Just back from the big match at Pride Park this evening with Derby forcing an honourable draw against promotions favourites Birmingham City thanks to a late Stephen Davies goal. Brum went ahead in the first half rather against the run of play but it was a good battling effort from the Rams and they re-inforced my belief that they will be difficult to beat while once again lacking a little creatively. Hopefully Giles Barnes will be a big help in this sphere when he eventually regains fitness after a knee operation in the summer, also winger Kris Commons is having to sit it out with a hamstring strain at present.
The snooker bets went fairly well today, with three out of five coming up trumps, Joe Perry made short work of Matthew Stevens while the Nugget Steve Davis ousted reigning champion Dominic Dale and Ricky Walden edged out Stephen Hendry, who remains winless in three matches this year.
There was a narrow loss for Jimmy White against Mark King on the final frame after leading 2-0 and 4-3 whilst Fergal O Brien succumbed a little more easily 5-2 to Aussie Neil Robertson.
The majority of matches look priced up fairly accurately tomorrow so will only be playing on a couple of them. I was tempted by Ryan Day at 5/6 and Marco Fu at 4/6 for their respective matches but they havent really gotten into the thick of things yet this season and might still be on the rusty side so decided to leave those, having adjusted my own odds accordingly after a re-think.
One player getting plenty of table time is Dave Harold and I couldn't resist a small flutter at 11/4 on old Bananaman himself against the rather unpredictable Ding, certainly if the Stoke potter could make it a tactical battle the Chinese cueist could be found wanting, though if he was at his best the home town player could just as easily make short work of it.
I've also had some of the 5/6 about Ali Carter to beat Mark Williams, his form has been quite decent since the World Championships and he was unlucky not to beat Ronnie O Sullivan in the recent Northern Ireland semi final where the final red down the cushion rattled agonisingly in the jaws.
Williams has fought back a little in the last year after a slump in form but was edged out of the Grand Prix qualifiers by Simon Bedford last week so might not be in the most confident of moods here.
Graeme Dott has apparently pulled out of the tournament with a broken wrist (through playing football) according to the latest rumours so Jamie Cope gets a free passage therefore into the next round should that be confirmed.
Elsewhere the NHL ice hockey season gets underway at the weekend, they are taking the opening matches to Prague and Stockholm this year after a successful visit to London last time around when I saw Anaheim play Los Angeles at the 02 Arena.
Have had a couple of each way outright pokes at 20/1, two improving teams from the latter end of the year in Dallas and Philadelphia, the first named who came on leaps and bounds after changing their coach and the latter team also are boosted by the return of one of their star players after long term injury.
They both reached their respective Conference finals last year before being defeated and in recent years that has been a good pointer to a subsequent lifting of the Stanley Cup itself soon afterwards.
Finally my car CD player was returned from the workshop today, remember it had previously not been ejecting properly, well it does that now just fine, the only trouble is it misses out the rather more important bit of actually playing the contents first, grrrr, looks like it will be winging its way back to them in the post tomorrow!!
Punting highlight of the week: Probably Durham landing the ante post County Championship Division 1 bet at 9/2 with a fine win at Kent at the last gasp.
Punting lowlight of the week: 9 out of 10 deciders going against me in the Grand Prix snooker qualifiers a few days ago.
All the best
Rick
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Monday, 29 September 2008
Whirlwind does the business in Shanghai
Well the wildcards didnt last long in the Shanghai Masters, blink and you would have missed them, Ah Bulajiang was closest to causing an upset as he took Judd Trump into a final frame shootout before going down 5-4.
Jimmy White and Andy Hicks both did the business for me to justify their position as 4/6 jollies, the White-Guodong match was featured on Eurosport and the youngster looked very nervous in front of the TV cameras for possibly the first time, which coupled with a steady performance from the Whirlwind, ensured a comfortable passage for the old stager.
He now meets Mark King tomorrow and no reason why if he shows that kind of consistency he couldnt spring a surprise so took the early offer of 6/4 there, admittedly his long game was still a bit suspect but he looked much more confident in amongst the balls than he has been in the last year or two, probably thanks to some decent results down at Prestatyn.
In fact tomorrow I will mostly playing the underdogs, also hovering around the 6/4 mark too are Steve Davis and Fergal O Brien and I've snapped up those prices too.
Davis plays last years winner Dominic Dale but neither player for me justifies any great faith on current form, Dale didnt appear in so many summer pro-am tournaments this time around so is unlikely to have the same kind of advantage as last year when he largely caught everyone cold.
Fergal O Brien hasn't set the world alight either so far this year, with a tepid performance against Michael Holt on TV in Northern Ireland and a defeat to Andrew Higginson in the Grand Prix last week but Robbo has been a traditionally slow starter to the season himself of late. He lost early doors to Ian McCulloch in Belfast and also got turned over by Michael Judge and Ricky Walden well before the business end of minor events in Leeds and Antwerp.
Following on from my large odds bet on Walden in the outrights, I've had to take him at 6/5 to upset Stephen Hendry in the match odds too, Hendry has had very little table time so far this year and will surely be very rusty, winning only one frame in each of his matches with Stephen Lee in Belfast and Mark Selby in last week's Premier League. Walden meanwhile has been appearing in practically everything that's going and as I said elsewhere has already lifted minor trophies in Thailand and Belgium.
The one favourite I'll play is Joe Perry, taken the early 8/11 to beat Matthew Stevens; Perry has been very good at punishing mistakes in the last year or two and Stevens still seems a good way off the form that took him to the higher echelons of the game a few years ago, he was beaten 5-2 by Dave Gilbert on his last outing in Prestatyn.
Going back to the Irish Greyhound Laurels event I mentioned at the weekend, I've decided to add an each way bet on 100/1 shot Good Boy Errol, he stayed on strongly into second place behind one of my other selections Cabra Cool in one of heats on Saturday night. With the track favouring front runners, he seems an unlikely winner but with a quarter the odds the first four in the final if he could sneak through it looks a good value bet. Certainly he put up a good show a couple of days ago, being buffeted out of his stride early on but still closing on the winner into the straight so who's to say what would have happened with a clear run.
Have also topped up a bit on favourite Slip The Lark, he has a bit of nightmare draw with the nearest two in the betting also in the same heat next week but this means his odds have in places remained largely unchanged so its now or never as regards backing him for a decent profit or to remain a marginal winner on the book.
He was impressive enough for me on Saturday, slightly missing the break but showing searing pace to take it up by the second bend, if he gets it right at the traps this track should suit him, the one worry being that he got a few bumps from Tyrur Laurel in the first round and they are both drawn in the same traps this time around.
With early paced Kryptonite on the inside too theres not much room for error in this one.
All the best,
Rick
Jimmy White and Andy Hicks both did the business for me to justify their position as 4/6 jollies, the White-Guodong match was featured on Eurosport and the youngster looked very nervous in front of the TV cameras for possibly the first time, which coupled with a steady performance from the Whirlwind, ensured a comfortable passage for the old stager.
He now meets Mark King tomorrow and no reason why if he shows that kind of consistency he couldnt spring a surprise so took the early offer of 6/4 there, admittedly his long game was still a bit suspect but he looked much more confident in amongst the balls than he has been in the last year or two, probably thanks to some decent results down at Prestatyn.
In fact tomorrow I will mostly playing the underdogs, also hovering around the 6/4 mark too are Steve Davis and Fergal O Brien and I've snapped up those prices too.
Davis plays last years winner Dominic Dale but neither player for me justifies any great faith on current form, Dale didnt appear in so many summer pro-am tournaments this time around so is unlikely to have the same kind of advantage as last year when he largely caught everyone cold.
Fergal O Brien hasn't set the world alight either so far this year, with a tepid performance against Michael Holt on TV in Northern Ireland and a defeat to Andrew Higginson in the Grand Prix last week but Robbo has been a traditionally slow starter to the season himself of late. He lost early doors to Ian McCulloch in Belfast and also got turned over by Michael Judge and Ricky Walden well before the business end of minor events in Leeds and Antwerp.
Following on from my large odds bet on Walden in the outrights, I've had to take him at 6/5 to upset Stephen Hendry in the match odds too, Hendry has had very little table time so far this year and will surely be very rusty, winning only one frame in each of his matches with Stephen Lee in Belfast and Mark Selby in last week's Premier League. Walden meanwhile has been appearing in practically everything that's going and as I said elsewhere has already lifted minor trophies in Thailand and Belgium.
The one favourite I'll play is Joe Perry, taken the early 8/11 to beat Matthew Stevens; Perry has been very good at punishing mistakes in the last year or two and Stevens still seems a good way off the form that took him to the higher echelons of the game a few years ago, he was beaten 5-2 by Dave Gilbert on his last outing in Prestatyn.
Going back to the Irish Greyhound Laurels event I mentioned at the weekend, I've decided to add an each way bet on 100/1 shot Good Boy Errol, he stayed on strongly into second place behind one of my other selections Cabra Cool in one of heats on Saturday night. With the track favouring front runners, he seems an unlikely winner but with a quarter the odds the first four in the final if he could sneak through it looks a good value bet. Certainly he put up a good show a couple of days ago, being buffeted out of his stride early on but still closing on the winner into the straight so who's to say what would have happened with a clear run.
Have also topped up a bit on favourite Slip The Lark, he has a bit of nightmare draw with the nearest two in the betting also in the same heat next week but this means his odds have in places remained largely unchanged so its now or never as regards backing him for a decent profit or to remain a marginal winner on the book.
He was impressive enough for me on Saturday, slightly missing the break but showing searing pace to take it up by the second bend, if he gets it right at the traps this track should suit him, the one worry being that he got a few bumps from Tyrur Laurel in the first round and they are both drawn in the same traps this time around.
