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.

Musselburgh Friday Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The main horse racing action in the UK on Friday is the All-Weather Championship meeting at Lingfield which we have reviewed separately. There is also a good quality turf meeting at Musselburgh, only the second after Doncaster’s two-day Lincoln meeting last weekend.

The card includes the veteran sprinter Borderlescott attempting to win the race named after him at 3.30. Rebecca Bastiman’s tough gelding is now thirteen years of age but still showing plenty of dash. He was only beaten a nose in this race last year by Smoothtalkinrascal but the rain-softened ground is likely to count against him on Friday.

He is joined in the field by another former Goodwood Stewards’ Cup winner in Hawkeyethenoo but he probably needs further than this five furlongs these days. The race should be fought out between Blaine and Robot Boy who are closely matched on last season’s form. Kevin Ryan had Astaire in pretty good shape for the Cammidge Trophy last week so I’m guessing that Blaine won’t be far off his best here.

By far the most competitive race on the card is the Royal Mile at 2.55. This race has attracted some really promising three-year-olds and it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds. It usually pays to keep an eye on these good quality handicaps at this time of year and I would be very surprised if there aren’t half a dozen future winners in the race.

Mister Universe and Tom Hark were both involved in races featuring subsequent Dewhurst Stakes winner Elm Park last season. The latter actually had Andrew Balding’s colt behind him at Sandown, although that was obviously flattering. He won his maiden in good style and has to be respected. Richard Fahey has his team in great form for the start of the season and both of his runners look useful. Arcano Gold and Spring Offensive both look capable of winning nice races this summer.

Fahey was particularly enthusiastic about York runner-up Spring Offensive and he is just preferred. You can never discard William Haggas runners in handicaps so it would be no surprise if Tadqeeq improves considerably on his all-weather form while Berland is another to note for the future.

Gordon Elliott will have one eye on the Grand National and Cause Of Causes at present but he sends over Bayan for the Balmoral Cup. This horse won the valuable Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot over hurdles but is pretty useful on the flat as well and the booking of Paul Hanagan looks significant,

Bayan 2.25 @5-1 Betfair

Spring Offensive 2.55 @6-1 Betfair

Blaine 3.30 @2-1 Ladbrokes

NRL Telstra Premiership Round 5 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

After a mixed round of predictions last week, we bring you our NRL Telstra Premiership Round 5 Preview hoping for a perfect 8.  Check out the rounds matches and teams below:

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Bulldogs $2.30

Rabbitohs $1.57

 

Both teams sitting inside the top 4 (Rabbitohs 3rd & Doggies 4th) we should see a physical match up with both sides harboring very big packs and quality spread throughout the ranks. The Rabbitohs will need to their head back in the game after being out-played by the Eels last weekend, the Doggies winning in golden point after a grinding 80 should have them ready for the Rabbitohs backlash. Rabbitohs 1-12.

 

Bulldogs

1 Brett Morris 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Tim Lafai 5 Sam Perrett 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham (c)
11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood

Interchange
14 Sam Kasiano 15 David Klemmer 16 Frank Pritchard 17 Tim Browne 18 Moses Mbye 19 Corey Thompson

Rabbitohs

1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Alex Johnston 3 Daryl Millard 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Joel Reddy 6 Luke Keary 7 Adam Reynolds 8 George Burgess 9 Issac Luke 10 Dave Tyrrell       11 Glenn Stewart 12 Chris McQueen 13 Tim Grant

Interchange
14 Cameron McInnes 15 Ben Lowe 16 Chris Grevsmuhl 17 Thomas Burgess 18 Jason Clarke 19 Nathan Brown
Gold Coast Titan v Brisbane Broncos

Titans $2.40

Broncos $1.52

 

Both teams coming off hard fought wins in round 4, the Broncos appearing to be the stronger looking side in the campaign so far. Brisbane stalwart Justin Hodges is out with a hamstring issue however Dale Copley will have plenty of support as he fills he place. Nate Myles leads his team with an impressive forward pack support in Dave Taylor and Greg Bird; we should see a very even match with both teams squaring up across the park. The Titans need to clean their discipline up if they want to stay in the match as Corey Parker is sure from anywhere inside his range. Broncos 1-12.

