Sprint Cup Day

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Haydock, Thirsk and Ascot, a jumps meeting from Stratford and all-weather flat fixtures from Kempton and Wolverhampton.  The best of the action today comes from Haydock where it is Sprint Cup day.  The Group 1 contest takes place at 3.30pm and whilst not an original selection, with conditions to suit, it looks to be at the mercy of Starman.  He  will love the ground, already has a verdict over second favourite Creative Force and he has a pull at the weights too.

There is also a Listed contest and a Group 3 on their card, although they have drawn only four and five runners respectively, which is disappointing given the good prize money on offer.

There are no runners from the stable today, although we will have a couple at Fontwell tomorrow so come back then to find out more.

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There are no Premiership football matches this weekend with World Cup qualifying continuing.  Of the home nations, the Republic of Ireland host Azerbaijan, whilst Scotland are at home to Moldova.  Both sides should get a result, although I wouldn't be wanting my mortgage on it!  England are in action tomorrow.

England's cricketers managed a total of 290 all out in their first innings of the fourth test against India.  That gave them a lead of 99 after both sides have batted, although India were 43-0 at the close of play.  With three days still remaining, it looks likely we will have a result.  England will be hoping for some early wickets when play resumes this morning.

Formula One returns to Holland this weekend with Zandvoort hosting the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985.  It is a tight, twisty track with few overtaking opportunities so today's qualifying session will be vital.  Ferrari were first and second in practice on Saturday, although the session was interrupted by several incidents leading to some misleading times.  Max Verstappen looked good on a heavier fuel load and seems to be the one to beat again.

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What's orange and sounds like a parrot?  A carrot