Online Betting Pro, Author at Free Bets And Sports News.

March Madness Betting Begins: First Round Picks and Futures Predictions

Posted on 2017-03-14 by Online Betting Pro

The most frenzied betting period in the US sporting calendar begins this week and there are several intriguing clashes to look forward to as college basketball’s finest teams go all out to win the NCAA Championship. March Madness begins with the First Four, a series of four games that whittles the pool down from 68 teams to 64. Then a round robin style tournament starts, with 64 becoming 32, then 16 and so on until the best two teams compete in the final.

First Four

This is similar to the wildcard round in the NFL playoffs and features the four lowest ranked at-large teams and the lowest automatic bid teams. There are four games and the winners progress to the First Round, while the losers go home. This year the fixtures are New Orleans v Mt St Mary’s; Wake Forest v Kansas State; NC Central v UC Davis; and Providence v USC. These games are hard to call, but New Orleans should beat Mt St Mary’s and the 5/6 on offer at Ladbrokes looks good. NC Central was superb in winning its three games by an average of 23.7 points in the MEAC Tournament and they can be confident of beating UC Davis. You can get 5/9 with Bet365, but for more value go NC Central -4 at 10/11 with Bet365. Providence v USC looks close but USC should shade it (4/6 with Bet365), while the 10/11 Coral has on Wake Forest beating Kansas State looks risky but interesting.

First Round

The First Round starts on Thursday and this is where the real excitement begins. With the First Four out of the way, all the remaining teams in March Madness go into a knockout tournament, and by the end of this round, only 32 will be left standing. You can expect Villanova, Kansas, SMU and UCLA to instantly knock out the teams that progress from the First Four. Highly rated teams Gonzaga, Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Kentucky and Arizona should also win their games pretty comfortably. That sounds like an interesting 10-team accumulator right there.

Elsewhere the 10th seeded Wichita State Shockers play the 7th seeded Dayton Flyers and should win that one at 4/11 with Bet365 as the Shockers have looked very dominant in recent weeks. The Wisconsin Badgers are 4/9 with Bet Victor to beat Virginia Tech and should pull it off as you would expect seniors Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig to prove too strong for the inexperienced Virginia Tech. A tight looking game sees Vanderbilt face Northwestern, and the 10/11 on Northwestern +1 at Bet365 looks good. Another trendy upset pick is Rhode Island to beat Creighton. Rhode Island won the A-10 Championship with a 70-63 victory over the VCU and has a strong defensive record along with excellent three-pointer stats. Creighton lost four of their last six games and struggled offensively, so Rhode Island could shut them out for large periods, and Rhode Island +1 looks interesting at 20/21 with Ladbrokes.

Futures

Select committee chairman Mark Hollis has declared that this year’s March Madness bracket is the most competitive he has ever seen, and experts are divided over who will seize the crown. The NC Tar Heels have been made 15/2 favourite with Betway, followed by Kansas (17/2 with Bet365), Gonzaga (9/1 with William Hill), Villanova (9/1 with Betway), Duke (10/1 with Bet Victor), Kentucky (11/1 with Bet365) and Arizona (14/1 with William Hill). It is very close and congested, emphasising Hollis’ point. Villanova has been made the overall top seed and the defending champion looks a good bet at 9/1. But the team with real momentum is Kansas and they look a great option at 17/2. Pre-season favourite Duke has secured a comfortable draw and can go far, while Arizona is a great longer shot at 14/1. To make things really interesting, you could back Kansas, Villanova, Duke and Arizona and if any come in you would still be well in profit. If you had to go for just one, Kansas is the team to beat.

Ladies Take Centre Stage Of Day 2 Of The Festival

Posted on 2017-03-14 by Online Betting Pro

It’s only appropriate that Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon AKA Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is honoured on the second day of The Festival at Cheltenham. The Grade 1 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase is the feature race on Ladies Day. In 1980, the National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase was renamed in the Queen Mother’s honour as she celebrated her 80th birthday. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of 3219 metres with runners facing 12 fences. The race was famously taken out, for the second time, but Sprinter Sacre in 2016. The third highest rated steeplechaser of the modern era, the French-bred, British trained 10yo returned from a series of health and injury problems to score a famous victory before he was retired.

