Author: Online Betting Pro

I am a punter that loves to follow the horse both in Australia and the United Kingdom. I enjoy writing about sports betting and also casino, poker and bingo. In my spare time I like to keep fit by playing football and going for long bike rides. I also like to travel the world and see amazing place s and meet wonderful people along the way.

Bet365 NR – No Bet on All Cheltenham races!

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From midnight on Friday, Bet365 are offering non-runner – no bet on all races at this year’s Cheltenham festival! With so many horses still holding multiple entries, this means that you can take a price without the worry of the trainer opting to run the horse in a different race at the meeting.

Up until now, Bet365 have only been offering the non-runner – no bet option on the big four championship races; Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and World Hurdle. If you don’t already have a Bet365 account, they are currently offering a 100% welcome bonus up to a maximum of £200.

Most of the recognised Cheltenham trials have already taken place but reigning Champion Chaser Sire de Grugy fluffed his lines at Newbury recently and is out to make amends at Chepstow tomorrow. New customers to Skybet can get 6-1 about the odds-on favourite up to a maximum stake of £5. If all goes to plan for the popular chestnut, your winnings are paid as free bets into your new account.

Gary Moore’s gelding has only three opponents in the 3.35 race but will be conceding lumps of weight. His most dangerous rival looks to be Far West, trained by Paul Nicholls. He was beaten by the useful novice Top Gamble at Newbury last time out and receives 22lbs from the favourite. Grey Gold and Mister Grez complete the field but both were well beaten last time out.

There are two big handicap chases this weekend, the BetBright Chase at Kempton which we have previewed separately, and the Eider Chase at Newcastle. The Eider is a gruelling four miles and one furlong race with Shotgun Paddy attempting to defy top weight of 11st 12lb for Emma Lavelle. Things did not go his way in the Welsh National when he pulled up after an early mistake but he ran with great credit when third at Warwick last time out.

The field also includes the last two winners of the race in Wyck Hill and Portrait King. Both appear to have been brought along steadily with this race in mind. They and Shotgun Paddy all hold entries in the Grand National in April and a prominent showing on Saturday may see their prices cut for Aintree.

Sire de Grugy 6-1 to win 3.35 Chepstow @Skybet *Special bet terms apply

BetBright Chase Preview

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The BetBright Chase (formerly the Racing Post Chase) is the highlight of Saturday’s Kempton card. The race has certainly lost much of its significance as a Cheltenham/Aintree trial in recent seasons with Rough Quest (1996) the last winner to go on to big race success.

Back in the 1980’s and early 90’s the roll of honour includes Combs Ditch, Rhyme ‘N’ Reason, Bonanza Boy and Desert Orchid. I don’t think we will see anything of that calibre this weekend but there are a number of horses on the comeback trail for Aintree.

Rocky Creek finished fifth in last year’s Grand National and has been aimed at Aintree again this season. He made a pleasing start when second in Ireland but pulled up in the Hennessy at Newbury. Godsmejudge won the Scottish National in 2013 and ran a fine race last year when finishing runner-up to Al Co. That race will almost certainly be on his agenda again this spring but he is also coming off the back of a disappointing run at Doncaster.

Nicky Henderson has entered Rajdhani Express for the National but I suspect more in hope than expectation. He has yet to win over three miles and is being tried in a hood for the first time on Saturday. Staying the three miles is also a concern for Emma Lavelle’s Fox Appeal, although he has done so over hurdles.

Paul Nicholls also saddles Easter Day and this one has a lot more going for it than Rocky Creek. He was smart enough to beat RSA Chase winner O’Faolains Boy as a novice and was having only his second race back from injury when falling at Cheltenham last time out. He was still going well just behind the leaders and it was an unlucky fall at the tricky third last fence. He should go well for Nick Scholfield and looks fairly treated with 10st 13lb on his back.

My other fancy for the race is Le Reve who beat Theatrical Star by five lengths over this trip at Sandown last month. That was his third win at the Esher course but he did win at Kempton over hurdles and there are similarities. The handicapper has put him up 7lbs but jockey Leighton Aspell was able to take a pull with three to jump and he looks good each-way value at around 10-1.

