Granted, she needs to improve on her placed efforts in Listed races, but the step up in trip could just what she needs.

2.20: bet365 Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap (1m4f)
Sir Michael Stoute's Rosika is seeking a hat-trick and is a worthy 5/2 favourite with the sponsors. However, THIN RED LINE is very interesting now he steps up to this trip and the booking of Jamie Spencer, who has already won on him, is significant. Trained by the in-form Ed Dunlop, he wasn't stopping over 1m2f last time at Pontefract and the second, Stanstill, has franked the form by winning at Chester last weekend.

I'm sure we'll be able to beat the sponsor's current quote of 9/2 on the day, but it's worth noting that the Stoke-based outfit, as the race title suggests, are going best odds guaranteed, meaning we'll get paid out at the SP if it's bigger.

2.55: bet365 Lancashire Oaks (1m4f)
Both High Heeled and Flame Of Gibraltar like to get their toe in - the last-named will only run if there is sufficient rain - but my mole at the track tells me the going is still riding on the fast side of good, so I'm hardly rushing to back either at 7/4 and 9/4 respectively with the sponsors.

Instead, I suggest you try a little each-way on FALLEN IN LOVE at a tasty 16/1 (1/5 odds, three places). Granted, she needs to improve on her placed efforts in Listed races, but the step up in trip could just what she needs.

3.30: bet365 Old Newton Cup (1m4f)
With bookmakers going 7/1 'the field', there is scope for backing one at a bigger price and MUNSEF could belie his current odds of 25/1 (Stan James). On the face of it, the seven-year-old has plenty to do having landed a Chester claimer last weekend, his first win in two years. However, the handicapper has given him a chance dropping him to a mark of 95 (has won off 110) and his trainer Ian Williams, who is enjoying a purple patch, has issued a positive bulletin on his chances. The trip is ideal, which can't be said of some of his better fancied rivals, and he's not ground dependant either.

You've got to respect Luca Cumani's Falcativ considering the trainer's record in the race (won three of the past five renewals) but he's likely to be overbet as a result, and I'd rather have a saver on HATTON FLIGHT, who is still on a fair mark given his progress this season.

4.05: bet365 Conditions Stakes (6f)
This is a particularly trappy race, but conditions look right for TOMBI to notch his fourth win over the trip, having been tried over both 5f and 7f in each of his last three starts. The eight-runner field isn't ideal for Icelandic who ideally wants further and is unlikely to get the fast pace he needs to bring his stamina into play, while Doncaster Rover would have preferred more rain and might be tapped for toe by the selection.

Selections:

Thin Red Line 1pt @ best morning line price*
Fallen In Love 1pt each-way @ 16/1 bet365 Best Odds Guaranteed
Munsef 1pt each-way @ 25/1 Stan James
Hatton Flight 1p @ best morning-line price
Tombi 2pts @ best morning-line price

*bet365, William Hill and Stan James all offer a best odds guarantee.

Like the weather, Saturday's Coral-Eclipse (3.15) looks red-hot with the classic generation, headed by last month's Derby winner Sea The Stars, taking on some classy older horses, including last year's St Leger winner Conduit.

Since the race was opened up to all age groups in 1965, the older brigade have provided twice as many winners as the youngsters, although it has to be said that many Derby winners have gone down the King George or Irish Derby route instead. Sea The Stars was an intended runner in the latter race but was taken out at the eleventh hour as connections didn't fancy a slog in the mud over 1m4f. Considering how impressively Fame And Glory won that race, they almost certainly made the right decision and, having previously won the Guineas over a mile, the drop back to 1m2f is hardly an inconvenience for him.

Still, this is his first crack at the older generation and that has been the undoing of several Derby winners, including the likes of Motivator and Authorized in recent times, while the last Derby winner to triumph here was the brilliant Nashwan in 1998. Of course, having already emulated that great horse by puling off the Guineas/Derby double, Sea Of Stars must have a great chance of sealing a memorable treble in the Coral-Eclipse - but, at the general 10/11, he hardly represents value for money.

