Premier League Stats: Liverpool's tough double header to result in nil points

"City have scored in their last 43 Premier League home games, winning 37 (86%), and it would be a surprise if Liverpool were strong enough to shut them out."

Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool @ 1.910/11

After Liverpool's shock loss to Oldham in the FA Cup they now face a tough double header in the Premier League, starting with tonight's trip to Arsenal. Andrew Atherley assesses their chances...

Brendan Rodgers questioned the mental strength of his young Liverpool players following the FA Cup defeat at Oldham and it is something that may be asked again if they come away empty-handed from this week's away double-header at Arsenal and Manchester City.

The signs are not promising for an immediate pick-me-up. Whether it's in the mind or simply a case of a lack of class, Liverpool's players have had particular difficulty in this type of fixture this season. They have the third-worst record against top-half opponents (based on the table prior to this week's fixtures) with no win out of 11 - only Wigan and Southampton have done worse in terms of points per game, and even then only marginally.

On the road Liverpool have drawn three and lost four against top-half teams, but a more telling statistic is that they have kept only one clean sheet in those seven matches, which backs up the argumenr that there is a lack of resolve in Rodgers' team. It is notable also that only West Brom in the top half have conceded more away goals than Liverpool's 18.

Arsenal, Liverpool's first hosts of the week, have a good chance of exploiting that weakness. While they haven't been as strong at home as usual, Arsene Wenger's team still have a good record when scoring at the Emirates (six wins out of eight in the Premier League) and look a decent win bet at 2.47/5 .

Manchester City are shorter, of course, at 1.910/11 for Sunday's home match against Liverpool but they are no less appealing.

City have scored in their last 43 Premier League home games, winning 37 (86%), and it would be a surprise if Liverpool were strong enough to shut them out.

On the other side of the coin, Liverpool have lost half of the 14 Premier League games in which they have conceded under Rodgers. Although both wins in that scenario came on the road, those were against bottom-half sides Norwich and West Ham and Liverpool have lost three of the last four away league games in which they have conceded.

If the premise is correct that both City and Arsenal will score against Liverpool, goals-related bets are worth considering too.

City have had 67% over 2.5 goals in those last 43 home games in which they have scored, but it is worth noting that both teams have scored in just 42% (a figure that rises only slightly with the quality of opposition).

Both outcomes seem more likely judging by Liverpool's figures. Of the nine away games in which Liverpool have conceded, seven (78%) have had over 2.5 goals and both teams have scored in eight (89%).

Clashes between the Premier League big six have continued to be high-scoring this season - 67% over 2.5 goals with both sides scoring in 84%. Last season both of those figures were 67%, which seems a good indication of where the true average might be at the moment.

Like Manchester City, Arsenal tend to hit higher scores once the opposition's barricades have been breached. Six of the eight home games in which they have scored this season have gone over 2.5 goals (both sides have scored in those same six games).

The odds seem in the backer's favour for Over 2.5 Goals in Arsenal v Liverpool at 1.738/11 and even on Both teams to Score at 1.68/13 .

Both outcomes are similarly priced for Manchester City v Liverpool at 1.748/11 for Over 2.5 Goals and 1.625/8 for Both teams to Score.

Recommended Bets

Back Arsenal to beat Liverpool @ 2.47/5
Back Arsenal v Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.738/11
Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool @ 1.910/11
Back Manchester City v Liverpool Over 2.5 goals @ 1.748/11

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Home And Away: Double delight for West Ham and Levadiakos

Daily Tipping / Jonno Turner / 07 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Kevin Nolan was impressive at Cardiff on his return from suspension

Jonno Turner is backing West Ham and Levadiakos to record their second victories of the campaign over Watford and Kerkyra respectively...

All the attention in the media today is on the unveiling of Apple's new product this afternoon. Rumours of new iPads and iPhones are rife but just last week I proposed my idea of a new efficient internet web browser to the bosses there - it went rather well I thought, raised a few iBrowse.

