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.

Cheltenham Day One

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Roll up roll up Cheltenham is finally back. After the devastation of last year opening day where Annie Power fell and a crazy amount of multiples went down the drain, punters will be hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself on Day one of the 2016 Cheltenham Festival.

Roll up Min, Douvan, Vroom Vroom Mag and Annie Power. This years “nailed on” multiple. We however are not entirely convinced. Min was smashed antepost from 100/1 down to 7/4 after demolishing a few low grade fields in Ireland. Annie Power has only been out once where she did the same, ran against two yaks and won at 1/20 with her head in her chest.

 

Douvan and Vroom Vroom Mag have strong credentials. Douvan is possibly the best jumps horse around currently, realistically so long he jumps, he wins. This is why the Coral 50/1 offer (even tho only for a £1) is a decent offer. Not got a Coral account? Now you have no excuse what so ever.

 

Vroom Vroom Mag runs in the egg and spoon grade one against the mares and from what we’ve seen she’ll just have to jump around to win also.

We firmly believe Min should be taken on, we just haven’t seen enough to suggest she’s a stone cold cert as the odds suggest. What to take her on with though? Thats the tough one. York hill has recently been well backed due to rumours Ruby Walsh might ride him, we find that hard to believe, but if he does that a massive indicator as to Min’s realistic chances in the race. The 11/2 currently available might not be around come the start of the day tomorrow. We will be looking to lay Min, just cant have it winning the Supreme, no sir.

The Arkle is a fascinating race, we firmly believe Douvan wins, but if there is any mistake or he doesn’t participate, Vaniteux is the obvious each way bet to nothing. Currently had 11/2 with Betway. We’ve had a good go each way at slightly bigger prices so, should Douvan win we make a tiny profit, but if he messes up somehow, Vaniteux should be there to pick up the pieces.

Cheeky each way accumulator:

YorkHill – Supreme  5/1William Hill

Vanitieux – Arkle 5/1 William Hill

The New One –  Champion Hurdle 6/1 William Hill

Pollypeachum – Mares 6/1 William Hill

£10 ew will return £250

LETS DO THIS

 

Maguire on this weekends game with the Roosters

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Rabbitohs Head Coach, Michael Maguire, says that the Roosters are the on-field benchmark in the competition ahead of this Friday’s Round 26, Ron Coote Cup clash at Allianz Stadium.

Maguire is expecting a fired up Roosters outfit when the two teams clash for the second time this season – the Roosters playing for a Minor Premiership while the Rabbitohs will be looking to finish as high as fourth with victory.

“(We’re) playing against a team in the Roosters that have been leading the way,” said Maguire of the Tricolours, who scored an impressive win over Manly in Round 25 despite being ravaged by injury.

“They’re shooting for records in how many wins they’ve won – I think it’s up to 13 or 14 or something like that.

“We know exactly what kind of team we’re going to expect, so it’s about what we do.”

In a message to Club Members yesterday (Tuesday), Maguire addressed rumours about his future at the Club and emphasised it again today to the Rugby League media by looking to the future at Redfern.

“I think there’s a lot of improvement in us as a Club on and off the field,” said Maguire.

“I really enjoy the fact that we’ve grown to where we’ve been, but there’s a lot more that we want to achieve in this Club.

“I’ve got a lot of people who have big visions of where we’re going and the Coaches, my staff, my players – they work extremely hard towards the things that we want to achieve.”

Rugby League: NRL Round 11 Preview

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In a shortened pre-Origin week only eight teams get to flex their considerable bulk.  For many of them however, they’ll be without their leaders, their talisman and their original representatives.  North Queensland are affected badly with the loss of Thurston, and the Broncos lose a handful of players, but every team loses at least one player apart from the Raiders.

There are also plenty of injury concerns in the Queensland camp, so look out for some late changes to the final 17’s.

Let’s take a closer look at the four Round 11 matchups:

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels

Rabbitohs – $1.47

Eels – $2.75

Greg Inglis and Will Hopoate are the two who miss out on Friday night’s opener due to origin.  It would be tidy to argue that the absences cancel each other out, but Inglis (even in his current patchy form) is a better footballer than Hopoate, thus is the bigger loss to his side.

