I've got some money sitting on Scenic Blast. We'll see how she goes!
This comes from Sportingbet:
All Silent has been backed into outright favourite for the Hong Kong Sprint after a string of big bets were placed on the Graeme Begg trained gelding at Sportingbet Australia.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said All Silent had been backed from $5.50 to $4.60 this week and he is now a clear favourite ahead of Sacred Kingdom at $5.00.
“All Silent has clearly been the best backed horse this week with bets of $10,000, $5000 and $4000 struck in the past 24 hours,” Sullivan said.
“His form before leaving Australia was dominant and punters are backing him to reproduce it in Hong Kong which would see him take a power of beating.”
Sullivan said there had also been good support for West Australian galloper Scenic Blast while Apache Cat had been a little easy.
“Scenic Blast has been backed from $7.00 to $6.00 this week as well with one bet of $10,000 struck on him as well,” he said.
“Apache Cat has been $8.00 out to $9.50 at this stage but he does have a cult following and I would expect to see support come for him before the race.”
All Silent is also an even money favourite in Sportingbet’s best of the Aussies market ahead of Scenic Blast at $3.00 and Apache Cat at $3.70.
“All Silent has been the only one punters have wanted in that market and he has also been very well supported in the head to heads against the other two where is obviously a clear favourite,” Sullivan said.
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SPRINT
Sportingbet Australia Market
All Silent 4.60
Sacred Kingdom 5.00
Scenic Blast 6.00
Apache Cat 9.50
California Flag 10.00
Cannonball 17.00
Total Gallery 18.00
Inspiration 18.00
Laurel Guerreiro 18.00
War Artist 19.00
Borderlescott 26.00
Green Birdie 34.00
One World 41.00
Joy And Fun 51.00
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Free sports betting strategy and winning advice
Here's a free copy this sports pick wagering and betting system from the team at www.winterolympicsformguide.com.
Obviously, the blurb below is tailored for the Winter Olympics 2010. But I like it so much I think I might start using it on this blog. What do you think? There's a little bit of advertising rubbish mixed in to promote the site, but you can ignore that.
It's worth a read:
Welcome to a broad explanation of our special 5-star betting strategy.
Being mathematically challenged, it doesn't take too many numbers to confuse me, so I like to keep it simple, and that's what this strategy is - simple and easy to understand.
The beauty of it is it also allows you to make up your own mind. If you read the form and want to put some money on a long shot, go right ahead.
Key recommendations
1. Never deposit a bankroll for more than you can lose. Here at Winter Olympics Form Guide, we have formed partnerships with reputable bookmakers. However, we have refused to take accept affiliate deals. There's a principle behind that decision, an ethically-based decision which says we don't want to be put in a position where we're encouraging members to bet more than they can afford. We want people to be enjoying the Winter Olympics, not crying in their morning wheeties with what Gamblers Anonymous calls a gambling hangover. In essence, you're paying for a service. We want to provide that to the best of our ability, without false incentives causing us to unfairly over-play our hand.
2. Never bet more than 20% of your bankroll on any given outcome. Any bet can lose. Over time, however, statistics are usually what out-guns the bookies. By betting a percentage of our bankroll each time we play, we're still giving ourselves the opportunity to grow our bankroll, but we're also giving ourselves the opportunity to fight another day.
So, we're laying our cards firmly on the table by saying we're not commission-driven. That's why you're paying for this service. We're here to work for you - us versus the bookmakers, or in the case of Betfair, us versus anyone else who wants to take us on.
The second of the two fundamental rules also prevents us from making the number 1 mistake made by many gamblers - it stops us from chasing. One loss can have many doubling up. We shouldn't need to do that to make a profit.
Now, with the formalities out of the way, the 5-star system is quite simple. While it might seem there's a little bit of mathematics involved, it certainly doesn't stretch into the realms of rocket science. And what you see won't be very complicated at all.
As any good punter knows, we should always be trying to give our selection odds - even before we've seen those of the bookie. This allows us to see whether we're getting what those in the business call "unders" or "overs".
For example, if we think Canada should be a 2/3 ($1.50) chance against the USA in an ice hockey battle, and the sportsbook operators are paying 5/4 ($1.25), we would be getting "unders" - under the odds, or less than we think we should be getting on that team. To place that bet would be a bad bet because we're not playing the odds to our advantage. We're wasting our ability to pick winners. If, however, the bookmakers were paying 7/4 ($1.75), we'd gladly place the bet because we would be getting "overs". In other words, we think Canada is a quarter of a point better chance than the bookies do.
In essence, what we'll be doing is giving our selections a rating, from 1-5 stars. And before we continue, in more than a two-horse race (or people or teams as the case is with the Winter Olympics), we rarely recommend anyone take odds of less than 1/2 on ($1.50 for a $1 investment). There is often too much to lose and too little to gain. Take it from a punter who's tried the "sure thing" route on a number of occasions, it's too easy to get seriously hurt!
5 Stars:
If this selection is more than 1/2 ($1.50) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend a bet equalling 20% of your bankroll.
Explanation: This is as close as we'll come to a sure thing. We're very confident this selection will win. For example, one of the shortest prices of the Winter Olympics is likely to be Korean figure skater Yu-Na Kim. We'll place 5 stars beside her name. For argument's sake, let's say the bookmakers are paying 3/5 ($1.60 for a $1 investment), and you have a $100 bankroll, place a $20 bet on her to win the event. If she wins, we have a $32 return on our investment, our bankroll increases 12% and we're in a good position to move onto the next event.
4 Stars:
If this selection is more than 3/2 ($2.50) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend a bet equalling 10% of your bankroll.
Explanation: This will likely be one of the favoured runners who we believe has an even money chance of winning the event. Sportsbook operators work on percentages, too, but they're working on the percentage of bets outlayed on all runners in the field. Due to our form analysis, we will have eliminated most of the field from our calculations. It doesn't mean we're right, it just means we've increased our chances of winning. For poker players, if I'm dealt two Aces, and the player opposite me bets all his chips with two Queens, I will always, without fail, call the bet. I am the best chance to win the hand. We need to play the percentages. For example, let's say Lindsey Vonn wins about half of her World Cup races in the Super G during the two months leading up to the Olympics. We can consider her an even money chance to win the event. If the sportsbooks have her at 3/2 ($2.50), we're getting "overs" and we're happy to place the bet. So, again, if your bankroll is $100, lay a $10 bet. If Vonn wins, we'd have returned $25 and our bankroll will have grown 15%. Nice job team!
3 Stars:
If this selection is more than 5/1 ($6) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend a speculator bet equalling 5% of your bankroll.
Explanation: The Men's Downhill is a very open event. While there are probably more than 10 skiers who could realistically win, there are 5 with form suggesting they are the ones most likely to win. If we think we've found the one MOST likely, we'll put 3 stars beside their name. For example, let's stick with the Men's Downhill. We think there are 5 terrific chances, but we think local Canadian hope Manuel Osborne-Paradis has the best chance. We therefore give him 3 stars. If the sportsbooks have him at, let's be optimistic and say 7-1 ($8), we're getting "overs" and again, If your bankroll is $100, lay a $5 bet. If Osborne-Paradis skis his legs off to win, we pick up a very nice $40 return on investment.
2 Stars:
If this selection is more than 12-1 ($13) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend you consider a small speculator, purely for "value". The size of the bet is your decision, but it should never be more than 5% of your bankroll.
Explanation: This rating is for those selections we think are paying handsome "overs". We might, for example, think that Italian Werner Heel's two World Cup wins in terrific time last season warrant him a 1 in 10 chance or better to win the Super G. But sportsbooks have him at 25/1 (and last time I looked, that's what he was paying). Percentages suggest we're getting way over the odds as we see it. In this case, Heel is a great "value" bet. If he loses, we haven't lost much. If he wins, we collect bit time.
1 Star:
These are competitors we recommend you avoid.
Explanation: At times, we might see a competitor we believe to be paying "unders", or less than we think they're worth. Let's go back to one of our earlier selections, Lindsey Vonn in the Super G. Under the hypothetical scenario above, we've listed her an even money chance to win the event. But sportsbook operators have her at 3/4 ($1.75). In this case, we'll put one star beside her name. We might even have tipped her to win in our selections, but we think the risk is too large to place an investment in the outcome. In other words, the sportsbooks have this selection over-rated.
Of course, we can't tell you what to do with your money. Even if you alter the guidelines, the 5-star strategy is a great way of determining a level of confidence in each pick. Ultimately, you're calling the shots. But you're doing it in an envronment we consider to be the best way to enhance the enjoyment of sport without breaking the bank balance. In face, we believe it's the best way to grow your bank balance.
Good luck, and bring on the Games!
Obviously, the blurb below is tailored for the Winter Olympics 2010. But I like it so much I think I might start using it on this blog. What do you think? There's a little bit of advertising rubbish mixed in to promote the site, but you can ignore that.
It's worth a read:
Welcome to a broad explanation of our special 5-star betting strategy.
Being mathematically challenged, it doesn't take too many numbers to confuse me, so I like to keep it simple, and that's what this strategy is - simple and easy to understand.
The beauty of it is it also allows you to make up your own mind. If you read the form and want to put some money on a long shot, go right ahead.
Key recommendations
1. Never deposit a bankroll for more than you can lose. Here at Winter Olympics Form Guide, we have formed partnerships with reputable bookmakers. However, we have refused to take accept affiliate deals. There's a principle behind that decision, an ethically-based decision which says we don't want to be put in a position where we're encouraging members to bet more than they can afford. We want people to be enjoying the Winter Olympics, not crying in their morning wheeties with what Gamblers Anonymous calls a gambling hangover. In essence, you're paying for a service. We want to provide that to the best of our ability, without false incentives causing us to unfairly over-play our hand.
2. Never bet more than 20% of your bankroll on any given outcome. Any bet can lose. Over time, however, statistics are usually what out-guns the bookies. By betting a percentage of our bankroll each time we play, we're still giving ourselves the opportunity to grow our bankroll, but we're also giving ourselves the opportunity to fight another day.
So, we're laying our cards firmly on the table by saying we're not commission-driven. That's why you're paying for this service. We're here to work for you - us versus the bookmakers, or in the case of Betfair, us versus anyone else who wants to take us on.
