Showing posts with label Another. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Another. Show all posts
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Follow The Money: This is not the time for Another Claret
"Spanish Duke has been hammered from 8.27/1 in to 5.49/2 in one of the day's big gambles."
Back Spanish Duke @ 5.49/2 16:15 Pontefract
Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Southwell, Pontefract and Carlisle
We start at Southwell for the 14:30 where odds-on backers should be very wary about Another Claret who has been on the drift from 1.68/13 out to 1.9620/21. The opposition looks moderate but there's no guarantee he's any good either having bombed on his final start last season on his handicap debut. He has never been to the course and his best run was on a sound surface so the deep fibresand surface may prove problematic. He's likely to get the trip but how he handles the surface is up for debate and hopefully get us off to a good start.
We go to Carlisle now where there has been money for John Wade's Takaatuf in the 14:50. Initially trading at 11.010/1 but now available to back at a more realistic 8.07/1 with the ground very much in his favour. The trip has been too much for him on the last two outings and though he found very little last time on an easy track it may be that front-running over a stiff 2 miles will be ideal. His run two starts back was especially eye-catching - staying on behind Home Run who went on to perform well in a much better grade. There are plenty of unexposed types against this 16-race maiden but there's not a lot to really get excited about and it looks a nice opportunity for Takaatuf to finally land a win.
Our final bet comes from Pontefract where, in the 16:15, Spanish Duke has been well supported on his first start for Brian Ellison. He has been hammered from 8.27/1 in to 5.49/2 in one of the day's big gambles. There is an awful lot to like about this classy individual who is 13 pounds lower than his peak rating - the ground is fine and Ellison should at least get the horse to hold his level, if not improve him, after leaving John Dunlop. The first time hood will certainly suit as he's a horse who can be keen. His last win was from two pounds higher and though that was two years ago it was first time out so he can be trained to perform off a break.
Recommended Bets
Lay Another Claret @ 1.9620/21 14:30 Southwell
Back Takaatuf @ 8.07/1 14:50 Carlisle
Back Spanish Duke @ 5.49/2 16:15 Pontefract
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Friday, March 22, 2013
Coolmore Classic Preview: Another for Demi
Weight-adjusted Timeform ratings suggest three-year-olds could regain their dominance this afternoon with Dear Demi rated marginally ahead of Flying Snitzel and Bennetta in what is a very evenly graded field, making value the key for any punter wanting a wager...
The Group 1 Coolmore Classic for fillies and mares over 1500m at Rosehill has assembled the usual strong line up of the fairer sex, headed in the quality handicap by multiple Group 1-winning mare Streama...
First run in 1973, the Coolmore Classic has been won by some of Australia's finest female gallopers, including the mighty Sunline who won the feature twice (2000/2002), Typhoon Tracy, Alverta, Bounding Away and Emancipation.
The race was once considered the domain for three-year-old fillies, but in the last three years the older mares have had the edge with Ofcourseican (2012), Aloha (2011) and Alverta (2010) scoring, Typhoon Tracy the last three-year-old to win in 2009 with the youngsters winning five of the previous ten renewals including that win.
Weight-adjusted Timeform ratings suggest three-year-olds could regain their dominance this afternoon with Dear Demi rated marginally ahead of Flying Snitzel and Bennetta in what is a very evenly graded field, making value the key for any punter wanting a wager. Owned by John Singleton, Dear Demi will be aiming to give the popular owner of Strawberry Hill Stud a second win in the race, Singleton having already won the race in 2007 with another three-year-old Tuesday Joy ridden by Darren Beadman.
In fact there are similarities between the two fillies coming into the Coolmore. Tuesday Joy had won the Wakeful Stakes and was runner up in the VRC Oaks in Melbourne during the spring and was second in the Surround Stakes prior to her storming win the Coolmore. On the other hand, Dear Demi was unlucky in the Wakeful Stakes before winning the VRC Oaks as well as the Surround Stakes last start. Both rated similarly with Timeform on 118.
Singleton also owned Gentle Genius who started at 200-1 when narrowly beaten in a close finish by Sunline in her second Coolmore win in 2002. As for Dear Demi this afternoon, I believe she can improve further as she currently sits around four pounds below her peak rating and could not have been more impressive last start winning the Surround Stakes from Driefontein, showing a great turn of foot in the closing stages after settling second last early.
So quickly did she arrive at the finish that race rider Jim Cassidy half eased her down to win by a neck. That was Cassidy's second win aboard the filly having been atop her in the VRC Oaks. Today he hopes to post a third win in the Coolmore having already been successful on Shamekha (2004) and Flitter (1995). On paper, there should be good speed in the race with three or four go forward types. Cassidy should be able to settle Dear Demi worst than midfield early and produce her when the front runners start gasping for air.
Last start impressive Flemington winner Flying Snitzel, Timeform rated 114, is hard to overlook as a genuine improver. After an even effort when resuming in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill, trainer Gerald Ryan sent the filly to Melbourne for the G2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington over 1400m.
Coming off a 21 day break since her first up run she did not disappoint. Ridden far more patiently by Craig Williams than had been the case to that time, Flying Snitzel unleashed a devastating burst of acceleration taking her from 10th place 200m from home to an idling length and a quarter win.
Clearly the gear change of removing the blinkers and putting winkers on combined with a more patient ride led to a new peak performance. Craig Williams stays atop the filly today and a similar ride combined with an additional 100m in distance should see her right in the finish.
The lightly-raced filly Bennetta is deserving of another chance. Up until last start she had carried all before her in three previous runs culminating in an impressive Light Fingers Stakes victory from Ichihara, a form line that now looks substantial after that filly's win in last Saturday's Eskimo Prince Quality under a big weight. However, running as an even money favourite in the Surround last time out Bennetta was never a winning hope getting home meekly after a wide run facing the breeze at Warwick Farm.
It would be wise to overlook that run by Bennetta. She has a Timeform rating of 115 and with crack rider Glen Boss to take over pilot duties combined with a four kilo weight drop she certainly has a winning weight if she can reproduce her best. The fact Glen Boss who shares the mantle with Cassidy as the most successful Coolmore riders in the race is no burden for her either, the three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey has already won the Coolmore aboard Aloha (2011) and Typhoon Tracy (2009).
The history of the Coolmore is definitely against those horses highly weighted. Apart from Sunline who was a freak, no winner has carried more than 56 kgs to win in the last 20 years. Early favourite Steps In Time, Streama and Red Tracer are all handicapped above 56kgs and more importantly all were unplaced last year carrying less weight than today.
Older mares Appearance and Zurella loom as prospects along with the Gai Waterhouse trained three-year-old Driefontein. All are must includes for multiple players.
Appearance from the Guy Walter stable scored an upset win in the G1 Myer Classic over 1600m at Flemington on Derby day in the spring. She comes into the race today third up from a spell - the same state she was in on Myer Classic day. That is a significant lead for punters, Walter aiming to repeat a winning formula. Both her fresh runs were sound and a return to her peak Timeform rating of 114 keeps her under notice.
New Zealand mare Zurella is an interesting one to assess. Timeform rated 111, she did not train on in the spring when set for a Caulfield Cup campaign. Runner up in the New Zealand Oaks at three, she came to Melbourne at four winning the G2 Let's Elope Stakes over 1400m at Flemington in impressive fashion but then lost form. Here she is second up after an equally eye catching fresh up run in the G1 Waikato Draught Sprint over 1400m, flashing home from near last in the 13 horse field to take third place behind Final Touch.
The biggest problem for her today is the 1500m around Rosehill which may be a shade short in distance. That said she is a quality mare and cannot be dismissed entirely.
