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TOM FIELDING'S WORLD CUP CRICKET PREVIEW AND BETS

LEATHER AND WILLOW - CRICKET WORLD CUP UPDATE

31st March 2011

with Tom Fielding  

Well we've had a great tournament and now the final is upon us this weekend.

Our pre-tournament bets advised in mid February mean we are well in profit regardless of the result on April 2nd.

New Zealand ran into a rampant Sri Lankan side in the Semi - Finals and were as good as they could be to get that far.

India against Pakistan yesterday was pretty much decided at the toss, that pitch is horrid under lights and with dew making it slow and soft and hard to score from. India posted a bigger score than Pakistan should have allowed and in the end it was a matter of crawling home for India and they can play better than this in the final.

It will be a cracking game but the first where Sri Lanka will have their mettle tested having beaten a very sorry England team and had a blessed passage to here. I would say India are still worthy favourites and will come out on top but what a spectacle it will be with Murali and the Little Master Sachin bowing out at the top of the Cricket world.

Those that got involved with the original bets I would be staking a saver on the Sri Lankans to make it a proper battle and enjoy the game, the more romantic punters amongst you will be clinging to the 3/1 and a healthy bet on India which looks all set to kop.

Enjoy and hopefully I'll be back to pick the seem out of another series or tournament soon.

Advice -

The Final - 2nd April

1.5pts Win - Sri Lanka 11/8 - Stan James and BET365 - happy for India to win and our saver to go down, cracking game and class won through, MS Dhoni taking all the plaudits.....

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Already Advised -

Winner - India 2pts - 3/1 Paddy Power - WINNER!!! A fairytale for the Indians....

Final Pairing - India and Sri Lanka 0.5pt - 8/1 General - WINNER!!!

Alternative Win Market - New Zealand 0.75pt e/w - 18/1 888Sport and BlueSq ( 1/5 odds and 4 places ) - Losing Semi Finalists - E/W WINNER!!!

Tom Fielding

Golf 146pts Profit since launch thanks to Jeff Rough.....

Ashes Cricket 2010/11 - closes on 10.63pts Profit thanks to Tom Fielding ( plus another two points if you got paid on Trott v Katich?! )

Ashes Cricket 2009  - closes at 6.65pts profit thanks to Tom Fielding.....

Look out for Max Imum on the Snooker and Richard Ropes for the Boxing Action....

THE ASHES 2010-11 - The FIFTH Test

Have to admit that I'm a bit under the weather following a heavy new year, a bit like the Sydney Cricket ground in fairness.

That said the result of the final test match hinges on it reputation and forward thoughts rather than the desitination of the Urn and a result is almost a certainty despite the weather likely to cost some time over the early part of this match. England will want to put the Aussies firmly in their pocket until 2013 and Australia are looking for a new dawn under Clarke with Ponting not given the green light to play here due to a pinkie injury.

For our series bets we hold trump cards in Hussey at 6/1 and Cook at 13/2 along with Trott's easy score over Katich. The intriguing part is the series draw bet and correct score pick of 2-2. Therefore we have a decent bet riding on the Aussies to win this test and salvage pride. The team is not good enough so we are relying on complacency and a fresh faced line up without the Ponting baggage to galavise the baggy greens ( or pinks...! )

For my money that is hugely unlikey and so I would be laying the Aussie win to take a good bit back but leave profit the other side and for the purposes of this blog ( The Judge wants me to bet out of it rather than lay.....boooo ) advising an England win. I would not be concerned about the draw but if you are then watch the weather and trade your self to a nice position regardless. Be prepared to stay up late though if going that way.

Trott may well be a real danger to Cook here in the series bet and a lot will depend on the conditions they have to bat in but one follows the other so I think we'll be ok. A small bet on Trott to score heaviest in the first innings is a well worth while saver.

I think England will win and Australia may well give in after a couple of days, a lot depends on whether the Beer is premium brew or back yard moonshine, sadly he is unlikely to cure them from a punch drunk performance.

Thanks and best wishes, enjoy the final test and well done England on retaining / winning the Ashes in advance of Day 1!!!

Advice -

J Trott Top First Innings England Batter - 0.5pt Win  - 4/1 General - a big fat 0 means we collect the Cookie dough!

Fifth Test Winner - England - 2pt Win - 6/4 BET365, BETRED - WINNER!!!....a 3/1 series win for the tourists and well done!

Tom Fielding...

THE ASHES 2010-11, The Fourth Test

Well Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all, nothing quite like the boxing day test match in the Ashes and with possibly a world record cricket crowd at the MCG it's going to be a great spectacle.

The series could not be better placed. England suffered a dip in form with the bat in the last test and will now be thinking about the possibility of losing this series for this first time since arriving in Australia. A combination of Mitchel Johnson feeling better about himself, firstly with the bat in a tail wag and then with the ball and a devastating spell. He is a pure confidence player and thrived on a bit of luck and swung the match for the Aussies.

England have a bit of a dillema here with Anderson struggling you'd have to think they will play a fifth bowler to go with Jimmy, Swan, Tremlett and Finn. I would look to bring in Bresnan who can also bat a bit and let Collingwood step out of the side. It may be harsh but if Jimmy breaks down here then Australia will cash in on a weak pace attack.

Australia do not have a go to spinner and this pitch will take spin from the end of the 3rd day onwards which is an issue for them. Punter is nursing a swollen pinkie and will be keen to shake that off before we get underway, it must be an absolute certaintly that even if it is causing serious pain he will play and lead the side. They must be also certain to stick with the pace men and if winning the toss trying to skittle England out in the heat of the first morning. That is the big chance for them and this is the most important toss of the series. If they win the coin flip and bat I would be shocked.....

It's very difficult to call and I would make Australia slight favourites. We have some nice positions for the series already so no need to steam in. A bet on Hilfenhaus and Pietersen make sense with the former due a serious change of luck and KP just the man for a big crowd and a stage like no other, he will have his head down here.

Cracker in store, hopefully without a lame joke in the middle....

Advice -

Top England Batsman 1st Innings - K Pietersen 0.5pt Win - 4s General - not this time...

Top Aussie Bowler 1st Innings - B Hilfenhaus 0.5pt Win - 4s Skybet and Coral - the big man had a poor series like the rest of his team!

TF

Third Test - with Tom Fielding

Well this is shaping up for either an Aussie fight back with the team rightly hurting from a heavy Adelaide defeat or a continued humiliation on home soil inflicted by the heads high Poms.

The issue for Australia is wicket taking, their experiment with Doug the Rug and Harris plus Doherty was a bit pub team and stank of desperation and short sightedness by the selectors. This time they have plucked spinner Beer out of knowhere and although he looks unlikely to play it's another dip into mediocre back up players that really highlights the plight. Unless they select Johnson and Hilfenhaus I don't think they will have the 20 wickets in them this time. Hilfenhaus is a super bowler and was wrongly discarded for the second test. His style suits this track as he can bowl a length whilst Johnson loves this place and if he gets confidence up is a force.

On the batting front they too will make changes with Marcus North discarded and it's a Phil Hughes and Steve Smith added to the team. It's a lot of changes but they have little choice and Punter will really need to lead from the front here.

England are settled and can call on the "lurch" lookalike Tremlett to replace Stuart Broad and other than that have a settled confident and mostly bang in form team. Wives and family have arrived and James Anderson is back following the quick dash to see the birth of his new baby. It's a few distractions that may have an effect but the team has been drilled very well of late, seem to be on message at all times and will be very keen to put the series to bed here.

It's a result wicket, will be very quick and will assist Swan and the Aussie part time spinners late on. Toss is important and I would bowl but that's a brave shout for either captain. It could be rewarded though and I expect a few wickets in the first session and it to be tricky on day 1 for the batters.

I'd say this is perhaps the toughest test for England to win and Australia can nick this one if getting a good start. It's backs against the wall time and a wounded bunch of test players will be looking to step up. The problem is wickets but if they go as expected with four quicks then the pitch will help.

England will miss Broad who would have been a big asset here and the return of Hilfenhaus and Johnson give the Aussies a much stronger look to them.

Should be a corker....good luck

Advice -

3rd Test - Winner - Australia 1pt Win - 15/8 W Hill - WINNER....game on for the series

1st Innings Top England Batsman - P Collingwood 0.5pt Win - 8/1 Betfred, Sporting and Skybet - no joy

1st Innings Top Aussie Batsman - Shane Watson 0.5pt Win - 4/1 General  - batted well but no joy

1st Innings Top Aussie Bowler - Hilfenhaus - 0.5pt Win - 7/2 Stan James - no good

TF

THE ASHES 2010 - 11

Second Test - with Tom Fielding

G'day people hopefully we have a result wicket this time at Adelaide and the pitch is looking a little green for day 1. Plenty of rain in the air and we may lose a bit of time this week but I think it will produce runs if perhaps not the best pitch to have first or last go on with the bat.

It's 0 - 0 after Brisbane but England have already seen off the previously heralded Mitchell Johnson, who wil now have a few days off to rediscover "his magic touch" from the sidelines. A small kangaroo with one arm would be a little more effective than Mitchell was in the opening test so whoever they bring in will see an improved Aussie attack. Momentum is with the tourists but so much will depend on the toss. Bravado and the obvious strength in both teams suggests you bat and get a score with neither side looking able to take 20 wickets in Brisbane - that will be tough and it might prove a decent toss to lose....

Jimmy Anderson bowled one of the best spells you will see in Brisbane but got nothing for his efforts and this track will suit him so I expect a big performance from the ( mostly ) guided missile thrower over the five days. The other man who will likely have a good game is Hilfenhaus but a lot will depend on the Aussie selectors keeping faith with him. I would suggest they will as one change is a lot considering they drew the opener and they need to show confidence in someone...! If he plays then he is my idea of top Aussie bowler over the five days.

Michael Clarke is fit for the home side and has been getting some tips from Punter Ponting in his net sessions, it's not a surprise his technique looked better facing Punter's pies with one stump to defend but still he is the man to fear at Adelaide. His average on this track is nigh on a ton a go and with his slot in the batting order being the most likely to profit he can get the most runs for the Aussies. On the England team, although he didn't get the scores of the three centurians for the Tourists in Brisbane, Kevin Peiterson was ready to explode and can get some heavy runs this week.

