Saturday 7th July 2018

A great day of sport ahead, I’ll start with the football.

England made heavy work of beating Colombia but went through on penalties thank goodness. The tactics by Colombia were very poor, they aimed to kick us off the park. Sweden stand in the way of a semi final spot this afternoon.

Sweden are awkward, they will sit back and take a 1 nil or extra time. We don’t have a great record against Sweden whilst they will be a fresher side. I hope Southgate makes a few changes today as we’re not creating enough. We’ve only scored a couple of goals from open play, all others have been set-pieces or penalties. I’d like to see two strikers starting or perhaps drop Sterling and play Loftus-Cheek.

The first goal will be crucial, whoever gets this I think will win the game. A one nil score line to either side is worth a bet. Under 2.5 goals could also be a winner. I hope we just roll Sweden over but I think the game will be tight and perhaps a bit dull. I wouldn’t like to call this one. Penalties again wouldn't be a surprise.

Belgium were excellent against Brazil, I was surprised the pundits thought this was a shock. The winner of the Belgium vs France game will likely lift the World Cup.

The bet highlighted on here at 25-1, Belgium vs Croatia final is now priced at 6-1. If Croatia beat Russia this evening, odds will likely shorten again. A good profit could be taken now with a bet to lay. I’ve done this for a fair return but have left some of my stake and will be cheering on Croatia this evening.

The racing is very competitive this afternoon. Sandown have done a good job starting their card earlier.

Narella makes her debut for Roger Varian in the 1:30. She’s a German filly that’s been impressive on the Newmarket gallops.

Narella will be running in top races, the yard thinks she’s very smart but the ground today is a worry I’m told. Narella doesn’t mind a bit of cut so it’s possible she might not handle the quick going this afternoon. If she does, a big run is expected. It’s one of those, if Narella doesn’t show much, ignore the effort and keep with her when running on a slower surface. Put her in the tracker win or lose, she’s held in high regard.

The Group 1 Coral-Eclipse is big race of the day at 2:10.

It hard to get away from Roaring Lion priced at 7-4. The drop back in trip is perfect, his prep has also been much better than than Saxon Warrior's who only ran just 7 days ago. This race looks an afterthought. I wouldn’t totally rule out Saxon Warrior as the drop-in trip will help him too, interestingly Ryan Moore has decided to ride in America.

Hawkbill could outrun his odds but I’m with Roaring Lion, he should take the beating. Perhaps a cheeky reverse forecast with Hawkbill could work.