Friday, March 30, 2012

Sports World

Taaffe sticks with Lynch for Treacle National bid

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 08:08 AM PDT

Tom Taaffe's in-form Treacle, currently a best priced 20/1 shot for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 14, will be partnered by the talented Andrew Lynch in the big race after the Irish handler secured the services of one of the most sought after of local jockeys for his live big race contender, writes Elliot Slater.

Lynch has only partnered the 11-year-old on one previous occasions and that was on his penultimate start where the pair appeared to get along very well together in finishing three-quarters-of-a-length second to Cross Appeal in the highly valuable Paddy Power Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival in December. Since then Treacle has again proved himself to be at the top of his game when belying his 33/1 starting price to run on well into third place in the Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup back at Leopardstown in February, behind Willie Mullins' Quel Esprit, another who might very well take his chance at Liverpool in 'the world's greatest steeplechase'. Those looking at betting for Grand National need to bear this in mind.

The gelded son of Zaffaran had struggled to make the step up to the higher echelons since breaking through into the big time back in 2009 when landing the valuable Ladbrokes.com Munster National Handicap chase off a mark of 122, but this term things seem to have clicked into place for the stayer who is now entering the veteran stage of his career. Anyone following the Grand National odds should remember this.

Handed a mark of 145 for the Aintree marathon and a racing weight of a handy 10st 8lbs, Treacle has emerged as one of the leading Irish contenders this season and unlike many of his compatriots is perfectly capable of holding his own on decent ground, even though the majority of his best racecourse efforts have come with some give under foot.

Should Man City Have Backed Down On Tevez?

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 04:03 AM PDT

When Patrick Vieira had a little jibe at Manchester United's desperation to bring back Paul Scholes from retirement, Sir Alex Ferguson aptly pointed out that Manchester City had let Carlos Tevez worm his way back into the City set up, after taking a five month holiday and being told he was never to play for the club again. People in glasshouses shouldn't throw stones I think they say!

Vieira's comments weren't too clever, but is Manchester City's decision to being back the Argentinian?

Apparently, Yaya Toure is insisting that Tevez wants to repay Manchester City fans by helping the club lift the title, although Bet Victor suggest his chances are slim.

After apologising for his conduct, Tevez is back in England and made a great return as substitute where he set up the winning goal against Chelsea ten days ago. As is football, a piece of magic on the pitch can wipe the memories of fans and manager's it seems who once hated the player for the way he disrespected the club. It seems that the whole club is willing to let the last 6 months blow over if it means they can win the Premier League title.

It certainly shows that player power is very much on top in the world game, but I'm not sure Manchester City's stance on the whole situation will do their reputation any favours and followers of www.betvictor.com need to remember this.

Tevez has embarrassed the club who made such a standing in insisting he will never play again to then quietly backtracking to let him back into the frame. Is it worth it for the sake of a Premier League title?

As a neutral I would say no. It is wrong for football to let players treat fans and their clubs in the way they did, but I'm sure fans may have a different take on it. I guess whether it is morally wrong or right what really matters to City fans and players is that they win the title, and if Tevez can help them do that then he should be in the Manchester City team.

Visits

Archive

Sports World

Friday, March 30, 2012

Sports World

0 Comments:

Online

Partners