I think it will be a draw again and I expect the track to produce atleast two big scores so time may be the issue here especially with some rain about.....We have a nice position with Hussey, Cook and Trott on side so that should suit us fine...Enjoy

Advice -

1st Innings Top Batsman - England - K Peiterson 0.5pt Win - 9/2 VC, Coral and Tote - WINNER.....what an innings!

1st Innings Top Batsman - Aussie - M Clarke 0.5pt Win - 11/2 Power, VC and B365 - not this time for Pup(py)

1st Innings Top Bowler 2nd Test - England - J Anderson - 0.75pt Win - 3/1 Tote - WINNER and a top effort from the lanky man

TF

THE ASHES 2010-11 - with Tom Fielding

I must be one of the least used Cricket correspondents in the business having not been let loose since the last series between these two giants of the cricketing world.

It's a question of PommyGranite, with the tails of the visitors seriously up and wagging, against a backed in to a corner Kangaroo this time and everything looks in place for a England victory on foreign soil. If you believe the hype then England should stroll this, settled in both batting and bowling camps, all rounders like Swann and Broad giving a solidity to the side and Ian Bell looking a world class batsmen rather than a lost school boy certainly bodes well for the series. Even the back up players in the England squad would possibly make the current Australian team.

Australia named a 417 man provisional test squad ( well not quite but you get the idea ) and that screams a massive confidence issue in selection and worry over the form of key players. Clarke and Hussey have got to step up to the mark if the Aussies are going to get some runs from anywhere but Punter Ponting who will surely rise to the occasion as he always does. The bowling relies on non glamourous names but is not as bad as people make out and in Ben Hilfenhuas they have a serious tool on home soil able to exploit all conditions and be economical whilst taking wickets.

It's perhaps unpatriotic of the writer to pour a bit of water on the English fire but if they get beat in the opening test at Australia's fortress then this will be a lot tougher than they think to win the series. I can see England retaining the Urn but not winning outright and would suggest a score draw is the way to play from a betting point of view. I will update for each test but here are my bets before we get underway on Thursday morning.

All set for a ripper....good luck to all.

Advice -

Series Score - 0.5pt Win - 2-2  - 7/1 Corals - happy for this to lose!

Series Result - 0.5pt Win - Draw - 9/2 General - this is a nice one to get wrong too!

First Test - Australia Win - 1pt Win - 6/5 Stan James - tight match was a draw and we lose....

Top Series Aussie Bat - Mike Hussey 0.75pt Win - 6/1 Coral and Powers - WINNER, comfortably the best batter for the Aussies

Top Series English Bat - Alistair Cook 0.5pt Win - 13/2 General - WINNER, what a series and he was the man of the Ashes...

Top Series Aussie Bowler - Ben Hilfenhaus 1pt Win - 3/1 General - poor show and not at his best

Most Runs Series Match Bet - Trott v Katich  - 2pts Win Trott - Evens - Paddy Power - Stake returned for me which I am not impressed - did anyone get settled on this please let us know!?

Tom Fielding

YEEEEEEE HAAAAAAA - IT'S BREEDERS CUP TIME Y'ALL

With CHUCK McSHERRIF....

Good afternoon Benjamin seekers it's time to put your late night punting boots on and score big with the down right Dirt(y) action plus surf the Turf Stateside...

Day 2 -

Yeeeeeee haaaaa, evening euroweenies how'd you like the bumper car racing we put on for you yesterday, if you can't box ( see a certain C Borel ) or shove you're way out of a paper bag then stay at home...this is a tight track for real equinatologists, not apologists.....get your game face on!

Update in progress...

5.50 - Juvenile Turf

MASTER OF THE HOUNDS is Jonny Murtagh's biggest chance to get one on the board this weekend and he might be right but he will be saying something along the lines of Pluck if Tod Pletchers beast can deal with the coffin box draw...I am playing both in Win and Place bets and forget the Show it's rest nowheeeerrrrreee....

6.30 - Cup Sprint - Dirt

Draw, jockey, horse and track it's a one way street for Girolamo, the 9/2 or 5/1 stinks like money to me so wade in and go deep. Just be grateful it's Garcia on top when the post comes as the others will be left for dead...

 7.15 - Turf Sprint

All important to have the draw here as they will go like crazy and those out the back are toast. Silver Timber and Central City are the ones to concentrate on with the likely prices making Central City an attractive choice at this sharp trip. He is lightening and will surely blast off.....go for the Exactamundo's and take some of the fancy prices about City getting downtown before anyone else......

 7.55 - Juvenile Dirt

You may aswell play roulette than bet in this and I hate my Uncle Mo so much I won't be wishing him any luck tonight. However J B's a good guy so whilst I'm sticking a chilli dog in my mouth J B's Thunder is on for a hatrick and looks a price...

8.40 - Breeders Cup Mile

Can you hear that?? It's the BANKER ALARM...roll up and bet like men as GOLDIKOVA will destroy all in this. I've seen this in my sleep and it's time to see it in the flesh...sure thing, wild thing and good thing all rolled into one...ENJOY

 9.20 - Dirt Mile

HEEEEERRREEE COMEEEEEES BEN....you're gonna hear this at about 9.22 this evening and it means benjamins, he is a different animal and the step to the mile is music to my rock loving ears....the Godolphin pair can chase him home but with plenty of muck in their face first. YEEEEEE HAAAAA

10.00 - Breeders Cup Turf

Remember your school days, just say no to drugs......Well it applies here and the clean running Behkabad should have too many guns for the field. No Workforce makes it a bit of an anticlimax and the price has shrunk but I'll be well on it by this stage so loco my choko pay me the moooooooneeeyyyyy...

22.45 - Breeders Cup Classic

Drunk, smashed whatever you want to call it I will know where my wallet is and I will be emptying it on ZENYATTA..doubles, trebles and maximum ocean finance type betting will be taking place here with this baby, Behkabad and Goldikova....it's like a box set of Lost with an ending that you can understand...YEEEEEE HAAAA, Night Night Y'all..

Chuck McS......

Day 1-

8.10 - Breeders Cup Marathon

Our best chance here is Awesome Gem but the Americana's lack the ability of Precision Break and Bright Horizon so either keep your dollars safely in the pocket or chance a raiding win first up. Awesome Gem is the place bet though as he can score over the home field and chuck some ammo at dirt bred Precision Break for the win.

8.50 - Juvenile Fillies Turf

Europe have absolutely no chance here as Winter Memories will pulverise the field, she may not have done super numbers but she is a beauty......SCOOOOOOOOOOORE....I hear the Irish are keen on Together so if you must lose in unison then join in with that wager!

9.30 - Filly & Mare Sprint

Informed Decision would not look like the same animal that took this last year so take a chance on Sarah Louise who is a craaazie price with your high street firms. WIN AND PLACE BET OF THE EVENING....watch the prep run and you'll see it was perfection handling....

10.10 - Juvenile Fillies Grade 1 - Dirt

Not a race to play in so I will be in the bar for this event. Theyskens Theory is all the rage in Euroweenie land but I'll be eating peanuts and looking for a place return on Believe In A P who is very overpriced even if the race looks a swerver...small fun bet for the wife if you are making watch!

22.50 - Filly and Mare Turf

BANKER BANKER BANKER - get the roll out and lump it on Midday we have nothing to touch her and Sir Henry of Cecil can take a bow wow wow.....these bets pay for all my cribs yeeeee haaaaa

23.20 - Ladies Classic Dirt

BLIND LUCK will not be needed and you really shouldn't need eyes to see this baby will scoot home without a worry, doubles and trebles with Midday and Winter Memories are what dreams are made of, throw in some Ben and Jerries and we're rocking and rolling. A super filly to end the evening with ;-)

Chuck McS....signing off till tomorrow, yeeeeeeee haaaaaa

We've not set the world alight with our Golf bets this term but perhaps the best is saved for the Whistling Straights. Tiger watch will be in full flow but he just carded the worst 72 holes of his career and looks in free fall at the moment. That said as a betting man it's hard not to be tempted by the prices on offer!! If he had shown his form in the last tournament where he was historically unbeatable then he would be a bet here but that was so bad we have to side step him here.

Ryan Moore was a fancy for the Open in the column and he had an unexciting few days on the links. However his game is still solid and he remains big prices until he breaks through in a tournament like this but it will not be long. Too big to ignore and we'll keep faith for this week.

Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher have high hopes this week. Fisher is flying having been successful in Ireland and as we advised last time was due to come good after some unlucky efforts which were hiding his form. He couldn't be in better nick and has a remarkable record in Majors so is a big hope for the Europeans here. Poulter needs a boost but is a winner this term and if his putter clicks this week I would want to be on side. A temperamental talent who is not everyones cup of tea but it's hard to argue with his ability when he gets it right. It's the prices this week that stand out, a few tweaks with the equipment will have him right and we'll take an e/w punt.

Last man on side is Ernie Els who's having a super year without notching a Major and this is a great chance. Threw away a winning chance in the last one and will relish this test. It's been his best year for some time and other favourites are not hitting their straps, Mickelson seems tired and is not at full pelt, Westwood sits this out, McIlroy still suffers a blip over four rounds and Harrington could be anything depending a lot on a seriously good start to see out a weekend.

Let's hope for some fun and an interesting weekend.

Advice -

Ernie Els 0.75pt e/w - 33/1 BET365 and BETFRED ( 6 places 1/4 odds )

Ross Fisher 0.5pt e/w - 60/1 Totesport ( 5 places 1/4 odds )

Ian Poulter 0.5pt e/w - 90/1 Boyles and Stan James ( 6 places 1/4 odds )

Ryan Moore 0.5pt e/w - 110/1 BET365 and Skybet ( 6 places 1/4 odds )

JEFF ROUGH

 THE OPEN - with Jeff Rough.......

What a week in store, high winds, torrential downpours and the Tiger show all roll into St Andrews with similar levels of force.

Tiger loves this place and is quoted as saying when asked which four courses he would like the majors to be staged at "St Andrews, St Andrews, St Andrews and St Andrews" It is a magical golfing set up and suits his game having destroyed the field twice before. The problem is his putting and even his caddie has expressed concerns that his game is not up to standard. That said the bookmakers are dangling a carrot with the 7s on offer and if his change of putter is a success this week he must surely go close. I am not convinced he will win as it's likely the gremlins will show up for atleast one round and that will be enough on an unforgiving course to put pay to his winning hopes. He starts early tomorrow and that will help with easiest conditions expected in the morning so the first round leader odds are very tempting and worth a bet in my opinion.