I went to the Apple store near me the other day, and saw a sign on the window saying 'Apply within'. Well, what do they expect it to be, orangey?

We're off to east London for our first tip of the day, as West Ham welcome Watford to Upton Park, with the home side looking to cement their place in the top two with a win.

Big Sam's lads currently sit two points behind leaders Southampton, but have played two games less, and will be desperate to make this home outing count as we reach the business end of the season.

And the Hammers are looking confident, having lost only one of their last 11 games on their own patch, winning four of their last six and conceding just three goals in those.

Visiting Watford occupy 17th place in the Championship as we go into this one, but Sean Dyche's side are unlikely to be troubled by the relegation zone now as they sit with a comfortable cushion over those in the mire.

Just two wins in 13 on the road indicate that the Hornets are prone to feeling some travel sickness, and a 4-0 thrashing away at Crystal Palace last time out will not have been conducive to confidence.

Dyche has seen his side fail to score in four of their last six away from Vicarage Road, and West Ham will be looking to complete the double over Watford following their 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture all the way back in sunny August.

Bet 1: West Ham (HOME) to win @ [1.57]

My girlfriend says she wants a guy who is 'funny and spontaneous', yet when I tap on the kitchen window uninvited late at night dressed as a clown it's all panic and screaming.

We're turning our attentions to Greece for our second pick, and the Super League, as tenth-placed Levadiakos travel to struggling Kerkyra, aiming to do the double over their opponents.

The visitors beat Kerkyra 4-3 last week following an entertaining 90 minutes, and that made it five wins from their last six for Georgios Paraschos' side. And the Greens have also been in decent form away from Levadia, winning their last two on their travels.

The hosts have been struggling all season, and three losses in five has kept Javi Garcia's side staring relegation in the face as we reach the closing stages.

With ten goals conceded in their last five, it is clear that the home side have defensive strife, and that points to the visitors being in with a chance of nicking one or two tonight.

Bet 2: Levadiakos (AWAY) to win @ [3.6]

Juventus travel to Bologna tonight for a clash that will see them go level on points with Milan should they win. Paul Robinson isn't so sure that they will, given that they have won just two of their last seven...

It's a tale of two cities tonight as Bristol host Leicester in the English Championship. Under 2.5 goals is odds-on but the fact that the home side's last six matches have had three goals or more hasn't escaped Paul Robinson's...

Jonno Turner is backing Brescia and 1860 Munich to prevail in second-tier action on the continent this evening......

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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

Betting Briefing: Goodwood and Galway in Glorious double header

Timeform Features / Timeform / 23 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

Frankel bids to maintain his unbeaten run taking on the older horses in this week's Sussex Stakes.

"Arguably the race of the season takes place at Goodwood on Wednesday as Frankel takes on Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes to confirm status as Europe's greatest miler..."

Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which features not one but two Festival meetings, namely Galway and Glorious Goodwood...

Sunday July 24
There are a trio of flat meetings set to take place on Sunday, with racing coming from Ascot, Carlisle and Pontefract. The highlight of the afternoon is the Pomfret Stakes, a listed contest taking place at Pontefract over a mile in which Roger Charlton's Cityscape is 8 lb clear of his rivals.

Monday July 25
Ayr and Yarmouth are the venues for the flat racing in the afternoon and Windsor hosts an evening meeting. There is also national hunt racing available during the evening at Uttoxeter whilst the Galway Festival kicks off in Ireland with a seven race mixed-card.

Tuesday July 26
Glorious Goodwood gets underway, with the opening day highlight being the Lennox Stakes, where Richard Fahey's Wootton Bassett could attempt to get back on track. Goodwood is accompanied in the afternoon by flat racing from Beverley. The evening meetings switch focus to national hunt, with cards at both Perth and Worcester. The Galway Festival continues with another seven-race mixed-card in Ireland.

