Another nice winner in Dark Arts for Mr Smullen, and Funatfuntasia a neck 2nd at 11/2 – gutted!
Silky steps a non runner

Angel of the North placed – Equity release unplaced – good for the lay – Classic HArry placed at 12/1

A couple unplaced each way bets. The Czech bet ,in hindsight was a huge price – 4/7 and they beat the tiring and unmotivated Scots with ease. The Swiss 3-0 up allowed for trading of over 3.5 goals

A difficult day today and a temptation to sit on yesterday’s excellent profits

Soft ground at Goodwood throws a spanner in the works.
335 GOODWOOD
BETTING FORECAST: 7/4 Bankable, 5/1 Ordnance Row, 11/2 Laa Rayb, 13/2 Caldra, 15/2 Lady Gloria, 10/1 Babodana,  Final Verse, 11/1 Vanderlin, 25/1 Whitcombe Minister

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Though BANKABLE has plenty to do strictly from a ratings point of view there are strong grounds for thinking he can find the required improvement. He was said to have been in need of the run when winning on his reappearance last month and Luca Cumani has passed up the chance to take easier pickings in the handicap on this card later on. He can make it four wins from five starts en route to a tilt at next month’s Hunt Cup at Ascot, with Ordnance Row best of the rest

Bankable looks layable to me – soft ground enters the equation and is a multiple winner
As long as the price remains near evens
It’s a wierd day – a lot of potentially good short priced favourites but appearing in maidens,  smart handicaps and high class races

I’m not going to be drawn into selections today – it looks a day for following the live market and taking cues from there – a day of surprises in store no doubt for me on Bookies benefit Saturday.

FOOTY

More friendlies to lull in the punter – YIKES!
Spain play Peru, France host Paraguay, Portugal play Georgia, Germany play Serbia

France will be interesting following their inability to score in the first half, yet still win. One to follow in running and get on at enhanced prices in running if scoreless for a concerted period.

Portugal are 3.5 for any unquoted score – eg any score above 3-3 or one team scoring 4 goals.  1/8 does signify goals. 4.4 for over 4.5 goals is ambitious and hopefully tradeable.

The Germans capitulated last time 2-0 up – wholesale friendly game changes – 2-2 full time.
I suppose over 2.5 goals is worth backing -keep the bet neutral. Hopefully goals will come in the first half.