Driefontein, Timeform rated 115, is on trial at 1500m but she has been steadily working up to a win, just failing to hold out Dear Demi in the Surround Stakes last time out. With no weight on her back and the ability to race handy, it would come as no surprise to see her in the frame at the finish.
Off Time: 05.10BST
Recommendation:
Back Dear Demi @ 7.50n/a in the Coolmore Classic
Get FREE Timeform Star Ratings & Verdicts for racing in Australia and New Zealand at timeform.com/free/
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Thursday, March 14, 2013
ATP Indian Wells Betting: Federer and Nadal set for another tough battle in the desert
"I can't see either player winning this comfortably unless injury intervenes and preference is for the over 22.5 total games.."
Back over 22.5 games in Federer vs. Nadal at 1.865/6
Sean Calvert has seen a fair few Roger Federer versus Rafa Nadal matches over the years and he'll be up late again tonight for the latest instalment. He fancies this one to go long...
A fairly awful choke from Milos Raonic against an injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga cost me my bet on Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.
Not for the first time this week one of the men let a good lead slip away and it looked all over a Raonic win when Tsonga went a set down and had treatment on his knee, but Raonic handed the Frenchman a lifeline with an awful service game in set two and then gave him the match in a similar style in set three, ending on a double fault.
That will be a painful loss for the Canadian, who normally possesses a more reliable temperament and Tsonga goes through to face Novak Djokovic, who had a 2am finish local time against Sam Querrey last night.
That match is for tomorrow though and today it's my outright tip Tomas Berdych taking on Kevin Anderson and if you're staying up late counting your Cheltenham winnings (or losses) then it's Rafa Nadal versus Roger Federer at 2am UK time.
Part 29 of this match-up is probably one of the toughest to predict, with both players not at their best physically.
Rafa still has issues with his knees and it's in the lap of the gods how well he is able to move on any given day. He was hampered last night against Ernests Gulbis, but was still able to edge that one and similarly Federer struggled again with his back and crept past Stan Wawrinka.
Obviously the match-up favours Nadal, who has won 18 of their matches lifetime to Fed's 10 and we can expect the same tactics again tonight, as Rafa will try and get the ball up high to Roger's backhand and control the point from there.
That said, Federer won here 12 months ago on a very windy day and Nadal has only played two competitive matches on a hard court since that day, so all things considered it's far from easy to pick a winner in this one.
If I were going on the outright match odds market I would favour the underdog purely on the match-up at around 2.166/5, but I can't see either player winning this comfortably unless injury intervenes and preference is for the over 22.5 total games at 1.865/6.
Recommended Bet
Back over 22.5 games in Federer vs. Nadal at 1.865/6
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Monday, March 11, 2013
Jamie Lynch's Cheltenham Day Two Preview: Masterminding another Champion performance
Behind every great champion lies a well-run race, argues Jamie Lynch, as he tries to derive emotional, rather than financial, gain from this year's Champion Chase.
It happens infrequently, only five years in the last thirty to be exact, but every now and then the hare beats the tortoise on Timeform ratings, in that a two-mile chaser comes along who's so spectacular that it outranks the best in the staying division. Such speed-awareness horses are rarer still considering that those five supersonic years comprised just three chasers, as Badsworth Boy and Moscow Flyer did it in back-to-back seasons. Sprinter Sacre is about to become the fourth.
Achieving a huge rating, as Badsworth Boy (179) and Moscow Flyer (184) did, along with Master Minded whose mighty 179 would have won him the outright rather than divisional award in almost any other era but Kauto Star's, can be as much about opportunity as ability. George Best had World Cup-winning ability but never the opportunity because of his compatriots.
Likewise, to express their true talent, horses are sometimes at the mercy of comrades, but this specialist group - racing's adrenaline junkies - are reliant, above all, on pace, the faster the better. They feed on speed. That element has been the common denominator in each of the greatest displays in the Queen Mother Champion Chase over the last three decades.
The gallop was strong when, in 1983, Badsworth Boy won, by a distance, the first of three consecutive renewals, while by far the better of Moscow Flyer's two Champion Chase wins, in 2005 when he finished clear with Well Chief of Azertyuiop, came courtesy of two outsiders following the Will.I.Am edict of going hard or going home.
It was the same scenario, only more pronounced, for Master Minded's show-stopper in 2008. A two-mile, undulating track incorporating 13 stiff, five-foot fences might not sound the ideal environment for an attempted land-speed record, but that's what Tamarinbleu and Schindlers Hunt did, and it proved the catalyst for one of the most memorable, as well as one of the highest-rated, performances in the history of the race, Master Minded storming away by 19 lengths.
With that in mind, Nicky Henderson might as well go halves with Tom George on the £17,500 it cost to supplement Mail de Bievre for the Champion Chase, because his presence significantly increases the possibility of something out of this world from Sprinter Sacre. He has it in him, and the game is on, in a big way.
Racing needs gambling and vice versa, but periodically, albeit fewer and further between than a two-miler who can outperform a Gold Cup winner, a thoroughbred emerges who uproots the whole sport from its entrenched betting foundations, so that the privilege comes in watching the horse rather than backing it, in the style of Frankel and Black Caviar. Sprinter Sacre is in the play-offs for that promotion, and a wingman like Mail de Bievre may give him a decisive leg-up.
Is it better to be a wingman or a middleman? It sounds scurrilous to describe an Arkle and Champion Chase winner as a middleman, but that's what Sizing Europe might be reduced to by Sprinter Sacre, though he's the perfect link in the kingmaker chain.
Visualise the composition. First the wingman, or wingmen if Sanctuaire reverts to type, provide the ideal platform by setting a searching gallop, before the all-important second stage, involving Sizing Europe. In his unbeaten time as a chaser, Sprinter Sacre has never played with a horse who can carry him deep enough into a race as Sizing Europe will. Then we'll see just how phenomenal Sprinter Sacre is.
His current Timeform rating is 183p. He still has a little way to go to qualify for dressage, which is seemingly 191, the peak rating in Kauto Star's preliminary career as a racehorse, but, for Wednesday, the stage is set, the bit-part players are well-rehearsed, and we the audience are ready in anticipation of a seen-to-be-believed performance. Sprinter Sacre won't fluff his lines.
With odds of 1.282/7 and a sense of formality, the Champion Chase won't make us rich, but it may just leave us open mouthed in a way that Badsworth Boy did, that Moscow Flyer did, and that Master Minded did, the way that only crack two-mile chasers can. The blueprint has been mapped out for Sprinter Sacre to take his place in history, and for Mail de Bievre, Sanctuaire and Sizing Europe to be listed in the contributors.
While the Champion Chase looks a race to savour first and bet in second if at all, the rest of the Wednesday Cheltenham card comprises races to bet in first and top up second, so let's look at a few:
The Make-Or-Breaker
This is personal rather than widespread make-or-breaker, but my biggest ante-post bet comes in the second race. Almost by the hour, the confidence levels from wager day to present day have diminished, firstly by the gradual revelation that Pont Alexandre is the second coming and then, more devastatingly, by the news that Dr Christian and his medical team have decamped to Grange Hill Farm hot on the trail of an equine scuppering bug.
Sinatra permeated the Tuesday preview, and Mack is back in town for an explanatory singalong wittily entitled 'New One, New One'. (Let's forget about the word 'The' for now...)
Stop spreading the germs, I'm too late to lay
I want to see a big profit - New One, New One.
My savings bond dues, are going astray,
Right through the very arse of it, Neptune, Neptune.
I wanna wake up on the Thursday, and not to weep
But to find I'm King of Cheltenham, cash in a heap.