The man of the moment at present is no other than our big hope for last year Justin Rose. He didn't get it together in '09 but has looked an altogether happy golfer last few months winning twice in the states and playing with confidence. The odds are cramping but his previous links efforts put him in the picture and with him clicking better than ever he is a firm contender this week Also blessed with what looks a good draw and should relish playing with Tiger early tomorrow a good first round will be key.

Sergio Garcia has been on the decline but should not be ignored having slipped from the hype radar. No question about his talent but he has succumb to putting woes and found it difficult to put rounds together despite parts of his game still being up with the best in the world. This week could be a turning point and his previous effort at St Andrews and his Open record in paticular show he loves this tournament. He showed in the US Open that he still has it but we are looking for a spark that if it is going to come will come here. A long shot but one worth taking a punt at.

Ross Fisher seems to have hit form just in time for this week. He has been playing inconsistently with two or three good rounds out of four but not quite finishing out his weeks. This is his kind of course and conditions so he looks over priced to go well especially considering he went so close at Turnberry until a late fade cost him his chance. One to have on side.

Overall it really does look a European week and Poulter, McIlroy, Harrington and McDowel will all hope to feature and have claims of course. Darren Clarke also has made it here following a great effort last week he has a game to fear when on form but will need to up it again.

The Molinari brothers look set to go well also and it really is a strong field not forgetting Westwood and Casey who will want to further boost the rise of European golf.

Off the American challengers Mickleson doesn't appeal to me as a winner this week but Steve Stricker and Ryan Moore are worth noting and Moore looks a live chance at a massive price. He has a nice early start and a quiet grouping to help him through and his game has been in very good shape making a surge to secure his spot here behind Rose at the AT & T. He has a lovely game and looks the next one to break through the ranks so we'll put him in the portfolio and I would suggest he is followed for a while whatever happens this week.

Fingers crossed we get some luck with the weather and have an interest into the weekend but it's anyone's tournament with conditions to fear and I think it will be very high scoring championship.

Advice -

First Round Leader - 0.5pt Win - Tiger Woods - 12/1 Boyles ( worth taking Extrabet 18s if you have access! )

First Round Leader - 0.5pt Win - Justin Rose - 25/1 Boyles ( 33s at Extrabet! )

Winner Market

Justin Rose - 1pt e/w - 20/1 Paddy Power ( 7 places 1/4 odds )

Ross Fisher - 0.5pt e/w - 50/1 Paddy Power ( 7 places 1/4 odds )

Sergio Garcia - 0.5pt e/w - 90/1 Stan James ( 6 places 1/4 odds )

Ryan Moore - 0.5pt e/w - 110/1 Paddy Power ( 7 places 1/4 odds )

Jeff Rough..........

THE TOUR DE FRANCE - 2010, with Colin Coupon our Cycling Expert.........

The 2009 Tour De France avoided much of the controversy of previous years but was no less gripping across all result classifications. The return of Lance Armstrong meant British rider Bradley Wiggins missed the chance of reaching a final podium place, a feat never before achieved by a UK rider. Mark Cavendish won six stages yet could not match the consistency of Thor Hushod in the intermediate sprints and the Green Jersey went to Norway. Alberto Contador did not have it all his own way but had enough to see off the attention of Andy Schleck who climbed well but failed in the time trials. The little Spanish rider is without doubt the best all rounder in the game at present. The mountain goats could not match the consistency of now banned Italian Franco Pellizotti over the "cols" of the Alps and Pyrennees. His recent suspension means a new destination for the King of the Mountains jersey in 2010.

Many of the 09 protagonists remain and the opening prologue on Saturday in Holland will be awaited with bated breath.

Yellow Jersey - Overall Winner
As expected Alberto Contador goes into this race as a very warm favourite. His record in this race is beyond reproach and this year's Tour would seem to be tailor-made for him once again. The roads rise upwards one week into the race hitting the ski station of Morzine on Sunday July 13th but preceded by a rolling road stage on Saturday which features a number of categorised mountain climbs in the final forty kilometres. The destination of the yellow jersey could be decided as early as these two stages. If Contador is in form then we would expect to see him hitting form on the final ascent to Morzine.

Cheif among his competitors is the 2009 runner up Andy Schleck who advertised his form by winning his National Time Trial Championship and finishing second in the road race. Schleck has every tool in his bag to make him a contender bar a decent time trial and will once again be found wanting if he has not put time into Contador in the hilly stages. I don't expect this to happen to Contador who can ride tempo with Schleck on all the mountain passes knowing he can crucify him in any time trial. Scleck will once again be the bride in waiting.

I cannot see a winner outside the top two in the betting. The top ten will be made up of names such as Ivan Basso, Robert Gesink, Vincent Nibali, Lance Armstrong and hopefully Bradley Wiggins although I'm not 100% sure he will be suited by this Tour. Others who finished strongly last year included Frank Schleck who had a disasterous year of injuries but showed well in fifth. He may be nailed on for third place this year and is my each way bet for a podium place.

Green Jersey (Sprinters)
It was remarkable that Mark Cavendish did not win the jersey last year despite being the best sprinter in the bunch. The Green jersey is not just a prize for end sprints but for intermediate sprints also and this is where Cavendish failed miserably to compete. Thor Hushovd may have only won one stage but the points amassed throughout the three weeks in the middle sprints gained him enough points to keep him in the game. This year, Cavendish is more focused on the jersey rather than the stage wins and it will make for an intriguing battle.

Negatives for Cav seem to be the loss of some of his better team mates in Hincapie and Boassen Hagen whilst others will be more interested in overall positions this year, for example young Tony Martin the German who looks a likely top ten finisher. So, not only does Cav need them at the end of races but also in the lead up to the intermediate sprints which may be difficult to pull off. Cavendish is on record as saying the jersey is the priority as is his Team Director and so it would be unwise to discount him.

Thor Hushovd won it with brains last year, can he do so again this year? The bookies tell us no but form-wise the odds are stacked with Hushovd again. He won his National Championships at the weekend and always arrived at the Tour in peak shape. The 13/2 in places seems a tempting bet each way.

As consistency is the key there is no point in looking elsewhere. Many riders will pick up stage wins and I expect improvement form Tyler Farrar and Edvald Boassen Hagen but it's best to concentrate on Cav for stage wins and Hushovd for the Green jersey but expect a ferocious battle over the first week fo the Tour.

Polka Dot (King of the Mountains) Jersey
This jersey is once again wide open. Riders going for the overall classifications will almost always automatically find themselves in the top ten of this classification due to the nature of the mountain top finishes. However recent years has shown a specialist climber winning it at the expense of overall victory and so we'll look to some non obvious overall contenders who can climb with distinction.

One such rider is Robert Gesink who retired injured from last year's Tour following a series of crashes in the first week. If this lad can stay upright he has possibly the best chance of winning the jersey and finding himself in the top ten. His form in the recent Tour of Switzerland was brilliant in the mountains and he must be one of the best natural climbers in the bunch. I can't see how he could win the overall Yellow Jersey as he has absolutely no time trialling ability and so a few mountain stage wins may be his best bet which naturally would mean a few points racking up in the King of the Mountains classification. He looks the part and so does the price the bookies are offering. But beware, this lad is fragile and a rough first week could put paid to any chances in the final two weeks.

Others to look out for in the mountains will be Egoi Martinez, runner up last year, Frank Schleck, his brother Andy and obviously Alberto Contador.

I will return daily with my stage predictions but for Stage One it looks like a certain victory for Fabian Cancellara so get on any early prices now!



Summary

Overall Alberto Contador - 8/13 Boylesports

Betting without Contador - Andy Schleck 9/4 Bet Fred

Each-way Franck Schleck 40/1 Coral (first three)

Green Jersey Thor Hushovd - 13/2 Paddy Power

King of the Mountains Robert Gesink 33/1 William Hill & Bet Fred

Best of Luck

Colin Coupon....

THE US OPEN 2010 - Pebble Beach

Jeff Rough spills the beans.....

It's all about Tiger here at a course where he could swallow this field and win like he did last time practically lapping the field. He must be kept on side at the prices but we will take him on with some high class opponents this week.

Phil Mickleson seems to have kept his momentum up but is passed over here where it will be harder to save his par if he isn't absolutely straight. Padriag Harrington still yet to hit his top gear and will likely die off at the weekend as one or two parts of his game come off the rails. Luke Donald has a dismal record in this event and seems to lack a bit of battle in a finish so whilst his game is in good nick he still does not appeal as a winner.

This has to be Lee Westwood's best chance of a Major victory with his form unquestionable and his Major efforts over the last 12 months hard to knock. He's needed a bit of luck in a final round and we could be talking about a recent two time Major winner instead of a maiden. This course will suit fine as he showed with a 5th place ten years ago and his game is much better now than the heights he reached then. He rates a very solid e/w choice this week.

Retief Goosen has been a bit in and out and should have fared better at Augusta given some of the golf he played. I rate him as a likely Major winner this year and if he can put it together. Despite the inconsistances over a tournament he's still been getting close and will go well if he gets a good start.

Ross Fisher seems to be forgotten about but he has the game to go very well here with the wind being a massive factor tee to green. At the prices I can't leave him out but we are hoping he hits some form as his current stats are not impressive.

Lastly Jim Furyk appeals as Top American with four places e/w and generously priced up. He will surely be hard to top if not perhaps having it in him to win outright. Tiger and Mickelson may outplay him here but other than that he looks very solid and is our other main bet for the week.

Have a great week and let's hope were there at the weekend with something to shout about.

Advice -

Lee Westwood 1pt e/w - 12/1 Boyles an Betfred ( 6 places 1/4 odds ) - found this very hard going...

Retief Goosen 0.5pt e/w - 50/1 Paddy Power ( 6 places 1/4 odds ) - awful tournament

Ross Fisher 0.5pt e/w - 110/1 Stan James ( 6 places 1/4 odds ) - way off the pace

Tiger Woods 1pt Win - 8/1 General - should have taken advantage of a very weak finish from his rivals on the last day...coming back slowly

Top American - Jim Furyk 1pt e/w - 14/1 General ( 4 places 1/4 odds ) - not too far off but a poor week for him and so many others!

JEFF ROUGH

THE MASTERS 2010 - Augusta - JEFF ROUGH GUIDE AND ADVICE!!

Nice to be back.

