The bar may have been lowered over the years in terms of what constitutes a ‘super’ Saturday, but this weekend’s veritable 17 hour feast taking in heavyweight footballing, racing and boxing action with an all-star cricketing and rugby undercard card definitely fits the bill.
The weather forecast looks more than kind, you’ve been paid and you’ve just had all of a grueling 4 days in work, so book a table in a beer garden with a TV or haul your Bravia outside, fire up the BBQ and strap yourself in.
Like for any marathon of televised sport, a couple of gentlemanly wagers make the perfect accompaniment to the refreshments, especially when there’s the prospect of landing an accumulator that grows through the day from start until finish.
That being said, our advice is to set your stall out early, get bets on you’re comfortable with and avoid the bleary-eyed hail Mary bash on the boxing in the small hours.
Whilst we’re certain you’ll have a strong view on the Champions League final, or more than likely be invested in one outcome or the other on an emotional level (hello United fans), we bet you’re less up to speed on your Afghan cricketers, Derby runners and riders and stand-in American boxers so read on for your complete bluffers’ guide to the day’s action including key viewing info, a tip and a nugget of pub ammo that will leave your company in awe of your encyclopedic sporting knowledge. Oh, and we’ve also had a stab at a day-long bet that should more than pay for the day with the help of the Racing Post’s expert tipsters.
Super Saturday Acca
- New Zealand to beat Sri Lanka – Cricket World Cup
- Australia to beat Afghanistan – Cricket World Cup
- Saracens to beat Exeter – Premiership rugby final
- St Helens to beat Wakefield – Coral Challenge Cup
- Telecaster to win the Derby
- Liverpool to lift Champions League trophy
- Joshua to beat Ruiz in rounds one to six
A £10 accumulator pays £400
10.30am: Cricket World Cup – New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Where to watch: Sky Sports Cricket & red button
How they bet: 3-10 New Zealand, 11-4 Sri Lanka
Key man: New Zealand bowler Trent Boult took 22 wickets at the 2015 World Cup. The left-arm quick moves the ball both ways with late nip and lift.
Tip: T Boult top New Zealand wicket-taker
Sri Lanka were World Cup winners in 1996 and were runners-up in 2007 and 2011, but have fallen fast, winning just four of their last 20 ODIs, while 2015 finalists New Zealand have a settled and talented squad.
1.30pm: Cricket World Cup – Afghanistan v Australia
Where to watch: Sky Sports Cricket
How they bet: 13-2 Afghanistan, 1-9 Australia
Key man: Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins is back to his best and a threat with the new ball and at the death.
Tip: P Cummins top Australia wicket-taker
The Afghans, rank tournament outsiders at 150-1, make their World Cup debut against holders Australia, who also lifted the trophy the last time England played host in 1999. Afghanistan were dismissed in 18 overs by England in a warm-up match on Monday so expect some swagger from the Aussies
3pm: Rugby Union – Premiership final, Exeter v Saracens
Where to watch: BT Sport 1
How they bet: 4-11 Saracens, 9-4 Exeter, 28-1 draw
Key man: Saracens and England fly-half Owen Farrell is the man who makes the team tick with his playmaking skills and firm leadership.
Tip: Saracens to win by one to 12 points
A repeat of last year’s Twickenham showdown between the top two teams in the country. European champions Sarries won the last meeting between these sides 38-7 at the start of the month and they looked ruthlessly efficient in their European Champions Cup victory over Leinster and semi-final success over Gloucester. Exeter boast strong scoring stats over the course of the season and it should be close.
3.15pm: Rugby League – Challenge Cup quarter-final, St Helens v Wakefield
Where to watch: BBC1
How they bet: 1-5 St Helens, 9-2 Wakefield, 33-1 draw
Key man: St Helens standoff Jonny Lomax is the Saints’ creative force
Tip: St Helens to win by 11 to 20 points
Runaway Super League leaders have suffered just one defeat in 16 Super League outings including a 24-18 success at Wakefield in round two. This should be more convincing as the Saints aim to take another step closer to Wembley.
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3.30pm: The Derby
Where to watch: ITV1
How they bet: Sir Dragonet is the 3-1 favourite
Key horse: Chester Vase winner Sir Dragonet has shot to the foreground of the Derby picture and, while there is a good chance he will prove the best horse in the race, Epsom’s contours are part of what makes this race special and he may find it a bit too much on his third start.
Tip: Telecaster, who will have learned plenty when fending off Too Darn Hot in the Dante at York, looks better equipped for the test on the day.
Six of the last eight runnings of the Derby have been won by a distance of fewer than two lengths. The Derby is Britain’s richest horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics, sometimes referred to as the Blue Riband of the turf.
8pm: Champions League Final – Tottenham v Liverpool
Where to watch: BT Sport 2
How they bet: 10-3 Tottenham, 10-11 Liverpool, 13-5 draw
Key man: Senegalese speedster Sadio Mane has enjoyed his most prolific Premier League season with Liverpool, sharing the Golden Boot and is often the man for the big occasion.
Tip: Liverpool to win 2-1
Madrid plays host to an all-Premier League showdown and this should go to form with favourites Liverpool fancied to overcome Tottenham. The league matches this season finished in 2-1 victories for the Merseysiders and both teams have scored in seven of the last eight Champions League finals.
4am: Boxing – Joshua v Ruiz
Where to watch: Sky Box Office
How they bet: 1-20 Joshua. 12-1 Ruiz, 40-1 draw
Tip: Joshua to win in rounds one to six
Anthony Joshua makes his American debut against Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden. The British fighter is a heavily odds-on against an opponent who was hastily drafted in as a replacement after Jarrell Miller failed a drug test. Ruiz tips the scales about a stone heavier but 6ft 6in Joshua has a significant reach advantage and looks a cut above. It would be a surprise if Ruiz makes it past the middle rounds.
All odds, stats & tips by Racing Post. 18+ please gamble responsibly
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