I doubt there's any sport this weekend to match the drama of the 37th Ryder Cup but with the Premier League, Ascot's Festival of Racing and action in both rugby codes, there's still plenty to take on Skybet with...
Premier League
The 208th Merseyside Derby is the first of three live Premier League games on Sky Sports and Sky Bet Live this weekend. It's hard to oppose Liverpool, who have won six of their last eight visits to Goodison and scored 16 goals in the process. Also keep an eye on the bookings markets on Sky Bet Live as the last seven meetings have produced seven red cards and 33 yellows.
Zola: bouncing back at 2/1?
Also on Saturday Aston Villa host Sunderland, who won last season at Villa Park for the first time in 26 years but haven't done so back-to-back since 1925. I can't see them doing it again and see Villa edging a low-scoring affair. These two will want to keep it tight after embarrassing defeats on Wednesday night in the Carling Cup and have produced just 23 goals in 14 Premier league meetings. Under 2.5 goals looks the call.
Middlesbrough are a side to follow at home, having won their last four at the Riverside. West Brom literally haven't won at Boro since the "old king died"! West Brom won 1-0 three days after the Queen's ascension to the throne in February 1952.
West Ham got off to a flyer under Gianfranco Zola but had a bad night in the Carling Cup at Watford. I fancy them to bounce back on Saturday as they have never lost at Fulham in the Premier League and their last defeat at Craven Cottage was in 1966! Therefore backing West Ham on Sky Bet's Asian Handicap makes sense and an away win looks possible at 2/1.
The Super Sunday/Sky Bet Live double-header sees Portsmouth host Tottenham and Man City travel to Wigan. Spurs have a good record at Fratton Park and have won six of the last seven against Portsmouth but neither side are a betting proposition at present. Wigan and Man City should provide goals and entertainment aplenty. A small bet on a 2-2 correct score at 12/1 should give you a run for your money.
Horse Racing
Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (live on Attheraces) is the best mile race of the season by a mile. Tamayuz has been the 'buzz' horse this week but I think he can be taken on. His wins in the Jacques Le Marois and Jean Prat were impressive enough but he is yet to face a horse of the calibre of Henrythenavigator.
I was surprised when Ballydoyle let their superstar line up on unsuitable ground in the Moulin earlier this month. I'm a Goldikova fan but am happy to put a line through that race and on that basis Henry's the favourite in my book.
Ascot is a course for specialists these days and Henrythenavigator has won both starts on the track. He should also have the quick ground he needs and with doubts over Tamayuz's ability to handle the turning mile, I suggest following 'Henry-the-sat-nav' and he'll guide you to profit!
The supporting Saturday card is exceptional and Rainbow View will be a warm order to strengthen her position at the top of the 1,000 Guineas market with victory in the Fillies' Mile. She didn't come off the bridle when coasting to victory in the May Hill on Town Moor but at odds-on she's not my idea of a betting prospect. Fantasia looks the value in the race as she's crying out for a step up to a mile and Luca Cumani knows exactly what's needed to win the race after taking it with Gossamer in 2000. Fantasia reminds me a lot of that brilliant filly so keep an eye on her as she could go off at an attractive price.
Sunday at Ascot is no after-the-Lord-Mayor's show and I shall be following Sixties Icon in the Cumberland Lodge and Fleeting Spirit in the sprint.
Super League
Headingley Carnegie will be jumping for the Grand Final Eliminator on Friday night between Leeds and Wigan - live on Sky Sports 2 & HD2 at 7.30pm. Punters seem keen to jump on the Wigan bandwagon as they have the momentum after wins against Bradford and the Catalans.
In contrast, Leeds were thrashed 38-10 at St Helens and punters are starting to doubt Brian McClennan's men. However, I feel they eased off once the writing was on the wall at Knowsley Road and will not give up their title without a fight. The big gulf between the top two and the rest remains and a few weeks ago you'd never have thought Leeds would only have to give up 8pts on Sky Bet's handicap at home to Wigan. Last season Leeds lost to Saints and responded by battering Wigan 36-6 in the Grand Final Eliminator. I can see the Rhinos bouncing back again.