Le Reve 3.45 Kempton Saturday @10-1 Paddy Power

Easter Day 3.45 Kempton Saturday @5-1 Paddy Power

Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3,4

Lingfield Winter Derby Trial day preview

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It is Winter Derby Trial day at Lingfield on Saturday with a fine supporting card. The action starts at 1.15 with eight races including the valuable Ladbrokes Handicap and the Listed Cleves Stakes.

Ryan Moore is in attendance, mainly to ride Grandeur in the big race but he is also certain to have his supporters on Nigel’s Destiny in the opening race at 1.15. The lightly-raced four-year-old will be having only the seventh race of his career and could be one to follow this season. He is up against some in-form opponents here including Presumido and Until Midnight. They won last time out at Kempton and Chelmsford respectively but I am going to go for Franco’s Secret.

Peter Hedger’s gelding has improved steadily in recent months and showed an electric turn of foot to win here last time. Charles Bishop has ridden him in each of his starts to date and will be planning to arrive fast and late again here.

I am a big fan of Andrew Balding’s Intransigent who went from strength to strength last season. He seems equally effective at six and seven furlongs and starts his new campaign in the Listed race at 1.45. My only concern is that he seems a better horse in the autumn and winter and may not quite be at his peak at present. Foxtrot Romeo was runner-up in the Irish 2000 Guineas in 2012 and recorded his first win since at Wolverhampton in November. Marco Botti may have finally unlocked the key to the son of Danehill Dancer and he just gets the vote.

The Ladbrokes Handicap looks like a minefield for punters with various lines of form. The key to the race could be the form of Shyron’s recent victory when he beat Grey Mirage, Brave Echo, Brigliadoro, Related and Firmdecisions here. Having watched the re-run several times, I see no real reason to think that the placings should be any different here. I would expect Related to finish closer but Shyron can confirm the form.

Godolphin are mopping up the maiden races on the all-weather tracks and Chorus Of Lies could be another winner for them at 2.50. He showed plenty of potential on turf last winter and has only Balding’s Opera Lad to fear, a promising third on his racecourse debut.

In the Winter Derby Trial, I am reluctant to oppose Grandeur who has done us a few good turns in the past. He won this race last season but was beaten by the draw in the Winter Derby. He faces some useful opponents including course specialist Maverick Wave and the promising Cloudscape. The latter could be one to follow this season but I am siding with another Botti runner in Grendisar. He does not always find as much off the bridle as appears likely but he is ultra-consistent and could just take this if Grandeur is a little rusty.

Franco’s Secret 1.15 Lingfield @4-1 Betfair

Foxtrot Romeo 1.45 Lingfield @6-1 Bet365

Shyron 2.15 Lingfield @7-2 William Hill

Chorus Of Lies 2.50 Lingfield @11-4 Bet365

Grendisar 3.25 Lingfield @5-1 Betfair

HONG KONG RACING SATURDAY 21 February

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SHA TIN

Hong Kong Wrap Up

Awesome Group racing last Sunday and what a finish in the G1 sprint when Gold-Fun got up in a very close go from Aerovelocity and Lucky Nine with Peniaphobia finishing a nice 4th. If you followed the selections we hit a very nice 1st 4 and depending which bookie you are with it paid over $5000.00. Nice. J. Keep tuned for more group racing as it is just around the corner in Hong Kong where we have sensational racing every week and it is punter friendly so just stick with the form guide and enjoy. The last four races do look good today if having a go and enjoy the excitement of Hong Kong racing.

Track and Conditions: Turf A+3 Course which will be rated as Good.

Expected Weather: Cloudy throughout the day with a few rain patches and mist. Top temperature of 20 Degrees. The wind will be from the east to south east up to 40 Km/h early but abating slightly to around the 30 Km/h mark as the day progresses. This may very well for the first time this season assist closers with a bit of a tail wind down the straight. But being partly a cross wind the conditions should make for a fairly good playing ground.

