Saturday, July 30, 2005
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Get In The Game - with Nigel Ridgway of bet365
*******
CAN ENGLAND RISE FROM THE ASHES?
Th Aug 4 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
Fr Aug 5 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
Sa Aug 6 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
Su Aug 7 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
Mo Aug 8 – 20.00 BST (SS3)
Australia are now 1/8 from 1/2 for the Ashes after their 239-run victory in the 1st Test at Lord’s. A drawn series is now 8/1, while only the most patriotic of punters will be backing England at 9/1. There was hope for a time that the weather would come to the rescue of England in the 1st Test, and all the money on Saturday night was for the draw, forcing the price into 7/2 from 8/1. However, the result was never in danger once play resumed. Glenn McGrath’s Ashes prediction of a series whitewash may not be looking far off the mark now after an empathic victory (13/2 from 20/1), but there’s still a lot of cricket to be played. Edgbaston is next and, as England have a far better record there against the Aussies, they could see some support at 9/2. Of the Lord’s batting line-up, only Kevin Pietersen emerged with any credit, and he’s 7/2 market leader to be top bat for England.
Latest bet365 2nd Test prices … Australia 8/11, England 9/2, The Draw 2/1. Live In-Play betting available.
HORSE RACING
************
DON’T LOOK A GIFT HORSE
Sa Jul 30
David Nicholls continues to prove that he has few peers when it comes to training sprinters, and his Gift Horse looks the one to beat in this Saturday’s cavalry charge, the Stewards Cup at Goodwood. The easy six furlongs with some cut in the ground would seem to be his ideal conditions and he comes here on the back of good runs in all three of his races this season. After winning first time up at Doncaster, he ran an eye-catching race when third in a hot York handicap next time out, the form of which is working out well. He then went on to land a gamble at Epsom on Derby day, for which he has only been raised only 4lb, and there is probably more to come from him. Tipped up here at 8/1 last week (now trading at 6/1) he could well go off favourite on the day, especially should his stable companion Lafi (9/2) miss the race. The latter ran a cracker when 2nd at Newbury last Sunday, the form of which would make him a danger, but too much rain may not be ideal, while there’s also a suspicion that he’s better on a more galloping track. Texas Gold (16/1) appears to be running into form at just the right time and, best on downhill tracks like this, he looks the best outsider. If you’re having a bet this weekend, don’t forget to claim your Free Scoop6 bet. Just stake £10 on any UK horse racing to qualify.
Steward’s Cup Picks: Gift Horse @ 6/1; Texas Gold @ 16/1 (Each-way)
FOOTBALL
*********
OLD FIRM ARE NOT OLD NEWS
This weekend sees the season get under way north of the border, and it looks to be business as usual as far the outright market is concerned. We can’t split the big two at 5/6, so the value may be in trying to determine who’s going to finish third. In our SPL ‘Without Celtic & Rangers’ betting, both Aberdeen and Hearts are priced at 9/4. Last season, Aberdeen finished with 61 points, 11 clear of their rivals in the betting. However, the ‘Jambos’ have since been boosted by the arrival of manager George Burley from Derby and, along with several new signings, are expected to mount a challenge for a UEFA Cup spot this season.
Hearts to win the SPL 2005/06 ‘Without Celtic & Rangers’ @ 9/4
NEW BHOY NAKAMURA
Celtic will be celebrating the arrival of Japanese International Shunsuke Nakamura, who should prove to be a valuable asset when delivering corners and free kicks. We make him Evens to score more league goals from free kicks than David Beckham (8/11) this season, and that looks a fair bet. Reigning champions Rangers can get their season off to a flyer by thrashing Livingston on Sunday. Livingston were thrashed 3-0 by the Gers back in January, and again 4-1 in November, so it’s a safe bet that the ‘Winning margin’ will be 2 or more goals again at 8/13.
Shunsuke Nakamura to score more league goals than David Beckham @ Evens
Rangers to beat Livingston by 2 or more goals @ 8/13
Get in the game and be lucky!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
£100/200 USD OF FREE BETS ON THE NET!
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New customers and their loyalty will be rewarded with plenty of free bets!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes Preview
Spread betting bookies Sporting Index offer you an interesting addition to your normal fixed-odds punting, as you can back a horse to do well, or bet against those you think will fail to make the grade. With £100 cash on offer to new clients** (see below for full details), it’s a good time to add a spread betting account to your portfolio. To get you started, here are our thoughts on the race:
Due to rebuilding work at Ascot, the King George will be held at Newbury this year. Compared to Ascot and its uphill finish, Newbury is slightly less demanding stamina-wise. This should help the likely favourite, Azamour, who is tackling this distance of one and a half miles for the first time.