Having said that, the Rabbitohs have the quality around the rest of the paddock to make it up.  Alex Johnston who was unlucky to miss out to Hopoate in the first instance will shift to fullback with Joel Reddy filling ion the wing.  In other team changes Jason Clark is back, and Michael Maguire has named a six strong bench, probably to assess Grevsmuh fitness after head knocks in his past two games.

John Folau gets a game on the wing for the Eels and Junior Paulo also returns via the interchange for the injured Isaac De Gois.

Souths were strong in the second half against the Storm last week, and although they miss Adam Reynolds dearly, will probably have too much quality for the plucky Eels.

As an aside, we’ll be surprised if Luke Kelly gets the kicking duties for Parramatta again.

Rabbitohs 1-12.

Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys

Tigers – $1.45

Cowboys – $2.75

The Cowboys form has been scintillating over the past few weeks.  A major reason for the surge has been Thurston (and James Tamou, and Matt Scott, and Michael Morgan), who leaves needing big Origin series, but also leaves his team in an almighty hole.

Solid but unspectacular names like Ray Thompson, Rory Kostjasyn, Glenn Hall and Kelepi Tanginoa help fill the void, if such a statement could even be contemplated.  Jason Taumalolo is rumoured to be close to a return in some positive news for Paul Green.

Ball playing will be the major problem for the Cowboys, which is completely unique to them in this match up given the undeniable skill of the Tigers’ halves pairing of Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses.  Robbie Farah is obviously a blow, but Jason Taylor has been gearing them up for this by resting the workhorse over the opening rounds.

Taking over from Farah is Dene Halatau, while Matt Lodge starts in the front row for Aaron Woods.

An Origin round is always worth an upset, so we’ll pick it for this one.  Tigers 1-12 (although it’s not a massive upset as they are favourites with the bookies).

Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Raiders – $1.45

Bulldogs – $2.75

The 2015 surprise packet Raiders will feel comfortable at home knowing they won’t face Hodkinson, Morris, Jackson and Klemmer on Sunday at GIO Stadium.  In contrasting situations, the Raiders are unchanged while the Bulldogs are badly Origin-affected.

That points to a Raiders win – leveraging off barnstorming recruits Iosia Soliola and Frank-Paul Nuuausala.  Throw Josh Papali (who was unlucky to miss out on selection too) and you have a damaging forward unit that should prove too much for the new look Bulldogs.  Especially if James Graham is scratched as he is expected to be.

The Raiders always bring the excitement, so expect plenty of points and a Raiders win by 13+.

Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos

Knights – $1.50

Broncos – $2.60

The relatively unaffected (Beau Scott the exception) Knights are expected to be too strong for the Broncos at home on Monday night.  Still without Jarrod Mullen the Knights’ superior home record is the reason behind their strong favouritism, but we think this will be anything but one-sided.

Yes, the Broncos lose so much grunt when Parker, Thaiday, Gillett, McQuire leave, and they lose x-factor when Boyd and Hodges join the Queensland camp.  However, their halves pairing that now have 10 rounds under their belt are unaffected.  Hunt and Milford (throw in Kahu too) have the makings to be a handy combination and can still win games on their own.

That’s what I am expecting them to do.  And by 13+ points too.

This Week’s Mutli

Head to Head @ $8.03

Margin @ $155.91

PGA Tour: Crowne Plaza Invitational Preview

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In the battle between the two wonder boys of Golf, 26 year old Rory McIlroy took the advantage last week with an impressive win at Quail Hollow which included a course record 61.  21 year old Jordan Spieth gets the opportunity to respond in his home State at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

Spieth is the odds on favourite to bounce back from a poor Players showing to get back in the winners circle and strike next in the individual duel that will define golf for the next 10 years.

The Course

The Fort Worth based Colonial Country Club is a challenging treat of doglegs and tight fairways.  The 7,204 yards par 70 course, opened in 1936 and began hosting PGA Tpur event just ten years later.  It has been as stop ever since, including hosting the US Open.  The Perry Maxwell and John Bredemus design has also welcomed LPGA Tour stars.  Mainly due its smaller length adding a layer of flexibility needed for women’s events.  Only two par 5’s may see scores a little higher than some PGA Tour weeks, especially with the Horrible Horseshoe stretch (3, 4, 5).