 

Best Bet: Race 8 No 2 Divine Calling

Best Value: Race 7 No 10 Ensuring

Exotic Races: Race No’s 7-8-9-10-11

Quaddie:-

Race 8: 2-4-5-3 Race 9: 1-5-10-3-9 Race 10: 2-14 Race 11: 12-13-14-1

 

Race 1: — Time: 4.30am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 5 Chin Chun

Value Selection: No 3 Peace Combination

Exotic Inclusions: No 2 Unique Joyful and No 1 Wild Boy / No 8 Naughty Baby

Race Overview

Chin Chun goes around for the first time today and all three trials leading into this have been very good. Was scratched last October when was expected to begin his Hong Kong racing and was found to have a blood abnormality. Is very well breed and is expected to go beyond this class before too long. Can make a decent impact on debut.  Peace Combination just the two starts in Hong Kong and certainly showed improvement last start when he was just nosed out over the 1000m at Sha Tin . Up a touch in the weights but does look like he will be well suited over the extra ground today even from gate ten. Unique Joyful has not had the best of luck recently but does get a good chance today after coming up with another very nice draw in gate three. Can be a bit of a handful early on in his races but if he gets away ok does look to be value here as well.

 

Race 2: — Time: 5.00am GMT—Distance: 1400m—Class 5

Top Pick: No 2 Kids And Win

Selection: No 1 Enchanting Diamond

Exotic Inclusions: No 10 Goldweiver and No 7 King Tai Sing

Race Overview

Kids And Win looks to have appreciated the drop back in class recently and came out with a nice win last start and as a result gets a nice rev up in the weights but he does get a 2 Lb claim as well and he does his retain his last start winning hoop. Ordinary Class Five though. Enchanting Diamond has done all his racing in Hong Kong at class four and dropped back to class five last start for the first time and in doing so carried top weight of 133lbs. Was only beaten by one length on that occasion and certainly showed improvement. Gets in with the same weight today but will need a bit of luck from a wide gate. However there should be enough pace to give him that chance today.

 

Race 3: — Time: 5.30am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 4 Bear Rapper

Value Selection: No 5 Thor The Greatest

Exotic Inclusions: No 1 Fun Tapestry and No 2 How Speedy

Bear Rapper has never been very far away in all his races since arriving in Hong Kong and closed off very well from a wide gate last start and was not very far away in the wash up at all. Comes up with a nice draw today in gate four and I expect this will certainly help. Interesting to see a bit of hoop swapping going on here with Joao Moreira off Thor The Greatest and onto Bear Rapper and Brett Prebble off Bear Rapper and onto Thor The Greatest as they both certainly have appeal here although. Thor The Greatest has drawn wide but he has been very consistent this season. He will most likely try to cross early and if he gets in with cover he certainly has to come under consideration as well.

 

Race 4: — Time: 6.00am GMT—Distance: 1600 —Class 4

Top Pick: No 11 Unicorn

Value Selection: No 2 D’Or Wongchoy

Exotic Inclusions: No 4 Heartwood and No 1 Fighting Boy / No 9 Grand Champion

Race Overview

Not a good form race here and I would be treading lightly in this one. Unicorn has only had the four starts in Hong Hong Kong and all have been over lesser distances than today. Gives the impression that he will certainly be well suited over the Sha Tin mile and although drawn wide he has Zac Purton in the saddle. If he steps up in distance as expected will go close here. D’Or  Wongchoy  Is dropping back to this class today for only the second time since arriving in Hong Kong. The last time he did so he won over this distance with a very similar weight. Will need a bit of luck in the running but should be able to get cover and if so is expected to be closing off well here as Heartwood should ensure a decent pace up front and has not been lucky enough to come up with a decent draw until today as he does come up with gate five here which will only suit his running style. Still looks weighted ok as he does get a nice seven Lb weight drop with his allowance which will see him trot around with 121Lbs on his back today. There is a possibility that he could very well sneak away with this if the pace up from is not too solid.