Azamour is favourite on the basis of his impressive win in the Prince of Wales stakes at York last month. Critics could point to the fact that earlier in the season he finished behind both Grey Swallow and Bago (his two principal rivals on Saturday) in the Tattersalls Gold Cup. However, it is worth remembering that Azamour met a lot of trouble in running that day, and that it was also his seasonal reappearance, so he was therefore not fully fit. Following his win in the Prince Of Wales, there can now be no doubt about his readiness for Saturday. On the contrary, Grey Swallow has not been seen since the Tattersalls, and Bago put up a very disappointing display in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud.
It is very difficult to see anything else really troubling Azamour on Saturday. The only other horse prominent in the betting is Oaks winner Eswarah. Trainer Michael Jarvis is certainly being ambitious in targeting her for this instead of last Sunday’s Irish Oaks. However, as a three year old filly tackling more seasoned campaigners it is very difficult to see her getting competitive, especially as the form of her Oaks win is nothing special in the context of Saturday’s race.
Free £100 Cash for New Clients**
If you haven’t got a Sporting Index account yet, it’s a good time to take advantage of the £100 cash on offer. Open an account* and place five bets, where each bet could win or lose £20, and you can claim a free £100 straight into your account**. That’s not all, Sporting Index will also refund your losses of up to £50, if your first bet is a loser!**
On top of this, all clients (new and existing) can take advantage of Sporting’s free racing bet:
Free £10 Match Bet**
Place ten or more racing match bets staking £10 per bet between now and August 31 and they’ll give you a £10 match bet on any UK Flat horse race.**
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose. Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
For full details of this offer, and to open your Sporting Index account, please visit the site
The information contained herein is for your general information and use. In particular, it does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by Sporting Index Ltd and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining to make) any specific decisions.
Get In The Game - with Nigel Ridgway of bet365
*******
DON’T DESERT ENGLAND
Th Jul 21 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
Fr Jul 22 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
Sa Jul 23 – 20.30 BST (SS1)
Su Jul 24 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
Mon Jul 25 – 20.00 BST (SS1)
It would be easy to desert England for the Ashes Series after their second successive one-day hammering by the Aussies – Australia are 2/5 from 1/2 after their seven-wicket win at Lord’s (England are 10/3, Draw 13/2). Of course, Australia must be favourite, but this is unlikely to be the 3-1 or 4-1 thrashing (or worse!) that some are predicting. Under Michael Vaughan, England have been transformed into a quality Test outfit and, given that both teams like to play fast aggressive cricket, winning more than the standard one Test is not an unrealistic proposition. That could bring in three possible Series correct score results – 3-2 Australia (12/1), 2-2 (13/2), and 3-2 England (16/1). The advice is to have a decent bet on the draw, and a saver on the other two. The 1st Test gets under way on Thursday at Lord’s (live in-play betting available), and we make Australia 10/11, with England at 7/2 (The Draw 2/1). Game on!
Suggested Ashes Series Correct Score Bets: 2-2 Draw @ 13/2 (savers on 3-2 Australia @ 12/1 / 3-2 England @ 16/1)
HORSE RACING
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SWALLOW TO FLY HOME IN GEORGE
Sa Jul 23
With doubts over the stamina of 2/1 favourite Azamour, Grey Swallow looks the one to be on for this Saturday’s King George VI and QE Diamond Stakes at Newbury – the current price of 10/3 is likely to be shorter on the day. Last year’s Irish Derby winner is at his best over this trip of a mile and a half, and showed he was better than ever when winning first time out this season at the Curragh. That day he beat Bago (6/1) and Ace (12/1) into second and third, with Azamour only fourth. The latter went on to beat Ace at York, but this is a new trip for him, and proven ability to see out the trip is simply essential as every winner in the last decade had won over the big-race trip. Stamina is not an issue with the selection who looks to have been saved for this race by his astute connections. The only worry would be firm going, but with showers forecast, it should be no faster than good to firm. With question marks about several of his rivals the main danger could come from the old-timer Mubtaker (25/1), who often runs his best races at Newbury.
King George Selections: Grey Swallow @ 10/3; Mubtaker @ 25/1 (Each-way)
PEDRO CAN MAKE THEM ALL GO
Sa Jul 23
Up at York, the best bet on the card could be Danzili Bay (2.55), who looked a horse to follow when winning with something to spare at Haydock last month. On the same card, Yo Pedro can lead his rivals a merry dance in the three-year-old handicap (3.25). After winning a Lingfield maiden in January, David Loder’s charge didn’t reappear until running well at Newmarket last month, and will be suited by the drop back in trip on Saturday. As both races are covered live on Channel 4, make sure you take advantage of our 4/1 Offer (should they win at 4/1 or bigger), which entitles you to a free bet on the next live Channel 4 race.
