Andy Holding & Tom Love's Horse Racing & Football Double

Andy Holding Selection for 14:20 Aintree

Jonbon has to be the automatic favourite based on his gallant effort against the mighty Constitution Hill in the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival, but whether he should be four times the price of stable mate FIRST STREET (best price 4-1), who also carries strong form into this Grade 1, is open to debate.

Since having his wind done, Nicky Henderson’s gelding has improved immeasurably on his early endeavours over hurdles and following a smooth victory at Kempton in January, he went on to run an absolute blinder in the competitive Betfair Hurdle at Newbury a month later.

Clearly well suited by a strongly run handicap environment, the son of Golden Horn threw his cap into the ring once again in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last time and although he proved no match for the well-backed winner, State Man, his performance in finishing a creditable second easily comes out as a career high.

Moreover, considering he was the only one of the runners who raced around the inside to be involved in the shake-up adds extra credence to his effort (similar story regards Knight Salute in the Triumph) and with today’s flat, sharp, left-handed track set to suit this improving five-year-old down to the ground, he rates a cracking each-way bet at the prices.

Tom Love Selection for Newcastle vs Wolves

Friday night football sees Newcastle host Wolves at St James’ Park and it’s still a big game for both sides with European places and survival from relegation on the line. 

A few teams have games in hand on the Toon Army so they’re not completely out of the woods yet as far as the relegation picture goes. Wolves, on the other hand, still harbour hopes of a Europa League spot and their impressive win at Aston Villa last weekend has put them in a strong position. That being said the teams around them are also putting up a stiff test. 

Newcastle have loved their home comforts of late with three wins on the bounce on home soil. Wolves are a much tougher side to break down than recent opponents though and that could see a tight and well balanced game play out. 

Goals have been in short supply in Wolves games for a while now, especially on the road. Under 2.5 is the strong favourite in the goals market and it’s easy to see why given a massive 17 of their last 20 road trips have seen fewer than three goals.

Newcastle haven’t really been clicking in front of goal in recent time and they’ll probably be happy with a point here to edge them a bit further out of the mire. With that in mind it’s the draw at 11/5 that makes the most appeal in a game that looks devilishly difficult to call.