Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Stick with Scott at Ffos Las

Timeform Radio Tip / Will Hayler / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

How will Azione fare at Ffos Las today?

"Priors Gold has a touch of class and is up to defying top-weight in the two-mile handicap at Wolverhampton (17.20pm) despite a 6lb penalty for winning a maiden at this track on Friday."

Will Hayler fill the pundit's chair at Timeform Radio today and brings two horses to follow starting at Ffos Las...

With a fine strike-rate and a level-stakes profit for SP backers for the last three years, the Jeremy Scott stable is always one that punters should want to be with.

And odds-against ([2.08]) looks a fair price for Azione as she bids to follow up last week's Exeter win in the UC Better Handicap Hurdle (14.55pm) at Ffos Las this afternoon.

Making her debut for the stable, she soon skipped clear and was never in any danger throughout under Matt Griffiths, holding off the late rally of Water Garden by a length-and three-quarters without ever having to be quite asked for maximum effort.

Of course, there are reasons for fearing a 'bounce' today as she as she comes back to the track just eight days after that first start for more than seven months, while this contest is probably also a little stronger.

But off the same lowly handicap mark - more than a stone lower than her highest rating - and with the prevailing soft ground in her favour, there is no doubt that she deserves to be a hot favourite and the doubts about her are fairly factored into her price.

Priors Gold has a touch of class and is up to defying top-weight in the two-mile handicap at Wolverhampton (17.20pm) despite a 6lb penalty for winning a maiden at this track on Friday.

He has been expensive to follow as a hurdler but ideally wants to do everything on the bridle as he never looks that keen when pressure is applied.

Tom Queally gave him the ideal ride on Friday night, letting him cruise through the contest with only minimal urging before his obvious class told in the closing stages. Although this is hotter, if today's talented teenage rider can keep him similarly sweet for the first mile-and-a-half, he could prove simply far too good where it matters.

Cautious backers might like to consider leaving in a small stake-covering lay at an odds-on price, just in case Priors Gold decides not to exert himself fully in the finish.

Recommended Bets
Back Azione @ [2.08] in the 14:55 at Ffos Las
Back Priors Gold @ [2.88] in the 17:20 at Wolverhampton

Lorna Fowler is joined by Rory Delargy on a Sunday featuring action at Leicester and Carlisle in the UK, and in Ireland at Navan. There's little doubt that the Navan card is the highlight of the day, and it's there that Rory goes for his best bets....

Two bets from Jeremy Grayson ahead of the racing at Newbury this afternoon and both at big prices. Read on to see who today's man in the Timeform Radio hotseat sees as the best wagers of the day....

Betfair's Follow The Money for Friday November 25. Today's movers come the meetings at Doncaster and Musselburgh....

Betfair website

Home And Away: Huddersfield run to continue at Charlton

Daily Tipping / Jonno Turner / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Lee Clark will aim to cut into Charlton's lead at the top of League One

Jonno Turner is backing Huddersfield to extend the longest unbeaten streak in Football League history at The Valley, and fancies Malaga too...

We're off to La Liga this evening as Malaga welcome Villarreal to La Rosaleda aiming to extend their excellent recent home form.

Malaga are currently sixth in the league following an impressive run of seven wins in nine home games - the two they failed to win being against Barcelona and Real Madrid, which is very forgivable!

And Manuel Pellegrini has really got his side, who have won two of their last three, playing with confidence. Malaga invested heavily during the close season and have assembled an impressive squad featuring the likes of Joaquin, Santi Cazorla and Ruud van Nistelrooy - and contrary to some expectations, seem to have gelled pretty well thus far.

Villarreal head to southern Spain on a nightmare run which has seen them fail to win in 15 games on the road. You have to go all the way back to March to find the Yellows last La Liga success away from El Madrigal, and that barren run has contributed to their position of 12th in the league.

The home side smashed in three goals in their last game, and should have a few opportunities come their way against a Villarreal side which has conceded an average of two in their last four games away from home.

I'm sticking my money on the home win here, to lift Los Boquerones into fifth place in the league.

Bet 1: Malaga (HOME) to win @ [1.82]

It's the battle of the big two in League One tonight - as Huddersfield travel to Charlton in what promises to be a great game.

They appear to be two evenly matched sides so the form guide isn't much help here - both teams have been on excellent runs going into this one, and both have an abundance of talent at this level.

Charlton have won their last five in the league, however those games have been against some of the league's poorer sides - and haven't lost at The Valley since April. The team to beat them that day were Huddersfield.

And the Addicks are fallible, as shown by their loss to hard-working Stevenage last month. Chris Powell's side have conceded seven in their last seven outings in front of their own fans, which isn't a disaster, but against a side as solid as Huddersfield the odd goal could be the difference here.

Indeed, Lee Clark's side could make it 44 league games unbeaten this evening, which is an astonishing feat at any level. The Terriers boss has ingrained a never-say-die attitude into his charges and strengthened further on loan deadline day, snapping up Jon Parkin and six Duracell bunnies.

Jordan Rhodes has been in red hot form for the away side and goes into this game having smashed 21 goals, the same as Robin van Persie, in all competitions. And his side need to win here to keep themselves in the top two, following Sheffield Wednesday's win at the weekend.

There is no denying that this will be a tight game, however if anyone can stop Charlton, it's tonight's opponents, and at great value as well. Importantly, the Addicks are without their injured captain Johnnie Jackson, who has been instrumental in their success so far this campaign, and I think this could be a telling loss come 22:00 tonight.

Bet 2: Huddersfield (AWAY) to win @ [3.2]

Brondby host AC Horsens this evening in a Superliga clash over in Denmark with the home side a shade of odds-on. Favourite backers are obviously ignoring the fact that they've won just one of their last five, but stats like...

The Inside Man uses his inside knowledge to tell us which side of the over/under 2.5 goals market to be on. Still following?...

Every weekend, four of betting.betfair's football writers will contribute one selection each from the top four leagues in English football, giving you, the readers, an exciting Multiple option....

Betfair website

Nicholls' Weekend Runners: The Timeform Review

Weekend Runners / Timeform / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Big Buck's and Ruby Walsh were victorious again on Saturday afternoon

"it is difficult to envisage where and when Big Buck's will face a stiff challenge, let alone an unthinkable defeat, especially with Grands Crus out of the picture."

No fewer than six winners for Paul Nicholls since Thursday, including the magnificent Big Buck's cruising to his thirteenth consecutive hurdles victory in the Grade 2 Long Distance at Newbury...

Watergate Bay, a brother to Fistral Beach, got things started on Thursday afternoon by taking a Novices' Hurdle at Taunton. He lacked experience (once raced in points), but shaped as though a step up in trip could bring about improvement (Timeform rated 119p) and could develop into a useful staying prospect over the coming months.