 

Titans

1 Josh Hoffman 2 Anthony Don 3 James Roberts 4 William Zillman 5 David Mead 6 Aidan Sezer 7 Kane Elgey 8 Luke Douglas 9 Kierran Moseley 10 Nate Myles (c)
11 Ryan James 12 Dave Taylor 13 Greg Bird

Interchange
14 Eddy Pettybourne 15 Agnatius Paasi 16 Ryan Simpkins 17 Matt Srama 18 Matt White 19 Lachlan Burr

 

Broncos

1 Jordan Kahu 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 4 Dale Copley 5 Lachlan Maranta 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Sam Thaiday   11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett13 Corey Parker

Interchange
14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Mitch Garbutt 16 Mitchell Dodds 17 Kodi Nikorima
18 Francis Molo

 

Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders

Sea Eagles $1.55

Raiders $2.35

 

The Raiders are on a run of 3 consecutive defeats and the Sea Eagles a grinding win from round 4. The Sea Eagles season marred by speculation of player movement and injuries to key personnel however halves Cherry-Evans and Foran are keeping the wheels rolling. Without Jamie Lyon the Sea Eagles tend to struggle in the goal kicking department so they will focus on crossing the white wash rather than taking points. The Raiders were woeful last weekend and the Sea Eagles are trying to get back on board so expect to see a close game. Sea Eagles to pull through 1-12.

 

Sea Eagles

1 Brett Stewart 2 Cheyse Blair 3 Brayden Wiliame 4 Steve Matai 5 Peta Hiku 6 Kieran Foran 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Luke Burgess 9 Matt Ballin 10 Willie Mason
11 Jamie Buhrer 12 Tom Symonds 13 Dunamis Lui

Interchange
14 Jesse Sene-Lefao 15 Jake Trbojevic 16 Justin Horo 17 Ligi Sao 18 James Hasson

 

Raiders

1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Jeremy Hawkins 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Blake Austin 7 Sam Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Dane Tilse
11 Jarrad Kennedy 12 Iosia Soliola 13 Shaun Fensom

Interchange
14 Glen Buttriss 15 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 16 Paul Vaughan 17 Mark Nicholls

 

Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons

Knights $1.42

Dragons $2.70

 

Both teams playing for the inaugural Alex McKinnon cup which will surely inspire and motivate both sides. The Knights will welcome Tariq Sims for his debut and the Dragons remain unchanged. Both teams coming off solid wins last week and the Knights looking the more convincing with their win and their physical approach to nullify the Penrith halves last weekend will have the Dragons cautious. Knights will be too strong, 13+ Knights

 

Knights

1 Kurt Gidley (c) 2 James McManus 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Adam Clydsdale                     10 David Fa’alogo 11 Beau Scott 12 Tariq Sims 13 Jeremy Smith

Interchange
14 Tyler Randell 15 Chris Houston 16 Paterika Vaivai 17 Jack Stockwell 18 Sione Mata’utia

 

Dragons

1 Josh Dugan 2 Etonia Nabuli 3 Euan Aitken 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Mike Cooper 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson13 Trent Merrin

Interchange
14 George Rose 15 Jack de Belin 16 Jake Marketo 17 Heath L’Estrange 20 Rory O’Brien

 

Sydney City Roosters v Cronulla Sharks

Roosters $1.16

Sharks $4.75

 

Two confrontational packs with the likes of Paul Gallen, Wade Graham, Michael Ennis & the Fifita brothers up against Aidan Guerra, Boyd Cordner, Sam Moa & Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Winning the collision and the hard yards will decide this match, expect fireworks and some red mst.