The second of the two fundamental rules also prevents us from making the number 1 mistake made by many gamblers - it stops us from chasing. One loss can have many doubling up. We shouldn't need to do that to make a profit.
Now, with the formalities out of the way, the 5-star system is quite simple. While it might seem there's a little bit of mathematics involved, it certainly doesn't stretch into the realms of rocket science. And what you see won't be very complicated at all.
As any good punter knows, we should always be trying to give our selection odds - even before we've seen those of the bookie. This allows us to see whether we're getting what those in the business call "unders" or "overs".
For example, if we think Canada should be a 2/3 ($1.50) chance against the USA in an ice hockey battle, and the sportsbook operators are paying 5/4 ($1.25), we would be getting "unders" - under the odds, or less than we think we should be getting on that team. To place that bet would be a bad bet because we're not playing the odds to our advantage. We're wasting our ability to pick winners. If, however, the bookmakers were paying 7/4 ($1.75), we'd gladly place the bet because we would be getting "overs". In other words, we think Canada is a quarter of a point better chance than the bookies do.
In essence, what we'll be doing is giving our selections a rating, from 1-5 stars. And before we continue, in more than a two-horse race (or people or teams as the case is with the Winter Olympics), we rarely recommend anyone take odds of less than 1/2 on ($1.50 for a $1 investment). There is often too much to lose and too little to gain. Take it from a punter who's tried the "sure thing" route on a number of occasions, it's too easy to get seriously hurt!
5 Stars:
If this selection is more than 1/2 ($1.50) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend a bet equalling 20% of your bankroll.
Explanation: This is as close as we'll come to a sure thing. We're very confident this selection will win. For example, one of the shortest prices of the Winter Olympics is likely to be Korean figure skater Yu-Na Kim. We'll place 5 stars beside her name. For argument's sake, let's say the bookmakers are paying 3/5 ($1.60 for a $1 investment), and you have a $100 bankroll, place a $20 bet on her to win the event. If she wins, we have a $32 return on our investment, our bankroll increases 12% and we're in a good position to move onto the next event.
4 Stars:
If this selection is more than 3/2 ($2.50) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend a bet equalling 10% of your bankroll.
Explanation: This will likely be one of the favoured runners who we believe has an even money chance of winning the event. Sportsbook operators work on percentages, too, but they're working on the percentage of bets outlayed on all runners in the field. Due to our form analysis, we will have eliminated most of the field from our calculations. It doesn't mean we're right, it just means we've increased our chances of winning. For poker players, if I'm dealt two Aces, and the player opposite me bets all his chips with two Queens, I will always, without fail, call the bet. I am the best chance to win the hand. We need to play the percentages. For example, let's say Lindsey Vonn wins about half of her World Cup races in the Super G during the two months leading up to the Olympics. We can consider her an even money chance to win the event. If the sportsbooks have her at 3/2 ($2.50), we're getting "overs" and we're happy to place the bet. So, again, if your bankroll is $100, lay a $10 bet. If Vonn wins, we'd have returned $25 and our bankroll will have grown 15%. Nice job team!
3 Stars:
If this selection is more than 5/1 ($6) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend a speculator bet equalling 5% of your bankroll.
Explanation: The Men's Downhill is a very open event. While there are probably more than 10 skiers who could realistically win, there are 5 with form suggesting they are the ones most likely to win. If we think we've found the one MOST likely, we'll put 3 stars beside their name. For example, let's stick with the Men's Downhill. We think there are 5 terrific chances, but we think local Canadian hope Manuel Osborne-Paradis has the best chance. We therefore give him 3 stars. If the sportsbooks have him at, let's be optimistic and say 7-1 ($8), we're getting "overs" and again, If your bankroll is $100, lay a $5 bet. If Osborne-Paradis skis his legs off to win, we pick up a very nice $40 return on investment.
2 Stars:
If this selection is more than 12-1 ($13) with the sportsbook operators, we recommend you consider a small speculator, purely for "value". The size of the bet is your decision, but it should never be more than 5% of your bankroll.
Explanation: This rating is for those selections we think are paying handsome "overs". We might, for example, think that Italian Werner Heel's two World Cup wins in terrific time last season warrant him a 1 in 10 chance or better to win the Super G. But sportsbooks have him at 25/1 (and last time I looked, that's what he was paying). Percentages suggest we're getting way over the odds as we see it. In this case, Heel is a great "value" bet. If he loses, we haven't lost much. If he wins, we collect bit time.
1 Star:
These are competitors we recommend you avoid.
Explanation: At times, we might see a competitor we believe to be paying "unders", or less than we think they're worth. Let's go back to one of our earlier selections, Lindsey Vonn in the Super G. Under the hypothetical scenario above, we've listed her an even money chance to win the event. But sportsbook operators have her at 3/4 ($1.75). In this case, we'll put one star beside her name. We might even have tipped her to win in our selections, but we think the risk is too large to place an investment in the outcome. In other words, the sportsbooks have this selection over-rated.
Of course, we can't tell you what to do with your money. Even if you alter the guidelines, the 5-star strategy is a great way of determining a level of confidence in each pick. Ultimately, you're calling the shots. But you're doing it in an envronment we consider to be the best way to enhance the enjoyment of sport without breaking the bank balance. In face, we believe it's the best way to grow your bank balance.
Good luck, and bring on the Games!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Why are England's World Cup soccer odds so short ?
I can't say I totally understand the logic behind the way the market has panned out for the World Cup in South Africa 2010.
England has firmed from $7 to $6.50 following a cosy draw - something which in effect guarantees them a place in the final 16. Perhaps the first round match too is easier than most.
But head to head against Spain, Brazil, Argentina and perhaps Italy and Germany, I wonder who would start favourite. Remember, these odds are about who will win the final, not who will cruise through the early rounds.
And I'm not great at maths, but let's do a quick calculation: Hypothetically, let's say England starts $1.40 favourite in the round of 16; $1.60 favourite in the quarter finals; $1.90 in the semis and $2 in the final. An all up bet on that result would equal about $8.50, much greater than the $6.50 odds now offered.
England is just one example. The same could be said for most of the favourites' odds. Simply put, there's much better value in match betting than futures betting.
Aussiepunt's recommendation: Save your money for the head to head clashes.
Odds:
Spain 5.50
Brazil 6.00
England 6.50
Argentina 10.00
Italy 11.00
Germany 13.00
Holland 13.00
France 15.00
Portugal 26.00
Ivory Coast 26.00
Chile 51.00
Paraguay 67.00
Ghana 67.00
Serbia 67.00
Cameroon 81.00
Greece 81.00
USA 81.00
Denmark 101.00
Mexico 101.00
Nigeria 101.00
Uruguay 101.00
Australia 101.00
South Africa 101.00
Others 201.00 Plus
England has firmed from $7 to $6.50 following a cosy draw - something which in effect guarantees them a place in the final 16. Perhaps the first round match too is easier than most.
But head to head against Spain, Brazil, Argentina and perhaps Italy and Germany, I wonder who would start favourite. Remember, these odds are about who will win the final, not who will cruise through the early rounds.
And I'm not great at maths, but let's do a quick calculation: Hypothetically, let's say England starts $1.40 favourite in the round of 16; $1.60 favourite in the quarter finals; $1.90 in the semis and $2 in the final. An all up bet on that result would equal about $8.50, much greater than the $6.50 odds now offered.
England is just one example. The same could be said for most of the favourites' odds. Simply put, there's much better value in match betting than futures betting.
Aussiepunt's recommendation: Save your money for the head to head clashes.
Odds:
Spain 5.50
Brazil 6.00
England 6.50
Argentina 10.00
Italy 11.00
Germany 13.00
Holland 13.00
France 15.00
Portugal 26.00
Ivory Coast 26.00
Chile 51.00
Paraguay 67.00
Ghana 67.00
Serbia 67.00
Cameroon 81.00
Greece 81.00
USA 81.00
Denmark 101.00
Mexico 101.00
Nigeria 101.00
Uruguay 101.00
Australia 101.00
South Africa 101.00
Others 201.00 Plus
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Who will win the Winter Olympics figure skating ?
This is a free sample form guide leading up to the Winter Olympics. It comes from the member site, www.winterolympicsformguide.com, and is a great look at who is in real contention for a medal in Vancouver.
Men's Figure Skating (Winter Olympics 2010) form guide:
The men's event is not quite as clear cut as the women's, but like all of the ice skating events, there are stand-out performers.
And we know that realistically, of the 30 skaters, not all of them have the high level of skill which will be required to pick up a medal. So, here we'll focus on those who do have a chance, look at their recent performances, and hone in on which events will provide us key indicators of form leading up the Games.
The program will kick off on Day 5 of the Olympics with the short program, followed by the main event long program on February 18 (day 7). Skaters who can land the most difficult tricks with the highest elegance and grace will be judged the winner in what seems on the surface to be a complex system.
Many might think the men's event will be a two-man race between the first American in 13 years to be crowned world champion Evan Lysacek and comeback king Evgeni Plushenko from Russia (I can hear the Rocky theme playing already), but there are others in the hunt, such as local hero Patrick Chan.
Let's take a little look at it in perspective. Lysacek achieved his world title with a score of 242.23. Plushenko's first and only performance in his comeback so far on October 24 yielded him a score of 240.65 after missing a landing in the short program. That's how close things are set to be. And don't forget Japanese skater Nobunari Oda who started his 2009/10 Grand Prix season campaign with a 242.53 score in the Trophee Eric Bompard in France.
Keep in mind the game of wits being played in the lead-up to the Games. Normally, all the top skaters would compete in all events of the Grand Prix. But note that on no occasion have the top 3 come head to head. It seems this is a game of tactics as much as it is a game of skill.
Brace yourselves, this will be terrific. It's far too early to make a call yet, but let's make a bold early prediction that the Canadian will start favourite, followed by the Russian and the American, with the Japanese pushing for a medal.
Evan Lysacek (USA)
It's been a long time since the United States figured highly in the men's division, and 13 years since they had a world champion. That was until Lysacek hit the scene and was last year crowned the world's best. Yet, while he was the most consistent skater and managed to put all his components together when it counted, in the World Championships, he was not as dominant as his female equal. He placed 2nd in the Four Continents and three 3rds in Grand Prix events before finishing strongly with victory in the worlds and World Team Trophy in Tokyo.