The three day Hennessy Gold Cup Meeting also got underway at Newbury on Thursday.

Sonofvic marked himself as a chaser to follow in finishing a close second behind Grands Crus in the Grade 2 Worcester Novices' Chase, earning himself a Timeform rating of 145p. Sonofvic hit the fence five from home but jumped soundly in the main, and the fact he was able to get so close to Grands Crus on his chasing bow, with the pair pulling so far clear of third, is really encouraging. Sonofvic will have solid claims in the top novice races this season, with the RSA Chase reportedly a long-term target, though the Feltham Novices Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day may be on the agenda in the interim - he's one to follow wherever he lines up next.

That'lldoboy soon went one better for Nicholls, fending off the late challenge of Emma Lavelle's Zarrafakt in the closing stages to land a handicap chase, the pair pulling 23 lengths clear of the third. It was another big improvement from That'lldoboy, who put in a near-faultless round of jumping before taking over on the bridle and finding plenty for pressure. Tougher assignments lie ahead for That'lldoboy, who is now rated 124p, but he's looked a different prospect in blinkers the last twice and could yet have more to offer.

Empire Levant completed a quick-fire Newbury double just over half an hour later as he made a mockery of his BHA mark to win a handicap hurdle in emphatic fashion, pulling nearly 30 lengths clear, and he confirmed that improvement just 48 hours later when going down by six lengths to stablemate Rock on Ruby (who we'll come to later) in the Gerry Feilden back at the Berkshire course.

Ranjaan was well fancied to make a winning hurdling debut for the yard on Friday, and though he could manage only second, ten lengths behind Urbain de Sivola, he travelled well until three out and was not given a hard time by Ruby Walsh once beaten. Ranjaan is an imposing type, will probably stay further than two miles in time and could yet develop into a strong prospect, rated 125p after his hurdling bow.

A fall aboard Sollim (who looked likely to finish runner-up) in the third race meant Ruby Walsh had to stand down for the remainder of Friday's card, and Barry Geraghty and Robert Thornton proceeded to pick up Ruby's spare rides, but neither could manage a placed finish.

The all-clear from the doctor meant Walsh was back in the saddle on Saturday and he partnered Prospect Wells (136p) to an easy win, travelling powerfully in mid-field before taking over on the bridle and readily asserting in the final stages. Prospect Wells had already proved himself in higher company when second in a Grade 2 event earlier this month and his Flat form confirms that he is likely to be a leading prospect for the top novice hurdles throughout the season, with a step back up in class presumably next on the agenda.

The aforementioned Rock on Ruby marked his comeback with a victory just over an hour later to land a trainer-jockey double and a stable 1-2 in the Gerry Feilden Listed Hurdle, as he and Walsh finished six lengths ahead of Harry Derham on Empire Levant. Rock on Ruby seemed to regain the progressive thread that saw him place in three graded races last season and looks as though he has even more to offer. He had very little trouble dropping back in trip to two miles, travelling well off the pace before comfortably asserting his superiority in the final furlong, and it would be little surprise if he were to develop into an outside contender for the Champion Hurdle, though he does have improvement to make on his rating of 158+.

Big Buck's completed a treble for Messrs Nicholls and Walsh in the following race, leading home a stable 1-2 once again and extending his unbeaten run over hurdles to 13, in the process matching Bula's record. Big Buck's was as imperious as ever on Saturday in beating stablemate Five Dream and it is difficult to envisage where and when Big Buck's will face a stiff challenge, let alone an unthinkable defeat, especially with Grands Crus out of the picture.

The Hennessy Gold Cup was a rare disappointment for the team this weekend, with Aiteenthirtythree and Michel le Bon trailing in tenth and eleventh respectably, whilst Neptune Collonges was pulled up.

The first-named probably shaped better than the bare result suggests, racing up with the pace and still in with a chance of placing at the second last, before fading markedly, Walsh not harsh on his mount once the chance had clearly gone. Michel le Bon also raced prominently, jumping with enthusiasm and zest in the early stages of the race before fitness inevitably told, with Noel Fehily equally sympathetic on his horse.

Paul sends a very strong team to Newbury for Hennessy Gold Cup day including the might Big Buck's - get the exclusive on all his runners at the Berkshire track, as well as his two Newcastle horses here...

The early betting gives Paul Nicholls a better chance than most of winning another Hennessy with Aiteen Thirtythree and Michel Le Bon at the top of the market, and Neptune Collonges also in the field. Read what our star columnist thinks of the trio here...

It's day two of Newbury's Hennessy meeting and our star columnist and champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, saddles six horses. Read all about his second day team here...

Betfair website

Gordon Elliott: Wolverhampton wins would top a good weekend

Gordon Elliott / Gordon Elliott / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Priors Gold repeat at Wolverhampton

"Priors Gold was long odds-on when winning over a mile and six here at Wolverhampton on Friday night and he gets the mandatory six-pound increase for that effort.
Brendan Powell, who we've booked for this afternoon, is a young jockey with a bright future and he claims 7lbs off him so he's effectively running off a pound lower mark."

He landed a valuable race at Navan on Sunday and has a trio of runners going at Wolverhampton - can they follow up? Read Gordon's exclusive thoughts here

Let's start off with a quick look back at Navan yesterday afternoon, where Mount Benbulben did us proud when winning the Grade 2 Monksfield Hurdle - an important win for us. The horse has come out of the race pretty well and it was great to win for Barry Connell, who bought him at the Cheltenham sales.

Davy Condon gave him a great ride to get him up late and, after that, I don't think the horse will dropped in trip. As I said all along, he's a horse that will get three miles in time, so hopefully it's onwards and upwards for him.

He could reappear at Navan next month or, if not, we'll wait until January and a trip to Leopardstown. His long-term goal is one of the novice events in Cheltenham, so fingers crossed he continues to improve for us.

Getting back to today's action, I have three runners in Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton, 14:10
Caracal
He remains a maiden and has been well beaten on his most recent runs, although he was third in a handicap at Dundalk back in October. He's been dropped seven pounds since then and I suppose that gives him some chance of reaching the frame but, with him, it's all about his frame of mind. He certainly has the ability to win at this level but it's all in his head.

