On your marks …
It all starts tonight. 7.45pm, at Wigan’s famed DW Stadium, as the Warriors entertain Warrington Wolves in the opening match of Betfred Super League 2020.
It’s on Sky Sports, and 5Live Sports Extra. Two famous old foes, looking to put down a marker for the challenges to come.
Wigan are firm favourites tonight at 4/9, with Warrington trading at 2/1. Fancy the handicap? Warriors -5.5 are 5/6 on the 2-way market.
Both teams are expected to take high rank this term. Just how high might be hinted at later. Enjoy!
Will he, won’t he …
Entries for the Randox Health Grand National have been published, and there’s a cracking old debate going on about the participation or otherwise of reigning two-time champ Tiger Roll (above).
Only if he’s fairly treated by the handicapper will he run, say Gigginstown Stud owners Eddie and Michael O’Leary, in whose colours the brilliant and versatile gelding runs.
‘Tiger’ is by a Derby winner, Authorized, and has proved absolutely top-drawer over hurdles, fences, and cross-country. He’s frankly extraordinary, and for their little champion to attempt an historic three-in-a-row the brothers, reconciled to the likelihood of shouldering top weight, want the handicap compressed so he’s not asked to give huge lumps away.
This one will run and run on a daily basis until the weights are unveiled on Tuesday, Feb 11th. We all want to see the Tiger, don’t we!
The Master of Wincanton
Paul Nicholls has few peers when it comes to training winners at his local track, Wincanton. He saddles Calva D’Auge in the novice hurdle at 2.55, and this one still holds a provisional entry for the Supreme at the Festival.
A certain machine called Fiddlerontheroof did for him last time at Sandown, but this could be much more up his street, even if Cheltenham in March might be flying a little high.