For the Roosters halves Maloney and Pearce are in fine form and with a pack going forward will put many points on any team. For the Sharks Gallen and Ennis will be crucial to keeping a lid on the game and their workman like play could be key to keeping the Sharks alive. Aslong as the Roosters keep their foot on the pedal and don’t blow over when niggled we should see the Roosters 13+

 

Roosters

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Michael Jennings 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5 Nene Macdonald 6 James Maloney 7 Mitchell Pearce (c)                                          8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Matt McIlwrick 10 Sam Moa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange
14 Mitchell Aubusson 15 Dylan Napa 16 Kane Evans 17 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 18 Willie Manu 19 Lagi Setu

 

Sharks

1 Valentine Holmes 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Gerard Beale 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Michael Gordon 6 Jack Bird7 Jeff Robson 8 Matt Prior 9 Michael Ennis 10 Chris Heighington
11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen (c)

Interchange
14 Jayson Bukuya 15 Anthony Tupou 16 Andrew Fifita 17 David Fifita

 

Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers

Eels $1.75

Tigers $2.00

 

Both teams looking in good form and not afraid to run the ball, an Easter Monday fixture on the cards has an exciting prospect to it.

For the Eels an unexpected and impressive win against the Roosters last weekend will see them full of confidence to go back to back. The Tigers seeing the return of Aaron Woods and Dene Halatua from injury. Tigers halfback Luke Brooks had a good game last week and did look confident, his consistency is what often plagues the young half. Hopefully his form continues as this would certainly add fuel to a juicy fixture. The Eels confidence and form should carry through to this fixture to shut out the Tigers, Eels 1-12.

 

Eels

1 Will Hopoate 2 Bureta Faraimo 3 Ryan Morgan 4 John Folau 5 Reece Robinson 6 Corey Norman 7 Chris Sandow 8 Darcy Lussick 9 Nathan Peats                             10 Tim Mannah (c) 11 Manu Ma’u 12 Tepai Moeroa 13 Anthony Watmough

Interchange
14 Isaac De Gois 15 Joseph Paulo 16 David Gower 17 Danny Wicks 18 Peni Terepo

 

Wests Tigers

1 James Tedesco 2 Kevin Naiqama 3 Tim Simona 4 Chris Lawrence 5 Pat Richards 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah (c)                       10 Keith Galloway 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Kyle Lovett 13 Martin Tapau

Interchange
14 Dene Halatau 15 Ava Seumanufagai 16 Jack Buchanan 17 Sauaso Sue 18 Brenden Santi

 

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors

Storm $1.42

Warriors $2.70

 

The Storm host the Warriors at AAMI Park, traditionally the Warriors are the Storms bogey team and with returning son Ryan Hoffman now with the Warriors should add more excitement to this fixture. For the Warriors they need to be playing for 80 minutes, last week they were guilty of leaking tries early on and poor kick return defense. Johnson sparked midway through the game but he and Townsend need to complement each other and control their games, their pack will charge all night but they also need to control the urge to offload early in the set. Melbourne will look at Cronk and Smith to control play and much like the Warriors the Storm pack will be running hard to put Cronk and Smith on the front foot where they’re most dangerous. Storm offer a more complete game, it will be tight but the Storm will take it by 1-12.

 

Storm

1 Billy Slater 2 Young Tonumaipea 3 Will Chambers 4 Kurt Mann 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c)           10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange
14 Ryan Hinchcliffe 15 Tim Glasby 16 Dayne Weston 17 Felise Kaufusi 18 Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 19 Hymel Hunt

 

Warriors

1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 Jonathan Wright 3 Ngani Laumape 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Chad Townsend 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Thomas Leuluai 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Simon Mannering (c)

Interchange
14 Nathan Friend 15 Sebastine Ikahihifo 16 Sam Lisone 17 Albert Vete 18 Sione Lousi

 

Penrith Panthers v North Queensland Cowboys

Panthers $1.50

Cowboys $2.45

 

Panthers are on a two game losing streak and come up against a Cowboys who look to have found some good form. The Cowboys will look to their pack again to lead the charge after impressive displays this year putting the likes of Thurston, Coote, and Morgan on the front foot to do some damage. The Panthers will need to muscle up against this hard running Cowboys outfit and the return of James Segeyaro should help with the hooker full of energy and exciting runs surely to catch the Cowboys pack napping. Whare and Idris combination should provide some supremacy for the Panthers but ultimately the Cowboys form and the packs confidence looks too good for this fixture. Cowboys 1-12