With early paced Kryptonite on the inside too theres not much room for error in this one.
All the best,
Rick
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Mac back on track at Nottingham
A pretty good night on the greyhounds last night, Boherbradda Mac justified my faith in him after an unlucky run on Monday night at Nottingham, he revisited the track in fine style with a four and a half length success in the sprint final, returning at odds of evens, slightly less than the 6/4 forecast in the papers but unless you're on the track theres not alot you can do about it, thats one reason why the horses are more of a viable medium than the dogs long term.
Looking at how the three bookies on track were pricing up last Monday, I did expect the SP to be a little shorter as they all seemed to slightly undercut the forecast price of the favourite on every race before pushing out the outsiders nearer the off.
Over in Ireland at Cork the next round of the Laurels heats were taking place and I managed to get three out of my four picks through to the quarter finals.
In fact I was wishing I had played on the individual races on the night too as Chicken Supper (10/1), Cabra Cool (3/1) and Slip The Lark (4/6) all recorded highly impressive victories. The one low point was when Allmightyjack, drawn in the same heat as the first mentioned, started slowly and then got knocked out of the race in scrimmaging.
I found the price of the first mentioned winner particularly surprising, he was also available at 100/1 again too in the outright before this weekend (I got bits of it elsewhere and more on at 66s before it reappeared) but he has looked just as impressive as most of the other winners in the two races he's run so far.
There were a couple of others to catch my eye from off the pace last night and might consider adding one or both of them to my portfolio, although it definitely seems a front runners track in the main with most of the winners leading from start to finish all the way through the competition so far. Also its perhaps best not to read too much into the times last night as the track seemed to be getting progressively slower as the night wore on.
On to the snooker and the Shanghai Masters gets underway at 7am UK time tomorrow morning. This is one tournament where Rocket Ronnie doesnt tend to excel, usually throwing caution to the wind in his approach perhaps because in his subconcious he doesnt really want to spend too much time so far from home for what is not the best prize money ever seen on the tour.
Therefore in his section, I have to give Joe Perry a chance at 40/1, he has looked an improved player in the last year, winning Barry Hearn's Championship League competition and reaching the World semi finals along the way so its maybe not impossible now that he could pick up the odd ranking event. For good measure he also beat Ronnie in the recent Premier League meeting of course and starts off with a winnable looking match with out of form Matthew Stevens.
The other possibility here was Jamie Cope but his form seems to be very sketchy in the last year and a half, and he hasnt really blossomed into the finished article as yet, despite oodles of initial promise.
In the top section, Ding looks the most recognisable contender at first glance in his own backyard but his form of late hasnt looked particularly inspiring, losing to Mark Davis in Northern Ireland and struggling somewhat in a 3-3 Premier League draw with John Higgins.
He did win the Jiangsu Classic in the summer in the town of his birthplace but at the odds had to look elsewhere, he also has what could yet be a tough match against in-form Bananaman Dave Harold in round one.
Therefore will give Ricky Walden an e/w dabble now available at 125/1, he has already won minor events in Thailand and Belgium since mid summer and now just needs to transfer that type of form to the ranking event arena. Admittedly he has to play the local wildcard Zhang Anda in a preliminary round first but could then face the pretty rusty Stephen Hendry who hasnt really got started yet this season so could be off and running to a flyer in what looks a weakish quarter.
As I've alluded to in the past there does seem a breakaway group of serious contenders for most of the events however and I'll have to include a couple of those to make up my four against the field - namely Mark Selby at 8/1 and Stephen Maguire at 9/1. Selby looks likely to face promising youngster Judd Trump in round one but his safety game ought to see him through that one after which he could get the chance for a revenge mission with Mark King, who deposited him from the World Championships last backend, so will have plenty of incentive.
Maguire meanwhile has an awkward looking starter against his big friend Barry Hawkins but if he could get throught that one (and I anticipate a hard fought match) his draw would open up a bit from thereon.
In tomorrow mornings wildcard matches, I wouldnt get particularly carried away, the younger brigade usually manage to avoid upsets in this sphere I've noticed but they all seem priced accordingly so I've chanced my arm on a couple of 4/6 shots who nevertheless send a few shivers down the spine in doing so lol.
In what seems likely to be the early televised match, Jimmy White takes on Xiao Guodong and will be out to avenge a 5-0 thrashing in the qualifiers at Prestatyn last year at the hands of the young lad who has since won the Paul Hunter English Open in the summer despite being relegated off the tour at the end of the season.
The only real name of note he beat there was Joe Perry however and White's own form has seemed more consistent so far this term so will give him the benefit this time around despite the disadvantage of the travelling.
Will also take Andy Hicks over Li Yuan, the latter ran Marco Fu close last year in the wildcard rounds, losing only 5-4 in a scrappy encounter but it was more a case of Fu struggling rather than anything startling from the Chinese cueist so will keep faith with Hicks who beat Michael Judge, Dave Gilbert and Kuldesh Johal to get this far.
Spare a thought for Mark Allen too as you hit the sack tomorrow night, as he will take on the winner of the Liang Wenbo-Atthasit Mahitti clash at 3.30am our time on Tuesday morning which can hardly be to his advantage, he would normally be excluded until the last 32 stage, but gets pushed back a round due to the fact Dominic Dale won here last year.
See you soon,
Rick
Looking at how the three bookies on track were pricing up last Monday, I did expect the SP to be a little shorter as they all seemed to slightly undercut the forecast price of the favourite on every race before pushing out the outsiders nearer the off.
Over in Ireland at Cork the next round of the Laurels heats were taking place and I managed to get three out of my four picks through to the quarter finals.
In fact I was wishing I had played on the individual races on the night too as Chicken Supper (10/1), Cabra Cool (3/1) and Slip The Lark (4/6) all recorded highly impressive victories. The one low point was when Allmightyjack, drawn in the same heat as the first mentioned, started slowly and then got knocked out of the race in scrimmaging.
I found the price of the first mentioned winner particularly surprising, he was also available at 100/1 again too in the outright before this weekend (I got bits of it elsewhere and more on at 66s before it reappeared) but he has looked just as impressive as most of the other winners in the two races he's run so far.
There were a couple of others to catch my eye from off the pace last night and might consider adding one or both of them to my portfolio, although it definitely seems a front runners track in the main with most of the winners leading from start to finish all the way through the competition so far. Also its perhaps best not to read too much into the times last night as the track seemed to be getting progressively slower as the night wore on.
On to the snooker and the Shanghai Masters gets underway at 7am UK time tomorrow morning. This is one tournament where Rocket Ronnie doesnt tend to excel, usually throwing caution to the wind in his approach perhaps because in his subconcious he doesnt really want to spend too much time so far from home for what is not the best prize money ever seen on the tour.
Therefore in his section, I have to give Joe Perry a chance at 40/1, he has looked an improved player in the last year, winning Barry Hearn's Championship League competition and reaching the World semi finals along the way so its maybe not impossible now that he could pick up the odd ranking event. For good measure he also beat Ronnie in the recent Premier League meeting of course and starts off with a winnable looking match with out of form Matthew Stevens.
The other possibility here was Jamie Cope but his form seems to be very sketchy in the last year and a half, and he hasnt really blossomed into the finished article as yet, despite oodles of initial promise.
In the top section, Ding looks the most recognisable contender at first glance in his own backyard but his form of late hasnt looked particularly inspiring, losing to Mark Davis in Northern Ireland and struggling somewhat in a 3-3 Premier League draw with John Higgins.
He did win the Jiangsu Classic in the summer in the town of his birthplace but at the odds had to look elsewhere, he also has what could yet be a tough match against in-form Bananaman Dave Harold in round one.
Therefore will give Ricky Walden an e/w dabble now available at 125/1, he has already won minor events in Thailand and Belgium since mid summer and now just needs to transfer that type of form to the ranking event arena. Admittedly he has to play the local wildcard Zhang Anda in a preliminary round first but could then face the pretty rusty Stephen Hendry who hasnt really got started yet this season so could be off and running to a flyer in what looks a weakish quarter.
As I've alluded to in the past there does seem a breakaway group of serious contenders for most of the events however and I'll have to include a couple of those to make up my four against the field - namely Mark Selby at 8/1 and Stephen Maguire at 9/1. Selby looks likely to face promising youngster Judd Trump in round one but his safety game ought to see him through that one after which he could get the chance for a revenge mission with Mark King, who deposited him from the World Championships last backend, so will have plenty of incentive.
Maguire meanwhile has an awkward looking starter against his big friend Barry Hawkins but if he could get throught that one (and I anticipate a hard fought match) his draw would open up a bit from thereon.
In tomorrow mornings wildcard matches, I wouldnt get particularly carried away, the younger brigade usually manage to avoid upsets in this sphere I've noticed but they all seem priced accordingly so I've chanced my arm on a couple of 4/6 shots who nevertheless send a few shivers down the spine in doing so lol.
In what seems likely to be the early televised match, Jimmy White takes on Xiao Guodong and will be out to avenge a 5-0 thrashing in the qualifiers at Prestatyn last year at the hands of the young lad who has since won the Paul Hunter English Open in the summer despite being relegated off the tour at the end of the season.
The only real name of note he beat there was Joe Perry however and White's own form has seemed more consistent so far this term so will give him the benefit this time around despite the disadvantage of the travelling.
Will also take Andy Hicks over Li Yuan, the latter ran Marco Fu close last year in the wildcard rounds, losing only 5-4 in a scrappy encounter but it was more a case of Fu struggling rather than anything startling from the Chinese cueist so will keep faith with Hicks who beat Michael Judge, Dave Gilbert and Kuldesh Johal to get this far.
