A Day Of Two Derbies
England play Nigeria in a friendly at Wembley at 5.15pm and by that time we will know which horse has won the Derby. Epsom stages the world’s most famous Flat race and Towcester is the venue for the greyhounds version this evening. You could make a film called Two Derbies And A Friendly about today’s sporting action and the leading man would have to be SAXON WARRIOR. Despite being drawn on the inside of the track the Aidan O’Brien trained horse must be backed at Evens with Coral to win the horse racing Derby.
Saxon Warrior was an impressive winner of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and the horse could be something special. Connections are hinting that if their horse wins at Epsom today an attempt at the Triple Crown is on the cards. Nijinsky in 1970 was the last horse to win the Guineas, Derby and St Leger and Saxon Warrior has the scope to emulate that animal.
Potential negatives are the draw and ground but Saxon Warrior has the class to prevail and then all roads lead to Doncaster in September. For the England national team the destination is Russia and today’s fixture with Nigeria is their last but one match before the real action begins.
Nigeria have only failed to score in only one of their last friendly eight internationals. Give or take the Liverpool contingent the England starting 11 should be the strongest available and a hint of who starts against Tunisia in their first group match in the World Cup. Their final prep match is against Costa Rica at Elland Road in Leeds so there should be a send off at Wembley today. The result is not that important but ENGLAND -1 on the handicap is the bet at 13/10 with Betfair.
The richest prize in greyhounds offers £175,000 to the winner of their Derby. The money is in massive contrast to the bread and butter races of the sport in which the six dogs are competing for less than £100. The financial rewards and the prestige make the Derby the most famous and desired contest in the sport. Favourite backers should enjoy the occasion because DROOPS VERVE is the tip at 13/8 with Ladbrokes.
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