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Hanagan Al Maktoum’s number one

February 29, 2012 By Louie

Champion Jockey Paul Hanagan has been named as the number one jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum following the retirement of Richard Hills after the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

The man from Yorkshire has been Champion Jockey for the last two seasons, in which he finished with a total number of 177 winners last campaign, 10 clear of Silvestre De Sousa in second place, who himself landed one of the sports’ most lucrative jobs this week by signing up to ride for the Godolphin operation for the upcoming season. Fans of betting need to remember this.

Hanagan was quick to pay tribute to his former boss Richard Fahey who his leaves to take up his new position.

“I wouldn’t be in this position but for Richard Fahey and it was quite emotional when I went to his home last night to break the news about the job,” he told the Racing Post. “But I must stress I will still be riding for Richard when available.”

The Champion Jockey and last season’s runner-up will both now be moving from down to Newmarket ahead of the Start of the British flat season which officially gets under on March 31 with the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster. People looking at betting tips should remember this.

De Sousa is currently in Dubai where he is already riding for Godolphin during the Dubai World Cup Carnival which concludes with the World Cup at the end of the month. So You Think is the ante-post favourite for Aidan O’Brien in what will be his first run of 2012. It was a long campaign for the former Australian superstar in 2011 with runs in England, Ireland, France and America.

Filed Under: Online Betting

Schwartzel eyes Masters double

February 29, 2012 By Louie

The defending US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel is preparing to return to the scene of his historic triumph and is already talking about defending his title.

The South African star sealed a place in the tournament’s folklore last year when he birdied the closing four holes to win the prestigious Green Jacket by two strokes.

It was a life-changing moment for the popular Tour star and he speaks about the “very proud feeling” he has whenever he puts on his Green Jacket on and recalls his Augusta triumph. Fans of Betfair.com should remember this.

Schwartzel has to don the famous garment at tournaments and functions across the globe to represent the US Masters as champion, and it was obviously a lucky item as he only missed one cut in 2011 following the win.

He is weeks away from returning to the US Masters and will be looking to be the first man to retain the title since Tiger Woods in 2002, with Schwartzel admitting he is prepared for people to be examining whether he can “live up to the challenge” of defending champion. Anyone looking at the US Masters 2012 betting needs to bear this in mind.

“Winning the Masters was a life-changing experience,” said Schwartzel. “Getting my first Major Championship in the way I did it, it’s something that I’m very, very proud of.

“I’ve had a fantastic year being the Masters Champion. Everywhere you go you get treated so well. It’s just been an awesome year so far. I’m really looking forward to coming back and trying to defend my title.”

Schwartzel is set to compete in the Florida swing of the Honda Classic, WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at and the Shell Houston Open as he prepares for returning to the US Masters to defend his title in April.

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Lamont has Suspected Broken Leg

February 28, 2012 By Louie

Scotland’s Rory Lamont will have put a grimace on the faces of thousands of rugby fans, at the weekend, after an unpleasant encounter with French back-rower, Louis Picamoles, left the full-back with a suspected broken leg.

Lamont, 29, picked up the injury while battling for a restart with Picamoles at the half-hour mark. He landed awkwardly, twisting his lower leg under the weight of his body. The Glasgow Warrior was given oxygen on the field, before being removed.

The development will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of Scotland coach, Andy Robinson, who is currently in charge of a notoriously unsuccessful team. The navy blue outfit have lost five Test matches in a row. Those looking at the Six Nations Betting Odds should remember this.

Scotland’s recent defeat to France took their winless streak in the Six Nations to three games, and left Robinson perplexed: “I am frustrated because the guys played really well but haven’t won the game”.

Robinson said that Lamont’s accident took the wind out of Scotland’s sails, allowing Morgan Parra to tie the match at 10-10 just before the half-time break. Maxime Medard and Lionel Beauxis helped France to victory in the second half. Fans of the Rugby betting odds need to bear this in mind.

Making matters worse for Robinson was the fact that Lamont was just one of three Scottish players to fall to injury. Greig Laidlaw, a linchpin for Scotland early in the game, was lost to a head injury, while Mike Blair picked up a dead leg.

Lamont will no doubt be upset with his bad luck; the Warrior has struggled with injuries due to what he describes as an “abrasive style of play”. The Perth-born player has recently overcome an ankle problem that required eight operations to correct.

It is currently unknown how long Lamont will be absent from the rugby field. However, Physioroom.com indicates that a broken leg can take up to 12 weeks (three months) to heal fully.

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Can Italy avoid the wooden spoon?

February 28, 2012 By Louie

The 2012 Six Nations Championship got underway earlier this month and the sides are already fighting for glory. In this particular article I shall be focusing on the Italian national side. I will talk about Italy’s results, their notable players, the Italian’s history in the Six Nations and I’ll finish the article by stating my thoughts regarding Italy’s chances in their up and coming games.

