Only Lord Coe has won back to back 1,500m Olympic titles but
Asbel Kiprop looks to have an outstanding chance of becoming the second man to
do so today in the Olympic stadium’s highlight. At Just 19 years and 50 days old, the youngest-ever winner in
the event in Beijing looks to have an outstanding chance of repeating the dose,
having arguably gotten even better in the 4 years since, taking the world title
in 2011 and he gave a serious reminder of his talents when running the first
sub-3:29 performance since 2004 in Monaco, his second career best of 2012, and
his third 1500m win of the season, while he had his best cross country race
since he was a junior runner at the Edinburgh race in 2012, defeating a field
which contained Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele. The 5th fastest 1500m
runner in history, he looks to have an outstanding chance for a 9/4 shot, with
the only danger being a slowly run race in the 3:34-3:35 range, although he’s
started that he feels OK with any pace and if keeping it simple and kicking
from the front, he’s the one to be with.
Impressive PB’s of 1.43.88 for 800m and 3.30.80 for 1500m in
Monaco for Toufik Makloufi suggest he’s a big contender and his defeat of
Kiprop in the semis augurs well although the was led at a n excessively slow
pace by Kiprop – most likely to conserve energy - until late and I’m willing to
bet the form can be reversed on the bigger occasion with it all on the line,
although he’s a real threat.
World Indoor Champion Abdalaati Iguider has the fastest time
of all – courtesy of being in a better run heat – and the match between him,
Silver medallist 4 years ago Nick Wills of New Zealand, and Commonwealth
champion and 2011 world silver medallist Silas Kiplagat of Kenya, Silas Kiplagat is a
fascinating one which is sure to reap a medal. Kiplagat – who beat Kiprop
earlier in the season – is more interesting of those and worth a cover stake,
but like most when it matters, they couldn’t beat Kiprop at the worlds and the
same outcome is forecasted.
Advice
3 pts Asbel Kiprop (9/4 Sportingbet)
1 pt Silas Kiplagat (7/1 Sportingbet)
No comments:
Post a Comment