Today on the Betfair Sportsbook: Cup magic to ignite Super Sunday

Fed up of searching high and low for the day's best betting opportunities? We all need some guidance sometimes. Well, Lewis Jones is the man for the job. Here, he pinpoints what's likely to be hot on the Betfair Sportsbook today and where punters will be laying down their hard-earned...

No matter how many people tell me otherwise, there's always a tinge of excitement in the air for a Wembley cup final.

Managers can weaken teams, the authorities can change the kick-off time, but it's always a special day in the football calendar.

I just hope one day I get to experience one first hand with my team, but the way QPR are playing at the moment, I'm not getting my hopes up.

All these big club supporters don't know how good they've got it.

Hopefully, both Sunderland and Manchester City fans will ring out every moment of their Wembley day-out and us neutrals get a fantastic game to enjoy and punt on. Kick-off is at 14:00.

After a rampaging December and January, the last month wasn't so fruitful for City, who were beaten in two of their five games. Odds of 3/10 bring forward the dominant nature of Manuel Pellegrini's side in the market with Sunderland, who do love a cup match, available to back at a huge 9/1 to win in 90 minutes.

The Over 2.5 goal line is 8/15 and unders 29/20.

Remember, the game will also go in-play with a plethora of markets to feast on.

The Betfair traders are also running Cashback Extra promo on the big game.

If you're planning a First, Last or Anytime goalscorer bet - the returning Sergio Aguero looks solid at 5/2 - it really pays to get involved with the aforementioned offer, where you get to choose one of five stipulations in order to potentially get a refund on bets up to £25.

Of the five stipulations, over half Betfair Sportsbook customers taking advantage have decided that Man City winning either 2-0 or 3-0 is their chosen cashback weapon of choice. As usual, the shrewd Betfair customers look to have got that one spot on.

There are also three Premier League games on the bill this afternoon. The live game is Aston Villa (11/10) v Norwich (29/10) at 16:30 with Tottenham (4/11) v Cardiff (10/1) and Swansea (5/6) v Crystal Palace (4/1) on the undercard.

Don't worry if you despise all things football, betting options are plentiful this Sunday.
Ronnie O'Sullivan faces China's Ding Junhui in the Welsh Open final at 13:00, which you can watch live via Betfair's live streaming service.

Just 30 minutes later England's second ODI international with West Indies kick off while those looking for a late night punting fix can settle down to watch the Honda Classic unfold from PGA National.

Rory McIlroy moved to within touching distance of winning his first PGA tour title since 2012 last night by pulling two shots clear and is the 4/9 market leader with Keegan Bradley (20/1) and Luke Donald (33/1) in pursuit.

Enjoy your day, comrades.

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Boxing Day Racing Tips: Back Oscar to show his Magic at Kempton

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The Joker's Bet of the Day: Potter to weave his magic

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Timeform In-Play Hints: Bowdler's a Magic bet?

A proliferation of possible pace-forcers could set things up for those coming from further back: Bowdler's Magic is one who may benefit...

Timeform look at two competitive handicaps at Doncaster, trying to work out how the races will be run...

Race: 14:55 Doncaster- 1 1/2m Handicap

Pace Forecast: Strongly contested.

Specific Pace Hint: Of those forecasted with a better chance, Beyond Conceit could be the most susceptible, in a race in which competition for the lead looks plentiful: A proliferation of possible pace-forcers could set things up for those coming from further back: Bowdler's Magic is one who may benefit.

Individual Price Hint: Beyond Conceit traded at 10% or less of BSP and 50% or less of BSP twice on 3 of its last 5 starts: Eagle Rock traded at 10% or less of BSP and 50% or less of BSP on 2 of its last 5 starts.

Race: 15:30 Doncaster- 6f Handicap

Pace Forecast: Strongly contested.

Specific Pace Hint: A proliferation of possible pace-forcers could count against Thunderball and Spinatrix, who usually race close up: Such a hotly-contested pace as is on the cards here may be to the benefit of King Of Jazz and Our Jonathan who tend to come from behind.

Individual Price Hint:  Jack Dexter has traded at more than 2 times BSP twice when winning during its last 5 starts: Harrison George traded at 10% or less of BSP and 50% or less of BSP twice on 3 of its last 5 starts.