And if I can make it there, I'll stroke Sam's ginger hair,
It's up to you - New One, New One.
Despite various shepherds and wise men with gifts gathering at a certain stable in Co. Carlow to proclaim the arrival of Pont Alexandre, and despite various vets and microbiologists in containment suits gathering at a certain stable in Naunton, I'm still a believer in The New One. I have to be.
Amid the panic (sorry, my panic), let's not forget that The New One beat My Tent Or Yours in the Graded bumper at Aintree and that he could and probably should be undefeated over hurdles, but for Sam Twiston-Davies pressing on marginally too soon on testing ground at Cheltenham last time.
Pont Alexandre looks a top horse, and he is one by the sounds of it, but he'll have to be to see off the classy and hardened The New One.
Wednesday's C.H.I.L.D. Is Ex-Sheikh Mo
If The New One does shake off the twin troubles of the lurgi and the next Denman, then I promise to donate a portion of my winnings to Greatwood, a fantastic charity that provides fullilling futures for former racehorses. Equally productive, but less reliant upon benefaction, is a similar set-up by the name of Bloomfields, which gives regally-bred Flat horses a second chance as jumpers, and, under the management of John Ferguson, it's proving a huge success.
Bloomfields is the source of Wednesday's C.H.I.L.D. (Cheltenham Handicapper Imploring Large Down-payment), as Bordoni looks the ideal type, and favorably treated, for the Fred Winter. Impeccably bred, by Bernardini and from the family of Allez France, Bordoni went the right way in his only season on the Flat and has taken well to hurdling... apart from that time he ran out when set to hack up at Ludlow. But he put that behind him when making short work of subsequent-winner Somemothersdohavem at Market Rasen, when looking for all the world as if the demands of a well-run race on a stiff track like Cheltenham will be the making of him, as supported by the fact he won at as far as two miles on the Flat.
Career-changer Bordoni was bred for Epsom rather than Cheltenham, but better Cheltenham than Greatwood, or dressage for that matter.
Read Jamie's Previews of days One, Three and Four.
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Monday, September 3, 2012
NFL Betting: Manning up for another Super Bowl push
"Of more impediment to Manning and the Broncos’ championship chances could be an ominous schedule."
Romilly Evans profiles the great Peyton Manning, who hopes to cap a glorious return from injury at the Denver Broncos
I don't know if any academic or geologist has ever produced a paper on the correlation between local landscape and local quarterbacks. But if they haven't, they might like to have a look at Denver's Mile High Stadium and its new resident quarterback, Peyton Manning.
The home of the Denver Broncos lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering glimpses of far off distant peaks. Manning, probably the greatest quarterback of his generation, returns to the NFL this Sunday from career-threatening neck surgery. It's a long way back to the heights he once scaled, but things are looking up.
A year ago, Manning could barely muster enough strength to shovel-pass. Now, however, after dangerous yet successful surgery and months of intensive rehab, he looks in rude health ahead of his 2012 curtain-call.
Pre-season has never been the province of definitive conclusions, but the league's four-time Most Valuable Player has certainly dispelled concerns that he won't don the starting jersey against Chicago (for which they are nine-point underdogs). In his last proper workout against the San Francisco 49ers, Manning threw for 122 yards off a limited series, completing 10 of 12 passes. His heavy-artillery arm is even back throwing bombs in practice.
Fantasy football rosters have been quick to secure Manning's services and all bets for Comeback Player of The Year are off. Sports Illustrated's esteemed scribe, Peter King, has even nominated him to lead to Broncos to this year's Super Bowl, collecting a fifth MVP award along the way.
Still, appearances can be deceptive. Manning is about to take his first snap in the regular season at the ripe old age of 36. He's clearly feeling the nerves, admitting to feeling like a rookie in the Rockies. Unfortunately for him, Manning won't enjoy the level of fan-patience usually afforded to rookies. That said, this consummate professional is used to performing under the weight of towering expectation. At Indianapolis (whose Colts he led to the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2007), he rejoiced is being the lynchpin about which his team revolved.
The pressure at Denver is compounded by the fact that the man who staked his reputation on Manning and convinced him to choose Mile High was Broncos legend, John Elway. The Hall of Famer turned vice president of football operations has shown some good sense when it comes to Manning's contract, factoring in a release should those neck issues reoccur. Still Elway doesn't sound like a worried man when discussing Manning's prospects.
Instead, he speaks like a punter who's secured a big price on the back of some privileged information.
"I never knew Peyton Manning at 100%," Elway confessed.
"But I just know, seeing what I've seen, that he can win a world championship in his current form."
Elway elaborated that he had reviewed tapes of his latest acquisition from 2010/11 and discerned little difference in his throwing mechanics and movement. A similar ability to deliver the ball with speed and accuracy even when his feet weren't planted proved the clincher: Manning could cut it. And that was without allowing for more room for improvement as he naturally reacclimatises to the rarefied air of game-day scenarios.
Of more impediment to Manning and the Broncos' championship chances could be an ominous schedule, whose difficulty factor ramps up consistently over the first eight weeks of the campaign. Their team-sheet sports more exciting new names from some wily free-agency deals, but they are untested as a cohesive unit. And at the top of this pyramid sits Manning, whose leadership will instil the overall structure with either strength or fragility. At least he can draw on a classy running back - in the dynamic Willis McGahee - to divert attention and provide balance to his offense.
So if Manning can lead this fledgling team to at least 4-4 by the term's midpoint, his Broncos should benefit from the ostensibly easier tests ahead in the regular season (they are currently available at 20.019/1 to back for Super Bowl glory). It's a rocky road back from the lowlands of despair to the peak of performance. A trail perhaps best left untravelled. Manning, though, already knows that no summit is beyond his compass.
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Sunday, July 15, 2012
Team Betfair At The WSOP: Another Amazing Experience
On the morning of the 5th July six luxurious limousine’s pulled up outside the Palazzo and shuttled our team to the Rio. Once their they were walked up the red carpet to the famous Rio convention centre where they all took their shot at WSOP glory!
When most online poker sites award a package to the World Series of Poker the player walks away with a seat to a WSOP tournament, hotel accommodation and sometimes flights.
But Betfair Poker are not most online poker sites. When we award a package you not only get all of the above you get to actually experience Las Vegas too; and what an experience our qualifiers had this year.
Each of our Team Betfair players won their package through the WSOP Trials promotion that ran for several weeks in the run up to this year's WSOP. If you stripped the package down to the basics, each of the 59 Betfair qualifiers won aa seat in Event #59 (a $1,000 No Limit Hold'em event), seven nights' accommodation at the 5-star Palazzo Hotel and $1,500 for travel expenses and spending money. But what was also included was a real Las vegas experience, something money cannot buy!
All the members of Team Betfair touched down on Nevada soil on Tuesday 3 July. Most were understandably tired after their long flights, plus 12 of them had chosen to play Day 1A on Wednesday 4 July so most treated themselves toa relatively early night! Of the 12 players who took part in Day 1A, Paul McCann, Rune Jacobson, Louis Zettelmeier and Petar Zografov managed to navigate their way through to Day 2.
That evening the players and their guests met up in the Laguna bar for the official meet and greet and despite plenty of the Laguna's famous champagne cocktails being consumed it most of the players headed back to their rooms for midnight, mainly due to the majority of them playing in the tournament of their lives the following day.
On the morning of the 5th July six luxurious limousine's pulled up outside the Palazzo and shuttled our team to the Rio. Once their they were walked up the red carpet to the famous Rio convention centre where they all took their shot at WSOP glory! The dream ended for a large number of them but many were able to rub shoulders with their heroes at the felt. For 12 of them the dream of winning an WSOP bracelet was still very alive and we were bust preparing press releases bragging about how awesome Betfair Poker players are!
