US Open 2014 Men's Betting: Back Karlovic to defeat Nieminen in battle of the veterans

"Nieminen has a 6-15 record on outdoor hard courts against the big servers in my list of players and he's lost 11 of the last 15 on all surfaces."

Back Karlovic to beat Nieminen at 1.625/8

It was a great start to the fortnight in New York for tennis expert Sean Calvert, who made a substantial profit from his tips on Monday. He's back to pick the best bets in the US Open on Tuesday...

The US Open began in profitable fashion yesterday, as all three of my bets were winners, plus Nick Kyrgios from my 'potential upsets' article.

Novak Djokovic starred for me by winning the opener 6-1 over Diego Schwartzmann at odds of 5.04/1, while Michael Llodra was an odds-against winner and Andreas Seppi also won comfortably.

Llodra and Seppi were drifters in the market too, which made it even better and for my first bet today I have to side with Ivo Karlovic over Jarkko Nieminen.

Amazingly, for two gnarly tour veterans nearing the end of their careers this pair have never met, but the Finn does struggle against big servers and he looks like he hasn't got that much longer left on tour to me.

Nieminen has a 6-15 record on outdoor hard courts against the big servers in my list of players and he's lost 11 of the last 15 on all surfaces.

His serve isn't powerful enough and second serve is weak, which puts him at a disadvantage in tie breaks and tight moments in matches and I think the 1.625/8 about Karlovic is fair enough in hot and quick conditions.

Two at bigger prices that I like today are Andreas Haider-Maurer and Borna Coric against Roberto Bautista Agut and Lukas Rosol respectively.

RBA has been in no sort of form since a very hectic summer and he may be feeling the effects of that at the moment after poor showings in both of his hard court events in North America.

Haider-Maurer sprang a surprise here last year by beating Ernests Gulbis and although he's more at home on clay he can test out RBA and see if there are any weaknesses and injury/fitness concerns there.

Rosol is on a high right now after winning the title in Winston-Salem, despite appearing to not fancy it at all in his first match, but he's never won a match at the US Open so far in his career.

Today he faces a young player I really like in Coric, who can go places and perhaps surprise a few people here with his game.

Rosol is not one to trust by any means and he looks short today to me, with the 3.55n/a about Coric a potentially decent investment on a Cash Out basis.

Elsewhere, Wayne Odesnik takes on Kei Nishikori in the only one of my 'upsets' playing today and much of the value has gone in that one, but Cash Out backers have already made some money, with Odesnik a 4.03/1 shot now from 6.05/1.

Recommended Bets
Back Karlovic to beat Nieminen at 1.625/8
Back Haider Maurer to win a set at 2.26/5

Best Cash Out Opportunity
Back Coric to beat Rosol at 3.55n/a

Profit based on £10 stake per bet = + £984.60

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The Editors' Premier League Betting Battle 2013/14: Round 30

"Opta tell us that Southampton are in pretty rotten form overall: they've won just four of their last 17 Premier League games and are likely to lack real motivation now their Premier League status is secure and they have no chance of European qualification."

Luke Moore: Back Crystal Palace to beat Southampton at 3.8514/5

A dramatic weekend saw Dan Thomas lose his lead to Joe Dyer while another win for Mike Norman means the top three in this season's Betting Battle are separated by less than £20. Here are this week's selections...

Joe Dyer
Back an Arsenal clean sheet @ 2.727/4 vs Everton
Saturday, 12:45
Live on ITV

I'll know my fate early on this weekend as it's the Saturday lunchtime kick-off between Arsenal and Everton for me where I'm swayed by the clear trends for a tight match. 

Everton are doughty opponents for any side but they have come up short on their last three away days, failing to score in each. Those tests came against top Premier League sides (Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea) and they face another on Saturday against Arsenal. 

For both clubs this game represents a key moment in their seasons - at 23.022/1 to back the Gunners' title hopes look gone, and Everton surely won't finish top four either - so the chance of making it to Wembley will be huge for everyone at the two teams. 

When Everton went to Arsenal earlier this season, we saw two goals in the last 10 minutes with the visitors pegging the home team back with a late Gerard Deulofeu equaliser. I think this will be similarly close with the potential for a single goal to settle matters.