Douvan a Deserved Top Pick

Douvan won the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy on the opening day of The Festival in 2016 and will start at a similarly prohibitive price in this year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase. He is unbeaten in 13 starts for Willie Mullins, including a pair of victories at The Festival after his debut win in the 2015 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The Susannah Ricci-owned seven-year-old is the 2/7 ($1.28) favourite with race sponsor Betway. The only one rated a serious threat to Douvan is Fox Norton ($8 with Paddy Power). The seven-year-old made an eye-catching debut for Colin Tizzar when landing the Shloer Chase at Prestbury Park in November, but was then sidelined by injury for three months. He proved no match for Altior on his comeback run in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, but connections are confident he will raise his game at the Festival.

Neon Wolf Set to Shine

Our best of the day comes up in the opening race of the day – the £125,000 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 5f). Neon Wolf (Harry Fry) will run here after connections decided to skip the Supreme on day 1 with conditions set to improve for day 2. Fry’s youngster has been hugely impressive on his three starts to date, completing his hat-trick with a stunning display in a Supreme Trial at a frigid Haydock in January. Trainer Enda Bolger and owner J P McManus have teamed up to win the £65,000 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3m 6f) on five occasions and the trainer/owner combination has five contenders this year, including course winner Cantlow and Auvergnat, a winner over Punchestown’s banks course on February 5. Although he’s a 12yo, Cantlow has been lightly raced throughout his career and makes a sensible top pick at $3.75 with Coral.

Bumper Attracts Huge Field

Our best roughie for day 2 is in the last race on Ladies’ Day – the £75,000 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1 over 2m ½f), which the most prestigious flat race on the National Hunt calendar. Always a great race to watch for future reference, a big field of mostly unexposed horses from Britain and Ireland has revealed a handful of future stars in past editions, including the likes of Florida Pearl and Dunguib. A field of 28 ensures plenty of action and drama as the huge field battles for position. This race has been won a staggering eight times by Willie Mullins, and his best hope this year looks to be the ante-post favourite Carter McKay. But we like the look of another Mullins runner, Ballyward ($15). He was impressive when winning a 2m 4f bumper at Leopardstown over the festive period.

Get Ready for the Roar as 2017 Cheltenham Festival Kicks-off

Posted on 2017-03-13 by Online Betting Pro

The Festival at Cheltenham is the pinnacle of jumps racing. The Grand National may be worth more prize money race, but the four days of drama set against the vista of the Cotswold Hills is a far richer experience. The best horses, jockeys and trainers join a crowd that regularly tops 250,000 across the four days for one of the great experiences in racing, anywhere in the world. The origins of this festival date back to 1860 and has been run at Cheltenham in Gloucestershire since 1911. Until 2005, the festival had been run over the three days, but this changed with the introduction of a fourth day, meaning there would be one championship race on each day.

Hurdlers Take Centre Stage

The famous roar as the tapes rise for the first race on Tuesday is one of the most iconic moments of The Festival. Champion Day features the most important hurdle race of the season, £400,000 Grade 1 Stan James Champion Hurdle, won in 2016 by the wonder mare Annie Power in a course record time. Favourite Yanworth heads 12 confirmations for this year’s two-mile test. Yanworth (Alan King), one of three contenders for owner J.P. McManus, is the $3.50 market leader with Stan James after an unbeaten campaign. The seven-year-old defeated The New One in the G1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day before tipping out Ch’Tibello in workman-like fashion in the G2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on February 18.

Brain Over Brawn

Buveur D’Air, also owned by J P McManus, heads a three-strong team for trainer Nicky Henderson. He is the $5 second favourite after cruising to victory in the Listed Contenders Hurdle at Sandown Park on February 4. Henderson also plans to run Michael Buckle’s Brain Power ($8), an impressive five-length winner of the G3 Wessex Youth Trust Handicap Hurdle at Ascot before Christmas. In his two impressive wins this season, he travelled exceptionally well in both and seems to have overcome the jumping problems that bedevilled his novice season. Henderson has been at pains to remind reporters not to forget Brain Power when quizzed about Buveur D’Air – he’ll do us at a price that still has at least two points of value.

Ruby’s Lead Telling

Perhaps the most intriguing event of the day is the £110,000 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 4f). Willie Mullins has sent out eight of the nine winners of this race and the trainer has seven of the 28 contenders in this year’s renewal including Vroum Vroum Mag, who took the spoils 12 months ago. Limini, successful in the 2016 G2 Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, and Let’s Dance also feature among the Mullins-trained contenders, while Apple’s Jade, runner-up for Mullins in the G1 JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival last year, could line up for Gordon Elliott. The fact that jockey Ruby Walsh has elected to ride Limini deserves respect despite the support for Vroum Vroum Mag.