Day 2 saw Team Betfair lose seven of its members before the money bubble burst but Louis Zettelmeier, Eli Heath, Rajesh Modha, Michael Ortner and Harald Olsen all made it through to the money places. These players finished as follows:
Michael Ortner: 214th place for $3,119
Eli Heath: 244th place for $2,703
Louis Zettelmeier: 299th place for $2,370
Rajesh Modha: 412th place for $1,830
You may notice that Harald Olsen's name is missing from that little list and that is because the Norwegian made it through to Day 3; although he only had four big blinds to his name. Although he did not hold much hope going into Day 3, he and the rest of the Team Betfair players had a great time relaxing in the Lagassie's stadium in the Palazzo where they dined to the Sirens of the Treasure Island show as they dined, played pool and had some great banter between each other.
The following day Olsen somehow managed to double up a couple of times before seeing his stack climb to an impressive 450,000 chips before disaster stuck. Our man got his chips into the middle preflop holding ace-king and found himself up against a dominated ace-ten but a ten on the board busted a very disappointed Olsen in 22nd place, but we are certain the $20,700 he picked up in prize money will help to soften the blow!
With no more poker being played, the Team Betfair players really let their hair down and enjoyed the sights and delights of the place they love to call Sin City. They were all treated to one of the best nights out on the Saturday night, a player party at Surrender night club; the most exclusive night spot in the whole of Nevada! Betfair players were treated to two exclusive bungalows in the VIP area, which entitled them to full table service with $1,000 bottles on ice - they really were treated like high rollers, though we could not do much about their headaches the following morning!
After recovering all day Sunday, we gathered the troops up on Monday for a last fling in the Vegas sun. The players were ferried out to a secluded beach on the shore of the beautiful Lake Mead where they were treated to a day of waters sports including jet skiing and as you can see in the video in this link, being dragged around the lake at high speed by a speed boat! The fun and frolics were split by one of the best BBQ dinners served on the beach before more fun on the waves ensued.
Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end and this was certainly a good thing. All the Team Betfair players have gone home but gone home with amazing memories of the WSOP and Las Vegas and we hope to see them all, and more besides, at our exclusive parties at the next WSOP and at all our future events such as Betfair Poker LIVE!
We will leave it there with a wrap-up video shot by our faithful camera team on location with our wonderful players!
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Sunday, April 1, 2012
Michael Vaughan: Lay the draw on another tough wicket
Test previews 
/ Michael Vaughan / 01 April 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Jonathan Trott hit a magnificent century in the First Test but he failed to finish the job
"Sri Lankan wickets have a reputation for being flat and lifeless but they do get worse as the match goes on and with quality spinners on show, in particular Rangana Herath and Graeme Swann, wickets can fall pretty quickly later on in the game, especially with DRS in use."
Sri Lanka are 1-0 up and have already shown what a tough a side they are in their own conditions. Winning the toss will be crucial and puts the team batting first in pole position but the bet is that we'll end up getting a result, says Michael Vaughan.
England will ring the changes ahead of the Second Test, a match they need to win to level the Series and stop the rot. The first is an enforced one with Steve Finn the natural replacement for the injured Stuart Broad. Finn did well in the ODI matches against Pakistan, which were played on a similar sort of wicket to the one he'll find at Galle so there's no reason why he can't be successful again here. I'm also expecting Monty Panesar to give way with Tim Bresnan coming in for him. With all due respect to Monty, Bresnan is the far better fielder and batsman and will take Broad's place at eight with Finn probably batting down at eleven. Unlike in Colombo, there won't be a breeze in Galle so bowling quickly will be even more hard work than it was last week - a three-man pace attack looks a good move to me.
Samit Patel will keep his place in the team and will probably have to get through more overs than he did last week as the second spinner but I'll be interested to see whether he carries on batting at seven, or is promoted to come in at six. For me the obvious thing to have done in the First Test would have been for him to bat above Matt Prior rather than change a settled batting line-up; the move may have somewhat dented Patel's confidence whereas I'm not sure Prior would have cared either way where he batted. Something for Andrew Strauss to think about.
Winning the toss will be crucial again because days one and two will be by far the best time to bat and the wicket will most likely deteriorate on days four and five, just as it did in Colombo. The price of whoever wins the toss and bats first will come in on the back of that, no doubt about that. But because we obviously don't know who that will be, the smart bet is to lay the draw. Sri Lankan wickets have a reputation for being flat and lifeless but they do get worse as the match goes on and with quality spinners on show, in particular Rangana Herath and Graeme Swann, wickets can fall pretty quickly later on in the game, especially with DRS in use .That price of [2.9] has to go out at some stage and we'll surely be able to re-back it at 5.0 at some point in the game.
If the England batsmen want to have an idea of how to compile a century in sub-continental conditions then they should look at how Jonathan Trott did it in the second innings. It came off 250-odd balls and he needed to be at the crease for six or seven hours to get it . That's the sort of hard work you need to put in to get a tonne over here. You can't expect to score 100 off 150 balls by playing aggressively all the time like you can on some harder, quicker wickets. The sort you get in Australia for example. Trott is one of those players who gets a feel for a certain type of pitch and proceeds to cash in, just like he did last week. He now knows what his scoring areas are and when to play on the front or back foot. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he gets another big score and is the obvious, but smart, choice to be England first innings top batsman at around [4.0].
Mahela Jayawardene is another guy who is in a rich vein of form, himself a centurion in the First Test. He made it all look pretty easy whilst others appeared to be playing on a minefield. The skipper is the man to side ([4.5]) with as far as Sri Lanka are concerned.
A final word on Andrew Strauss. I'm really not sure what this nonsense is about with suggestions he should walk away from his job as England captain. Yes, he hasn't made a big score in a while and England have lost four Tests on the trot but these things happen to everyone and he hasn't become a bad batsman or captain overnight. If he feels it's the right thing to do to give someone else a chance, he will. But it's up to him to decide when that may be, no-one else.
3 pts Lay the draw @ [2.9]
1 pt Back Jonathan Trott to be England first innings top batsman @ [4.0]
1 pt Back Mahela Jayawardene to be Sri Lanka first innings top batsman @ [4.5]
It's difficult to understand how the Ian Bell who played magnificently in the first innings of this match is the same one who failed so miserably against Pakistan. He will be crucial if England are to come out on top...
Michael Vaughan tells us just why England find themselves in such a precarious situation at the moment and how Graeme Swann needs to strike early when Sri Lanka resume their innings on the morning of day three....
Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene was, not for the first time, the thorn in England's side as the hosts moved on to 289/8. It will mostly be trial by spin when England bat tomorrow but how will they cope?...
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Super Bowl Betting: Coughlin plots another defeat of old rival
Super Bowl / Romilly Evans / 01 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Tom Coughlin has a habit of delivering when it matters most
"The trouble with Coughlin, is that he seldom gets the results in flashy fashion. Nor does he even get them consistently. Apart from when it matters most."
Romilly Evans profiles Giants coach, Tom Coughlin, who faces old adversary Bill Belichick in Sunday's big one looking to once again turn the odds on their head
Tom Coughlin is something of a maverick. Less the shiny, happy NFL coach of slick soundbites and slicker hair. More the gnarled, gritty war veteran of one too many tours of duty. The kind of pugnacious pooch you'd gladly let have a scamper round the park, but would never take to Crufts.