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MLB Tipping Sheet: Jered to Weaver his magic for the Angels

"Stepping onto the mound this evening for them is All-Star pitching sensation Jered Weaver. 10-1 for the year with a jaw-dropping ERA of 1.96, Weaver has now gone 28 innings whilst only conceding one earned since coming back from injury."

Richard Fletcher talks us through the best betting opportunities in the MLB ahead of tonight's action.

LA Angels @NY Yankees 18:05BST Live on ESPN America

Jered Weaver and the 48-40 LA Angels head into tonight's three-game series' finale at Yankee Stadium trailing 0-2 and desperately searching for a win in a highly competitive American League. Stepping onto the mound this evening for them is All-Star pitching sensation Jered Weaver. 10-1 for the year with a jaw-dropping ERA of 1.96, Weaver has now gone 28 innings whilst only conceding one earned since coming back from injury. The league-leading Yankees 54-33, have Ivan Nova (ERA 3.92) starting, and he boasts a good record against the Angels. Nova was on the mound when Angels beat the Yankees on May 30, but conceded five runs on eight hits in six 2/3 innings pitched. Nova is now 3-1 career-wise against the men from Anaheim. But with a premier pitching talent coming into the game fresh, back Weaver and the Angels at 1.97n/a to clinch victory tonight.

San Diego @ LA Dodgers 21:10 BST Live on ESPN America

The struggling 35-54 San Diego Padres go back into Dodgers' Stadium tying their three match series with the 48-41 Dodgers, in a match featuring two pitchers who are both desperately trying to find some form. The Padres will no doubt be buoyed by last night's comeback 7-6 victory (having only lost 2-1 the day before). However, pitching is Jason Marquis, who, it is fair to say, has started to struggle this year with a 3-9 record and an ERA of 5.79. Marquis has looked jaded as the Padres' management continue to run him into the ground. Marquis pitched last Sunday after only three days' rest and goes again tonight after the All Star break. Whilst the Dodgers' management haven't quite given up on Chad Billingsley just yet, his Dodgers career is starting to resemble that of Amir Khan's, and it's not pretty. He's now on a five game losing strike and his ERA has now risen to a less-than-impressive 4.30. With the inconsistent Billingsley fighting for his life, I expect the superior 1.63 Dodgers to take the series in a close one.

St Louis @ Cincinnati 01:00BST Live on ESPN America

The increasingly impressive Cincinnati Reds 49-38 host the St Louis Cardinals in the finale of a three game series leading 2-0. Last night's thrilling 10th inning 3-2 victory puts the Reds on a five game win streak, and they are now tied first place in the race for the National League Central pennant. Jake Westbrook takes to the mound this evening for the 46-42 visitors, no doubt eager to stay in the divisional race in order for them to retain their World Series title. Westbrook (ERA 3.75) has now won three out of his last four starts, after going through somewhat of a mid-season slump. Coming in for the injured Johnny Cueto for the Reds this evening, is the 7-6 Horner Bailey. Bailey is bang-in-form, having already won both of his starts this month and he looks destined to continue the trend this evening. Back Bailey and the Reds tonight to sweep the series 3-0.

SELECTIONS

Back LA Angels @ 1.95n/a
Back LA Dodgers @ 1.63n/a
Back Cincinnati @ 1.9n/a

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Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Magic Marmalade to come unstuck?

Timeform Radio Tip / Martin Dixon / 04 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Martin is laying Magic Marmalade at Exeter

"Both Gulf Punch and Sea Saffron have strong claims and I recommend laying Magic Marmalade, as he made hard work of winning over fences when last seen."

Timeform Radio pundit Martin Dixon makes a trio of Wednesday afternoon selections, including a long shot in the tea-time race at Lingfield...

There are several opposable favourites throughout Wednesday afternoon and Lingfield's 14:00 is a good starting point, as Viola De Gamba and Moment In Time are the wrong way round in my opinion. The former looked a hard ride at Kempton last time and might have gone the wrong way since last year, whereas Moment In Time has all the hallmarks of one that will make a better three-year-old. She's well-bred, has plenty to her physically, and looks to have been found an easy starting point for the season. I'd suggest backing her at anything above 8/11.

Small fields are the order of the day over jumps, including in Exeter's 15:50 where four go to post, and Magic Marmalade is another favourite to take on. Both Gulf Punch (could get an easy lead) and Sea Saffron (easy c/d winner last time) have strong claims and I recommend laying Magic Marmalade, who made hard work of winning over fences when last seen.

