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.

New Era for English Football in World Cup Qualifier

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YET another new era in English football starts at Wembley on Saturday when Gareth Southgate takes charge of the England national team for the first time against the minnows of Malta in their World Cup Qualifier clash on Saturday.

As introductions to international football go, well this is about as easy as it can get for the former Middlesbrough boss with England the heavy 1.03 to get the new boss off to a winning start.

Malta are the 101.0 rank outsiders to produce ‘the’ biggest shock in international football and on the evidence of their 5-1 drubbing at home to Scotland in their Group F opener a £10 bet on Malta at 101.0 will see you lose a tenner.

I don’t think this will be as convincing as many expect though.

The Scotland defeat was the first time that Malta have conceded more than three goals in their last 11 competitive internationals and the visitors look set to park the Maltese bus in front of their goal at Wembley and hope to frustrate their more illustrious opponents.

The “Three Lions” have taken a time to break down resolute defensives at Wembley in recent matches with San Marino, but once they do get the opening goal others will follow very quickly.

The bookies have 4-0 the most likely England win at 6.50, but I prefer the 3-0 success at 7.50 with Paddy Power as I expect a whole host of substitutes in the second half, once victory is guaranteed, to disrupt the tempo of the game.

Scotland v Lithuania

SCOTLAND will be looking to continue their fine World Cup winning start to Group F on Saturday when they host Lithuania at Hampden Park.

The Scots hammered England’s opponents Malta 5-1 in their group opener, and now that they are back on home turf they will be far too strong for a Lithuania side that have only won once in their last eight internationals.

Hampden Park has become a fortress for the Scottish national side; it is a venue they’ve only lost at twice (against Germany and England) in three years on their own patch, and I can’t see Lithuania troubling the Tartan Army.

Gordon Strachan’s side are at general 1.50 for the win, and that looks a banker bet and will feature in my weekend accumulator.

These two nations are no strangers to each other having faced-off eight times previously in qualification with Lithuania winning just once way back in 2003.

In the most recent meeting at Hampden Park Scotland edged it 1-0 in 2011; in the last two meetings between the two nations Lithuania have failed to score, so I can’t see them scoring in this latest renewal, and a Scotland win to nil at a general 2.10 looks another very nice bet.

Northern Ireland v San Marino

Northern Ireland host San Marino at Windsor Park in the final match on Saturday night in another very one-sided qualifier.

The Northern Irish would never have been as short as 1.03 to win a World Cup qualifier, and that is the tiny odds on offer for Michael O’Neil’s side at the weekend to beat a side rated 211 on the current FIFA World rankings.

The two things that are certain in this match is Northern Ireland will win and San Marino won’t score.

San Marino have only managed TWO goals in their last 20 international matches so an Ireland win to nil at 1.22 with Coral is a certainty, but again offers no value to small staking players.

The pair have met twice previously in World Cup qualifying in 2008 and 2009, and at Windsor Park the Irish came out 4-0 winners and that is the joint favourite score-line again at 6.0 with Paddy Power alongside 3-0 which is the same price; of the two, a 3-0 Irish win would be my preference.

The Dublin World Darts Grand Prix 2016

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The Dublin World Darts Grand Prix has now become one of the premier events in the darting calendar. The world’s best players are in attendance once again. This year’s event is sponsored by Unibet. Last year’s tournament provided what was for many the greatest upset of the darts year. Can we expect the unexpected again as the World Darts Grand Prix concludes this Saturday, October 8th?

The 2015 World Darts Grand Prix saw little fancied Robert Thornton overcame the odds to defeat the Dutch powerhouse Michael van Gerwen 5-4 in the final. Since this tournament began in 1998, Phil “The Power” Taylor has been dominant. However that is hardly any surprise seeing how he has totally dominated the PDC circuit in that time.

Taylor Owns the Grand Prix

With no fewer than 11 outright wins in the Dublin Grand Prix, Taylor clearly loves this tournament. However that hasn’t cut any ice this year and the four remaining semi-finalists do not include him. The form horse so far this year as we reach the last four has been Michael van Gerwen.

It seems that the rest of the field must match his standard to have any chance. That certainly applies to his semi-final opponent Dave Chisnell. Stan James currently go a best priced 1/7 on a van Gerwen victory…..that’s right and you read it correctly….1/7! So depending on how you see the value, where is your money going?