 

Panthers

1 Matt Moylan 2 Josh Mansour 3 Dean Whare 4 Jamal Idris 5 Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6 Isaac John 7 Peter Wallace (c) 8 Sam McKendry 9 James Segeyaro               10 Jeremy Latimore 11 Sika Manu 12 Isaah Yeo 13 Elijah Taylor

Interchange
14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Nigel Plum 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Bryce Cartwright 18 Apisai Koroisau

 

Cowboys

1 Lachlan Coote 2 Matthew Wright 3 Tautau Moga4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c)                   9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange
14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 Kelepi Tanginoa 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 18 John Asiata 19 Justin O’Neill

Super Rugby Round 8 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Super Rugby Round 8 Preview

With few upsets in last weekends Super Rugby, round 8 should follow suit with some exciting local derbies that could go either. The Crusaders thrashed in round 7 by a powerful looking Bulls side now face a Sharks outfit missing Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn.

 

Hurricanes v Stormers

 

Hurricanes $1.27

Stormers $3.50

The Hurricanes are playing their finest rugby since Super Rugby started, the only remaining unbeaten side in the competition. It is a big ask for the Stormers who were physically beaten by the Highlanders last weekend to show up in Wellington and put on a mighty performance to put an end to the Hurricanes reign. At home and in fine form the Hurricanes will be too strong, Hurricanes 13+

 

Rebels v Reds

 

Rebels $1.62

Reds $2.60

Both teams letting last week’s fixtures get away from them through ill discipline and momentary lapses of judgment or concentration. The Red’s see disgraced rugby league convert Karmichael Hunt returning to the bench who could support Quade Cooper’s style of play. The Reds scrum is looking strong however the consistency of the backline is questionable; the Rebels will hold their own in the scrum battle and will possess a better quality of rugby union players in the backline, Rebels by 1-12

 

Chiefs v Blues

 

Chiefs $1.25

Blues $3.70

The Blues are in the worst draught on the clubs history, winless after 7 rounds of rugby. With recent news that All Black Charles Piatau will leave Auckland & New Zealand in 2016 for Ulster this may inspire the Blues. The Chiefs have played consistently during the season apart from the ugly loss vs the Sharks. The men south of the Bombay hills will be too strong across the pitch however being a local derby we shouldn’t see the Chiefs romp to victory, Chiefs 1-12

 

Brumbies v Cheetahs

 

Brumbies $1.11

Cheetahs $5.75

The Brumbies come off the bye week against a touring side that were thrashed by the Crusaders 2 weekends ago but showed some attacking flare and backbone against the Chiefs in a high scoring match where the Chiefs ran away with the game . The Brumbies will want to keep the game at their pace as the Cheetahs are renowned counter attackers with some very quick men and a complete package of Willie le Roux at full back. A fresh face Brumbies will struggle to adjust to the Cheetahs style of play early on but should be too good, often an 80 minute team, Brumbies by 1-12.

 

Lions v Bulls

 

Lions $2.20

Bulls $1.62

The Bulls mauled the Crusaders last weekend in an impressive display of physicality and running rugby. The Lions pipped the Reds by 1 point showing they can play for 80 minutes. The Lions will really have to muscle up at scrum time and at the breakdown to compete here, the Bulls are looking very dangerous and will look to continue the momentum. Bulls 13+

 

Sharks v Crusaders

 

Sharks $1.70

Crusaders $2.05

The Sharks were their own worst enemy  in a dour match last weekend against the Force fortunately still coming away with the victory. Franz Steyn has been banned for 5 weeks after SANZAR appealed his “not guilty” verdict on spearing Chiefs #10 Aaron Cruden 2 weekends ago. With Bismarck and Steyn missing through suspension the Sharks could be ripe for the picking especially with the Crusaders being humiliated last weekend at the hands of the Bulls. Crusaders 1-12

Premier League Darts – Week 9: Manchester Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Two players are set to be chopped from Premier League Darts 2015 following this round of fixtures, but who will pull out a big performance at the Phone 4u Arena in Manchester on Thursday?

