An up day at last! I'd forgotten what they felt like. Now lets hope we can continue this run over two day. But its key to keep a level head - unlike Fabio Capello. The Italian has claimed David Beckham can be England's Ronaldo. My first thought was the Brazilian in his 'Elvis phase', ie useless, but Fab actually means Christiano. Can anyone tell me any similarities? Answers on a postcard...

12.40 Bjorn to beat Hanson and Hansen 3-ball 7/4 (LOST -24.64 - Bjorn never really got going and ended up with a 76)
Yesterday these guys were birdying and bogeying all over the place but ended up with Bjorn and Hanson level par and Andes Hansen one shot ahead. As a result the bookies edge favourtism to Anders today, but Thomas Bjorn will still fancy his chances of being in the mix come Sunday after his 5th in Korea a fortnight ago, and I expect him to put a foot in the right direction today. Yesterday he was just leaving himself slightly too far from the pin with his approaches. A few yards closer and he could have been a couple of shots under and won this 3-ball yesterday. Expect another close one but back the Dane to bring home the bacon.

2.50 Wolverhampton Little Richard 3/1 (WON -21.64 - stayed in touch and took it up at the right point. Mr Reliability)
Reliable performer still at the age of 9 and never runs a bad race, particularly over course and distance, with two seconds in his last two runs each time just finding one too good. Nothing else jumps out in this field, so this could be his chance to add another win.

7.30 St Helens bt Leeds 6/4 (LOST 10-14 -22.64 - closer than the prices suggested and when Saints took the lead it looked like we might have been in, but Liam Burgess' late try snatched it for Leeds)
Yes St Helens have lost three games already this season, and yes Leeds have a points difference of 190 after 8 games, but these Saints boys are big game players, and they defend their Knowsley Road home with great vigour, especially as they will be still smarting from a late defeat at Huddersfield on Monday. That result could, as could others involving St Helens this season, have been vey different if referee Ian Smith had got right what looked an obvious decision right. When Eddy and Stevo agree he got it wrong, you know he did! Tonight Mr Smith is at Wigan, so expect Saints to come out and hit the World Club Champions hard. And that 6/4 will look too big a price come full time.

8.00 Wakefield+14 to beat Wigan Evns (WON -21.64 - low scoring game meant Wigan were never safe and the handicap was never in doubt. Final score 8-4 to Wigan.)
Wakefield wouldn't have wanted to be third from bottom at this stage of the season, but this game for me is all about the handicap. Noone really expects Trinity to go to the JJB and win (although Wakey have been Wigan's bogey team in my 20 years of following the Belle Vue outfit). Wakefield have covered the handicap 5 times out of 8 so far this season, and only Leeds (36pts) and Quins (16pts) have won by more than tonight's handicap, and that includes fixtures at St Helens and against Hull KR and Bradford - all sides as good or similar in ability to Wigan. In reverse, Wigan have only beaten Quins on the opening day by more than tonight's handicap. Just to add one final point - most bookies have Wakefield +12 at 10/11, VCBet have them +14 at Evns. Get with Victor...


8.50 Kempton Lorikeet 4/1 (LOST -22.64 - looked good coming into the straight and took up the lead, but couldnt hold onto it as others swept past)
This Gary Moore trained gelding has proved very reliable over the long trips on the all weather. In 6 runs he has won twice, been second three times and third once. He has only gone up 1lb for his 3 lengths second to an improver last time, so is worth another try today as he will be there or thereabouts.