Seabass may just Prove Grand National Dish of the Day

With the countdown well and truly on for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 6, the prospect of a truly historic sporting result is looming ever larger with the feeling being that Katie Walsh might well become the first woman ever to win the world’s greatest steeplechase.

Walsh partnered Seabass to a memorable third place in last year’s renewal, leading at the second last and staying in front with tens of thousands of race fans screaming her on at the track and millions more cheering her on in front of their television sets around the world. 

In the end, Seabass couldn’t hold on and was passed by fellow Grand National runners, Neptunes Collonges and Sunnyhillboy, who went on to fight out one of the very best finishes in the long and distinguished history of the race.

This season, Seabass’ preparation has been all about a repeat Aintree bid and everything appears to have gone to plan so far with two rock solid placed efforts at Fairyhouse in February, leaving trainer, Ted Walsh, satisfied that he has the 10-year-old gelding exactly where he wants him.

Katie Walsh, Ted’s daughter, is certain to once again be the focus of international media attention but has shown she can handle the limelight much in the same way her brilliant brother, Ruby, does day in, day out.

Currently a well backed 11/1 second-favourite (behind 8/1 shot On His Own, who may well be ridden by Ruby), Seabass would appreciate some give in the ground so connections will be hoping for rain in the days leading up to the big event.

At a much bigger price it might pay to take a second glance at the Tim Vaughan-trained Saint Are (66/1), a Grade 1 winner at Aintree over hurdles and winner of the listed John Smith’s Handicap Chase on Grand National day 12 months ago. 

According to Befair’s guide for the reluctant tipster, this horse seems to save his very best performances for the Liverpool track.

The Hammer hoping to thrash the Wizard

Andy Hamilton goes into his match against Simon Whitlock on week seven of the Premier League hoping to build on his victory against the 16-time world champion Phil Taylor in Manchester seven days ago.

The Hammer was at his very best as he despatched Taylor 7-3 to inflict his fellow Stoke player’s second consecutive win in this competition. 

It was also his second win over the world number one in the same week after also beating him the Sunday before in Mainhead in the UK Masters quarterfinal. His win in Manchester brought up just his third career win over the Power.

Hamilton and Whitlock are both currently locked on six points in the league table and sit three points above the elimination zone, which makes this clash even more important as we edge towards the relegation stage of the tournament. The winner will climb closer towards the top of the pack though in a congested standings.

The Wizard is in really good form himself as he searches for his third straight win in Cardiff. He got off to a slow start to the 2013 competition but wins over James Wade and Wes Newton in recent weeks have helped him climb up the table where he currently sits in seventh place, one spot behind Hamilton who has a better leg difference. 

The Australian checked out six ton plus finishes against the Machine in a high quality match that finished 7-4 in Whitlock’s favour.

Both players know all about playing in big games having both made it all the way to the World Darts Championship Final. They both exited in the last eight though in the 2013 renewal.

Check out the Darts Premier League odds at betting.betfair for the latest picks and news for darts’ showcase tournament.

Hart praises United's Ruthless Streak

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has admitted that his side have struggled this season to keep pace with Manchester United due to the Red Devils’ extra ruthlessness.

After losing out in the title race last term, United were heavily criticised for not taking their chances as the Citizens nipped in to claim their first Premier League trophy thanks to Sergio Aguero’s last minute goal on the final day.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have rediscovered their edge this time around, establishing a 15-point gap at the top of the table, meaning they are now well on course to claim the club’s 20th league championship.

By their own admission, United have not always been at their best during the current campaign, often struggling to build momentum in games before eventually showing their fighting spirit and battling for victory.

City have also had problems against some of the league’s lesser teams, but unlike their rivals, have often come unstuck, losing to both Southampton and Sunderland.

Hart admitted to the football betting news that his side have a lot to learn if they want to win the title again but says they will continue to do all they can to try and cut the gap between them and their rivals.

"Maybe we have drawn more games than we would have liked to but it has not been a perfect season - and it needs to be pretty perfect to win this league," Hart said to the Premier League betting news. "We have done well but we have been up against a killing machine that have kept turning out results no matter what.

"It is a tough league. It's hard to win games. Unfortunately when we do lose, United stretch that lead and it has been disappointing but we will keep going.”