I correctly predicted four of the five results last week – so well done if you got in on that – and there’s some more predictions for each match again below.

Relegation: as it stands

While bottom-of-the-table, Kim Huybrechts, still has a mathematical chance of survival, he will require a convincing win over Stephen Bunting, while hoping that Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld both suffer defeats. It seems, therefore, that the Belgian’s debut season in the Premier League looks set to come to a premature end.

With Huybrechts likely to be a goner, that leaves one remaining relegation spot, with Stephen Bunting, Peter Wright, Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis all still in danger – the latter of whom currently occupies the dreaded position.

What is inevitable, though, is that it will all come down to the final match of the night in Manchester – as seventh-place Peter Wright takes on ninth-place Adrian Lewis, in what could prove to be a relegation play-off.

# Name Pld W D L +/- Pts
1  Michael van Gerwen 8 6 2 0 +23 14
2  Gary Anderson 8 6 0 2 +14 12
3  Dave Chisnall 8 5 1 2 +14 11
4  James Wade 8 3 3 2 +8 9
5  Phil Taylor 8 4 1 3 +7 9
6  Stephen Bunting 8 2 2 4 −8 6
7  Peter Wright 8 1 4 3 –14 6
8  Raymond van Barneveld 8 2 1 5 -13 5
9  Adrian Lewis 8 1 3 4 -14 5
10  Kim Huybrechts 8 1 1 6 −17 3

Michael van Gerwen v James Wade

The league leader looks unstoppable at the moment, and remains unbeaten this season. But he faces a formidable opponent in fourth-place, James Wade, who hasn’t lost any of his last three.

Verdict: Michael van Gerwen win – 8/15 at Stan James

Stephen Bunting v Kim Huybrechts

Huybrechts needs a win and some favourable results to stand any chance of staying in the competition, while Bunting also needs a point to ensure his own safety.

Despite losing 7-4 to Gary Anderson last week, Bunting has impressed in his debut Premier League Darts season. Huybrechts has also put in some strong showings, but has often buckled when it comes to hitting doubles at important moments.

Verdict: Stephen Bunting win – 7/5 at Boylesports

Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld

It’s been a disappointing season for Barney, who, don’t forget is the reigning champion. Indeed, a win is a must for the Dutchman here – if he suffers another defeat here, he’ll have to wait and hope until the last game of the night that Adrian Lewis doesn’t beat Peter Wright, which would cause a shock relegation for Barney.

Anderson, too, will be a very tough opponent for van Barneveld, with the Scot second in table after consistently strong showings this season.

Verdict: Draw – 10/3 at bet365 or Betfred

Phil Taylor v Dave Chisnall

Chisnall returned to winning ways last week with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Adrian Lewis. That result left Chissy in third-place and he’ll be hoping for a victory over The Power in order to create a real cushion in the play-off places.

Taylor will be disappointed with his current position of fifth, but you’d have to fancy him to have the class to dispose of Chisnall here to get back in the play-off spots.

Verdict: Phil Taylor win – 4/7 at BetVictor or Stan James

Adrian Lewis v Peter Wright

In the big match of the night, Adrian Lewis takes on Peter Wright in what could well end up being a relegation face-off.

Lewis could stay up if he draws and Barney loses, but he’ll want to take no chances with that. However, if van Barneveld does indeed win, then this match will see the winner survive and the loser relegated. What a finale it should be.

Verdict: Peter Wright win – 7/4 at 888sport or Coral

Grand National 2015 – Aintree News Update

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Aintree Grand National is less than two weeks away now and the bookmakers are bracing themselves for a massive gamble on Tony McCoy’s expected mount, Shutthefrontdoor. We forecast this over a month ago and recommended taking the 20-1 about last year’s Irish National winner. He is now as short as 6-1 in places, generally 7-1.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill has been sending out mixed signals, understandably starting to feel the pressure of supplying McCoy’s final ride in the race. There have been heavy hints that the champion jockey will call time immediately on his riding career if he passes the post in front on April 11th.