Rather than back under 2.5 goals - a winning bet for me in the last two weeks - I will take a chance on Arsenal keeping the visitors out for the full 90 minutes this time. The backline has kept 12 clean sheets in the league and with Everton proving shot-shy in recent weeks I think 2.727/4 is a fair price for them to record another clean sheet.  

Joe Dyer 2013-14 P/L: + £18.50

Dan Thomas
Back Both Teams To Score in West Brom v Manchester United at 1.9110/11
Saturday, 12:45
Live on BT Sport 1

The Baggies have been pretty dreadful this season, with just four wins in the entire campaign - the lowest in the league - leaving them one point off relegation (it's only the league high 13 draws that have kept them out of the bottom three).

They haven't picked up three points since beating Newcastle on New Year's Day and questions have already been raised about the tenure of Pepe Mel, who hasn't seen his team win since taking over on January 9.

The one bright spark for Albion has been their performances against the big boys, picking up creditable 1-1 draws against Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton, all after going behind, and I can see them at least getting on the scoresheet when United come to town this weekend.

David Moyes' men kept a clean sheet in winning at Palace last time out, but they have conceded at the likes of Hull, Sunderland and Stoke this season and West Brom should have enough in the locker to score at least once, while Van Persie and Rooney et al will be looking forward to playing a side that has kept one clean sheet in 2014. 

Dan Thomas 2013-14 P/L: + £16.99

Mike Norman
Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.0621/20 in Cardiff v Fulham
Saturday, 15:00

So, after 29 rounds of battle I'm back to where I started with a zero profit. Crucially though I'm now the closest I've been to the lead since the first week of the season and I know that the rest of the lads are in fear that I'm timing my run to perfection. I am, so let's crack on with this week's winner.

A clash between the Premier League's two bottom clubs has seemingly made layers cautious about offering a generous price on Over 2.5 Goals. I completely understand why, but I'm still going to take a chance on it.

The need for a victory here, for both sides, is absolutely crucial. The beauty of which is that we know both sides can't win at the same tme whereas a draw won't suit neither. And in my opinion there's no chance in this world that Cardiff and Fulham will set out for a draw and play defensively. At least I hope not.

So I'm backing goals here, and encouragingly the last seven meetings between the Bluebirds and the Cottagers have resulted in both teams getting on the scoresheet and at least three goals being scored. Ok, only one of those meetings was in the last 15 years but I'll take it.

Mike Norman 2013-14 P/L: -/+ £0.00

Luke Moore
Back Crystal Palace to beat Southampton at 3.8514/5
Saturday, 15:00

I think this is a very generous price on a Crystal Palace home win - the Eagles are in decent form at the moment (they may have lost at home to United but they won their previous three at Selhurst Park, conceding only one goal) and Southampton are at best inconsistent on the road.

In fact, Opta tell us that Southampton are in pretty rotten form overall: they've won just four of their last 17 Premier League games and are likely to lack real motivation now their Premier League status is secure and they have no chance of European qualification.

Tony Pulis knows how to set his teams up at home and there is absolutely no reason they can't beat a team with nothing to play for who were turned over quite handily by West Ham on their last away trip. It may only be by the odd goal, but that'll be enough to bank me some much-needed winnings.

Luke Moore 2013-14 P/L: - £108.30

A £10 bet is placed on each selection on Betfair's Exchange. Profits are calculated before commission.

1. Joe Dyer: + £18.50
2. Dan Thomas: + £16.99
3. Mike Norman: +/- £0.00
4. Luke Moore: - £108.30

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Lee Dixon: United a huge price to win the battle of Manchester

"There's no reason to think that the Sir Alex will not field his best XI, and massively motivated for a fixture with nothing but pride at stake."

Back United to win @ 2.3411/8

United are running away with the league but are they really going to field a weakened side and roll over with City in town? No way, says Lee Dixon!

It's not often you get the chance to back Manchester United at odds-against playing at home this season and on price alone I feel duty bound to make them a recommended bet for this Monday night special.

Yes, City are their nearest opponents in the league and, yes, this is a derby match.
But records don't get much stronger than United's at Old Trafford with 14 wins from 15 games and I don't buy the argument that City will win because they are the more motivated side.