Wednesday July 27
The race we've all been waiting for, with Frankel taking on Canford Cliffs for the first time in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. There is also a minor flat card from Redcar and a national hunt card from Perth during an exciting afternoon. There is further action on the level Wednesday evening with racing from Leicester and Sandown. The highlight of an eight race mixed-card in Ireland is the Galway Plate which see's Edward O' Grady's The Real Article attempt to win this handicap seemingly 18lb 'well in'.

Thursday July 28
Racing continues at Goodwood on Thursday, with the historic Goodwood Cup, in which Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Opinion Poll could attempt to go one better, being the main highlight. There is also flat racing from Nottingham in the afternoon and evening meetings at Epsom and Ffos Las. The one national hunt meeting takes place at Stratford for a six race afternoon card. The Galway Hurdle is the pick of the Irish racing on another eight race mixed-card.

Friday July 29
The Richmond Stakes and the ultra-competitive totesport Mile Handicap are the pick of the afternoon's racing from Goodwood whilst there is also a further flat card from Thirsk. Evening flat racing consists of Bath, Musselburgh and Newmarket. There is once again only one national hunt card with afternoon action coming from Bangor. On the other side of the Irish Sea, racing continues at the Galway Festival.

Saturday July 30
Just flat racing to look forward to on Saturday as Glorious Goodwood draws to a close. The highlight there is unquestionably the Nassau Stakes as Midday attempts to become the first horse to land the hat-trick in this race. Alternative afternoon racing comes from Doncaster, Thirsk and Newmarket while Hamilton and Lingfield play host to evening meetings. Over in Ireland it is also the penultimate day of the Galway Festival which features a seven race mixed-card.

Download a Free Race Card every day in July at timeform.com. Click HERE to register or see the menu.

The week-long Galway Festival, which kicks off on Monday, is the summer highlight of the Irish racing calendar, featuring a marathon mix of Flat and jumps action. Timeform look over the highlights......

Our blogger Simion Rowlands gives you his pick6 selections for the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks meeting at Saratoga on Saturday night......

Timeform run the rule over the Betfair-sponsored King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes......

Betfair website

Irish Oaks Betting: Dancing Rain to complete Epsom & Curragh double?

Tipping / Timeform / 13 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

Dancing Rain (red cap) may struggle to confirm form with those who finished behind her in the Epsom Oaks

"Normally, the Epsom Oaks is a good indicator of who is the best middle-distance three-year-old filly of their generation, but the way the race was run gives half of the field excuses."

This Sunday sees William Haggas' Dancing Rain bid to become the third British filly in as many years to do the Oaks double. Timeform's Paul Robson assesses what chance she has...

Dancing Rain has come a long way in a short time, her victory at Epsom coming just six weeks after winning a Newbury maiden on her reappearance, and although she improved to finish second in a listed race at the Berkshire track next time, her Oaks win still came as something of a surprise to most, returning a Betfair SP of [29.0].

Dancing Rain's classic success was arguably down to the tactics deployed by Johnny Murtagh, who was allowed to go off in front unchallenged. Murtagh stacked the runners up just before Tattenham Corner and kicked off the final bend, turning a middle-distance classic into a sprint. Understandably, not many runners could get into the race, and Dancing Rain bravely fought off the challenge of Aidan O'Brien's Wonder of Wonders, scoring by three quarters of a length.

The strong suspicion is that many of those Dancing Rain beat at Epsom will improve past her, hence the fact she can be backed at [5.3] to complete the Oaks double while the runner-up form Epsom is a short as [2.16].

Like many of those that ran at Epsom, Wonder of Wonders was disadvantaged by the steady gallop, even though she was better placed than many racing in second. She was the only filly to put up a strong challenge to Dancing Rain, going as short as [1.11] in-running on Betfair, but the front-runner had kept just enough in reserve. Wonder of Wonders is a big, rangy filly, who will probably be better suited by the more galloping track at the Curragh, and the chances are that there's still a big chunk of improvement in her. She has an obvious chance of giving O'Brien his fourth Irish Oaks in six years, but her price fully reflects that.