Taking the Sure Thing

Are you the type that chases apparent “sure things”? Well let last year’s result be a lesson to you because if Robert Thornton could upset Michael van Gerwen in 2015, then Dave Chisnell can certainly repeat the feat this year. The other semi-final sees Gary Anderson showdown against the ever popular Raymond van Barneveld.

As expected, the solid and super steady Anderson starts the clear favourite. Betway and William Hill are as short as 1/2 for an Anderson victory. Barneveld will have huge support and has the big game experience to upset the odds. If you want a slightly better price on van Gerwen than the 1/7 on offer against Chisnell in the semi-final, look to back him to win the tournament?

Who Will Win it?

You can get a much better price of 1/2 for a Michael van Gerwen victory in the outright winner market. Those odds should appeal better to anyone that wants a flutter on the Dutch juggernaut. However there is more than just van Gerwen to consider.

There is enough big game experience in the other three semi-finalists to cause an upset. No one would be shocked to see the popular Scot Gary Anderson go all the way. Boyle Sports are a best priced 7/2 for an outright tournament victory for Anderson. Meanwhile with the same firm you can get an attractive 14/1 on Dave Chisnell winning the trophy.

Come what may, its going to be decided by a few key legs in each match. It will be riveting to watch, but the form of Michael van Gerwen will be hard to beat. It all depends on one thing. Can the Dutchman keep up the pace! If he can, then he will surely be champion. Watch this space folks!

Seasoned Mares Unhappy With New Fashion Stable

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FASHIONISTAS will swap the catwalk for photo booths at Melbourne Racing Club’s new look Fashions on the Field, kicking off at the new Caulfield Guineas Fashion Stable.

Instead of clutching a number and showing off their style on the runway, entrants in this year’s competition will have a mini-styling session before having their photos taken, with their three favourites put to the judges.

A new people’s choice award will also be run on social media in the days following the event.

A “squad” category for groups of two to eight has also been introduced.

The action will all take place in the Fashion Stable, a new trackside fashion and lifestyle precinct sponsored by David Jones.

The Fashion Stable will also house a spacious lounge area and trackside bar, flowing with Chandon and Catalina Sounds as well as premium food.

Those who love a stylish accessory will be able to buy a unique Chandon champagne flute to take home.

The changes were announced not long after the major sponsor for Fashions on the Field – Chadstone – bowed out after more than 10 years of bank rolling the event.

The naming rights for the new format – the Style Stakes – is now held by Westfield.

The MRC says the reformatted event aimed to appeal to a broader audience.

MRC chief commercial officer told News Corp that it would be more inclusive with people who didn’t want to get on stage to compete able to take part.

Not everyone is looking forward to the new format.

Seasoned competitors have flooded social media with concerns about the changes at Caulfield with some threatening to boycott this year’s Fashions on the Field (FOTF).

Many have voiced their disappointment via Facebook page It’s All About the Sash, set up by Em Scodellaro for the fashions on the field community.

After writing to the MRC and presenting them with a survey conducted via the Facebook page Ms Scodellaro was given a thorough briefing about the new precinct.

In a recent post to her followers Ms Scodellaro said the precinct boasted a “huge catwalk” that would feature parades showcasing fashion available at David Jones.

The parades would be similar to those run at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and would “bring fashion to the racegoer”, she said.

Ms Scodellaro said she was told by the MRC that their statistics showed a decline in entries to FOTF.

“I did mention that this could be partly due to the decline in prize money over the years attracting less participants,” she said.

She also pointed out that the over 40s category had been overlooked in the new format.

“They had their own category in the past… this was a major draw card for entrants who had entered previously,” Ms Scodellaro said.

She said the MRC agreed to take those concerns on board when planning future events.

DJ’s biggest fashion rival Myer is also shaking things up for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Myer has scratched its traditional marquee in the Birdcage for Oaks Day, with an exclusive ladies lunch to be held in its place.

The country’s most celebrated and dynamic women, including politicians, philanthropists, actors, artists, business leaders and entrepreneurs have been invited to the event.

Sacred Elixir Just The Tonic in Caulfield Guineas

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October in Melbourne means having sunscreen and thermal underwear at the ready as anything can happen weather-wise, and the Caulfield Guineas is no exception.

On the eve of the first million-dollar race of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – the AUD $1 million Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas (1600m) – the Caulfield track is rated a good (3), but cooler conditions and showers are forecast prior to the first race.

