Frankly flabberghasting

What a game. After a season of grey, ugly efficiency, Chelsea' s season has exploded into glorious technicolour with two spell-binding performances in the space of five days - both infused with courage, flair and passion.

Even Avram Grant's dour hangdog expression cracked into a smile of satisfaction as he finally cast off the shadow of his predecessor Jose Mourinho and guided the Blues to their first ever European Cup final.

Two deadly finishes from Didier Drogba may have been the most crucial contribution in Chelsea's 4-3 aggregate win over Liverpool in their semi-final second leg, but Frank Lampard was the star of a frantic night in west London.

After a horrendous personal week, he took several gulps of air to compose himself, and calmly slotted home the penalty that gave Chelsea a 2-1 lead in extra time. He kissed his black armband and poignantly signalled to his dad, Frank Snr, up in the stand.

Liverpool end the season trophyless, and Chelsea may yet do the same of course, but this sensational game and their victory over Manchester United last Saturday have repelled all the flak that has been aimed in their direction this season.

If there is one lingering doubt remaining for Avram Grant, it is the unexplained absence of club owner Roman Abramovich from the club's recent crucial games. Indeed, it is said he has not attended a match since the Carling Cup final.

How can he possibly lose interest when his side have finally started to produce such compelling football at such a critical juncture in the season? One assumes he will find a window in his schedule to attend the final in Moscow. If it's anything like Chelsea's last two games, it might just be worth turning up for.

How did you assess both Champions League semi-finals? What are your predictions for the final? Give us all your Champions League views using the boxes below.

F1 gossip column... Your views

Bernie Ecclestone appears to have finally withdrawn his support for old pal Max Mosley following those News of the World allegations about what the under-pressure FIA president gets up to in his spare time.

To read more of our F1 insider's latest rumours, including news from the McLaren, Super Aguri and Ferrari stables, click here.

We also want to hear your Formula 1 views. Have you heard any stories on the grapevine? Use the boxes below to add your comments.

Frank talking on the English game

Amid all the Anglophile euphoria over the fact that the Champions League final will be an all-England affair, only a fool or Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea fan would ignore the wise words of Frank Rijkaard.

The Barcelona coach was speaking after his side's semi-final defeat to United. "English clubs are very organised and all get behind the ball," said Rijkaard.

"The type of football they play is only in the Premier League. They defend as though their lives depend on it. And they are very successful.

"But I do feel English teams have a lot more to give. I just feel it is a great pity that it is not the most beautiful kind of football to watch."

Well said, Frank. While the pundits, marketing people and junketeers fall over themselves on the gravy train to the final in Moscow, many a true football fan will be shuddering at the memory of the 2007 FA Cup final.

The 'big two' - Manchester United and Chelsea - produced one of the most tedious, least expansive finals of football history, dominated by defensive tactics and the fear of losing.

We can only hope that England's finest put on a Moscow show that will confound those critics across the Channel who are puzzled by the fact that while England is dominating European club football, not a single British international side will be playing in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

Is Rijkaard right? Do English clubs play boring football that kills creativity? Or was it just sour grapes from a bad loser? Have your say via the boxes below.

Nelson's Column: Key issues

Robert Key has confounded his many critics with a sparkling return to form and fitness that has earned him the captaincy of a strong England Lions squad to face New Zealand at the Rose Bowl on 8 May.

But eyebrows shouldn't be raised too much. Key, whose Test career looked to be over after a hit-and-miss tour of South Africa in 2004-05, had a fine season for Kent last year and he has carried that form into the new campaign with a vengeance.

He massacred the Kiwi attack at Canterbury on Monday, hitting 178 not out in a first-day total of 324-1. And let's not forget that Key plundered twin centuries against New Zealand on their last tour of England in 2004.

If he continues to shine both with the bat and as captain of Kent and the Lions, then Michael Vaughan's position could be called into question sooner rather than later.

Vaughan's form with the bat so far this season has been far from impressive, and questions remain about the injuries that have plagued his career in recent years.

And so Key, who impressed as skipper of England A against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, has rightly been handed the chance to enhance his case for a Test recall and who knows, for the captaincy too.

It's a far cry from those days at the turn of the century when Key weighed in at 16 stone and was derided for his expanding waistline.

Does Key deserve a Test recall? Or even the full England captaincy? Have your say via the boxes below.

King Daniel to triumph?

Afternoon everyone, I'm going to offer you all a selection to back on Tuesday.

The horse in question is King Daniel and runs at Sedgefield tonight (6:50pm).

I'm so confident I'm also going to double my usual stake, so I will be having £40 win at 9/2.

All-time record: Bets 24; Winners 7; Losers 17; Non-runners 0; Profit £622.50.

2008 football awards: Your choice

The players have had their say in voting Cristiano Ronaldo the PFA Player of the Year. Now it's your turn. You can put forward your nominations for the Orange 2008 Football Awards.