Fortunately for Coughlin, he plies he trade on the park, not a conformation show. Nevertheless, it's taken a while for fans and commentators alike to appreciate just what this somewhat unfashionable coach has to offer. Which is strange when you look at his credentials that reflect some impressive work at both collegiate and professional level.
The trouble with Coughlin, though, is that he seldom gets the results in flashy fashion. Nor does he even get them consistently. Apart from when it matters most. After a three-year spell at Boston College, Coughlin got the inaugural head coaching gig as the Jacksonville Jaguars where he led his charges to the AFC Championship Game in only their second year of existence. Pretty impressive on paper, but even then the doubters were circling after Coughlin posted a mere 9-7 in the regular season. The play-off push silenced them, as did the Jags' return trip to the Conference Championship in 1999. Coughlin was building a reputation for training teams to punch above their weight when it mattered most.
However, after a few more seasons mired in mediocrity, the knives were again out for Coughlin. A change of scenery to the New York Giants did little to arrest the slide, as the Big Blue fell to 6-10 in his first season. Still, Coughlin only needs a year to get his teeth into the root of a problem. And he again managed to work the oracle, qualifying for the post-season in successive 2004/5 campaigns via the Wildcard Game.
Not that the snipers had lowered their sights. Consecutive losses in their play-off openers (coupled to average regular seasons) were deemed too small a return for the Giants, in spite of a three-star teamsheet. And when that trend continued with the Giants losing the first two games of 2007, Coughlin was a dead man walking. But this stubborn 65-year-old was too stubborn to hear.
"I just kept the blinders on," he would later comment. His team would follow suit, refocusing and rebounding to six straight wins. They were back in play-off country against the odds.
The rest, of course, is history. The Giants blazed a trail of on-the-road upsets all the way to the Vince Lombardi trophy. Coughlin had done it again, taking an ordinary side to extraordinary heights. In short, he welded a team which was greater than the sum of its parts. It's become his trademark.
The 2007 Giants even confounded the stats (for so long Coughlin's enemy) by becoming one of the happy few to have bested the top two seeds in their conference en route to Super Bowl glory. They said it wouldn't be done again. At least that was until the 2011 Giants scraped into the play-offs, before blasting past the hot favourites Green Bay and edging out the No.2 seeds of San Francisco. Here was a pinch-coacher, if you will, whose players feasted on pressure and exceeded expectations.
Few know this better than his opposite number this Sunday, Bill Belichick. Coughlin and Belichick go back to 1988 and their days as assistant coaches for the Giants under the great Bill Parcells. Their combined stint culminated in 1999 Super Bowl victory and effectively foreshadowed their futures.
Small wonder then that the pair have enormous respect for one another. Belichick's path has been the easier of the two (as evidenced by five Super Bowls with the Pats, three victories and three Coach of The Year awards) but he is the first to praise Coughlin.
"Our time together was very exceptional," explained Belichick.
"He knows my moves better than most."
That line was eloquently articulated when the Coughlin's Giants shocked his Patriots in the 2007 Super Bowl and again at fortress Foxboro this season. As befits a future hall-of-famer, Belichick has of course had his successes over his old colleague, but those recent high-profile failures must have been hard to swallow. Banal statistics suggest there is no comparison between the two (silverware aside, Belichick holds a 65% win-percentage to Coughlin's 55%) but Belichick knows he's the man most likely to foil him on the big occasions.
Speaking of big occasions, it's the 100th year since that pesky iceberg struck down The Titanic.
Towering, impressive, supposedly unsinkable: read Belichick. Jagged, ice-cold in temperament, supposedly irrelevant: read Coughlin.
And if you want to read more, you can do a lot worse than Thomas Hardy: "As the smart ship grew in stature, grace, and hue; In shadowy silent distance grew the Iceberg too... They were bent by paths coincident; to become twin halves of one august event."
Events don't come more august than the Super Bowl. And while my mind is screaming New England, Coughlin could yet repeat history and return to break Belichick's heart. Not to mention my handicap bet.
There's history between these two, says Andy Richmond, but while everyone is looking at Super Bowl XLII the most relevant match-up to be looking at came in week nine of this season......
Romilly Evans argues that Tom Brady must win this Super Bowl if he is to ever be mentioned alongside his idol, Joe Montana...
Fourteen of the last 34 Super Bowls have been played indoors and that simple dynamic can make a big difference on how a game pans out. Richard O'Hagan explains all...
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Barcelona v Real Madrid: Fabregas to help Barca to another win
Spanish Football / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 24 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Cesc Fabregas has few regrets about leaving Arsenal
"He (Fabregas) has 13 goals so far this season and six in his last six matches. He offers better value at [2.7] to score than Lionel Messi at odds-on.
Barcelona are very much in the driving seat after a 2-1 wi in the first leg but they won't be taking their feet off the gas given who they're up against. Cesc Fabregas is a good bet to score in yet another win for Pep Guardiola, says Jamie Pacheco.
You've got to feel for Jose Mourinho. However well Real Madrid play, however many goals they score, however much they entertain, it's never enough. It's never enough because whatever they do, Barcelona seem to do it a little better. Time and time again.
But maybe we shouldn't feel sorry for him. Football fans talk about singing when you're winning. When he was winning the Champions League with FC Porto, the Premier League with Chelsea and knocking the same Barcelona out of the Champions League en route to winning it with Inter Milan, there was plenty of singing. There was plenty of boasting, inventing of nicknames and goading, too. He enjoyed those moments, making himself come across as a genius who knew more than his counterparts, prepared better for games than them and motivated his players that little bit better. The problem with not winning gracefully is that you're an obvious target when you stop winning. That said, whereas he may have expected some abuse from other clubs' fans, I'm not sure he expected it from his own. Let's not forget that Real Madrid are after all still in the Champions League and still top of La Liga.
When we previewed this match last week, we reminded our dear reader of the cold facts. Real Madrid hadn't beaten Barcelona in their last 12 attempts. After last week's result, it's now 13.
Barcelona's price seems a bit too big. They're the ones who are on a high after last week's win and there's unlikely to be any chance of them just managing their lead and trying to settle for a draw. Firstly because Barca don't play for draws and secondly because any chance to run their rivals' noses in it is a good chance.
There's also a danger that if things don't go their way, Real's players may start to lose their discipline, something that we don't often see too much amongst Barcelona's. A sending-off is short enough at [2.4] so we won't be going for that but if there is one, it's likely to be a Real player taking an early bath and playing with ten men against Barcelona is nigh-on impossible. Either way, Barcelona are worth a bet at [1.68].
The "yes" option served us very well last week after being flagged up as the best bet of the match. The price is exactly the same ([1.68]) as it was last week but with Real having no choice but to chase the tie, our chances of the bet being landed are even better. For all their attacking prowess, it's now five straight matches that Barcelona have gone without keeping a clean sheet. We have no concerns about Barcelona not scoring (they've scored in 33 of 35 matches this season) and though it may well prove irrelevant in the context of the tie, Real should manage at least one.
Cesc Fabregas has been in outstanding goalscoring form this campaign. Any suspicions that he'd find it hard to get a game have surely been dissipated. In part that's because of his versatility which allows him to play in just about every position of the forward six in Barcelona's 4-3-3 (bar that of the central striker), in part because Barcelona play so many matches that rotation is essential rather than preferable and finally for the simple reason that he's a wonderful player. He has 13 goals so far this season and six in his last six matches. He offers better value at [2.7] to score than Lionel Messi at odds-on.