Channel 4 Tips: Danzili Bay (2.55) & Yo Pedro (3.25)
LAFI TO MAKE YOU HAPPY
Su Jul 24
The big sprint on Sunday (2.45) can go the way of Lafi, who is sure to go off a hot favourite on the back of a cracking effort in listed company last time out at Sandown. Since that race, the handicapper has reacted by putting him up 12lb but, as he’s able to run off his old mark here, he has the look of a handicap good thing. A Group 1 entry in next month’s Nunthorpe is an indication of the regard in which he is held by king of the sprint trainers David Nicholls, who also has him in next week’s Steward’s Cup at Goodwood. He’s 5/1 favourite for that race, but is not sure to be suited to the undulations of that track, and may be a doubtful runner. Besides, his trainer has another ideal candidate for that race - 8/1 second favourite Gift Horse – and that looks a price worth snapping up now!
Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint Selection: Lafi @ SP
Bet Now Ante Post: Gift Horse @ 8/1 (Steward’s Cup)
GOLF
****
PERRY HAS FEW PEERS
Th Jul 21 – 21.00 BST (SS2)
Fr Jul 22 – 21.00 BST (SS2)
Sa Jul 23 – 20.00 BST (SS2)
Su Jul 24 – 20.00 BST (SS3)
Kenny Perry is an unoriginal selection for this week’s US Bank Championship, but such is the weakness of the field (16/1 second favourite Scott Verplank has not won since 201 and is a final round bottler!) that any doubts about him being jet-lagged from his visit to Scotland last week are more than compensated by his generous price of 13/2. While not being royal or ancient, like St Andrews, the course at Brown Deer Park commands respect with some of the longest rough on the Tour. For that reason the ability to hit it straight off the tee is essential, and the accurate Perry has top marks in that department. No wonder he’s already shown a liking for the course by winning there in 2003 (top seven in all of his five starts here!). As a two-time winner already this season, he’ll not be afraid to win either, unlike some of his rivals who seem to have forgotten how to close out tournaments.
US Bank Championship Selection: Kenny Perry @ 13/2
FOOTBALL
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WRIGHT MOVE FOR SHAUN
There must have been groans around Old Trafford and Highbury this week as Jose Mourinho further strengthened his squad with the acquisition of Shaun Wright-Phillips from Man City. However, as there’s plenty of competition around at the Bridge, he may have to spend some time warming the bench, and we’re betting on the number of starts he will make for the Blues this Premiership season (under / over 19.5 starts at 5/6). Whether he’s done his chances of making the England squad any favours is also open to question. We go 2/7 that he doesn’t start England’s first game at the 2006 World Cup Finals (5/2 that he does).
Shaun Wright-Phillips to make fewer than 19.5 starts for Chelsea 2005/6 @ 5/6
CITY’S BLUES
Of course, the departure of SWP can only be bad news for Manchester City, and it wouldn’t be a major surprise to see the Citizens languishing near the bottom of the table for most of the coming season. Last season’s finishing position of 8th was impressive, but without the contributions of SWP and Nicolas Anelka they would have been pretty ordinary. Plus, with debts in the region of £68 million, it’s debatable just how much of their windfall they will be able to spend. Their manager Stuart Pearce has already been touted here as a likely candidate for the first Premiership manager to lose his job (14/1 still available in our ‘Sack Race’ betting), and 10/1 for City to finish in the bottom three could look a big price come Christmas.
Man City to be relegated next season @ 10/1
Get in the game and be lucky!
Nigel.
Please be aware that prices are subject to change. All times are subject to change. Check local listings for TV coverage on these events
NIGEL RIDGWAY, an experienced punter and betting shop owner of many years, believes that "The key to successful gambling is getting value for money." Nigel was once forced by local bookmakers, to stop writing a tipping column in a UK newspaper, because he was costing them a fortune. Find out what offers and lines are hot at bet365.com
Monday, July 18, 2005
Irish Oaks Preview
Wise Words
The Epsom Oaks heroine, Eswarah, is missing the race in favour of a tilt at the King George, and therefore this Sunday's race has a wide open look to it. The two likely market leaders, Playful Act and Dash To The Top, have very similar profiles. Both are high class two year olds (they finished 1st and 3rd respectably in the Fillies Mile), but both have had minor injuries and therefore only recently made their seasonal debuts. Playful Act scrambled home at Haydock, whilst Dash To The Top got the better of some older horses at Newcastle. In both cases the form doesn't look up to winning a competitive Classic like the Irish Oaks. So, whilst they may both improve for the runs, they both look opposable.
