hints that she needs more time on the easy list. Those looking at racing tips note that Dunlop has more definite plans for Fareer and Dubawi Phantom, both of whom will travel to Dubai to compete in the winter carnival over the next few months.  |
| Chief's campaign in handicapper's hands Posted: 11 Jan 2011 03:24 AM PST Alan King's talented young hurdler Mille Chief returned to prominence in the mind of the racing public with a tremendous effort in winning a tough handicap hurdle off top weight at Sandown on Saturday, but where he goes next appears to be very much down to how the handicapper reacts to that performance, writes Elliot Slater. The five-year-old carried a massive 11-12 in bottomless ground against decent opposition in the 32Red Handicap Hurdle, but coasted to an impressive win that suggested he is back to the kind of form that prompted bookmakers to make him ante-post favourite for last season's Triumph Hurdle, before a bout of lameness ruled him out of action for the rest of term. Something of a forgotten horse, Mille Chief on Saturday reminded us all that he has considerable talent and King was understandably delighted with the performance, stating in a post-race interview that he would next go for the Totesport Gold Trophy at Newbury and also receive an entry into the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in mid-March. Having watched the race a time or two since, King now feels that the handicapper might react by raising Mille Chief to a mark that would make it very tough for him at Newbury, so plans are also afoot for an alternative bid for the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in February, a race seen as a key trial for the blue riband event a month later. Anyone with Cheltenham free bets to place may want to keep an eye on his performance to see if he is likely to cut the mustard. Bookmaker reaction to the win of Mille Chief at Sandown was mixed, with 32Red (possibly looking to beef up the reputation of the race they sponsored), slashing his odds to win the Champion Hurdle to just 14/1, whilst Coral, William Hill and 888Sport still offer 33/1. Those odds could well be revised when the assessment of the official handicapper is published and gives a new perspective on the ability of King's rising star.  |
| 2011 WTA World Tour season predictions Posted: 11 Jan 2011 03:09 AM PST It suddenly seems that the Serena Williams era might be at an end. It is too early to write off one of the greatest of all time, but the foot injury that forced the 13-time Slam winner out of action last year is serious enough to suggest that a player who will be 30 at the season's end is a diminishing force. This year's slams are wide open and anyone looking to place a tennis bet should remember that. Australian Open - Sam Stosur Serena has won five of the last eight Australian Opens, so her absence will peak the interest of her rivals. Justine Henin and Venus Williams are unlikely to be at their best after their own injury problems, whilst Kim Clijsters could take a while to get going after the end of year break. This leaves the path open for someone to claim a maiden major title and home favourite Sam Stosur can go all the way after making massive strides in 2010. French Open – Justine Henin If Henin can prove her fitness after undergoing elbow surgery last year, she should be the player to beat in Paris. The Belgian is a four-time winner at Roland Garros and her skill on subtlety on clay will neutralise the power of the younger guard who will have more of a say at the other slams. Wimbledon – Kim Clijsters If Serena wins anywhere on her comeback, it will be at Wimbledon. She has a great track record of progressing at tournaments with poor preparation, but I expect someone to her catch her cold in the early stages at SW19. Kim Clijsters will be desperate to prove she can away from Flushing Meadows and should be in peak form by the summer. US Open – Caroline Wozniacki The world number one is already under pressure to justify her top ranking with a major title and expectations will increase the longer her trophy cabinet remains bereft of a major title. She was imperious form at Flushing Meadows last year and can go all the way if she keeps things together mentally.  |
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