Timeform 1-2-3: Sunday September 25

Timeform 1-2-3 / Philip Spink / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Sunday's three selections come from Epsom.

"Gabrial's Gift looks the type to progress further with racing..."

Following two successful selections at Newmarket yesterday, Timeform's Paul McIvor is hoping to go one better with his three from Epsom today...

Just the two meetings in the UK on Sunday and there can be no moaning about fixture clashes as we have racing in Scotland from Musselburgh and from the south of England at Epsom. It is to Epsom we head for our best bets, the first of which comes at 2:30 in the shape of the David Simcock trained Gabrial's Gift. This grey colt by Verglas has progressed in each of his three outings to date, relishing the step up to a mile for the first time when powering away from his field at Kempton last month. He looks the type to progress further with racing and should have too many guns for his main market rival Mister Music.

Saeed Bin Suroor has a 28% strike rate at Epsom in the last five seasons and he can add further gloss to that record today in the handicap at 3:35 with Con Artist.. A winner at Windsor on his handicap debut last June when making all the running, the four-year-old subsequently ran two very creditable races, finishing second at both Newbury and Sandown. That Sandown run in particular worked out very well with the winner Jet Away placed in listed company this season and the third and fourth placed horses both picking up handicaps since. On the face of it Con Artist was disappointing on his seasonal return at Newmarket in May, only beating one home. However, Con Artist shaped better than the bare form that day as the drop back to a mile and a lack of a recent outing both counted against him. He returns today from a break of four months and will be fresher than most at this stage of the season. Back over his favoured distance and with the possibility of a fairly uncontested lead he is given the vote to resume the improvement he showed last season.

With only 45 winners on the board so far during the turf season, 2011 has been a disappointing season for Sir Michael Stoute given the high standards we usually come to expect from the Newmarket handler. The Mongoose can't shoulder much of the blame for the poor results this season as he has only had the one start, making a belated reappearance last month in a Windsor maiden. Placed twice over seven furlongs as a juvenile, this son of Montjeu shaped with a great deal of encouragement in finishing fifth, leaving the impression there was plenty more to come with the run under his belt. He has always looked the type to improve given time and under the usual patient approach of his watchful trainer he can start to fulfill his potential by taking today's maiden at Epsom.

Recommendations
All at Epsom

Back Gabrial's Gift @ [2.92] in the 14:30
Back Con Artist.@ [6.0] in the 15:35
Back The Mongoose @ [4.7] in the 16:45

Three selections from the Timeform Free Form Site, with our bet of the day coming from Newmarket......

Three selections from the Timeform Free Form Site......

Three selections from the Timeform Free Form site......

Betfair website

Musselburgh Placepot: Sunday September 25

Daily Placepots / Timeform / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Musselburgh racecourse.

"Tracy Waggot’s stable has just hit top form and there’s a reasonable chance Nufoudh could get loose on the front end"

Musselburgh is the target for Sunday's placepot.

14:15 - There are more in-form sorts in the opener than the majority of claimers, but Ajdaad and Stags Leap stand out on form, so it's difficult to see both of them being out of the three.

14:45 - The second race is trappy too, but it's hard to see both Idler and Shevington being out of the two. The former showed much improved form returning from a break at Yarmouth last time and is entitled to build on that again, while Shevington was simply pitched in too high on the back of an encouraging debut and can get back on track returned to calmer waters.

15:20 - Cara's Request is really well handicapped and the return to a sharp, turning track might be just what he needs to spark a revival, so I think he's worth chancing for an in-form yard, while the consistent Kingswinford provides a slightly more solid option.

15:55 - Tracy Waggot's stable has just hit top form and there's a reasonable chance Nufoudh could get loose on the front end, so I think he's well worth having on side in the second of the seven-furlong handicaps along with Boy The Bell, who shaped as if still in top form at Beverley last time.

16:30 - The penultimate leg looks very competitive on paper, but both Metropolitan Miss and Deity fall into a similar bracket in that they're dropping down in class of handicap. The latter definitely has the most potential in the race after just three runs, so I expect at least one of that pair to make the first three.

17: 00 - Richard Fahey has already had an excellent weekend and there's a chance the final leg (a five-furlong nursery) will be set up ideally for Valley of Hope's hold up style. With that in mind, she goes in along with Doyouknowhoiam, who shaped particularly well at Thirsk a couple of starts ago and could be helped by the first-time cheekpieces.

Selections: 64 lines

14:15 - 5, 8
14:45 - 1, 3
15:20 - 1, 4
15:55 - 6, 8
16:30 - 1, 2
17:00 - 3, 7

The Cambridgeshire makes for one of the toughest placepots of the year, but this afternoon's supporting races give us the chance to save some lines......

Timeform's Joe Szekeres attempts to land a share of the record-breaking £2.5m+ Jackpot at Newmarket this afternoon and reckons you don't need to spend a fortune......

Phil Thompson is back and has a crack at the Newmarket Placepot this afternoon......

Betfair website

La Liga Betting: Mourinho's tactical conundrum

Spanish Football / Michael Cox / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Fabio Coentrao's energy and pace is an asset to to Real's midfield but Jose mourinho has concerns in other areas

"In truth, they’re crying out for Nuri Sahin in the centre of the pitch. The Turk was signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, essentially to be a more forward-thinking partner for Alonso, whilst also bringing energy and defensive discipline to the role."

By their own incredibly high standards, Real Madrid's start to their La Liga campaign has been an average one and at the heart of their troubles is a failure to pick a system that allows them to break down teams who are too defensive against them, says Michael Cox.

A defeat and a draw in two games for Real Madrid. Far from a disaster - or is it? Real have now dropped as many points this season as Barcelona did up until February 12 last season. The race for the Spanish title is particularly unforgiving, though there are promising early signs that La Liga will be more even than last year.

Having started the season with ten goals in two games, Real's obvious failing against Levante and Racing was their inability to score. Mourinho rotated his side for these two matches and played such different starting XIs that it's difficult to come to any sweeping generalisations, especially given their goalfest in the opening two games, but the side seems to lack creativity. They managed just three shots on target against Levante, and two against Racing.

Particularly noticeable was how slowly Real moved the ball in the centre of the pitch, a huge surprise considering they'd seemingly improved on this area of their game immeasurably when they faced Barca in the European Super Cup. Xabi Alonso has played deep in midfield but his long-range diagonal balls are less effective against sides who defend deep, with their full-backs in defensive positions at all times.