Had Sir Alex Ferguson's team won in the FA Cup at Chelsea on Easter Monday, they could possibly have been excused a reserved performance from a weaker than expected lineup with Fergie looking to safeguard his best players for a potential double.

They didn't though, and there's no reason to think that the Sir Alex will not field his best XI, and massively motivated for a fixture with nothing but pride at stake.

Successful betting is built on taking value prices and, at 2.3411/8 to win, United are just that.

Old Trafford has been criticised for lacking atmosphere in recent times but there will be no lack of passion from a full house on Monday night. The capacity crowd and those watching at home will be expecting a cracking game from two of the most talented attacks in English football, but I feel it will be defences to the fore. The Opta stats back that up: City have kept the most clean sheets in the league this year (14) and United are next on the list with 11. David de Gea has not had to pick the ball out of his net in the last six league games. 

With those stats on board I'm happy to take a chance on under 2.5 goals at odds-against. There have been plenty of goals in this game, but the equivalent fixture around this time last year finished 1-0 to City. Bold punters might take a chance on either team winning by a goal to nil at 10.09/1 for United and 13.012/1 for City. 

Vincent Kompany scored the winner that night at the Etihad and his return is big for City. He scored against Newcastle as City romped to a 4-0 win and just having the captain back - both on the pitch and in the dressing room - will be huge. That just makes a tight game more likely and I don't think his return will be enough to steer City to victory. Robin van Persie may have gone cold - not that I find that of any great concern - and I just fancy United to hold sway over their Noisy Neighbours by the odd goal.

Recommended Bets 

Back United to win @ 2.3411/8
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.166/5

"Manchester United will want to make a statement here - the 6-1 defeat in this fixture last season will still hurt, and against a City still with relatively little to play for, United should record a victory. However, the lack of quality from United's attackers in recent weeks means a big win is unlikely, and I agree with Lee on the lack of goals. With six league clean sheets in a row for United, I'll happily back another at 3.7."

"Let’s face it, all that is really up for grabs in this one are the bragging rights, United have won the league and I am sure City will be second. I also think that Man City will have one eye on the upcoming Chelsea FA Cup semi final. I was shocked to see United @ 2.32 and I agree with Lee, this is great value for a team that has won its last seven in a row scoring 13 and conceding only once. Add to that Man Utd’s incredible home form, the last time they failed to score in a Premier League home game was against Aston Villa on 12/12/09. They have managed to score in each of the 61 league games at Old Trafford since that Villa defeat and have lost only four times, drawing three. Only word of caution is that United have NEVER completed a Premier League season without drawing at least one game on home soil.

"I will be backing the red side of Manchester to take the bragging rights @ 2.32 in the match odds with a little cheap insurance on the 1-1 @ 7.8 as a saver."

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Airtricity Premier Division Betting: Back Shamrock and St Pat's to battle out a stalemate

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw Shamrock Rovers v St Pat's 3.3512/5 
Back Dundalk to beat Shelbourne at 2.942/1 
Lay Drogheda to beat Limerick at 2.166/5
Cork City/Cork City Half Time/Full Time v Bohemians at 3.185/40 
Draw UCD v Derry at 3.3512/5 

Daniel McDonnell casts his eye over the Airtricity Irish Premier Division and thinks the game of the night will end in a draw...

Goals were in short supply in last weekend's opening round of Airtricity League fixtures and it's something for punters to bear in mind going into tonight.

A big feature of the pre-season previews was that predictions for several clubs came with the caveat that their performance depending on finding a goalscorer within their ranks and, while it's extremely early days, there was some evidence of that last week.

The Dalymount Park meeting of Bohemians and UCD was the only top flight game to exceed 2.5 goals and that was heavily influenced by a first half sending off. Otherwise, we had two scoreless draws, and three 1-0 wins.

Tonight's feature game between Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic is another obvious candidate for Under 2.5 Goals backers. The Saints have retained their strong defence from 2012 but circumstances have forced them to change the shape of their midfield - specifically the fact that key players James Chambers and Sean O'Connor followed assistant boss Trevor Croly to Tallaght.