His fellow three-year-old Rip Van Winkle has to be respected, but he has twice finished behind Sea The Stars this season, including when beaten around two lengths in the Derby, and is running out of excuses - bad draw in the Dewhurst, interrupted preparation before the Guineas, ridden too far off the pace at Epsom (might have finished second with a more positive ride). Interestingly, Ladbrokes are giving him plenty of respect at 3/1 (9/2 Coral), but I just can't see it somehow.

Depending on who you bet with, Conduit is second favourite (4/1 best with William Hill) and Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old has to come into the reckoning. He rounded off last season by winning the Breeders' Cup Turf, and made a fine return this season on this track when going down by a head to the re-opposing Cima De Triomphe (10/1 Stan James). On 7lb better terms, he should turn the tables on the winner but, while he's effective over this distance, he may struggle to beat the best over it.

TWICE OVER is a Group 2 winner over this trip in France last summer and has never been out of the frame in four attempts at his level. Henry Cecil's colt was beaten just over half a length into third over a mile in the Lockinge back in May, and was a similar margin adrift of the winner Vision D'Etat when fourth back up to this trip at Royal Ascot last time. A line through the winner gives him the clear beating of Cima de Triomphe and with his stable continuing in fine form, he stands out as the each-way value of the race at 20/1 (bet365).

Recommended Bet:

Twice Over 1pt each-way @ 20/1 bet365

USA 7/4 favourites to win third consecutive title

Spain will vouch for the credentials of the United States of America football team. After all, Vicente Del Bosque’s team were on the verge of breaking the record for unbeaten games played, before Bob Bradley’s team beat them in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. They nearly landed another coup against Brazil in the final, leading 2-0 at half-time before running out of steam and losing 3-2 to the five-time World Cup winners. Nevertheless, they won’t have teams of this calibre to beat over the next three weeks, and it’s for this reason that they’re as short as 19/20 (Sportingbet) to land the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the fourth successive occasion. Bet365 are one of the few firms prepared to take them on, going 7/4 about them in the outright market.

As if the States needed it, they have home advantage with the competition taking place at venues such as the Soldier Field in Chicago and the Giants Stadium in New Jersey. It just comes down to how seriously they’re prepared to take this competition, with Bob Bradley prepared to ring in the changes and field several second-string players for this event. For the US, it’s all about looking ahead to August’s World Cup qualifying match against Mexico, and it’s the latter team who might well take advantage of this relaxed approach. Expekt go 2/1 about a team who recently showed their Jekyll and Hyde character by thrashing Venezuela 4-0 before drawing 0-0 with Guatemala.

While the quartet of Guadeloupe (150/1 bet365), Haiti (250/1 Skybet), Grenada (500/1 Stan James) and Nicaragua (750/1 Skybet) are unlikely to make it beyond the group stages, there are half a dozen teams who might have claims as far as the Gold Cup is concerned. Costa Rica are an interesting young side who easily beat the US in San Jose last month and deserve to be respected. Coach Rodrigo Kenton may be echoing Bradley’s comments about this tournament being a low priority, yet he has named a full-strength team which indicates they will be tough to beat. They top the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group and might start taking things a little more seriously if they make the later stages!

Amid the recent triumphs for the US and Mexico, you’ll find Canada were victorious in the year 2000 and the Canucks (66/1 Stan James) easily despatched Guatemala 3-0 to warm up for this tournament in perfect fashion. They will be seeking retribution for their controversial semi-final loss to their neighbours in 2007, although this is a team which didn’t make the final World Cup qualifying stage. At least they won’t have that as an excuse for resting players! Honduras (14/1 Sportingbet) should probably be respected considering they currently occupy an automatic qualifying spot, with Jamaica also likely to put in a strong showing not that Theodore Whitmore is back at the managerial helm. The former Hull City player has not lost a match during his six games in charge, with El Salvador (50/1 Betfred) also likely to contend for a spot in the last eight.