His partners in the past two games have hardly covered themselves in glory either - Sami Khedira got himself sent off against Levante and was blamed for the defeat by Mourinho, whilst Lassana Diarra is simply not the type of midfielder you need to break down opponents. The energy of Fabio Coentrao, used in the centre of midfield in the first two games, suited Real better.

In truth, they're crying out for Nuri Sahin in the centre of the pitch. The Turk was signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, essentially to be a more forward-thinking partner for Alonso, whilst also bringing energy and defensive discipline to the role. Real basically need a good technical player who can link Alonso with the front four, and interestingly, this is a position Mourinho has struggled with before. He had Claude Makelele playing deep and Frank Lampard breaking forward at Chelsea, but couldn't decide between Tiago, Alexi Smertin, Jiri Jarosik and Joe Cole to complete his trio in his first season - the signing of Michael Essien solved the problem there. Maybe Sahin will do the same.

The slowness of the passing is harming Mesut Ozil, Real's chief creator and producer of more assists than any other La Liga player in 2010/11. Ozil is talented enough to break down packed defences, but thrives on the break - the slower the ball finds him, the more opportunity for the opposition to get their defence in shape. Similar things can be said of Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria and arguably Karim Benzema too - they like to break quickly, and get space in behind.

Pep Guardiola described Real as 'the best counter-attacking side in the world' last season, but the problem with counter-attacking is that you need the opposition to attack first. Scared into parking the bus by Real's array of attacking stars, the rest of La Liga might have wised up and sat back.

What can Mourinho do to change things, aside from waiting on Sahin? In formation terms, he experimented with both a 4-3-3 and a 4-3-1-2 last season, but it's difficult to see how either of these shapes would help Real. He could choose to field Ozil wide in place of Di Maria, in order to play Kaka in the centre of the 4-2-3-1, therefore bringing an extra creator into the side. Kaka and Ozil are possibly too similar, though - and Kaka generally relied on quick attacks at Milan, too. Add in doubts about his lack of pace, and it's hardly a solution.

The midfield is not entirely to blame - the defenders are often slow to bring the ball out from the back, and the answer probably lies in improving the performance of his current XI on the training ground. Mourinho loves to chop and change formations, but the issue with his side concerns what they do on the ball, not how they are positioned.

At [6.0] Real remain a good price to win the Champions League - they should win the group with ease, and their style of football will probably more suited to knock-out competitions than La Liga.

Tobias Gourlay looks forward to Barcelona's clash with Atletico Madrid and explains why you probably shouldn't bother watching Sporting Gijon's game with Racing Santander...

Things haven't gone completely to plan for Barcelona and Real Madrid so far, but Michael Lintorn isn't convinced by talk of La Liga's other sides raising the bar......

Cesc Fabregas has made light of claims that he wouldn't get a look in at Barcelona this season, and in doing so has helped his push for a Spain starting spot....

Betfair website

Updated Market Movers: Sunday September 25

Daily Racing Info / Editor / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

All the latest price movements on Betfair's racing markets.

EPSOM

14.00
Producer 2.74 in to 1.8
Pride And Joy 7.4 in to 6.0
Maroosh 9.4 out to 14.5

14.30
Mister Music 2.16 in to 1.87

15.00
Dubawi Sound 4.0 in to 2.24

15.35
Colour Scheme 4.0 out to 5.4
Con Artist 6.8 in to 5.8
Right Step 9.4 in to 7.8
Romeo Montague 13.5 out to 18.0

16.10
The Bells O Peover 2.71 out to 3.25
Shesha Bear 6.9 in to 6.0
Epsom Salts 11.2 in to 8.8

16.45
Sandbanks Sizzler 4.5 in to 3.55
The Mongoose 4.2 out to 5.0

17.15
Valencha 7.0 in to 5.8
Flameoftheforest 9.2 in to 8.2

MUSSELBURGH

14.15
Stags Leap 7.2 in to 5.3
Ajdaad 7.6 in to 6.0

14.45
Serene Oasis 4.0 in to 3.35

15.20
Kingswinford 4.6 out to 7.4
Summer Dancer 7.6 in to 6.8
Vizean 9.8 out to 14.0
No Quarter 14.0 in to 9.8
Caras Request 13.5 in to 6.6

15.55
Boy The Bell 8.2 in to 6.6
Nufoudh 9.8 in to 7.0

16.30
Dubai Bay 7.6 out to 10.5
Imaginary World 9.0 in to 7.0

17.00
Doyouknowwhoiam 9.66 in to 7.6

18.00
Spirit Of Coniston 6.8 in to 5.5
Cayman Fox 8.2 in to 6.6

CURRAGH

14.10
Nephrite 3.6 out to 5.9

14.40
Jedward 25.0 in to 15.5

15.10
Remember Alexander 7.8 in to 5.9
Madhmoonah 8.6 in to 6.8

15.45
Catch The Eye 4.2 out to 5.1
Hujaylea 5.5 in to 4.3

16.20
Furners Green 5.4 out to 6.4

16.55
Sun Disc 7.2 in to 6.2
Boxer Beat 25.0 in to 13.0

CLONMEL

14.55
Morning Ireland 3.95 in to 2.86

All the early price fluctuations from Betfair's racing markets...

Racecourse Musselburgh First Race Time 2.15pm Going Good, Good to Firm in places on the round course Other Information Dry overnight. Dry and bright today, becoming breezy later in the afternoon....

All the early market movers from Betfair's racing markets....