Rovers were disappointing in Dundalk last Friday, taking a long time to find their stride. They impressed against a poor Linfield side in the Setanta Cup but they won't find it as easy to create chances here. The suspicion is that these Dublin rivals are in danger of cancelling each other out. 

The 3.3512/5 about the draw is attractive, with the 1.664/6 about Under 2.5 goals reflecting that traders evidently already believe it's the way to go.

Elsewhere, Dundalk appeal as one of the bets of the night as they travel to Shelbourne. Stephen Kenny's side won a League Cup meeting between these teams on Monday, and the hosts might find it difficult this year after losing some big players in pre-season. The 2.942/1 about a way win is extremely appealing.

Drogheda are 2.166/5 to defeat Limerick, but the visitors are capable of putting it up to them. Stuart Taylor's side demonstrated some promise in a scoreless draw with Cork on Sunday and while the Louthmen came through with a late winner in the Setanta Cup against Derry on Monday, they could be laying material here.

Cork City are capable of living up to their favourites tag when Bohemians visit Turners Cross, and they burst out of the blocks to comfortably beat Cliftonville in the Setanta Cup at this venue. It took them longer to warm up against Crusaders but they have the ability to start well so if you're looking for extra value on top of the win odds, take the 3.185/40 about the Leesiders to lead at Half Time and Full Time. 

The Belfield meeting of UCD and Derry is difficult to assess. Derry are favourites but they've made a less than convincing start to the season and they have some inconsistent performers in their ranks. A small bet on a draw is advised 3.3512/5.

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw Shamrock Rovers v St Pat's 3.3512/5 
Back Dundalk to beat Shelbourne at 2.942/1 
Lay Drogheda to beat Limerick at 2.166/5
Cork City/Cork City Half Time/Full Time v Bohemians at 3.185/40 
Draw UCD v Derry at 3.3512/5 

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ATP Indian Wells Betting: Federer and Nadal set for another tough battle in the desert

"I can't see either player winning this comfortably unless injury intervenes and preference is for the over 22.5 total games.."

Back over 22.5 games in Federer vs. Nadal at 1.865/6

Sean Calvert has seen a fair few Roger Federer versus Rafa Nadal matches over the years and he'll be up late again tonight for the latest instalment. He fancies this one to go long...

A fairly awful choke from Milos Raonic against an injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga cost me my bet on Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open. 

Not for the first time this week one of the men let a good lead slip away and it looked all over a Raonic win when Tsonga went a set down and had treatment on his knee, but Raonic handed the Frenchman a lifeline with an awful service game in set two and then gave him the match in a similar style in set three, ending on a double fault. 

That will be a painful loss for the Canadian, who normally possesses a more reliable temperament and Tsonga goes through to face Novak Djokovic, who had a 2am finish local time against Sam Querrey last night.

That match is for tomorrow though and today it's my outright tip Tomas Berdych taking on Kevin Anderson and if you're staying up late counting your Cheltenham winnings (or losses) then it's Rafa Nadal versus Roger Federer at 2am UK time.

Part 29 of this match-up is probably one of the toughest to predict, with both players not at their best physically. 

Rafa still has issues with his knees and it's in the lap of the gods how well he is able to move on any given day. He was hampered last night against Ernests Gulbis, but was still able to edge that one and similarly Federer struggled again with his back and crept past Stan Wawrinka.

Obviously the match-up favours Nadal, who has won 18 of their matches lifetime to Fed's 10 and we can expect the same tactics again tonight, as Rafa will try and get the ball up high to Roger's backhand and control the point from there.

That said, Federer won here 12 months ago on a very windy day and Nadal has only played two competitive matches on a hard court since that day, so all things considered it's far from easy to pick a winner in this one.

If I were going on the outright match odds market I would favour the underdog purely on the match-up at around 2.166/5, but I can't see either player winning this comfortably unless injury intervenes and preference is for the over 22.5 total games at 1.865/6.

Recommended Bet
Back over 22.5 games in Federer vs. Nadal at 1.865/6

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Rugby World Cup Betting: Boks can boss breakdown battle

Match Previews / Geoffrey Riddle / 08 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Du Preez and Brussow will be vital for South Africa

"No players will have a greater say in who wins this match than the two breakaways."