Spare a thought for Mark Allen too as you hit the sack tomorrow night, as he will take on the winner of the Liang Wenbo-Atthasit Mahitti clash at 3.30am our time on Tuesday morning which can hardly be to his advantage, he would normally be excluded until the last 32 stage, but gets pushed back a round due to the fact Dominic Dale won here last year.
See you soon,
Rick
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Cats disappoint but Durham take title
The aussie rules season bowed out today with my pre season bets Geelong Cats failing to hold on to their mantle as flag winners as they suffered a miserable defeat to a hard working Hawthorn side this morning. They certainly had enough chances to convert the match into a win but several individuals picked the worse possible time to suddenly become wasteful in front of the posts and in the end they were beaten by 26 points despite outscoring their opponents 34-25.
Certainly the Cats have been the best team over the season as this was only their second defeat but it always counts for little in a Grand Final and so it proved again, this will probably be au revoir to my betting on the AFL for a good while as it hasnt been particularly successful, especially in view of the ante post bet going down too.
Another ante post bet Wigan also narrowly went under to Leeds in the Super League semi final last night, they put up a brave show under intense pressure for much of the game but didnt really threaten enough at the opposite end of the pitch.
There was better news in the third of the long term wagers though as Durham lifted the County Championship Division 1 at odds of 9/2, going into the final set of matches I was rooting for either themselves or Somerset to do the business while Notts slipped up.
Hampshire really have improved in the second half of the year and they comfortably saw off Notts and with Somerset slumping in front of their home crowd against Lancashire, it was left to the North Easterners to complete an easy innings victory over a demoralised Kent side to take the spoils.
As you may have read the other week I'm on Rainbow View for the 1000 Guineas at 8/1 and she has now shortened to 7/4 after another impressive win in a Group race at Ascot today, this time against a slightly better class of opposition, and I'm still actually kicking myself I didnt get the 20/1+ that was available after her debut run after which I promptly forgot about it, thats the trouble with concentrating on so many sports at once, a problem I intend to rectify with a pruning this year.
Having said that, having now lost some of the summer sports, I am planning to have a punt or two on the NHL ice hockey which starts very shortly as long as I can fit it in along with the horse racing and snooker betting.
There was another good win for my team Derby County today with a 2-0 success at QPR and although I didnt play this time in view of the Londoners strong home record previously, I do think we will be a money spinner on our travels this year if you lay the home opposition as we are more designed to spoil than create at present, as I've mentioned before the lad Miles Addison is a real strong presence in the centre of the park.
The Irish Laurels greyhound heats continue tonight so I'll watch those hopefully tomorrow morning courtesy of greyhound data website and report back any successes or otherwise, will also give my old friend Boherbradda Mac another chance tonight in the sprint final at Nottingham, he cost me a few bob on Monday with a sluggish start but if he can get a clear run he must be in the shake up and seems more reasonably priced in the forecast at 6/4.
Will also give the Shanghai Masters snooker a bit of an airing tomorrow as that starts early on Monday morning, albeit with the local wildcards taking centre stage.
All the best for now,
Rick
Certainly the Cats have been the best team over the season as this was only their second defeat but it always counts for little in a Grand Final and so it proved again, this will probably be au revoir to my betting on the AFL for a good while as it hasnt been particularly successful, especially in view of the ante post bet going down too.
Another ante post bet Wigan also narrowly went under to Leeds in the Super League semi final last night, they put up a brave show under intense pressure for much of the game but didnt really threaten enough at the opposite end of the pitch.
There was better news in the third of the long term wagers though as Durham lifted the County Championship Division 1 at odds of 9/2, going into the final set of matches I was rooting for either themselves or Somerset to do the business while Notts slipped up.
Hampshire really have improved in the second half of the year and they comfortably saw off Notts and with Somerset slumping in front of their home crowd against Lancashire, it was left to the North Easterners to complete an easy innings victory over a demoralised Kent side to take the spoils.
As you may have read the other week I'm on Rainbow View for the 1000 Guineas at 8/1 and she has now shortened to 7/4 after another impressive win in a Group race at Ascot today, this time against a slightly better class of opposition, and I'm still actually kicking myself I didnt get the 20/1+ that was available after her debut run after which I promptly forgot about it, thats the trouble with concentrating on so many sports at once, a problem I intend to rectify with a pruning this year.
Having said that, having now lost some of the summer sports, I am planning to have a punt or two on the NHL ice hockey which starts very shortly as long as I can fit it in along with the horse racing and snooker betting.
There was another good win for my team Derby County today with a 2-0 success at QPR and although I didnt play this time in view of the Londoners strong home record previously, I do think we will be a money spinner on our travels this year if you lay the home opposition as we are more designed to spoil than create at present, as I've mentioned before the lad Miles Addison is a real strong presence in the centre of the park.
The Irish Laurels greyhound heats continue tonight so I'll watch those hopefully tomorrow morning courtesy of greyhound data website and report back any successes or otherwise, will also give my old friend Boherbradda Mac another chance tonight in the sprint final at Nottingham, he cost me a few bob on Monday with a sluggish start but if he can get a clear run he must be in the shake up and seems more reasonably priced in the forecast at 6/4.
Will also give the Shanghai Masters snooker a bit of an airing tomorrow as that starts early on Monday morning, albeit with the local wildcards taking centre stage.
All the best for now,
Rick
Friday, 26 September 2008
Blowing away the cobwebs on the baize
Just a couple of quick notes about this week's Grand Prix qualifiers, I promised to let you know the progress of the Whirlwind Jimmy White, and unfortunately for him and his fans he let a 3-0 lead slip against Michael Holt before going down 5-3, so the decision to leave him out of my fancies for the qualification market was justifed in the end, even though was very tempted at 20/1.
A more worried man at the moment however must be Ken Doherty whose alarming slump in form saw him lose 5-0 to veteran John Parrott who is perhaps better known nowadays as a BBC pundit than for making much progress on the green baize lately. This follows a 5-1 defeat to the Whirlwind in the Shanghai qualifiers and a 4-1 loss to amateur Gary Britton in John Higgins' World Series event. It must look a long way back for Ken now to get back into that elite top 16.
I went up to the club today to blow the cobwebs away for my own start to the snooker season in the humble surroundings of the Darley Dale and District League.
I always have the summer off which means a very rusty start at the beginning of the next season but I think it helps keep it fresh when it re-starts rather than grinding on through the hot summer days (or otherwise lol).
I hope its nowt to do with me but most of our team from last year have fallen by the wayside, the captain in his seventies has retired through loss of form, and two of the better players have dropped out due to work commitments which means myself and another lad we roped in from another club last year were all that were left.
As it happens one of the other teams who finished bottom were short of players so we joined up with those and I was made captain, but it looks a thankless task to galvanise the troops to much greater heights than avoiding finishing on the basement again even at this stage!!
Our presentation evening for the last season takes place tomorrow which I'll be attending, our disbanded team won the "B" Division honours and I somehow snaffled most wins in the division with 16 out of 18 but with the time consuming horse racing betting taking centre stage this year, dont see myself getting anywhere near that percentage this time around, as I'm pretty sure I will be practicising far less frequently.
I managed to muster a 19 break this morning in around three quarters of an hour so its fair to say I have left a bit to work on lol, oh for the days when I could take on the likes of Nigel Bond and give him a decent game, though he seems to be another one struggling this year so far.
Super League outright picks Wigan go to Leeds tonight in the semi final of the play offs with St Helens awaiting the winners and once again I think this is where they are likely to be found wanting, though also thought that when they won in France last week against the Catalans I admit.
Just a quick glance at the cricket and Notts look as though they will be needing a decent score tomorrow to win their match with Hampshire at present which suits me just fine as my hopes Somerset and Durham also battle for the title down to the wire.
The Cider men seem to be struggling somewhat though and looks like Durham are in pole position to take advantage of slip ups with a sizeable first innings lead in their match with fading Kent.
Finally good luck to another of my outright picks the Geelong Cats who take on Hawthorn Hawks tomorrow morning in the AFL grand final, if they can stop Buddy Franklin the dangerman in the opponents line up, they must have every chance of emerging victorious, having only been beaten once in the regular season.
A more worried man at the moment however must be Ken Doherty whose alarming slump in form saw him lose 5-0 to veteran John Parrott who is perhaps better known nowadays as a BBC pundit than for making much progress on the green baize lately. This follows a 5-1 defeat to the Whirlwind in the Shanghai qualifiers and a 4-1 loss to amateur Gary Britton in John Higgins' World Series event. It must look a long way back for Ken now to get back into that elite top 16.
I went up to the club today to blow the cobwebs away for my own start to the snooker season in the humble surroundings of the Darley Dale and District League.
I always have the summer off which means a very rusty start at the beginning of the next season but I think it helps keep it fresh when it re-starts rather than grinding on through the hot summer days (or otherwise lol).
I hope its nowt to do with me but most of our team from last year have fallen by the wayside, the captain in his seventies has retired through loss of form, and two of the better players have dropped out due to work commitments which means myself and another lad we roped in from another club last year were all that were left.
As it happens one of the other teams who finished bottom were short of players so we joined up with those and I was made captain, but it looks a thankless task to galvanise the troops to much greater heights than avoiding finishing on the basement again even at this stage!!
Our presentation evening for the last season takes place tomorrow which I'll be attending, our disbanded team won the "B" Division honours and I somehow snaffled most wins in the division with 16 out of 18 but with the time consuming horse racing betting taking centre stage this year, dont see myself getting anywhere near that percentage this time around, as I'm pretty sure I will be practicising far less frequently.
I managed to muster a 19 break this morning in around three quarters of an hour so its fair to say I have left a bit to work on lol, oh for the days when I could take on the likes of Nigel Bond and give him a decent game, though he seems to be another one struggling this year so far.