Expect the track to remain in the good (3-4) range, while the rail will be in the true position for the 10-race card. Fingers crossed, the track should provide an even chance for on-pace and run-on horses.

Good medicine for the Guineas

Punters couldn’t scribble the name of Kiwi gelding Sacred Elixir into their black books quick enough after his stirring win in the Guineas Prelude (1400m) here two weeks ago. Parked off the speed by Damian Lane, he gathered the leaders up with ease.

Yes, Impending’s win in the Stan Fox (1500m) at Rosehill rated stronger, but there are two knocks on the Godolphin colt – he’s drawn in 10 and is making his first start at Caulfield, which has brought better horses undone than this promising Lonhro colt. A total of 11 of the past 14 winners have come from single digit gates.

Thousand reasons to stick with Foxplay

The sheer weight of numbers should mean at least one of the Sydney-siders pinches the AUD $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas for the 3yo fillies, and it’s hard to find a knock against Chis Waller’s eye-catching filly Foxplay.

She cruised home in the G2 Furious (1200m) at Randwick before finding a hole late to dart through to take out the G2 Tea Rose (1400m) three weeks ago. With Hugh Bowman aboard and the perfect draw from barrier 5, the $3.70 available on William Hill still offers about half a point of value. Fellow Sydney horse Global Glamour looks a logical pick for the quinella.

Winx, and you’ll miss it

In 1939, Ajax was sent out a 1-40 (or $1.025) favourite to win the Rawson Stakes at Rosehill. He faced just two rivals – Spear Chief and Allunga. The former duly ended Ajax’s hopes of a 19th successive win in what is widely recognised as the greatest upset in Australian turf history.

Does Winx face a similar fate in the G1 $600,000 Caulfield Stakes? Almost certainly not. One of the mare’s rivals, Black Heart Bart, has already captured a pair of G1s this spring (and both at Caulfield) but is untried over 2000m, while He Or She’s connections are assured $54,000 for third. From a betting perspective, best to watch this one.

Strike on the counter

In contrast to the Caulfield Stakes, the field for the G1 $500,000 Toorak Handicap is stacked with value. Four of the past five winners have come through the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and have been third-up. Counterattack was the beaten favourite in that race but stuck on nicely and can easily bounce back here.

He’s Our Rokkii is a deserved favourite, but the inside draw this late in the day isn’t the best spot to be. In contrast, Counterattack will jump from gate 8 with the country’s best jockey James McDonald aboard for Chris Waller.

BetCircaGuineas.2-sacredelixir

Fillies In The Stalls For First Spring Start

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Tradition is always in style at the races, and the spring racing carnival fashions are no exception. Lady-like dresses in modest silhouettes are long-time favourites and this year’s racegoers will be spoiled for choice with the current trend towards feminine frocks. Lace, soft pastels and sheer detailing will be out in force along with pretty pleats in mid length skirts and drop waisted dresses.

Turn back the clock

The decade of hippie chic is being revisited on the catwalks and that same vibe will be reflected trackside with ladies wearing the 70s on their bell, ruched or flared sleeves. Pantsuits and wide leg trousers also ruled the runway at the David Jones Spring Racewear launch, and the look will be emulated at the races, while fringe detailing is also enjoying a moment and may get a run.

No thorns in these roses

Fresh floral headpieces will be the pick of the millinery bunch this year. The crown-style fascinators embraced so enthusiastically in 2015 (Game of Thrones anyone?) are being taken to the next level with Melbourne florists working around the clock creating bespoke pieces for clients.

From simple and sweet garlands to bold and regal high crowns there are options to suit all styles. And there’s no danger of being caught wearing the same headpiece twice.

The fashion-forward will be stepping out in a brim. From preppy boater styles with jaunty ribbons to more eclectic downturned “lampshade” styles, proper hats are enjoying a return to favour.

Less is always more

Some trends are best left for the after party. If we’re lucky we won’t be seeing any bold cut outs, underwear as outerwear and latex couture (thanks Kim K) trackside.

No mean ‘feet’

It doesn’t matter if you are sipping Moet in a marquee or knocking back a Savvy B on the public lawn, a day at the races involves a lot of standing around and walking. Ladies who don’t want to be hobbling, or worse yet barefoot, by the main race will still be on trend in chunky block heels, mules, metallic loafers or quirky flats.