At bigger odds this afternoon, Bahamian Music is worth chancing in the 17:00 at Lingfield. He's unexposed on polytrack and reappears on a fair mark for a yard that has a good record with horses off a break.

Recommended Bets
Back Moment In Time @ 2.42 in the 14:00 @ Lingfield
Lay Magic Marmalade @ [2.76] in the 15:50 @ Exeter
Back Bahamian Music @ [14.0] in the 17:00 @ Lingfield

Rory Delargy joins presenter Gina Bryce on Timeform Radio for jumps meetings at Fontwell and Sedgefield, plus fibresand action at Southwell. Here are his best bets...

Graham Cunningham takes one over jumps and one on the Flat as he looks for the best betting opportunities from Monday's UK racing...

It's all about Andrew Balding today at Doncaster and there are two of his horses worth keeping an eye on this afternoon. John O'Connell tell us why....

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Follow The Money: Seeking the Magic

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 16 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

"Our final selection is in the 17:15 at Bath where Seeking Magic has had steady support to move from [7.60] to [5.60]. After being placed on each of his last four starts, he was unlucky not to get a second career win last time out when caught on the line by one of today’s rivals, Seamus Shindig."

Two backs and one lay are as ever, the order of the day.

Our first race is the 14:15 at Kempton where Lady Chloe has been on the drift this morning from [1.80] out to [2.96]. Of the horses with experience over hurdles in this maiden contest there appears to be only two with realistic claims and they rightly head the betting. Our selected lay bet may have won first time out over obstacles but the form hasn't held up particularly well and the preference would be for her main competitor, Alfraamsey, who has looked very assured since making the switch from the flat.

Staying at Kempton for the 15:50, Total Submission has been well supported down to [3.80] from [5.20]. He has already shown he can go well fresh when winning on his return in 2010 and he was fourth in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham that winter. Although he didn't go on to reach the heights that may have been expected, he always looked as though fences would suit and connections have placed him straight into handicap company for his jumping debut.

Our final selection is in the 17:15 at Bath where Seeking Magic has had steady support to move from [7.60] to [5.60]. After being placed on each of his last four starts, he was unlucky not to get a second career win last time out when caught on the line by one of today's rivals, Seamus Shindig. Whilst others may well play a part in the race, he is now weighted to reverse that result and it is easy to see why backers are supporting his quest for revenge.

Recommended Bets

Lay Lady Chloe @ [2.96] Kempton 14:15
Back Total Submission@ [3.80] Kempton 15:50
Back Seeking Magic @ [5.60] Bath 17:15

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

Today's Follow The Money movers come from Redcar and Cheltenham....

Today's Follow The Money movers come from Punchestown, Brighton and Wincanton...

Today's Follow The Money comes from the meetings at Nottingham, Lingfield and Wetherby....

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Follow The Money: More McCoy magic on Mauritino?

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 18 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Will we have luck with out Exeter bets today?

"Doctor Parkes has his favoured going today and although this looks a pretty open event he looks on a fair enough mark, and can go close today."

Today's Follow The Money three selections run at Exeter and Redcar.

We start at Exeter and in the 15:00 2m3f Handicap Hurdle we find today's drifter in the shape of Laustra Bad who has eased in the market out to [2.84] from an early [2.34]. He ended a long losing run last time out when winning well at this track over 2m1f. But a 10lb rise in the ratings is his reward for that victory - a mark with which he has struggled previously. He must also prove he is effective over this trip as he has never won beyond 2m1f. Jockey Conor O'Farrell takes off a useful 5lbs but that may not be enough and he is worth taking on today.

Next we go to Redcar and in the 6f Handicap at 16:20 where there has been decent support for the Eric Alston-trained Doctor Parkes who has shortened to [7.8] from [11.5]. A solid performer who has run well first time out previously, he is pretty versatile regarding trip having put up good efforts over 5f and 6f last season. Doctor Parkes has his favoured going today and although this looks a pretty open event he looks on a fair enough mark, and can go close today.

Finally we go back to Exeter and in the 17:00 there has been strong support for Mauritino who has strengthened his position at the top of the market shortening into [1.82] from [2.59]. Prior to his last run, we had not seen much from his five starts over the winter. But it seems that much of that can be put down to soft ground as he won on good going last time out. That was a conditionals event so he escapes a penalty and if reproducing that effort he should prove hard to beat.