We've saved the best for last. What's happened in the last few years to that kid with the wonder left foot, mummy's boy haircut and placid temperament? A few things. For starters he's turned into the best player on the planet bar none, he cut his hair when he realised supermodels don't date anyone with that bad a haircut and lastly, he's started to give a little back in the old retribution stakes. It's little wonder given the atrocities that are done to him during 90 minutes by opposition defenders but in the process Lionel Messi has picked up three bookings in his last six matches. He's likely to be provoked plenty in this game, and not just by Pepe. Look to get a price of around [3.6] on Messi being cautioned again.
Best Bet: Back Barcelona to win @ [1.68]
Recommended Bets:
Back Cesc Fabregas to score @ [2.7]
Back Lionel Messi to be shown a card at [3.6]
Dressing room bust-ups, indiscipline on the field and a viscious press are making life difficult for Jose Mourinho, says Ben Lyttleton. But the Special One's team remain top of La Liga and could well deny Barcelona a fourth consecutive title......
Tobias Gourlay previews Barcelona's trip to the Rose Garden of nouveau riche Malaga and the daunting task facing Marcelo Bielsa and Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu...
Pepe's vicious attack has attracted much of the attention following Barcelona's latest Clasico triumph, but Jose Mourinho isn't proving too popular either......
Friday, October 21, 2011
Follow The Money: Reelwill ready for another win?
Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 21 October 2011 / Leave a Comment 
/ Follow The Money / 21 October 2011 / Leave a Comment How will our Fakenham bets fare?
"Reelwill's stable is in fantastic fettle of late and the money suggests a big run."
Today's Follow The Money comes from the cards at Doncaster and Fakenham
We begin with the 14:00 at Doncaster where Running Deer has been the subject of solid support, being backed from [9.32] in to [5.5]. This Hurricane Run-filly improved on her debut run when fourth at Nottingham last month and could well step up again today with progression expected from more racing. Sir Henry Cecil has a fantastic 29% strike rate with his runners at Doncaster when teaming up with jockey Tom Queally.
We move over to Fakenham now for their 16:30 2m Handicap Hurdle and Saute has been on the drift this morning out from [2.32] to [2.94]. This five-year-old gelding has had a summer campaign this year and managed to pick up a couple of handicaps on fast ground. As the weather gets colder and the ground a little softer it could be that we have seen his best. Beaten at a short price last time, he has been given a break and the money suggests he may struggle today.
We stay at Fakenham for our final mover of the day - Reelwill in the 17:05. This grey mare has been backed from [4.5] into [3.4]. Reelwill's sole success came in this race a year ago but since then has been well held in four starts. The win came after a seven month absence and today's race comes after a similarly long absence. The stable is in fantastic fettle of late and the money suggests a big run.
Recommended Bets
http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=104150950&ex=2&origin=MRL&rfr=3013
http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=104163261&ex=2&origin=MRL&rfr=3013
http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=104163263&ex=2&origin=MRL&rfr=3013
Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Brighton, Carlisle and Ludlow......
Todays Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Newmarket and Fontwell....
Today's movers come from the meetings at Lingfield, Exeter and Yarmouth......
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Betting Briefing: Rewilding to defeat another Ballydoyle superstar?
Weekly Betfair Briefing / Timeform / 17 July 2011 / Leave a Comment 
/ Timeform / 17 July 2011 / Leave a Comment Rewilding will bid to win his third Group 1 of the year in the King George at Ascot on Saturday.
"One of the biggest races of the year, the Betfair King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes takes place at Ascot on Saturday and sees some of the best middle-distance performers in the world take each other on..."
Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which includes the Group 1 Betfair King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday...
Sunday July 17
There is Group 1 action in Ireland, as the Curragh stages the Irish Oaks. Nine fillies go to post including Dancing Rain who bids to repeat her Epsom victory, but the market believes Wonder of Wonders and Blue Bunting will finish ahead of her this time.
Also in Ireland Tipperary have a NH card in the afternoon, as do Newton Abbot and Stratford, while Redcar hosts the only Flat card in Britain.
Monday July 18
Ayr and Yarmouth are the venues for the afternoon's Flat action, while Beverley and Windsor are on in the evening. In Ireland, Ballinrobe stage a mixed seven-race card.
Tuesday July 19
There are three Flat meetings and one NH card in Britain. Musselburgh and Yarmouth are on the level in the afternoon, while there is action at Southwell in the evening, as well as at Bangor over jumps. For the second evening in a row, Ballinrobe (NH) is the sole Irish meeting.
Wednesday July 20
Catterick and Lingfield on the Flat and Worcester over jumps are the venues for the afternoon racing on Wednesday. In the evening there is also Flat action at Leicester, Sandown and Naas in Ireland where there is a six-furlong fillies' listed race, won last year by Charles O'Brien's Bewitched.
Thursday July 21
A busy Thursday with eight meetings either side of the Irish Sea. In Britain, Bath and Sandown (including a listed race for two-year-olds) are the Flat meetings in the afternoon, along with a NH card from Uttoxeter. Three meetings in the evening sees the Yorkshire Racing Festival continue at Doncaster, while there are also cards at Epsom and Folkestone.
There are also two evening meetings in Ireland, a seven race Flat card at Leopardstown which stages two Group 3s and a jumps fixture at Limerick.
Friday July 22
Ascot hosts day one of the Betfair Weekend, the highlight being the listed Woodcote Stud Valiant Stakes over a mile for fillies and mares. Also on the Flat there are meetings at Thirsk and in the evening at Newmarket, Chepstow and York where there is a listed race for fillies over a mile and a quarter. Southwell represents the sole jumps fixture in the afternoon.
In Ireland, there are meetings at Down Royal and Wexford.
Saturday July 23
One of the biggest races of the year, the Betfair King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes takes place at Ascot on Saturday. A Group 1 over a mile and a half, it sees some of the best middle-distance performers in the world take each other on. This year we are likely to see Aidan O'Brien's Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey take on dual Group 1 winner Rewilding, with the possibility of last year's Arc hero Workforce taking his place as well. It is supported by the Group 3 Princess Maragret Stakes for fillies over six furlongs.
Elsewhere, in the afternoon York stages the Group 2 Skybet York Stakes, it's Ladies Day at Newcastle and there is a competitive card at Newmarket. The two evening meetings are both on the level at Lingfield and Salisbury.
Download a Free Race Card every day in July at timeform.com. Click HERE to register or see the menu.
It's a relatively quiet week as we gear up to the Betfair King George and the Goodwood and Galway Festival meetings later in the month, but Market Rasen stages a quality card on Saturday......
Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, the highlight of which is Newmarket's July Meeting......
It's Irish Derby day at the Curragh on Sunday, and fast-forward to Saturday and you can see another Derby winner in the shape of Workforce, who goes for the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown......
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Betting Briefing: Rewilding to defeat another Ballydoyle superstar?
Weekly Betfair Briefing / Timeform / 16 July 2011 / Leave a Comment
/ Timeform / 16 July 2011 / Leave a Comment Rewilding will bid to win his third Group 1 of the year in the King George at Ascot on Saturday.
"One of the biggest races of the year, the Betfair King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes takes place at Ascot on Saturday and sees some of the best middle-distance performers in the world take each other on..."
Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which includes the Group 1 Betfair King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday...
Sunday July 17
There is Group 1 action in Ireland, as the Curragh stages the Irish Oaks. Nine fillies go to post including Dancing Rain who bids to repeat her Epsom victory, but the market believes Wonder of Wonders and Blue Bunting will finish ahead of her this time.
Also in Ireland Tipperary have a NH card in the afternoon, as do Newton Abbot and Stratford, while Redcar hosts the only Flat card in Britain.
Monday July 18
Ayr and Yarmouth are the venues for the afternoon's Flat action, while Beverley and Windsor are on in the evening. In Ireland, Ballinrobe stage a mixed seven-race card.