NBA betting becomes more interesting as Golden State Warriors implode

Posted on 2017-03-12 by Online Betting Pro

The Golden State Warriors are going through their worst spell in years as they are 5-5 in their past 10 games and on a three-game losing streak. After going 146 games without suffering back-to-back defeats, it has happened twice this month. The downturn in form has coincided with the loss of Kevin Durant to injury, and suddenly the Warriors have gone from near certainties to win the NBA Championships to a team in real trouble. It has blown the battle to win the Western Conference wide open and the NBA is looking more unpredictable and exciting than it has all season.

Western Conference

Golden State finished the 2015 regular season with a win percentage of .817, the seventh best record in NBA history. Last season they finished on .890, breaking the Chicago Bulls’ 20-year record to post the best regular season stats of all time. They looked like putting in another record-shattering season this time around, but the wheels have really come off this month. They are now down at .788, well below their levels of the previous two years, as they have lost half of their last 10 games. That seemed unthinkable a few weeks ago, and it shows how much they have relied on Durant this season.

As the Warriors have faltered, the San Antonio Spurs have continued to be sensational. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games, they are now .785 and if they win their game in hand they will have an identical record to Golden State. The momentum is with them and they are now likely to claim top seed in the west. The 4/1 Paddy Power and 888 Sport are offering on the Spurs to win the Western Conference suddenly looks really interesting. It could even open the door for the Houston Rockets (12/1 with William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral), who are led by MVP frontrunner James Harden, scoring of 30-plus points in three of his last four games.

NBA Championships

Golden State seemed invincible, but their recent struggles have made things a lot more interesting in futures betting. They have gone out to 5/6, and interest is building on the Cleveland Cavaliers (14/5 with Bet365) and the Spurs (7/1 with 888 Sport). The Cavs are defending champions but have lost three straight too and have been horribly inconsistent all season. They have the best record in the east, at .672, but that record would leave them down in fourth if they were in the west, below the Warriors, Spurs and Rockets. They may be saving themselves for the playoffs, but these are worrying signs.

An interesting long shot from the east could be the Washington Wizards. They are 7-3 in their last 10 and on a five-game winning streak. They are second in the standings and could soon overhaul the Cavs for top seed if things continue in this vein. They have all the momentum after starting the season at 2-8 and turning it around to leave them 42-24. It has been a remarkable improvement, and they are in with a chance, so 33/1 at Bet Victor, Paddy Power and Boyle Sports looks great.

Upcoming Games

On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers travel to California to face an out of sorts Golden State. Philadelphia has the best record in spread betting this season, and backing them to beat the spread here looks a good idea. On Thursday, the Spurs host in-form Portland and should put an end to the Trail Blazers’ streak by winning comfortably. On Friday, the Wizards host the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics are in Brooklyn to play the Nets. Boston and Washington are the form teams of the east and should both win against poor opposition, so that might make a nice double.

Liverpool vs. Burnley: Could Joey Barton be the Difference?

Posted on 2017-03-11 by Online Betting Pro

Burnley vs. Liverpool produced an early Premier League upset that few people saw coming back in August, but can Sean Dyche’s men put in a repeat performance on March 12?

Since that fateful afternoon back in August, it’s fair to say the two teams have had contrasting fortunes. While an early setback for Liverpool might have had some fans fearing the worst, 4th place after 27 games have made a place in the next Champions League look like a strong possibility. For Burnley, 14 losses and just nine wins have left them battling for mid-table mediocrity in 12th place after 27 games.

Naturally, if you’re a Burnley fan, 12th place in the Premier League ahead of teams such as Watford, Middlesbrough and defending champions Leicester City isn’t such a bad thing. However, the current state of affairs might not look so positive when you’ve got to travel to Anfield for another crack at Liverpool.

The Facts Favour Liverpool

Indeed, with Jurgen Klopp seemingly over the tactical blunders that plagued the early part of Liverpool’s season, it looks as Burnley would have to produce something special to clinch another 2-0 win. Of course, the power of a previous win can’t be underestimated, especially when you consider Liverpool’s recent run hasn’t exactly been spectacular. Three losses, a draw and two wins in their last six certainly doesn’t smack of a team currently pushing Tottenham for second place in the league.

However, even with all the confidence in the world, Burnley can’t deny the facts. In 115 showdowns, Liverpool has come away with at least a point on 78 occasions, while Burnley has managed just 37 wins. Add to that, the fact The Clarets have only won one in their last six and it’s easy to see why Sun Bets has the home side as 2/9 favourites.

Of course, stats don’t mean anything when the tackles start to fly and Burnley will be hoping a dose of tough Northern resolve will see them through the match. In fact, according to manager Dyche, Joey Barton could be the man to help dish out some of the physicality his side may need to get a result on Sunday.