The Sound Bites

“I’ve changed equipment a little bit, and that’s taking a little while to straighten itself out and get to a comfortable spot” – Adam Scott’s looking for an explanation of his putting woes.  He ranks 196th in the PGA Tours putting statistic, strokes gained.

“I think it’s sandwiched between a couple of shirts, [I] kind of just hold it as if it’s the greatest trophy that I’ve ever had” – Jordan Spieth talks about his Masters trophy, room for another trophy in amongst those shirts?

The Defending Champion

Last year Adam Scott celebrated ascending to number 1 in the world with a playoff victory over Jason Dufner.  The Aussie made his move after trailing by two heading into the final day, and his 4-under 66 was enough to join Dufner in the playoff.  Scott played the three holes 2-under and cemented his place at the top of the world.  The win also saw Scott complete the “Texas Grand Slam”.  Scott’s at $29.00 to win against this year.

The Contenders*

Jordan Spieth – The local hero has some points to win in his personal duel with Rory so should be in contention.  The Masters champion also has two top-15 finishes in his last two starts at Colonial – $6.25

Jimmy Walker – Admittedly not in the best form but we like his overall consistency.  Second in the FedEx Cup standings an tied for 10th here las year.  Should go alright again this week – $19.00

Paul Casey – Casey’s enjoying an excellent season in the States, and has many people tipping him to do this week on a course where he’s played well before  – $26.00

Chris Kirk –  Incredibly Kirk has never finished outside the top 20.  If you’re in to you’re fantasy golf he’s an absolute must, otherwise if you just like the odd flutter send some love Kirk’s way – $31.00

Throw in the likes of Ryan Palmer, John Senden and Zach Johnson and it’s a pretty handy field.

*Odds from Luxbet.

The Winner

Kirk’s record here is superb, and although he finished poorly at The Players he should bounce back this week.

Cricket: New Zealand v England 1st Test Preview

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English cricket fans are desperate for some good news.  Their National cricket team is without a coach, is embroiled in a long-winding and tiresome war of words with Kevin Pieterson, and suffered an embarrassing recent loss to a West Indies team their new Chairman Colin Graves labelled ‘mediocre’.  Thus the fans need a distraction that can only be delivered in the form of a test and series win against New Zealand.

Their New Zealand opponents are on an upward curve.  After a promising home series against Sri Lanka and a World Cup campaign that set the nation alight, New Zealand have moved to third in the test rankings and will no longer fly under any world cricket radar.

The opening bowling pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult is arguable the strongest facet of their game, but with Kane Williamson, and Brendon McCullum in the middle order, runs might not be a problem for the first time in an away Northern Hemisphere tour.

They have concerns over the form of Ross Taylor (he’s failed to get past 32 in four warmup innings thus far), and their preparation has been slightly scuppered by the late arrival of IPL stars.  But they should still be competitive throughout.

The Last Time These Two Met

The Black Caps were pretty ropey the last time they played in England.  In a test series immediately after a drawn series in New Zealand, the tourists fell to two hefty defeats at Lords and Hedgingly.  The most disappointing aspect of the tour was the final innings effort at Lords where New Zealand fell over for 68 when chasing 239 for the win – perhaps the Lords slope will be cause for concern for the batsman again.  New Zealand’s bowling was on song for most of the series, however their batsman let them down badly.

Of more recent form, New Zealand beat Sri Lanka at home in their most recent series, while the English tied a series in the West Indies – much to the disappointed of their fans.

The Teams

England (likely): 1 Alastair Cook (capt), 2 Adam Lyth, 3 Gary Ballance, 4 Ian Bell, 5 Joe Root, 6 Moeen Ali, 7 Ben Stokes, 8 Jos Buttler (wk), 9 Mark Wood, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James Anderson

Adam Lyth and Mark Wood are expected to debut in the series opener.

New Zealand (likely): 1 Tom Latham, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Brendon McCullum (capt), 6 Corey Anderson, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mark Craig, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult

As is Matt Henry for New Zealand.

The Key Players

James Anderson – Some have already labelled the series a battle between New Zealand and Anderson.  England’s one true match-winner simply gets the job done series after series.  He is deadly at home too and, after having worked himself into some form at the end of the West Indies series, shapes as the key foil to a New Zealand series win.