Betfair website

Market Movers: Sunday September 25

Market Movers / Editor / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

All the early price fluctuations from Betfair's racing markets

EPSOM

14.00
Producer 2.74 in to 2.0
Pride And Joy 7.4 in to 6.0
Maroosh 9.4 out to 14.5

14.30
Mister Music 2.16 in to 1.85

15.00
Dubawi Sound 4.0 in to 2.42

15.35
Colour Scheme 4.0 out to 5.7
Con Artist 6.8 in to 5.6
Right Step 9.4 in to 7.2
Romeo Montague 13.5 out to 18.0

16.10
The Bells O Peover 2.71 out to 3.25
Shesha Bear 6.9 in to 5.7
Memory Lane 9.33 in to 7.4
Epsom Salts 11.2 in to 8.8

16.45
Sandbanks Sizzler 4.5 in to 3.85
The Mongoose 4.2 out to 5.2

17.15
Valencha 7.0 in to 5.8
Flameoftheforest 9.2 in to 8.2

MUSSELBURGH

14.15
Record Breaker 3.4 in to 2.88
Stags Leap 7.2 in to 5.9
Ajdaad 7.6 in to 6.2

14.45
Serene Oasis 4.0 in to 3.4

15.20
Kingswinford 4.6 out to 6.2
Summer Dancer 7.6 in to 6.0
Vizean 9.8 out to 15.5
No Quarter 14.0 in to 9.6
Caras Request 13.5 in to 9.2

15.55
Boy The Bell 8.2 in to 7.6
Nufoudh 9.8 in to 7.2

16.30
Dubai Bay 7.6 out to 10.0
Imaginary World 9.0 in to 7.2

18.00
Spirit Of Coniston 6.8 in to 5.3

CURRAGH

14.40
Jedward 25.0 in to 17.5

16.20
Furners Green 5.4 out to 6.6

CLONMEL

14.55
Morning Ireland 3.95 in to 2.98

All the latest price movements on Betfair's racing markets....

This evening's market movers from the UK and Ireland......

This afternoon's market movers from Haydock and Newmarket......

Betfair website

NFL Betting: Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys

NFL / Andy Richmond / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Tony Romo may be passed fit to lead the Dallas Cowboys but he certainly won't be at full fitness

"With Romo nursing a sore rib and a slightly punctured lung, this should be the perfect time for the Skins to bring the heat and get hits on the Cowboys' QB."

Injury news will be an all-important factor ahead of kick-off so keep a close eye on any announcements as we approach the game. The bet may well be to side with Washington here, says Andy Richmond.

Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys
Monday September 26
Live on ESPN 23:55

Match odds: Washington [2.62], Dallas [1.58]

Dallas return home after splitting their opening two fixtures on the road to head into Week 3 of the season 1-1. The Redskins meanwhile take their first road trip of the year after winning their first two home games, and putting 20-plus points on the board each time. The Cowboys, despite their comeback win last weekend, have major injury worries heading into this game and although they traditionally do well in this fixture, the Redskins look to have a major opportunity to redress the balance on this occasion.

Both quarterbacks in this game have come under major scrutiny over the past few years, especially when it comes to getting the job done, but both Rex Grossman (Washington) and Tony Romo ( Dallas) have gone some way to silencing their critics this year. Romo in particular has been guilty of cracking under pressure in recent years but he returned to the game from a serious injury last week to engineer an overtime 27-24 victory over San Francisco. It looks as though he'll be ready to go again this week but that may just create problems for the Cowboys, who have further injury worries.

With Romo nursing a sore rib and a slightly punctured lung, this should be the perfect time for the Skins to bring the heat and get hits on the Cowboys' QB. They can cover the limping Dallas WRs with single coverage and they do not need to pay a lot of attention to the mediocre Cowboys' runnning game. When the Skins' defence takes chances it creates turnovers, and sending safeties and linebackers as well as designing some inside blitzes could produce positive results. It looks like Romo will play, but how many hits can he take?

For Grossman the trip to Dallas will bring back some good memories. He replaced Donovan McNabb as Redskins starter last year for a 33-30 when he completed 25 of 43 passes for 322 yards - his second-highest career total at the time - and four touchdowns to rally Washington from a 20-point deficit. He seems a more measured player this year and starting has given him confidence. He'll be trying to avoid DeMarcus Ware, who leads the NFL with four sacks after the linebacker led the league with 15 1/2 in 2010. Ware had two of the Cowboys' five sacks of Grossman in the last meeting.

Washington's last 3-0 start was in 2005, also the last year they won a post-season game. They need to keep their poise here but in games that are traditionally close, taking the Redskins with the points is the smart move.

Recommended Bet

Back Washington Redskins on the available handicap.

The loss of the Indiana Colts' Peyton Manning to injury is a huge blow to the side and given their poor start to the season, there's every chance the Pittsburgh Steelers could overcome a big handicap....

Andy Richmond on why the awful turf at Soldier Field never gets fixed, a simple plan called Matt Forte and the best bets ahead of this match....

Both New York and St Louis have major injury doubts which makes this a tricky punting proposition for Andy Richmond...

Betfair website

Bobby Oboodi Dominates Borgata Poker Open

Poker News / Matthew Pitt / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Oboodi with his winnings (Photo credit: WPT)

The name Bobby Oboodi may not be one that you are familiar with but if his performance at the final table of the record-breaking WPT Borgata Poker Open is anything to go by then you will soon be hearing it many times over the next few years.

He started the six-handed final table as the chipleader and at no point throughout proceedings did he relinquish that lead, was never all in at any point and was responsible for eliminating four of his five opponents, the sign of a great champion.

It only took 11 hands for the first player, Ricky Hale, to be sent to the cashier's cage. He started the day as the shortest stack and when he saw Oboodi raise to 340,000 from under the gun (blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000a), he looked down at Ac10s and decided that he would raise all in from the cutoff to 2,080,000. Oboodi quickly called and turned over a dominating AhKh. The Brit paired his ten on a flop reading 10d-9s-2d but the Ks on the turn improved Oboodi to a higher pair. The river was the Jd and the table lost its first player.

Another two hours passed before the fifth place finisher was decided and it was Oboodi who was once again the executioner. With blinds now at 120,000/240,000/30,000a, Darren Elias opened to 500,000 from the button and Oboodi clicked it back, from the big blind, making it 1,100,000 to play. Elias moved all in for a total of 2,750,000 and Oboodi made the call. Elias turned over pocket jacks but they were way behind the cowboys of Oboodi. There was no help from any of the five community cards and the five players became four.

Ninety minutes and 35 hands later Fred Goldberg exited the final table after a clash with, yes you have guessed it, Oboodi. The latter min-raised to 600,000 under the gun and Goldberg called in the big blind. The dealer put out the 9d-7s-6h flop, Oboodi bet 600,000 only to see Goldberg instantly move all in for a total of 3,300,000. Oboodi paused and then made the call, turning over Ah9h, nicely dominating the Td9c of his opponent. The turn and river were the 7c and Jc respectively and Goldberg was busted out.