Wolverhampton, 17:20
Priors Gold & Sounds Of Thunder
These two go to Wolverhampton this afternoon because I can't get them in at Dundalk. Priors Gold is a pretty consistent hurdler, who has shown a decent level of form in that sphere but both of his wins have come on good ground and so we thought we might take the opportunity to run him on the all-weather while the turf is soft.
He was long odds-on when winning over a mile and six here at Wolverhampton on Friday night and he gets the mandatory six-pound increase for that effort.
Brendan Powell, who we've booked for this afternoon, is a young jockey with a bright future and he claims 7lbs off him so he's effectively running off a pound lower mark. He goes an extra couple of furlongs today, which is probably about as far as he wants to go on the flat, but he's in great form and Brendan seems to riding with real confidence so we're hopeful of another big run.
Sounds Of Thunder is similar to Priors Gold in that all her winning form over jumps is on good ground. She was a winner on the all-weather here at Wolverhampton for Harry Dunlop back in 2009, when running off a mark of 65. She's five pounds lower than that today, but that victory came over nine furlongs and the two-mile trip is a worry.
On her last run on the flat - in Dundalk back in April - she wasn't beaten all that far but, again, that was only over 11 furlongs. I'm also concerned that she might need this run.

Tharawaat is the major hope for Gordon Eliott in the feature event of the weekend - the Troytown Chase at Navan - read about that horse and all his other runners here...

It's all systems go for Gordon Elliott with runners on both days including one on English soil (well, the All-Weather at Wolverhampton). Read about them all here......

Gordon Elliott takes us through his five chasers and five hurdlers to watch in what is already shaping up to be a cracking season for the Irish trainer and Betfair columnist......

Betfair website

Market Movers: Monday November 28

Market Movers / Editor / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

All the early betting moves ahead of today's racing at Ffos Las, Folkestone and Wolverhampton

Ffos Las
12.45
Captain Sharpe 8.0 out to 9.0

13.15
Thelobstercatcher 4.3 in to 3.75

13.45
Hunters Lodge 3.45 out to 4.1
Makethe Mostofnow 8.0 in to 5.5
Bathwick Brave 8.4 out to 9.8

14.20
Red Rouble 4.6 in to 4.0
As De Fer 6.4 in to 5.9
Misstree Dancer 6.6 in to 6.0
Song Sung Blue 5.9 out to 8.0

14.55
Azione 2.64 in to 2.06
Gross Prophet 9.6 in to 8.4

15.30
Kilcommon Pride 2.83 in to 2.3
Jan Jandura 5.75 out to 7.4

Folkestone
12.30
Shipboard Romance 3.15 in to 2.54

13.00
Lifestyle 2.04 in to 1.81

13.30
Ohio Gold 1.65 in to 1.55
Joseph Lister 4.81 out to 5.7
Trevis 18.76 in to 12.0

14.00
Free Speech 3.15 out to 3.8
Hunt Ball 11.0 in to 4.0
Maderson Blue 2.76 out to 5.2

14.35
Storm Survivor 5.0 in to 3.75

15.10
Reblis 4.7 in to 4.0
Reymysterio 6.4 in to 5.1
Gemini Jim 7.0 in to 5.5

15.40
Golden Firebird 1.6 in to 1.46

Wolverhampton
14.10
Resplendent Ace 10.0 in to 7.2
Caracal 3.15 out to 9.8
Squad 11.5 in to 9.2
Baan 7.8 out to 10.5
Harrys Yer Man 48.0 in to 13.5
Storm Hawk 14.5 out to 19.0

14.45
Apache Ridge 11.0 out to 17.0

15.20
Blown It 5.8 in to 4.3
Atlantic Beach 9.06 in to 7.6

15.50
Ability N Delivery 5.72 in to 5.1
Howyadoingnotsobad 8.0 in to 6.2

16.20
Masters Club 2.28 out to 2.68
Can Do Les 7.6 in to 6.2
Artlana 9.78 in to 8.4

16.50
Frederickthegreat 4.4 in to 3.65
Maybeagrey 11.5 in to 8.6
Enjoying 14.0 out to 21.0

17.20
Priors Gold 3.5 in to 2.94
Suzis A Class Act 9.8 in to 9.2
Sounds Of Thunder 7.0 out to 10.0

17.50
Yellow Printer 8.0 in to 7.0

All the early movers on Betfair's racing markets......

All the early price movements on Betfair's racing markets ahead of today's action....

All the betting moves ahead of the evening racing at Wolverhampton and Dundalk...

Betfair website

Timeform US SmartPlays: Monday November 28

Timeform US SmartPlays / Timeform / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Timeform's US team bring you three SmartPlays for Monday evening...

Finger Lakes race 3 (18:09 GMT) win lay #3 MANDATE at [2.8] or shorter

Finger Lakes race 9 (20:51 GMT) win back #3 RUSH TO RICHES at [2.8] or longer

Zia Park race 7 (21.51 GMT) win lay #2 SECONDCHANCEROLL at [3.2] or shorter

Timeform's North American Smartplays go from A to Z this evening, starting at Aqueduct and ending at Zia Park.......

Timeform's US team bring you three backs in North America this evening from......

Here's another pair of backs and a lay in North America this evening from Timeform's US team......

Betfair website

Napoli v Juventus: Hosts to raise their game against leaders

Italian Football / Michael Lintorn / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Edinson Cavani scored a hat-trick in his last home game against Juventus

"Napoli have shown throughout the campaign that they are a team for the big occasions and should avoid the disastrous scenario of allowing the unbeaten Bianconeri to pull 12 points clear of them."

Despite their dismal recent domestic form, Michael Lintorn thinks that Napoli are a massive threat to Juventus' unbeaten run...

Napoli v Juventus, Tuesday 19:45 BST, Betfair Live Video, Match odds: Napoli [2.6], Juventus [3.05], The Draw [3.35]

Walter Mazzarri maintains that it is the media rather than him expecting a scudetto challenge from Napoli. However honest that statement is, it will be very difficult for them to mount one if they lose Tuesday's game in hand with leaders Juventus.

The joy of a Champions League win over Manchester City was swiftly replaced by the increasingly familiar feeling of domestic disappointment at Atalanta, where they made four changes to the side and had to salvage a point in injury time.

Yet the Partenopei have shown throughout the campaign that they are a team for the big occasions and should avoid the disastrous scenario of allowing the unbeaten Bianconeri to pull 12 points clear of them, instead perhaps closing the gap to six.

The hosts have won just four of their first 11 Serie A fixtures, but three of those came against the clubs that joined them in the top four last season, with their 2-0 victory over Udinese last month ending their undefeated start.

And as they welcome bottom-of-the-table Lecce to the San Paolo on Saturday, Napoli will surely field their strongest possible XI against Juventus, meaning recalls for tireless right wing back Christian Maggio and unsung hero of the attack Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Juventus share their opponents' appetite for the glamorous encounters and have also seen off both Milan giants, claiming another huge result at the weekend away to Lazio. They weren't at their best in a 1-0 triumph though, and lost 3-0 in Naples in 2010-11.

