World Athletics Champs - Start Friday

[Beanie]

Good man trick.

One thing I forgot to mention was that lane draw will be very important...the idea that Bolt might tie up is generally only going to apply if he starts outside Gay(ie worrying too much about a danger you can't see.) If he starts inside him, and can see himself flying past the American on the bend(which given the bend he ran today he really should do) then he'll know he's pulling away from Gay and will be far less likely to tie up.

So might lay off if he is outside him(depending on odds) but I really only see the mental side of things as being the barrier here...as good as Gay was in the 100m, doubling up in the same week is a different kettle of fish entirely, particularly when up against stronger, specialist 200m runners.

[Napoleon Solo]

I'm on this myself Beanie. Was impressed with Gay in the 100m but it does sound as though he'll have his work cut out for him with the amount of running he's had to do today and tomorrow!

Good luck!

[Beanie]

Nice to have you with us Nap

Slight misinformation above - I was under the impression that it was the semis in the morning session and the finals in the evening(as was for the 100m) - not so...semis on Thurs and final on Fri. So not such good news as Gay has a bit longer to recover, but our big fella will 'ave 'im anyway

[Beanie]

Bolt out to 4s last I looked. I've read about today's semis...Gay runs 20.00, Bolt runs 20.03, not seen them yet though. I imagine they had fairly similar runs, both easing down in the final 40 or so.

Bad news on the lane draw as Gay is in 3 and Bolt in 4...Bolt will need a few metres lead into the final 100(should be no problem) and be able to stay loose and relaxed as Gay hunts him down(could be a big problem .) Odds probably about right now so no prospect of laying off - time to hope and pray...

[trickrick]

Yeah - I've been in a dilemma with Bolt (witness my R2R thread..)..

I've got him at 4's.. I too havent seen the semi's but when you look at it objectively and their times, they have to be closer than their respective odds suggest (ie, 1/3 and 3/1), therefore the value is definately on Bolt.

I'm not so sure that running outside Gay is a major issue. I get the impression that Bolt - young and inexperienced that he is, will just run his own race, and he does appear to have this all-out power style that might just suit him running the fastest run of his life as opposed to tactically following Gay.

I agree that Gay is the favourite especially following the lane draw, but let's just hope the Final is a race too much for his knackered legs..

Keep the faith with the Lightening Bolt...

[trickrick]

Bit of support for the Boltmeister on betfair over the past hour as he moves in to 3.8 from 4.1..

[Beanie]

Gay too good...19.76 to Bolt's 19.91. Fair kop really.

[Beanie]

Mmmm...dare I get involved in more Jamaica v USA sprinting...well possibly...but will settle for just an objective look just now.

So it was the heats today - and Jamaica were against the USA.

Jamaica rested Bolt, USA rested Gay.

After 3 legs, the USA were leading by a couple of metres, then obviously Powell cruised past Dixon and Jamaica wins by a couple.

Stick Bolt in there and the gap is a few more metres, stick Gay in and its down to no more than 1. The Americans also had more than a couple of questionable changeovers...not saying they wont repeat those but assuming they do them slightly better and we are talking neck and neck, possibly the Americans with the slight advantage.

To be honest I see one thing in he Jamaicans favour here...that is that after 2 legs they will be behind, and that is where Bolt and Powell are far more effective IMO - far less likely to tie up, as its always easier to run with a target.

I'd make the Americans the slightly faster side, but with both scores to settle, Gay perhaps a little tired, and Bolt and Powell with something to chase down, I don't see any advantage at all.

In a 50/50, the Jamaican odds of 2.50 ish(Americans 2.00) are the more appealing then, but will consider this a little more before taking the plunge. I'd hate to underrate Gay again.

[trickrick]

Well although I underestimated Gay and his fatigue in the 200m I reckon that could be a factor still, and I reckon Powell has revenge on his mind and so does Bolt...

Jamaica (man.. ) to win the 4 x 100 Relay @ 6/4....

[Beanie]

USA should win, but price on the Jamaicans looks a bit big now. The last hurrah...

Jamaica 4x100m @ 2.80

[Beanie]

Dear god...Jamaica completely blew that. The Americans pretty much handed it to them by putting Dixon on the last leg v Powell, and the Jamaicans politely refused with 3 shocking changeovers.

[trickrick]

Nice implosion by the Jamaicans.. Shows the importance of the handovers..

Brits unlucky really not to get the silver..

[trickrick]

Ladbrokes were offering 3/1 last night on USA cleansweep in the relays as well..