Form:
November 12: Grand Prix Net Skate America, 1st
October 29: Grand Prix Cup of China, 2nd
March 29: World Figure Skating Championships, 1st
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 2nd
January 25: US Figure Skating Championships, 3rd
November 2, 2008: Skate Canada International, 3rd
October 26, 2008: Skate America, 3rd
Patrick Chan (Canada)
When Chan steps onto the rink to perform his short program in February, he will be 19 years and 48 days old, carrying the hopes of the local Canadian crowd with every jump, spin, and landing. But he's been doing it on the senior circuit now for three years and has some of the best scores in the world, including a 249.19 which won him the Four Continents event where he beat Lysacek by 7.25 points. A leg injury unfortunately prevented him from competing in the Rostelecom Cup in October against Plushenko. And he has only recently returned to the ice with a less-than-Chan-like performance. As fitness returns, expect him to shine.
Form:
November 19: Skate Canada International, 6th
March 29: World Figure Skating Championships, 2nd
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 1st
January 18: Canadian Figure Skating Championships, 1st
December 14, 2008: Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, 5th
November 16, 2008: Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st
November 2, 2008: Skate Canada International, 1st
Evgeni Plushenko (Russia)
The heads of international skaters would have secretly hung low when they heard the Turin Olympic champion Plushenko was planning a return. Still only 26, he had planned to retire from the sport as a young man to follow professional ambition. But on October 24, he emerged for his long program at the Rostelecom Cup, a Grand Prix event. Worse news for his opponents was that he was able to stick a quadruple-triple toeloop combination, triple axel, triple axel-double toeloop, triple loop, flip, double axel and triple lutz. Sounds fancy, and it is, rating among the highest point range when it comes to degree of difficulty. Even worse, he plans to add another quad to his program later in the season. With a score of 240.65, he blitzed the rest of the field. He won't be anywhere to be seen on world rankings, but that counts for nothing when it comes to winning a gold medal. It might have been a shock for some to see him return to international competitive skating, but he'll be a white hot favourite when it comes time to hit the ice in February.
Form:
October 24: ISU Grand Prix, Rostelecom Cup: 1st
Nobunari Oda (Japan)
Oda might be considered to be the bad boy of international ice skating, having gone through a Japanese Skating Federation ban after a drink driving arrest in 2007. He has also had a questionable state of mind, pulling out of the Japanese Championships late 2007 due to "mental stress". But, now at 22 years of age, that seems to be behind him, last season winning the NHK Trophy and two other events which do not count towards Grand Prix final calculation. Despite not qualifying for the Grand Prix Final, he did register a 7th at the World Championships and 4th at the Four Continents amid the world's best company. He proved that this season he's ready to take the extra step by winning the first major event of the season, the Trophee Eric Bompard event in France. If nothing else, Oda has a colourful heritage - he's the 17th direct descendant of a daimyo during Japan's Sengoku period. But perhaps some of the rebel remains, having been known to do exhibition routines to Motley Crew and Red Hot Chili Peppers numbers. Whether he can compete to the standard of Chan and company remains to be seen, but two wins on the Grand Prix circuit, one of them against Lysacek, is a promising start.
Form:
October 29: Grand Prix Cup of China, 1st
October 18: Trophee Eric Bompard 1st
March 29: World Championships, 7th
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 4th
November 30, 2008: NHK Trophy, 1st
October 17, 2008: Karl Schafer Memorial, 1st
September 28, 2008: Nebelhorn Trophy, 1st
Thomas Verner (Czech Republic)
At 23, the Czech is in his prime as a skater, but it is unlikely he'll be able to push for gold at the Olympics. A repeat of his best performance, at the 2008 Europeans, could see him push for a medal, but he seems a couple of tricks short of making a true impact. Now for the positives. With a 4th in both the Worlds and Grand Prix Final, it would seem logical to suggest he's close to a podium finish. At last year's Europeans, he skated his best short program ever and looked well placed to medal, but made mistakes in the long program. He finished 6th. He has, however, started this season on a positive note, second in the Trophee Eric Bompard Grand Prix event, and winner of the Ice Challenge where he was clearly the highest-credentialled skater.
Form
November 12: Skate America, 5th
November 1: Ice Challenge, Austria, 1st
October 18: Trophee Eric Bompard, 2nd
March 29: World Championships, 4th
January 25: European Championships, 6th
December 14, 2008: Grand Prix Final, 4th
November 22, 2008: Cup of Russia, 2nd
November 9, 2008: Cup of China, 3rd
October 17, 2008: Karl Schafer Memorial, 3rd
September 28, 2008: Nebelhorn Trophy, 4th
Brian Joubert (France)
The 2007 World Champion has the program and the scores to match it with the best if he can reproduce his form of nearly three years ago. He has some of the best jumps in the business and consistently lands quads, something which will be required to medal at the Olympics. Despite finishing 4th at Eric Bompard in October behind other Vancouver hopefuls, at his absolute best, he is the best chance to upset the favourites - as he showed with his bronze medal at the 2009 Worlds, and his gold at the Europeans against elite competition. If there is to be someone to create an upset in the field, Joubert is likely to be the one, but recent form suggests he is not the same skater of old.
Form
November 8: NHK Trophy, Japan, 1st
October 18: Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th
March 29: World Championships, 3rd
January 25: European Championships, 1st
November 16, 2008: Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th
November 22, 2008: Cup of Russia, 1st
Takahiko Kozuka (Japan)
Kozuka is a rising star of the skating rink. He turns 21 on the second last day of the Games, February 27, and will be hoping to celebrate in style with an unexpected medal. To do so, one would think he'll need to improve on his current personal best by at least 10-15 points which is a huge leap in class at this level. But it's difficult to ignore his 2009 results, most notably Skate America, an event he won, beating Evan Lysacek. Given that he is a young figure skater on the rise, it will be worth keeping an eye on his 2010 season results. It is also worth heeding his 2009 season results which, for a skater of his age, were outstanding. They included the World Cup victory at Skate America and three other podium finishes. He started this season with a second in the Cup of Russia. For trivia buffs, his father skated in the 1968 Olympics.
Form
November 8: NHK Trophy, Japan, 7th
October 25: Cup of Russia, 2nd
March 29: World Championships, 6th
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 3rd
December 14, 2008: Grand Prix Final, 2nd
November 16, 2008: Trophee Eric Bompard, 2nd
October 26, 2008: Skate America, 1st
Others to watch
Kevin Van der Perren (Belgium)
The 27-year-old last season continued to perform personal bests, which enabled him to pick up a bronze medal at the Europeans. But he is still at least 20 points behind the best skaters of the competition. He finished 14th in the Worlds and, despite being six-time Belgian national champion and international standard skater, is unlikely to contest the medals.
Artem Borodulin (Russia)
If he skates, Borodulin will be one of the youngest skaters in the competition. At just 20, he is another fast on the rise, consistently appearing on the podium at Junior Grand Prix events. He demanded notice in September when he finished with a bronze medal in elite competition at the Cup of Russia. His best scores, however, are some distance behind those which will be required to medal in Vancouver.
Johnny Weir (USA)
It would be negligent to totally discount the three-time US National champion totally from contention, but it would be unlikely for him to be standing on the podium at the Vancouver presentation ceremony. The 25-year-old had his best international season in 2008 when he finished with bronze medals at both the Worlds and the Grand Prix Final. While his flamboyance is adored by many who follow figure skating (he owns a couple of chihuahuas, does tremendous amounts of work for charity, and has a hand in fashion design), his scores will likely need to lift beyond his personal best to medal. Based on 2009 performances, however, it is possible. He was second in both the NHK Trophy and Skate America last season and this year finished 4th at the Cup of Russia, his only skate for this season's campaign.
Samuel Contesti (Italy)
Despite being 26, the Italian is a figure skater on the rise, and one who could spring an upset in Vancouver. He finished 5th at the Worlds with a personal best ICU score of 226.97 which is about 10 points below what we can expect medalists to achieve at the Games. He also finished 2nd at the European Championships. He started this season with a 4th place finish at the Cup of China. He's one whose form needs to be watched closely in other events leading up to the Games.
Denis Ten (Kazakhstan)
And we thought 20 was young. This guy will be 18 when he hits the ice in Vancouver. He is the first Kazakh skater to win an ICU competition. He is a native Russian speaker, but of partial Korean descent. His personal best scores are some distance from those who will be contesting the medals, but he is a youngster on the rise and well worth watching. Last year, he finished 8th in the Worlds and 9th at the Four Continents.
Brandon Mroz (USA)
It remains to be seen whether the 19-year-old American will get a favourable nod from the selectors to skate. But he is another of the juniors making waves in senior ranks, finishing 9th at the Worlds and 8th at the Four Continents last year, along with a 5th in the Trophee Eric Bompard and 7th at Skate Canada. He also finished 2nd at the US Championships which will do him no harm.
Jeremy Abbott (USA)
With skaters of class ranked above him in the US, Abbott was given a chance to shine at Skate Canada, and took it. He won the event. Coupled with the fact that three of the most dominant figure skaters in the world absent and the other recovering from injury, along with results in other events, it would be fair to suggest the Olympic task is beyond him. But it is the Olympics, where anything can happen.
Men's Figure Skating (Winter Olympics 2010) form guide:
The men's event is not quite as clear cut as the women's, but like all of the ice skating events, there are stand-out performers.
And we know that realistically, of the 30 skaters, not all of them have the high level of skill which will be required to pick up a medal. So, here we'll focus on those who do have a chance, look at their recent performances, and hone in on which events will provide us key indicators of form leading up the Games.
The program will kick off on Day 5 of the Olympics with the short program, followed by the main event long program on February 18 (day 7). Skaters who can land the most difficult tricks with the highest elegance and grace will be judged the winner in what seems on the surface to be a complex system.
Many might think the men's event will be a two-man race between the first American in 13 years to be crowned world champion Evan Lysacek and comeback king Evgeni Plushenko from Russia (I can hear the Rocky theme playing already), but there are others in the hunt, such as local hero Patrick Chan.