There are eight different categories: best player, flop of the season, best goal, best young player, biggest bargain, best WAG, greatest unsung hero and a special bravery award.

You can send in your nominations all this week and based on your replies, we'll produce a shortlist from which you will be able to cast your votes next week.

Use the boxes below to send in your selections, or email them to sporteditor@orange-ftgroup.com

Chelsea shunned in team of year

So now we know...Chelsea's costly array of super-stars aren't rated by their peers at other clubs.

Not a single Blues player has made it into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year even though the club is still in running for the title and for Champions League glory.

The line-up, voted for by every player in the division, is as follows: David James (Portsmouth), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).

Only four players - Ferdinand, Vidic, Ronaldo and Gerrard - have survived from the 2007 team that included Chelsea's Didier Drogba and a total of eight Manchester United players.

This time round only three United players are included, which no doubt hasn't gone down too well around Old Trafford.

But it's at Stamford Bridge where there are most rumblings of discontent. Blues fans are miffed because there's no place for the likes of Drogba, Joe Cole, Petr Cech or Michael Essien.

However, it's all smiles at Villa Park following the recognition of Ashley Young's rapid development under the guidance of Martin O'Neill.

What do you think of the Team of the Year? Should Drogba, Essien or Cole have made it? And is Ashley Young really that good? Have your say via the boxes below.

County fails to cash-in

Morning everyone, well I'm afraid Royal County Star failed to collect in the Bet365 Gold Cup Chase at Sandown.

The Irish-raider ran a strange sort of race and never seemed to be any-thing other than a back marker until the business end when it had far too much to do - eventually finishing seventh. That result cost me a score (£20).

However, moving on and this weekend we can look forward to the first two Classics of the Flat season - the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas from Newmarket.

I'll admit I haven't even given the two races a second glance yet, so I'll be busy going through the form book and ringing around one or two contacts in the build-up this week.

Until then if you hear any whispers don't forget to post them here. Good luck with the betting...

All-time record: Bets 24; Winners 7; Losers 17; Non-runners 0; Profit £622.50.

Premier League...your view

Gareth Barry produced a man-of-the-match performance to help Aston Villa rescue a point at Everton in Sunday's key clash at Goodison Park.

The midfielder has been in fine form this season but if reports are to be believed, Barry could be departing Villa Park this summer.

Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with a move but Martin O'Neill will be desperate to keep his skipper after another dominant display in the centre of midfield.

Villa remain three points behind Everton in the race for a Uefa Cup spot but who do you think will finish in that all-important fifth place?

Elsewhere, Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz scored his 21st goal this season to sink Portsmouth at Fratton Park. But will Mark Hughes be able to keep hold of the Paraguayan this summer?

Saturday's action saw Chelsea beat Manchester United with the Premier League title race now wide open with two games to play. Plus, Fulham gave their survival hopes a massive boost with a victory at Manchester City but who do you think will join Derby in the Championship?

Will Gareth Barry remain at Villa Park this summer? Has Santa Cruz proved to be the best signing of the season? Can Chelsea pip United for the title? And which two teams will be relegated? Have your say in the boxes below.

Star set to shine at Sandown

It's been a week for the British trainers plundering the prizes at Punchestown this week - with Paul Nicholls and Alan King claiming the major races on Tuesday (Twist Magic), Wednesday (Neptune Collonges) and Thursday (Blazing Bailey) - what price Nicky Henderson to score with Punjabi today?

Taking all the above into consideration, I'm expecting canny trainer Tony Martin to cross the Irish Sea and lift the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Sandown on Saturday with Royal County Star.

The 6/1 which is available today (Friday), is tempting enough for me and I'll have £20 win at that price.

The Irish Grand National runner-up should be good enough to go one better and lift the traditional end-of-season chase.

I think Bewleys Berry will feel the effects of the Grand National at Aintree and I'd also be mighty surprised if last week's Scottish Grand National winner Iris de Balme can follow-up.

It wouldn't be the first time though as last year's winner Hot Weld managed the unique double.

I just can't have Lothian Falcon or even Ungaro in my picks though - I think Sandown will find those two out for sure.

Good luck with your betting if you're having a punt at Punchestown today - perhaps Fiveforthree can make amends for Tuesday's reverse?

All-time record: Bets 23; Winners 7; Losers 16; Non-runners 0; Profit £642.50.

Calzaghe's next opponent...Your view

Joe Calzaghe returned to a hero's welcome after landing at Gatwick Airport on Tuesday following his win over Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas on the weekend.

The Welsh southpaw has a record of 45 wins from 45 fights as he aims to cement his legacy as one of boxing's all-time greats.

Calzaghe has hinted that he will hang up his gloves after one more fight but who should be his opponent?

Legendary four-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr is the favourite but the 'Magic Man' is way past his best which was crystal clear four years ago when the 39-year-old was beaten by Antonio Tarver.

