Super Saturday Medal Hopes and Picks

Well I don't know about you but my expectations have been exceeded.  I said last week that I was concerned about the national pastime of building false expectations and then dwelling in the relevant defeat.  But some of this weeks performances have been astounding.  I love the fact that the non main stream sports have been picking up the medals, and giving the individuals their 15 minutes of fame, and a life long memory. The public should be applauded as well.  I enjoyed the opening ceremony, and the feel good factor that it installed, from there the public has picked up the baton and became the 12th man for all these athletes. I wondered whether some of the interviewees where being a bit cheesy when they mentioned the great crowd. But thinking about it the drive to not let everybody down, the encouragement given must squeeze every last ounce of effort out you.  And the ability to overcome any anxiety due to expectations makes the great sportsman.  A lot has been said about certain countries and the possibilities of drug cheats, but can somebody please tell me why anybody would even think about it with all the testing and technology available today?

Today sees all eyes on Jessica Ennis, can she get over the wobbles on her 2 weak events and fulfil the promise and expectations of being one of Team GB poster girls? Lets hope she is still at the top come the last event 2030 tonight.  Mo Farah gets under way at about 2115 in the 10000m final, moved to the USA to up his training regime, he has some high hopes. Helen Jenkins carries GB's hopes in the triathlon at 0900. The veledrome is back in full swing again with the team pursuit at 1000, be surprised to see a gold, but who knows the way that team are going. the rowing goes again at 0930, and there are some expectations of medals for the GB team today. For something different the worlds best female trampolinist completes at 1400, yes she's British. Then the women's tennis final is in the afternoon, and Stuart Pearce's side is back in action at 1930. we,ve also got Greg Rutherford in action in the long jump, and the sprinters get going with Usain Bolt and 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius in their heats. So a bit of something for everyone.

On the horseracing side, apparently there as been a small get together at Goodwood, anybody notice? The highlight being one of the best horses of all time - Frankel, where will he go for the rest of the season, does Henry really know what he wants to do with him? Anyhow, is he really as good as Sea the Stars? happy to hear anybody's views.......  But some good class racing on today so let's enjoy.

No F1 this weekend, but glad I called Hamilton's win correct last weekend, sets up the remainder of the season nicely.  Interesting to see what changes the teams come back with after the break.

England seem to have another uphill battle against SA, but will the weather come to the rescue this time, again going to back the draw, with a small saver on SA.

Football gets under way fully up here in Scotland, and interesting to see what happens in light of the Rangers issue.  A few people believe financial collapse is inevitable, but personally I believe a natural levelling out will occur. Some people have Celtic as an automatic champion, but don't be surprised to see Hearts give them a run for their money. in my the season will pan as follows:
Celtic will win it, but query if they will walk it as much as some people think
Hearts have a new and experienced manager, who knows the club inside out, if he can deal with the mad banker he should do OK.
Dundee Utd have a settled team and no surprise to see them in  a cup final this year
Inverness Caley, seem to struggle at home ut have a great away record, should be solid in mid table.
Kilmarnock, according to a lot of reports they are a hair breathes away from administration, no strength in depth, going to struggle.
St Mirren, sold their soul to the supermarkets a couple of seasons ago and a few chickens coming home to roost, struggling financially, but could they benefit from Rangers demise on the supporter front?
Hibs, a selling club with what seems little ambition, but has a large fan base the first couple of results will set up their season, unsure if manager has a big club mentality. No surprise to see a change by Xmas.
Ross County, just promoted will fight with a young manager but expect to be fighting relegation.
Aberdeen have the grumpy old gits managing, but loads of experience will be a mid table team.
Dundee, falsely parachuted into the SPL, have a first division squad and a terrible record for poor decisions and money management. will be fighting relegation.
Motherwell, should do OK, used to working with little money, but have a decent manager no surprise to see  them going for a European placing.
Winners: Celtic
Runners up: Hearts/Dundee Utd
Relegation: Dundee/St Mirren
Bust/Administration: Kilmarnock/St Mirren

Back
3.15 Goodwood - Izzi Top
7.15 Hamilton - Sovereign Street

EW Double
1.45 Newmarket - Strictly Silca
5.10 Doncaster - Ruwaiyan

Lays
2.35 Newton Abbot - Present to You
3.25 Newmarket - Almagest
6.45 Hamilton - Elegant Girl

Place Lay
5.45 Doncaster - Pettochside

Football Trade
GBv South Korea
0-0 £4
1-1 £10
O2.5 £15
Market seems to say few goals, so insurance on 0-0, 1-1 gives options when a goal goes in. Ealy goals culd mess the market for a while so take care.

Good Luck