Let's take a little look at it in perspective. Lysacek achieved his world title with a score of 242.23. Plushenko's first and only performance in his comeback so far on October 24 yielded him a score of 240.65 after missing a landing in the short program. That's how close things are set to be. And don't forget Japanese skater Nobunari Oda who started his 2009/10 Grand Prix season campaign with a 242.53 score in the Trophee Eric Bompard in France.
Keep in mind the game of wits being played in the lead-up to the Games. Normally, all the top skaters would compete in all events of the Grand Prix. But note that on no occasion have the top 3 come head to head. It seems this is a game of tactics as much as it is a game of skill.
Brace yourselves, this will be terrific. It's far too early to make a call yet, but let's make a bold early prediction that the Canadian will start favourite, followed by the Russian and the American, with the Japanese pushing for a medal.
Evan Lysacek (USA)
It's been a long time since the United States figured highly in the men's division, and 13 years since they had a world champion. That was until Lysacek hit the scene and was last year crowned the world's best. Yet, while he was the most consistent skater and managed to put all his components together when it counted, in the World Championships, he was not as dominant as his female equal. He placed 2nd in the Four Continents and three 3rds in Grand Prix events before finishing strongly with victory in the worlds and World Team Trophy in Tokyo.
Form:
November 12: Grand Prix Net Skate America, 1st
October 29: Grand Prix Cup of China, 2nd
March 29: World Figure Skating Championships, 1st
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 2nd
January 25: US Figure Skating Championships, 3rd
November 2, 2008: Skate Canada International, 3rd
October 26, 2008: Skate America, 3rd
Patrick Chan (Canada)
When Chan steps onto the rink to perform his short program in February, he will be 19 years and 48 days old, carrying the hopes of the local Canadian crowd with every jump, spin, and landing. But he's been doing it on the senior circuit now for three years and has some of the best scores in the world, including a 249.19 which won him the Four Continents event where he beat Lysacek by 7.25 points. A leg injury unfortunately prevented him from competing in the Rostelecom Cup in October against Plushenko. And he has only recently returned to the ice with a less-than-Chan-like performance. As fitness returns, expect him to shine.
Form:
November 19: Skate Canada International, 6th
March 29: World Figure Skating Championships, 2nd
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 1st
January 18: Canadian Figure Skating Championships, 1st
December 14, 2008: Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, 5th
November 16, 2008: Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st
November 2, 2008: Skate Canada International, 1st
Evgeni Plushenko (Russia)
The heads of international skaters would have secretly hung low when they heard the Turin Olympic champion Plushenko was planning a return. Still only 26, he had planned to retire from the sport as a young man to follow professional ambition. But on October 24, he emerged for his long program at the Rostelecom Cup, a Grand Prix event. Worse news for his opponents was that he was able to stick a quadruple-triple toeloop combination, triple axel, triple axel-double toeloop, triple loop, flip, double axel and triple lutz. Sounds fancy, and it is, rating among the highest point range when it comes to degree of difficulty. Even worse, he plans to add another quad to his program later in the season. With a score of 240.65, he blitzed the rest of the field. He won't be anywhere to be seen on world rankings, but that counts for nothing when it comes to winning a gold medal. It might have been a shock for some to see him return to international competitive skating, but he'll be a white hot favourite when it comes time to hit the ice in February.
Form:
October 24: ISU Grand Prix, Rostelecom Cup: 1st
Nobunari Oda (Japan)
Oda might be considered to be the bad boy of international ice skating, having gone through a Japanese Skating Federation ban after a drink driving arrest in 2007. He has also had a questionable state of mind, pulling out of the Japanese Championships late 2007 due to "mental stress". But, now at 22 years of age, that seems to be behind him, last season winning the NHK Trophy and two other events which do not count towards Grand Prix final calculation. Despite not qualifying for the Grand Prix Final, he did register a 7th at the World Championships and 4th at the Four Continents amid the world's best company. He proved that this season he's ready to take the extra step by winning the first major event of the season, the Trophee Eric Bompard event in France. If nothing else, Oda has a colourful heritage - he's the 17th direct descendant of a daimyo during Japan's Sengoku period. But perhaps some of the rebel remains, having been known to do exhibition routines to Motley Crew and Red Hot Chili Peppers numbers. Whether he can compete to the standard of Chan and company remains to be seen, but two wins on the Grand Prix circuit, one of them against Lysacek, is a promising start.
Form:
October 29: Grand Prix Cup of China, 1st
October 18: Trophee Eric Bompard 1st
March 29: World Championships, 7th
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 4th
November 30, 2008: NHK Trophy, 1st
October 17, 2008: Karl Schafer Memorial, 1st
September 28, 2008: Nebelhorn Trophy, 1st
Thomas Verner (Czech Republic)
At 23, the Czech is in his prime as a skater, but it is unlikely he'll be able to push for gold at the Olympics. A repeat of his best performance, at the 2008 Europeans, could see him push for a medal, but he seems a couple of tricks short of making a true impact. Now for the positives. With a 4th in both the Worlds and Grand Prix Final, it would seem logical to suggest he's close to a podium finish. At last year's Europeans, he skated his best short program ever and looked well placed to medal, but made mistakes in the long program. He finished 6th. He has, however, started this season on a positive note, second in the Trophee Eric Bompard Grand Prix event, and winner of the Ice Challenge where he was clearly the highest-credentialled skater.
Form
November 12: Skate America, 5th
November 1: Ice Challenge, Austria, 1st
October 18: Trophee Eric Bompard, 2nd
March 29: World Championships, 4th
January 25: European Championships, 6th
December 14, 2008: Grand Prix Final, 4th
November 22, 2008: Cup of Russia, 2nd
November 9, 2008: Cup of China, 3rd
October 17, 2008: Karl Schafer Memorial, 3rd
September 28, 2008: Nebelhorn Trophy, 4th
Brian Joubert (France)
The 2007 World Champion has the program and the scores to match it with the best if he can reproduce his form of nearly three years ago. He has some of the best jumps in the business and consistently lands quads, something which will be required to medal at the Olympics. Despite finishing 4th at Eric Bompard in October behind other Vancouver hopefuls, at his absolute best, he is the best chance to upset the favourites - as he showed with his bronze medal at the 2009 Worlds, and his gold at the Europeans against elite competition. If there is to be someone to create an upset in the field, Joubert is likely to be the one, but recent form suggests he is not the same skater of old.
Form
November 8: NHK Trophy, Japan, 1st
October 18: Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th
March 29: World Championships, 3rd
January 25: European Championships, 1st
November 16, 2008: Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th
November 22, 2008: Cup of Russia, 1st
Takahiko Kozuka (Japan)
Kozuka is a rising star of the skating rink. He turns 21 on the second last day of the Games, February 27, and will be hoping to celebrate in style with an unexpected medal. To do so, one would think he'll need to improve on his current personal best by at least 10-15 points which is a huge leap in class at this level. But it's difficult to ignore his 2009 results, most notably Skate America, an event he won, beating Evan Lysacek. Given that he is a young figure skater on the rise, it will be worth keeping an eye on his 2010 season results. It is also worth heeding his 2009 season results which, for a skater of his age, were outstanding. They included the World Cup victory at Skate America and three other podium finishes. He started this season with a second in the Cup of Russia. For trivia buffs, his father skated in the 1968 Olympics.
Form
November 8: NHK Trophy, Japan, 7th
October 25: Cup of Russia, 2nd
March 29: World Championships, 6th
February 8: Four Continents Championships, 3rd
December 14, 2008: Grand Prix Final, 2nd
November 16, 2008: Trophee Eric Bompard, 2nd
October 26, 2008: Skate America, 1st
Others to watch
Kevin Van der Perren (Belgium)
The 27-year-old last season continued to perform personal bests, which enabled him to pick up a bronze medal at the Europeans. But he is still at least 20 points behind the best skaters of the competition. He finished 14th in the Worlds and, despite being six-time Belgian national champion and international standard skater, is unlikely to contest the medals.
Artem Borodulin (Russia)
If he skates, Borodulin will be one of the youngest skaters in the competition. At just 20, he is another fast on the rise, consistently appearing on the podium at Junior Grand Prix events. He demanded notice in September when he finished with a bronze medal in elite competition at the Cup of Russia. His best scores, however, are some distance behind those which will be required to medal in Vancouver.
Johnny Weir (USA)
It would be negligent to totally discount the three-time US National champion totally from contention, but it would be unlikely for him to be standing on the podium at the Vancouver presentation ceremony. The 25-year-old had his best international season in 2008 when he finished with bronze medals at both the Worlds and the Grand Prix Final. While his flamboyance is adored by many who follow figure skating (he owns a couple of chihuahuas, does tremendous amounts of work for charity, and has a hand in fashion design), his scores will likely need to lift beyond his personal best to medal. Based on 2009 performances, however, it is possible. He was second in both the NHK Trophy and Skate America last season and this year finished 4th at the Cup of Russia, his only skate for this season's campaign.
Samuel Contesti (Italy)
Despite being 26, the Italian is a figure skater on the rise, and one who could spring an upset in Vancouver. He finished 5th at the Worlds with a personal best ICU score of 226.97 which is about 10 points below what we can expect medalists to achieve at the Games. He also finished 2nd at the European Championships. He started this season with a 4th place finish at the Cup of China. He's one whose form needs to be watched closely in other events leading up to the Games.
Denis Ten (Kazakhstan)
And we thought 20 was young. This guy will be 18 when he hits the ice in Vancouver. He is the first Kazakh skater to win an ICU competition. He is a native Russian speaker, but of partial Korean descent. His personal best scores are some distance from those who will be contesting the medals, but he is a youngster on the rise and well worth watching. Last year, he finished 8th in the Worlds and 9th at the Four Continents.
Brandon Mroz (USA)
It remains to be seen whether the 19-year-old American will get a favourable nod from the selectors to skate. But he is another of the juniors making waves in senior ranks, finishing 9th at the Worlds and 8th at the Four Continents last year, along with a 5th in the Trophee Eric Bompard and 7th at Skate Canada. He also finished 2nd at the US Championships which will do him no harm.