This brings us to the IBF light-heavweight champion who beat Sheffield's Clinton Woods earlier this month. Tarver has called out Calzaghe but I think the Newbridge fighter needs to looks past the American and instead focus on a mouth-watering clash against Kelly Pavlik.

Like Calzaghe, Pavlik has yet to taste defeat and has a devastating 29 KO's from 33 fights. Of course, for this fight to happen, the pair would need to agree on a weight but this shouldn't cause too many problems.

Pavlik would hold the biggest threat to end Calzaghe's undefeated streak but what a perfect way it would be for the Welshman to end his career if he were to beat Pavlik in front of thousands of fans in Cardiff.

Who do you think Calzaghe should fight next? Do you agree that Pavlik should be the Welshman's next opponent? Let us know your thoughts by adding all your comments below.

Barcelona v Man Utd...Your view

It's crunch time for Manchester United who visit the Nou Camp for their Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Barcelona this evening.

United are chasing the Premier League and Champions League double with manager Sir Alex Ferguson hoping that his side can create a new chapter in the Red Devils' history book.

Barcelona have been struggling for form of late and have dropped out of the La Liga title hunt with Europe's elite competition their only hope of success this season.

It promises to be a cracking tie with two of the best players in the world on show - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - but which one will shine and help their side make the final in Moscow against either Liverpool or Chelsea?

Don't forget, you can check out our in-depth preview for tonight's game right here.

What are your predictions? Who will hold the advantage after this first leg? Can Ronaldo continue his rich run of form? Let us know by adding your comments in the boxes below.

Nelson's Column: The future's pink

A new and more garish era has dawned in cricket, and it's got nothing to do with the Indian Premier League.

No, this time we're talking balls - pink ones. The MCC, once a bastion of be-suited stuffiness, has brought a dash of colour to the glorious game by introducing the pink cricket ball. It was trialled this week at Lord's when the MCC took on Scotland in a 50-over friendly, replacing the white variety that has become the norm in limited-overs cricket.

While traditionalists may quake at the very thought of pink being the chosen colour, there are good reasons for the change. The white ball has been a bone of contention among players and umpires for some time, mainly because it's not very durable and becomes grubby pretty quickly, especially on hard pitches and outfields.

Dr Anthony Bull, a bioengineer from Imperial College, is working with manufacturers Kookaburra to come up with a ball which is both durable and visible.

The problem is that while the traditional red ball is dyed in a protective paraffin wax, other colours such as white or pink have to be painted on, making them liable to become scuffed and frayed more quickly.

Dr Bull's dream is that he will be able to come up with a pink variety that can withstand the crash-bang-wallop cricket that's becoming increasingly popular.

If he and his colleagues are successful, the pink ball could well become the missile of choice in all forms of cricket. Yes, even in Tests.

What do you think? Is this a step too far, or should cricket move with the times and new technology? Send us your comments via the boxes below.

History in the making... Your views

Liverpool and Chelsea have faced each other on six occasions in the last four seasons in the Champions League - but Tuesday's semi-final showdown promises to be the most intense yet.

Chelsea's motivation is clear - they want revenge, having fallen just short of making their first ever European Cup final on two miserable Anfield nights in the last three years.

If Chelsea's top players are to be believed, there should also be another factor driving them on - saving their manager's job. John Terry insists the squad are right behind the Israeli, but Fleet Street's sports writers most certainly are not. This is the perfect time for the Blues' big earners to show their 'unity' and prove their boss's detractors wrong.

Liverpool, of course, have their own problems. With officials from prospective club owners DIC invited into the directors' box for the first leg, there will be tension in the boardroom as well as on the pitch. Those who claim the off-field tussles will destabilise the team, however, clearly don't know footballers at all. Witness Liverpool's form in the few weeks since the Gillett-Hicks-Parry fall-out: P6 W4 D2 L0.

There have been a miserly three goals in the six Champions League matches between these two in the last four seasons. A goal fest is also highly unlikely this year. With so much at stake and two managers hardly renowned for their gung-ho tactics, this one will be tight Linford Christie's lycra shorts and almost impossible to call.

Give us your predictions. Who's going to make it to the Champions League final in Moscow? Will it be third time lucky for Chelsea? Will Rafa's magic touch in Europe continue? Tell us using the boxes below.

F1 gossip column...Your view

Our weekly F1 expert is back with more rumours and gossip from the pit-lane.

You can read all the latest right here, from fresh fears over the British Grand Prix to the very latest on the future of Renault's Fernando Alonso.

Do you have anything to share? Heard any whispers? Let us know by adding your comments in the boxes below.

From the Touchlines: Transfer gossip

There's been another week of rugby transfer rumours as the Guinness Premiership draws to a close. We find out the latest and want to hear yours...