Less than 15 minutes later and the tournament reach the heads up stages after Daniel Buzgon lost his stack to Jin Hwang. The blinds had increased to 200,000/400,000/40,000a and Oboodi opened to 800,000 from the button. Buzgon then three-bet all in for around 5,000,000 and then Hwang called the all in from the big blind. Oboodi folded and the players revealed their hands, Hwang held AhKh and was in a coinflop against the 7c7s of Buzgon. Hwang picked up outs to a straight draw when the flop came down Qc-10h-9c and he turned his straight when the Jc made an appearance. The river was the 7h but it was too little too late and Buzgon exited the final table and headed to pick up more than a third of a million dollars.

Going into heads up Oboodi held a 23,190,000 to 17,125,000 chip leader over Hwang and took just 18 hands to send his opponent home as the runner up. Oboodi opted to limp from the button and then call when Hwang raised it up to 1,250,000. The flop came down 7s-6s-6c and both players checked. The turn brought the Js into play and Hwang checked again. Oboodi made it 1,600,000 to play. Hwang then said, "Let's gamble, I'm all in," and Oboodi called, turning over Qs2s for a flush draw, which was up against the KcJh of Hwang. The dealer burned a card and put out the 3s on the river, completing Oboodi's flush that eliminated Hwang and Oboodi had become the champion of WPT Borgata.

The World Poker Tour next stops at the Foxwoods Resort Casino for the World Poker Finals between October 27 - Nov 1, will Oboodi be there to try and become a double WPT winner? I would certainly think so.

Final table payouts

1st: Bobby Oboodi: $922,441
2nd: Jin Hwang: $554,303
3rd: Daniel Buzgon: $335,433
4th: Fred Goldberg: $280,925
5th: Darren Elias: $230,60
6th: Ricky Hale: $186,585

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Timeform Radio Tip: Sunday double

Timeform Radio Tip / Jeremy Grayson / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

It's a strangely quiet day on the racing front so finding good bets isn't that easy but Jeremy Grayson has dug out a couple to try and finish the week in style.

There are reasons for taking on most of those near the top of the market in division one of Musselburgh's 7f handicap (15.20). None of Kingswinford's seven previous wins having come after a break of more than four weeks (he returns here after 11 weeks out) and neither Fishforcompliments nor Summer Dancer seemingly capable of remembering how to convert a winning opportunity. The veteran MALCHEEK is winless himself in 2011, too, but currently sits on a losing streak of just six following a light campaign this year so far.

Tim Easterby's stalwart races here off 78, which is still 1lb above his last winning mark on turf. He's defied perches in the mid-80s around sharp 7f courses on sound / fast surfaces in the past, though, and you only have to go back to Easter Sunday (five starts ago) to find him placing off 84 over this C&D in a far better grade.

The classified seller that opens proceedings at the Scottish venue (14.15) revolves around the increasingly curmudgeonly Record Breaker, and whether he can be trusted to record just a second win in his last 34 starts, dropped to the lowest level for the first time. As a likely short-priced favourite despite his conversion rate he is begging to be taken on, with AJDAAD offered up as a ready alternative.

Best in at these weights in receiving 4lb and 3lb more from Record Breaker and Frontline Phantom respectively compared to a handicap, Ajdaad's return to 1m4f has been long overdue given his best form effort (7l sixth of 10 off 80 in a good, well-run Wolverhampton handicap in March) since his arrival from France had been recorded on his one try at this trip. Either Croix Rouge or Mystified, or possibly even both, can provide the early pace to ensure the proper test he'd appreciate.

Alan Dudman is joined by Rory Delargy for a day of wall-to-wall racing from six domestic venues, with the Cambridgeshire being the main draw. Rory outlines his best bets here....

Graham Cunningham has been in blogging about Newmarket this week and his comments on today's HQ action can be found here. Below, he selects a Haydock bet.......

Stephen Molyneux believes that the market is all wrong about his selection in the closing race at Newmarket today......

Betfair website

Michael Owen's England days are over

Premier League / Richard Aikman / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Michael Owen was given no time or space by Stoke's defenders but he also failed to create any chances for himself

"Owen passed largely unnoticed, other than the few occasions in which his inability to hold up the ball up to earn his side a reprieve from the barrage from the home side was all too evident."

A lacklustre performance from the former England star at Stoke are proof that Michael Owen's chances of getting a starting place at Manchester United are about as slim as those of him getting an England re-call. Despite what Sir Alex Ferguson says...

Where would England be without Sir Alex Ferguson, the self-anointed saviour of English football?

Only two weeks ago the United manager was putting the boot into the FA for their lack of appreciation for the country's best-loved club, claiming the game's national governing body take for granted Manchester United's generosity in providing so many players for the England team - "they us like sh*t" - were his precise words, presumably still irked at having had to serve so many touchline bans last season for criticising referees. And this weekend Ferguson decided to put Michael Owen's name forward for an England recall.

Owen you see, returned to the first team in a blaze of glory in midweek, scoring twice in one of the most crucial matches of the season - a Carling Cup third round tie against Leeds United. The 31-year-old's goals were well taken, it should be conceded, but scoring against a Championship side in a competition not even they are bothered about hardly makes the former Liverpool front man a likely candidate for a starting place in England's best XI at next summer's European Championships.

Particularly not when he is so far down in the pecking order at United. When it comes to strikers the campions do have an embarrassment of riches. Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov are all ahead of Owen in the pecking order - but when two of the very players selected ahead of him at his own club are English, it is ludicrous to suggest he deserves international recognition.

Owen has also been making pronouncements this weekend, voicing his disappointment at having been overlooked by Fabio Capello from the outset of his England reign and insisting that he is still ambitious in his international career. "If I got a call-up I'd be there within five minutes," he said. "I think [Capello] came to watch me twice in a year when I was at Newcastle, both times at the Emirates. Arsenal were one of the best teams in the league. We got tonked, and whoever was the striker for Newcastle away at Arsenal wasn't going to get too many touches, so I did feel a bit sorry for myself at that point."

Whether Owen was feeling sorry for himself after yesterday's 1-1 draw only he will know, but he wasn't playing against the Invincibles, he was playing against Stoke City. And even in the absence of the hamstrung Rooney, United's No7 was overlooked for a starting place in favour of Berbatov and Hernandez, before the latter came off injured after seven minutes to give the little man his long-awaited chance. Thereafter Owen passed largely unnoticed, other than the few occasions in which his inability to hold up the ball up to earn his side a reprieve from the barrage from the home side was all too evident.

