THURSDAY: WORLD CUP and ROYAL ASCOT preview

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]urely today will be the day for Team O’Brien to strike at Royal Ascot ? Just two seconds so far on the week from the Irish maestros.

Leading Light Looks to have an outstanding chance in the Gold Cup and should relish this ultra-trip.

He won over two miles in the Queen’s Vase here last year and of course went on to win the St Leger in impressive style before getting bogged down in the mud at Longchamp in the Arc.

He won his prep race well at Navan and is a worthy favourite.

The Great War looks another banker for O’Brien in the opening Jersey Stakes despite the stable not having the best record in this race over the years.

He has hacked up in two starts at short odds and should be able to handle the step-up in class with aplomb.

The football focus is on Uruguay v England and it’s a case of will he / won’t he….

Will Hodgson be brave enough to drop Rooney?
Will Suarez be fit enough for the 90 minutes after his knee injury?

Like horses, it can be costly to make excuses for losing performances but England genuinely looked a lot better outfit against Italy, despite the 2-1 defeat.

Although Rooney had a howler and surely can be no better than 50/50 to make the cut tonight?

In contrast, Uruguay really under-performed against Costa Rica and will need to play better football tonight.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Mar 2006 International England 2-1 Uruguay
Mar 1995 International England 0-0 Uruguay
May 1990 International England 1-2 Uruguay
Jun 1984 International Uruguay 2-0 England
Jun 1977 International Uruguay 0-0 England
Jun 1969 International Uruguay 1-2 England
Jul 1966 World Cup England 0-0 Uruguay
May 1964 International England 2-1 Uruguay
Jun 1954 World Cup Uruguay 4-2 England
May 1953 International Uruguay 2-1 England

It could easily be a very tight game. Under 2.5 goals is tempting but I’m backing the DRAW with Star Sports.

Disappointing day yesterday. The profits over the World Cup took a hammering thanks to Treve and Spain 🙁

RECOMMENDED BET (scale of 1-50 points)

12 points LEADING LIGHT (3.45 Royal Ascot) at around 10/11 with Star Sports

3 points DRAW Uruguay v England at around 11/4 with Star Sports

WORLD CUP RETURNS SO FAR: PROFIT 7.55 POINTS

What’s your view? CALL STAR SPORTS 08000 521 321