Former France flanker Serge Betsen is expected to put pen to paper on a deal with Wasps for the start of next season. Betsen has long-term been linked to the club but Wasps initially appeared to have lost out in the bidding war for the Frenchman. However, despite rivalry from a host of Premiership rivals, the Londoners will finally bag their man this week.

There could be a host of Premiership big names on the market this summer, among them Gloucester duo Chris Paterson and Jeremy Paul. Paterson has struggled to settle in the west country and may walk out of Kingsholm after just one season while ex-Wallaby Paul has barely started for the club this season.

Elsewhere, Leicester centre Ollie Smith has made no secret of the fact that he'll be leaving Welford Road at the end of the season. A host of Premiership clubs have tabled offers for the player but he is expected to chase the big money in France this summer.

And finally, Leeds flyer Tom Biggs could be on the market with his club destined for the drop to National League One. However, teams would be forced to fork out for his services with the Tykes slapping a £100,000 price tag on their star man.

We want to hear your transfer rumours. Have you heard any? Also, which players would you like to see on the move to your club? Post your comments below.

Outsider floors Generlardais

I have to admit Iris De Balme wasn't given a second glance prior to the Scottish Grand National - but I'm afarid that's what stopped us hitting the bullseye again and thwarted another decent pay-out on Halcon Generlardais at Ayr.

Racing 26lbs out of the handicap the 66/1 shot (125/1 in the morning ) made a mockery of that fact by sprinting clear of our selection going over the last and winning by 14 lengths!

The Sean Curran-trained eight-year-old is part-owned by former Norwich City player Lee Power - anyone remember him?

Once again the money poured in for Old Benny - a horse those 'in the know' love to punt every time it runs it seems. Okay - it finished fourth - but was sent off a crazy starting price 4/1!

Throughout most of the race I did think Halcon Generlardais was going to collect, but in all honesty once Iris De Balme made his move the  contest was well and truly over.

And to be honest Robert Thornton actually did well to stay in the saddle after the eight-year-old made a bad mistake at the last.

At least we collected on the each-way - but sadly only rewarded with 7/1 - Halcon Generlardais drifted on the day and returned at 10/1.

It's a busy week and Punchestown takes centre stage with some great action in prospect.

I'll also looking ahead to the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on Saturday - where I see Iris De Balme is as low as 10/1!

All-time record: Bets 23; Winners 7; Losers 16; Non-runners 0; Profit £642.50.

Premier League...your view

Newcastle's revival continued with a 2-0 derby win over Sunderland that ends any threat of relegation from the Premier League.

Michael Owen scored both goals to gladden Toon hearts after a season which, like the club's sponsors Northern Rock, has seen plenty of ups and downs.

Aston Villa remained on course for nicking the Uefa Cup spot from Everton's grasp with a fabulous 5-1 destruction of hapless Birmingham.

Martin O'Neill's men are now just three points adrift of The Toffees after a brace each for Ashley Young and John Carew and one for Gabriel Agbonlahor.

For the Blues, the future looks bleak. They remain in the relegation zone after a horrendous defensive peformance and have Liverpool to come next week.

Benjani punished his old club as Manchester City kept in the hunt for a Uefa Cup place with a 3-1 win over 10-man Portsmouth at Eastlands. He sealed the victory with a fine goal and claimed the man of the match award after Hermann Hreidarsson had been sent off.

Check out pictures from all the weekend's games by clicking here.

Will Owen stay at Newcastle? Can Villa pip Everton? Should City sack Sven? Are Birmingham doomed? Have your say via the boxes below.

F1 gossip column... Your view

Our insider flew to testing at Circuit de Catalunya last week to mingle amongst the pit-lane glitterati and bring back more of his weekly whispers from the world of F1.

To read the latest gossip - including Jenson Button on Honda's new prodigy, Super Aguri's imminent extinction and a fresh tyre controversy - click here.

We also want to hear your views. Have you heard any stories on the grapevine? Use the boxes below to add your comments.

Class points to Halcon Genelardais

It's the Scottish Grand National on Saturday and I'm putting my faith in the class horse in the race and top-weight Halcon Genelardais.

The eight-year-old deserves to pocket a decent prize this campaign - after running a couple of crackers including runner-up in the Welsh Grand National and finishing fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Alan King-trained French bred will have his work cut out at Ayr over a stamina sapping four miles and half a furlong, but there are far too many of the runners out of the handicap.

A light campaign means he goes into the race fresher than others  contenders including stable-mate Old Benny.

Old foe and ante-post favourite Miko De Beauchene rates a real danger, but I think Robert Thornton will be have the measure of the Robert and Sue Alner-trained eight-year-old.

I'm going to have £10-each-way at 7/1 for the race which starts at 3.40pm.

Good luck if you're having a bet - and don't forget Ferdy Murphy's great record in the race either - he runs Leading Man and Noir Et Vert.