Jeremy Abbott (USA)
With skaters of class ranked above him in the US, Abbott was given a chance to shine at Skate Canada, and took it. He won the event. Coupled with the fact that three of the most dominant figure skaters in the world absent and the other recovering from injury, along with results in other events, it would be fair to suggest the Olympic task is beyond him. But it is the Olympics, where anything can happen.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Australian of the Year set to be Jon Dee
Seems Australian punters think political correctness will win out at the announcement of the top prize for 2010. The statement is from Sportingbet:
Bookmakers have installed Planet Ark founder Jon Dee as a $2.50 favourite to be named Australian Of The Year 2010.
Sportingbet Australia CE Michael Sullivan said the recycling champion looked the standout amongst a quality field of nominees.
“Jon Dee has been a champion of the environment, not just in Australia but Worldwide,” said Sullivan.
“Given the focus that is currently on environmental issues and the great work he has done, he looks very hard to beat for this honour.”
Others in betting contention include Mental Health expert Patrick McGorry ($4.00) and Alzheimer’s researcher Ralph Martins ($5.50).
2010 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Sportingbet Australia Market
Jon Dee (NSW) Environmental Campaigner 2.50
Patrick McGorry (Vic) Mental Health 4.00
Ralph Martins (WA) Alzheimers Expert 5.50
Julian Burton (SA) Charity Founder 5.50
Bruce Englefield (Tas) Tasmanian Devil Advocate 7.50
Warwick Thornton (NT) Filmmaker 14.00
Patricia Easteal (ACT) Human Rights Advocate 17.00
Chris Sarra (Qld) Indigenous Educator 17.00
Bookmakers have installed Planet Ark founder Jon Dee as a $2.50 favourite to be named Australian Of The Year 2010.
Sportingbet Australia CE Michael Sullivan said the recycling champion looked the standout amongst a quality field of nominees.
“Jon Dee has been a champion of the environment, not just in Australia but Worldwide,” said Sullivan.
“Given the focus that is currently on environmental issues and the great work he has done, he looks very hard to beat for this honour.”
Others in betting contention include Mental Health expert Patrick McGorry ($4.00) and Alzheimer’s researcher Ralph Martins ($5.50).
2010 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Sportingbet Australia Market
Jon Dee (NSW) Environmental Campaigner 2.50
Patrick McGorry (Vic) Mental Health 4.00
Ralph Martins (WA) Alzheimers Expert 5.50
Julian Burton (SA) Charity Founder 5.50
Bruce Englefield (Tas) Tasmanian Devil Advocate 7.50
Warwick Thornton (NT) Filmmaker 14.00
Patricia Easteal (ACT) Human Rights Advocate 17.00
Chris Sarra (Qld) Indigenous Educator 17.00
Who will score the most goals in the Premier League?
This is the latest release from Victor Chandler in the UK. Tottenham has to be value?
Victor Chandler have opened a market on who’ll score the most goals in the Premier League this season.
At the moment Chelsea and Arsenal are neck and neck on 36 goals a piece, and the firm feel it’s going to be between these two.
“We are making Chelsea the slight favourites but it’s difficult to call.” said VC Spokesman Neal Wilkins.
“Losing Van Persie is a big blow for Arsenal, but Chelsea will also lose players to the African Nations Cup so they might not be so prolific as they have been. That said it’s difficult to see anyone getting close to these two over the season.”
Man United are next in the betting at 5/1 with Liverpool on 10’s and Tottenham on 14’s. United have scored 30 goals so far, Liverpool are on 31 and Tottenham have netted a total of 33.
Who`ll score the most goals in the Premier League this season
Chelsea (36) 1/1
Arsenal (36) 5/4
Man United (30) 5/1
Liverpool (31) 10/1
Tottenham (33) 14/1
Man City (24) 25/1
West Ham (24) 40/1
Aston Villa (22) 66/1
Sunderland (21) 100/1
Burnley (19) 250/1
Fulham (18) 300/1
Hull City (17) 500/1
Blackburn (16) 500/1
Everton (17) 500/1
Bolton (16) 500/1
Wigan (15) 1000/1
Stoke City (13) 1000/1
Birmingham City (12) 1000/1
Wolves (12) 1000/1
Portsmouth (11) 1000/1
2009/2010 season Numbers in brackets are goals scored so far
Victor Chandler have opened a market on who’ll score the most goals in the Premier League this season.
At the moment Chelsea and Arsenal are neck and neck on 36 goals a piece, and the firm feel it’s going to be between these two.
“We are making Chelsea the slight favourites but it’s difficult to call.” said VC Spokesman Neal Wilkins.
“Losing Van Persie is a big blow for Arsenal, but Chelsea will also lose players to the African Nations Cup so they might not be so prolific as they have been. That said it’s difficult to see anyone getting close to these two over the season.”
Man United are next in the betting at 5/1 with Liverpool on 10’s and Tottenham on 14’s. United have scored 30 goals so far, Liverpool are on 31 and Tottenham have netted a total of 33.
Who`ll score the most goals in the Premier League this season
Chelsea (36) 1/1
Arsenal (36) 5/4
Man United (30) 5/1
Liverpool (31) 10/1
Tottenham (33) 14/1
Man City (24) 25/1
West Ham (24) 40/1
Aston Villa (22) 66/1
Sunderland (21) 100/1
Burnley (19) 250/1
Fulham (18) 300/1
Hull City (17) 500/1
Blackburn (16) 500/1
Everton (17) 500/1
Bolton (16) 500/1
Wigan (15) 1000/1
Stoke City (13) 1000/1
Birmingham City (12) 1000/1
Wolves (12) 1000/1
Portsmouth (11) 1000/1
2009/2010 season Numbers in brackets are goals scored so far
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Nottingham Forest to finish third in Championship?
Odds released by Victor Chandler on who will finish (effectively) third in the Championship, without West Brom and Newcastle:
Nottingham Forest, currently in third place in the league are Victor Chandler’s 9/2 favourites in a highly competitive market, followed by Middlesbrough at 5/1 with Leicester, Cardiff & Sheff Utd all available at 7/1.
Further down in the market Blackpool, currently sitting sixth, only three points behind Forest are priced at 20/1.
Victor Chandler spokesman Neal Wilkins said: “West Brom and Newcastle are threatening to open up a gap in the Championship, but with only seven points separating the next 11 teams we thought a market without the top two would prove popular with the fans.
Nottingham Forest are on a great run and will be a tough team to catch, 9/2 looks a very fair price.”
Chandler’s have another reason to hope Nottingham Forest fail to catch the top two in the league.
Chairman Victor Chandler has offered to pay the season tickets of fans should the team, who are sponsored by the bookmaker, win the Championship. An offer that is estimated will cost £6m should it happen.
Nottingham Forest, currently in third place in the league are Victor Chandler’s 9/2 favourites in a highly competitive market, followed by Middlesbrough at 5/1 with Leicester, Cardiff & Sheff Utd all available at 7/1.
Further down in the market Blackpool, currently sitting sixth, only three points behind Forest are priced at 20/1.
Victor Chandler spokesman Neal Wilkins said: “West Brom and Newcastle are threatening to open up a gap in the Championship, but with only seven points separating the next 11 teams we thought a market without the top two would prove popular with the fans.
Nottingham Forest are on a great run and will be a tough team to catch, 9/2 looks a very fair price.”
Chandler’s have another reason to hope Nottingham Forest fail to catch the top two in the league.
Chairman Victor Chandler has offered to pay the season tickets of fans should the team, who are sponsored by the bookmaker, win the Championship. An offer that is estimated will cost £6m should it happen.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hong Kong International Sprint odds
From Sportingbet Australia:
Scenic Blast has been well backed to take out the prestigious Hong Kong International Sprint on Sunday week.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said if he won the Danny Morton trained galloper looked like repeating the pain he inflicted on bookies by winning the King’s Stand earlier in the year.
“Scenic Blast took plenty from us when he won in England and looks like he could repeat the pain here,” said Sullivan.
“We’ve already written a bet of $10,000 at $8.50 and we’re expecting plenty more over the next week and a half.”
Scenic Blast is now into $7.00 with another Australian galloper All Silent the $4.60 favourite and Apache Cat at $8.00.
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SPRINT
Sportingbet Australia Market
All Silent 4.60
Sacred Kingdom 4.80
Scenic Blast 7.00
California Flag 7.50
Apache Cat 8.00
Cannonball 14.00
Laurel Guerreiro 14.00
War Artist 15.00
Total Gallery 16.00
Inspiration 17.00
Borderlescott 21.00
Green Birdie 31.00
One World 34.00
Joy And Fun 51.00
Scenic Blast has been well backed to take out the prestigious Hong Kong International Sprint on Sunday week.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said if he won the Danny Morton trained galloper looked like repeating the pain he inflicted on bookies by winning the King’s Stand earlier in the year.
“Scenic Blast took plenty from us when he won in England and looks like he could repeat the pain here,” said Sullivan.
“We’ve already written a bet of $10,000 at $8.50 and we’re expecting plenty more over the next week and a half.”
Scenic Blast is now into $7.00 with another Australian galloper All Silent the $4.60 favourite and Apache Cat at $8.00.
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SPRINT
Sportingbet Australia Market
All Silent 4.60
Sacred Kingdom 4.80
Scenic Blast 7.00
California Flag 7.50
Apache Cat 8.00
Cannonball 14.00
Laurel Guerreiro 14.00
War Artist 15.00
Total Gallery 16.00
Inspiration 17.00
Borderlescott 21.00
Green Birdie 31.00
One World 34.00
Joy And Fun 51.00
Roy Jones Jnr a good chance to knock out Danny Green
I watched a documentary about the two fighters last night and you'd have to say Jones Jnr is a class above Green. If parochial bets are keeping the odds out somewhat, a Jones Jnr KO might offer good value.
Here's what one of the bookies has to say:
The heavy support for American Roy Jones Jnr to score a knockout victory over Danny Green continued overnight at Sportingbet Australia.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said some big overnight bets had forced the price of a Jones knockout in from $3.35 to $2.75.
“We thought the Jones knockout support would end with yesterday’s $10,000 at $3.50,” said Sullivan.
“But another client had a further $10,000 at $3.35 and followed up with $5000 at $3.00 as soon as the price shortened further.