Recommended Bets
Lay Laustra Bad @ [2.84] Exeter 15:00
Back Doctor Parkes @ [7.8] Redcar 16:20
Back Mauritino @ [1.82] Exeter 17:00

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Leicester and Newbury....

Today's Follow The Money comes from Ayr and Newbury....

Today's Follow The Money movers come from Cheltenham and Beverley....

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NBA Betting: Have Orlando got the Magic back?

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 01 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Dwight Howard remains the charismatic leader of this Orlando outfit

"The Magic are definitely playing with a lot more intensity since the trade but I think they will have their work cut out to trouble Miami and Boston in the post-season."

Orlando shocked the NBA with a seven player, three team trade earlier this season, says Nick Shiambouros, but is it all working out?

The Orlando Magic are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 31-18. After a poor start to the season the new look Magic appear to be heading in the right direction and are playing some high-quality basketball.

Last December Magic GM Otis Smith stunned the basketball world by trading Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat in a three team deal. In return, Orlando signed Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson from Phoenix and Gilbert Arenas from Washington.

Smith felt that some of his starters were not putting in enough effort on the floor and this prompted him to take such drastic action so early in the season.

After this blockbuster trade took place, Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy put his rotation together in record time, which was no easy task.

The current team is built around superstar center Dwight Howard who is having an outstanding season on both ends of the floor. Howard averages more than 22 points per game and is a huge presence inside the painted area. On the defensive end he is averaging over 13 rebounds per game which is impressive to say the least.

Jameer Nelson surprisingly retained his position in the face of competition from Arenas, but Van Gundy has kept the new man on the bench. This is despite Arenas being paid $62m over the next three years - a jaw-dropping amount of money for a bench player. Arenas is one of the most talented point guards in the game and should be given an opportunity to prove himself in Orlando.

The Magic are definitely playing with a lot more intensity since the trade but I think they will have their work cut out to trouble Miami and Boston in the post-season.

Orlando have some pretty tough games coming up before the All-Star break later on this month. They have to play Miami, Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers within the next two weeks.

I think the Magic are well worth opposing against these three elite teams. Despite recent improvements, they do not appear to have the right balance and chemistry required to compete at the highest level despite replacing half the team. In addition Orlando do not have a natural shooting guard in the rotation, which puts a lot more pressure on Howard to deliver.

I would not rule out the chance of Orlando trading a couple more players before the deadline on February 24 in an attempt to address this issue. If they could tempt someone like Tayshaun Prince from Detroit they would have a more realistic chance of competing for a championship.

Recommended Wagers:
February 3 Lay Orlando v Miami with advertised handicap
February 6 Lay Orlando v Boston with advertised handicap
February 13 Lay Orlando v Los Angeles in the match odds market

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NBA Weekend Betting: Thunder can blow away Heat while Magic condemn Cavs

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 28 January 2011 / Leave a Comment

Kevin Durrant is playing his heart out for the Thunder

"The Oklahoma City Thunder can take care of the Heat in this one and should be priced at around [1.8] in the match odds market."

Nick Shiambouros selects the best bets from an exciting weekend NBA programme as Miami aim to get back on track in Oklahoma and Cleveland try to avoid a 19th straight defeat.

The New York Knicks beat the Miami Heat 93-88 in a pulsating encounter at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening. The Heat led 73-64 at the beginning of the fourth quarter and looked in complete control but the Knicks had other ideas.

New York staged a rally late in the game and sealed the victory with consecutive three point shots from Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields with just over a minute left. The celebrity filled crowd that included Donald Trump and Howard Stern gave the Knicks a standing ovation at the buzzer.

This is the best New York team we have seen in the past ten years and they look certain to make their presence felt in the post-season.

The Boston Celtics began a four game road trip with an emphatic 88-78 victory over Portland late on Thursday. The Celtics were in control of this game from the opening tip and were never threatened in this one sided affair. Boston are now three games ahead of Miami at the top of the Eastern Conference.

There are a couple of fascinating games taking place this weekend as the season continues.

On Sunday the Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Miami Heat in a nationally televised game. The Thunder are having another solid year and are in fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 28-16. Forward Kevin Durant is averaging over 28 points per game for Oklahoma and is one of the most explosive players in the game.

Russell Westbrook is another player who is having a good year for Oklahoma. This talented guard is averaging over 22 points per game and has developed a good understanding with Kevin Durant.