All-time record: Bets 22; Winners 6; Losers 16; Non-runners 0; Profit £625.00.

Nelson's Column: The beginning of the end?

Should we be terrified or excited by the IPL which kicks off today when the wonderfully-named Bangalore Royal Challenge collide with the Kolkata Knight Riders?

The money-drenched frenzy of slogging represents the biggest threat to the traditionalists since Kerry Packer's World Series. Mind you, merely changing the carpet colour is a seismic shift for many cricketing establishments.

The IPL will undoubtedly alter the landscape. The ICC's relentless, energy-sapping Future Tours Programme will have to be adapted to accommodate the stars. If this seems like a positive, the thought that Test and ODI cricket could be marginalised as top players seek easy riches rather than tough runs is, quite blatantly, not.

What IPL supremo Lalit Modi does with the absurdly lucrative rewards is another concern. The BCCI is already, in many people's eyes, far too big for its boots. A few billion more rupees could easily turn the monolith into a law unto itself.

However, the new league is undoubtedly an intoxicating prospect; the world's greatest players performing in front of throbbing stands of Indian fans with an insatiable appetite for the quick-fire forms of cricket. It cannot and will not simply go away. The concept has to be embraced to a certain extent, but administrators must forcefully guard against any degradation of Test cricket.

What are your views on the IPL? Will it destroy Test cricket? Is cricket becoming more and more like football? Have you lost faith in the game? Send in your thoughts using the boxes below.

Nelson's Column: New cricket blog!

As Benjamin Franklin never said, there are three certainties in life; death, taxes and a hundred for Mark Ramprakash in county cricket.

His unbeaten 102 against Lancashire yesterday makes it 98 and counting for Surrey's ridiculously prolific run-getter. But even if he reached three figures in every game this season, declared his hatred for the IPL and taught Peter Moores how to dance, Ramprakash won't be called up for the first Test against New Zealand. He's perhaps the best batsman in the country, but that doesn't mean a thing in the peculiar minds of the selection panel.

Ramprakash was actually dropped on nought off the bowling of Andrew Flintoff, who made a welcome return to action. He delivered 10-and-a-half miserly overs and snared the wicket of Scott Newman. There was no sign of any injury (nor a pedalo) and there's no doubt a fit Freddie will be fast-tracked into the Test side. But is it too early?

Another Ashes hero Simon Jones captured a wicket with the sixth ball of his championship debut for Worcestershire in three lively overs. The unlucky Owais Shah proved once again he could bat as well as carry a drinks tray with 116 while Robert Key made 79 in a scene of carnage at Canterbury. All in all, it was a great opening day in the freezing cold for some of England's finest.

Send in your views to our regular cricket blog using the boxes below. Should Ramprakash earn one final swansong? Should Flintoff be picked - if fit? Must the selectors move on from The Ashes 2005 and ignore Jones?

From the touchlines: Johnno in, Ashton out

It seems finishing as runners-up in the World Cup and Six Nations is not enough nowadays. Unsurprisingly, Brian Ashton has been forced out of the senior England picture by the RFU and new team manager, Martin Johnson.

While the appointment of Johnson has to be a shrewd move, Ashton - a likeable, conscientious, proud man - has been treated shabbily at best, downright disgracefully at worst. The speculation, rumours and indecision have festered for too long. Now he's been given the demoralising and humiliating option to coach the youngsters instead.

England's performances in the Six Nations were bizarrely inconsistent, but, against Ireland, Ashton seemed to strike gold. With his wish for a team manager belatedly granted, it seems harsh for Ashton to play no part in the Johnson revolution.

Detractors will cite the disgraceful capitulation to Wales, the utterly lamentable surrender at Murrayfield and a World Cup supposedly rescued by a virtual player mutiny in the face of confused Ashton tactics.

Despite telling Orange during the World Cup he wasn't experienced enough to take on the job, Johnson begins his reign knowing second best is unacceptable.

Do you think Ashton should have been replaced? Who should become the new senior coach? Is Johnson the right man for the job? Send in your views below.

Calzaghe beats Hopkins...Your views

After beating Bernard Hopkins on his American debut, Joe Calzaghe has proven to the world that he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the plantet.

Calzaghe recovered from a first-round knockdown to win the light-heavyweight contest by split decision after a gruelling contest in Las Vegas.

But what now for Calzaghe? The Welsh southpaw has hinted that he may retire at 45-0 but is there one last fight for the 36-year-old?

Where do you think Calzaghe should go from here? Should the Welshman retire at the top of his game or should he call out Roy Jones Jr? What did you make of his performance? Did Calzaghe deserve the win or was Hopkins robbed? Add all your comments in the boxes below.

Burlington Bertie...Weather-watching

Morning everyone, I hope you had a successful weekend punting.

Tasdeer ran out a good winner at Doncaster, while Midsummer Magic didn't quite live up to expectations. One runner to take from the Uttoxeter race though is Paul Nicholls' Smuglin, who ran very green and is bound to have learn't from the experience.