You have to go back to 1993 to find the last French trained filly to win this race, but the highly progressive Shawanda, trained by Alain Royer-Dupre, looks to have a great chance of changing that. She proved she stays this distance with her latest victory at Chantilly, and although she will be taking on higher class opponents, the manner of that victory suggests she is more than capable of doing so.
A final horse of note is Thakafaat, who won the Ribblesdale Stakes at York on her latest run. That was a very good performance, and her trainer John Dunlop is still in fantastic form. The likely fast ground is very much in her favour, and she certainly seems to be one of the more likely outsiders.
£25 Cash for New Clients**
Open a bethilo account* and once you have placed 5 bets, risking £5 per bet, you will receive £25 cash straight into your account!**
*Suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with bethilo. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose. bethilo is a trading name of Sporting Index which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
£10 Cash for All Clients**
Place ten or more racing bets, risking £3 per bet, between June 1 and August 31 and bethilo will credit your account with £10.**
For full details of the above offers, and to open your account, visit the bethilo site
The Ashes Preview
Here are our thoughts on the 1st Test, to help you with your decisions:
Testing Times
Sporting Index has priced up Australia as favourites to win the first Test, and the Series as a whole. The general consensus is that the visitors have a slightly stronger team than England in most areas, but also have a decisive spin advantage in the form of the returning Shane Warne. His presence has made the Aussies clear favourites, despite a fairly evenly matched series of ODI's.
England's superior fitness levels could certainly be an advantage towards the end of the Series, if they can stay in contention early on.
However, with no such advantage during the opener you have to fear the worst for England, particularly when their poor record at Lord's is taken into account.
Michael Vaughan is expected to lead by example for the home side, and he is certainly one to watch. He's proven against the Aussies, and always saves his best performances for Test matches. Harmison is another to keep an eye on; he's had a great summer and is sure to be a handful on any surface. If there's a weak link in the early batting order it may be Trescothick, his 'stand and deliver' technique has yet to succeed against the old enemy, and he'll find it tough going against Warne.
For the Aussies, skipper Ponting is a good contender for top batsman of the series. Those looking for top bowler need look no further than Warne. There is talk of his ability being on the wane, but he's still a much bigger threat than Giles and should get some helpful pitches through the series. It's difficult to pick a weak link, however Gillespie (if picked) definitely needs to re-capture his form after a disappointing summer so far.
All in all, Australia seem to have recovered from a poor start to their tour and should take the first Test quite comfortably. England will be doing very well if they've kept the series alive by the time it reaches the Oval in September. Otherwise, the fifth Test may represent England's best chance of win, as the Australian's often come unstuck during dead rubber matches.
Free £100 Cash for New Clients**
If you haven't got a Sporting Index account yet, it's a good time to take advantage of the £100 cash on offer. Open an account* and place five bets, where each bet could win or lose £20, and you can claim a free £100 straight into your account**.
That's not all, Sporting Index will also refund your losses (up to £50) if your first bet is a loser!**
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose. Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Sporting Index also like to look after their existing customers too, so all clients (new and existing) can take advantage of three great offers:
Ashes Total Runs Promotion for All Clients**
Buy (bet 'high' on) a batsman's total Test runs, and Sporting Index will add 10 runs onto his final total if he's the highest scorer of the match.**
Ashes Innings Runs Promotion for All Clients**
Buy (bet 'high' on) a batsman's inning's runs at any time, and if he's run out Sporting Index will refund your losses.**
Free £10 Bet for All Clients**
Place ten or more bets on batsmen's total Test runs or One Day International player performances staking £2 per bet between June 1 and August 31 and Sporting Index will give you a £10 Win Index bet on any live Test match.**
For full details of these offers, and to open your Sporting Index account, click below
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
The Open Preview
You can back players to perform well or badly on their Finishing Positions market, or even have a go at their ‘Road to Ruin’ index – a prediction on the total number of double bogeys that will be scored at the infamous 17th hole.
With £100 cash on offer to all new clients** (see below for full details) and plenty of specials to choose from, they offer an interesting addition to your regular fixed-odds punting. Here are our thoughts on the players to watch, to help you get started:
Scotland Yards
The course has undergone a few changes since 2000, with an extra 164 yards added to compensate for the improved driving distances of the players. Despite the increase in length, the wide fairways and enormous greens will still favour the big drivers with a good touch on the green. In good weather conditions St. Andrews is not regarded as tough course.