Over/under 2.5 goals

Alessandro Matri has been a revelation since joining the Old Lady in January, but his team-mates spurned several opportunities in Rome and such wastefulness will prove costly against Napoli, who have kept three clean sheets in four at home.

Four of Antonio Conte's men's first five away matches have featured two goals or fewer, with them netting one or fewer in four instances, so under 2.5 goals has to be fancied at [1.76].

Best Bet: Napoli to win @ [2.6]
Other Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [1.76]

Even with Antonio Cassano likely to miss much of the remainder of the season, AC Milan should not be considering a move for Carlos Tevez, argues Michael Lintorn......

With Napoli set to face Manchester City in midweek in a huge Champions League fixture, Dave Farrar believes Lazio, and their excellent away form, can take full advantage....

It's not even December yet but the January transfer rumours are already starting to fly, with Didier Drogba thought to be on his way to Italy...

Betfair website

La Liga Betting: Real Madrid surge clear of beaten Barcelona

Spanish Football / Michael Lintorn / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Real Madrid are now six points clear and strong favourites to win La Liga

"Barcelona have a chance to do some damage limitation on Tuesday when they entertain Rayo Vallecano."

Real Madrid punished Barcelona's first loss of 2011-12, virtually guaranteeing that they will enter the first Clasico of the campaign in top spot.

How can a team who have been flawless on their Champions League travels continue to perform so ineptly on the road domestically? That question is sure to give Pep Guardiola a few restless nights after his side fell six points behind Real Madrid.

Just days after claiming a fifth successive away European victory against Italian champions AC Milan, Barcelona were felled 1-0 in the Spanish capital by lowly Getafe, who had won only two of their first dozen La Liga games.

The occasion marked the title holders' first defeat in 28 matches, but while that unbeaten run deserves plenty of credit, a loss as visitors had been on the cards, albeit appearing more likely to occur on their return to Madrid in a fortnight for the Clasico.

Guardiola's men, who haven't failed to finish first in any of his three seasons as coach, have taken just nine points from a possible 18 away from the Camp Nou, and their two triumphs were 1-0s against struggling Sporting Gijon and Grenada.

Real Madrid negotiated another potentially tricky tie earlier on Saturday with a seventh straight win over neighbours Atletico to extend a lead that on current form they will be optimistic of increasing further when they welcome their rivals.

And having emerged as favourites in the aftermath of their 3-2 success at third-placed Valencia a week ago, they are now clear frontrunners at [1.57], with Barcelona flying all the way out to [2.76].

Barca have a chance to do some damage limitation on Tuesday when they entertain Rayo Vallecano, who have only lost two of their seven away fixtures since promotion, pocketing as many points as the champions.

Victor Valdes and co haven't been breached once at home in domestic action, so it's no shock that they are [1.08] to close the gap to three points. Rayo have been defeated by more than one goal just twice though, so consider opposing Barcelona to win both halves at [1.48].

Tobias Gourlay expects Real Madrid to win the city derby with Atletico as usual, but wonders whether Barcelona will struggle on their trip to the Spanish capital...

Tobias Gourlay expects Real Madrid to increase the gap between the big two and the rest with a win at third-placed Valencia on Saturday night...

It may only be November, but this is already shaping up to be a crucial game in the race for the La Liga title...

Betfair website

Ten To Follow Leaderboard: Gary's got one hand on the gold

Ten to Follow Tipping Comp / Paul Krishnamurty / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Rory McIlroy is favourite to win the UBS Hong Kong Open

Gary Binosh stands on the brink of success after another very quiet week for our competition.

Only two relevant players, Thomas Aiken and Retief Goosen, earned anything for their teams, leaving Binosh 141 points clear with just a fortnight left. However a change at the top is still mathematically possible for a couple of reasons. First, next week's Dubai World Championship finale is a double-scoring event, and there are also a few huge priced outsiders involved at this week's Hong Kong Open. The other event is Thursday's Chevron World Challenge

Gary Binosh 2139
Mark Peters 1998
Ontheteeee 1993
Holly Stott 1859
Michael 1852
Cherio 1821
demoncleaners 1815
Ian KP 1806
Peter Sonnenburg 1764
Rachel Labo 1751
Lee Adamson 1748
Adi Crow 1721
USNA1964 1703
Feizal Rahman 1701
Martyns23 1695
TopDollar1 1685
stonecolds 1675
Stan Oentoe 1621
Barracuda59 1619
ElBandido 1602
Duncan 1587
Louie Mendoza 1572
Team Bunkered 1558
Alan Vye 1543
Golfnut 1540
Sportsman 1536
Andrew Livermore 1521
Silk Success 1517
Tigers 19 Holes 1506
Joe Dyer 1485
Martys Men 1481
James Voortman 1466
Neil Bartlett 1461
ReaseHeath 1460
MaldenGolfClub 1443
Milners 1440
Slim Tim Herron 1438
EME22 1431
Perfect Potential 1429
Mavericks Boys 1422
Paul McGlinchey 1416
Mr Stupid 1415
The Shepherds Crook 1411
Better lucky than good 1396
golfvet 1393
EME19 1387
Humbert The Priest 1385
the loonatic 1381
Paul Krishnamurty 1378
Steven Barrett 1373
EME9 1370
Aberdonia 1364
Mick Hoy 1361
Chris Doppler 1355
Hodges Hawks 1352
Richard Ball 1352
JAMPOT 1349
Blubba Watson 1347
Niall Duggan 1342
Ronan McCarthy 1342
Iain Hendy 1337
Rich 1334
Dazmac 1321
FCTwisters 1314
Lochinvar 1313
Drew J 1310
EME14 1293
Anonymous30 1288
Steve 1282
James Pacheco 1279
Eriskaybet 1279
Mike Rangecroft 1271
Agro 1270
Aidan14 1264
Kendolph Express 1259
Donny Osmond 1258
Matthew Gibbons 1258
No Hookers, please 1257
jaytay2 1250
Dean Broughton 1248
Simon Frederick 1244
Sam Harrop 1242
5 Penalty Stroke 1242
Super Hans 1242
jamie glowacki 1225
Drew the Tipster 1225
Lee Wallis 1222
Royal Smudge 1213
Daniel Lambert 1210
Neil Spencer 1206
Deportivo la Combo 1204
EME13 1196
Dan Chipowski 1195
Linda Angell 1193
Team Hulmes 1189
InstaScud 1181
Ronsk 1180
Aussie Warriors 1178
webuyanypar.com 1176
parorbetter 1176
EME1 1173
Ken Melton 1171
Corey De Bruyn 1166
Justahunch 1166
BJG 1158
EME20 1158
niknak 1158
Danny Knight 1156
Dave Harding 1155
Timcaznat 1151
Steve Bovey 1149
Mighty Whites 2008 1144
EME3 1140
Shot 2 from the Native Area 1137
Dave Dunning 1135
Stewart Davidson 1131
Feeling Better 1125
Mahseer 1123
Anonymous24 1116
doubling 1115
Greelo 1115
EME4 1113
Mascherano 1108
willieb83 1107
EME6 1104
Andjay 1100
DJSavedmylife 1096
GreenArmy 1095
LEEDSLEEEDSLEEDSLEEEDS 1095
Spursboy 1095
AJM2011 1089
Paul Dean 1075
Steven Rawlings 1074
Convo 1069
wedge1 1067
Towser 1055
Stroke of Luck 1055
Tony Buck 1054
Ben 1050
Macca Maclean 1050
Fredhed Barnrat 1048
Nigel Robson 1041
Hoof Hearted 1034
bowmak316 1026
Clonmullin 1025
wowiezowiee 1018
Barrowboy 1001
Gingermoff 1000
Terry 998
Playoff Sunday 998
Figjam 992
Kieran Aherne 992
Nathan Whitbread 988
Double D 982
Stephen Crowson 979
Easy Tiger 978
Julie Connor 972
KangaMick 969
jjlaff 965
Bunyip 965
Bramblyhedge 952
Simon 942
Hestias Putter 937
Llamedos 925
Tom A 923
Tony Pickett 921
Matts Caddies 914
Carsten Lymann 913
Lucky Sod 913
Matthew Taylor 906
Tight Lines 901
Dan Geraghty 898
Keith Murphy 897
LoudmouthPants 892
EME8 878
A whales vagina 870
Buck Ashcraft 870
Stuart Glover 850
Greig Steele 837
Andrew Gyton 815
Kevin 809
Mike Norman 809
Just Someone 767
daznfox 609