It's Green Jacket time again and this year has a new set of intrigue thanks the Tiger's wayward ways!!! No golf for the former sponser darling untill the start tomorrow is a tall ask and I'm sure his wife will be pleased that I think he will fall a few birdies short this week despite the tempting 6/1 or so........If he's in the mix after round one then his competitors will worry but I expect he will be a bit off the pace and that would be understandable. The game needs him firing again but for the purpose of Jeff Rough's wallet not this week please Tiger!

I think this year's standout bet at the prices is Retief Goosen, four times he has just come up short of winning here and he is in great touch at the moment rolling in to Augusta. Scoring well and with my doubts over the top few in the market he looks a solid play. Westwood can bomb here and is too short now in the betting, Mickelson seems a bit off his A game to be considered at the odds and the Els march back to form was halted in a big way last time where he probably should have had a week off. Goosen is the form man and the course specialist, I like his pairings for the first day and expect him to put in a big show.

No surprise that I think Camilo Villegas will play a role, two 69s last year when he played so in and out can be bettered now he has put putter and driver in the same groove. In great form and pretty must resting up to this after some real solid golf all is in place to better last years unlucky 13th placing. He is a big price for an up and coming star especially as he improves his consistency.

My best hope for an American winner this year is Sean O'Hair who looks even better this year continuing his improvement each time we see him. Last year he shot three rounds under 70 and but for a blip of 76 on the second day he would have been right in the mix. The price looks too big for this previous 14th and 10th place finisher.

Sometime golfers take a shine to a course and if you can spot this before the others it's worth a bit of value. John Merrick does not look like the best player we will ever see but he played two of the best rounds last year with a 68 and 66 which meant he landed up 6th. He is in similar form this time around, if not playing a bit better for my money and would be no surprise to see him hit a couple of good rounds. If he gets in a rhythm on day one when he gets out early then there are much worse long shots.

Last outright bet is a smaller one on Anthony Kim who seems to have his tail up at the moment, he showed he can tame this place with a masterful 65 last year on a tough day and if he plays without fear and gets a bit of luck I'd hate to miss the party. It's hit or miss so a win only saver.

Top European is a market that looks playable and I think Ross Fisher is a bit of value. A nice quiet three ball pairing will suit this guy and he looked like coming to terms with the course last year - I expect him to go better than his placing then and also that a few of the more fancied Europeans will under perform. He is an under the radar type of player and this could be his week to put a few of his fellow Europeans under the cosh.

Have a great tournament and I hope we are up late on the Sunday with a live interest.....Good Luck

Advice -

Outright Market

Retief Goosen 1.5pt e/w - 25/1 BETFRED, VC and W Hill ( 5 places 1/4 odds ) - what a topsy turvy week for the Goose, looked in great form and then in horrid form on each round...

Sean O'Hair 0.75pt e/w - 66/1 Ladbrokes ( 5 places 1/4 odds ) - midfield and never looked exciting

Camilo Villegas 0.75pt e/w - 40/1 Pady Power and Lads ( 5 places 1/4 odds ) - never got going

John Merrick - 0.5pt e/w - 300/1 Totesport ( 5 places 1/4 odds ) - poor week with only a couple of good rounds

Anthony Kim 0.5pt Win - 40/1 Lads and W Hill - Fantastic effort but just up short

Top European -

Ross Fisher 1pt e/w - 20/1 Ladbrokes ( 1/4 odds 4 places ) - missed cut and the weekend

JEFF ROUGH

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE BOUT - Saturday 7th Nov

Richard " Ricky " Ropes previews the big match up in Germany....

This fight is a clash of styles and personalities.  That it is also a physical mismatch is patently obvious but any Valuev bout would be the same.  Haye has certainly had plenty of footage to study how most have failed to overcome his one-dimensional opponent.

Valuev is very unlikely to come to the ring with any surprises.  A man of his size with the turning circle of a tram is not going to turn into Sugar Nicolay overnight but we live in hope. So what tactics will Haye employ?  Although he has trained appropriately, extreme fatigue will set in punching upwards regularly over a number of rounds so he may opt to hook to the body and possiblly target the solar plexus area.  Has Valuev really been tested with accurate, swift and powerful punches to his core?  Do those huge arms cover a vulnerable midriff?  Haye certainly has the guts to find out.

If the Holyfield fight is his benchmark, Haye has the ability and agility to surpass what the American legend failed to do - defeat this man mountain in his back yard.  The Russian is not fighting in his home town of St Petersburg but audiences over the years have become accustomed to witnessing dubious decisions in German-speaking regions in favour of home-grown or home-sponsored fighters.  Valuev is no different and if the fight goes the distance then the Haye corner will not be confident.

Valuev is a very large man who has been taught how to box.  Haye is a fighter and an athete who needs no second invitation to engage in combat.  East European fighters are generally conservative and adopt safety-first tactics but boxing fans want another Tyson, or at least someone who catches their imagination, and sport needs personalities.  Snooze-fests served up by the Klitschkos and Valuev will kill the sport; these are boxers who consider it more important to set a good example than to sell fights to anyone with a pulse.

Haye must win at least 8 rounds well to win the fight.  Valuev to bank on home support.

Ricky's Advice -

Haye to win by decision or technical decision - i.e. Pts  - 9/4 Sporting Bet

RR.

THE ASHES - 5th and Final Test - Oval

Well last time I get an opportunity to give some advice on the Cricket this year and it's some game. England provided their usual once a series edition of "collapso" last time and have handed the momentum to the Aussies leaving the series at 1-1 and only a win will do if they want the Urn back. Plus points for them however is the return of talismatic Freddie Flintoff and the exclusion of the hapless Bopara who has had a month of torrid form and poor shot selection. I am not concerned about the new boy Trott being up to the task ahead, he is not English which will help! The Aussies will probably resist the selection of Bret Lee even though he is likely fit enough for this and will instead stick with the seam up attack that has performed well enough so far with the possible inclusion of Nathan Hauritz to balance affairs on this likely late turner of a pitch.

I would imagine England go in with just Swann and the main seamers, Flintoff, Anderson, Onions and Broad helped by the fact that Freddie ( what will they do when he is gone ) can balance the batting and bowling on his own!

We have some series bets. England to win at 3s, Johnson to be top Aussie Bowler ( 2 wickets to find on Hilfenhaus in this Test ), Hussey to be top Aussie Batsmen ( bin that one ), Collingwood to be Top England Batsman ( currently 3rd and we have e/w return lined up if he doesn't completley blow this match ), Anderson to be Top England bolwer (looking very good as long as he outperforms Broad ) and finally Freddie to be most economic bowler of the series, (he is currently 2nd so a decent match is needed).

With some return coming our way barring accidents there and already a profit of 6.9pts in the tank I'll not be too shy from having a play at this match. It has draw stamped all over it in my opinion with the Aussies needing nothing less and England will obviously go for a win. I don't expect anything too firework like from the tourists and England will need to really let them in to lose the match like they did last time. With this in mind and tallying England's ability to take 20 wickets against the Aussies ability to bat big enough to secure the retention of the Urn then the Draw looks sound at 6/4 best price.

Add to that a small bet on Hussey to top score in the match for both sides, Mr Cricket really owes Australia this series ( and us! ) and another small bet on Freddie getting man of the match on his last appearance which seems a tad overpriced at 8/1 and we are done.

Enjoy what is hopefully a thrilling finale.

Advice -

5th Test - Draw 1pt Win - 6/4 - happy enough that this didn't come in!

Top Batsman in the Match - Mike Hussey 0.5pt e/w 10/1 Paddy Power 3 places and 1/5 odds - 3rd place with a big ton...nice result...

Man of the Match - Freddie Flintoff 0.5pt win - 8/1 General - not quite the big show from Freddie but what a run out!

Tom Fielding...our series bets already placed below........

Series Bets - All level stakes 1pt as advised ( will total up later in the series and keep all updated )

England to win the Ashes - 3.00 Betfair - WINNER

England Top Bowler - Anderson Win - 9/4 General - near miss

England Top Batsmen - Collingwood E/W - 9/1 Victor Chandler and 888 Sport - 1/4 odds 3 places - WINNER finishes 3rd! ( by 1 run!!!!! )

Aussie Top Bowler - Johnson Win 11/8 General - no joy

Aussie Top Batsman - Hussey Win - 4/1 General - poor series for Mr Cricket!

Ashes Most Economical Bowler - Flintoff 9/2 General - won by a part time spinner..poor bet

THE US PGA - LAST MAJOR OF THE YEAR.....JEFF ROUGH MARKS YOUR CARD!!

The last chance to grab some major glory and you'll need a decent clip of the tee to compete here as they've made it a monster test setting the longest path in Major history. The par fives would take the below average club gofler, like me, a hell of a lot of shots before you hit the sand in front of a lightning fast green!

It's Tiger's if you look at the stats, his record on the long courses in Majors is highlighted by two wins and if he drives straight and long off the back of his two wins then it's hatrick time and the first major of the year for the World's No 1. Is he value at current prices though and that depends on the size of your recession depleted wallet. Big hitters will steam in but my advice would be wait for the 3rd round and if he's anywhere in the hunt then your large wager carries fewer concerns. It's the cream of the crop here with the top one hundred golfers on the planet lining up ( bar injury ). I'm going to concentrate on two markets outside the outright winner....the WoW market without messr Woods and the Top European market have a sniff of JR value for us to exploit!

Firstly Top European, whilst not perhaps having it all in the locker to take this at this stage of his career the now top 20 ranked Rory McIlroy deserves respect against his often below par Euro team mates. At 20/1 and a growing patience in his game expecially on the big occasion and spotlight give me sufficient cause to recommend the young Irishman as a bet to top this market. Four places e/w and we are in business with this market.

As for the WoW market we can go back to where we have been a few times already this year. Anthony Kim's game has come back and his strength of the tee will be a big plus, when he hits the fairways and big he can land his point and shoot irons close, putting has been an issue but signs are good for a big run here on home soil.

Camillo Villegas is another who rates respect in this although his tendency to miss a day with the irons is cause for a small play only. I think he will take a Major when it clicks for 4 rounds as he is as an exciting golfer with shot selection you will find on the tours. At the prices we'll keep him on side.

I still think Brandt Snedeker is under rated since his comeback from injury and is in good form heading to a local track and a home crowd. He has perfomed with real merit and is confident of a big show this week and the radar may have missed him but they might be picking him up come the weekend.

Lastly in the WoW market we head back to day one when I tipped Justin Rose for a big season and a showing in the Masters, that cleary hasn't happened but I was impressed with his final three rounds at Bridgestone and if he is to ignite this year it's this week. Certainly has the game and the temperament is no problem when things go well and a decent start will see a renewed confidence on an occasion that suits given his past two efforts in the US PGA, for me he is overpriced.