Saturday is the Scottish Grand National and trainer Ferdy Murphy is warning punters over his intended runner Noir Et Vert.

Halcon Generlardais, who finished fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has been attracting plenty of cash over the last few days and Alan King's yard are among the best around when it comes to plotting a coup.

With unsettled weather forecast I think it would be unwise to get involved in the ante-post market just yet. So I'll post further updates later this week. If you hear any whispers or fancy any -thing strongly let me know!

All-time record: Bets 22; Winners 6; Losers 16; Non-runners 0; Profit £625.00.

The Masters...Your highlights

Trevor Immelman has won his first major title after holding his nerve to triumph at the US Masters.

After taking a share of the lead following the first round, the South African remained in front for the duration of the tournament despite late pressure from Tiger Woods.

Immelman may not be a household name but he is certainly a worthy champion after holding off the world number one.

As for the Brits, despite promising starts from Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey, all three dropped off the pace when it came to the crunch, piling more misery on British sports fans.

What were your highlights of the event? Was it Poulter’s memorable hole-in-one on the 16th? Is Trevor Immelman a worthy champion? Despite finishing runner-up, what happened to Tiger Woods who was the pre-tournament favourite? Add all your comments in the boxes below and don’t forget to check out our picture gallery from Augusta.

Premier League... your view

Manchester United have moved a step closer to the Premier League title after a crucial 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Owen Hargreaves fired in the winner which puts United six points clear of Chelsea with the Gunners now even further adrift.

It now appears to be a two-horse race between United and Chelsea following Arsenal's fall at the final hurdle. Avram Grant's team play Wigan in their game in hand on Monday night but how can you see that one going?

Elsewhere, Liverpool beat Blackburn 3-1 with Fernando Torres scoring his 30th goal of the season which puts the Reds five points clear of Everton in the race for the fourth. Can Rafa's men hold off the Toffees?

Check out full reports and pictures from the weekend's top-flight games right here and have your say below on all the talking points.

Will Man Utd or Chelsea win the Premier League title? Has any other player made a greater impact than Fernando Torres in their first season in England? Plus, will the pressure mount on Arsene Wenger with the Gunners facing another trophyless season?

Burlington Bertie... Weekend tips

Morning everyone, it feels very much after the Lord Mayor’s Show with some poor racing on offer today following last weekend’s Grand National meeting.

I’m hoping for a royal winner with Midsummer Magic - breed and owned by The Queen - in the last race at Uttoxeter (5.25pm). I’m going to have £10 win at the starting price. Trained by Nicky Henderson it ran a very promising debut race and I expect it to win today.

My other selection today runs at Doncaster (4.45pm) - Tasdeer (11/8). As I’ve said before I’m not a great fan of Flat racing, but Michael Jarvis is a trainer I think is just about the shrewdest in the business. We’ll have £10 win at the morning price.

Good luck and don’t forget to comment on your choices for today.

Rangers reach Uefa Cup semi-final...Your views

Congratulations Rangers who continue to fly the British flag in the Uefa Cup.

Everybody talked about how this trophy presented a chance for Tottenham or Everton to add silverware to their cabinets with few giving a second thought to the Gers.

However, after a magnificent victory in Sporting, Walter Smith’s side have progressed through to the semi-finals where they will meet Fiorentina.

The players gave it their all with Barry Ferguson and Steven Davis excellent in midfield while Carlos Cuella produced another phenomenal performance in defence. The Spanish centre-back is sure to have a string of clubs chasing him this summer after an impressive first season with the SPL leaders.

Jean Claude Darcheville worked his socks off and the striker’s goal, along with Steven Whittaker’s fine late strike after a 60-yard run, keeps Rangers’ dreams of landing the quadruple well and truly alive.

What did you think of Rangers’ performance? Can the Gers go all the way in Europe? Could they possibly win the quadruple? Add all your post-match thoughts in the boxes below.

From the Touchlines: EDF Cup final predictions

Last weekend, From the Touchlines predicted that Perpignan, Gloucester, the Ospreys and Toulouse would be victorious in their Heineken Cup quarter-finals. We could hardly have been more wrong, with Toulouse the only side from that quartet to reach the quarter-finals.

This weekend, sees the Ospreys in action once more - this time in the EDF Energy Cup final as they take on Premiership side Leicester. The Welsh side will be smarting after their shock defeat to Sarries last weekend. However, injuries are taking their toll and the Tigers have a formidable record in cup competitions at Twickenham.

So, we're tipping Leicester to walk away with the silverware come Saturday and what's more, we expect wing Tom Varndell (pictured) to provide the fireworks en route to a 26-19 winning scoreline.

Do you agree with our prediction or do you expect the Ospreys to hit back after their European disappointment? Post your thoughts below...