“Still, with Green never been knocked out in his career, we’re more than happy to accommodate the punters.”
Jones is still a dominant $1.30 favourite to win the fight with punters uninterested in backing Green at $3.50.
Here's what one of the bookies has to say:
The heavy support for American Roy Jones Jnr to score a knockout victory over Danny Green continued overnight at Sportingbet Australia.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said some big overnight bets had forced the price of a Jones knockout in from $3.35 to $2.75.
“We thought the Jones knockout support would end with yesterday’s $10,000 at $3.50,” said Sullivan.
“But another client had a further $10,000 at $3.35 and followed up with $5000 at $3.00 as soon as the price shortened further.
“Still, with Green never been knocked out in his career, we’re more than happy to accommodate the punters.”
Jones is still a dominant $1.30 favourite to win the fight with punters uninterested in backing Green at $3.50.
Rees loses support in NSW
Press statement from Sportingbet:
Punters have responded to rumours of leadership moves on NSW Premier Nathan Rees in the Sportingbet Australia leadership market, blowing him back out to $3.75 from a short stint as favourite at $3.25.
Amid furious betting on the federal election markets in the wake of Tony Abbott’s ascension, a number of bets on the NSW ALP leadership market have pushed long-time aspirant and former planning minister Frank Sartor to the fore.
Sartor has shortened considerably from $5.00 into $3.75.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that it has been a good day for political punters, who have also been energised by the speculation about the NSW ALP leadership.
“Just when Nathan Rees thought he was safe, the knives seem to be back out,” said Mr Sullivan.
“Punters are telling us that they take the rumours seriously – and this time Rees won’t have the option of sacking Tripodi,” he said.
“Meanwhile the Carmel Tebbutt and Kristina Kenneally options have been exhausted and they look unlikely to run, leaving them to drift in the betting.”
“This leaves Sartor, who we expect will continue to shorten in our leadership market.”
Tebbutt and Kenneally have both drifted to $4.20 and $5.50 respectively.
ALP LEADER AT NEXT NSW STATE ELECTION
Sportingbet Australia Market.
Nathan Rees $3.75
Frank Sartor $3.75
Carmel Tebbutt $4.20
Kristina Kenneally $5.50
Any Other $6.50
Michael Daley $10.00
John Robertson $13.00
Verity Firth $26.00
Amid furious betting on the federal election markets in the wake of Tony Abbott’s ascension, a number of bets on the NSW ALP leadership market have pushed long-time aspirant and former planning minister Frank Sartor to the fore.
Sartor has shortened considerably from $5.00 into $3.75.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that it has been a good day for political punters, who have also been energised by the speculation about the NSW ALP leadership.
“Just when Nathan Rees thought he was safe, the knives seem to be back out,” said Mr Sullivan.
“Punters are telling us that they take the rumours seriously – and this time Rees won’t have the option of sacking Tripodi,” he said.
“Meanwhile the Carmel Tebbutt and Kristina Kenneally options have been exhausted and they look unlikely to run, leaving them to drift in the betting.”
“This leaves Sartor, who we expect will continue to shorten in our leadership market.”
Tebbutt and Kenneally have both drifted to $4.20 and $5.50 respectively.
ALP LEADER AT NEXT NSW STATE ELECTION
Sportingbet Australia Market.
Nathan Rees $3.75
Frank Sartor $3.75
Carmel Tebbutt $4.20
Kristina Kenneally $5.50
Any Other $6.50
Michael Daley $10.00
John Robertson $13.00
Verity Firth $26.00
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Roy Jones Jnr to knock out Danny Green
A points decision is still the favoured result, in the favour of Roy Jones Jnr, but punters seem keen to bet he'll knock out his Australian opponent tomorrow night.
Jones has been backed from $3.50 to $3.35 with Sportingbet Australia to knock out Danny Green.
Sportingbet CEO Michael Sullivan said one punter had placed $10,000 on a Jones knockout victory at $3.50.
“It’s a very confident bet to say Green will have the lights turned off for the first time in his career,” said Sullivan.
“A Jones win by knockout has clearly been the most popular option with punters with plenty of other good sized bets placed on top of the $25,000 to $10,000.”
Jones is a hot $1.33 favourite to win the fight at Sportingbet with Green a $3.30 outsider.
Jones has been backed from $3.50 to $3.35 with Sportingbet Australia to knock out Danny Green.
Sportingbet CEO Michael Sullivan said one punter had placed $10,000 on a Jones knockout victory at $3.50.
“It’s a very confident bet to say Green will have the lights turned off for the first time in his career,” said Sullivan.
“A Jones win by knockout has clearly been the most popular option with punters with plenty of other good sized bets placed on top of the $25,000 to $10,000.”
Jones is a hot $1.33 favourite to win the fight at Sportingbet with Green a $3.30 outsider.
Media a bunch of sheep
What a difference a day makes.
And what a bunch of sheep my peers in the media can be.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Journalist catches wind of a rumour that Joe Hockey will stab his mate Malcolm Turnbull in the back. And because that's good enough for a change, Tony Abbott pulls himself from the challenge.
Step 2: Journalist number 2 hears the report of said rumour and doesn't want to be seen missing out on the news. Rumour 2 reported as fact in ensuing commentary.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 until Hockey is a sure thing to win the leadership - almost to the point his own party believes it.
Step 4: Punters are sure they are on a good thing and back Hockey into $1.20, and Abbott out to more than $5 to lead the Liberals to the next election. At no point was there any real evidence aside from media hype to support the move.
Step 5: Liberals go the way they had planned all along and install Abbott to the leadership. Abbott firms to $1.15 to lead the Liberals to the next election and Hockey moves to more than $5 in the market.
Those laughing loudest at the political circus which is now the Liberal Party must surely be the bookmakers.
I also note that the Labor Party has today moved out from $1.15 to $1.20 in the market to win the next election.
I don't get it. If the rumours were so hot yesterday that there was to be a change in Liberal leadership, why didn't the move happen at that point?
And what a bunch of sheep my peers in the media can be.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Journalist catches wind of a rumour that Joe Hockey will stab his mate Malcolm Turnbull in the back. And because that's good enough for a change, Tony Abbott pulls himself from the challenge.
Step 2: Journalist number 2 hears the report of said rumour and doesn't want to be seen missing out on the news. Rumour 2 reported as fact in ensuing commentary.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 until Hockey is a sure thing to win the leadership - almost to the point his own party believes it.
Step 4: Punters are sure they are on a good thing and back Hockey into $1.20, and Abbott out to more than $5 to lead the Liberals to the next election. At no point was there any real evidence aside from media hype to support the move.
Step 5: Liberals go the way they had planned all along and install Abbott to the leadership. Abbott firms to $1.15 to lead the Liberals to the next election and Hockey moves to more than $5 in the market.
Those laughing loudest at the political circus which is now the Liberal Party must surely be the bookmakers.
I also note that the Labor Party has today moved out from $1.15 to $1.20 in the market to win the next election.
I don't get it. If the rumours were so hot yesterday that there was to be a change in Liberal leadership, why didn't the move happen at that point?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Turnbull says he has Hockey's support
A press statement from Malcolm Turnbull only moments ago told everybody he's sure he has the support of Joe Hockey. If he can be believed, punters might have been a little premature to back Hockey to be Liberal leader at the next election.
The media likes to latch on to rumours, and it's a pretty big tip that Hockey will tomorrow contest the leadership.
If Turnbull can be believed: It's a big "if".
The Coalition leadership market has become a one-horse race following heavy betting behind Joe Hockey over the weekend at Sportingbet Australia.
Dropping to a near-unbackable $1.20 to lead the Coalition to the next election, Mr Hockey enjoys the absolute support of punters to seize control in tomorrow morning’s leadership ballot.
He has pulled well ahead of conservative candidate Tony Abbott, who now languishes at $5.00, and the apparently outgoing leader Malcolm Turnbull, who has slid out to an unlikely $7.00 in the betting.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that after a tumultuous weekend for the leadership market, punters have crowded around Hockey.
“I’d say Hockey’s visit to John Howard finalised the issue in the minds of punters,” said Mr Sullivan.
“Turnbull seems to have run out of friends and Abbott has the slight issue of his unelectability to overcome,” he said.
Meanwhile other leadership contenders in the Sportingbet Australia market are Andrew Robb ($17), Peter Dutton ($21) and Julie Bishop, who has blown out to $34.
FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADERSHIP AT THE NEXT FEDERAL ELECTION
Sportingbet Australia Market
Hockey $1.20
Abbott $5
Turnbull $7
Robb $17
Dutton $21
Bishop $34
Any Other $11
The media likes to latch on to rumours, and it's a pretty big tip that Hockey will tomorrow contest the leadership.
If Turnbull can be believed: It's a big "if".
The Coalition leadership market has become a one-horse race following heavy betting behind Joe Hockey over the weekend at Sportingbet Australia.
Dropping to a near-unbackable $1.20 to lead the Coalition to the next election, Mr Hockey enjoys the absolute support of punters to seize control in tomorrow morning’s leadership ballot.
He has pulled well ahead of conservative candidate Tony Abbott, who now languishes at $5.00, and the apparently outgoing leader Malcolm Turnbull, who has slid out to an unlikely $7.00 in the betting.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that after a tumultuous weekend for the leadership market, punters have crowded around Hockey.
“I’d say Hockey’s visit to John Howard finalised the issue in the minds of punters,” said Mr Sullivan.
“Turnbull seems to have run out of friends and Abbott has the slight issue of his unelectability to overcome,” he said.
Meanwhile other leadership contenders in the Sportingbet Australia market are Andrew Robb ($17), Peter Dutton ($21) and Julie Bishop, who has blown out to $34.
FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADERSHIP AT THE NEXT FEDERAL ELECTION
Sportingbet Australia Market
Hockey $1.20
Abbott $5
Turnbull $7
Robb $17
Dutton $21
Bishop $34
Any Other $11
Friday, November 27, 2009
Hockey to lead Liberal Party: Punters
The punters usually have a fair idea when it comes to forecasting leadership issues. It might not come as soon as Monday, but it looks like Joe Hockey is a good thing to take the Liberals to the next election.
