Tennis and Racing

So finally Murray is butchered out of the tournament. In fairness to him, grass isn't necessarily his best surface, but then neither is it for Nadal. I fancy Safin to upset the Fed and then lose to the Beast of Manacor in the final. Meanwhile its the mixed semi's today with the Williams brothers bullying their way into the final.

1.00 Williams v Williams Final 4/9, 2-0 & 2-0 7/5 (WON BOTH +1.84 - They are just too big and strong. So who's turn is it to win this time?)
Can it really be anything else? The sisters have not dropped a single set in either singles or as a doubles pairing over the last 10 days of the Championships, and they have only had to win one set each by tie-break. Dementieva the number 5 seed has gone to 3 sets 3 times, and was so close to going out last round but won her second set tie break 8-6 before winning the deciding set. Zheng has beaten Ivanovic and beat an erratic Vaidisova in 3 sets last round, but Serena is a different proposition. So back the Williams brothers, I mean sisters, to go through with ease, so the 7/5 about a pair of whitewashes is good for punt too - just like Fed and Rafa did yesterday.

1.40 Haydock Prelude e/w 8/1 (3rd +2.34 - with 2 furlongs to go, looked like he might challenge for the lead, but didn't quite get there, however stayed on well to claim the each way money)
This 7 year olds 4 wins have come in June, July and two in August, so he is now coming into his peak period. His 3 wins last year were over 12f so the trip will suit and he is due to go up a pound - back to his rating he won off last summer. The favourite Eventide could be anything having only had the one run on all-weather so 8/1 about Prelude looks good each way value to me in a 13 runner handicap.

8.30 Newbury Danseuse Volante e/w 5/1 (6th +1.34, flirted with the places on the run-in, but had spent his energy too early in the race)
Two good seconds for this horse this season when ridden by Eddie Ahern, either side of a 7th but on soft ground without Eddie piloting. Mr Ahern rides again tonight, and I expect this Danehill Dancer fillie to be up with the pace all the way.