The Friday Flutter, Manchester United, Kilkenny and the 2000 Guineas

Ahead of another big weekend, we try to pick a treble that will make you a handsome return.

Last week proved to be a familiar tale for regular Friday Flutterers. Two parts of our treble landed successfully but the dastardly third fell short. That is the fifth week in a row we’ve only completed 66 per cent of the job. We’re more frustrated than a sailor that has just landed on shore leave.

Our punt on RVP to score and Dublin to win the League came in but Ian Madigan didn’t cross the line for Leinster against Biarritz. We’ll forgive the lovable scamp but we wish we had backed BOD instead.

So, which ports have we decided to pull into to fulfil our needs (let’s end this nautical metaphor here) this week.

The Premier League, the Hurling League decider and the 2000 Guineas from Newmarket carry our hopes this week, and this treble should net you odds of around 9/1.

Manchester United to beat Chelsea, 6/5

We know that United’s season is over but a win over Chelsea, and Rafa Benitez, would please Alex Ferguson no end. The Londoners played on Thursday night while the home side are well rested and United’s record at Old Trafford against Chelsea is pretty good.

A win for Chelsea would be very welcome indeed for their Champions League hopes but we don’t see them having the energy reserves for this one. Home win.

Kilkenny to beat Tipp, 4/6

We’ve gone against Kilkenny a few times in the Flutter this year and it has cost us dearly. We won’t make that mistake again. The Cats are in the cosy confines of Nowlan Park for this League final and that may make all the difference.

Even without Brian Cody on the line, or Henry Shefflin on the pitch, we think they may have enough for a rejuvenated Tipp, who will feel the absence of Paddy Stapleton in their back line.

Dawn Approach to win the 2000 Guineas, 7/4

The first Classic of the Flat season is here already and after a difficult few weeks for them, we’re sticking with the long-time favourite from Godolphin. Dawn Approach was unbeaten last year and has a good draw (Stall 6) tomorrow at Newmarket.

The only serious challenger to Jim Bolger’s horse is Toronado while the Ballydoyle threat is Cristoforo Colombo, ridden by Joseph O’Brien.

But we’re sticking with the favourite, even though over the last decade the most fancied horse has only won this race three times.