Super League outright picks Wigan go to Leeds tonight in the semi final of the play offs with St Helens awaiting the winners and once again I think this is where they are likely to be found wanting, though also thought that when they won in France last week against the Catalans I admit.
Just a quick glance at the cricket and Notts look as though they will be needing a decent score tomorrow to win their match with Hampshire at present which suits me just fine as my hopes Somerset and Durham also battle for the title down to the wire.
The Cider men seem to be struggling somewhat though and looks like Durham are in pole position to take advantage of slip ups with a sizeable first innings lead in their match with fading Kent.
Finally good luck to another of my outright picks the Geelong Cats who take on Hawthorn Hawks tomorrow morning in the AFL grand final, if they can stop Buddy Franklin the dangerman in the opponents line up, they must have every chance of emerging victorious, having only been beaten once in the regular season.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Deciding frame woe for 9 out of 10 fancies!
I'm cheating a bit by including this entry as Thursday as its now past the witching hour, such was the longevity of tonights Premier League snooker event at Derby which I'm just back from witnessing, maybe that shot clock ought to be changed to 15 seconds instead of 25!
The Davis-Perry game was the main culprit, finishing a fair bit later than would normally be expected in this format, though the result went my way with Joe emerging a 4-2 winner after the Nugget had taken the first frame quite impressively.
Thereafter however his game went gradually downhill, perhaps tiredness creeping in after playing in Prestatyn at 10am in a Grand Prix qualifier with Tom Ford. Perry was steady rather than spectacular but it was more than enough on the day.
The other match didnt exactly speed along either, Mark Selby showed flashes of why he is now one of the elite players of the game but did miss a few, however Hendry has had little match practice this season and looked very rusty indeed, so was unable to make any real impression on the game. In fact Selby's 5-1 win was rubber stamped by a fine last frame steal where he needed two snookers on the colours.
The aforementioned Grand Prix qualifiers were a bit of a nightmare, although it swung to and fro all week long, I ended up a fair bit on the wrong side, thanks mainly to an incredible sequence of deciding frame losses for my men.
In fact out of 10 matches I had gotten involved with that went down to a deciding frame, nine of them went the wrong way which does tell you its not going to be your week, but you have to take it on the chin and hopefully luck will even itself out over the year.
Can't see I did too much wrong in theory and probably just a quirk of nature but suppose with the limits on takeouts at Sporting Bet during the week I maybe had a disproportionate amount on some favourites and wasnt allowed enough on the outsiders that won, which would have made a substantial difference to the week.
This is always the problem where stakes are limited, in some ways I suppose you should adjust all stakes accordingly rather than let some of them stand at your normal levels and be forced to have minimal amounts on others.
In the Skybet "to qualify" market I was also blighted by 5-4 defeats with four of my five picks losing by that scoreline though admittedly some at a rather earlier stage than I had anticipated!! The improving Ricky Walden at 6/4 reversed the trend but overall still finished a few quid behind on that market too.
Elsewhere the outright cricket bets are still in the balance, Hampshire are putting up a good show against Notts and lead by ninety odd with just one second innings wicket down. Somerset who would be my best winner (at 10/1) are stuttering too however and are only twenty odd in front with two second innings wickets down at home to Lancashire. My second hope Durham (9/2) are in the best position of the three at the moment, sixty odd ahead of Kent with four first innings wickets still in hand. But everything to play for yet going into day three.
I'm currently looking at the NHL ice hockey markets and might be playing on those over the winter along with the snooker and horse racing, though the latter does take up alot of your time so not sure how viable it is to run too many sports alongside it.
As I said at the weekend, the gaelic football has been a big success over the summer and that will also be starting again early in the new year with the GAA League programme which builds up to the All Ireland Championship.
Also the aussie rules and cricket finish this weekend - I'm not sure theres too much money to be made from the cricket unless you follow it religiously or go in-play, I'm only a casual fan really and the way its generally priced up pre-match shows its a very open sport with even the hottest favourites rarely much shorter than around 8/13, though that means its hard to get massive prices about the underdogs either of course.
I think the way forward with alot of these sports is a very selective approach when there looks to be something outstanding, but its certainly well advised to narrow your portfolio down to two or three you can really specialise in.
Not too much stirs my blood more than a great horse race I have to admit and I dont have quite the same passion about winning a bet in most other sports as I do on the nags (though the last antepost greyhound win was pretty enjoyable!) so as I say that will be to the forefront this winter on the allweather especially and will build around it from there.
Anyway, off to bed now, hopefully dreaming about one of my fancies actually winning a final frame decider for a change, lol!!
All the best,
Rick
The Davis-Perry game was the main culprit, finishing a fair bit later than would normally be expected in this format, though the result went my way with Joe emerging a 4-2 winner after the Nugget had taken the first frame quite impressively.
Thereafter however his game went gradually downhill, perhaps tiredness creeping in after playing in Prestatyn at 10am in a Grand Prix qualifier with Tom Ford. Perry was steady rather than spectacular but it was more than enough on the day.
The other match didnt exactly speed along either, Mark Selby showed flashes of why he is now one of the elite players of the game but did miss a few, however Hendry has had little match practice this season and looked very rusty indeed, so was unable to make any real impression on the game. In fact Selby's 5-1 win was rubber stamped by a fine last frame steal where he needed two snookers on the colours.
The aforementioned Grand Prix qualifiers were a bit of a nightmare, although it swung to and fro all week long, I ended up a fair bit on the wrong side, thanks mainly to an incredible sequence of deciding frame losses for my men.
In fact out of 10 matches I had gotten involved with that went down to a deciding frame, nine of them went the wrong way which does tell you its not going to be your week, but you have to take it on the chin and hopefully luck will even itself out over the year.
Can't see I did too much wrong in theory and probably just a quirk of nature but suppose with the limits on takeouts at Sporting Bet during the week I maybe had a disproportionate amount on some favourites and wasnt allowed enough on the outsiders that won, which would have made a substantial difference to the week.
This is always the problem where stakes are limited, in some ways I suppose you should adjust all stakes accordingly rather than let some of them stand at your normal levels and be forced to have minimal amounts on others.
In the Skybet "to qualify" market I was also blighted by 5-4 defeats with four of my five picks losing by that scoreline though admittedly some at a rather earlier stage than I had anticipated!! The improving Ricky Walden at 6/4 reversed the trend but overall still finished a few quid behind on that market too.
Elsewhere the outright cricket bets are still in the balance, Hampshire are putting up a good show against Notts and lead by ninety odd with just one second innings wicket down. Somerset who would be my best winner (at 10/1) are stuttering too however and are only twenty odd in front with two second innings wickets down at home to Lancashire. My second hope Durham (9/2) are in the best position of the three at the moment, sixty odd ahead of Kent with four first innings wickets still in hand. But everything to play for yet going into day three.
I'm currently looking at the NHL ice hockey markets and might be playing on those over the winter along with the snooker and horse racing, though the latter does take up alot of your time so not sure how viable it is to run too many sports alongside it.
As I said at the weekend, the gaelic football has been a big success over the summer and that will also be starting again early in the new year with the GAA League programme which builds up to the All Ireland Championship.
Also the aussie rules and cricket finish this weekend - I'm not sure theres too much money to be made from the cricket unless you follow it religiously or go in-play, I'm only a casual fan really and the way its generally priced up pre-match shows its a very open sport with even the hottest favourites rarely much shorter than around 8/13, though that means its hard to get massive prices about the underdogs either of course.
I think the way forward with alot of these sports is a very selective approach when there looks to be something outstanding, but its certainly well advised to narrow your portfolio down to two or three you can really specialise in.
Not too much stirs my blood more than a great horse race I have to admit and I dont have quite the same passion about winning a bet in most other sports as I do on the nags (though the last antepost greyhound win was pretty enjoyable!) so as I say that will be to the forefront this winter on the allweather especially and will build around it from there.
Anyway, off to bed now, hopefully dreaming about one of my fancies actually winning a final frame decider for a change, lol!!
All the best,
Rick
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Gentleman fancied to see off the Nugget
Off to see my first live snooker of the current season so far tomorrow night in Derby as the latest round of Premier League snooker matches come to town.
Although John Higgins was originally on the bill as Joe Perry's opponent, there seems to have been a switch around for whatever reason and Perry now faces veteran legend Steve Davis, now 50 years of age.
Gentleman Joe's form has been much improved over the last 12 months or so, hard to pinpoint why at such an advanced stage of his career but perhaps seems to have got some new found confidence after a string of decent results, and playing regularly in the Championship League, a competition designed as a feeder for this, no doubt helped him enormously.
The Nugget meanwhile has maybe struggled a bit to keep his motivation levels since dropping out of the top 16 and perhaps now plays more for the enjoyment factor.
Its also interesting that Davis has to play a Grand Prix qualifying match with Tom Ford at Prestatyn in the morning of this event before travelling to Derby so he may not be in the greatest frame of mind by the time the second match gets underway.
Anyhow with Perry available at 20/21 couldnt argue with a bet at that price.
That said however, he still needs to win four out of six frames so as is often my preferred option, I took the 1/2 in the draw no bet which is often a good safety net in this competition formula (though I see that has now been cut to 4/9).
The other match sees Mark Selby take on Stephen Hendry; Hendry has seen little action so far this season, with this being his first Premier League outing and also losing 5-1 to Stephen Lee early on in Northern Ireland so might be a little on the rusty side.
Selby for his part took to the shot clock like a duck to water with his new style quicker cue action so perhaps he should have the edge but the odds do seem to reflect this and will probably abstain from having a punt there.