Tuesday July 19
There are three Flat meetings and one NH card in Britain. Musselburgh and Yarmouth are on the level in the afternoon, while there is action at Southwell in the evening, as well as at Bangor over jumps. For the second evening in a row, Ballinrobe (NH) is the sole Irish meeting.
Wednesday July 20
Catterick and Lingfield on the Flat and Worcester over jumps are the venues for the afternoon racing on Wednesday. In the evening there is also Flat action at Leicester, Sandown and Naas in Ireland where there is a six-furlong fillies' listed race, won last year by Charles O'Brien's Bewitched.
Thursday July 21
A busy Thursday with eight meetings either side of the Irish Sea. In Britain, Bath and Sandown (including a listed race for two-year-olds) are the Flat meetings in the afternoon, along with a NH card from Uttoxeter. Three meetings in the evening sees the Yorkshire Racing Festival continue at Doncaster, while there are also cards at Epsom and Folkestone.
There are also two evening meetings in Ireland, a seven race Flat card at Leopardstown which stages two Group 3s and a jumps fixture at Limerick.
Friday July 22
Ascot hosts day one of the Betfair Weekend, the highlight being the listed Woodcote Stud Valiant Stakes over a mile for fillies and mares. Also on the Flat there are meetings at Thirsk and in the evening at Newmarket, Chepstow and York where there is a listed race for fillies over a mile and a quarter. Southwell represents the sole jumps fixture in the afternoon.
In Ireland, there are meetings at Down Royal and Wexford.
Saturday July 23
One of the biggest races of the year, the Betfair King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes takes place at Ascot on Saturday. A Group 1 over a mile and a half, it sees some of the best middle-distance performers in the world take each other on. This year we are likely to see Aidan O'Brien's Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey take on dual Group 1 winner Rewilding, with the possibility of last year's Arc hero Workforce taking his place as well. It is supported by the Group 3 Princess Maragret Stakes for fillies over six furlongs.
Elsewhere, in the afternoon York stages the Group 2 Skybet York Stakes, it's Ladies Day at Newcastle and there is a competitive card at Newmarket. The two evening meetings are both on the level at Lingfield and Salisbury.
Download a Free Race Card every day in July at timeform.com. Click HERE to register or see the menu.
It's a relatively quiet week as we gear up to the Betfair King George and the Goodwood and Galway Festival meetings later in the month, but Market Rasen stages a quality card on Saturday......
Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, the highlight of which is Newmarket's July Meeting......
It's Irish Derby day at the Curragh on Sunday, and fast-forward to Saturday and you can see another Derby winner in the shape of Workforce, who goes for the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown......
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Belmont Stakes 2011: O'Brien to Master another Classic
USA / Christina Olivares / 10 June 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Master of Hounds again goes for a major US prize
"Master of Hounds is by a champion miler and his dam sire is the late great Sadler’s Wells. Watching his move in the Derby and the way he moves, gives every indication that he will indeed get the mile and a half."
TVG's Christina Olivares can't get away from Aidan O'Brien's Master of Hounds as she assesses the contenders for the third leg of America's Triple Crown
How is it that I just can't get away from a horse that is one for eight in this year's Belmont Stakes?
I strongly believe Master of Hounds will run a big race. I loved his performance in the Kentucky Derby. The comment line reads "worked thru traffic" which couldn't be truer. For a long time, Garrett Gomez had nowhere to go in the stretch but once he did get clear sailing, Master of Hounds attacked the ground and fought past horse after horse down the lane.
In fact, he dug in gamely to get past Santiva who had the jump on him to win the photo for fifth. Visually, aside from the winner, Master of Hounds is the one horse my eye is drawn to as I watch the Derby replay over and over.
His frequent flyer miles are a bit of a concern. He made his first trip stateside for the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf and actually went off favored. He was steadied early in that race and ended up a lacklustre sixth after the trouble. It was back home to Ballydoyle after that. He then shipped to Dubai and his gutty performance in the UAE Derby off a five month layoff is proof that he has improved at three.
The fillies in Dubai this year were considered very strong and Master of Hounds' nose defeat to Khawlah was nothing to be ashamed of. Once again, back to Ballydoyle. He then had a two month layoff prior to the Kentucky Derby and then it was back to Ireland AGAIN. According to reports from the head travelling lad, the trip from Ireland to Belmont was 12 hours barn to barn. After a brief period in quarantine at nearby Aqueduct, Master of Hounds will van over to Belmont for a days worth of training over the track prior to raceday.
The distance shouldn't be a problem. He's by a champion miler and his dam sire is the late great Sadler's Wells. Watching his move in the Derby and the way he moves, gives every indication that he will indeed get the mile and a half. And the fact that Aidan O'Brien continues to ship this horse to America is a vote of confidence in his ability on dirt against our best sophomores. The Irish want to win another Classic and Master of Hounds very well could be the horse to do it for them.
As for the others, Animal Kingdom validated himself with another big performance in the Preakness. He didn't have to prove anything to me, but there were still critics out there, and I think he silenced them a few weeks ago. Let's just hope those races didn't take too much out of him. He didn't seem to have the brilliance in the Preakness that we saw in the Derby. Then again, any Derby win is going to sparkle.
Shackleford is also a serious racehorse but whereas the Preakness distance helped him a little, the Belmont distance will hurt him. I'm not convinced he can get the mile and a half but rest assured he will be sent from the outside gate and try to run them off their feet. And don't be concerned if he gets warm before the race. He always does that. A lot was made of his appearance before the Preakness, but truth be told he did the same thing before the Florida Derby and just held it together a little more than usual before the Kentucky Derby.
Nehro is a horse that always gives you a thrill but still can't quite get to the winners circle. Unfortunately I think Saturday will be another carbon copy of what we've seen from him in the past. Brilliant Speed will run big. Don't let him get away at a price. He was my pick in the Derby and I feel even more strongly about his abilities in the Belmont.
Recommended Bet
Back Master of Hounds @ [9.0] in the Belmont Stakes
Two backs and a lay for Friday from Timeform's US team......
Three for Thursday from Timeform's US Team......
Our blogger considers some of the elements that may point you to the winner in Saturday's last leg of The US Triple Crown......
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Another Officer Caught in Poker Problems
A video poker investigation caught another sheriff's deputy in its web recently. 55-year-old Danny Crawford Dye was arrested Wednesday. He has been charged with keeping illegal games and possession of a stolen gun. This is the second Berkeley County sheriff's deputy to be arrested during the course of a video poker sting. Last week it was 66 year old Chester Howell Jr., a former deputy, when he was caught with illegal poker games in his home, breaking the poker law of the land.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
La Liga Betting: Another Herculean effort from David Trezeguet
Spanish Football / Tobias Gourlay / 24 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Trezegol: Hercules' veteran French striker David Trezeguet usually scores at the Jose Rico Perez
"David Trezeguet has scored in nine of the 10 Liga games he has started at the Jose Rico Perez this season"
Barcelona are running out of steam, while Real Madrid are up against a tight five-man defence. Tobias Gourlay thinks there might be a new (old) hero in Spain this week.
Real Mallorca v Barcelona (Saturday 1900 GMT)
Barcelona have been on the boil for so long they have run dry.
The champions lost their perfect away record in Gijon a fortnight ago, then they were beaten by Arsenal and a few days later were unconvincing against Athletic Bilbao.
Pep Guardiola demands exceptional physical efforts from his players, who must pressure their opponents at all time. In particular, he wanted the squad to be perfectly prepared for a series of difficult-looking fixtures at the end of last year.
Barca won all of those games easily, including el Clasico, and seem to be paying for that now. Dani Alves is often thought to be indefatigable, but look at him failing to track Andrey Arshavin in the buildup to Arsenal's winning goal in London.