Italy’s first matchup was against the prolific French national side. The Italians endured an away defeat at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, with the score ending 30-12. The French dominated the match and certainly deserved their significant win. The second matchup Italy played was a home game against the current champions England. The result in this match ended in a loss to the Italians with the score finishing 15-19. It was after a second-half comeback that denied Italy their first victory over the Red Rose. The Azzurri’s third matchup saw them face Ireland away at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Their British opponents thrashed the Italian national side with the score ending 42-10. It was a disappointing result for Italy and Ireland were in no way lucky to claim the victory against their European opponents. Those looking at Six Nations Betting Tips should remember this.

Currently, Italy’s greatest player has to be Gonzalo Canale. The 29-year-old tends to play a central role for the Italian national side and plays in the Top 14 league with French outfit Clermont. He has been in terrific form for his club and if he were to transfer his performances from the league into the Six Nations then there’s no reason why Italy cannot improve their game. Followers of the top rugby betting odds need to bear this in mind.

Italy’s next two games see them face Wales and then Scotland. The match against Wales will be a tough one for the Italian national side but the game against the Scottish should be a closer encounter.

Filed Under: Horse Racing

Game On on for World Cup

February 25, 2012 By Louie

Connections of Game On Dude have confirmed that their mount will run in the Dubai World Cup later this month at Meydan.

The runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic is skipping Saturday’s Santa Anita Handicap, the race he won 12 months ago, to prepare for the richest race in the world in Dubai on March 31.

Trainer Bob Baffert has not won the Dubai World Cup since 2001 when Captain Steve gave him his second success in the big race. He also triumphed in 1999 with Silver Charm when the contest was run at Nad Al Sheba. Fans of Betfair need to bear this in mind.

Baffert believes Game On Dude’s best chance of success is if he travels to the contest fresh that is why he has chosen to skip the Santa Anita Handicap on Saturday.

“He puts so much into his races that it would have knocked him out for the World Cup,” he told HRTV. “It wouldn’t have given him enough time.

“If we’re going to Dubai we have to give him his best chance, so that’s what we’re doing.”

One of the biggest challenges Game On Dude faces at Meydan will be his ability to handle the Tapeta all-weather surface. The five-year old is used to running on dirt and is untested on what he is set to face to Dubai later this month. People looking at the betting sites should remember this.

Although there will be no Game On Dude in Saturday’s $750,000 event at Santa Anita, stablemate Prayer For Relief will line up for Baffert.

Ultimate Eagle is now likely to go off favourite for trainer Mike Pender. He has won five of his last six outings, including the Grade Two Strub Stakes on his latest run.

Filed Under: Horse Racing

Bellamy ready to haunt Cardiff

February 22, 2012 By Louie

Craig Bellamy could be set to return to haunt his boyhood club after Kenny Dalglish revealed the forward should be fit in time for this weekend’s Carling Cup final against Cardiff.

The proud Welshman will return to training this week after missing the 6-1 FA Cup hammering of Brighton through injury and Bellamy will now be hoping to earn his place in the starting line-up for this weekend’s trip to Wembley where he would line-up against his former club.

Dalglish confirmed Bellamy, along with Daniel Agger, had been struggling with injury but there were no real dangers of the duo missing the season’s first chance of silverware. Those placing a football bet should remember this.

“We had a couple of injuries on Friday and Saturday with Bellers and Daniel Agger,” the Scot told Liverpool’s official website.

“We’ll have to see how they are but they should be alright, I think.”

Cardiff will be well aware of the dangers posed by Bellamy, after the striker’s loan spell at the club he supported as a boy during last season. While he failed to lead the Welsh club into the Premiership, Bellamy cemented his place as a legend in the eyes of the Cardiff fans. People using betting.betfair.com need to bear this in mind.

That may change, somewhat, should the striker now go on to score a hat-trick this weekend, something he has certainly looked capable of after rejoining Liverpool in the summer. Despite a series of niggling injuries, Bellamy has looked back to his best at times so far this season and the Welshman looks set to play a major role in Liverpool’s critical end of season run-in.

Agger’s return to action could see the recently returned Jamie Carragher drop back to the bench when Dalglish names the starting 11 for this weekend’s clash, in what could well be the veteran defender’s final chance of playing at Wembley.

Filed Under: Football Betting

Els has Masters motivation

February 17, 2012 By Louie

Ernie Els is a three-time golf Major winner and one of the most recognisable faces in the game, but despite the 42-year-old has to qualify for the US Masters this time around, he is using that as motivation for success.

Every year since the South African made his debut at Augusta in 1994 he has been given automatic qualification, however a poor run of recent form means ‘The Big Easy’ is outside the world’s top 50 and needs to qualify for the 2012 running. Anyone following the golf betting tips will know this.

Els has won the US Open twice and the British Open once, but has never quite managed to pass the finishing post at the US Masters, with two second placed finishes – in 2000 and 2004 – the best to show.

The veteran admits he has got “some work” to do to get into the US Masters but he will keep fighting in tournaments around the globe in the coming weeks as he looks to book his place. The US Masters Betting Odds suggest he is something of an outsider though.

