The Sports Book - Times Online - WBLG

Full guide to the Derby runners

The betting may be dominated by Irish-trained runners, but the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday is no less interesting for that. Aidan O'Brien is set to saddle six in his bid to land a third success in the Blue Riband, but seven others are entered and he faces stiff opposition from fellow Emerald Isle handlers John Oxx and Jim Bolger, who have both tasted success here in the past decade. Click on the link for a full guide.

Bowleaze on track at 12-1

Bowleaze is one to be with when the curtain comes down on the National Hunt season at Sandown on Saturday.

Garde Champetre so solid at 16-1

A maximum field of 30 has been declared for the Powers Whisky Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday but those punters poring over the formbook should be aware that the participation of Notre Pere, the topweight, hangs in the balance.

Guide to the Grand National entries

A total of 74 horses, including all the leading market fancies, have been left in the John Smith’s Grand National at today’s forfeit stage. Click on link for a guide to their prospects.

Charm School for top marks

John Gosden relishes laying out horses for the big handicaps and the bad news for his rivals is that he has not one but two contenders for the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday.

Guide to Grand National entries

This an updated guide to the one posted last month. My quest to compile a decent “green book” has not really got off the ground this year. As things stand, through backing and laying on Betfair, I’m guaranteed a 1p profit whoever triumphs, with Kelami (£13,093.81), Flintoff (£980.41), Nadover (£360.01), Character Building (£58.24), Garde Champetre (£40.01), Parsons Legacy (£38.81), My Will (£18.01), Butler’s Cabin (£6.87) and Rambling Minster (£5.01) worth more.

Flat jockeys under orders

With the turf Flat season commencing a week on Saturday, Sky Bet have issued their popular handicap list on the 2009 jockeys’ championship.

Get in groove with Exotic Dancer

Andy Stephens takes an early look at the Gold Cup, which will be run at Cheltenham on Friday

Focus on Binocular in Champion

Andy Stephens looks forward to some of the showpiece races at Cheltenham next week and predicts success for the market leaders

Gone To Lunch offers food for thought

Andy Stephens continues his quest for ante-post Cheltenham Festival value with a look at the RSA Chase and National Hunt Chase