Another leading Ballydoyle contender is Irish 1000 Guineas and Pretty Polly winner Misty For Me, who is available at [8.0]. A very impressive display when defeating multiple Group 1 winner Midday at the Curragh by six lengths for her latest success makes her the Timeform top rated, but that that was over a mile and quarter, when dictating a steady gallop under a shrewd Seamie Heffernan ride before unleashing a devastating turn of foot to quicken clear, and there are doubts about her at Sunday's trip, a mile and a half seeming to stretch her stamina when fifth in the Oaks at Epsom.

Godolphin's Blue Bunting ([6.0]) has also tasted 1000 Guineas success, beating Together by three quarters of a length at Newmarket, but unlike Misty For Me she is very much bred to be an Oaks filly (by Dynaformer and from a staying family). Blue Bunting came with a late surge as her stamina kicked in at HQ, one of the first off the bridle but responding all the time, and her run in the Oaks can easily be excused, poorly positioned in mid-field and having little chance to land a blow (finished fourth). Godolphin have never won the Irish Oaks, but that record could well be broken as this race is likely to suit her a lot more than Epsom and she's potentially even better than she showed at Newmarket.

Ribblesdale winner Banimpire ([12.0]) proved her stamina at Royal Ascot last time, knuckling down to see off Field of Dreams by a short head. A tough and consistent filly who has won five of her last six starts, Banimpire is sure to give her running but may be vulnerable to the improvers.

Jessie Harrington's Laughing Lashes overcame a disappointing run on the Rowley Mile in the 1000 Guineas to stay on from rear into third in the Irish equivalent, but her pedigree suggests that the four furlong step up in trip will be too much.

Normally, the Epsom Oaks is a good indicator of who is the best middle-distance three-year-old filly of their generation, but the way the race was run gives half of the field excuses. It would be disappointing if Wonder of Wonders wasn't able to improve, but her price is too short. On the other hand, 1000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting can be excused her Epsom run and, at a current price of [6.0], looks the value pick.

Recommendation

Back Blue Bunting @ [6.0] in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Sunday

Download a Free Race Card every day in July at timeform.com. Click HERE to register or see the menu.

St Nicholas Abbey heads the market for the Betfair sponsored King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 23, but the value lies elsewhere. Timeform's Mark Powell-Bevan explains why he'll be betting against the favourite......

Three selections for today's meetings at Downpatrick and Killarney....

There are some useful performers on show in this minor event over a mile......

Betfair website

Sky Dogs Tips: Ballymac looks Ace for Pall Mall double

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 27 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

Who will emerge as top dog on another night of Betfair-sponsored action?

"In my mind, because of his defeat the other day, Ballymac Ace now offers plenty of value at around 2.9 and he rates a solid selection"

Loughview Gem's Northern Irish Derby victory was hailed as a shock by many - but not to Darrell Williams - whose six Sky selections at Drumbo on Saturday all won. But the top tipster is expecting few surprises in the Betfair Pall Mall at Oxford where Ballymac Ace is taken to claim the prize.

Not since Fearless Ace achieved back-to-back victories in the first two Oxford runnings of the Pall Mall in 1988/9 has a greyhound successfully defended the title.

Until now that is, as Chris Allsopp's Ballymac Ace has an excellent chance of repeating his 2010 victory.

On that occasion all the pre-race chat revolved around how the sharp railer could muster a run from trap five - but he did - and how, dominating proceedings for a near five length slaughtering of his rivals.

But Tuesday evening's task - live on Sky Sports - will come from the far more familiar surroundings of trap one - a box he has been beaten only once from in five previous red jacket starts at the Cowley track.

That defeat, slightly worryingly happened to be in last week's semi-finals, where a rare missed break ensured the three year old wasn't going to be gifted the race, as he had been when making all in the first round in the fastest time of the year for the 450m trip.

But Ballymac Ace, who came into the event fresh after a recent layoff, battled on well, and although not able to catch improving youngster Pams Tomjo, comfortably qualified in second place.