Paul Krishnamurty provides an update on the Ten To Follow tipping comp. And it's good news for the leader......

No team put their faith in the winner on the European Tour last week. No prizes for guessing how that affected the leaderboard......

Martin Kaymer's stunning victory in the year's final WGC event was good news for dozens of teams, but it did little to affect the top of the leaderboard. Gary Binosh remains the man they're all trying to catch up....

Betfair website

Follow The Money: Ffos Las and Folkestone fancies

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Azione hurdle his way to victory?

"Receiving weight from all but one of her rivals today on ground that suits, Azione should be hard to beat."

Today's movers come from the meetings at Ffos Las and Folkestone.

We start at Ffos Las and our negative in their Beginners' Chase at 13:15 where Super Directa has drifted out from an early [1.74] to [1.96]. Lucy Wadham's seven-year-old made a reasonable start over the larger obstacles at Fontwell last time out, although he was a well-beaten second to the odds-on favourite. With his main market rival having the better hurdles form and the other two runners not totally out of it Super Directa looks opposable to short odds.

It's off to Folkestone for our next mover where there has been decent money for Hunt Ball whose price has contracted in to [3.95] from [11.0] in the 14:00 contest. This winning pointer has no form of note under rules and comes here after a break off a very low mark. The hope is that his new trainer, who has made a promising start to his career, has brought about an improvement. If the market support is anything to go by he has!

Back to Ffos Las for our final selection where Azione has been very solid at the head of the market in the 14:55 race, having been backed in to [2.18] from 2.64. This one is another to come from an in-form yard and was a winner last time out in a conditional jockeys race which allows her to race off the same mark today. Receiving weight from all but one of her rivals today on ground that suits, Azione should be hard to beat.

Recommend Bets
http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=104429785&ex=1&origin=MRL&rfr=3013
http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=104429803&ex=1&origin=MRL&rfr=3013
http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=104429791&ex=1&origin=MRL&rfr=3013

Two backs and one lay based on price movements as per usual, from the Follow The Money crew......

Two backs, one lay. That can only mean the Follow The Money column is here for the day....

Today's Follow The Money comes from Newbury, Taunton and Uttoxeter....

Betfair website

I'm A Celeb Betting: Rock a solid eviction wager

I'm a Celebrity / Alan Dudman / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

The smiles might be replaced with tears tonight for Crissy Rock

"It's all about the air time, Rock's had about two minutes, whereas Wright is getting air miles. If Monday night's show is just as free of Crissy, then it's worth another go on her for eviction at around [3.0]."

The camera does not love Crissy Rock on IACGMOOH 2011 and that lack of air time makes her a good bet to leave the camp on Monday night, says Alan Dudman

The jungle is minus three more (well two without Tedward), as Pat Sharp and also Lorraine Chase headed to the five-star hotel to lick their wounds on Sunday. The 80s DJ only has himself to blame after his shock tactics with the teddy bear badly backfired - that and being the cheesiest person on the planet. Chase on the other hand was too nice, apart from when she told Sharp to 'sod off'.

Two more down, eight to go.

The Friday and Saturday shows were dominated by the jungle royalty task, in which Willie Carson was the ruling prince. We also had the knights of the round table, in which Dougie delivered a stirring speech. Any kind of communication is good from the rocker, who has been a modern day Harold Lloyd film. The McFly man is steady at around [7.0], although it's a slight drift from his price last week.

Antony is still whining over the cooking as he toiled over his wallaby stew. Sunday's chef duties went to Fatima Whitbread, which
immediately put the Corrie's star nose out of joint. He's lucky it wasn't a right hander, as the javelin thrower is one of the hardest competitors in camp.

She brushed aside Pat with ease in the trial, a success which kept her in the show. There has been a move on the Olympian, who has been cut into about [2.25] for top female. Her winner's price however is huge - at [27.0]. But for the tasks, she is unbeatable.

Sunday's show was fairly quiet on Mark Wright front, until yet another of his celebrity chests, and by bizarre coincidence with Emily, the potential romance. Backers of the TOWIE stud are now in a position of power, with a seismic shift
into [1.68] to win it. He is red-hot in the market, and [1.5] for top male. He is ticking all the boxes, missing his mum, great editing, romance, more great editing, torso shots, low IQ and phobia now conquered. Check, check, check and check. The future TV show is looking more and more realistic.

The next elimination has surely got to involve Crissy Rock who might have gone over the weekend. To say she hardly featured in the three hours of programming on Saturday and Sunday was an understatement. In fact, last year's winner Stacey Solomon was more visible, and she's in the adverts.

It's all about the air time, Rock's had about two minutes, whereas Wright is getting air miles. If Monday night's show is just as free of Crissy, then it's worth another go on her for eviction at around [3.0]. Emily is still vulnerable, but will this
potential romance keep her in? A price around [3.5] will be interesting for the Aussie.