In the outright I think a slight overeaction has occured with Lefty and it's wrong not to take a nibble at Phil overcoming adversity and winning this. I understood he had a quick drop in to the course this week, shot a nice three under and will be back for more this week. If that report holds truth then he is too big at 25s...

Great week ahead.....

Advice -

Outright - Phil Mickleson 1pt e/w - 25/1 Boyles and Stan James ( 6 places 1/4 odds ) - poor show from Lefty...

WoW  -

Anthony Kim 0.5pt e/w - 40/1 General ( 5 places and 1/4 odds ) - flattered and then faltered

Camillo Villegas 0.5pt e/w - 45/1 Stan James ( 6 places and 1/4 odds ) - mixed it ansd then went missing!

Justin Rose 0.75pt e/w - 100/1 Sky Bet ( 5 places and 1/4 odds ) - admirable effort but not up to this

Brandt Snedeker 0.5pt e/w - 80/1 General ( 5 places and 1/4 odds ) - never got a start and missed cut

Top European - Rory McIlroy 1pt e/w - 20/1 BlueSq and 888Sport ( 4 places 1/4 odds ) - WINNER, joint top European with Westwood so win odds 10/1 and full place pay out...go collect!!

JEFF ROUGH

THE ASHES 4th Test - 7th August 2009

We're in Leeds and barring a delay on the opening morning and probably a few showers it looks like the two sides can't hide behind the weather this time. I am hearing that Freddie is a big doubt for England and may miss out in favour of a last bash at the Oval where he can fire on all cylinders and that would mean the inclusion of Harmison to maintain the fire power for the bowlers. Whether the England selectors will look to alter the team in any other way is an unknown with Stuart Broad tipped to make way for a Sidebottom or perhaps a batting option in the new man Trott. I would stop with the Harmison for Freddie change and rely on the team that has done well so far to produce again but the safety first option is surely an added batsman.....tough call in a huge match.

It's not all roses for the Aussies though with Brett Lee not quite there yet fitness wise but perhaps having to play and there best batsman so far this series Michael Clarke perhaps out with an ab problem - that would be a massive boost to England as he has pretty much been the main barrier between the England seamers and the Aussie tail....

On the basis that the enforced team changes will effect Australia more than England I would just side in their favour again on what is usually a result wicket. Batting first is essential and a score of 450 would be desirable of course but anything above 300 sets up the game perfectly. The pitch should deteriorate severely after day 3 and 4 so spinners will have a big say from then on and England still have an edge with Swann over Hauritz. This is also the best England tail end batting wise for some time and small margins are what will swing this game. The great English collapse has not happened yet this series and so with one surely lurking it tempers confidence but at the prices they still represent value here.

We look pretty sure to collect on a couple of our series bets atleast with Anderson long odds on to be top bowler for the English and Collingwood currently well in play for an e/w slot on the Batsman front.

Here are the best bets for this week - best of luck!!

Advice - 4th Test

England to win the Test  - 0.5pt win at 3/1 General - no joy

Top England Batsman in match - Alistair Cook 0.5pt win - 9/2 General - beaten by 3 runs!

Top Aussie Batsman in Match - Simon Katich 0.5pt win  - 4/1 General - no need for him to score so we lose!

Tom Fielding

THE ASHES 3rd Test - 28th July 2009

We're enjoying a good series so far and I still hold hope that our series bets will come through so I hope you guys are on with us!

The third test and still the bookmakers are underestimating the England side although the draw seems realistic given the summer we are having and a jelly of a pitch! A small bet on England at 4/1 and a crack at Ian Bell to top score for his side in the match on familar turf seems a decent way to play.

Advice -

England to win match - 0.5pt win at 4/1 General - Aussies grind out a fortunate draw....perhaps justice for Cardiff!

Ian Bell top England batsman in the match - 0.5pt at 11/2 General - just failed by a few runs...

Tom Fielding

THE OPEN and THE ASHES 2nd TEST -

Firstly Tom Fielding has picked out three value bets for tomorrows second Test at Lords, all level stakes 1pt.

England to Win the Test - 5/1 Totesport - WINNER!!

Strauss Top England Batsman in the Match - 4/1 BET365 - WINNER!!

Hussey Top Aussie Batsman in the Match - 11/2 BET365 - no joy....

Now here's Jeff Rough for the OPEN

Hi All

Its The Open and back at Turnberry after a long absence this looks to be a cracker. Tiger Woods will try to position himself for a weekend surge no doubt and he has everything you need to succeed here of course. Head and shoulders above all rivals when on his game he is almost a decent price at 13/5...almost!

However the bookie chaps are being very fair with 7 and even 8 places paid on e/w betting which makes me feel confident enough about leaving the without Woods market alone and going with the full odds to get the value on some lesser fancied mortals.

First thing is to take a look at the draw and as we saw in the US Open if you get on the wrong side of it weather wise then its effectively curtains for the weekend. Only Tiger managed any real respectable effort from the worst of the conditions alongside the slowly returning to form Anthony Kim.

Therefore punting from the start of the tournament I would take an early, middle and late starter as a decent make up for the week.

From the early starters tomorrow Kenny Perry is a crazy price, he is still a flat track bully winning machine but has form on links courses and is red hot winning again and again and only just missing out in the Masters when Cabrera held his nerve better than Perry and Campbell. Its a good sign he has arrived for this one after not bothering himself in 08! If the weather is fair all week then he will be thereabouts.

Hunter Mahan could be a star on the links and goes off middle of the day for round 1 with Rose and Romero which looks a real strong threesome. He is widely fancied to do good things this week but is a tad short at around 33s for my money. An similar profile player who could really pop up and go well is Brandt Snedeker who has just come back to form following a terrible run of injury woes, he has major form and despite missing the cut last year in this tournament has ability to hit low and play well in rough conditions. He kicks off in a low key threesome mid morning and could be a springer on the board early doors for a nice laying opportunity as he starts at silly prices!

Off the home challenge I see Poulter and Casey as best hopes this time round, Harrington despite picking up a mickey mouse tournament last week still needs to show he is capable of going close in a field like this following all his changes to a three time major winning swing...if its not broke then dont try to fix it.....Im sure he knows better than me but I will not be investing for the three timer here.

So back to Poulter and Casey, one has anger management issues and the other could do with some fire in his belly. You can work that out Im sure but Casey has been in good form and showed tremendous bottle at Wentworth to merit continued support from us this week. A small saver on Poulter is worth it too as Links and the big occasion will help him concentrate rather than blow up!

Lastly a late starter to add to the party and that's Jim Furyk who despite his quirky swing is a super player of links golf. He has been in the mix before in the Open and has the game in good order going into this week. I can't imagine he will wilt under the pressure of a hot three ball playing alongside Harrington and Ogilvy in fact I think it's the best thing as he will bring his A game to the very first tee.

Garcia, Westwood and Rose would be super winners of the tournament but none of them are reliable at the moment, I can't help think that Westwood has issues with the pressure although his game is in good order and Garcia's putting is still iffy whereas Rose well he hasn't captured the form I felt he could so far this term.

Enjoy the tournament.

Advice -

Jim Furyk - 1pt e/w 28/1 Paddy Power 7 places 1/4 odds

Paul Casey - 1pt e/w 33/1 Boyles 8 places 1/4 odds

Kenny Perry - 0.75pt e/w 55/1 Paddy Power 7 Places 1/4 odds

Ian Poulter - 0.5pt e/w 30/1 Boyles 8 places 1/4 odds

Brad Snedeker - 0.5pt e/w 150/1 Paddy Power 7 places 1/4 odds

Good luck and here's to a weekend interest!

Jeff Rough

Jeff Rough missed the money places on the Scottish Open, his 100/1 shot Jaidee was well placed going in to Sunday and had a nightmare!!! Tom Fielding however was bang on target with the Draw at 7/5 for the first Ashes Test so congratulations there....It's the Open next and the Second Test for these two and they will update here in due course...don't miss out.

SCOTTISH OPEN - Starts 9th July 2009, Loch Lomond

Welcome back - shame with Anthony Kim at the US Open, he has followed up that return to something like his best with a decent run behind Tiger in the states and will be back winning soon which is good for him but sadly a little to late for the Jeff Rough coffers.

The Scottish Open is underway tomorrow and I have a couple of small bets to advise in this curtain raiser for the big action to follow at Turnberry next week.

Firstly the maverick and temperamental Ian Poulter is in cracking form and although having camera issues on his last outing he played some outstanding golf for the majority. He will be fired up to win here and his previous efforts at Loch Lomond stand up very well to scrutiny. The 2005 tournament here was one where the top players really came through and Poulter managed to finish just three off the winner Tim Clark with a score that would have clinched the next three Opens here. Given that he comes here off the back of some of his best golf for a good while I would suggest sticking with him this week and depending how he performs most likely he will carry the Rough money at Turnberry.

The other two players to concentrate on this week are Nick Dougherty who has not really done too well at the last two Opens here but also has a super build up to this week behind him and indeed was in the mix here in 05, finishing just one shot behind Poulter and four off the winning score. I think he is over priced and should go well.

Lastly we'll take a shot a big outsider who may just put it together and scare a few of the more fancied magazine cover boys. Step forward the Thai rising star Thongchai Jaidee who has been playing some solid golf in Europe this season, with decent shows in Ireland, Wales and France and I feel he can better his 12th place here three years ago and his very respectable 25th last time round. He is steadily rising up the rankings and will be winning soon enough.

Enjoy the week.

Advice

Ian Poulter 1pt e/w - Ladbrokes 16/1 ( 5 places and 1/4 odds )

Nick Dougherty 0.75pt e/w - Ladbrokes 50/1 ( 5 places and 1/4 odds )

Thongchai Jaidee 0.5pt e/w - Ladbrokes 100/1 ( 5 places and 1/4 odds )

JEFF ROUGH

ASHES SERIES, England v Australia

1st Test starts 8th July, Cardiff

Hi to all Cricket fans I'm Tom Fielding and happy to be given an opportunity to highlight some value for the Ashes Series which get's underway tomorrow. I will do a preview today of the whole series as well as some hints for the first test - then I should ( providing I am not quickly fired ) be back to look at the tests as they move up and down the country!

