Rugby League and Racing

Well maybe summer is still here. But what's the betting its raining in Manchester come 11am tomorrow morning? Anyway one of my favourite sporting encounters is on at 11am today - The State of Origin. This series is probably the most hotly contested match-ups in world rugby league and always provides cracking action.

11.00 Draw-Queensland HT/FT 22/1 (LOST -1.00 - NSW came out flying and although the Maroons hit back on half-time it was too much of a start they gave the Blues. Will hopefully get us a better price for game 2 at Lang Park though)
Generally evenly matched, its clubmates going at it hammer and tongs against each other and playing for the jersey. Queensland have the greater quality, but I'm not convinced Mal Maninga has got the backs selection quite right, playing a few boys out of their regular club positions. This may mean that they might take time to gel in the game situation, and it might take the full 80 minutes for the Maroons to stamp their authority on the game, particularly down in Melbourne. The final margin of victory in the last four opening ties has been 7, 1, 4, and 1 point going backwards, so you can see how tight the games are. And 2 of the last 5 competitive games (game 3 last year was a dead rubber) being all-square at half-time, 22/1 for the draw/Qld HT/FT is worth a small punt of anyone's money.


8.55 Sedgefield Nelliedonethat 4/1 (WON +3.00 - An excellent run and finished nicely coming to the fore 2 out and never looking likely to be passed, wining by 6 lengths)
A poor handicap, and while this horse is only 1 from 16 he has been placed in better contests and shaped well for new owner over 3m, where he was one paced on the run in. Good to firm would have had questions before that run, but coming back 2f in trip today, if he reproduces that form I expect him to go very close.