He reckons his form is looking good and giving him a “good chance of getting in” as Els is confident he can rediscover past glories and compete for the Major titles once again, with the US Masters a real motivation for him.

“I think I’m close to getting back to that and playing the way I can play and I think if I do that the rest will take care of itself,” said Els.

“I’m still a professional golfer and I still want to win golf tournaments this year and in the future.”

The 2012 US Masters is scheduled for April 4th-8th at Augusta National Golf Club and the defending champion this time around will be Els compatriot in the shape of South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel.

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Baby Run’s absence leaves Backstage in the limelight

February 16, 2012 By Louie

One of the big blows for the Cheltenham Festival this year is the exclusion of the 2010 Foxhunter Chase winner Baby Run who won’t be able to try and regain the prize he won two years ago after picking up a leg injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Following the withdrawal of the Nigel-Twiston-Davies trainer 11-year old, all the money has come for Backstage who is at the top of the market for the 3m2f contest for amateur riders only around the same course as the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The Gordon Elliott-trained backstage finished 10th in the Grand National last year, but has won all six of his point-to-point races in this campaign and those looking at the Cheltenham Festival betting should remember this.

Chapoturgeon’s chances in the Foxhunter Chase were enhanced when he won at Newbury last month over 2m6f. The seven-year old ran at the Festival in 2011 in the Byrne Group Plate where he came home seventh under jockey Timmy Murphy.

Salsify established himself as a leading playing going into the Festival following his win at Leopardstown on Sunday in the Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Chase. Edna Bolger’s On The Fringe was behind the seven-year old in third place as they crossed the line on Good to Soft ground at the Irish track. People planning to bet on Horse racing at Betfair.com need to bear this in mind.

Monkerty Tunkerty made his chase debut for trainer Jessica Westwood last month at Warwick and showed what a prospect he was with an easy 11-length victory. The gelding has raced 11 times in point-to-point races but lacks experience in rules races. The nine-year old initially started his career over hurdles at Wetherby but connections decided against any further races over sticks following his disappointing run.

Filed Under: Horse Racing

Big Bucks’ eyes record

February 14, 2012 By Louie

Big Bucks’ win in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last month brought up his 15th consecutive victory over hurdles and is now one win away from the all time record set by Sir Ken in the 1950s.

The nine-year old will next be seen at the Cheltenham Festival in March in the World Hurdle where he is bidding for his fourth success in a race he has dominated in recent years. Those betting on 2012 Cheltenham action will have to think long and hard about opposing him.

In 2011, the Paul Nicholls-trained distance hurdler, faced his toughest test of his career against the promising Grand Crus who could run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup this season. Big Bucks rose to the challenge and defied David Pipe’s mount at the Festival and then again at the Grand National meeting a month later.

The challenge this year is likely to come from Oscar Whisky who has won on his last two visits at Cheltenham for Nicky Henderson. The seven-year old finished third in the Champion Hurdle at the Festival last season but connections have decided to step their runner up in trip this time around and anyone looking at Betfair cheltenham racing needs to remember this.

Dynaste forced the best from Big Bucks on Cheltenham Trials Day at Prestbury Park and will get another opportunity against the defending champion next month, whilst Willie Mullins’ best chance in the World Hurdle this year is Thousand Star.

The talented grey finished third in the Irish Champion Hurdle last month and has already ran three times this season. Ruby Walsh has been Thousand Star’s regular jockey in the past but will unsurprisingly ride Big Bucks once again in the World Hurdle with Paul Townend expected to pick up the ride on the French-bred horse.

Filed Under: Horse Racing

Westwood wants short game improvement

February 10, 2012 By Louie

Lee Westwood has made a solid start to his 2012 season so confidence could be high that he finally break’s his Major duck at the US Masters in April.

The Englishman sits third in the world golf rankings behind countryman Luke Donald and the US Open champion Rory McIlroy, two likely Ryder Cup colleagues who will be out to pip Westwood to that green jacket.

Westwood has struggled when it comes to the four Majors and throughout his long and distinguished career and two second-place finishes, at the US Masters in and The Open in 2010, are the best he has to show. Those looking at the US Masters betting will be wondering if he can push on.

The 38-year-old has started this year in a solid but uninspiring fashion, finishing 17th at the Abu Dhabi Championship and tied for 12th at the Qatar Masters, so he is looking to really spark into life in the coming weeks.

Westwood seems content with his driving, admitting he is hitting the ball “a lot better” than at this point in the season in previous years, and is looking to improve his short game to put him in best condition for April’s US Masters. http://betting.betfair.com/golf/

“My putts are quite nice, I’m starting to roll a few longer ones in, but it’s just been early-season sloppiness really, making too many bogeys and not making a birdie when I should,” he said.

“My wedge shots also haven’t been quite as sharp as they ought to have been.”

The 2012 US Masters is scheduled for April 4th-8th at Augusta National Golf Club and Westwood will be among a group of leading Europeans looking to cross the Atlantic and beat the Americans in their own back yard.

Filed Under: Online Betting
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