It was actually another England striker cast into the international wilderness who caught the eye at the Britannia Stadium, Peter Crouch proving a constant thorn in United's side. The former Tottenham man became only the sixth player to score in the Premier League for a sixth different club, but he really should have scored a hat-trick and handed an off-colour United their first league defeat of the season.

It cannot be easy struggling to impress when the competition for places is so fierce that Owen cannot get a regular run of first-team games under his belt, but he only has himself to blame for that. He claims he joined United to win trophies, which is his prerogative - and it can't be all bad being paid to have a ringside seat to watch the best side in the country. But let's face it: if he genuinely wanted regular football and an international reprieve he would have left Old Trafford in the summer, rather than stay at a club that has given him one league start in the last 12 months - and six in total.

As for Ferguson claiming that United have provided England with "more players than any other club in the world" it is true that United are quintessentially more English in their makeup than any other side. But while the Red Devils "provided" five players for Capello's last England squad, Ferguson might need reminding that three of those were not even at his club last season. United deserve about as much credit for producing English internationals as Manchester City, who incidentally were represented by six players in the last gathering.

All the big guns won this afternoon as Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham picked up three points whilst the likes of Blackburn and Swansea will have increased relegation fears after today's results....

This weekend Gareth turns his attentions to QPR v Aston Villa, where one stat stands out like a sore thumb when it comes to eliminating one of the outcomes on the match odds market......

Lee Dixon gives us his views on the ever-colourful Joey Barton ahead of this clash between two sides who have got the same number of points but have obtained them in very different ways....

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Follow The Money: Con Artist is no fraud

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Kieran Fallon is as good as anyone around Epsom and will be using all his experience to try and get Con Artist first past the post

Three bets as ever in this popular column and no prizes for guessing the format. Two backs and one lay based on price movements it is then.

We start with the 15:00 where Dubawi Sound has been very well backed from [2.88] in to [2.24]. He's only made one career start to date, however he won in taking style at 50/1. He's reportedly a big horse so has probably taken time to grown into his frame and perhaps this explains his absence for the past five months. However, his trainer has proved excellent at getting horses back to fitness quickly and he should be able to go on from that pleasing debut and continue his progression with this interesting prospect likely to make a much better four year old next year.

In the 15:35 there has been a bit of money for Con Artist of the powerful Godolphin stable, moving into [5.8] from [6.8]. He had a cracking 2010, where he ended at Sandown bumping into the useful Jet Away, who is now rated in the 100s. Things went badly wrong on his comeback this year however, where he never travelled from a long way out and was beaten by 23 lengths. He returns today, four months later and if his trainer (who tends to be better towards the end of the season) can get him straight then he will surely take all the beating in what looks a poor affair for a 0-95 handicap. Kieren Fallon takes the ride and he rides Epsom as well as anyone, with a record of nearly 30% for the owners, so the absence of Frankie Dettori shouldn't put anyone off.

It appears quite a quiet day for lays today, however one drifter is in the 16:10, where The Bells O Peover has gone from [2.71] out to [3.25] for Mark Johnston. On paper he should be miles ahead of the handicapper merely carrying a 6lb penalty for an impressive 18 length victory last time out. However, only the Frankels of this world are truly that far clear of their peers, particularly in a standard Pontefract handicap and punters are taking a suspect view of the form. This is also a better race and it contains a number of course specialists such as Shesha Bear and Epsom Salts. With this being The Bells Of Peover's third start in 11 days, perhaps he is vulnerable today.

Recommended Bets

Back Dubawi Sound @ [2.24] 15:00 Epsom
Back Con Artist @ [5.8] 15:35 Epsom
Lay The Bells O Peover @ [3.25] 16:10 Epsom

That's all for today. If you're on the move this information is recorded on 0870 90 80 181.

Two backs and a lay are the the way the Follow The Money boys roll. Here are their selections on this busy Saturday afternoon....

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Worcester and Newmarket....

Todays Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Newmarket and Perth....

Betfair website

Timeform US Tips: Sunday September 25

US 1-2-3 / Timeform / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Two lays and a back from Timeform's US team...

Woodbine race 2 (18:28 BST) win lay #2 FASHION JENNY at [3.0] or shorter

Belmont race 3 (19:04 BST) win back #3 GAME TOKEN at [3.25] or longer

Turfway Park race 5 (20:06 BST) win lay #6 THOMAS IS ROCKIN at [3.3] or shorter

Another three successful recommendations set us up nicely for the WinStar-sponsored 'Kentucky Day of Champions' at Turfway Park, and one of our selections comes in the Kentucky Cup itself......

Winners at [6.18], [2.98] and [2.8] for Timeform's US team yesterday. Here are today's recommendations......

Three win bets from Timeform's US team.........

Betfair website

Nick Shiambouros' Patented 80/20 Bet: Epsom, 16:45

80/20 / Nick Shiambouros / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

It's all about Epsom for Nick today but who is carrying his 80/20 hopes on this fine Sunday?

Today's 80/20 is The Mongoose in the 16.45 at Epsom.

This well-related individual finished fifth to Almagest at Windsor last month. He had a chance a furlong from home but failed to quicken and was easily brushed aside. He had previously finished a decent second to Unex El Greco at Leicester, which reads well in the context of this race. I think he will go close at a fair price. At present he is trading at [4.3] on the exchange.

We're at Newmarket for today's 80/20 bet and this one will go off at a big price. But who is the object of Nick's punting affection?...

Will Nick's HQ 80/20 triumph or will she come up short?...

Nick is off to HQ to follow the fortunes of an 80/20 he believes in......

Betfair website

Timeform Irish 1-2-3 Tips: Wake up to the prospects of Morning Ireland

Tipping / Stuart Jones / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

There's quality Flat action at the Curragh this afternoon.

"Rodriquez and Summersinerrill set the standard of those with hurdlng experience, but neither appear to be any better than modest, and this race looks Morning Ireland's to lose on his hurdling bow"

Two jumpers at Clonmel and one on the Flat at the Curragh make up Sunday's selections.

Morning Ireland's (14.55) below-par effort at Roscommon last time can easily be excused given the extremely testing conditions and the form of his previous bumper runs make him the one to beat in what appears to be a weak maiden hurdle. He showed fairly useful form when in the frame both starts for Jim Bolger and that form is far superior to anything achieved by these rivals. Rodriquez and Summersinerrill set the standard of those with hurdlng experience, but neither appear to be any better than modest, and this race looks Morning Ireland's to lose on his hurdling bow.