Below is a press release issued today by Sportingbet:
As the Coalition leadership hangs in the balance, punters have unequivocally backed Joe Hockey to lead the Coalition to the next election.
Embattled incumbent Malcolm Turnbull meanwhile languishes in third place in the Sportingbet Australia market – a devastating judgement by punters that is sure to compound his current woes.
With Hockey suddenly shortened to $1.80 and Turnbull drifting out to an improbable $3.50, the instigator Tony Abbott is enjoying a resurgence in the eyes of punters, shortening into $2.75.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that the market had been completely upended by today’s events, but that he expects some wise punters will be happy they backed Joe Hockey come Monday.
“Over the last six months, Hockey has paying upwards of $3 for most of the time as he has not been keen to make a grab at the leadership – and wisely so,” said Mr Sullivan.
“Now punters are getting behind him as it seems that Turnbull’s day is done and Abbott will keep his powder dry – for now at least,” he said.
Meanwhile other leadership contenders in the Sportingbet Australia market are Andrew Robb ($17), Peter Dutton ($21) and Julie Bishop ($21).
Who will lead Liberals at next Federal election?
Sportingbet Australia Market
Hockey $1.80
Abbott $2.75
Turnbull $3.50
Robb $17
Dutton $21
Bishop $21
Any Other $7
Below is a press release issued today by Sportingbet:
As the Coalition leadership hangs in the balance, punters have unequivocally backed Joe Hockey to lead the Coalition to the next election.
Embattled incumbent Malcolm Turnbull meanwhile languishes in third place in the Sportingbet Australia market – a devastating judgement by punters that is sure to compound his current woes.
With Hockey suddenly shortened to $1.80 and Turnbull drifting out to an improbable $3.50, the instigator Tony Abbott is enjoying a resurgence in the eyes of punters, shortening into $2.75.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that the market had been completely upended by today’s events, but that he expects some wise punters will be happy they backed Joe Hockey come Monday.
“Over the last six months, Hockey has paying upwards of $3 for most of the time as he has not been keen to make a grab at the leadership – and wisely so,” said Mr Sullivan.
“Now punters are getting behind him as it seems that Turnbull’s day is done and Abbott will keep his powder dry – for now at least,” he said.
Meanwhile other leadership contenders in the Sportingbet Australia market are Andrew Robb ($17), Peter Dutton ($21) and Julie Bishop ($21).
Who will lead Liberals at next Federal election?
Sportingbet Australia Market
Hockey $1.80
Abbott $2.75
Turnbull $3.50
Robb $17
Dutton $21
Bishop $21
Any Other $7
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Brisbane test cricket novelty bet
Isn't it interesting how bookmakers now must follow the news? It's a great way of getting people interested in their product.
The latest "gimmick" (I couldn't find a better word) is based on comments from the West Indies coach that fast bowler Jerome Taylor has the better of Ricky Ponting.
Yes, Taylor has gotten Ponting out a couple of times. But will the mind games fool the punters?
Given that the Australians are only likely to bat once, it really is a matter of "will he or won't he?".
Sportingbet Australia is offering odds on how many times Jerome Taylor can pick up the scalp of Ricky Ponting in the First Test after West Indies coach David Williams claimed his opening bowler had the Aussie skipper’s measure.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the option of no times was the favourite despite Taylor’s recent statistical dominance.
“We have no dismissals at $1.45, One at $2.65 and Two as a $9.00 outsider given that there’s every chance the Windies won’t even bowl twice,” said Sullivan.
“Ponting is a class act and while Taylor has got him eight times, we’ll back him in a head to head on home soil any day.”
TAYLOR v PONTING
Sportingbet Australia Market
Taylor does not dismiss Ponting 1.45
Taylor dismisses Ponting Once 2.65
Taylor dismisses Ponting Twice 9.00
The latest "gimmick" (I couldn't find a better word) is based on comments from the West Indies coach that fast bowler Jerome Taylor has the better of Ricky Ponting.
Yes, Taylor has gotten Ponting out a couple of times. But will the mind games fool the punters?
Given that the Australians are only likely to bat once, it really is a matter of "will he or won't he?".
Sportingbet Australia is offering odds on how many times Jerome Taylor can pick up the scalp of Ricky Ponting in the First Test after West Indies coach David Williams claimed his opening bowler had the Aussie skipper’s measure.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the option of no times was the favourite despite Taylor’s recent statistical dominance.
“We have no dismissals at $1.45, One at $2.65 and Two as a $9.00 outsider given that there’s every chance the Windies won’t even bowl twice,” said Sullivan.
“Ponting is a class act and while Taylor has got him eight times, we’ll back him in a head to head on home soil any day.”
TAYLOR v PONTING
Sportingbet Australia Market
Taylor does not dismiss Ponting 1.45
Taylor dismisses Ponting Once 2.65
Taylor dismisses Ponting Twice 9.00
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Australia unbackable in Brisbane cricket test
The following press release got me thinking. Just what is "unbackable odds"? Is there such a thing?
There was an article in one of the daily newspapers this week which spoke of mug punters: people who'll take 1% return in the run, only to lose it with a freakish touchdown inside the last minute.
But is $1.26 really unbackable? The bottom line: It is if you don't think Australia can win four tests in a row against the West Indies.
Sportingbet Australia punters don’t expect the First Test against the West Indies to last until Sunday.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said punters had decided the value in this Test was on the match duration.
“We can’t write a bet on the Windies and the $1.26 about Australia has the punters looking for some other options,” said Sullivan.
“The match ending on Saturday’s third day has been backed in from $4.50 to $4.00 with nobody expecting the visitors to provide any opposition.”
FIRST TEST – AUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES – MATCH DURATION
Sportingbet Australia Market
Days 1&2 21.00
Day 3 4.00
Day 4 2.00
Day 5 3.00
FIRST TEST – AUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES
Sportingbet Australia Market
Australia 1.26
Draw 5.35
West Indies 12.00
There was an article in one of the daily newspapers this week which spoke of mug punters: people who'll take 1% return in the run, only to lose it with a freakish touchdown inside the last minute.
But is $1.26 really unbackable? The bottom line: It is if you don't think Australia can win four tests in a row against the West Indies.
Sportingbet Australia punters don’t expect the First Test against the West Indies to last until Sunday.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said punters had decided the value in this Test was on the match duration.
“We can’t write a bet on the Windies and the $1.26 about Australia has the punters looking for some other options,” said Sullivan.
“The match ending on Saturday’s third day has been backed in from $4.50 to $4.00 with nobody expecting the visitors to provide any opposition.”
FIRST TEST – AUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES – MATCH DURATION
Sportingbet Australia Market
Days 1&2 21.00
Day 3 4.00
Day 4 2.00
Day 5 3.00
FIRST TEST – AUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES
Sportingbet Australia Market
Australia 1.26
Draw 5.35
West Indies 12.00
Academy Awards winners tough to pick
According to early markets, the Academy Awards is a wide open market. Now, if only we could watch them all to judge. And therein lies the biggest problem with punting on such markets - most of us need to do it on heresay, rather than acute knowledge.
Bookmakers rate Abbie Cornish as Australia’s best chance to pick up an Oscar at the 2010 Academy Awards.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Cornish was right in contention for her role as 19th century poet John Keats’ love interest Fanny Brawne.
“Abbie Cornish has already been nominated in the Best Actress category at the British Independent Film Awards and looks a shoe in to earn an Oscar nomination,” said Sullivan.
“But she faces stiff opposition to win from the likes of Carey Mulligan, Gabby Sidibe and veterans Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren and we have her at backable odds of $9.00 as a result.”
Up In The Air and Invictus are joint $4.50 favourites in what looks a wide open Best Picture Market while Colin Firth is a $2.50 favourite to score the Best Actor Oscar.
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST ACTRESS
Sportingbet Australia Market
Carey Mulligan - An Education 2.00
Gabby Sidibe - Precious 2.50
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia 2.50
Helen Mirren - The Last Station 5.50
Abbie Cornish - Bright Star 9.00
Saoirse Ronan - The Lovely Bones 12.00
Penelope Cruz - Broken Embraces 26.00
Marion Cotillard - Nine 31.00
Vera Farmiga - Up In The Air 41.00
Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side 41.00
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST ACTOR
Sportingbet Australia Market
Colin Firth - A Single Man 2.50
George Clooney - Up In The Air 2.75
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart 3.50
Morgan Freeman - Invictus 5.00
Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine 5.50
Viggo Mortensen - The Road 10.00
Jeremy Renner - The Hurt Locker 10.00
Matt Damon - The Informant 26.00
Robert De Niro – Everything’s Fine 26.00
Sharlto Copley - District Nine 34.00
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station 34.00
Michael Stuhlberg - A Serious Man 41.00
Sam Rockwell - Moon 41.00
Nicholas Cage - Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans 51.00
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST PICTURE
Sportingbet Australia Market
Up In The Air 4.50
Invictus 4.50
The Hurt Locker 4.75
Precious 5.00
Nine 6.00
Up 7.50
An Education 10.00
Inglorious Basterds 10.00
The Lovely Bones 11.00
A Serious Man 11.00
Avatar 16.00
The Road 21.00
Julie & Julia 31.00
A Single Man 31.00
The Last Station 41.00
The Messenger 51.00
The White Ribbon 51.00
Where The Wild Things Are 67.00
District 9 67.00
Crazy Heart 67.00
Bright Star 67.00
Star Trek 101.00
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST DIRECTOR
Sportingbet Australia Market
Jason Reitman - Up In The Air 2.00
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker 3.50
Clint Eastwood - Invictus 4.00
Lee Daniels - Precious 4.50
James Cameron - Avatar 7.50
Rob Marshall - Nine 9.00
Quentin Tarantino - Inglorious Basterds 11.00
Lone Scherfig - An Education 14.00
Peter Jackson - The Lovely Bones 14.00
Ethan & Joel Coen - A Serious Man 21.00
Pete Docter & Bob Peterson - Up 31.00
Tom Ford - A Single Man 31.00
Bookmakers rate Abbie Cornish as Australia’s best chance to pick up an Oscar at the 2010 Academy Awards.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Cornish was right in contention for her role as 19th century poet John Keats’ love interest Fanny Brawne.