Joey Barton and the Jekyll and Hyde Effect

Prior to the match, Barton was expected to go before an FA disciplinary hearing. However, with the case postponed, Barton is eligible for selection and could prove decisive one way or another. Looking on the positive side of things, Barton will be one of the most experienced players on the pitch at 34-years-old. In games where a strong presence is needed to help overcome a skill deficit, players like Barton can often come into their own.

The counter argument to this is Barton’s discipline or, more accurately, lack of it against Liverpool. The lifelong Everton fan has never been welcomed to Anfield with open arms and it’s a dynamic that seems to bring out the beast in him. Red cards against Liverpool when he was with Manchester City and Newcastle United suggest he’s not the best at controlling his emotions at Anfield.

When you add to this the potential needle he may receive during the game because of his impending FA hearing, it looks as though Barton’s presence could hinder rather than help Burnley. Now, if you’re a neutral and simply looking for the best bets, then Barton could make things interesting. A quick look through BetVictor’s Premier League bets has Barton to receive the first card of the game at 9/1.

Along the same line, bet365 is offering an Asian betting line on the number of cards awarded in the game. Over 3.5 is currently 1.875 while the under is 1.925. Given what we know about Barton, the over on this bet looks as though it could offer some value if he does play.

If Cards Aren’t an Issue then a Liverpool Win is the Way to Go

But, if Barton doesn’t get the nod, then a safer option would be to focus on the ways Liverpool are going to win. Yes, Burnley has a shot at getting a result and 5/1 on the draw with Sun Bets isn’t a bad price.

However, if you really want the best chance of a return on Sunday, Sadio Mane to score first at 7/2 isn’t a bad shout with Roberto Firmino an injury doubt. Failing that, Liverpool halftime/fulltime (both at Sun Bets) isn’t a bad price.

As Premier League games go, this one looks as though it won’t produce too much unexpected drama, unless Barton is thrown into the mix. If this happens, get your red card bets ready and watch out for fireworks.

Outlander Must End Cheltenham Troubles to Triumph at Gold Cup

Posted on 2017-03-102017-03-15 by Online Betting Pro

Outlander will have to overcome a lot of obstacles and not just those on the racecourse at Cheltenham to win the famous Gold Cup. The Bay Gelding is one of the outsiders for the crown, with Cue Card and Native River considered the top two favourites to triumph at the festival.

Image credit: “Cheltenham Racecourse” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Carine06

However, the nine-year-old put in an impressive performance in his last outing at the end of 2016, finishing ahead of Don Poli and Djakadam to claim victory at the Lexus Chase.

The race proved that Outlander has the quality to match the best in the field and the ability to rise to the occasion under trainer Gordon Elliott and with Jack Kennedy at the reins.

As a result of the Bay Gelding’s form, it is backed among the horse racing picks at around 10/1 among leading bookmakers, which is well worth a punt, especially for placing in the top three.

Outlander had an excellent start to his career, winning his opening three races, culminating in a signature win at the Christmas Party Day Race at Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle. However, inconsistencies plagued the Irish horse in 2015, although he did end on a high note with back-to-back victories at Puncheston and Limerick.

Outlander began 2016 on the front foot with another stellar outing at the Flogas Novice Chase in Leopardstown, which would be his final win under trainer Willie Mullins. During the summer, the Bay Gelding was removed from Mullins’ yard by owner Michael O’Leary and placed under the tutelage of Elliott.

The decision did not have an adverse effect on the Irish horse as he maintained his form, winning the Lexus Chase along with two second-place finishes at Puncheston and Down Royal.

Despite Outlander’s impressive form during 2016, one area of concern will be his performances at Cheltenham Racecourse. The nine-year-old has raced twice at the venue and failed to finish in the top five on both occasions. Last season he was unable to finish the race after a fall in the JLT Novices’ Chase, while a mistake in 2015 on the fourth fence led to a sixth-place finish in the Novices’ Hurdle. As a result, O’Leary and Elliott will be worried ahead of his third appearance on the course.

They have time to amend the situation – whether it’s the hurdles or the type of ground at the Cheltenham course causing the issues. Should Kennedy be chosen to take the reins in the Gold Cup he will have a challenge to keep Outlander on the straight and narrow.

Colin Tizzard’s horses will throw a further obstacle in the way of the Irish horse. Both Cue Card and Native River are on top form, with the former triumphing in his last outing at the Ascot Chase, while the Chestnut Gelding eased to victory at the Denman Chase.

Author: Online Betting Pro