Recommended Bets
Split stakes back on Crissy @ [3.0] and Emily [2.9] in fifth elimination.
Back Jessica Jane as top female @ [2.3]

Already Advised
Back Antony Cotton in winner market @ [4.6]
Lay Mark Wright in winner market @ [3.2]
Back Willie Carson in top male @ [6.2]
Back Male winner @ [1.55]
Back to lay Pat Sharp [15.0] LOST
Back to lay Fatima Whitbread @ [16.0]

Saturday's elimination looks a tough one to call but Alan Dudman does his best to decipher who's most likely to get the chop. Let's just say it might be no laughing matter for a particular female contestant......

The eliminations have begun with a quickie last night and another tonight. Alan Dudman looks at the betting and has bad news for FHM model Emily Scott......

It's all gone 1980s in Australia where Sinitta and Pat Sharp are the latest contestants to enter the I'm A Celebrity arena. And Al Dudman likes the former Funhouse man's chances at a big price......

Betfair website

Ligue 1 Odds: Paris project goes off the rails in Marseille

French Football / Ben Lyttleton / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Javier Pastore looks flat out knackered

"Pastore looks a shadow of the player who inspired PSG to beat Lyon and Montpellier, whom France Football described as a €43m bargain; he is clearly shattered, having played in 18 of PSG’s last 19 games, and this after a summer spent playing in the Copa America."

Mega-bucks PSG have faltered horribly in recent weeks culminating in a 3-0 defeat at Marseille on Sunday night and manager Antoine Kombouare is a dead man walking, says Ben Lyttleton

It was the kind of moment than can make or break a job for an under-pressure - but this time it didn't pay off. When Paris Saint-Germain fans look back on the reign of coach Antoine Kombouare, they might be able to trace the moment his fate was sealed to the 60th minute of last night's 3-0 defeat at Marseille.

It's true, PSG had failed to play well in each of their last three matches:
the 1-1 draw with Bordeaux, last week's home defeat to relegation-threatened Nancy, and, in particular, the Marseille game. But his side was only 1-0 down, to Loic Remy's early goal, when he took the decision to take off Javier Pastore and Kevin Gameiro, the team's two star players, both of whom had poor games.

Pastore looks a shadow of the player who inspired PSG to beat Lyon and Montpellier, whom France Football described as a €43m bargain; he is clearly shattered, having played in 18 of PSG's last 19 games, and this after a summer spent playing in the Copa America. The Argentine playmaker left the pitch with the lowest pass completion rate of any player - 47 per cent, lower even than PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu - and Canal Plus pundit Christophe Dugarry bemoaned his attitude, saying: "He tries to beat two players when he should be keeping it simple; he's just losing the ball every time."

Just like last week, PSG sports director Leonardo faced the press after the game to insist that Kombouare was safe: "There's always a difficult moment in each season. We started well but now we're struggling. But it won't decide the season: this changes nothing to our project."

What he means is that PSG are still on the hunt for a new coach, (Carlo Anclelotti has reportedly turned it down, while others like Rafa Benitez and Marcello Lippi are said to be under consideration), even if that is harsh of former PSG midfielder Kombouare, who has steadied the ship impressively in recent seasons. And while the Kanak coach is criticized for over-using Pastore, Leonardo is the man who brought him in as the marquee signing, as well as signing Diego Lugano, at fault for the first goal last night, over Kombouare's head.

Apart from the fact that only Ajaccio and Nice are on a worse run in the league, the result certainly changes things in Ligue 1: not only keeping Montpellier in top spot - they beat Sochaux 3-1 thanks to Olivier Giroud's hat-trick, but also giving the rest of the league the belief that PSG can be overhauled.

It was not so long ago that France Football was speculating not if PSG would win the title but by how much. Now, though, they are three points behind Montpellier, with Lille and Rennes only two points back, and Lyon, ([4.3]) for the title, four points. As always, Montpellier president Louis Nicollin laughed off his side's chances of staying the distance - last season they faded after they were joint-top after 15 games - in typical foul-mouthed
style: "If we beat Lyon, PSG and Lille to the title, you can stab me in the backside with a sausage!" he told L'Equipe.

Montpellier are ([10.5]) to keep their momentum, but perhaps a better bet would be reigning champions Lille, ([4.4]), who are coming into form after their run of five draws in September. Their only defeats since then have come to Inter Milan in the Champions League, and Lille, traditionally slow starters, have only lost once in Ligue 1, to Montpellier in Week Two. They face PSG, now ([2.52]), in the week before Christmas in what will be a huge game.

Sunday's win was also a big one for Marseille: coach Didier Deschamps came into the game under huge pressure after the midweek loss to Olympiakos, the embarrassing public fall-out with Andre-Pierre Gignac, and then an apparent lack of support after that. Leaks from the Marseille dressing-room suggested that players are unhappy with Deschamps's lack of tactical work in training-sessions, and some of the players agreed with Gignac's criticisms.

This result pushes Marseille into the top half and now seven points off a Champions League place -it would be a huge comeback if Deschamps could push his team back up there after their shocking start. Marseille are ([3.4]) to finish in the top three.

Meanwhile, December was always going to be a big month for the PSG 'project'. Owners QSI were hoping to confirm the signing of David Beckham on an 18-month deal in the next few weeks, but before then - perhaps depending on how the team copes against Auxerre and Sochaux - there could be a new man arriving in the dug-out as well.

Sunday night marks one of the few occasions this season where PSG will be underdogs, so take advantage, says French football expert James Eastham....

Two of France's newly-promoted sides have the sort of defensive problems that can make you money this weekend, writes French football expert James Eastham....

Adel Taarabt hasn't exactly set the Premier League on fire this season, but that hasn't stopped rumours about a mega-money move to Paris Saint Germain...

Betfair website

Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting: Al preserved for spring return

News / Timeform / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Weird Al could be in line for a tilt the Gold Cup.

"We've yet to decide whether to go for the Gold Cup or go straight to Aintree, but we've got plenty of time."

Weird Al is set to have a long break before being prepared for a spring campaign following his fine effort at Haydock in the Betfair Chase...

The Cheltenham Gold Cup, for which Weird Al is currently available at [22.0] on Betfair, and a Grade 1 at Aintree are the races trainer Donald McCain has got in mind for the eight year-old.

McCain was delighted his charge showed he was up to taking on the best when third behind Kauto Star and Long Run in the Betfair Chase, three weeks after winning Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase.