In the Grand Prix last night I pulled back to be about level with a 3/1 winner through Aditya Mehta and Vinnie Muldoon obliging at 15/8 though with the takeout restricted to £120 on those markets at Sporting Bet, didnt get as much on as I would normally have done.
Today gone with Gerard Greene 8/15 (currently 2-3 down to Jin Long as I speak!), Muldoon again 7/4, Matthew Selt 13/8, Jamie Burnett 5/6 and Mark Davis evens.
Also have Greene, M Davis and Ricky Walden in my "to qualify for last 32" picks though lost Barry Pinches and Liu Song yesterday from this market, both of those players seemingly struggling this time around so far.
As I said before almost added Jimmy White to this roster at 20/1 and half wish I had done now as he is currently 3-3 with Michael Holt so every chance with one more match to play if he is successful here.
Will let you know the outcome of this and more tomorrow
All the best
Rick
Although John Higgins was originally on the bill as Joe Perry's opponent, there seems to have been a switch around for whatever reason and Perry now faces veteran legend Steve Davis, now 50 years of age.
Gentleman Joe's form has been much improved over the last 12 months or so, hard to pinpoint why at such an advanced stage of his career but perhaps seems to have got some new found confidence after a string of decent results, and playing regularly in the Championship League, a competition designed as a feeder for this, no doubt helped him enormously.
The Nugget meanwhile has maybe struggled a bit to keep his motivation levels since dropping out of the top 16 and perhaps now plays more for the enjoyment factor.
Its also interesting that Davis has to play a Grand Prix qualifying match with Tom Ford at Prestatyn in the morning of this event before travelling to Derby so he may not be in the greatest frame of mind by the time the second match gets underway.
Anyhow with Perry available at 20/21 couldnt argue with a bet at that price.
That said however, he still needs to win four out of six frames so as is often my preferred option, I took the 1/2 in the draw no bet which is often a good safety net in this competition formula (though I see that has now been cut to 4/9).
The other match sees Mark Selby take on Stephen Hendry; Hendry has seen little action so far this season, with this being his first Premier League outing and also losing 5-1 to Stephen Lee early on in Northern Ireland so might be a little on the rusty side.
Selby for his part took to the shot clock like a duck to water with his new style quicker cue action so perhaps he should have the edge but the odds do seem to reflect this and will probably abstain from having a punt there.
In the Grand Prix last night I pulled back to be about level with a 3/1 winner through Aditya Mehta and Vinnie Muldoon obliging at 15/8 though with the takeout restricted to £120 on those markets at Sporting Bet, didnt get as much on as I would normally have done.
Today gone with Gerard Greene 8/15 (currently 2-3 down to Jin Long as I speak!), Muldoon again 7/4, Matthew Selt 13/8, Jamie Burnett 5/6 and Mark Davis evens.
Also have Greene, M Davis and Ricky Walden in my "to qualify for last 32" picks though lost Barry Pinches and Liu Song yesterday from this market, both of those players seemingly struggling this time around so far.
As I said before almost added Jimmy White to this roster at 20/1 and half wish I had done now as he is currently 3-3 with Michael Holt so every chance with one more match to play if he is successful here.
Will let you know the outcome of this and more tomorrow
All the best
Rick
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Betdaq narrowing gap on Betfair
I think I've been pretty restrained on here talking about all things Betfair but with the charging formula kicking in this week, its nice to read that there at last seems to be a gradual move towards a levelling of the playing field between the once dominant exchange and its nearest competitors like Betdaq.
That's what alot of the quoted stats on their forum seem to point to anyway (at least on the pre event markets) and hopefully there will be good viable competition for the punters pound over the next few years to stop company fatcats taking advantage of what they see as a monopoly position.
Not that I'm planning to read the forum too much from now on as I think I will go into a self imposed ban of all things Betfair.
Got a relative to post up an account and logged back on to the forum under another name but soon got censored again despite being very careful not to criticise too heavily or mention any competitors this time. It seems they are just banning anyone at random who is likely to give off the slightest amount of dissent at their heavy handed implementation of this charge.
Obviously its their forum but in the second instance I feel I did not break any of their rules in question so just shows the pomposity of these people, denying free speech about a situation they brought on entirely themselves.
The latest arcade gimmick is another case of wasted money for me though no doubt the company will see the benefits of plenty of mug's cash through this avenue, they seem now to be a mug punter's dream, its impossible even to work out the price of a fancy at the time of the bet without having to factor in a 20% takeout later on, making it much the easier option to go elsewhere.
I for one haven't got time to be working out complicated formulas which get in the way of the real business of picking winners at value prices.
Unless you're an in running player, can see little option but to leave them to stew in their own mess and join the ranks of the purple ones at Betdaq or else WBX who still might have something to offer on selected markets.
On the betting front as expected the snooker bets all looked a bit iffy this morning and I fell a bit behind but as I speak the situation is looking up a bit so might end up somewhere near level after the second day of the Grand Prix qualifiers.
Will preview the Premier League tomorrow as I will be making the trip to Derby to see the Nugget Steve Davis play Joe Perry and Mark Selby take on Stephen Hendry.
The County Championship cricket final round starts tomorrow and with teams' motivation perhaps largely differing according to whats at stake will probably leave the match betting but will be hoping Nottinghamshire slip up and allow either Somerset or Durham, my outright Div 1 picks currently lying second and third, to overhaul them when it matters.
Certainly it looks like one of my two will have to win while Notts are held to at least a draw in their home game with improving Hampshire, that match is televised I think on Sky Sports.
Anyway its that time again to say:
Punting highlight of the week: Probably Tyrone winning a stirring battle with Kerry in the All Ireland gaelic football final at the odds of 15/8 at the weekend.
Punting lowlight of the week: Blowing some of my winnings at the dogs at Nottingham on Monday night after a spur of the moment decision to attend without having done the requisite homework!!
Thought for the week: The futures bright, the futures purple!! (hope so anyway, lol)
All the best,
Rick
That's what alot of the quoted stats on their forum seem to point to anyway (at least on the pre event markets) and hopefully there will be good viable competition for the punters pound over the next few years to stop company fatcats taking advantage of what they see as a monopoly position.
Not that I'm planning to read the forum too much from now on as I think I will go into a self imposed ban of all things Betfair.
Got a relative to post up an account and logged back on to the forum under another name but soon got censored again despite being very careful not to criticise too heavily or mention any competitors this time. It seems they are just banning anyone at random who is likely to give off the slightest amount of dissent at their heavy handed implementation of this charge.
Obviously its their forum but in the second instance I feel I did not break any of their rules in question so just shows the pomposity of these people, denying free speech about a situation they brought on entirely themselves.
The latest arcade gimmick is another case of wasted money for me though no doubt the company will see the benefits of plenty of mug's cash through this avenue, they seem now to be a mug punter's dream, its impossible even to work out the price of a fancy at the time of the bet without having to factor in a 20% takeout later on, making it much the easier option to go elsewhere.
I for one haven't got time to be working out complicated formulas which get in the way of the real business of picking winners at value prices.
Unless you're an in running player, can see little option but to leave them to stew in their own mess and join the ranks of the purple ones at Betdaq or else WBX who still might have something to offer on selected markets.
On the betting front as expected the snooker bets all looked a bit iffy this morning and I fell a bit behind but as I speak the situation is looking up a bit so might end up somewhere near level after the second day of the Grand Prix qualifiers.
Will preview the Premier League tomorrow as I will be making the trip to Derby to see the Nugget Steve Davis play Joe Perry and Mark Selby take on Stephen Hendry.
The County Championship cricket final round starts tomorrow and with teams' motivation perhaps largely differing according to whats at stake will probably leave the match betting but will be hoping Nottinghamshire slip up and allow either Somerset or Durham, my outright Div 1 picks currently lying second and third, to overhaul them when it matters.
Certainly it looks like one of my two will have to win while Notts are held to at least a draw in their home game with improving Hampshire, that match is televised I think on Sky Sports.
Anyway its that time again to say:
Punting highlight of the week: Probably Tyrone winning a stirring battle with Kerry in the All Ireland gaelic football final at the odds of 15/8 at the weekend.
Punting lowlight of the week: Blowing some of my winnings at the dogs at Nottingham on Monday night after a spur of the moment decision to attend without having done the requisite homework!!
Thought for the week: The futures bright, the futures purple!! (hope so anyway, lol)
All the best,
Rick
Monday, 22 September 2008
Redhands bring home the bacon
Phew!! Had a very hectic day today but just managed to beat the deadline to keep the blog up to date before the clock ticks over to Tuesday.
First of all hats off to the Redhands of Tyrone who brought home the bacon at tasty odds of 15/8 in the All Ireland gaelic football final yesterday against Kerry.
It was a nip and tuck battle until the final four or five minutes when a few late scores tipped it in the Ulstermen's favour to end a very successful season betting on the Irish national sport, it will certainly remain in my roster for next year. The other GAA sport, hurling, though didnt quite see the same kind of returns but hopefully can turn the corner on that one next time around.
Started off this morning with frantically trying to get all the Grand Prix snooker qualifying bets on at Sporting Bet, they only had the prices up for less than an hour and they were constantly fluctuating within that period. Won a few quid early in the day but gave it back with some of the later results unfortunately, no real damage done though.
Have also gone in tomorrow morning with a few bets in what look fairly unappetising betting matches to be honest and will be happy to eek out a few quid. Still have to price up the afternoon matches which I may yet do before I go to bed.
Also gotta sort out my car cd player and get that mended this week, sending it off to the original manufacturers who sell a repair service on ebay; was going to replace the model until I saw second hand ones going for over a hundred quid!!
Also been changing my antivirus on the computer - had to go back and do a custom install as it was taking about five minutes to load a webpage, not to mention the telly going on the blink - so its all been a bit of a pain!!