Rebel Fitz (15.25) didn't have things go his way when runner-up to Earls Quarter in a novice at Galway last time and is expected to resume his progression in what looks a weaker contest. The presence of Bleakfield Lady and Ontheground should ensure that this a run at a proper gallop, something that will help bring out the best in Rebel Fitz, and he can put his hurdling experience to good use to get the better of Mississippi River.

Harrison's Cave (17.25) may still be a maiden after nine starts, but he remains unexposed at middle-distances and has shaped much better than the result suggests in handicaps on his last two starts, caught on heels turning in before finishing strongly when third to Whatever It Takes at Roscommon on the latest occasion. Few of the newcomers stand out on breeding, and Harrison's Cave can put his experience to good use in getting the better of Ansaab.

Recommendations

Back Morning Ireland in the 14.55 at Clonmel
Back Rebel Fitz in the 15.25 at Clonmel
Back Harrison's Cave in the 17.25 at the Curragh

Three bets as ever in this popular column and no prizes for guessing the format. Two backs and one lay based on price movements it is then....

This handicap over an extended mile looks one of the most interesting races on a good card at Epsom......

Two backs and a lay are the the way the Follow The Money boys roll. Here are their selections on this busy Saturday afternoon....

Betfair website

Musselburgh

Daily Racing Info / Editor / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Racecourse Musselburgh
First Race Time 2.15pm
Going Good, Good to Firm in places on the round course
Other Information Dry overnight. Dry and bright today, becoming breezy later in the afternoon.

All the latest price movements on Betfair's racing markets....

All the early price fluctuations from Betfair's racing markets...

All the early market movers from Betfair's racing markets....

Betfair website

NFL Betting: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts

NFL / Andy Richmond / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Ben Roethlisberger looks set to give the Colts' defence a torrid time

"We may be seeing plenty of the Colts on our screens but I’m not sure that many of those outings will be winning ones without Manning and it looks as though the Steelers could be in for a far easier contest than this looked before Manning got injured in pre-season."

The loss of the Indiana Colts' Peyton Manning to injury is a huge blow to the side and given their poor start to the season, there's every chance the Pittsburgh Steelers could overcome a big handicap.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday September 25
Live on Channel 4 01:20

Match odds: Pittsburgh [1.20], Indianapolis [5.5]

Indianapolis have been a staple in the diet of prime-time NFL fans in the US for the past decade and they are once again slated for plenty of appearances. Unfortunately the Colts look likely to be without Peyton Manning as their signal caller for the whole season. The impact of missing Manning has led the Colts to a dreadful start and they are 0-2 for the first time since 1998, (Manning's rookie season) when they lost their first four games.

Troubled times in Indianapolis then and they won't be looking forward to the visit of the Steelers, who themselves have had to bounce back this season from a defeat on the opening day to arch-rivals Baltimore. Question marks had been posed about their supposedly ageing defence in that 35-7 loss to the Ravens, but they looked anything but old when shutting out the Seahawks in their home opener. They outgained Seattle 421-164 and held the ball for nearly 39 minutes in a 24-0 win, their first shutout since December 2008.

Although Head Coach Mike Tomlin was still unhappy with that opening day performance against the Ravens, a second straight game against a struggling offence could help. The Colts have converted just five of 23 third-down opportunities, 31st in the NFL and a far cry from what they've typically done to stay on the field with Manning under centre. If anything, the Steelers should have beaten Seattle far more easily and Tomlin and his quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be looking to execute even more efficiently against a Colts defence that could be in for another tough day. Manning's replacement Kerry Collins is really struggling to perform and convince; he doesn't move very well in the pocket and is a big target for opposing pass-rushers, of which the Steelers have plenty. Compounding this problem, the Colts' offensive line is littered with players who have below-average talent. Pittsburgh will come after Collins with a wide variety of pressure packages and touchdowns have been incredibly difficult for the Colts to come by.

We may be seeing plenty of the Colts on our screens but I'm not sure that many of those outings will be winning ones without Manning and it looks as though the Steelers could be in for a far easier contest than this looked before Manning got injured in pre-season. Double figure handicaps are hard to give away at any time but the Steelers look in uncompromising mood now and the Colts could easily be blown away.

Recommended Bet

Back Pittsburgh Steelers -10.5 @ [2.0] or better

Injury news will be an all-important factor ahead of kick-off so keep a close eye on any announcements as we approach the game. The bet may well be to side with Washington here, says Andy Richmond....

Andy Richmond on why the awful turf at Soldier Field never gets fixed, a simple plan called Matt Forte and the best bets ahead of this match....

Both New York and St Louis have major injury doubts which makes this a tricky punting proposition for Andy Richmond...

Betfair website

Catterick

Going Report / Editor / 17 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Racecourse: Catterick
First Race Time: 14:05
Going: Good
Other Information: 20mm of rain overnight. Mainly dry day forecast with scattered showers.

Racecourse: Newbury First Race Time: 13:25 Going: Good, good to soft in places Other Information: Dry overnight. Newbury Show weekend so junction 13 of M4 will be congested - racegoers advised to use junctions 12 or 14 instead....

Racecourse: Ayr First Race Time: 13:40 Going: Soft, heavy in places. 7.9 on going stick. Other Information: 7mm of rain in last 24 hours. Forecast to be showery throughout day with up to 5mm of rainfall....

Racecourse: Newmarket First Race Time: 13:45 Going: Good to firm (watered) Other Information: Dry overnight. Forecast sunny spells and showers with temperatures up to 17 degrees....

Betfair website

Timeform 1-2-3 Tips: Saturday September 17

Timeform 1-2-3 / Joe Szekeres / 17 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Deacon Blues is our best bet this afternoon

"he [Deacon Blues] is a Group 1 winner waiting to happen and can easily defy it against a group of sprinters who are probably not quite in the same league."

Three selections from the Timeform Free Form Site, with the bet of the day coming at Newbury...

Caspar Netscher can get us off to a winning start on Saturday afternoon in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes (14:30) at Newbury. He has demonstrated a consistent level of form all season, and his third in the Richmond Stakes behind Harbour Watch is better form than any of his rivals have achieved so far. That particular race looks to have been one of the strongest juvenile contests of the season, with several next-time-out winners having met at Goodwood, and Caspar Netscher himself has tasted victory since, running out a comfortable winner of the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York last month. He beat Burwaaz and Lilbourne Lad on that occasion, two solid pattern performers, and he can follow up today despite the 3 lb penalty. He is unraced on ground softer than good, which is the only concern, but if he handles contditions he should win.