 

Race 5: — Time: 6.35am GMT—Distance: 1400m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 4 Presidentparamount

Value Selection: No 12 Unique Happiest

Exotic Inclusions: No 6 Mofit and No 10 Ah Bo

Race Overview

Presidentparamount Only the four starts in Hong Kong and broke through for a nice win last start after stepping up to this distance for the first time. Closed off well on that occasion and retains Zac Purton in the saddle. Should get a nice trail in the running and is expected to go well once again today even with a bit of a weight rise. Unique Happiest did look to have a bit of a rough run last start and could have finished much closer but by the same token it was a very good run behind our top selection today. Would not have to find too much more to give this a decent shake all be it from gate twelve. Retains the master of the weive in Brett Prebble in the saddle as well.  Mofit has only had the four starts in Hong Kong and has certainly looked and performed much better when he went up to this distance. Drawn wide but has run very well from that gate previously and does retain his last start hoop.

 

Race 6: — Time: 7.05am GMT—Distance: 1200m —Class 3

Top Pick: No 10 Righteous

Value Selection: No 4 King Of Mangolia

Exotic Inclusions: No 9 Shining Champion and No 1 Our Folks

Race Overview

Righteous Just the two starts in Hong Kong and he has won both which were over this distance at Sha Tin. Goes up to Class three today and as a result gets a very nice weight drop of 13 Lbs. Drawn well in gate four and retains Zac Purton in the saddle. Certainly has appeal as a winning chance here. King Of Mongolia has only had the one start in Hong Kong and that was over this distance at this class. Ran a fairly good on paced race on that occasion and should be further improved by that outing and he does come up with a very nice draw today in gate 2.

 

Race 7: — Time: 7.35am GMT—Distance: 2000m—Class- Three

Top Pick: No 2 Lucky Omens

Value Selection: No 10 Ensuring

Exotic Inclusions: No 4 Ambitious Champion and No 6 Industrialist Way / No 13 Rock The Tree

Race Overview

Lucky Omens has always performed so much better over this distance even though it is just the extra 200m on what he has run over when he dropped back in distance. Has won on two occasions over this distance and been placed on other occasions. However he has been hit with a decent weight rise as a result of those runs and does look weighted at his best today. Should be value on that form. Ensuring just the four starts in Hong Kong and has been working up in distance all the time. Worked home very well over the 1800m last start indicating that he may very well be ready for the extra ground over the 2000m today. Looks well weighted and is still  currently at each way odds which is appealing in a very open race. Rock The Tree does look like a bit of an outside chance here and can get into the finish with a bit of luck. Recently went back up to Class three after a couple of very nice performances at Class four all be it one was at Happy Valley. Should get a reasonable trail in the running and will trot around with 115Lbs on his back after the claim. May very well be nice value here and goes in as my BOLTER of the day.

 

Race 8: — Time: 8.05am GMT—Distance: 1400m—Class 1

Top Pick: No 2 Divine Calling

Value Selection: No 4 Kabayan

Exotic Inclusions: No 5 Gurus Dream and No 3 Super Lifeline

Race Overview

Divine Calling does look like a very nice type and won first up in Hong Kong over this distance. Then put in a very nice effort over the mile at class 1 and repeated that form with another good performance at HKG1 over the same distance. Gets a bit of a touch up in the weights but by the same token he should handle it at this class. Does look a good chance in  a fairly competitive race. Kabayan has only had three starts at this class so far and if you look at the results and the weights he has been carrying it does appear that he should go very close today. He did go close last start over this distance at this class and only has two Lbs extra today which should see him perform well in a small field.

 

Race 9: — Time: 8.40am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class – 2

Top Pick: No 1 Teofilo Calva

Value Selection: No 5 I’m In Charge

Exotic Inclusions: No 10 Golden Deer and No 3 Bear Hero / No 9 Supreme Falcon

Race Overview

Another nice sprint race here. Teofilo Calva has only had the three starts in Hong Kong but all have been very good and does look a very good chance here even from a wide draw in gate eleven. Went close last start from a similar draw with the same weight  and retains Joeo Moreira in the saddle and has to be a very good chance today. I’m In Charge does look placed well here and has came up with a decent draw as well. Is back in class with a weight that still suites as well and has the master of the weive in Brett Prebble in the saddle. Expected to be over’s today and may very well be a bit of value here.