Managed to squeeze in a trip to Nottingham greyhound track tonight for the first time, have been to the racecourse for the gee gees there many times but thought I'd test the water given my big success on the Irish dogs last weekend.
Unfortunately, things didnt go so well tonight though, only had three bets but they could only manage fourth, third and second so maybe, looking at that particular trend, I should have stayed on for the last race instead of making an early exit!
My main fancy was Boherbradda Mac, the Scurry Cup winner who was an odds on favourite, but he got checked at the first bend and as it was a sprint race, the winner had flown by the time he stayed on into second place; he still qualifies for Saturday's final at the track though, but won't be playing at those odds again in a hurry!!
It seemed a bit eerie with no on course commentator and just seemed to lack a bit of atmosphere with few people venturing outside due to the rainy weather plus only three bookmakers in a little room inside who seemed to be involved in a stand off with the punters most of the night. In fact I hardly saw any money change hands apart from mine, there were just a few cries from the back of the room from people who were betting on tab by the looks of it.
This was only my third ever visit to a dog track, I first went to the now defunct Blackpool track and then to Yarmouth, both while on holidays, seem to remember a rather eyecatching buxom wench serving behind the bar of the latter venue rather more than what actually happened with the dogs that night, but better move swiftly on, I think I've been reading too much Nevison in the RFO!!
While on the subject of the dogs, added a few to my portfolio for the Irish Laurels after the second round - Almighty Jack (10/1), Cabra Cool (33/1) and Chicken Supper (66/1, plus a few quid at 100/1) to go with my original selection Slip The Lark. The system of adding a few impressive runners at this kind of stage seemed to work well in the recent Irish Derby, even though I hit the jackpot with one of my original picks as it happened.
Hopefully with this approach can go into the final (which is being shown live on Setanta) with a very strong hand at decent prices, thats certainly the way I like to play the dogs rather than betting at shortish prices when there's always a lot of trouble in running.
Will be continuing to price up the snooker this week which runs through until Thursday, and there's also a trip down the road to Derby for me with live Premier League Snooker on the same day as the conclusion of the Grand Prix qualifiers.
The Belgian Open I mentioned yesterday was won impressively by Ricky Walden who beat Graeme Dott 4-0 in the final, it really is time he managed to produce this kind of form in a ranking event as he seems to be a prolific winner of these minor tourneys.
Dave Harold continued his good run with a place in the semi finals (defeating Mark Selby on the way); Stephen Maguire was the other semi finalist.
Anyway, better get on with those remaining prices for tomorrows snooker
See you soon
Rick
First of all hats off to the Redhands of Tyrone who brought home the bacon at tasty odds of 15/8 in the All Ireland gaelic football final yesterday against Kerry.
It was a nip and tuck battle until the final four or five minutes when a few late scores tipped it in the Ulstermen's favour to end a very successful season betting on the Irish national sport, it will certainly remain in my roster for next year. The other GAA sport, hurling, though didnt quite see the same kind of returns but hopefully can turn the corner on that one next time around.
Started off this morning with frantically trying to get all the Grand Prix snooker qualifying bets on at Sporting Bet, they only had the prices up for less than an hour and they were constantly fluctuating within that period. Won a few quid early in the day but gave it back with some of the later results unfortunately, no real damage done though.
Have also gone in tomorrow morning with a few bets in what look fairly unappetising betting matches to be honest and will be happy to eek out a few quid. Still have to price up the afternoon matches which I may yet do before I go to bed.
Also gotta sort out my car cd player and get that mended this week, sending it off to the original manufacturers who sell a repair service on ebay; was going to replace the model until I saw second hand ones going for over a hundred quid!!
Also been changing my antivirus on the computer - had to go back and do a custom install as it was taking about five minutes to load a webpage, not to mention the telly going on the blink - so its all been a bit of a pain!!
Managed to squeeze in a trip to Nottingham greyhound track tonight for the first time, have been to the racecourse for the gee gees there many times but thought I'd test the water given my big success on the Irish dogs last weekend.
Unfortunately, things didnt go so well tonight though, only had three bets but they could only manage fourth, third and second so maybe, looking at that particular trend, I should have stayed on for the last race instead of making an early exit!
My main fancy was Boherbradda Mac, the Scurry Cup winner who was an odds on favourite, but he got checked at the first bend and as it was a sprint race, the winner had flown by the time he stayed on into second place; he still qualifies for Saturday's final at the track though, but won't be playing at those odds again in a hurry!!
It seemed a bit eerie with no on course commentator and just seemed to lack a bit of atmosphere with few people venturing outside due to the rainy weather plus only three bookmakers in a little room inside who seemed to be involved in a stand off with the punters most of the night. In fact I hardly saw any money change hands apart from mine, there were just a few cries from the back of the room from people who were betting on tab by the looks of it.
This was only my third ever visit to a dog track, I first went to the now defunct Blackpool track and then to Yarmouth, both while on holidays, seem to remember a rather eyecatching buxom wench serving behind the bar of the latter venue rather more than what actually happened with the dogs that night, but better move swiftly on, I think I've been reading too much Nevison in the RFO!!
While on the subject of the dogs, added a few to my portfolio for the Irish Laurels after the second round - Almighty Jack (10/1), Cabra Cool (33/1) and Chicken Supper (66/1, plus a few quid at 100/1) to go with my original selection Slip The Lark. The system of adding a few impressive runners at this kind of stage seemed to work well in the recent Irish Derby, even though I hit the jackpot with one of my original picks as it happened.
Hopefully with this approach can go into the final (which is being shown live on Setanta) with a very strong hand at decent prices, thats certainly the way I like to play the dogs rather than betting at shortish prices when there's always a lot of trouble in running.
Will be continuing to price up the snooker this week which runs through until Thursday, and there's also a trip down the road to Derby for me with live Premier League Snooker on the same day as the conclusion of the Grand Prix qualifiers.
The Belgian Open I mentioned yesterday was won impressively by Ricky Walden who beat Graeme Dott 4-0 in the final, it really is time he managed to produce this kind of form in a ranking event as he seems to be a prolific winner of these minor tourneys.
Dave Harold continued his good run with a place in the semi finals (defeating Mark Selby on the way); Stephen Maguire was the other semi finalist.
Anyway, better get on with those remaining prices for tomorrows snooker
See you soon
Rick
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Warriors excel across the Channel
Super League outright picks Wigan Warriors surpassed all my expectations with a comfortable victory in France last night against the Catalan Dragons to take them to within one match of the Grand Final, however being as that match will be away to Leeds at Headingley not getting too excited just yet, especially with St Helens back to their very best form and lying in wait in the final.
Rugby league perhaps isnt the best sport for taking on the market leaders in the outright markets, as I have found to my cost in the Challenge Cup too, in the last three years have backed Hull 12/1, Huddersfield 40/1 and Catalans 66/1 and all reached the final but had to give best to the prolific Saints who marched on to a memorable hat trick of victories, unfortunately didnt take the each way option either, preferring to spread the bets over a few outsiders.
In the aussie rules down under, Hawthorn Hawks as expected demolished St Kilda to book their own Grand Final spot where they will face my picks Geelong, who are aiming for a second successive success.
While on the subject of prolific winners, Kerry are aiming for their own hat trick in the All Ireland gaelic football final against Tyrone today, in fact these two teams have had a stranglehold on the Sam Maguire Cup for the last five years between them, the Redhands winning two to Kerry's three.
Earlier on in the season I would be predicting a comfortable success for "The Kingdom" as they are known but Tyrone have found some impressive form in the last couple of games, having previously looked a fading force.
Their win over Dublin in Croke Park was especially impressive and while if I had to stake my life on it a Kerry win looks most probable, at the best odds of 15/8 I feel its worth having a dabble on Mickey Harte's men, who will surely be well motivated for the occasion.
The gangling Keiran Donaghy as ever will be the man they have to stop in the main though Kerry are far from a one man team.
Will watch some of the Belgian Open snooker today, I see its down to the quarter final stages today with Dave Harold up against Mark Davis, Tom Ford playing Ricky Walden, Stephen Maguire taking on Joe Perry and Graeme Dott up against Mark Williams.
The rest of the event will be played off today and then the qualifying for the Grand Prix starts at Prestatyn tomorrow for those at the lower end of the ladder.
As I mentioned earlier in the week, not too sure there will be any prices on show for some of the games tomorrow, there may be selected matches at Sporting Bet, but in general the industry doesnt seem too keen to price these matches up.
In the "to qualify for last 32" market at Skybet, I've gone with Ricky Walden 6/4, Gerard Greene 11/4, Mark Davis and Barry Pinches both 6/1 plus Liu Song 8/1. Was also half tempted by the Whirlwind Jimmy White at 20/1 though its probably asking alot for him to win four matches even though none of his opponents look particularly frightening on paper.
Noticed there are reports of a Gambling Commission investigation into Liang Wenbo's recent 5-0 win over Peter Ebdon in Northern Ireland, where thousands of pounds collectively were reportedly lumped on to that very scoreline. The World Snooker Association itself however is holding no inquiry, having "followed the proper procedures" and "having been satisfied the action taken is appropriate" whatever that means, nice to have it out in the open then lol.
Just watched the greyhound bets I had in the Irish Laurels event which started last night, Slip The Lark qualified in third place in his heat behind Tyrur Laurel which wasnt a bad effort considering he was bumped two or three times by the winner around the first couple of bends. Unfortunately though my other pick Forest Master didnt seem to make it onto the track, presumably injured before the event starts,which is most definitely not a nice way to do you dough grr!!
One aspect I did notice regarding the Cork track is that front runners appeared to hold a massive advantage with practically all the winners in the vanguard throughout the evening.