From the Touchlines: Transfer gossip

The rumour mill's been in overdrive once more as the domestic rugby season draws to a close with a host of reported transfers looming...

Ospreys centre Mark Taylor looks set to move to Exeter Chiefs as the club prepare a full title for promotion to the Premiership next season. Taylor's opportunities have been slim at the Welsh giants this season and is keen on ending his career with the Chiefs. Chiefs director of rugby Pete Drewett, who last week announced new deals for a host of his big-name players for next season, is also said to be lining up a deal for Northampton prop Chris Budgen.

Staying on the player front, Newcastle are bidding to bring another All Black to the north east in the form of Brad Thorn. The second-rower, who has 12 New Zealand caps, is keen to team up with former team-mate Carl Heyman at the Falcons.

Meanwhile, Neil Back could be on his way out of Leicester with a host of clubs keen to snap up the former England flanker, while Martin Johnson is also keen to bring Back into the England fold for next season.

Got any more rugby gossip? If so, we want to hear it so post your comments below.

F1 gossip column... Your view

Ferrari may have won the Bahrain Grand Prix, but our blogger still claims crisis talks are being planned by the team.

To read more on this and find out about this week's other rumours involving under-fire Nelson Piquet Jnr and Red Bull, click here.

Then we want to hear your view and whether you've heard any stories on the grapevine. Use the boxes below to add your comments.

Champions League dream team... Your view

We're down to the semi-final stage of the 15th season of the Champions League, a competition which has been graced by many of the era's world greats.

We've picked our best XI - with substitutes - since its inception in 1992. You can check out our selections and our attempts at justification here. Then the floor is very much open to you. Send us your team and ridicule ours using the boxes below.

Burlington Bertie...Counts his blessings

Afternoon everyone, well the cash from a successful Aintree meeting is now deposited in the piggy bank - minus a few quid for a box or two of Polo mints after Comply Or Die's stunning Grand National win.

The Pipe team have been celebrating hard and I reckon they deserve all the credit  which is coming their way. Martin was a genius, while David is proving to be a real chip off the block.   

I'm not your everyday punter who likes to have a bet on every race during an afternoon, so I'll be restricting my tips to one a week on a Friday afternoon for Saturday's meetings.

I'm a National Hunt fan really, but I'll dip my toe in the world of Flat racing  if it means trying to put you onto a winner or two over the summer months.

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts - either from the office, at home or even racecourse if you're lucky enough to be going racing.

Looking ahead, Saturday's action includes Newbury and Uttoxeter, plus Doncaster on the Flat - I won't even touch the all-weather action.

The Scottish Grand National is the next big jumps meeting (April 18 and 19) at Ayr, but I must admit I've never been further north than Hexham...

Have a good week if you have a bet over the next few days.

Is Amir Khan ready? Your views...

Amir Khan extended his unbeaten record last night after a resounding victory over Martin Kristjansen at the Bolton Arena.

Khan won via a seventh round stoppage after flooring the experienced Dane three times before the referee called a halt to the bout.

The 21-year-old dominated the fight and never looked in danger after delivering a mature performance that brings him one step closer to the world title.

Khan has everything required to be a world champion. Incredible physique and unbelievable hand speed along with strength, punching power and accuracy.

So now it’s time for Khan to step up to the plate and see what the Olympic silver medalist is all about. Give him the shot at Nate Campbell’s WBO lightweight belt and we’ll see how good this kid really is.

What did you think of Khan’s performance last night? Is he the real deal or are there still question marks over his ability? Let us know by adding your comments in the boxes below.

Premier Lge & FA Cup - your view

The chase to be crowned this season's Premier League champions took a dramatic twist on Sunday after Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough.

United play Arsenal in their next league fixture while they have to visit Stamford Bridge later on this month so the race is certainly wide open.

Who do you think will win this season's Premier League? Will Manchester United hang on or will they blow it?

Meanwhile, Cardiff City will meet Portsmouth in the FA Cup final after the Bluebirds beat Barnsley 1-0 at Wembley. Will the trophy be heading to Wales or will Pompey be victorious?

Does anybody even care about this season's FA Cup final, or is this season's triumph of the underdog what makes the tournament so great?

Have your say on the weekend's football issues below.

Burlington Bertie...Timmy does the trick

What a day! I hope you enjoyed the Grand National after my tip Comply Or Die did us proud with an impressive display that took him four lengths clear of King Johns Castle, with Snowy Morning coming in third.

That's a nice little return of £312.50 for my £25each-way bet at 10/1.

Timmy Murphy rode the David Pipe-trained nine-year-old for his first National win after 11 previous attempts by the Irish jockey.

Cloudy Lane, who started as 7-1 co-favourite, finished sixth but was never really in contention.

The Pond House team had been backing Comply Or Die for the last few weeks from 25/1 into its 7-1 starting price.