While I do not envisage 'Ace' missing his start again, he will need to step carefully to avoid his kennelmate and neighbour Brittons Empire, who is awkwardly drawn for the selection in trap two. However I'm hopeful that this equally quick starter will tread a rails to middle route, rather than making a beeline for the fence at traps rise.

The aforementioned Pams Tomjo, the race's only unbeaten finalist, as well as boasting a 3/3 record over the CD, warrants respect, especially with the likelihood of Buzz Doc moving in a little from trap three, while lone wide seed Dromana Max would enter calculations if trapping as he did in the first round.

But in my mind, because of his defeat the other day, Ballymac Ace now offers plenty of value at around [2.9] and he rates a solid selection.

Win machine Union Jak Jakson can take his unbeaten sequence to ten for Kinsley based Andy Clarke in the British Bred race at 21:25 and rates the best bet on the support card. The fact he was sent to Oxford for a minor Open the other week can only be seen as a bonus and he should be backed accordingly.

Oxford have attracted five of the field that contested the Dorando Marathon at Wimbledon on Derby final night, and I expect Lottes Girl to confirm the form (20:50). Stepped up to marathon distances prior to the TV Trophy at Sittingbourne, Heather Dimmock's bitch has won 4/6 over 800m plus, confirming her Wimbledon form with runner-up Killishin Masai at Perry Barr next time - albeit with just a short-head between them on both occasions. Taylors Riviera, spared retirement after a much better run at Wimbledon, is also of interest back in her favourite trap one draw.

Head Iton Jason has a fantastic draw inside slow starting Hee Haws Montana in the 595m race at 21:10 and should complete his own six-timer, although I would have been happier if he'd had a previous look round. Monleek Merc, a brother of Razldazls George and Jayfkay, has been notching up the wins since stepping up to six bends, and is a lively alternative.

Rotar Wing can win an excellent looking sprint (20:00), where his draw inside Sleeping Urban may prove to be key. Derby semi-finalist Fifis Rocket won well enough at Hall Green and rates the logical danger.

Yahoo Jamie pays a first visit to Oxford, but has an excellent record first time up at tracks, and can claim the 20:15 for Charlie Lister,

Selections (in order of preference)
Union Jak Jakson 21:25
Ballymac Ace 21:45
Head Iton Jason 21:10
Rotar Wing 20:00
Lottes Girl 20:50
Yahoo Jamie 20:15

A fortnight after Taylors Sky's riveting Derby victory, Sky Sports cameras pay a first visit to Belfast for the Northern Irish Derby where Darrell Williams thinks Loughview Gem offers a value alternative to hot favourite Leeview Jet....

Taylors Sky can create history by winning the Greyhound Derby final at Wimbledon on Saturday night - live on Sky Sports - and provide legendary trainer Charlie Lister with a record breaking sixth Derby success says Darrell Williams....

The Sky cameras are again at Wimbledon where the remaining 12 will be whittled down to six Derby finalists - find out who The Lord will be opposing on tonight's card...

Betfair website

Betfair announce new £100,000 summer double bonus

Events / Joe Dyer / 30 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

King George day at Ascot kicks off the Betfair Summer Double

"The breakdown of the bonus prize fund will be 60% to the Owner, 20% to the Trainer, 10% to the Jockey and 10% to the stable staff."

Just land two high-summer 7f handicaps and win £100,000...

Betfair is giving connections the chance to win a £100,000 bonus by successfully completing the new "Betfair Summer Double."

The Betfair Summer Double consists of two valuable £100,000 Betfair-sponsored, 7f handicaps in their own right, at Ascot on July 23 and a new, six-figure contest at Goodwood on August 27.

Win both, and Betfair will give connections an extra £100,000 bonus.

The breakdown of the bonus prize fund will be 60% to the Owner, 20% to the Trainer, 10% to the Jockey and 10% to the stable staff.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin commented: "The first of the races take place on Betfair King George day, and we have worked with Goodwood to introduce a new race on August 27 for the final leg.

