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With top level contests at both Punchestown and Haydock, Christmas has come a month early for racing fans this weekend.
The Morgiana Hurdle, off at 2.10, is the first of three Grade Ones over the next two days, and it’s Willie Mullins who dominates, sending out five of the eight runners including the first two in the betting.
Favourite State Man is a perfect five from five at Punchestown, but in his stablemate, Lossiemouth, he faces an exciting Cheltenham Festival-winning mare.
And a clear-cut victory for either will make them the one to beat in March’s Champion Hurdle at this early stage.
Just under an hour later, attention turns to Haydock, with nine top class chasers lining up in their feature at 3.05. Dan Skelton is building quite a lead in the UK trainers’ championship.
And he can add well over six figures to his current prize money total if his Grey Dawning can win this.
The Cheltenham Festival winner is a worthy favourite for the race, but the Venetia Williams-trained Royale Pagaille burst a couple of big bubbles when landing this race 12 months ago.
He’s been well-backed this week to add to his excellent course record. Add in the likes of Ahoy Senor, Capodanno and Hewick, and we have a real treat in prospect.
If Grey Dawning does win at Haydock, he will cement his position as the leading home challenger for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
But it’s back at Punchestown tomorrow where we’re likely to see the biggest Gold Cup pointers.
The John Durkan Memorial Chase, at 2.25, has a top class roll of honour, but this latest renewal could be one of the best in the race’s history.
Once again, that man Mullins sends out a couple of his big guns, with two-time Gold Cup winner, Galopin Des Champs, and the year-younger Fact To File among the nine runners.
But they may not have things all their own way, as Fastorslow has beaten Galopin Des Champs three times, including in this race twelve months ago, and his connections will believe they can do so again.
PREMIER LEAGUE IS BACK
The Premier League returns this weekend following the international break, and it is great to get back to the domestic action again.
Liverpool have been able to sit comfortably at the top of the standings during the break, and they are now 6/5 favourites to lift the title this season.
That would be some achievement from Arne Slot in his first year in English football.
Liverpool travel to Southampton tomorrow where they are 2/7 to come away from the south coast with all three points.
The Saints have struggled so far this season, and they are now as short as 1/8 in the relegation betting. Russell Martin’s side are 17/2 to cause an upset against the league leaders at St Mary’s.
Arguably the game of the week comes at the Etihad Stadium when Manchester City host Tottenham.
The champions have lost their last four matches in all competitions. Will that sequence stretch to five defeats?
Spurs got the better of them in the EFL Cup a couple of weeks ago. The North London club are 9/2 to prevail in this Premier League tie, with City available at 1/2.
Reports suggest Pep Guardiola is set to extend his stay at City for at least another year.
That will be a big boost to the club. If his side do win the title this season, it is likely to be his best success yet, as City have been crippled with injuries in the latest campaign.
They are now out 9/4 in the Premier League outright betting.
New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s first game in his new role will come away to Ipswich this weekend.
The Portuguese coach arrives with a big reputation, but he has a huge job on his hands at United.
United are 13/20 to beat Ipswich, ensuring Amorim gets off to a winning start.
The Reds are 5/1 for a top four finish this season and 6/4 for a top six finish. They are going to need to go on an excellent run under their new manager for them to get back into Europe.