Kane Williamson – Don’t be fooled by New Zealand’s climb to third in the test match rankings or their dream run to the World Cup Final in April, their batsman will struggle in England.  The ball will swing and the ball will seam, and England have to bowlers to exploit both.  That puts the onus on the techniques of the New Zealand batsman and there are none better than Williamson.  Williamson’s straight bat is the best defence to the moving ball and with plenty of English conditions experience with Yorkshire should be able to improve on his modest record in England.  Expect a big series from the little man.

The Match Odds*

England – $2.32

New Zealand – $2.80

Draw – $2.95

*Courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.

The Prediction

Great odds all round if you’re confident which way this one will go.  Always factor in the rain in English hosted test matches but also consider the movement on offer could equate to a lot of wickets falling early in the test (only two of the past 8 test have been drawn at Lords).  So we’re thinking result, and we’ll go with England courtesy of their superior home record.

The Best Bets

BJ Watling to top score at $10.00 is sensational money.  In great nick in the warm up games, and barring any spectacular collapses won’t face a new ball until the second is on offer and he’s well settled.

Matt Henry is likely to grab the third seamer spot and he might just surprise a few people.  More into the pitch then Boult and Southee he may enjoy bowling into the slope.  He’s at $4.33 to lead the wicket-takers in the 1st Innings.

European Tour: BMW PGA Championship Preview

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The European Tour’s biggest event (on English soil) gets underway this week on the prestigious and famed Wentworth West Course.  The BMW PGA Championship always attracts a quality field and 2015 is no different.  Plenty of Race to Dubai points on offer, plenty of money, and plenty of peer adulation if players can get a win here.  Especially with Rory in the field.

The Course

Opened in 1926, the Harry Colt designed Wentworth West Course is a 7302 yard, par 73 classic. Set in healthy woodland it is one of the most beautiful natural settings of a golf course, mixing pine; oak and birch to create an attractive and tricky course in all seasons.

Despite being modernised by Ernie Eels in 2005 and 2012 the course has give up two course record 62s in recent times.  Robert Karlsson achieved the feat in the 3rd round of the BMW PGA Championship in 2010, and Thomas Bjorn went equally low in the first round last year.

The Sound Bites

“I practiced a lot in February and March, just to prepare for the Masters, and I probably did a little too much” – A novel excuse from Martin Kaymer to explain his disappointing recent form.

“This would be very special for me to add this one – call it a bucket-list tournament. Outside of the Major Championships, I can’t think of a tournament I’d like to win more than this one” – Justin Rose is putting a wee bit of pressure on himself to win this week.

The Defending Champion

Rory McIlroy stunned the field last year with a final round 66 to win by a single stroke from friend Shane Lowry.  Rory’s 14-under par total was particularly surprising not because of his standing in world golf, but because of his emotional standing after splitting from finance Caroline Wozniaki just days before the tournament.

McIlroy removed any doubts with his final round comeback win, in easily his best performance on the Wentworth West course.

The Contenders*

Rory McIlroy – Hasn’t finished outside the top ten in any Race to Dubai qualifying events this year.  Won last week with a devastating performance at Quail Hollow.  Oh, and he’s the defending champion – $4.00

Justin Rose – Enjoys a solid ranking in the Race to Dubai (currently 3rd) on the back of his tie for 2nd in the Masters.  Consistent ball striker who minimises mistakes and learns golf courses quicker than most.  Almost always in contention – $9.00

Martin Kaymer – 24th in Race to Dubai.  Two top fives in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Abu Dhabi HSBS Golf Championship on the European Tour this season.  A little shaky of late bit could come good –   $26.00

Jaime Donaldson – Only 49th in Race to Dubai but tied for 8th in his last start at The Players Championship.  The big Welshman could surprise – $26.00

Brooks Koepka – Koepka’s an interesting case.  Very few Americans split their schedule between the tours but a measure of his determination to improve his game sees him regularly compete in Europe to increase his exposure to new courses and conditions.  He’s 39th in Race to Dubai on the back of a win in the Turkish Airlines Open in November, which he then backed up with a win on American soil at the Waste Management Phoenix Open – $51.00

*Odds taken from Betstar

The Winner

It seems foolish to tip against Rory, but he hasn’t always played this course well and is due a week off from the winners circle.   We haven’t included him in our contenders but we like the look of Danny Willet and Brooks Koepka.