Middlesbrough are out to 6/1 to be promoted and 2/1 to end the season in the top six with BetVictor after their narrow 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road on Saturday. Boro had, arguably, the better of the opportunities until Rudy Gestede was red-carded in the first-half but Tony Pulis’s side need maximum points next against Reading at the Riverside.
Boro are 3/5 against a Royals’ side who have lost three of their last four league games and have slipped down the table in recent months.
Sunderland are 3/1 to finish bottom and 8/13 to be relegated after their 2-0 home reverse against Ipswich and they travel to Bristol City on Saturday desperately in need of a positive result. The Robins were beaten 1-0 at Bolton last Friday and have pulled up few trees in the Championship of late although they did, of course, give Manchester City a fright in the Carabao Cup semi-final last month.
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The Robins are struggling for goals and make little appeal at 7/10 with the Black Cats 21/5 and the draw at 11/4. The Robins sit in the last play-off spot (4/5 to finish in a top six spot with BetVictor) and need the points for their own end of season objective but I think Chris Coleman’s side can take a point.
There is a precautionary inspection at 8am for today’s jumps card at Newcastle and if racing gets the green light Shee’s Lucky looks sure to go close given the form of her latest second was franked when the winner (Shambra) dotted up at Wetherby on Saturday.
The vote, however, goes to Morning With Ivan (2.15) who was a running on third at Musselburgh at the weekend and this more galloping track should suit her down to the ground.
The column really should have had a couple of further winners over the weekend with Milly Baloo running out at the last with the race in safekeeping and Looking Well almost refusing and unseating his jockey at the last when a length up and going best in the Edinburgh National.
The trainer/jockey combination on both occasions were Nicky Richards and Ryan Day and it would be fair to say they are due a change of luck. Baywing must go close despite the steadier of 12st, but he is not the most fluent of jumpers and the handicapper has certainly given The Young Master (2.45) a chance and the booking of Noel Fehily takes the eye on the nine-year-old.
The selection would be something to bet on if the ground was better, but Neil Mulholland fits his charge with cheek-pieces for the first time and the return to a left-hand track will suit after he consistently jumped out to his left at Kempton on his latest start.