All the best for now anyhow
Rick
Rugby league perhaps isnt the best sport for taking on the market leaders in the outright markets, as I have found to my cost in the Challenge Cup too, in the last three years have backed Hull 12/1, Huddersfield 40/1 and Catalans 66/1 and all reached the final but had to give best to the prolific Saints who marched on to a memorable hat trick of victories, unfortunately didnt take the each way option either, preferring to spread the bets over a few outsiders.
In the aussie rules down under, Hawthorn Hawks as expected demolished St Kilda to book their own Grand Final spot where they will face my picks Geelong, who are aiming for a second successive success.
While on the subject of prolific winners, Kerry are aiming for their own hat trick in the All Ireland gaelic football final against Tyrone today, in fact these two teams have had a stranglehold on the Sam Maguire Cup for the last five years between them, the Redhands winning two to Kerry's three.
Earlier on in the season I would be predicting a comfortable success for "The Kingdom" as they are known but Tyrone have found some impressive form in the last couple of games, having previously looked a fading force.
Their win over Dublin in Croke Park was especially impressive and while if I had to stake my life on it a Kerry win looks most probable, at the best odds of 15/8 I feel its worth having a dabble on Mickey Harte's men, who will surely be well motivated for the occasion.
The gangling Keiran Donaghy as ever will be the man they have to stop in the main though Kerry are far from a one man team.
Will watch some of the Belgian Open snooker today, I see its down to the quarter final stages today with Dave Harold up against Mark Davis, Tom Ford playing Ricky Walden, Stephen Maguire taking on Joe Perry and Graeme Dott up against Mark Williams.
The rest of the event will be played off today and then the qualifying for the Grand Prix starts at Prestatyn tomorrow for those at the lower end of the ladder.
As I mentioned earlier in the week, not too sure there will be any prices on show for some of the games tomorrow, there may be selected matches at Sporting Bet, but in general the industry doesnt seem too keen to price these matches up.
In the "to qualify for last 32" market at Skybet, I've gone with Ricky Walden 6/4, Gerard Greene 11/4, Mark Davis and Barry Pinches both 6/1 plus Liu Song 8/1. Was also half tempted by the Whirlwind Jimmy White at 20/1 though its probably asking alot for him to win four matches even though none of his opponents look particularly frightening on paper.
Noticed there are reports of a Gambling Commission investigation into Liang Wenbo's recent 5-0 win over Peter Ebdon in Northern Ireland, where thousands of pounds collectively were reportedly lumped on to that very scoreline. The World Snooker Association itself however is holding no inquiry, having "followed the proper procedures" and "having been satisfied the action taken is appropriate" whatever that means, nice to have it out in the open then lol.
Just watched the greyhound bets I had in the Irish Laurels event which started last night, Slip The Lark qualified in third place in his heat behind Tyrur Laurel which wasnt a bad effort considering he was bumped two or three times by the winner around the first couple of bends. Unfortunately though my other pick Forest Master didnt seem to make it onto the track, presumably injured before the event starts,which is most definitely not a nice way to do you dough grr!!
One aspect I did notice regarding the Cork track is that front runners appeared to hold a massive advantage with practically all the winners in the vanguard throughout the evening.
All the best for now anyhow
Rick
Saturday, 20 September 2008
Kent slump again when the going gets tough
No joy with the cricket bet yesterday after all as Kent once again got the jitters when in sight of a realistic challenge for silverware. Set a modest 163 to win against Lancashire in their final innings (admittedly on a tricky wicket probably) they only managed 92, a miserable effort indeed looking through their batting side on paper.
The County Championship Division 1 is so tight a championship blowout could yet end up in a relegation scrap depending on results today and in the last round of matches next week.
My longterm bets Durham and Somerset both look set for draws today so Notts have assumed the advantage with an innings victory over bottom placed Surrey.
On a brighter note the Geelong Cats (backed outright at 5/2) fought off a spirited opening by the Western Bulldogs to come through for a gritty success in the AFL aussie rules semi final play off yesterday. They will find out their opponents this morning, most probably the Hawthorn Hawks, these two widely being acknowledged as the best two teams around this season.
Noticed the Irish Greyhound Derby runner up Slip The Lark is back in action tonight in the Irish Laurels competition, he has a toughish first round heat but the slightly shorter trip should be in his favour even though he doesn't seem to have had experience on the track at Cork.
Nevertheless, I've backed both him and the other joint favourite Forest Master (who seemed to be running into form in the Irish Derby until being badly baulked) at 6/1 against the field, they do look the two class in form dogs of the event.
My outright bets Wigan go to France to play the Catalan Dragons in the rugby Super League play offs tonight and this is most likely where their dream will end. It certainly will take a herculean effort to come back home with a win under their belt and even then there would be another very tough match waiting for them.
Managed to get pictures through yesterday eventually in the pay per view Belgian Snooker Open but it is a very odd camera angle from above which almost makes it look cartoon-like in appearance, the local players were mostly in action against the fully fledged pros yesterday so didnt spend too much time watching it but will hopefully catch the later stages as it gets down to the nitty gritty.
Anyway, off to see the Rams today against Cardiff, no bets on that one but hopefully the mini revival will continue.
Good luck this weekend
Rick
The County Championship Division 1 is so tight a championship blowout could yet end up in a relegation scrap depending on results today and in the last round of matches next week.
My longterm bets Durham and Somerset both look set for draws today so Notts have assumed the advantage with an innings victory over bottom placed Surrey.
On a brighter note the Geelong Cats (backed outright at 5/2) fought off a spirited opening by the Western Bulldogs to come through for a gritty success in the AFL aussie rules semi final play off yesterday. They will find out their opponents this morning, most probably the Hawthorn Hawks, these two widely being acknowledged as the best two teams around this season.
Noticed the Irish Greyhound Derby runner up Slip The Lark is back in action tonight in the Irish Laurels competition, he has a toughish first round heat but the slightly shorter trip should be in his favour even though he doesn't seem to have had experience on the track at Cork.
Nevertheless, I've backed both him and the other joint favourite Forest Master (who seemed to be running into form in the Irish Derby until being badly baulked) at 6/1 against the field, they do look the two class in form dogs of the event.
My outright bets Wigan go to France to play the Catalan Dragons in the rugby Super League play offs tonight and this is most likely where their dream will end. It certainly will take a herculean effort to come back home with a win under their belt and even then there would be another very tough match waiting for them.
Managed to get pictures through yesterday eventually in the pay per view Belgian Snooker Open but it is a very odd camera angle from above which almost makes it look cartoon-like in appearance, the local players were mostly in action against the fully fledged pros yesterday so didnt spend too much time watching it but will hopefully catch the later stages as it gets down to the nitty gritty.
Anyway, off to see the Rams today against Cardiff, no bets on that one but hopefully the mini revival will continue.
Good luck this weekend
Rick
Friday, 19 September 2008
Worrying form for Ding and Ronnie toppled
Managed to scramble a few quid thanks to the opening draw in last nights Premier League snooker but could have been so much better as got the staking plan the wrong way around, having had twice as much on the Ding highest break bet, which was thwarted at the last gasp.
Have to say it was very disappointing fare from the Chinese and his opponent John Higgins for the most part, neither player getting into any kind of rhythm and the Scot having chances in each of the first three frames before letting them slip away.
At this stage the draw looked unlikely and Ding's 76 clearance always looked a bit shy of the requisite top break requirement too.
As it happened John clawed back to 3-3 but in winning the last frame, managed to knock in a 78 to agonisingly overhaul the previous best contribution and limit my winnings drastically in the process.
Its a strange feeling willing your man on to win the frame yet not wanting him to exceed a certain total in the break either. I think I will be trimming my stakes on the top break markets in the future, originally I seemed to have a good strike rate in this sphere, but it has become more patchy lately and it certainly curtailed my profits in the last World Championship.
More to the point, Ding's form is very worrying, he has slumped to no 13 provisionally and despite winning the non ranking Jiangsu Classic in his hometown in the summer, his performances have become increasingly disjointed, with his tactical play especially showing gaping holes at times.
There was one particular frame last night where, with a decent lead, all he had to do was put a colour safe in a bog standard strategical move, but instead went for an ill conceived long pot and he threw it away in the process.
Joe Perry surpassed all expectations in the other match to defeat a below par Ronnie O Sullivan 4-2 and you have to admire how "The Gentleman" has come on leaps and bounds at this advanced stage of his career over the last twelve months. In fact this time last year I was advocating taking him on so just shows what I know about it all lol.
Have subscribed to the pay per view for the non ranking Belgian Open this weekend at Cue Sport TV, not sure how much I will watch of it but was only £8 and will probably catch the later stages, a bit worrying that it apparently started early this morning though and still havent got any pictures through, unless I'm pressing the wrong buttons as per usual!!
Elsewhere, Lancashire fought their way back into the match yesterday against my picks Kent, but will be hoping the visitors can polish them off quickly this morning and then their second innings target will hopefully be within their reach, maybe the conditions are improving out in the middle with a bit of sun poking through in the last couple of days.
My sole aussie rules AFL outright bet the Geelong Cats are in semi final action as I speak, I got the best priced 5/2 for a decent amount, and they are currently trading well odds on having only lost one match all season but of course in the shoot outs of the play offs that doesn't always count for much.
Their opponents today are the Western Bulldogs who showed some good early season form but have tailed off in the latter part of the season though did show some signs of a return to form last week, hopefully not enough to worry my picks though.
On paper Hawthorn Hawks look the biggest threat, they play St Kilda Saints tomorrow in the other semi final.
Had been thinking of putting a bit more faith in the Rams this weekend but having seen that opponents Cardiff are unbeaten with a mean defence, might give it a miss, though havent checked the odds as yet, looks like being a low scoring match looking into the statistics.