However, even a small amount of wind can make things very tricky for even the most accomplished players. With 18mph winds forecast for Thursday, we could see an interesting and unpredictable start to the tournament.
Not surprisingly Tiger is the favourite. His driving skills are well suited to this course, and even the odd inaccurate shot should not cost him severely on these wide fairways. The double greens should also hold no fears for such an excellent putter. He won this tournament by eight shots in 2000, so he really will be the man to beat. The other players must be hoping that Tiger gets the worst of the weather conditions, as is often the case.
Although Els hasn’t been putting well of late, he has an outstanding Open record and should be in with a strong chance this year. His new driver allows him to keep the ball low, a distinct advantage on these fairways where the ball will run and run. His driving distances are very similar to Tiger’s, so decent approach play will be vital if he is to compensate for indifferent distance putting.
Sporting Index have priced Els up to finish somewhere between 14th and 17th overall (so if you think he’ll finish better than 14th bet ‘low’), but it would be a major surprise if he’s not near the top of the leader board on the final day.
Mickelson is also amongst the favourites, but the predicted windy conditions will be a major concern. He really struggled at the Scottish Open, finishing in the forties. Sporting Index have priced up the American to finish in 20th to 23rd place, and although an improvement is expected, it’s difficult to see him mounting a serious challenge this year.
Of the outsiders, Fred Couples could be the surprise package. He knows this course well, and finished sixth in 2000. With a couple of good finishes in the last two months, and the expected warm weather good for his back problems, he’ll certainly be one to watch. Similarly, John Daley returns to his favourite course in decent form, he won here in 1995 so a good performance from ‘The Lion’ would be no surprise.
Free £100 Cash for New Clients**
If you haven’t got a Sporting Index account yet, it’s a good time to take advantage of the £100 cash on offer. Open an account* and place five bets, where each bet could win or lose £20, and you can claim a free £100 straight into your account**. That’s not all, Sporting Index will also refund your losses of up to £50, if your first bet is a loser!**
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply.
See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose. Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Double-Up**
Sporting Index are running a promotion on the Open that’s available to all clients, new and existing:
Sell (bet ‘low’ on) a player’s finishing position prior to the start of The Open and if that player goes on to win, they’ll will double your profits**.
To qualify all bets must be placed before the start of the tournament. This offer does not apply to ‘No Max’ Finishing Positions.
£10 Finishing Positions Bet**
Place ten or more Finishing Positions bets, staking £5 per bet, between June 1 and August 31 and Sporting Index will give you a £10 Finishing Positions bet on any US or European Tour Event**.
For full details of this offer, and to open your Sporting Index account, click here.
The information contained herein is for your general information and use. In particular, it does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by Sporting Index Ltd and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining to make) any specific decisions.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
DROGBA FOR FLYING START
Topping the list is last year’s top scorer Thierry Henry at 9/4, followed by Ruud van Nistlerooy at 9/2, although neither price is much to get excited about.
Further down the list we come to Didier Drogba at 12/1, and that looks more of a value price. It’s not uncommon for foreign imports to struggle in their first season, only to come alive in their second season once acclimatized to the pace of the English game. Plus, with Chelsea beginning their campaign away at Wigan, home to Arsenal and West Brom, followed by Spurs away, there should be plenty of early goalscoring opportunities, by which time you’ll be in a position to cover your bet.
Top Premiership Goalscorer 2005/6: Didier Drogba @ 12/1
Premiership: Reds supported after Gerrard U-Turn
Liverpool’s title hopes looked braced for a knockout blow after their inspirational skipper announced he was leaving the club but Gerrard’s decision to stay is a major boost for the European Champions.
”Since the announcement on Wednesday morning we’ve seen a procession of punts on Liverpool at our joint industry top price of 20/1,” said VC Bet’s Nick Gray.
”Interestingly, we haven’t taken a single bet on Chelsea since the announcement, yet the Blues did see support when it looked odds-on that he was heading to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.”
Jose Mourinho’s side are currently trading at 5/6 to win the 2005/6 Premiership.
Premiership outrights:
Chelsea 5/6
Arsenal 5/2
Man Utd 3/1
Liverpool 20/1
Newcastle 150/1
Tottenham 150/1
Everton 150/1
Aston Villa 250/1
Middlesbrough 300/1
Man City 300/1
Bolton 300/1
Blackburn 500/1
Birmingham 500/1
Charlton 1,000/1
Fulham 1,250/1
Portsmouth 1,250/1
Sunderland 1,500/1
West Ham 2,000/1
West Brom 2,500/1
Wigan 3,000/1
EW 1/3 1,2.
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