 

Race 10: — Time: 9.15pm GMT—Distance: 1600m—Class 3

Top Pick: No 2 Travel First

Value Selection: No 14 Soul Achiever

Exotic Inclusions: No 10 Good Good View and No 8 Brilliant Dream

                                                         Race Overview         

Travel First Has only had the three runs in Hong Kong and all have been at this class and all have been good and been right on the job and never very far away. Has won over a similar distance in the UK prior to arrival in Hong Kong and does not have to improve too much to give this a real shake. Comes up with a nice draw in gate two and will most likely go to the front here. If he gets a soft run he will certainly be the one to run down despite being well weighted. Soul Achiever just the four starts in Hong Kong and does look to have certain potential as he has won two of those starts this season and one was over this distance all be it at class four. But he did go very close last start at this class after closing off from a long way back. Will most likely do the same today from gate ten but also drops an extra 2 Lbs and retains Joao Moreira in the saddle as well. Does look to have the ability to run very well today with this weight.

 

Race 11: — Time: 9.50pm GMT—Distance: 1400m—Class 3

Top Pick: No 12 Super Talent

Value Selection: No 13 Dashing Fellow

Exotic Inclusions: No 14 Up And Coming and No 1 Big Four

 

                                                         Race Overview

Super Talent has produced some nice performances in Hong Kong since arriving here all be it at lesser class races but did however go up to this class last start and closed off extremely well .Drawn well today in gate 6 and has Douglas Whyte back in the saddle as well. Does look well weighted here and you would expect he will be in the finish at some point here. Dashing Fellow goes up to class three today after performing very consistent at class four and deserves a chance here. As a result he does drop 12 Lbs after his last start win which was over this distance. Joao Moreira has stuck with him which is a good sign and you would expect another very good performance today.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cricket World Cup: Day 7 Recap

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We genuinely thought New Zealand’s third pool game against England could be a nervy one.  Then we started watching and 55 minutes later (including 40 for a ridiculous tea break) it was over.  It wasn’t nervy. The confidence of the English batsman was shot, even before this game, we just didn’t realise.  Hopefully you disregarded our advice to back England (or at the least also backed Joe Root to top score and came out even).  See a quick review of the action below – and it has to be quick because the game didn’t even last 50 overs.

Day 7 Result

A day night match finished before the lights came on.

An England bowler who went for 0-49 from two overs (including half of his balls going for six).  Compare that with New Zealand’s man of the match who took 7-33.  Those points highlight the gulf between the two sides in what was arguably one of the most one sided World Cup contests of all time.  The scorers were kept unbelievably busy filling in wickets and recording sixes, mainly in the columns of Tim Southee and Brendon McCullum.

After winning the toss on a nice looking Wellington surface England’s under fire captain, Eoin Morgan, opted to set New Zealand a total.  What he didn’t account for was Southee and the late movement he was able to generate that perplexed the England batsman and eventually saw them shot out for just 123.  Southee was a marvel, especially in his second spell of 5-10, where he used the crease to excellent effect to take regular wickets.  His 7-33 was the third best bowling figures at a Cricket World cup and he was on track for becoming the first man to take 8 World Cup wickets in an innings before Adam Milne joined the party and took the wicket of Joe Root, for 46, to finish things off.

For the second game in a row New Zealand had to come out and bat before the tea break.  Brendon McCullum was clearly fine with that and even threatened to finish the entire match before the 40-minute break, despite only having time for 9 overs.  McCullum smashed it to all parts and scored his 77 off just 25 balls.  He cut, slashed and ramped his way to the fastest World Cup fifty (breaking his own record in the process).  McCullum dented pride, sponsors cars that were on display and the plans for hundreds of fans that hadn’t even left work to get down to the game.

We mentioned that the English media have a story angle in Eoin Morgan’s poor form – they have a new one now.

New Zealand 125 for 2 (McCullum 77) beat England 123 (Root 46, Southee 7-33) by eight wickets

Super Rugby: Round 2 Preview

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Round 1 of Super Rugby is done and dusted.  A week of rust, and more rust treated us to a number of upsets and treated the bookies to some reasonable takings.  Will the home teams fare better this week?