Croisultan is the pick of the twenty-seven Ayr Gold Cup (15:20) hopefuls this afternoon after a very solid performance behind Bewitched at the Curragh last Sunday. At Royal Ascot, Bewitched was sent off the warm favourite for the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (only to return lame and be sidelined for two months), so she is no doubt a high-quality filly, and the fact that Croisultan was able to get within a length and a quarter of that opponent speaks volumes regarding his chances in this handicap racing off a mark of 100. The draw can always be difficult to predict for these big sprint handicaps, but low stalls have tended to fare well over the last few days, and the good to soft ground conditions are definitely something likely to suit our selection.

Deacon Blues is another performer racing with a 3 lb penalty this afternoon, in his case in the World Trophy (15:40) at Newbury. His penalty comes as a result of a seven-length romp in the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh last month, but he is a Group 1 winner waiting to happen and can easily defy it against a group of sprinters who are probably not quite in the same league. The one drawback is that he is unproven over this trip, with all of his best form coming over six furlongs, but he has demonstrated in the past that he isn't short of speed and the easier ground conditions will definitely play to his strengths. Frankie Dettori is booked for the ride, another plus for the James Fanshawe trained four-year-old, and the pair combine to form our best bet of the afternoon.

Recommendations
Back Caspar Netscher @ [3.05] in the 14:30 at Newbury
Back Croisultan @ [16.5] in the 15:20 at Ayr
Back Deacon Blues @ [2.86] in the 15:40 at Newbury

Three bets for Friday from Timeform's Free Form Site......

One selection each from Ayr, Yarmouth and Pontefract today......

No jumps racing in the UK today but here are three selections from the Timeform Free Form Site to hopefully get you jumping for joy!...

Betfair website

Michael Bell's Saturday Runners: Creme to rise?

Trainer Talk / Michael Bell / 17 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Creme Anglaise will be in action at HQ

"Creme Anglaise is in good form, but the handicapper has made it tough... "

Michael Bell is tentative about his runners' chances on Saturday but could they surprise him?

Newbury

13.25 7f Maiden
Kai: He was very disappointing on his first run at Newmarket and it was back to square one with him after that. No doubt some of the newcomers will be useful and I will just be looking to him to show some improvement.

Newmarket

16.05 1m4f Handicap
Creme Anglaise: She got hoiked up 6lb for getting beaten in a less-competitive race at Nottingham last time so it isn't going to be easy for her this time. She is in good form, but the handicapper has made it tough and I couldn't be too confident given our current run of form.
..........

Michael also runs Wigmore Hall in the Northen Dancer Turf Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday Night (due off 21:34). Click HERE to read what he had to say about his chance, and to find out how you could win a trip to the Breeders' Cup.

Brian Meehan provides the lowdown on his weekend runners, including one in the opener at Newbury that he's very excited about......

Brian Meehan's Theyskens' Theory, sixth in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, returns to the US on Saturday night for the Garden City Stakes at Belmont Park (due off 22:18 BST). Here's what he had to say about her......

Michael Bell's globetrotting gelding Wigmore Hall goes in search of his first Grade 1 success in the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday night (due off 21:34). Here's what Michael had to say about his chance.....

Betfair website

Newmarket

Going Report / Editor / 17 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Racecourse: Newmarket
First Race Time: 13:45
Going: Good to firm (watered)
Other Information: Dry overnight. Forecast sunny spells and showers with temperatures up to 17 degrees.

Racecourse: Newbury First Race Time: 13:25 Going: Good, good to soft in places Other Information: Dry overnight. Newbury Show weekend so junction 13 of M4 will be congested - racegoers advised to use junctions 12 or 14 instead....

Racecourse: Ayr First Race Time: 13:40 Going: Soft, heavy in places. 7.9 on going stick. Other Information: 7mm of rain in last 24 hours. Forecast to be showery throughout day with up to 5mm of rainfall....

Racecourse: Catterick First Race Time: 14:05 Going: Good Other Information: 20mm of rain overnight. Mainly dry day forecast with scattered showers....

Betfair website

Market Movers: Saturday September 17

Market Movers / Editor / 17 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

All the early betting moves ahead of today's racing at Ayr, Catterick, Newbury and Newmarket

Ayr
13.40
Montaser 3.2 out to 5.5
Zakreet 13.0 in to 9.0

14.15
Fathsta 9.6 out to 12.0
Bertiewhittle 14.6 in to 10.0
Cheveton 11.0 out to 15.0
Parisian Pyramid 9.5 out to 14.0
Maarek 40.0 in to 28.0

14.45
Princess Of Orange 14.6 in to 10.5

15.20
Pepper Lane 11.0 out to 15.5
Kaldoun Kingdom 22.0 in to 17.0
High Standing 42.0 in to 24.0

15.55
Honeymead 5.75 in to 3.95

16.30
Poet 3.2 in to 2.8

17.00
Magic Cat 29.0 in to 18.5

17.35
Sharp Relief 4.0 out to 5.0

Catterick
14.05
Indego Blues 3.8 in to 3.15
Glamorous Angel 2.8 out to 3.75

14.35
Al Furat 3.78 in to 2.88

15.10
Repeater 4.67 in to 3.9

15.45
Mica Mika 7.6 in to 6.2

16.20
Daffydowndilly 5.3 in to 3.9

Newbury
13.25
Sir Bedivere 2.7 out to 5.3
Firestarter 7.8 in to 5.8
Rewarded 19.0 in to 12.5

14.00
Sri Putra 7.6 in to 5.5

14.30
Caspar Netscher 2.04 out to 3.35
Swiss Spirit 10.0 in to 8.4

15.05
Labarinto 4.9 out to 5.6
Kirthill 9.2 in to 7.4
Beaumonts Party 14.0 in to 11.0

15.40
Deacon Blues 2.5 out to 2.9

16.15
Miblish 5.0 in to 3.95

16.50
Democretes 7.5 in to 4.8

17.25
Silverware 13.0 in to 7.6

Newmarket
13.45
Cresta Star 8.4 in to 5.4

14.20
Kyanight 5.8 out to 8.2
Silver Marizah 17.0 in to 7.8

16.05
Masaraat 12.35 in to 8.0

This evening's market movers from Wolverhampton......