Geoffrey Riddle had an excellent Pool stage, putting up 37 selections and registering 25 winners. Now he's relishing a fierce back row battle on Sunday morning as Australia take on the defending champions...

South Africa v Australia, Sunday 06:00 (ITV1)

If there is one aspect of South Africa's quarter-final against Australia in Wellington that is crucial to the outcome on Sunday it is the breakdown.

Richie McCaw now boasts 100 caps but snapping on the heels of the most effective fetcher there has ever been is the Springbok Heinrich Brussow and his opposite number, David Pocock.

Out of the 30 men who will take to the turf in the 'Cake Tin' there are no players who will have a greater say in who wins this match than the two breakaways.

Rocky Elsom, the Wallaby and former Leinster No 8, was in no doubt this week that the loose exchanges would decide which team progressed to the semis.

"Every inch of ascendancy you can gain there at the breakdown is crucial," he said ahead of the showdown at Wellington Regional Stadium. "Any team that gets the dominance at the breakdown, they're going to provide front-foot ball for their attack and that is an enormous part of the game."

Without Pocock greasing the wheels, the Wallaby attacking machine grinds to a comparative halt. He did not play in the defeat against Ireland, and when he was taken off at half-time against Russia the Tri-Nations champions won the second half only 21-17.

Quade Cooper, the Wallaby fly-half, thrives on quick ball. His box of tricks can conjure up all sorts of attacking schemes when given space and time but close him down off slow ball and he is ineffective.

South Africa use quick ball in a different manner and when their possession is slowed down by the opposition they are one of the better teams in world rugby at either going through the phases by smashing their way up field, or using the boot of Morne Steyn to obtain field position.

Brussow's role therefore will be to make Pocock's life a misery at every breakdown for the full 80 minutes. Both sides have superbly balanced back rows, but where South Africa have an advantage is that Bakkies Botha has been injured and is replaced by Danie Rossouw. The Bulls utility forward is effectively a fourth member of the back row, having played over half of his matches at either flanker or No 8.

When Brussouw clashed with Pocock in Durban during the Tri-Nations it was honours even, despite Australia scoring a rare victory on South African soil. It was Brussouw's first start for almost two years and when he had dusted off the cobwebs a week later he took New Zealand to the cleaners. He contributed to an All Blacks turnover tally of 23, as an under-strength All Blacks side were downed 18-5. Once again, no McCaw, no win.

That success in Durban was Australia's fifth victory in the past six encounters between the teams, which shows why layers on Betfair make the Tri-Nations champions the [2.0] favourites. That match was one of the rare moments in the past two years that Peter de Villiers, the South Africa coach, had all his players at his disposal. Fourie du Preez was another player who had returned after a two-year injury break but the scrum-half is now playing at the level to which all nines aspire.

With Du Preez in the lynchpin position and feeding Morne Steyn, the Springbok bulldozer moves up a gear. Steyn may not have his namesake Francois playing outside him due to a shoulder injury but Jean de Villiers is no mean substitute. With Patrick Lambie coming into the line from full-back and the ever-hungry Bryan Habana lurking out wide, the Springboks have an attacking edge, also.

Australia have scored the first try of the match in the last six encounters and the first points of the match in eight of the last ten against South Africa. They will start at a breath-taking speed and try to maintain their lead into half-time and beyond. They are not the fittest team, however, and South Africa's greater experience and composure under pressure should be enough to progress to a meeting with the hosts in Auckland.

Recommended Bet (1-5pt staking plan)
2pts South Africa at [2.14]

Geoffrey Riddle sees few bright spots for Martin Johnson's men ahead of their second test against a pumped up Australia...

Martin Johnson has made some big changes for Saturday's match in Paris but could France buckle under the pressure as they pursue a Grand Slam? Geoffrey Riddle selects the best bets....

It's round five of the Six Nations and the final step on the tournament ladder.

Warren Gatland has put his faith in youth for Saturday's clash at the Millenium Stadium but the Italians can take some positives from last week's defeat in Paris and may be set to spring a few surprises. John Woodford selects...

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Greyhounds Betting: Derby contenders battle for Betfair Blue Riband

Events / The Lord / 17 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

The Betfair Blued Riband final goes off on Tuesday

"Westmead Guru could be tough to hold if blazing a trail. And remember he knows Hall Green well, he started his career here!"