Well firstly looking at the two sides it's not going to be a white wash this time so patriotic England fans can rest easy on that score. Australia have remoulded and built a new team since the 5-0 humiliation dished out to Flintoff's men in Australia 07. England have since also regrouped and now under Andrew Strauss rather than the five minute captain Pieterson they have begun to solidify some decent performances with a bit of team spirit that was missing since 2005 with our lord and master Michael Vaughan.

The sides are likely to line up with plenty of similarities and I would put very little between the opening batsmen for each side, Hughes and Katich are solid and must be dealt with early and Cook and Strauss can build big totals if allowed a free morning session without hiccups. People have questioned Hughes against a fast bodyline approach and frailties with the short ball but I don't feel that will be his main problem as if it's not on the stumps he can leave alone of course and in my book the fast swing bowling that England can serve up will be his biggest issue. First morning with English cloud cover will give enough problems without trying to take anyone's heads off. If either attack concentrates on a heavy handed approach at Cardiff in the first session they may pay for it and I expect that the line and length men, albeit at pace and with the odd helmet chaser will be the call. Katich is building a nice niche for himself at the top of the innings since Langer and Hayden put on the slippers and is able to use all of his previous experience when more a bit part player for the side that had such dominance. He will help Hughes no doubt in dealing with the Ashes cauldron.

I dont see any such problems for the England openers, their tasks now are certainly easier with Brett ( Bruce ) Lee out of the way for atleast the first encounter. I expect Cook and Strauss to be scoring big during the series although perhaps one at a time and Cook can be very paitient when losing his partner early so if Strauss were to fall first in any of the matches I'd be keen to buy Cook on top score and runs markets because he adjusts so well. When playing freely and the partnership intact he can often lose concentration and roll over just before really hittting big scores.

Slight advantage to England there. The middle order though gives Australia the edge, Ponting and Hussey are run machines and both will excell especially if the openers keep them off the crease for a decent spread of time in the first innings. Michael Clark has loads of talent and is growing into a world class batsman and the support from Haddin is not to be forgotton, a very able line up. England will rely heavily on Pieterson and Collingwood as Bopara is facing this test for the first time and Flintoff is on the come back with Prior too hit and miss to be confident in. Bopara could go and have a big series but the first test is so important, like Bell before him a bad start often equals bad match and bad match can mean a quick end to the series...pressure is on the young man. I'd say the Aussies will be targeting Pieterson ( something he will relish ) and it's a huge key to Englands' fortunes.

The bowling attacks have come together for both teams with a process of elimination and England hold the aces with competition from the sidelines. They are set to leave out Harmison who gave the Aussies a working over in the warm up match and also Rashid who has bags of potential and already shown he is up to this level. The Aussies will have to do with Mitchell Johnson who will spearhead the team but are seriously lacking a full time spinner of test class.

For betting purposes I see England a worthwhile investment at prices of 3s on Betfair for a series win. There is some value against the main players in the markets for bolwing and batting honours also. However whatever you do on a punting front it will be a super summer for the leather and willow watchers among us.....roll on Cardiff and see you back here for the second test.

Advice

Series Bets - All level stakes 1pt as advised ( will total up later in the series and keep all updated )

England to win the Ashes - 3.00 Betfair

England Top Bowler - Anderson Win - 9/4 General

England Top Batsmen - Collingwood E/W - 9/1 Victor Chandler and 888 Sport - 1/4 odds 3 places

Aussie Top Bowler - Johnson Win 11/8 General

Aussie Top Batsman - Hussey Win - 4/1 General

Ashes Most Economical Bowler - Flintoff 9/2 General

First Test - Draw 7/5 General - WINNER...nice start for Mr Fielding

Enjoy

Tom Fielding

GOLF US OPEN 18th June 2009 -

It's US Open time tomorrow and highly experienced golfers need only apply. The course is a long, direct and full of fiendishly hard rough for the players to negotiate. If you don't drive far and more importantly straight it's curtains from the first tee onwards. Tiger Woods may aswell have designed the place as if he is consistent off the tees he wins regardless of what his pursuers might be able to do. His allround game is made for Bethpage and he was the only player under par in 2002 when he won here and it looks his best opportunity of this season to get major on the board.

With this in mind and his current price around 7/4 it's time to look at the without Woods markets for the best value. I'll start with my main fancy for the week Anthony Kim, he drives long and has an attitude not unlike Tiger himself. Naturally he is not best pleased with his form so far this year but has the game to go well here and will not wilt for pressure if in contention at the weekend. A point and shoot golfer who hits middle of the fairways and greens when under the spotlight this tournament could inspire a return to the type of form that saw him take two tournaments in 08 with six top three slots and don't forget real flashes of big game moments in the Ryder Cup.

Usually he would trade around the 40s mark but is available at 110 in places and a very fair 55 without Woods.

Others to take to the tee on Thursday include Paul Casey who is in such a rich vein of form at the moment and must go well again after our nice touch at Wentworth he needs little recommendation. At tastier odds Zach Johnson has the game, driving and accuracy to play a role and is a former major winner of course with no hang ups under pressure of such spotlight. In great nick so far this year and although not the longest he is one of the straightest off the tees and doesn't miss many greens.

Robert Allenby finish tied fourth last time up at St Jude and although a bit of a nearly man when it comes to majors his hallmark game long and accurate off the tees give him hope this week. The putting needs to come together but we're compensated with a nice e/w price.

Lastly and with money in the bank to play with we'll have a stab at a Camillio Villegas again in the hope that he eradicates the odd double and replaces them with solid pars. Distance and accuracy no issue here but the putting can go on and off like a traffic light and I hope he can continue to hit the greens like he has so far this term and give himself a chance to compete.

Great tournament and if Tiger's on game he's hard to beat so we play without him bar Casey -  and finally a word for Mickleson who deserves a lot of credit for playing in difficult circumstances.

All the best.

JEFF ROUGH

Advice -

All without Tiger Woods...5 places and 1/4 odds paid.

Anthony Kim 1.5pt e/w - 55/1 Tote Sport

Zach Johnson 0.5pt e/w - 40/1 Tote Sport / Boyles and Paddy Powers

Robert Allenby 0.5pt e/w - 60/1 Paddy Power

Camillo Villegas 0.5pt e/w - 30/1 Paddy Power and Stan James

With Tiger Woods -

Paul Casey 1pt e/w - 22/1 Paddy Powers and Boyles ( Outright market - 6 places and 1/4 odds ) 

JR

GOLF - BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth

We missed out at the Players Championship with our selections but I am hopeful of a good run for the money at the PGA this week. The course and field assembled are superb even allowing for some absentees with big reputations as this opens the door for some lesser lights to shine and bid for glory. The first round is a few hours away yet so hopefully we can pinpoint some value in the players who can go well back on familiar turf. Andreas Romero is a player who seems to save his best for these events and likes Wentworth with some solid efforts here in the past and he is a nice price due to some very indifferent form this term so far. He has a fair tee off time around midday with Westwood and Hanson for company which should assist him to perform well early and get a good rhythm. I think he is value over his Argentine conterpart Cabrera who is no value at the cramped odds - he should still have a good week but you need to catch him when the price allows for his inconsistencies as we did at Augusta.

Three other players I think we need to bring with us for the four days are Paul Casey who is rightly market leader for this as he has all the attributes needed to do well here and has previously also performed with merit at Wentworth. He needs no special mention and I think he must be top ten material at least. The second is Jeev Milkha Singh who is solid around here and needs to up his game a bit to be in the mix but it's not beyond him here and he is worth a small bet.

Lastly Darren Clarke is my next best after Romero and I feel this could be a good week for him after glimpses recently that he is about to put it together again and be competittive. His price is a nice one and he has a decent three ball alongside Milkha and Luke Donald to keep him hungry. Nicely settled into his game again and with lots to play for this week Clarke can come to the party.

Enjoy the action

Advice

Andreas Romero 1pt e/w - 50/1 Paddy Power - 5 places and 1/4 odds

Paul Casey 1pt win - 14/1 General Available - WINNER, WE COLLECT AFTER CASEY TAKES IT AT THE LAST>>>>>>>!!!!

Jeev Milkha Singh 0.5pt e/w - 60/1 Paddy Power - 5 places and 1/4 odds

Darren Clarke 0.75pt e/w - 100/1 Totesport - 5 places and 1/4 odds

JEFF ROUGH

Well we look foward to the "fifth" major beginning on Thursday and it's a specific test alright with the toughest par three in golf and water hazards absolutely everywhere. The Players Championship is a cracker to watch and very hard to win, so much so that a few of the big names don't even bother to show, prefering to perfect their games on the ranges and park courses rather than subject themselves to hell!!!

Players like Garcia and Mickelson have done very well here in the past and both will play big roles over the next few days. I am not sure that Sergio is playing well enough to repeat his win of last year but he must still be thereabouts and Mickleson is blowing hot and cold as always, if he has a good start then the rest are in trouble.

Even Tiger Woods has had problems here and would need a big change of Sawgrass luck to pick up the trophy on Sunday. It is of course not beyond the great man but unlikely and at 4/1 you're braver than me to get involved before the event kicks off.

Our hero from last time does not drive the same way twice so Angel Cabrera is forgiven this week and can relax following his Masters win. I think we may still see some fireworks though from the entertaining Camillo Villegas who is putting together his most consistent form of his career. He has a third place to his name at Sawgrass and is top of the tree in current greens in regulation stats. He will need a start and is capable of scoring very low here this week.

Two other men to take from the pack and have on side are Chad Campbell, runner up in the Masters and Robert Karlsson who finished a very respectable 6th last time he tackled this course with a score that would have been a winning one last year. Campbell has a decent record at Sawgrass and he can bounce back to form after a poor finish last time on his first run out since his Masters performance. Karlsson has been hit and miss but his game looked ok last time if not spectacular and can prove a nice tune up for better things this week.

Good luck with your picks however you spread your stakes. For me and with the Onthenose bank full after the bullseye Cabrera we can take these three and the course specialists Mickelson and Garcia with us to the first tee and hopefully the all important weekend.