"These handicaps are obviously highly-competitive, but the winner of the Ascot race will clearly go to Goodwood in peak form and with a leading chance of scooping a very winnable six-figure bonus."

Ascot's Nick Smith commented: "This is a tremendous new Betfair-inspired initiative with the two races perfectly spaced to give the winner of the Ascot leg time to be prepared for Goodwood and a crack at the bonus. The top seven furlong top handicaps have really grown in prominence over recent years and this should enhance their appeal further still."

And Goodwood's Managing Director Adam Waterworth added: "We are pleased to welcome Betfair as sponsors at our August meeting, and are delighted that Goodwood is staging the second leg of their £100,000 bonus programme.

"Such a significant amount of prize money is sure to increase the interest in the race here, and we look forward to welcoming the winner of the Ascot race here on August 27."

In a Royal wedding year, will the crowds at Epsom be cheering home a Derby winner owned by the reigning monarch? Timeform run the rule over the main contenders for the Blue Riband on June 4......

Dan Fitch looks at the Ladies Day hats which turn the attention away from the racing at Royal Ascot....

Jenny Pitman OBE and Charlie Mann will host a fantastic evening at Newbury racecourse on May 21 to raise vital funds for head and neck cancer...

Betfair website

Irish Weekend Review: Oxx and Murtagh double up at Leopardstown

Ireland / Patrick Jupp / 28 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

The main Irish action this weekend took place at Leopardstown

"The one to take out of the race is the third-placed History Note. She made a big impression on her sole start in 2010, winning a Curragh maiden, and did really well to finish as close as she did on her return, enduring a troubled passage and passing the post with running left in her."

There were a couple of jumps meetings in Ireland this weekend but they were both just ordinary cards, so for the second week running we're going to focus our review on the Flat, where at Leopardstown it was Guineas' Trials day...

The first of the two Group 3's on the card was the 2000 Guineas trial, but the race lost much of it's interest when the well-touted Cocozza was withdrawn after getting upset in the stalls. This left the way clear for Dunboyne Express to record a workmanlike victory, only needing to be kept up to his work to beat Exodus by a length and three quarters, doing little more than proving his well-being in the process. There will be tougher challenges ahead, the Irish 2000 Guineas reportedly on his agenda, and though he isn't a likely winner of such a race, he would deserve his place in the line up given his smart two-year-old form.

An hour later came the turn of the fillies and this contest proved more informative, even though it was a race where it paid to be prominent. Empowering came out on top to land a gamble, making just about all under a well-judged ride to beat stablemate Wild Wind by a length and three quarters, but the one to take out of the race is the third-placed History Note. She made a big impression on her sole start in 2010, winning a Curragh maiden, and did really well to finish as close as she did on her return, enduring a troubled passage and passing the post with running left in her.

The card was book-ended by maidens that are well worth a closer look. The opener went the way of the John Oxx newcomer Mesariya who beat another promising debutant Siren's Song by just over a length. Mesariya holds an entry in the Oaks and while that looks optimistic at this stage she should be up to holding her own at a higher level, taking time to hit top stride but going away at the finish in the manner of one who'll be at least as effective at a mile and a half. The short-priced favourite for the contest was Wonder of Wonders and she should be given another chance. She shaped with abundant promise on her only run last year but found things conspiring against her on this occasion, repeatedly denied a clear run in the straight and not knocked about as a result, eventually finishing seventh.

Best Hello sprang a surprise in the closing contest (Betfair SP of [162]) and there seemed no fluke about it, finding plenty for pressure to beat the short-priced favourite Apache by a length and a half. Apache did shape like the best horse in the race for a long way, though, and was probably just undone by a combination of greenness and a trip that will prove on the short side for him, travelling strongly for a long way but taking a while to hit full stride. It would come as no surprise to see him fast-tracked to pattern company for his next start, possibly one of the Derby trials.

