Presenter has tips for Champions Day at Ascot, too
Thursday 16 October 2014 10:34, UK
Ed Chamberlin says Chelsea look 'ominous' in the title race - and has tips for Champions Day at Ascot in this week's blog...
Can anyone stop the Chelsea juggernaut?
They were ominously good in a big game again when we saw them beat Arsenal on the Super Sunday before the international break. Sky Bet reacted by cutting Jose Mourinho's team in to 1/2 to win the title.
This weekend Chelsea go to Crystal Palace and this was one of the fixtures that cost them the League last season. Palace's 1-0 win in March put a major dent in Chelsea's title hopes. You sense Jose and his team have a real focus this season to ensure that does not happen in this type of fixture again.
The most damning thing about Arsenal's defeat at Stamford Bridge was how predictable it was. It was the same old story again against one of the big boys.
Gary Neville and Graeme Souness said before the game that Chelsea would be too powerful and explained afterwards just how far Arsenal remain behind Chelsea and Manchester City. Sky Bet's 20/1 title odds reflects that gulf.
Hull are Arsenal’s opponents at the Emirates this weekend and this is just the type of fixture in which Arsenal excel - but there are no signs that it will be different against the big guns this season.
Manchester United are now third favourites at 14/1 and are fourth in the table despite all the criticism they have received under Louis van Gaal. Their forthcoming games against Chelsea and the Manchester derby (both live on Super Sunday) will tell us where we stand with the new-look United.
More immediately we will see them in action on Monday Night Football against West Brom this weekend. Entertainment should be guaranteed.
Super Sunday starts with a really important game at Loftus Road: QPR v Liverpool. The 'will he, won't he?' saga is bound to dominate the headlines and it will be fascinating to see if Raheem Sterling starts the game. Daniel Sturridge could return to the starting Liverpool XI to add to the mix.
QPR had another bad away day at West Ham and are bottom of the Premier League table and down to 4/6 with Sky Bet to be relegated. It's the same position they occupied after the same number of games in their last Premier League season (2012-13), though they are slightly better off in terms of wins and points but have scored fewer goals. Just four goals so far is a major concern.
They need to get going from here and their home form will be all important. There's been some encouragement so far at Loftus Road with the win against Sunderland and point against Stoke. The worry is that Liverpool have won five of their last six meetings and have done the double over QPR in four of the last six seasons they have met.
After that it's Stoke v Swansea live from the Britannia Stadium. If you're looking for a bet in the first goalscorer market look no further than Peter Crouch at 5/1. Crouch has scored four goals in six Premier League appearances against Swansea.
The racing fraternity seem to love to criticise their own sport and the critics' knives are bound to be out for Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday.
The timing of the fixture has always been under the microscope and the fear of soft ground at this time of year has been realised again. It's not ideal but still a huge improvement on the drab affair that used to take place at Newmarket and a huge crowd plus top racing looks guaranteed on Saturday. I also like Great British Racing's innovations and attractions plus the after-party designed to attract new racing fans.
En route to Stoke, I will be taking along Sam Chamberlin, who is a proud member of Ascot's Colts and Fillies' Club, as the day is perfectly set up for youngsters.
Organisers have been desperately unlucky with the withdrawals of so many A-listers like Australia, Kingston Hill and The Grey Gatsby. There are still plenty of top-notchers on show, though, and hopefully a few winners amongst this lot:
1.45 Forgotten Rules
Won a lowly bumper on his racecourse debut, but blown away by his performance over 1m6f (soft) at Galway last time, when he brushed aside a 100-plus rated mare to win by an easy eight lengths. Admittedly, this is a hike in class, but with no trip/ground concerns, this might be a good time to latch on to a potential star stayer of the future.
2.20 Jack Dexter
Unlucky to run into Slade Power in this race last year, finishing clear of the third, and he must have an outstanding chance going one better with testing conditions playing to his strengths.
2.55 Seal Of Approval
Thought she was disappointing behind Silk Sari in the Park Hill at Doncaster last time, but I'm prepared to give her one more chance, in the hope really testing conditions bring out the very best in her.
3.30 Night Of Thunder
Fancy him to reverse Moulin form with Charm Spirit. Didn't enjoy the clearest of runs that day and possible he will be better for the run, having his first run back since failing to stay the Eclipse trip. Out to prove, once again, his 2,000 Guineas win was no fluke.
4.05 Noble Mission
He's going to try and run his rivals ragged from the front and it's certainly a case of the softer the better for Lady Cecil's five-year-old. He has been a bit of a revelation this season and the fact his ideal trip is probably 1m3f, should give James Doyle the confidence he needs to ride a positive race. Dangers are obvious, but I'm going for the value pick against Cirrus Des Aigles, and Free Eagle (big doubts about him on the ground).
4.45 Levitate
Caught the eye, running on strongly in a good race at York eight days ago. Loves the hustle and bustle of these competitive races and he's on a winning mark. Solid each-way value.