“Abbie Cornish has already been nominated in the Best Actress category at the British Independent Film Awards and looks a shoe in to earn an Oscar nomination,” said Sullivan.
“But she faces stiff opposition to win from the likes of Carey Mulligan, Gabby Sidibe and veterans Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren and we have her at backable odds of $9.00 as a result.”
Up In The Air and Invictus are joint $4.50 favourites in what looks a wide open Best Picture Market while Colin Firth is a $2.50 favourite to score the Best Actor Oscar.
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST ACTRESS
Sportingbet Australia Market
Carey Mulligan - An Education 2.00
Gabby Sidibe - Precious 2.50
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia 2.50
Helen Mirren - The Last Station 5.50
Abbie Cornish - Bright Star 9.00
Saoirse Ronan - The Lovely Bones 12.00
Penelope Cruz - Broken Embraces 26.00
Marion Cotillard - Nine 31.00
Vera Farmiga - Up In The Air 41.00
Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side 41.00
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST ACTOR
Sportingbet Australia Market
Colin Firth - A Single Man 2.50
George Clooney - Up In The Air 2.75
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart 3.50
Morgan Freeman - Invictus 5.00
Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine 5.50
Viggo Mortensen - The Road 10.00
Jeremy Renner - The Hurt Locker 10.00
Matt Damon - The Informant 26.00
Robert De Niro – Everything’s Fine 26.00
Sharlto Copley - District Nine 34.00
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station 34.00
Michael Stuhlberg - A Serious Man 41.00
Sam Rockwell - Moon 41.00
Nicholas Cage - Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans 51.00
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST PICTURE
Sportingbet Australia Market
Up In The Air 4.50
Invictus 4.50
The Hurt Locker 4.75
Precious 5.00
Nine 6.00
Up 7.50
An Education 10.00
Inglorious Basterds 10.00
The Lovely Bones 11.00
A Serious Man 11.00
Avatar 16.00
The Road 21.00
Julie & Julia 31.00
A Single Man 31.00
The Last Station 41.00
The Messenger 51.00
The White Ribbon 51.00
Where The Wild Things Are 67.00
District 9 67.00
Crazy Heart 67.00
Bright Star 67.00
Star Trek 101.00
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST DIRECTOR
Sportingbet Australia Market
Jason Reitman - Up In The Air 2.00
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker 3.50
Clint Eastwood - Invictus 4.00
Lee Daniels - Precious 4.50
James Cameron - Avatar 7.50
Rob Marshall - Nine 9.00
Quentin Tarantino - Inglorious Basterds 11.00
Lone Scherfig - An Education 14.00
Peter Jackson - The Lovely Bones 14.00
Ethan & Joel Coen - A Serious Man 21.00
Pete Docter & Bob Peterson - Up 31.00
Tom Ford - A Single Man 31.00
Friday, November 20, 2009
Gold Salute a hot tip at Flemington
If you fancy Gold Salute, the advice from Sportingbet is to get in quick. I'm tipping the odds will be a little easier on the Tote.
The betting plunge on Victorian raider Gold Salute in the Railway Stakes has continued with some huge bets written at Sportingbet Australia.
The Mark Riley trained gelding shortened from $4.20 to $3.20 in the last 24 hours and Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the money was still coming for him.
“The move started with a bet of $25,000 each way at $4.20 yesterday afternoon and since then punters have just kept loading up into him,” Sullivan said.
“We took a string of big bets after that at odds between $3.40 and $3.80 as punters declared him the one to beat.
“His placings in the Toorak and Emirates suggest he will be hard to hold out here but I am happy to take him on at these odds.”
2009 RAILWAY STAKES
Sportingbet Australia Market
Gold Salute 3.20
All American 6.00
Ortensia 7.50
Grand Nirvana 8.00
Tarzi 13.00
Megatic 15.00
Eliotto 15.00
Snipers Bullet 17.00
Spirited One 17.00
Largo Lad 18.00
Famous Roman 21.00
Keytomoney 21.00
Colour Correct 31.00
Lords Ransom 31.00
Lambton Castle 61.00
Oroya Gold 71.00
Coconut Grove 126.00
The betting plunge on Victorian raider Gold Salute in the Railway Stakes has continued with some huge bets written at Sportingbet Australia.
The Mark Riley trained gelding shortened from $4.20 to $3.20 in the last 24 hours and Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the money was still coming for him.
“The move started with a bet of $25,000 each way at $4.20 yesterday afternoon and since then punters have just kept loading up into him,” Sullivan said.
“We took a string of big bets after that at odds between $3.40 and $3.80 as punters declared him the one to beat.
“His placings in the Toorak and Emirates suggest he will be hard to hold out here but I am happy to take him on at these odds.”
2009 RAILWAY STAKES
Sportingbet Australia Market
Gold Salute 3.20
All American 6.00
Ortensia 7.50
Grand Nirvana 8.00
Tarzi 13.00
Megatic 15.00
Eliotto 15.00
Snipers Bullet 17.00
Spirited One 17.00
Largo Lad 18.00
Famous Roman 21.00
Keytomoney 21.00
Colour Correct 31.00
Lords Ransom 31.00
Lambton Castle 61.00
Oroya Gold 71.00
Coconut Grove 126.00
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hayley still a good bet in Australian Idol
Following is a press release from Sportingbet. Maybe I've got it wrong, and plenty evidently think I have, but I said a long time ago in the competition it would be a battle between Stan and someone else.
Given that it's a game of demographics as much as it is talent, I still have Hayley an even money chance, which makes the $4.50 a good bet.
Gold Coast soul singer Stan Walker is a raging $1.18 favourite to be the new Australian Idol after another impressive display on Sunday night.
Walker is in a head to head battle with Sydney’s Hayley Warner who is a $4.50 outsider at Sportingbet Australia.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said weight of money had ensured Walker would go into next week’s finale as a clear favourite.
“The punters have spoken with all the big money going on Walker over the past couple of weeks shortening his price right up to $1.18,” Sullivan said.
“He does deserve to be favourite but Hayley has been brilliant as well and I am more than happy to be on her to cause an upset.
“Her single was arguably better than Stan’s and the contestant with the best single has generally gone onto win so the $4.50 is clearly the value for punters.”
Given that it's a game of demographics as much as it is talent, I still have Hayley an even money chance, which makes the $4.50 a good bet.
Gold Coast soul singer Stan Walker is a raging $1.18 favourite to be the new Australian Idol after another impressive display on Sunday night.
Walker is in a head to head battle with Sydney’s Hayley Warner who is a $4.50 outsider at Sportingbet Australia.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said weight of money had ensured Walker would go into next week’s finale as a clear favourite.
“The punters have spoken with all the big money going on Walker over the past couple of weeks shortening his price right up to $1.18,” Sullivan said.
“He does deserve to be favourite but Hayley has been brilliant as well and I am more than happy to be on her to cause an upset.
“Her single was arguably better than Stan’s and the contestant with the best single has generally gone onto win so the $4.50 is clearly the value for punters.”
Rees gets support from Aussie punters
An interesting view of New South Wales state politics, which evidently gives some support to Nathan Rees:
The government of Nathan Rees was given a boost today from punters, following a series of ‘shock and awe’ tactics by the Premier on the floor of the ALP’s state conference.
Labor’s odds to retain government at the next election shortened from $4.00 to $3.80 after a number of bets were placed on them at Sportingbet Australia.
The controversial moves, which saw Rees ridding his cabinet of Joe Tripodi and Ian Macdonald, has been seen as an effort to ‘stop the rot’ and also has the Premier’s odds shorten to lead the party to the next election.
Without fickle ‘king-breaker’ Tripodi in Cabinet, punters have read this as a plus for the Premier, cutting his odds back to $3.25.
Carmel Tebbutt is seen as the obvious danger and is equal favourite alongside the Premier at $3.25
Meanwhile odds on previous favourite Kristina Keneally have blown out the gate following the unceremonious exit of her political patron, Tripodi. Keneally is now paying $5.00.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that the Premier’s decisive seizing of the Cabinet selection process and his crackdown on political fundraising have been interpreted as a sign that the government is willing to take risks and make sacrifices as it attempts to become electorally competitive.
“Punters seem to be telling us that they are considering taking the Rees Government seriously, after a long period of questioning who was really running the state,” said Mr Sullivan.
“We’ve certainly seen a few punters getting behind Rees and his team today,” he said.
“Some are even backing him to hold onto the leadership, which is a big call given he’s hung his enemies out to dry on the backbench, where they’ll be free to resume plotting his downfall.”
Meanwhile the Coalition’s odds to win the next state election have drifted slightly to $1.25 although they remain red hot favourites.
The government of Nathan Rees was given a boost today from punters, following a series of ‘shock and awe’ tactics by the Premier on the floor of the ALP’s state conference.
Labor’s odds to retain government at the next election shortened from $4.00 to $3.80 after a number of bets were placed on them at Sportingbet Australia.
The controversial moves, which saw Rees ridding his cabinet of Joe Tripodi and Ian Macdonald, has been seen as an effort to ‘stop the rot’ and also has the Premier’s odds shorten to lead the party to the next election.
Without fickle ‘king-breaker’ Tripodi in Cabinet, punters have read this as a plus for the Premier, cutting his odds back to $3.25.
Carmel Tebbutt is seen as the obvious danger and is equal favourite alongside the Premier at $3.25
Meanwhile odds on previous favourite Kristina Keneally have blown out the gate following the unceremonious exit of her political patron, Tripodi. Keneally is now paying $5.00.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that the Premier’s decisive seizing of the Cabinet selection process and his crackdown on political fundraising have been interpreted as a sign that the government is willing to take risks and make sacrifices as it attempts to become electorally competitive.
“Punters seem to be telling us that they are considering taking the Rees Government seriously, after a long period of questioning who was really running the state,” said Mr Sullivan.
“We’ve certainly seen a few punters getting behind Rees and his team today,” he said.
“Some are even backing him to hold onto the leadership, which is a big call given he’s hung his enemies out to dry on the backbench, where they’ll be free to resume plotting his downfall.”
Meanwhile the Coalition’s odds to win the next state election have drifted slightly to $1.25 although they remain red hot favourites.
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