The Miami Heat have been hit with a spate of injuries lately and will probably be without Chris Bosh who is nursing a sprained ankle. Superstar Dwyane Wade has been fighting migraine headaches that have forced him to wear tinted covered goggles on the floor. Wade missed seven straight shots in the fourth quarter against New York on Thursday and was clearly in some discomfort.

Oklahoma City Thunder can take care of the Heat in this one and should be priced at around [1.8] in the match odds market.

The Orlando Magic are also in action on Sunday when they play the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Amway Center. The Cavs have the worst record in basketball and have only won eight games in the entire season. This franchise is in a world of trouble and has lost 18 games in a row.

The departure of LeBron James last summer has had a devastating effect on the team and the city of Cleveland. Forward Antawn Jamison is playing his heart out for Cleveland and is averaging just over 17 points per game. He is the one shining light in this disappointing rotation.

The Magic have recovered from a poor start to the season and are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-16. Team leader Dwight Howard is having a superb year and is averaging a career best 22 points per game. Howard has just been voted starting center for the 2011 All-Star Game which takes place in California next month.

I expect the Orlando Magic will destroy Cleveland in this game. They are playing at a pretty high level and should run up the score against a demoralised Cavalier rotation. The Magic should trade around [1.8] with the handicap.

Recommended bets:
Sunday back Oklahoma City in the match odds market at [1.8]
Sunday back Orlando with advertised handicap at [1.8]

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NBA Weekend Betting: Thunder can blow away Heat while Magic condemn Cavs

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 28 January 2011 / Leave a Comment

Kevin Durrant is playing his heart out for the Thunder

"The Oklahoma City Thunder can take care of the Heat in this one and should be priced at around [1.8] in the match odds market."

Nick Shiambouros selects the best bets from an exciting weekend NBA programme as Miami aim to get back on track in Oklahoma and Cleveland try to avoid a 19th straight defeat.

The New York Knicks beat the Miami Heat 93-88 in a pulsating encounter at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening. The Heat led 73-64 at the beginning of the fourth quarter and looked in complete control but the Knicks had other ideas.

New York staged a rally late in the game and sealed the victory with consecutive three point shots from Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields with just over a minute left. The celebrity filled crowd that included Donald Trump and Howard Stern gave the Knicks a standing ovation at the buzzer.

This is the best New York team we have seen in the past ten years and they look certain to make their presence felt in the post-season.

The Boston Celtics began a four game road trip with an emphatic 88-78 victory over Portland late on Thursday. The Celtics were in control of this game from the opening tip and were never threatened in this one sided affair. Boston are now three games ahead of Miami at the top of the Eastern Conference.

There are a couple of fascinating games taking place this weekend as the season continues.

On Sunday the Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Miami Heat in a nationally televised game. The Thunder are having another solid year and are in fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 28-16. Forward Kevin Durant is averaging over 28 points per game for Oklahoma and is one of the most explosive players in the game.

Russell Westbrook is another player who is having a good year for Oklahoma. This talented guard is averaging over 22 points per game and has developed a good understanding with Kevin Durant.

The Miami Heat have been hit with a spate of injuries lately and will probably be without Chris Bosh who is nursing a sprained ankle. Superstar Dwyane Wade has been fighting migraine headaches that have forced him to wear tinted covered goggles on the floor. Wade missed seven straight shots in the fourth quarter against New York on Thursday and was clearly in some discomfort.

Oklahoma City Thunder can take care of the Heat in this one and should be priced at around [1.8] in the match odds market.

The Orlando Magic are also in action on Sunday when they play the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Amway Center. The Cavs have the worst record in basketball and have only won eight games in the entire season. This franchise is in a world of trouble and has lost 18 games in a row.

The departure of LeBron James last summer has had a devastating effect on the team and the city of Cleveland. Forward Antawn Jamison is playing his heart out for Cleveland and is averaging just over 17 points per game. He is the one shining light in this disappointing rotation.

The Magic have recovered from a poor start to the season and are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-16. Team leader Dwight Howard is having a superb year and is averaging a career best 22 points per game. Howard has just been voted starting center for the 2011 All-Star Game which takes place in California next month.

I expect the Orlando Magic will destroy Cleveland in this game. They are playing at a pretty high level and should run up the score against a demoralised Cavalier rotation. The Magic should trade around [1.8] with the handicap.

Recommended bets:
Sunday back Oklahoma City in the match odds market at [1.8]
Sunday back Orlando with advertised handicap at [1.8]

View the original article here