"Timmy (Murphy) made it look like he was travelling better down the back than he actually was, but to his credit he stuck at it and galloped all the way to the line to be a couple of lengths behind Long Run," McCain told At The Races.

"That's proved we can compete at that level and it also proved he's a better horse fresh, so he'll have a good long break and now and come back for the spring.

"We've yet to decide whether to go for the Gold Cup or go straight to Aintree, but we've got plenty of time."

Overturn could have another crack at the Champion Hurdle after making turf history at Newcastle on Saturday......

Current Arkle Chase favourite Peddlers Cross is set to complete the first half of his campaign in a two-mile novice chase at Haydock on December 17 when he will bid to complete a hat-trick over fences......

There were emotional scenes in the winner's enclosure at Newbury after Carruthers landed the Hennessy Gold Cup......

Betfair website

Arsenal v Manchester City: City to shoot down young Gunners

Carling Cup / Mike Norman / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Man City boss Roberto Mancini

"Arsenal and Man City have been involved in four Carling Cup games between them this season, resulting in a total of 16 goals being scored."

Two very different sides to the ones we see in the Premier League go head-to-head in a Carling Cup Quarter-Final tie, and Mike Norman believes City's class should triumph over youth.

Arsenal v Manchester City, KO: Tuesday 20:00 live on Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Arsenal [3.1], Man City [2.46], The Draw [3.6]

I have to admit it's incredibly difficult to pen a match preview when every web search or glance at the TV for team news leads me to a story on Gary Speed's death. Like everyone else I was numb at Sunday's desperately sad news and it's almost impossible to come to terms with.

Myself, and everyone at Betting.Betfair, would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies to Gary's family and friends.

As Gary would have wanted, football goes on, and on Tuesday evening Arsenal host Manchester City in an intriguing Carling Cup tie. One club desperate to win a major trophy, the other hoping to win the Premier League title. Two or three seasons ago you'd have said the former description fitted Man City, the latter Arsenal. How times have changed.

Despite Arsenal's continued quest for silverware and the strength of the opposition on Tuesday night, Arsene Wenger is expected to field a youthful side similar to the ones that beat Shrewsbury and Bolton earlier in the campaign. Defenders Ignasi Miquel, Carl Jenkinson and Nico Yennaris, midfielder Francis Coquelin, and striker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could all feature at some point alongside the experienced trio of Tomas Rosicky, Andrei Arshavin and Yossi Benayoun.

City - playing just 48 hours after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool - will be much-changed though their line-up is expected to be far more experienced than the Gunners', with the likes of Nigel De Jong, Pablo Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Adam Johnson, and Edin Dzeko likely to start.

Match Odds

The main question I asked myself when assessing this market was, is Arsenal's second string - arguably third string - better than the Wolves line-up that was thrashed 5-2 at home by City in the previous round? Probably not was my conclusion, and that means I have to go for Roberto Mancini's men to win this game at [2.46].

Of course, Wenger could field a much stronger side than expected which would make the outcome far more difficult to call. Remember, you don't have to get involved until the team line-ups are known but if Arsenal line up weak and City line up strong then the [2.46] about an away victory will disappear in the press of a mouse button.

Over/Under 3.5 Goals

Only once in the last seven meetings between Arsenal and Man City have both sides got on the socresheet, but when one side does manage a victory they tend to do it comprehensively - two 3-0 victories and a 4-2 victory for City in those seven games and 3-0 and 2-0 wins for Arsenal. To confuse matters though, the other two games finished goalless.

On this occasion I'm happy to ignore recent history and assess the game on what it is - a League Cup encounter between two much-changed sides. It's hard to make a case for a low-scoring encounter, and I'm not happy about taking just [1.75] on Over 2.5 Goals being the outcome. Arsenal and City have been involved in four Carling Cup games between them this season, resulting in a total of 16 goals being scored. Here's hoping that average of four goals per game can be maintained and a back of Over 3.5 Goals at [3.0] is the selection.

Correct Score

Whenever a glut of goals is fancied it's advisable to cover a few high-scoring options at big odds, even if at the minimum stake (£2). For example, a 3-0 victory to Man City is available to back at [34.0], whilst the 3-1 and 3-2 City win options can be backed at [22.0] and [30.0] respectively. Dutching all three will result in a return at [9.2] should one scoreline be correct, which by complete coincidence is the same price as the Any Unquoted outcome (any side to score at least four goals).

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Back Man City to win @ [2.46]
Back Over 3.5 Goals @ [3.0]

Draw favours United as Liverpool go to Chelsea and Arsenal face Manchester City...

Manchester City have been backed in to lift the Carling Cup after easing past Wolves, but there's a case for backing one of the Championship's survivors......

A buoyant Manchester City face a struggling Wolves in the Carling Cup this Wednesday. Jaymes Monte can see only one outcome....

Betfair website

Tingle Creek Betting: Sizing Europe heads entries

News / Timeform / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Sizing Europe could contest the Tingle Creek on Saturday.

"Two miles around Sandown should be much more up his [Sizing Europe's] street and he is the clear standard setter on his Champion Chase form.

Last season's Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Sizing Europe heads 11 entries for the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday...

Henry de Bromhead's Cheltenham winner Sizing Europe finished a respectable second to Quito de la Roque on his most recent start at Down Royal, when shaping as if the three miles he faced that day was stretching his stamina. Two miles around Sandown should be much more up his street and he is the clear standard setter on his Champion Chase form.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has dominated the Tingle Creek in recent seasons, landing each of the last six renewals, and this year he has entered Tataniano and Kauto Stone, although the latter is more likely to head to Ireland for the John Durkan at Punchestown. Tataniano made a winning reappearance at Chepstow in October, delivering a high-class performance which marked him down as a major player in the top two-mile races.

Philip Hobbs, who won the race in 2001 with Flagship Uberalles, has entered Wishfull Thinking. Runner-up in the Jewson at Cheltenham last season before winning at both the Aintree and Punchestown Festivals, Wishfull Thinking was aggressively ridden in the PP Gold Cup at Cheltenham on his return and is much better judged on the pick of his form.

Finian's Rainbow, second to Captain Chris in last season's Arkle before winning at Aintree, is the sole representative for the in-form stable of Nicky Henderson. He is likely to improve in his second season chasing and could be up to mixing it with the best in the division.

Timeform Master Ratings

171 Sizing Europe
167 Tataniano
165 Wishfull Thinking
160p Kauto Stone
157p Finian's Rainbow

Weird Al is set to have a long break before being prepared for a spring campaign following his fine effort at Haydock in the Betfair Chase......

Overturn could have another crack at the Champion Hurdle after making turf history at Newcastle on Saturday......