Advice -

Camillo Villegas - 0.75pt e/w - 50/1 Paddy Power, 6 places paid

Chad Campbell - 0.5pt e/w - 66/1 Stan James, 6 places paid

Robert Karlsson - 0.5pt e/w - 66/1 Stan James, 6 places paid

Phil Mickelson - 1pt Win  - 11/1 William Hill

Sergio Garcia - 1pt e/w - 35/1 Paddy Power, 6 places paid

JEFF ROUGH

One of the "Monuments" of the European professional road cycling calendar takes place this Sunday 26th April. Liege- Bastogne-Liege known as La Doyenne ("the oldest") runs through the Ardennes hills of Belgium and is raced over 250 km often being decided by the final climbs twenty kilometres from the finish. Last year it was the Luxembourg brothers Schleck who forced the pace and split the peleton however neither could escape previous winners Davide Rebellin and Alejandro Valverde. With elder brother Franck Schleck out due to a serious injury in last weekend's Amstel Gold, is it time for younger brother Andy to shine?

Davide Rebellin is one of only six men in history who has completed the Ardennes cycling double, this Sundays race and Wednesday's race the Fleche Wallone which he in fact won again with consummate ease. We cannot doubt that he is in cracking form however there are a few chinks in his armoury. Rebellin suffered a setback in training a month back with flu wreaking havoc on his final preparations for these Classics. Last week's Amstel Gold race was essentially looked upon as a training ride to build back up the miles in his legs. Wednesday's win, although impressive was over 70 kilometres less than Sunday's so Rebellin may possibly not have the required finishing stamina to follow up over the longer and more arduous test. I would still put him as a top three contender no matter what and he's easy to back at 7/1 across the board

Samuel Sanchez, my pick last Sunday , proved his form on Wednesday by finishing fourth behind Rebellin and looks to be coming into winning form. The hills in the Ardennes will play to his strengths and he is again likely to play a part in the finish. I'm not sure whether he has the finishing kick at this stage of the season just yet, but a place claim is likely at very good odds once again. Should you fancy him, he's available at 13s on Betfair but generally 10/1 across the board.

My pick is no great surprise as he leads the betting markets in nearly all bookmakers. Alejandro Valverde like Rebellin has completed the Ardennes double and has won this race twice in the past three years. Great things were expected of this rider in the past Grand Tours however he never seems to be able to get it spot on over three weeks. He is without doubt a great one day rider and in the hills of the Belgium, I cannot see past him this year. He rode the past two races as training rides building up stamina and strength with his focus solely on his most favoured "Monument", It will be a surprise to see him out of the top three as most of his contenstants have ridden this and been beaten soundly by him over the years.

Bet

2 point each way Alejandro Valverde 6/1

1 point Valverde/Rebellin Reverse Forecast (13/2 & 6/1)

COLIN COUPON

Hi, Max Imum is here again and a quick heads up to take the value with the Welsh Wizard - Mark Williams in the World Championships. He kicks off against Hendry and if he takes the match as I fully expect him to then we would be on a super voucher for the rest of the tourney...He is currently 28/1.....

Full preview from Sheffield to follow once I am on site!

MI

Posted 14th April

ANTE-POST CYCLING ADVICE FROM CC....THE AMSTEL GOLD - SUNDAY 19th APRIL

The weekend's cycling panned out almost exactly as expected with Tom Boonen proving the strongest of the peleton's strong men over the 160 miles of racing. He led home Filippo Pozzato and our pick Leif Hoste (22/1) in a war of attrition that saw as many crashes on the cobbles as fallers in the Grand National! Boonen was a worthy winner and can now rest easily for the rest of the spring with a major classic in the bag as expected.

Away from Belgium and France to The Netherlands' only one day classic, The Amstel Gold, this time on fine tarmacadum roads as opposed to the previous weeks cobbled climbs. This singular facts accounts for the return to one day racing of a large contingent of other riders, riders who do not fancy the rough and tumble of the Flanders back roads nor the farmyard alleys of northern France. This does not make the Amstel any less of a race, however as it normally only the strongest who gets up the final Cauberg climb after 160 miles of racing.

The climb is not tough but after six hours in the saddle it must feel like a mini Everest. By this stage the bunch has been whittled down and the survivors are normally those who have been strong enough to survive the earlier onslaught of the wind and rain of spring in Holland. An out and out sprinter will have done well to get to the the bottom of the final climb one kilometre before the finish but he will never get up it at the pace of the one days specialists or climbers.  Oscar Freire was the best placed sprinter in recent times well outside the top ten.

Riders who have ridden the Belgian Classics do not tend to ride here but one exception in the starting line up is Heinrich Haussler who just has not got his season together in the big one day events. He has shown how strong he is but seems tactically bereft. He is someone to keep in mind at the finish should he decide to participate after a gruelling first half to the season. I think he is capable but is also capable of leaving nothing for the finish, such is his tactical inexperience.

It is a race where previous experience counts for most and we can whittle the list of possible winners to less than ten riders I feel. Unfortunately the bookies have made this connection also but I think they are pricing some riders more on former results than current form and there might be value in some of the outsiders.

None more so than Samuel Sanchez who I think has all the attributes to win this race. Sanchez is the current Olympic champion and has finished second overall in the recent Vuelta de Pais Vasco in Spain to none other than Alberto Contdor, current favourite for the Tour De France. The Olympic road race was held over a hilly circuit with a climbing finish not too disimiliar to the finish on Sunday. Sanchez outsmarted and outpaced Davide Rebellin who is the standard bearer for consistency in the Amstel having finished in the top ten on the past six occasions. Rebellin is getting on in age but chooses his races carefully and Sunday would once again be a major target of his. If Sanchez stays close to him, then I can only see one winner in a two up sprint.

However we have to look at the other major contenders aside from these two. Frank Schleck has won this race in the past on his own and we cannot omit Damiano Cunego who was also in good form in the recent Vuelta. Alejandro Valverde has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently with his implication in the Operation Puerto blood doping scandal and for that reason I am discounting him unless he's stupid enough to put himself back on the radar. Upandcoming younger brother of Frank Schleck, Andy is a live contender given his form last year and I expect a top five finish from him.

Sylvain Chavanel continues to improve and was unlucky last week having to obey team orders. He finished a fine 8th and I expect him to be team leader going into next weeks race. On that basis I would fancy him to get in the mix and 20/1 is a huge price once again for him

However I expect the climbing ability and the finishing kick of Sanchez to take a lot of beating with Cunego, Rebellin and possibly Haussler (entry permitting) close behind. Chavenal will be close if the race goes to plan as Quick Step seek their third classic of ther season.

Race Day 19th April 2009, THE AMSTEL GOLD

BETS

1 pt each way  - Samuel Sanchez 10/1

1 pt each way - Sylvain Chavenal 20/1

CC

Cycling Advice - 9th April 2009

One of cycling oldest and hardest one day cycling events takes place this Sunday. The race from Paris to the outdoor velodrome in the provincial town of Roubaix on the Belgian border is over 250 kilometres in length, that's over 160 miles of racing. Traditionally the roads used are the old farming roads complete with grass verges but made by the more deadly stone cobbles of the district. The roads are uneven, ditches are non-existent, and wind, rain thunder and lightening are constants in this unforgiving rural area.

Its a race for the strong men of the Big Teams and teh most common trend to date is that only battle hardened tough riders will prevail. Last year Stijn Devolder went into the race as aone of the favorites on the back of a convincing win in Flanders yet finished over 4 minutes behind to his teammate Tom Boonen. This year Devolder has won again while Boonen played second fiddle, man marked for the entire race by the other major protagonists. What was so noticeable last weekend was the strength in depth of the Quick Step team and any one of their contingent could have won. Deveolder used this team strength to his advantage and slipped away to win. This weekend it looks like Boonen's turn.

To win in Paris Roubaizx is to be able to ride at full pace over the different sections of cobbles effectively, causing maximum pain to your opposition time and time again. Gaps appear when the race lines out and only the strong men hold wheels in the face of driving onslaughts served up by the power men - riders of the past, like Kelly, Backstedt, Van Hooidjink motored across these pave (french for cobbles section). Todays strong men are Boonen, Hincapie, Devloder, Hagen, Flecha and Cancellara among many others. With correct postiioning a race can be blown asunder by any of the above but it is only the truly strong men that can keep it going for 160 miles to the finish so the search for a winner can be narrowed down.

Boonen is race favourite and every effort will be made by his teammates to put him in the correct position. Cancellara is a human version of a motorbike and can crucify any other rider on the pave. Devolder is in top form since last week and will prove a threat again if Boonen cannot make the break. Boasson Hagen is young but has the power to make the transition to the Big Time after his superb win in Ghent Wevelgem. Pozzato and Ballan return to the fold with major chances. Last years fourth place Martijn Maaskant must be in with a shout again after his fine third place in Flanders. Haussler and Klier are in top form also

There are some big names there and I believe Boonen will be tough to beat. However on the basis that he is marked out of it once again, we need to look at alternatives as savers. Sylvain Chavenal got the call up to Boonen's team after his impressive riding in Flanders and will likely be set the task of getting up the road early to assist Boonen in the later stages. However if Boonen does not make that transition then Chavanel might get a free role and I think his week's recovery from Flanders will set him up nicely for a Quick Step win.

Leif Hoste seemed to be back to some form last week and is another predicted top three finisher. He is ultra consistent and is due a decent finish although his lack of a big team will stand against him. However he always seems to find the right breakaways and cannot be written off.

Two bets :

Sylvain Chavanel .5 e/w 22/1

Leif Hoste .5 e/w 20/1

CC

Masters Preview - Augusta 2009

Welcome to Jeff Rough's Masters preview - it's a super return to the Major's with Tiger Woods back in full flow and fresh from a tournament win, Harrington going for an amazing three in a row and Mickleson having repaired his game somewhat and ready to challenge. Add to that Sergio Garcia, a revitalised Paul Casey, and the mercurial young talent of Rory McIlroy and you have some tournament lined up.

From a betting perspective it's an easy move to look solely at the w/o Woods market and rule him out of the equation but that's a bit defeatist especially as in my view if you think he'll win you should back him and watch him romp home. He must go close if playing anywhere near his best but I can't advise a bet at such cramped odds and let's look elsewhere.

The first man to concentrate on is Angel Cabrera, the tough Argentinian who has all the right attributes to be competitive here at Augusta. He has lit up the course before with some very solid rounds, notably a 66 and ten under par rounds to add to that and his tenth shot at the Green Jacket could be his best. I expect him to go well in his threeball where he will have the company and competition from Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.  His excellent driving is key to this course and if he can sharpen his short game enough to scramble around the greens for pars then he will be thereabouts.