A great few days for greyhound racing will conclude with a fantastic final for the Betfair Blue Riband at Hall Green on Tuesday. The Lord provides a run down of the dogs to follow.

Coming just after the weekend's first Classic of the season at Shawfield, the Scottish Derby final, Tuesday's race will see the Sky cameras beam top-class greyhound racing into our living rooms for the second time in four days.

Some £8,000 is up for grabs in the Betfair Blue Riband final and the line-up is bolstered by a number of leading contenders for the Derby at Wimbledon, headed by Monmore Puppy Derby runner-up Express Shuttle.

He lines up from trap one and kicks off my run down of the six greyhounds gunning for glory...

Trap 1: Express Shuttle (Chris Allsopp)

Came over with a big reputation from Ireland and has not disappointed. Famously led in the Monmore decider until the stirring finish of wonder pup Droopys Greg denied him late on. Ran a great race given the trouble he found at Wimbledon on Trainers' Championship night to claim valuable points for Allsopp. Boasts great early pace which laid the foundation for an impressive success in the heats at Hall Green, but will be edging out to the middle from trap one in the decider.

Trap 2: Westmead Guru (Kelly Findlay)

This strapping near 39-kilo dog certainly knows how to put his weight round. Could dive inwards or outwards from this pitch and backers of the favourite inside will be hoping he turns right! Winner of the Henlow Derby he certainly has a big-race pedigree and is being geared towards Wimbledon and the English Derby. Helped by having a wide-mover outside and could be tough to hold if blazing a trail. And remember he knows Hall Green well, he started his career here!

Trap 3: Springwell Hot (Bob Hall)

This local runner has excelled in a competition which represented a steep rise in class. In the form of his life, he's been like a fine wine of late, maturing with age. He's a veteran performer now, no less. Must trap in the style he has shown of late, particularly in heat and semi which showed a mark improvement from recent A1 contests. Can he do it again now pitched in the middle?

Trap 4: Johnnys Way (Nick Colton)

Trainer Colton is looking for a quickfire Sky big-race double after Jolly Poacher in the Arc at Swindon. The kennel is red-hot just now and this two-year-old is doing them proud. Ran on strongly to finish second in the semis, but it's difficult to see him strike a blow unless there's a Jolly Poacher-type start. And with Springwell Hot moving off from three, trouble looms at the turn. But equally any trouble up front could see him cause a shock as, like Sweeps Hill, he's strong from halfway

Trap 5: Alfies Options (Dean Childs)

Led almost from start to finish in the semis and clearly packs an early punch required to lead on the outer. If anything he slightly stumbled on exiting the boxes in the semis before pacing up well to the turn. A cleaner break, and he might just be the improver in the field to upset some of the shorter-priced runners. Indeed, that might be a necessity because both trap three and four will be swinging off at the turn. Thankfully for supporters, there is a zero pace outside. Always highly regarded, Alfies Options is no strong runner but this 480m is easier than Swindon's where he struggled to last home in the Arc.

Trap 6: Sweeps Hill (Craig Andrews)

Like Springwell Hot he's a Hall Green ever-present and that is worth two lengths here. A fast finisher who struggles to go with the early pace, crowding amongst the leaders is a must for him to strike gold. Nevertheless he is brilliantly drawn and could well get a gorgeous tow round behind earlybird Alfies Options. And were Express Shuttle and Westmead Guru to tangle he could find himself turning closer up the field than is usually the case. And noone wants this strong runner on their shoulder off the last bend.

The Lord's disciples will soon be quids-in with two early lays on a cracking Betfair Trainers' Championship card live on Sky Sports from Wimbledon tonight....

"Second only to the Derby in terms of importance to those involved"...

Three to be against in the Sky-televised action from Doncaster...

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Sky Dogs Tips: Lister can edge out Wallis in Championship battle

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 21 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Who will be first across the line at the Betfair Trainers' Championship?