As is always the case at this track, the handicaps that completed the card were competitive events and should throw up plenty of future winners. Gimli's Rock seems sure to pick up a race off his current mark in the coming weeks as he has a cracking attitude and went down only narrowly in the mile-and-a-quarter event, seeming to have fought off all comers until nailed right on the line by Celtic Dane. Two others further back in that race worth keeping on side are Park Ranger and Leah Claire, the former hasn't had much racing around this trip and is still on the up judged on how he travelled through the race, whilst Leah Claire made up a lot of ground in the straight having been poorly placed and will relish a return to a mile and a half.

In the penultimate race Haziyna completed a double for Oxx and Murtagh and was just about the easiest winner of the day. She shouldn't be underestimated next time, even though she'll get hit hard by the assessor, but the one further back who may fly under the radar is Reasons Unknown. He left behind the form he showed at inadequate trips as a two-year-old, finishing third despite being set more to do than the others to fill the frame, and looks a sure-fire winner off a mark in the 60's.

Two meetings from the Emerald Isle this Sunday, one on the Flat from Leopardstown and one over jumps from Downpatrick, and we've got three more win bets lined up......

Three selections for Saturday's jumps meeting at Navan....

Tonight sees the first meeting of the year under the lights at Dundalk and we've got three win bets for you......

Betfair website

Ten to Follow Leaderboard: Double points Donald does the business

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

Staying out of these helped Luke Donald win the WGC Matchplay

Following the first WGC event of the season, for which double points were on offer, we have big changes on the leaderboard, including a new leader. The 122 points earned by Luke Donald propelled Paul McGlinchey to pole position, and his side also contains the top scoring player so far, Bubba Watson. There's another chance for bumper scoring next week in the form of the next WGC event, but first we've got the Honda Classic.

Paul McGlinchey 417
Kendolph Express 382
EME15 371
wedge1 371
Duncan 364
Joe Dyer 363
Holly Stott 351
Sam Harrop 346
Adi Crow 343
Ontheteeee 328
TopDollar1 323
Sportsman 323
Mark Peters 309
Lochinvar 309
Steve 301
Martyns23 298
Louie Mendoza 293
Feizal Rahman 292
Richard Ball 289
Steven Rawlings 288
Gary Binosh 283
stonecolds 282
Lee Adamson 278
Chris Doppler 277
Alan Vye 273
Mike Rangecroft 269
Hoof Hearted 268
Silk Success 268
USNA1964 266
ReaseHeath 264
Stan Oentoe 263
golfvet 260
Justahunch 257
Team Bunkered 251
Martys Men 248
Ben 245
Mick Hoy 242
Rachel Labo 242
Barracuda59 242
Dave Harding 241
Deportivo la Combo 241
Buck Ashcraft 240
wowiezowiee 237
Ian KP 227
niknak 227
the loonatic 226
doubling 226
Playoff Sunday 221
InstaScud 221
Better lucky than good 217
Golfnut 217
DJSavedmylife 216
Barrowboy 216
Paul Krishnamurty 216
Linda Angell 212
Iain Hendy 211
ElBandido 211
EME19 211
Danny Knight 211
Mr Stupid 207
Julie Connor 206
EME14 206
willieb83 206
Aidan14 202
Spursboy 201
5 Penalty Stroke 201
Just Someone 201
Matthew Taylor 201
Gingermoff 197
Mahseer 197
Hestias Putter 196
EME20 196
EME8 196
EME6 195
Andrew Gyton 193
Ronsk 192
Aberdonia 192
Macca Maclean 191
Carsten Lymann 191
Steve Bovey 191
AJM2011 191
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Tom A 65
Mike Norman 55

Following the first WGC event of the season, for which double points were on offer, we have big changes on the leaderboard, including a new leader. The 122 points earned by Luke Donald propelled Paul McGlinchey to pole position, and...

There's very little change on the leaderboard to report after a very difficult weekend for golf punters. No team included either winner, SSP Chowrasia or Aaron Baddeley, and only six players earned any points for their team....

We have a new leader, with Kendolph Express becoming the first team to top 300 points. In keeping with the rest of the golf season to date, most of the points were earned on the European Tour. Dubai Desert Classic...

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