Check out the preview on all the matches, along with odds from Bet365, to make your picks.

Chiefs v Brumbies, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth, Friday 5.35pm

Chiefs – $1.40

Brumbies – $3.00

The Chiefs and Brumbies will continue a duel that has spanned some 20-odd games, including the 2013 final on Friday night. While the Brumbies have the edge in the overall record, and were dominant in their first up win against the Reds, the Chiefs too enjoyed a win and have further strengthened their side by including Liam Messam and Aaron Cruden.  SBW v Tevita Kuridrani in midfield is going to be an almighty battle that could define the match.  We’re with the bookies on this one, Chiefs by 8.

Rebels v Waratahs, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Friday 7.40pm

Rebels – $2.80

Waratahs – $1.44

The Rebels will have gained an unmeasurable amount of confidence after their first ever Super Rugby away win last week against last years beaten finalists the Crusaders.  They’ll need it too.  Because this week the task gets tougher as they back up against last year’s Champions.  They are at home, and their first match foul play indiscretions have not been penalised by the match review committee, so they are a chance considering how badly the Waratahs were in game one.  Even still, we’re predicting a much better Waratahs performance and for them to bounce back and win by 10.

Bulls v Hurricanes, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, Saturday 4.10am

Bulls – $1.44

Hurricanes – $2.80

The Hurricanes started Chris Boyd’s tenure with a clinical win against the Lions in South Africa, while the Bulls came unstuck against local rivals the Stormers.  The Hurricanes welcome back midfield dynamo Ma’a Nonu fresh off an enforced paternity layoff.  Boyd’s trying to ease the expectations on him, but his inclusion adds more firepower to an already impressive backline.  Despite the Barretts, Nonus, and Janes where still picking the Bulls to get the better of the Canes at home.  Stodgy forward play and accurate kicking will be the difference in this one.  Bulls by 6.

Highlanders v Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Saturday 5.35pm

Highlanders – $2.25

Crusaders – $1.65

An Orientation week fixture for the rowdy Otago University students should provide all the spark the Highlanders need for their first Super Rugby match of the season.  The Highlanders host fellow south islanders (and generally, the best New Zealand conference team) in what is expected to be a sold out showcase of New Zealand’s better rugby talent.  Ben Smith and Israel Dagg, both vying for the All Black fullback spot, will compete in one of the many intriguing individual matches threatening to overshadow the main event.  Crusaders were abysmally rusty in their opening match, but in truth, will probably be better without Dan Carter who is injured.  Highlanders by 5.

Reds v Force, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 7.40pm

Reds – $1.58

Force – $2.40

Oh man, do the Reds have some issues.  If we were writing this preview yesterday we would say they’re a decent chance with Adam Thompson returning to bolster their pack, but with today’s news of Karmichael Hunt’s arrest for drug offences, the team is in turmoil.  I’m tempted to give this to the Force by reasons of disharmony and panic. Force by 7.

Stormers v Blues, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, Sunday 2.05am

Stormers – $1.36

Blues – $3.20

The Stormers have proved that they are back with full force (see what we did their – used another team’s name). They put together an impressive win against the Bulls last week and will be looking to put together another performance against the lacklustre Blues at home.  The Blues kicked, and then kicked some more, ball away last week to destroy any attacking opportunities they had, and they’ll fail to recover from the difficult travelling times in this one.  We’re picking the Stormers to be far too strong at Newlands.  We’re picking the Stormers by 13+.

Sharks v Lions, Kings Park, Durban, Sunday 4.10am

Sharks – $1.22

Lions – $4.35

Another all South African fixture should be settled in the Sharks favour, even taking into account their shock loss in the first round.  The Sharks collapsed under a weight of expectation last week, yet we expect them to do better against the second feline-themed opponent this week.  The Lions need to improve on their ability to dominate possession, otherwise they need to get comfy at the foot of the Super Rugby table.  The Sharks have made three injury enforced change to the team, which should prevent any complacency creeping in.  Sharks to register their first win of the comp.