"Two years ago Lister swept the floor with his rivals with a remarkable six winners, and with the likes of Bandicoot Tipoki, Boher Paddy and Jordansoilutions in his team, it will be a surprise if he doesn’t register multiple winners, while Rayvin Neasa and Romeo Daddy Cool should also score highly"

Mark Wallis grabbed a vital final leg win to snatch last year's Betfair Trainers' Championship, and has plenty of strength in-depth in a bid to retain his crown - live on Sky Sports from Wimbledon on Tuesday night - but Darrell Williams just thinks Charlie Lister's 'big guns' may prove too tough to overhaul.

Derby final night aside, the Betfair Trainers Championship is the most exciting greyhound meeting of the entire year as the top six trainers from the previous year battle it out in a points based competition.

And if one thing is for certain after the eight-leg event, it's that the winner will have earned it.

Four-timer winner Charlie Lister, who's not been out of the top two in the last six years, looks a worthy favourite with a host of big name greyhounds set to score heavily - the competition's format rightly places most emphasis on winning races, with a 10-6-4-3-2-1 points scoring system.

Two years ago Lister swept the floor with his rivals with a remarkable six winners, and with the likes of Bandicoot Tipoki, Boher Paddy and Jordansoilutions in his team, it will be a surprise if he doesn't register multiple winners, while Rayvin Neasa and Romeo Daddy Cool should also score highly.

Mark Wallis, who was adding to his 2006 victory (also at Wimbledon) when nosing Lister out in the final leg at Doncaster last year, once again looks the main danger to his perennial rival, with a team boasting perhaps as many as seven high scoring members. The two six-bend legs could easily fall his way with Blonde Fletch and Kinda Easy holding strong claims, while both Blonde Snapper and Destroy The Camp have the potential to upset Lister hotpots.

Of the remaining handlers, Chris Allsopp appears the most likely to cause an upset, and could score heavily early on with both Fifis Rocket and Express Shuttle, in legs two and three both with realistic chances of bagging the maximum ten points.

While I fully respect Mark Wallis' team, which offers some value at around [4.0] I still believe Charlie Lister will prove too strong and make him the bet at [2.2]. while a back to lay bet on Chris Allsopp, with the suggestion to 'get out' after leg three, might also be worthy considering.

As regards the individual races, I rate Bandicoot Tipoki (21:10) as the night's banker. The Derby winner - who's worth adding to your portfolio for this year's race - overcame even tougher rivals on Juvenile night three weeks ago (and at an amazing SP of 6/1!), and looks well berthed in his favourite Wimbledon trap three box.
Yet to finish out of the first two in seven races at the track (including five victories), he could benefit if fast-starting Blonde Snapper and Lethal Freds come together early on.

Jordansoilutions (20:50) proved himself back to his best when also scoring for Lister on the same card, and having provided maximum points for his handler in last year's Trainers Championship is fancied to repeat the feat if, as expected, he can clear early paced rival Young Vicarious and make it four wins in his last five starts.

Fifis Rocket, formerly King Lee, is now with Chris Allsopp and is fancied to win a below-par sprint (20:00). While his strike rate is generally poor, he excels over the Wimbledon 273m, dishing out a near six length beating to his rivals at the start of the month, and can account for lightly-raced youngster Romeo Daddy Cool.

In most years we'd be hailing Express Shuttle as the Midland Puppy Derby winner, but Chris Allsopp's classy youngster had to succumb to the incredible strength of Droopys Greg in last week's Monmore final. However, compensation should await in the 20:15, where the selection's excellent early speed can snuff out the chances of early paced rivals Allisons Delight and Mountjoy Moon.

Blonde Fletch has hit form with a vengeance since stepping up to 600m and can make it four wins on the spin by claiming the stayers' heat at 21:25, where his early speed can see him make all.

Selections: (in order of preference)

Lister to win Trainers Championship
Bandicoot Tipoki 21:10
Jordansoilutions 20:50
Blonde Fletch 21:25
Fifis Rocket 20:00
Express Shuttle 20:15

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Cheltenham 2011: Big Buck's and Grand Crus in battle for the World

Cheltenham Races / Alex Steedman / 04 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

That grey blur is World Hurdle contender Grand Crus

"This looks a race to take an in-running view: If Grand Crus is in front for any length of time I’d favour Big Buck’s but if young Scu can somehow delay Grand Crus’ explosive late burst then we could have a new champion."