This afternoon's market movers from the UK and Ireland......

This evening's market movers from Kempton......

Betfair website

The Punter's In-Play Blog: The Vivendi Seve Trophy and the BMW Championship

The Punter / Steven Rawlings / 16 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Mark Wilson – Joint-leader in Illinois

“Rose and Mark Wilson are now tied on -11, with Webb Simpson two shots further back. All three are now covered and I’m going to leave it at that for now.”

Great Britain & Ireland assume command in the Vivendi and there's an early start in the States today, as Steve looks to nurse his bets through to the final round....

10.50 - September 17, 2011

With the Vivendi Seve Trophy starting early this morning, there's fully 13 hours of live golf on Sky today, enough for even the most ardent fanatic surely.

Day one may have gone the way of the Brits at the Vivendi but day two belonged to the Continental Europeans and G B & Ireland now only lead 5 ½ - 4 ½, with this morning's matches ebbing and flowing nicely.

The Brits were on top for the first hour or so but the Europeans fought back well and the entire match was tantalisingly poised for a while but it looks as though the Brits are starting to take control again. They now lead in all four matches. I'm still happy to just dip in and out of the coverage and let the event roll along without any further interest. It's an entirely different matter in the States however...

I took the plunge and got Justin Rose onside last night and I'm glad I did but I also jumped the gun with Gary Woodland, who looks too far back now. I went out for the evening and I knew I wouldn't be able to even view the scores, so after Rose started ok I thought the safest thing to do was to get him onside. Woodland started really well but double-bogeyed as soon as I'd backed him!

Rose and Mark Wilson are now tied on -11, with Webb Simpson two shots further back. All three are now covered and I'm going to leave it at that for now. John Senden is only one behind Simpson and then there's a further gap of two to Bill Haas and Robert Allenby, tied for 5th.

Play starts early today, with the leaders going out at 3.15 UK time, presumably there's the threat of bad weather? It's live on Sky at 5.00, following the Vivendi.

I'd shown yesterday, that the furthest anyone has come back from after day one in the last 15 events at Cog Hill was six strokes. That was Robert Allenby, who happened to be five back at halfway in 2000, which, unsurprisingly, was the furthest back any winner's been at halfway. If you like looking for quirky omens when looking for a punt, Allenby was six back after day one on Thursday, and he's now five back, spooky. I wonder if he's aware of the coincidence.

I'm hoping for a stress-free afternoon and evening and I'm going to try not to dive in on anyone else.

10.20 - September 16, 2011

Thursday's are always a big day of the week for us golf bettors, hopes can be dashed in no time and the old adage of you can't win an event on a Thursday but you can lose one is so true. When I'm on a bad run I dread opening up the leaderboards and even if I'm on song, with my typically glass half-full persona, I still do so with plenty of trepidation but yesterday was a good Thursday, a very good Thursday.

At the Vivendi Seve Trophy, Paul McGinley's GB & Ireland almost totally dominated proceedings and they take a 4-1 lead into day two. Today's format is again Fourballs, with McGinley, very sensibly, deciding not to change any of his pairings. Having backed McGinley's Mob before the off, I'm more than happy with my lot right now and I'm not going to upset the applecart by getting involved in the individual matches, but if I was to do so, my idea of the best bets today would be Simon Dyson and Jamie Donaldson to beat Thomas Bjorn and Rafael Jacquelin and Miguel Angel Jimenez and Pablo Larrazabal to beat Darren Clarke and David Horsey. Both of those pairings look strong.

Over at the BMW Championship, Justin Rose has blazed out of the gates and shot a scintillating 63 to lead by two shots over my man, Webb Simpson and one of Paul Krishnamurty's two Find Me A 100 Winner selections, Mark Wilson. I'm chuffed with Webb's start but I really should have taken heed re Wilson, especially given another very shrewd judge in Ian at Sportsbetting.com also picked him out.

I've already been busy at the event and I've already backed three more players but I'm taking a chance and leaving out Rose...for now.

The series of numbers below represents the number of shots off the lead that the last 15 winners at Cog Hill were after round one - starting with last year's winner, Dustin Johnson, who was four back.

4, 2, 3, 3, 0, 3, -1, 2, 4, 6, -3, 2, 1, 1, 1.

In 2000, Robert Allenby came from six back to win but 14 of the last 15 winners have been within just four strokes of the day one lead. Cog Hill isn't a catch up course.

Given the above, I backed Wilson, who played the back-nine first, when he had two to play last night. As Harry The Hat points out here, the 8th and 9th holes are birdie holes. I got lucky; he scrambled a par at the 8th and drained a bomb for birdie on the 9th.

I also backed Camilo Villegas at the same point but he made two pars and finished up on just -3. And I also got KJ Choi onside once he'd finished his round on -4.

If the winner is going to be within four at this stage, then only Rose, Simpson, Wilson and Choi can win but it's never going to be that simple is it, and I'll take another look tomorrow.

Simpson drifted right out to [25.0] before the off for some reason and I took a chance and went in again. Once he started well I layed that wager back at [20.0] and then again at [5.7] and that gave me the funds to almost finance yesterday's trades, so it's been a great start.

I'm off out tonight, so I'm not going to be able to trade later but with Rose teeing off at 17.37, I should get a chance to monitor him early on. I haven't got the Englishman onside just yet but I don't want to jump in. It's a risky strategy, but hopefully he'll struggle a bit today. It wouldn't be a surprise if he did, it's never easy to follow-up a low one.

Vivendi Seve Trophy pre-event bet

G B & Ireland @ [2.2]

BMW Championship pre-event bets

Webb Simpson @ [23.0] & again @ [25.0]
Jerry Kelly @ [160.0]

In-running plays

Camilo Villegas @ [25.0]
Mark Wilson @ an average of [20.0]
KJ Choi @ an average of [19.0]
Webb Simpson layed back @ [20.0] and [5.7]
Justin Rose @ [5.3]
Gary Woodland @ [20.0]

GB & Ireland look to make it six in-a-row and Webb has designs on back-to-back wins in the States. Read Steve's thoughts on this week's golf action here......

Dutch Master Dyson wins KLM Open number three but what have we learnt for next year and who needs to be followed or avoided in the weeks ahead?...

There's an early start in the morning, with play brought forward because of a bad weather forecast but who's going to win? Read the Punter's thoughts on the final round here......

Betfair website