Made an inauspicious debut here last year when claiming 36th place, but he's a much classier player these days.

The PGA Tour moves to Washington this week for the AT&T National, which is hosted by Tiger Woods.

The Course: Congressional C.C. (Blue Course), Bethesda, MD (par-70, 7,255 yards)
Pretty it may be with its vistas, ponds, rock bridges and foliage, but don't let that fool you - this is one of (if not the most) demanding par-70 courses in the States. The signature hole is the 466-yard par-4 18th with water on three sides, a thick grove of cedar trees for errant shots and bunkers right of the green, requiring a second shot of great courage. There’s also a 218-yard par-3 over a massive lake, while the ninth, at 602 yards, is a hugely demanding par-5 with a deep ravine in front of the green. Most will lay up.

Ross' Top Tip: Anthony Kim @ 25/1 bet365
Tiger Woods is the obvious favourite this week, but 2/1 (Sportingbet) is just too short for my liking, especially as he has the added distraction of being event host, and Kim is one player who won't shirk a head-to-head with the world No.1. Granted, his 2009 has been largely disappointing, but the old swagger looked to be coming back in his last two starts - tied-16th at the US Open and tied-11th at the Travelers Championship, where he was 1st in the putting stats - so he won't be short of confidence this week as the defending champion.

Next Best: Nick Watney @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
Made an inauspicious debut here last year when claiming 36th place, but he's a much classier player these days - witness his superb win at Torrey Pines and his second to Phil Mickelson at Doral - with the only chink in his game being the occasional wayward drive, which is not such a big deal on this track. OK, his form has been a little in-and-out of late with three MC's coming either side of two top-25 finishes, but he's well-rested since the US Open and the 50/1 with Ladbrokes is simply too big.

Outsider: John Senden @ 66/1 Stan James
The Aussie's sweet ball-striking - ranked first in GIR this year - is tailormade for Congressional. It's no surprise then that he finished tied-18th here last year with three rounds in the 60's, and he arrives here on the back of his best finish of the season - tied-4th at the St Jude Classic. It's a slight concern he hasn't played since but, on the other hand, he'll be fresher than most and raring to go.

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Tiger Woods (lay to back)
By far the most likely winner but he's not invincible - just two wins from eight starts since his return from injury - and current odds of 2/1 look skinny. Could trade at bigger odds in-play, which makes him a lay to back proposition.

Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet: Nick Watney to beat KJ Choi @ 10/11 Ladbrokes

Recommended Bets:
Anthony Kim 2pts each-way @ 25/1 bet365
Nick Watney 1pt each-way @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
John Senden 1pt each-way @ 66/1 Stan James

Last round nerves sometimes get the better of him, so be prepared to trade out at some stage, but he's definitely up to winning it.

The European Tour congregates in Paris for this week's French Open at Le Golf National.

The Course: Le Golf National, Paris, France (par-71, 7,300 yards)
This is an American-style stadium course which became a par-71 in 2004 after the 18th became a par-4. At 470-yards over water, it is a demanding last hole which makes for an exciting finish The remaining par-5's are the 3rd, 9th and 14th (the longest at 607 yards). The fairways are fairly generous but the small greens, many of which are guarded by water, leave no margin for error and only the purest of hitters survive.

Ross: Top Tip: Soren Hansen @ 18/1 Paddy Power
The Dane is up to 55th in the world rankings after finishing alongside to Tiger Woods in sixth place at Bethpage last time out and is always at his best on tough tracks like this one. He's yet to win here,but has gone close three times in his last four attempts, finishing third twice and second once. Last round nerves sometimes get the better of him, so be prepared to trade out at some stage, but he's definitely up to winning it.