It was an emotional victory for Murphy, who has battled back from alcoholism and a short spell in prison to claim the sport's biggest prize.

Record (for Aintree): Bets 5; Winners 3; Losers 2; Non-runners 0; Profit £ 428.75.

Have your say on the National via the boxes below.

Burlington Bertie... Ladies Day

Morning everyone, well I've had a look through today's races and I'm going to put up a couple of selections on what looks a tricky card.

First off I'm backing Albertas Run (7/4 morning price), in the first race at 2pm. Take that price because if connections back it - like they did at Cheltenham - it will be trading at more like 11/8 as the tapes go up.

I'm only having £20 win because, although I think he's a super novice chaser and worth a small each-way investment for next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup (25/1), its last run at The Festival might just have taken a bit out of it - like we saw with Kauto Star here yesterday.

My second selection is Theatre Knight £10 each-way (14/1 morning price) in the 3.45pm race - otherwise known as the Topham Chase - and run over the Grand National fences.

I'm hopeful of a huge run from this 10-year-old who jumps for fun and loves these unique fences at Aintree. Theatre Knight doesn't have age on his side, but should be good enough to get a place and it holds a squeak of going one better than his second place in the race last year.

Have fun on Ladies Day and good luck with your betting.

Record (for Aintree): Bets 2; Winners 2; Losers 0; Non-runners 0; Profit £156.25.

From the Touchilnes: Heineken Cup predictions

We're going to go out on a limb and back Gloucester to win the Heineken Cup outright as they prepare for the quarter-finals of European rugby's premier tournament.

The Cherry and Whites have an almighty obstacle in their way at Kingsholm on Saturday in the form of Munster, one of the most successful sides in the history of the competition.

However, with good weather predicted, Gloucester's electric backs ought to have the beating of Munster's forward-dominated side, even taking into consideration the Irish team's All Black flyer Doug Howlett.

Gloucester have a double battle on their hands as they go for European and Premiership glory but they're our pick to go all the way in the tournament.

Three-time tournament winners Toulouse look a solid bet to ease pass David Young's Cardiff Blues while we tip Perpignan to just edge London Irish.

Perhaps the toughest of the quarter-finals to call is between Saracens and Ospreys. Sarries have been in fine form and are playing at home but the Ospreys are just a bit too good.

Anyway, here's our predictions for the four matches in full:
London Irish 21-23 Perpignan
Gloucester 19-12 Munster
Saracens 20-36 Ospreys
Toulouse 38-9 Cardiff Blues

What do you make of our predictions and who's your tip to win the Heineken Cup? Please post your comments below...

Burlington Bertie...Two from two on opening day

Afternoon everyone, well there are still four races to go today, but I've finished betting and with two winners from two bets Blazing Bailey and Binocular I'm showing a tidy profit of £156.25.

I hope you followed my selections and I'll be posting my two tips for Friday from about 11am. There are seven cracking races to get stuck into again - let's just hope we can carry on the good start to the meeting.

If you're at Aintree - enjoy the sunshine - and have a safe journey home.

Record (for Aintree): Bets 2; Winners 2; Losers 0; Non-runners 0; Profit £156.25.

Burlington Bertie... Goes to Aintree

Morning everyone, I hope you're feeling lucky and I hope you've backed a few winners since the Cheltenham Festival.

Personally I've left it alone and have been keeping my powder dry until the now for three magical days at Aintree, which of course culminates in the John Smith's Grand National at 4:15pm on Saturday.

Two horses stand out for me today in terms of betting propositions - £10-each-way on Blazing Bailey (at 13/2) in the first race (2pm) and then £40 win on Binocular (at 15/8) (Aintree 3:10pm).

I expect the blinkers to sharpen-up Blazing Bailey and think he can topple the mighty Inglis Drever on a course which doesn't seem to suit the triple World Hurdle winner.

As for Binocular I think he is THE BET OF THE MEETING and this classy four-year-old would have won the Triumph Hurdle had connections not opted for the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham. Many at Seven Barrows also share my view and I fully expect him to return to the winners' circle today.

Good luck this afternoon and enjoy the racing.

Record (carried over from Cheltenham): Bets 15; Winners 2; Losers 13; Non-runners 0; Profit £192.50.

Liverpool's great escape

Why no penalty? That was the question echoing around north London after Liverpool escaped from the Emirates Stadium with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

Alexander Hleb was heading for the goal line when he was tugged back by Reds goalscorer Dirk Kuyt. But ref Pieter Vink of Holland ignored the Gunners' desperate claims for a penalty. Not surprisingly, Arsene Wenger was left shaking his head in disbelief at this puzzling lack of Dutch courage.

Liverpool had another remarkable let-off when Cesc Fabregas's goal-bound effort was blocked on the line by his team-mate Nicklas Bendtner, who for some reason tried to play the ball instead of jumping over it.

So is it another case of Luckypool in E