Camillo Villegas also strikes me as a player who is ready to take a big leap, his form already entitles him to get involved in the Majors, he has put moments of brilliance alongside some abject efforts but gradually his consistency is coming together. A fearless putter who can be seen to great effect on the notorious Augusta dancefloors! Previous efforts here are not inspiring but we see a better player turn up in 2009 - watch out for some fireworks.

Lastly it's the nearly man Justin Rose who I think is going to have a super 2009 - he is so consistent, mentally strong and reminds of Faldo in his attitude and course management. If he gets a start, as he often does here, then his game now has the hallmarks neccesary to stay and stay big into Sunday. His price is wrong and should be shorter as he will play without previous pressures that usually surround his visit to Augusta.

I would suggest you look to the Betfair markets for an edge over bookie prices but my advice is best on the high street as liquidity and prices fluctuate so quick on the exchanges. If you do use Betfair then the golf trading oppotunities are worth a hell of a lot - nothing like selling on your bet at a quarter of the price you took and taking a punt on a challenger, green up and watch the greens rather than see red!

Enjoy a fascinating tournament...

Advice

Angel Cabrera 1pt e/w - 140/1 First five places, BET365 - WINNER, WE HIT THE GROUND SPRINTING RATHER THAN RUNNING GO COLLECT AND ENJOY THE WINNINGS AT 140/1..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Camillo Villegas 1pt e/w - 50/1 First five places, Totesport

Justin Rose 1pt e/w - 66/1 First five places, BET365

JEFF ROUGH.

CYCLING UPDATE 7TH APRIL 2009 -

Cycling Bets this week.

Ghent Wevelgem is a mid week Belgian bike race over the flatter parts of Belgium which usually culminates in a big bunch sprint. If form holds contant then there is only one man to back in a sprint finish and that is the Manx Man Mark Cavendish who has been making all the right noises about his chances tomorrow.

Cavendish certainly has the form to prove he's tomorrow's favourite with a sprint victory in Milan San Remo before winning the second stage of De Panne, The bunch face only one climb on which Cavendish has been practising and would hope to get over the top with the main leaders. It is hard to look elsewhere if it does involve a mass sprint.

There may be value in Heinrich Haussler who is in good form but perhaps keep an eye out for Graeme Brown of New Zealand who is a top sprinter and has been in cracking form in lesser races this year in bunch finishes.

Bet

Mark Cavendish - 2 points @ 13/8 Paddy Power

Heinrich Haussler -  .5 e/w 8/1 Sky Bet - first three places at 1/4 the odds

GOOD LUCK, CC

Cycling Update - Colin Coupon, 6th April 2009

The Tour of Flanders flattered to deceive on Sunday and punters were left with a sense of what might have been after a lone break by last years winner Stijn Dvolder on the second last climb, the Muur De Grammont survived to take the win by around a minute.

The race had a predictable feel to it around the 60 km to go mark with pre-race favorites Tom Boonen and Filippo Pozzato the main protagonists, opening up gaps at will over their other rivals. The two were the obvious strong men of the peloton, however both seemed to only have eyes for one another and it was this mistake that was exploited by Boonen's Quick Step team mate Devolder. Whilst everyone expected the race to be decided on the Muur, Devloder launched an devastating attack to join three other riders up the road. Once across Devolder made them work for him and the gap quickly went out to a minute. Pozzato, in not watching Devolder, made the first of his tactical errors and waited for Boonen to react. However on team orders it appeared that Boonen was happy to wait and let Devolder away meaning Pozzato having to rely on others to drive the peloton back up the the breakaway.

However it was not to be as everyone played a cat and mouse game and by the time Phillippe Gilbert attacked on the Muur followed by Boonen and Pozzato, Devolder was gone, soloing the remaining 16 kms to victory.

Gilbet had to make do with third in the sprint for the line with Pozzato fifth just behind 100/1 shot Maaskant. Pre race favourite Boonen didn't even contest the end sprint.

So a disappointing day for our 9/1 tip given that he was one of the major players today but was beaten by a technically and tactically superior team display. Its onto Ghent Wevelgem this Wednesday over some of the similiar climbs in Flanders before the Hell of the North where Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara must be big favourites. Please check back later in the week for a pre race report.

CC

 A MUST DO CYCLING BET straight from the saddle by Colin Coupon - 31st March 2009 6.30pm

Boylesports have made a glaring error of judgement in their pricing for the Ronde von Vlaanderen or The Tour of Flanders one of cyclings's most prestigious one days races taking place this weekend. Not only have they installed the wrong man as favourite, his price is over three times less than the current second place favourite and one man in top form. This must be looked at as a massive each way opportunity this coming weekend. The local hero is Tom Boonen and is currently 12/5 favourite but how have Paddy Powers missed the blatantly obvious form lines going into Sundays's classic? Going on those form lines how have they missed Filippo "Pippo" Pozzato?

Let's look at facts. Cycling isn't a hard sport to judge - normally the strongest rider wins (assumption based on them all taking the same quantity of drugs). Belgium racing is over short sharp hills and riders who can ride those hills win races. The lead up to Flanders involves a number of smaller races which exclusively point to those likely to be in the final shake up at around 4,30 Sunday evening after 6 hours racing.

The three days of De Panne cuts through the Belgian countryside and takes in almost three quarters of the short steep hills on Sundays route. It's painfully obvious that someone who can climb them this week should be able to climb them six days later. Pozzato won todays first stage and Paddy Powers refused to react, despite Pozzato beating everyone of his rivals for Sunday with considerable ease. Punters must get on now. The 7/1 available on Pozzato is just too big.

Bet Filippo Pozatto 1pt each way 9/1 Boyle sports

Colin Coupon

Snooker Blog - 16th January 2009

We will find a better place for this info in due course when we update the site but for now see below.....

Welcome to the snooker section of the Onthenoseinfo.com tipping service site, I am Max Imum and I will be bringing you the latest news and reviews and scores on the doors from the WPBSA 2008/2009 snooker season.

Already this season we have seen both new faces and old, with a first time winner at the Shanghai Masters in Ricky Walden and seasoned champions such as Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins lifting the Northern Ireland and Grand Prix trophies respectively. Shaun Murphy also continued his sensational habit of winning major tournaments when he lifted the UK Championship in December, putting him the very exclusive company of only a few players to win both the UK and the World Championships in their career, the two biggest ranking tournaments in the calendar.

The 2008/2009 season has also welcomed a new tournament to its schedule with the Bahrain Championship being staged for the first time, it's inaugural winner the ever improving left-handed Australian Neil Robertson. It is true to say that snooker has had its ups and downs over the past few years so the introduction of a new ranking tournament is the kind of move the sport needs to keep it afloat. Naturally though, even this good news was not without its critics - mainly those who manage the annual calendar of events. Six of the World's top players could not make it to Bahrain for the tournament due to contractual commitments to play in the Sky Sports Premier League, and Ronnie's "illness" also prevented him from travelling to play. Poor Ronnie, he does suffer with his health. Particularly it seems around the time of low prize money and low ranking point tournaments that are held in the Far East (China Open a couple of seasons back) and the Middle East (this years very own Bahrain tournament). Get well soon Ronnie ;-)

As I write we are in the midst of a gripping Masters tournament that has had more rollercoasters than Alton Towers and tension like a World Cup penalty shoot out. Joe Perry knows this only too well, having missed the easiest frame ball he will ever have a go at while 5-4 up against Ronnie, with that miss costing him the frame and ultimately the match. He is not alone though, his colleague Graeme Dott will also still be reeling from wasting his own chances when he lost 6-5 to Stephen Maguire after leading 5-2 and playing at cruising speed. It's a funny old game.

Newcomer Mark Allen looked all set to fire his way into the Semi-final until he came up against the defending champion and arguably the most improved player of the last couple of seasons, Mark Selby. After Allen disposed of Ryan Day in truly spectacular form, the debutant entered the clash with Selby in form and with confidence. It is no surprise then that this went down to the wire, with the more experienced Selby just pipping Allen to the post in a tense final frame. Selby then goes through to the semi's to face John Higgins, a man to be feared even if he was playing one handed and a bit drunk (and I can vouch for that, I have seen it).

While snooker is never easy to predict, there are some clues in there for us punters. Current form is obviously a clear indication of probability, although at this stage in the tournament no-one is playing badly to get this far. We then look at experience and winning mentality, and that narrows the field. Selby is playing exceptionally well, and as defending champion clearly has it in him to win. Higgins is undeniably a seasoned winner with almost 20 ranking titles to his name, although looking at his matches to date in this tournament he has been getting through playing less than his best. Although a close match to call, based on form I would have to call Selby the winner in that match.

The other quarter finals get underway today and they see the Bahrain champion Robertson face former UK champion Stephen "On Fire" Maguire, and a repeat of last years World Championship final with Ali Carter taking on the one and only Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Robertson v Maguire is really the toss of a coin, both have form and experience, with Maguire perhaps favourite due to his sheer grit and determination, however Robertson is one hell of a break builder and has proved he can handle the pressure. One thing is for sure, expect a fast attacking match with plenty of big breaks. Despite Maguire's rather special come back against Dott earlier in the tournament, he didn't look good for that match and so form could be shaky. My bet is a frame score, and I am going to say 6-4 Robertson with 2.5+ centuries compiled in the match.

Carter v Ronnie is going to be a special game, I can feel it in my waters. Both Carter and O'Sullivan made maximum breaks at the Crucible last year, Carter's being against Peter Ebdon who he spectacularly dumped out of this years Masters 6-0 to set up the match with Ronnie in this quarter final. Form is not a question for this boy, and he is as close as ever to lifting some significant silverware. Ronnie is Ronnie, and who knows which Ronnie will turn up. Whichever it is, even the B game is still a scary force to be reckoned with and he can never be counted out (just ask Joe Perry). My instinct tells me though, that Carter is out to get him and is very capable of doing so with his renewed drive and confidence in his game. My bet is match winner Captain Ali Carter, the underdog who is soon to have his day.

For now I am off to do some line-ups. You never know, you could be seeing a Max Imum at the Crucible next year too!

Recommendations:

Semi Final Match winner: Mark Selby (v John Higgins) - WINNER

Quarter Final Frame Score: 6-4 Robertson (v Stephen Maguire) - Cracking Match Which Maguire Claims...

Centuries: 2.5+ WINNER, Record equaling 5 consecutive centuries!

Quarter Final Match winner: Ali Carter (v Ronnie O'Sullivan) - Ronnie Turned Up Alright ......sets up final with our pick Selby

Bet lucky, pot lucky, see you soon.

Max