Next Best: Thomas Levet @ 30/1 Totesport
The Parisian has been smiling more than ever of late, and no wonder as he's in the form of his life - first in the Spanish Open, eighth in Ireland, ninth at Wentworth and ninth again last week in Munich. He didn't play too badly in the US Open either, shooting three excellent rounds before a closing 76 dropped him back to 45th place. OK, his form in this event is nothing to get excited about, but this could be the year he steps up and gives the home crowd something to smile about.

Outsider: Danny Willett @ 60/1 bet365
After a stellar amateur career and cruising through Q School at the end of last year, the Yorkshireman has been racking up top-10 finishes on the main Tour this season. He's managed five already, including his last two starts, and I like the fact he finished 13th here on his debut last year. Believe me, it won't be long before he finds the winner's enclosure and this week's field is within his compass.

Tournament Lays (Betfair): Padraig Harrington & Angel Cabrera
Harrington is an easy 'lay' this week as he shows no sign of recapturing the form that won him back-to-back majors last season, while Cabrera's form has gone AWOL since winning the Masters back in April. Oppose both in a variety of bets this week.

Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet: Danny Willett to beat Angel Cabrera @ 5/4 Coral 

Recommended Bets:
Soren Hansen 2pts each-way @ 18/1 Paddy Power
Thomas Levet 1pt each-way @ 30/1 Totesport
Danny Willett 1pt each-way @ 60/1 bet365

Tourists 10/3 to finish with a flourish

Despite winning their first six matches of a lengthy tour, the British and Irish Lions’ adventure in South Africa will ultimately be regarded as a failure. Indeed, if they are to avoid being cruelly bracketed with their predecessors of 2005 (who were beaten 3-0 in New Zealand), they must somehow conjure a victory in Johannesburg on Saturday. Some would argue that they have a decent chance, having run the Springboks close in Pretoria and facing a side who might lack motivation after sewing up the series last weekend. However, Paddy Power don’t think much of their chances, going 10/3 that the Lions come away with a consolation victory.

Why are the tourists such a big price, considering they were a whisker away from drawing the 2nd Test before Morne Steyn’s last-gasp penalty cemented the series for South Africa? It might have something to do with the fact that they’re walking wounded, with Brian O’Driscoll once again missing out on a key Lions match. The Irish centre was the victim of a spear tackle four years ago which saw him miss the best part of three tests against the Kiwis, and he’s not recovered from the concussion sustained during Saturday’s physical match. Forwards Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins will also miss out, while Tommy Bowe and Jamie Roberts are struggling to be fit. On this basis, the Springboks are likely to be popular at 2/7 (bet365), despite the fact that they’re without suspended pair Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha.

While Ian McGeechan might claim that morale continues to be high within the visitors’ camp, this could be a comfortable win for the hosts and Stan James’ 10/11 about them with a nine-point deficit looks interesting. After all, they will be up against a team who have been on the road for several weeks and might have one eye on returning home. Bet365 offer 4/7 that Peter De Villiers’ team lead at half-time and full-time, something that the Lions will be keen to avoid happening, especially after the South Africa coach’s controversial comments following Burger’s eye-gouging offence. Betfair offer 7/5 that the first try of the game is scored within the opening ten minutes, with 6/4 available on the exchange that it’s scored between 11 and 20 instead.

Markets have been quiet in the past but this morning is almost something different.

In two hours of trading the FTSE has managed to excite absolutely nobody at all after the
Dow and S&P went into deep freeze yesterday evening. With volumes draining away as dealers head off to the beach there is a good chance that the current moribund conditions will continue for quite some time. Watching the charts is rather a frustrating pastime as even small moves look huge due to lack of any major scale with which to compare. The major UK index has now been stuck in a 100 point range for seven sessions and (in truth) today does not exactly look like changing matters.