Current Arkle Chase favourite Peddlers Cross is set to complete the first half of his campaign in a two-mile novice chase at Haydock on December 17 when he will bid to complete a hat-trick over fences......

Betfair website

Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday November 28

Timeform UK SmartPlays / Timeform / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Wolverhampton is the scene of Monday's best bet

"The step back up to a mile today is in her favour and, with a number of her rivals making little appeal, this looks a good opportunity for Anginola to regain the winning thread..."

National hunt action has centre stage at present, but a horse on the Flat at Wolverhampton rates as Monday's bet of the day...

The ground at Ffos Las today is likely to be testing, with the official going being described as soft, heavy in places. That should play into the hands of the Nick Mitchell-trained Misstree Dancer (14:20), as two of her three career wins have come on heavy ground. The seven-year-old made a smooth transition to fences last season with a win at Newbury in December among a number of creditable efforts, and she should be all the better for last month's reappearance over a trip short of her best at Wetherby. Now back off a mark just one pound higher than for that Newbury success, and with the step back up to three miles in her favour on ground that will suit, Misstree Dancer looks an attractive proposition this afternoon.

Azione (14:55) made a winning debut for the Jeremy Scott yard at Exeter eight days ago, and with the stable continuing in fine form she is likely to prove hard to beat at Ffos Las in the two-mile handicap hurdle. As that win at Exeter came in a conditional jockeys' race, the daughter of Exit To Nowhere is able to escape a penalty, meaning she can race off the same mark today leaving her incredible well handicapped on the pick of her old form. Another for whom the soft ground will pose few problems, she can make it two wins from two starts for her new connections.

Our final SmartPlay, and bet of the day, comes from Wolverhampton in the shape of Anginola (16.50). The Joseph Tuite-trained runner got off the mark at Kempton in September, and has run well in defeat on both starts since. Dropped back to seven furlongs for her latest outing, Anginola gave the impression she found the trip on the short side, taking a while to hit top gear before finishing well to take fourth. The step back up to a mile today is in her favour and, with a number of her rivals making little appeal, this looks a good opportunity for Anginola to regain the winning thread.

Recommendations
Back Misstree Dancer @ [6.2] Ffos Las 14:20
Back Azione @ [2.1] Ffos Las 14:55
Back Anginola @ [4.2] Wolverhampton 16:50

Two SmartPlays at Carlisle and one at Leicester on a busy Sunday afternoon in the UK and Ireland......

With a short head the only thing separating this column from three successful bets from three yesterday, Timeform's SmartPlays team are hoping for a clean sweep this afternoon....

Three more SmartPlays from the Timeform Free Form site with a lay and two backs for Friday's racing......

Betfair website

RIP Gary Speed: The first Betting.Betfair star columnist

News / Ralph Ellis / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Gary Speed was one of football's most loved characters

"He was a fantastic bloke, a person who understood his position in the world of football, but still had time for everybody else."

Gary Speed's untimely death has united the football world in grief. Ralph Ellis pays tribute to the man who, as well as being one of the Premier League's finest ever performers, played no small part in creating the website you read today...

There are times when, however good you think you are with words, there is no way to get across your emotions. I was at Swansea yesterday when news started to spread of the tragic end to Gary Speed's life, and 24 hours later, it's still hard to come to terms with it.

So I make no apologies for swapping the normal Monday morning reflections on the weekend's Premier League results to add my small contribution to the mountain of tributes that have been paid to one of football's genuine legends.

Knowledge

Gary was the first celebrity columnist when Betting.Betfair site was created (see his last column) and it was my absolute privilege to by chosen to work with him to get his thoughts on paper. He knew football from top to bottom, of course. You wouldn't have expected anything else from a man who for a while held the record for the number of Premier League appearances, as well as being his country's most capped outfield player. But his knowledge of, and love for, other sports, was as deep as it was astonishing.

In those days he came up with betting tips on golf, snooker, cricket, horse racing and just about any sport you could think of. His contribution unquestionably helped in pioneering this website, because at the time it was a pretty new and experimental concept for an online betting firm to run its own sports blog.

His insight into situations helped prove that there was a huge desire to read informed opinion and inside knowledge relating to sporting markets, and the excellent Betfair columnists now like Michael Vaughan and Lee Dixon have taken on that original mantle.

Experience

Speed spoke with authority from the experience of a career that had begun with the heartbreak of being forced to leave Everton, the club he had grown up supporting. It continued when he was part of the Leeds side that won the last First Division title before the Premiership was born. And he understood the demands of the Newcastle fans where he had been a legend for both his contribution on the pitch and his willingness to sign autographs and pose for pictures in a part of the country where football was the only thing that mattered. He knew about pressure and expectation and how to handle it. He was steeped in the win-at-all-costs mentality of the top professionals, but had a broader understanding and love for the sport itself too.

Dedication

Apart, possibly, from his great friend Ryan Giggs I can't think of another footballer who best transcended the change in values and culture of the modern game. He began his career in the days of "win or lose, it's on the booze", and ended it embracing sports science, diet, psychology and all the things which kept his body fit enough to play at the peak of the Premier League until little more than a year before his 40th birthday. On plenty of occasions I had to wait to talk to him until he'd finished doing his yoga session at the end of a day's training.

He took that dedication into the start of his management career - and while his early club days at Sheffield United were full of frustration it was as boss of his country that he was beginning to blossom. His greatest success was to convince the committee men at the Welsh FA that they needed to loosen the purse strings to let him provide the very best of infrastructure and sports science to his players, and that was beginning to reap rewards.

A side who had slid out of the world's top 100 and were heading towards 150, whose top players under previous manager John Toshack often developed mystery injuries on the eve of squad get togethers, suddenly looked united and full of purpose. Their 4-1 win over Norway in early November was a thrilling glimpse of the potential that could be unlocked if Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Craig Bellamy were all fired with enthusiasm to bring their best to the international stage.

Generosity

More than that he was a fantastic bloke, a person who understood his position in the world of football, but still had time for everybody else. When I ran the London Marathon a couple of years ago he made a huge donation to my sponsorship fund, just because he could.

We may never know quite why it has all been brought to such a premature end. To be honest I'm not sure I want to. But on my behalf, and on behalf of everybody who reads Betting.Betfair, this is sending thoughts and sympathy to his wife and two sons. He will be missed by us all.

The Betfair Mega Minute is back and giving followers of @BetfairSports the chance to bag a completely free bet. Find out how the competition works by reading terms and conditions below......

Sir Alex Ferguson said a while back that Manchester United wouldn't sign anyone else this summer, and the newspapers are starting to agree....

One of the most intriguing matches of the opening weekend of the Premier League has been called off because of the trouble that started in Tottenham last Saturday....

Betfair website