The World Hurdle is a two horse battle but will first place go to the reigning champ or the new contender? It may all come down to tactics, says Alex Steedman

Sporting history is liberally sprinkled with rivalries where the efforts of both provide the spur towards greatness. Borg was Borg but more because of McEnroe while Sugar Ray Leonard earned his name and fortune on the backs of Hagler, Hearns and Duran.

Poor old Big Buck's has been walking his box dreaming about such challenges but having looked a one horse race for more than a year, the World Hurdle is suddenly an interesting match at least.

Grand Crus' ([3.75]) left-field slash through the ranks has been one of the season's highlights so far and an exhibition in old school secrecy from the Pipe camp. How they managed to contain themselves throughout the summer knowing that the best handicapped horse in training was stabled within their walls was a job in itself. But having witnessed the celebrations in the paddock at Cheltenham in November believe me, for them, it was worth the wait. There were other owners attached to the yard dancing with calculators twitching in their sparkling eyes; they absolutely chopped the lot off.

It's almost ludicrous to consider that Grand Crus delivered that day from a mark of 126 and having bolted up at Haydock a week later, then in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle on trials day, the grey is now a whopping 43lbs higher in the handicap, only 5lbs below Big Buck's. With the promise of even more to come he is a worthy challenger for the title and this is a bout in line with the greats.

The supporting cast is not of the calibre of Hearns or Hagler but Irish raiders and stable mates Mourad and Fiveforthree are of interest. Mourad ([15.5]) has only twice finished outside the money in the UK and Ireland and heads for Cheltenham bouncing on the back of successive Grade 2 wins.

His effort in the Hatton's Grace behind Hurricane Fly suggests he has Grade 1 potential, particularly given he is only six and it's worth remembering he was third to Zaynar in the Triumph two years ago. He has chances at around [3.15] in the place market but there are half a dozen horses squabbling over that slot.

Fiveforthree ([18.0] to win) is a mini marvel given his inactivity in recent years but with five wins from eight hurdle starts, he knows how to win. Beating 13-year-old Newmill on his comeback told us little beyond his wellbeing. Nevertheless, he has Grade 1 form in the book and having won the Ballymore on the back of finishing fifth in the Bumper, he has that crucial festival experience. He is (4.4) for a place.

In truth though, this race is all about Big Buck's against Grand Crus and the spectacle of the challenge. Big Buck's has won ten consecutive hurdle races since unseating in the Hennessy more than two years ago. He's amassed three quarters of a million pounds in prize money, two World Hurdles and an army of fans along the way. He's seen off threatening young guns Punchestowns and RSA favourite Time for Rupert at the last two festivals and probably can't wait to eyeball Grand Crus.

There is the tantalising prospect of this pair recording hitherto unseen Timeform figures and the way the race unfolds will be fascinating for the in-running players.

When Punchestowns failed to deny Big Buck's' two years ago I came away with the feeling that the Nicholls horse might just be vulnerable to a surge of well-timed, late acceleration and there is no doubt that Grand Crus has that in his arsenal. He is a sharper, faster hurdler than Big Buck's and, I think, a quicker horse too. But with the Big B there is the sense that there is so much more under the bonnet.

Paul Nicholls' French buyer Anthony Bromley told me that having worked Big Buck's recently, Ruby Walsh jumped off and said, without a trace of irony; "can we supplement him for the Gold Cup after he's won the World Hurdle?" Confidence in the champ is very, very high.

Still, I think tactics will play a final, decisive role. On trials day Tom Scudamore told Cheltenham and Timeform Radio listeners; "I'll go down to Pond House the week before Cheltenham and go through the videos with David and work it out. I certainly wouldn't be worried though about setting the race up for Big Buck's."

I'm not so sure and I wouldn't be surprised to see Grand Crus squared away at the back of the field until absolutely necessary. But he is a keen going, strong traveller and how easy that will be is another thing again. There is perhaps an onus on him too and there is the doubt about how effective he will be on better ground.

This looks a race to take an in-running view: If Grand Crus is in front for any length of time I'd favour Big Buck's but if young Scu can somehow delay Grand Crus' explosive late burst then we could have a new champion.

Either way, it may be a match they'll be talking about in years to come.

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