The women’s 400m Hurdles has often been a well contested
event at these games during the past and it could see a new star rise in world
leader Natalya Antyukh who clocked 53.40 to win the Russian Championships in Cheboksary
less than a month ago – with Irina Davydova and Elena Churakova behind - and
has since shown major intent with her lifetime best over 200m just two weeks
back. The bronze medallist in Deagu a
year ago – that behind Lashinda Demus – she seems to be a better runner this
time around and looked the most comfortable in qualifying, so while one could
see her price as being a little short for comfort, it’s understandable. Demus,
her main rival, has beaten Antyukh six times in seven meetings but that form
was reversed on their most recent meeting and she’s more than half a second
behind on seasonal best and was once again beaten on times in the heats. Both
have more to give but might the Russian have more in reserve?
Of the others, Zuzana Hejnova has to rank highly with the
second best qualifiying time although she was just seventh at last year’s
worlds and Kalisee Spencer, who beat her that day into fourth, might medal with
Melanie Walker out of the picture. The Jamaican is 2/1 to medal compared to 4/7
for the Cezchwoman and that disparity in price seems to be based only on
seasonal bests, which while being an important guide, sometimes don’t tell all especially
coming to finals. The second and third
at the recent US trials, Gorganne Moline and T’erea Brown, both 22 years of age,
should give value seekers a good run for their money for a medal at 9/2
respecitvely although both are making their international debut.
Advice
1 pt Kalisse Spencer to medal (2/1 Skybet)
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