One ray of hope (for some interest) is that the Pound has gone for broke this morning and busted straight out of the recent trading ranges. The 07.00 to 09.00 (UK time) trading period is becoming quite interesting as Europeans turn on their screens and hammer the market one way or the other. The high this morning at 1.6742 has been opposed quite strongly since it was hit at 07.21 this morning and we have slipped back to 1.6650ish with punters getting heavily short all the way up. Those who have dealt with sufficient margin to avoid being stopped out on the way up may be hoping for a nice price correction back into the 1.6200 to 1.6550 trading range but if we do not get back down there today the chances of a new range being set up are quite strong.

Barclays continues to attract investors and the stock is back up to 289p having failed to challenge the support at 255 a few days ago. There have been many comments in support of Lloyds/HBOS over recent days but it must be noted that Barclays is in an infinitely better position than the UK fixated behemoth. The Lloyds group still has an enormous small to medium sized corporate loan book and this is unlikely to start improving for many, many months to come. Punters continue to pile into single equities (banks included) and are heavily long of virtually everything. With the prospect (if inflation does not raise its head) of interest rates being down here for some years to come the temptation to search out return via the equity markets is very strong indeed but it must be recognised that the capital value of much of the corporate assets of the FTSE 100 components is also under pressure. While the bear or bull arguments are quite well known and well balanced the betting seems to be heavily in favour of a move to the upside.

Dealers made a killing yesterday on the move higher in the indices, gold, oil etc etc as the early weakness failed to make any headway at all. Punters have been quick to take profits though and for the most part (except for sterling where sellers are in evidence) have flattened books to see which way the wind blows this time.

Oil as mentioned has moved higher once again to the top of the trading range just south of 72 bucks. We have been here a three times already in the last month all to no avail. While I am not an oil bear I see no reason for this move higher to prove any more successful than the previous three and obviously many punters feel the same way with heavy selling on the off this morning when we were above 72.50. The current price at 71.75 is an initial pull back but we may see another attempt to break higher today as the US opens. If we fail to make headway there may be a sell off in the evening session as profit taking comes to the fore. As with all the markets we need to see reasonable momentum to break out of the ranges, any weakening of resolve and “back we go” into the trading ranges

A set down and facing two break points...the young British hope matched at 5/1 on Monday

Nearly £30 million was matched on betfair during Andy Murray's fourth round clash with Stanislas Wawrinka, making it the most traded last sixteen match on a balmy second Monday at SW19.  The first men's single match on Centre Court with the roof in place provided threw up foreign conditions and a belter of a start to the Swiss, who raced into a first set lead. At one point, he was matched at a low of 2.68 to produce a famous upset. 

However, Murray was only matched at an all time high of 1.6 (betfair) when a set down and facing two break points in the second set. The Scot got a second and third wind (despite the still air at Centre Court this evening) to take the second and third sets, although he made heavy weather of the fourth set, allowing Wawrinka to get back on track and take the match to a final set.

Despite the obvious fatigue from such a tight game, the British number one remains the clear second favourite (3/1 Blue Square) to win the tournament and make history. Some might argue that he's not playing particularly well and that the 8/11 (totesport) about Roger Federer landing a sixth Wimbledon title is a cracking bet. The world number two is expected to cruise past Karlovic into the semi-final on Friday, whilst Murray has a tricky tie against Juan Carlos Ferrero. It's surprising to see the Spaniard available at 100/1 (Paddy Power), especially with his quarter final opponent having endured such a late finish on Monday.

In the ladies competition, Dinara Safina beat Amelie Mauresmo after being a set down and then 3-0 down in the third set. The Russian was matched at a high of 80/1 (betfair) on the outright market, although the world number one is back into 10/1 (Ladbrokes) and shouldn't yet be discounted. The Williams sisters truly eased their way through to the quarter final stage with the siblings conceding just six games between them all afternoon.

The odds are saying Venus (7/4 Boylesports) and Roger could be dancing away come Sunday night, as they did two years ago. However, if you fancy seeing a bit more dollar for your dime, how about an American and Russian waltz with Roddick at 22/1 (William Hill) and Safina at 10/1 (Ladbrokes)?