It’s been a while since we’ve been able to do a tipping piece. The last one was a nice success so we’re back with some BetConnect thoughts on the action this weekend. We’ve covered horse racing, football and the greyhounds to give everyone something for the weekend.
Horse Racing
2.20 Haydock
The first of two big priced selections at Haydock is TEMPORIZE (33/1 at time of writing.) He was behind a number of these at York last time but he failed to settle from a wide draw and didn’t get home. That was his first try over this trip, a distance that he should relish on his pedigree.
He already has a decision over rival Open Champion from back in July. On that occasion he gave that runner five pounds and a length and a quarter beating. He’s two pounds better off now but is almost four times the price. The Charlie and Mark Johnston team regularly have their runners bounce back from a below par display and Temporize could be another.
2.55 Haydock
The Old Borough Cup is the feature of Haydock’s card. TAIPAN (20/1) comes over from Ireland to represent Jessie Harrington with Adam Kirby in the plate. He was seen most recently in a race over this trip at Killarney, doing the best of his work late on under an apprentice.
That was a similar level of competition to this, finishing fifth but only beaten two and a quarter lengths at the line. The change of headgear back to blinkers might help him along. He wore them for the first time when 6th in the 2021 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, a Group 2 contest. A repeat of that would have him very well treated off this mark of 97.
Football
Everton V Liverpool
The early kickoff on Saturday is the Merseyside Derby. Liverpool have not been close to their best so far this season and in fact have fallen behind in eight of their last nine Premier League games. Everton have taken the lead in their last two in the league as well as their cup win at Fleetwood.
Anthony Gordon (14/1) has opened the scoring in the Toffees’ last two league games and the 21-year-old will be fired up against his team’s cross city rivals. He’s too big as a striker in form against a team regularly coughing up the opening goal to be passed over here.
Aston Villa V Man City
The pressure is mounting on Steven Gerrard and a visit from free-scoring Manchester City in the late kickoff won’t make things any easier. Villa have just three points so far this season, though they did at least come at home.
They scored at Arsenal in midweek and City coughed up three in their last away game at Newcastle as well as a pair at home to Crystal Palace. City are set up to score a shedload but it does leave them a little vulnerable at the back. City have won their last three league visits to Villa Park 6-1, 2-1 and 2-1 as well as a cup tie here 2-1. Man City to win and both teams to score (9/5) looks the play.
Greyhounds
7.29 Shelbourne
It’s the third round of the Irish Derby on Saturday night. Magical Kuba (7/1) has a tough heat, taking on the English Derby champion in Romeo Magico. That dog is in trap one which is not absolutely ideal for him, with a quick starter outside in two which makes it look a tricky draw.
The selection was runner-up in the Kirby at Limerick in April, a traditionally strong competition. A winner in a slick 29.37 over this course and distance in June, he is a strong running type. One of his better breaks can see him turn handy and his stamina can kick in to take advantage of any inside crowding.