This weekend, the league leaders travel to Real Mallorca, whose island home has not been much of a fortress against the Big Two, even if Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw here on the opening day of the season.
Mallorca won this fixture a couple of years ago, when it came very late in the season and Barca were past caring. That game aside, the visitors have taken the three points in each of the last five seasons.
Remember that Barca will have an eye on next week's second leg with Arsenal, but, if you fancy they will still have too much for their hosts, you might like Barcelona -2.5 on the Asian Handicap. It should become available at something close to [3.0] and has been a successful bet in each of their last five away wins.
Deportivo La Coruna v Real Madrid (Saturday 2100 GMT)
Two bogey grounds in a week for Real Madrid: after the Stade Gerland in Lyon on Tuesday night, the Riazor in rainy, windy northern Spain on Saturday.
Real have only beaten Deportivo La Coruna away once in 18 seasons. The win came just over a year ago, so perhaps the psychological block is broken?
Perhaps it is, but that is not to say they will find it easy this weekend. They have scored twice in their last three away games and will come up against a five-man defence that recently stifled all of Villarreal's considerable attacking threat. In France on Tuesday night, it took Real almost half an hour to register a shot on goal.
Although Miguel Angel Lotina's side conceded seven to Sevilla and Barcelona in the preceding home games, the goalless draw is a contender at [23.0].
Hercules v Getafe (Sunday 1600 GMT)
Two compelling statistics: David Trezeguet has scored in nine of the 10 Liga games he has started at the Jose Rico Perez this season; nine of those 10 games have gone Over 2.5 Goals.
If the veteran French striker is in Esteban Vigo's first XI on Sunday, you know what to do.
For the record, Getafe's last away match finished 2-2 and 6/11 away from home this term have thrown up Over 2.5 Goals.
Michel's visitors are better than their recent history - five defeats in eight, home and away - suggests, but Hercules have won five of their last six home games.
It would have been remiss not to mention it, but the goals bet looks the better one.
Athletic Bilbao v Valencia (Sunday 2000 GMT)
Athletic Bilbao have a terrific record at San Mames this season, winning nine of 12 and seven of the most recent eight. On Sunday night, they entertain Valencia, who are maintaining a good run of form without persuading anyone that they are the best of the rest. That is largely because Unai Emery picks a different team every weekend.
Beware Valencia's late-goal habit, however. It did not happen last weekend, but Los Che have scored result-changing goals in seven of their last nine Liga matches.
Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 Goals at [2.1] in Hercules v Getafe
Recommended Bet: Back 0-0 Correct Score at [23.0] in Deportivo La Coruna v Real Madrid
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Barcelona are running out of steam, while Real Madrid are up against a tight five-man defence. Tobias Gourlay thinks there might be a new (old) hero in Spain this week....
Tobias Gourlay assays the weekend's Spanish Primera Division action, starting with Levante's return to the scene of an infamous defeat....
Atletico Madrid's own coach does not really believe in them any more. And neither does Tobias Gourlay....
Sunday, February 20, 2011
La Liga Betting: Another Real beating for Levante?
Spanish Football / Tobias Gourlay / 18 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Levante should be able to improve on the result of their previous visit to Real Madrid.
"Mourinho's current team seems to have recovered its mojo and will be further encouraged by Barca's failure to beat Sporting Gijon"
Tobias Gourlay assays the weekend's Spanish Primera Division action, starting with Levante's return to the scene of an infamous defeat.
Valencia v Sporting Gijon (Saturday 1700 GMT)
Chronology demands this be our first match.
In-play bettors: don't forget Valencia's late-goal habit. Strikes in the last 15 minutes have changed the results of seven of their last eight matches.
Real Madrid v Levante (Saturday 1900 GMT)
Real Madrid get an opportunity to reduce Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to two points temporarily. Jose Mourinho's team is in action on Saturday evening, while the champions do not play until Sunday night.
Levante are the lambs to this weekend's slaughter at the Bernabeu. Earlier this month, Luis Garcia's men became the first to beat Villarreal at El Madrigal this season. That highly surprising result probably means little in the face of Real's toweringly perfect home record. Remember too that it is now eight years since one of Mourinho's clubs lost a league game at home. Ah, and also that Levante lost a Copa del Rey game 8-0 here just before Christmas.
Mourinho's current team seems to have recovered its mojo and will be further encouraged by Barca's failure to beat Sporting Gijon a week ago. You won't get much of a price backing them for the straight win, however. And the nature of their most recent home victories is erratic - they have scored four in a couple, while others have been 1-0s.
Time to get creative... What about Levante to score? They have found the back of the net in 10 of their previous 12 away matches this term, while Real have leaked three goals in as many games in the Spanish capital. A lay price of [2.04] in the Real Madrid Clean Sheet market looks too long for their Valencian visitors to grab a consolation at some stage.
Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao (Sunday 2000 GMT)
Barcelona lost to Arsenal in midweek. And last weekend they drew 1-1 with Sporting Gijon. Dani Alves says there is no need for alarm bells, but is the team now beginning the comedown from the peaks of physical fitness they scaled at the end of last year?
Even if that is the case, they will probably get by Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou on Sunday. The Lions might battle fiercely at home in San Mames, but usually roll over on visits to the Big Two. They lost 5-1 at the Bernabeu earlier this season and by the same score on last season's trip to the Camp Nou. Since Joaquin Caparros took charge in 2007, they have been beaten in all matches they have played away to Spain's biggest and best.
This column's been championing Pedro's work for a little while now and has picked up some support from a surprising source. Although he is now a couple of starts without a goal, he might still offer value in the To Score market, the more so because of Athletic's record of conceding heavily in this sort of fixture.
Real Sociedad v Real Mallorca (Monday 2000 GMT)
This week, you will have to wait until Monday evening for the best money-making opportunity in Spain. Real Sociedad have scored first in 10 of their 11 games at Inoeta this season, while this weekend's visitors to the Basque country, Real Mallorca, have conceded first in seven of their last eight away matches against teams in the middle third of La Liga. Look for a price somewhere close to evens when the Next Goal market matures and, if it's there, get involved.
It's an awfully long journey from the Balearics for Michael Laudrup's squad and losing won't improve their mood. Unfortunately for them, the numbers say the home side are excellent value for the win at [2.2]. Martin Lasarte's Sociedad have earned a lot of column space with their Barcelona-lite approach to the beautiful game, playing aggressive, attacking football from the first whistle. So long as they are underrated by the layers, that will continue to be the case.
Best Bet: Back Real Sociedad at [2.2] to beat Real Mallorca
Recommended Bet: Lay Real Madrid Clean Sheet at [2.04] v Levante
Tobias Gourlay assays the weekend's Spanish Primera Division action, starting with Levante's return to the scene of an infamous defeat....
Atletico Madrid's own coach does not really believe in them any more. And neither does Tobias Gourlay....
Real Madrid tried very hard to keep pace with Barcelona in the first half of the season, but are now paying for their exertions, reports Tobias Gourlay in his weekly Spanish football column....
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Isildur1 Wins Another Superstar Showdown
PokerStars poker pro Viktor Blom has had another win at the Superstar Showdown. Isildur1defeated Eugene Katchalov in his fourth Superstar Showdown. The Superstar Showdown is part of the offerings of online poker room PokerStars, and allows players with a big enough bankroll to challenge one of the most mysterious poker pros of recent years. Until just this year the identiy of Blom, who played online as Isildur1, was unknown. This win puts Isildur1 at three wins and one loss over four matches, which puts him up over $200k in profit.
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