Stan Hey: 6-5 against

How I learnt to appreciate sleepless nights

Insomnia is setting in. Having become addicted to the all-night Ashes broadcasts – with good reason – I've now found the three late-night NFL games on Sunday, Monday and Thursday coming to my aid. I've also found time to take an Open University degree. Next week will be a test, pun intended, with the start in Perth at 2am but I'm determined to make it.

The Aussies look sure to fight back, but who can help? Shane Warne's comeback was always unlikely as he has so many media commitments and he would probably have spent most of his time at third man on his phone. Instead, another unknown left-arm spinner Michael Beer has been brought in, and the errant quickie Mitchell Johnson is recalled. Bring it on!

Meanwhile, in the daylight hours, I'm setting my alarm for Heineken Cup rugby, Cheltenham racing and Premier League football. The best rugby game of the weekend is probably Cardiff at Northampton. The Blues were one of my original bets for the trophy, while the Saints were selected for the Aviva Premiership, and have duly surged to the top. But I'll stick with Cardiff – £10 win at 100-30, with Paddy Power. Also, £5 each way goes on Kalahari King, a general 8-1 chance, in the Tingle Creek Chase at Cheltenham today. Better with a bit of give, Ferdy Murphy's charge can take on Master Minded. And £10 goes on Chelsea at 13-8 (Stan James) to win at Spurs tomorrow – the Blues have to wake up some time.