Suits are odds on

Unless you’re aiming for an appearance in that zany montage of racegoers at the end of the nightly TV news, the suit is the only real option for the guys. A well-tailored classic two piece in charcoal, grey or navy with crisp shirt in white, powder blue or pale pink and tie with a traditional pattern is always a winner, but race days also offer a chance to flirt with bold colour and mix-up the accessories.

Check out the blokes

This year’s best dressed punters will be sporting checks, with the window check favoured in classic two pieces or mismatched separates. The British style will be taken up a notch with the return of the waistcoat in single and double-breasted options. The boys used to have access to a cupboard full of ties but workplaces are far more casual than two decades ago. The skinny tie is on the way out for the races, but not quite back to kipper-size just yet.

Making a statement

In terms of spring racing carnival fashions, block colours are not just for the girls. The gents will shine this year in jewel tones such as emerald, ruby, sapphire and amethyst. If you really can’t stomach a suit, a sports jacket paired with a lighter coloured pair of trousers is also acceptable trackside attire. The gents are also giving the ladies a run for their money in the hat department. Panamas and fedoras were the titfer of choice in 2015, and this year the boater will join them.

Superstar Mare Tops The Billing On Guineas Day

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From the moment the final sirens sound in the weekend AFL and NRL Grand Finals, the Australian sporting psyche shifts to the track for the business end of the 2016 Spring Racing Carnival. While things wrap-up in NSW with this Saturday’s Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick, the serious spring racing is just cranking up south of the border, starting at Caulfield.

Guineas Day is for the purists. The racing is black-type from top to bottom, the stars of the turf are out in force and the yobbos and D-listers are still a week away from making their carnival debut. The 3yos take centre stage with the running of the Thousand Guineas and Caulfield Guineas. Cox Plate contenders will tune-up in the Caulfield Stakes while 13 of the country’s better milers will contest the Toorak Handicap.

Bias – what bias?

All three of Melbourne’s Spring Carnival venues feature vastly different layouts. The Caulfield track, operated by the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), is a triangular-shaped layout, comprising three straights with a total circumference of 2080 metres and a finishing straight of 367 metres. Track bias has been a persistent issue. Last season’s MRC Carnival was almost reduced to farce with the track rating vastly different on the back section (slow) compared to the home straight (good). So far, so good this spring, with the track racing evenly in the recent Memsie and Underwood Stakes meetings.

Watch the gate, mate

It’s absolutely crucial to consider the rail position and barrier draw for races over specific distances at Caulfield. There are just short chutes of 200m from both the 1400m and 1600m starts. If the rail is out more than 3m, it’s bloody tough for the backmarkers even if the track is favouring off-pace runners. In contrast, barrier draws aren’t terribly important from the sprint starts (1000m, 1100m and 1200m) or the 2000m start. We’ll talk about the 2400m start of the Caulfield Cup next week.

She’s back

Guineas Day marks the return to Melbourne of the undoubted superstar of Australian thoroughbred racing. 2015 Cox Plate winner and reigning horse of the year Winx hasn’t been defeated since running second to Gust Of Wind in the 2015 Australian Guineas at Randwick. She’s since won her past 11, all at Group level, taking her winnings north of AUD $7 million. Unfortunately, the 5yo mare is likely to face just two rivals in the G1 Caulfield Stakes, but that field will include Black Heart Bart as he shoots for a third Group 1 title for the spring.

Tosen targets Toorak

One of the more intriguing runners on the card is Japanese import Tosen Stardom. Now in the care of reigning premier trainer Darren Weir, the 5yo entry was being aimed at the Cox Plate, but a leg wound suffered while being floated to Sydney for a George Main Stakes battle against Winx forced Weir to scratch him. Weir is now setting Tosen Stardom for middle-distance features like Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) given the time lost to build his fitness base for the 2000m races. He’ll start on the top line of betting alongside Bon Aurum and He’s Our Rokkii.

Big fields, big interest

The nation’s best 3yo milers have turned out in force for the AUD $1 million Caulfield Guineas and AUD $500,000 Thousand Guineas for the fillies. A 14-horse field will contest the day’s feature where Impending for Team Godolphin remain a $4.40 favourite despite drawing gate 10. Hawkes Racing’s Divine Prophet ($4.80) and Kiwi colt Sacred Elixir at ($6.50) drew 1 and 7 respectively. Foxplay from the all-conquering Chris Waller stable will start a $2.60 top pick in the Thousand Guineas.

*All quoted odds in this article are from Caulfield Guineas sponsor, Ladbrokes.