All three of our other recommended each-way bets remain in contention. Spring Heeled and Cause Of Causes are both now 20-1 from 33-1 while Monbeg Dude remains 33-1 after a poor prep run. Soft ground may improve the chances of Monbeg Dude, otherwise we may see him drift further in the betting.

Rocky Creek spearheads the Paul Nicholls runners and he could be joined by Unioniste, Rebel Rebellion and Mon Parrain. Last year’s runner-up Balthazar King is certain to be popular having by-passed Cheltenham this year in an attempt to go one better.

Aidan Coleman has been booked to ride the well-fancied The Druids Nephew after both Barry Geraghty and Davy Russell were ruled out through injury. It would be poetic justice for Coleman were he to pick up a spare ride and win the race, having chosen the wrong horse when Mon Mome won at 100-1 in 2009 under Liam Treadwell.

Alvarado will be bidding to continue the extraordinary run of the Rucker family who have been placed in the last six Grand Nationals, all ridden by Paul Moloney. He has had only one race since finishing fourth last year and is currently a top price of 25-1 with Coral.

I am surprised that both Lord Windermere and Many Clouds are heading to Aintree after running poorly in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Leighton Aspell has been claimed to ride Many Clouds for Oliver Sherwood, leaving Daryl Jacob to take the ride on last year’s winner Pineau De Re. Lord Windermere ran a lifeless race at the festival and is burdened with top weight here with Robbie McNamara taking the ride.

Nina Carberry will ride First Lieutenant for Mouse Morris in a bid to become the first lady jockey to win the race. Katie Walsh has come closest so far, finishing third on Seabass in 2012.

Several firms are already offering five places in the National for each-way betting. They are: Bet365, Skybet, Boylesports, BetVictor, Paddy Power, 888Sport, Betfair and 32Red.

Irish Grand National Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Forty-five horses remain in contention for the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. They include ante-post favourite Gallant Oscar, although connections are still hoping that the nine-year-old sneaks into the Aintree line-up.

Tony Martin’s gelding is currently down at number 57 in the entries so needs another 17 to drop out. He is favourite on the basis of a fine staying-on third behind The Druids Nephew at the Cheltenham festival last month. The winner is now a leading fancy for Aintree so Gallant Oscar will have plenty of supporters if he runs in Ireland.

He had previously finished fourth in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park behind Gold Cup runner-up Djakadam and is only slightly higher in the handicap. The going is expected to be soft and those conditions suit him perfectly. If you’re backing him, make sure that your bookmaker is offering Non-runner – no bet terms.

Grand Jesture, just ahead of Gallant Oscar at Cheltenham, is also a leading fancy for Henry De Bromhead. He finished down the field in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown in December but put in a fine display of jumping at the festival. He has finished fourth, second and first here on his previous visits and could still be improving at the age of seven.

Embracing Change has won his last four races including the Grand National Trial at Punchestown. He was eased in the closing stages when accounting for Portrait King by a length and a half but the handicapper has put him up 13lbs.

Los Amigos beat Grand Jesture here in 2013 and is better off at the weights on Monday. This looks to have been the target all season for the son of Overbury who beat Lion Na Bearnai here in January. He was trying to give Gallant Oscar 11lbs when beaten three and a quarter lengths at Naas in the Leinster National last March. An 8lbs pull should bring them closer together.

Tony McCoy will be riding in Ireland for the last time and could partner the novice If In Doubt. McCoy had to be at his best to steer this one home in the Great Yorkshire Chase and he ran respectably in the RSA Chase behind Don Poli. He still does not look the most natural of jumpers and that cannot be a good thing in such a large field.

There has been plenty of ante-post support for Vics Canvas despite his advancing years. The 12-year-old son of Old Vic was a fine third to Living Next Door in the Paddy Power Chase in December but he has been well beaten on both previous visits to Fairyhouse. Wounded Warrior looks set to carry top weight after finishing third to Don Poli at Cheltenham but this looks a difficult task for a six-year-old.

Gallant Oscar @10-1 Boylesports* Non-runner – No bet

Grand Jesture @14-1 Bet365

Los Amigos @16-1 Bet365

Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3,4