Good luck this weekend,
Rick
Have to say it was very disappointing fare from the Chinese and his opponent John Higgins for the most part, neither player getting into any kind of rhythm and the Scot having chances in each of the first three frames before letting them slip away.
At this stage the draw looked unlikely and Ding's 76 clearance always looked a bit shy of the requisite top break requirement too.
As it happened John clawed back to 3-3 but in winning the last frame, managed to knock in a 78 to agonisingly overhaul the previous best contribution and limit my winnings drastically in the process.
Its a strange feeling willing your man on to win the frame yet not wanting him to exceed a certain total in the break either. I think I will be trimming my stakes on the top break markets in the future, originally I seemed to have a good strike rate in this sphere, but it has become more patchy lately and it certainly curtailed my profits in the last World Championship.
More to the point, Ding's form is very worrying, he has slumped to no 13 provisionally and despite winning the non ranking Jiangsu Classic in his hometown in the summer, his performances have become increasingly disjointed, with his tactical play especially showing gaping holes at times.
There was one particular frame last night where, with a decent lead, all he had to do was put a colour safe in a bog standard strategical move, but instead went for an ill conceived long pot and he threw it away in the process.
Joe Perry surpassed all expectations in the other match to defeat a below par Ronnie O Sullivan 4-2 and you have to admire how "The Gentleman" has come on leaps and bounds at this advanced stage of his career over the last twelve months. In fact this time last year I was advocating taking him on so just shows what I know about it all lol.
Have subscribed to the pay per view for the non ranking Belgian Open this weekend at Cue Sport TV, not sure how much I will watch of it but was only £8 and will probably catch the later stages, a bit worrying that it apparently started early this morning though and still havent got any pictures through, unless I'm pressing the wrong buttons as per usual!!
Elsewhere, Lancashire fought their way back into the match yesterday against my picks Kent, but will be hoping the visitors can polish them off quickly this morning and then their second innings target will hopefully be within their reach, maybe the conditions are improving out in the middle with a bit of sun poking through in the last couple of days.
My sole aussie rules AFL outright bet the Geelong Cats are in semi final action as I speak, I got the best priced 5/2 for a decent amount, and they are currently trading well odds on having only lost one match all season but of course in the shoot outs of the play offs that doesn't always count for much.
Their opponents today are the Western Bulldogs who showed some good early season form but have tailed off in the latter part of the season though did show some signs of a return to form last week, hopefully not enough to worry my picks though.
On paper Hawthorn Hawks look the biggest threat, they play St Kilda Saints tomorrow in the other semi final.
Had been thinking of putting a bit more faith in the Rams this weekend but having seen that opponents Cardiff are unbeaten with a mean defence, might give it a miss, though havent checked the odds as yet, looks like being a low scoring match looking into the statistics.
Good luck this weekend,
Rick
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Long term lovers of pain
Feeling a bit bleary eyed after the Hue & Cry concert last night, not that it finished so late but just find it hard to unwind after a night out. It didn't help matters when the car CD player decided to retain its contents at the end of the journey and I had to fiddle around with a comb inside it for half an hour to recover the disc.
Looks like there'll be another trip to the garage in the offing, though think I'll give the "Italian and French car specialists" I visited earlier in the week a miss this time.
The gig itself was excellent, comprising a good mix of ballads and uptempo grooves, and plenty of new and old material, also one of my particular favourites from their back catalogue "Long Term Lovers of Pain" being given an airing perhaps as some kind of statement to all those misguided souls who advocate Betfair's premium charges!!
Perhaps Greg and Pat are disgruntled Betfair punters, who knows, lol.
My cricket bet got off to a good start yesterday, Lancs were bowled out for just over a hundred and Kent have a forty run lead with six wickets still remaining, which could be crucial in what may well be a low scoring match.
For once in recent days my team won the toss and had the better of the conditions in all probability as the fielding side, the rest of the week seems unlikely to be as damp as it was yesterday.
In the Premier League snooker tonight, Ding is under some pressure having lost his first match last week with Mark Selby. The Chinese plays John Higgins tonight and I would make the Scot a marginal favourite, though unexpectedly the bookies agree with me, so they are clearly beginning to have some doubts about Ding.
I for one think his tactical play still needs alot of work but with the generous pockets suiting attacking players in this event, he could yet make his mark.
I'm quite prepared to give him a bash for the highest break tonight at 10/11, which looks a fair price given the number of tons he has put away over the last year or two in Barry Hearn's flagship snooker event, in which this approach was very profitable last season.
Will also have a dabble on the best priced 5/2 for the draw given that I have their prices so closely matched.
The other match sees Joe Perry making a baptism of fire in the event against prolific winner Ronnie O Sullivan and hard to see him making much impression first time out but the odds as expected have the Rocket as prohibitive favourite.
Have a good un,
Rick
Looks like there'll be another trip to the garage in the offing, though think I'll give the "Italian and French car specialists" I visited earlier in the week a miss this time.
The gig itself was excellent, comprising a good mix of ballads and uptempo grooves, and plenty of new and old material, also one of my particular favourites from their back catalogue "Long Term Lovers of Pain" being given an airing perhaps as some kind of statement to all those misguided souls who advocate Betfair's premium charges!!
Perhaps Greg and Pat are disgruntled Betfair punters, who knows, lol.
My cricket bet got off to a good start yesterday, Lancs were bowled out for just over a hundred and Kent have a forty run lead with six wickets still remaining, which could be crucial in what may well be a low scoring match.
For once in recent days my team won the toss and had the better of the conditions in all probability as the fielding side, the rest of the week seems unlikely to be as damp as it was yesterday.
In the Premier League snooker tonight, Ding is under some pressure having lost his first match last week with Mark Selby. The Chinese plays John Higgins tonight and I would make the Scot a marginal favourite, though unexpectedly the bookies agree with me, so they are clearly beginning to have some doubts about Ding.
I for one think his tactical play still needs alot of work but with the generous pockets suiting attacking players in this event, he could yet make his mark.
I'm quite prepared to give him a bash for the highest break tonight at 10/11, which looks a fair price given the number of tons he has put away over the last year or two in Barry Hearn's flagship snooker event, in which this approach was very profitable last season.
Will also have a dabble on the best priced 5/2 for the draw given that I have their prices so closely matched.
The other match sees Joe Perry making a baptism of fire in the event against prolific winner Ronnie O Sullivan and hard to see him making much impression first time out but the odds as expected have the Rocket as prohibitive favourite.
Have a good un,
Rick
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
New found faith justified
Well my new found faith in Derby County proved profitable last night as the lay of Swansea I mentioned earlier in the week (at Betdaq!!) was vindicated.
Admittedly when the Rams edged ahead half way through the second half I was wishing I'd gone the whole hog and backed them for the win but when the home side equalised (with a header direct from a corner) I was glad I'd played safe again!!
Rather worryingly, this is by no means the first goal Paul Jewell's side have conceded straight from a dead ball this year and it does need to be sorted quickly.
I'm just wondering whether goalkeeper Roy Carroll needs to command his box a bit more, he's not the tallest and seems to come from the Peter Shilton school of running out and berating the nearest person in sight if the opposition has the ignominy to shoot at goal. In fact in one recent game our left back Jay McEverley made a horrendous blunder and ended up behind Carroll on the goal line in trying to rectify his mistake, yet Carroll still went running out to shout at the players upfield when the main culprit was hiding behind him!!
That apart, Derby haven't conceded a goal from open play in the last two away games now and I'm sure the young lad Miles Addison in midfield is a major factor in this, he's strong in the air, strong in the tackle and very mobile too, not bad for a converted centre half and although there are still weaknesses in the team no doubt, I think we will be much harder to beat from now on.
Have also backed Kent at the early evens today to win their County Championship cricket match at Lancashire, once again played at Liverpool where alot of wickets fell in Sunday's match so looks like there will be every chance of a result once they get underway (start delayed apparently).
Rob Key's team must be pretty despondent after once again missing out on silverware in the Pro 40, but they still have a chance in this competition and after all their one day exploits would be ironic if they came up trumps in the long format of the game. My outright picks Somerset and Durham are also in action so fingers crossed, the season ends next week so any wins now could be crucial.
Will be talking a bit about the Premier League snooker tomorrow hopefully, but will spend this morning pricing up the Grand Prix qualifiers which start on Monday. It might be a pointless exercise if no one prices them up - Sporting Bet were the only ones to put any first round prices up in the last event and even then selected matches only - but its still worth doing to keep on top of things in case any firm springs up at any stage with odds.
The main problem is a perceived suspicion of games played out in front of one man and his dog and the recent controversies about the results of some main tour round robin games last season hardly helped.
I read to my surprise there is actually no prize money gained by winning the first round qualifying games and its only by winning in round two that you actually begin to see any cash in the hand, so it shows how short the coffers appear to be running in snooker nowadays.
Skybet have been doing an interesting "to qualify for the last 32" market that might be worth a look again, as always with a new market it takes time to adjust and work out how to play it but its long overdue that I won some money off Thorpy (the odds compiler) lol. I think I did eek £20 out of him last time after losing a three figure sum the time before, he's a generous chap!!
Off to see one of my favourite bands of yesteryear Hue and Cry tonight at Sheffield so will have to dust down my dancing shoes, polish my medallion and delve deep into the wardrobe to find my Travolta outfit. Lock up yer daughters!!
All the best,
Rick
Admittedly when the Rams edged ahead half way through the second half I was wishing I'd gone the whole hog and backed them for the win but when the home side equalised (with a header direct from a corner) I was glad I'd played safe again!!
Rather worryingly, this is by no means the first goal Paul Jewell's side have conceded straight from a dead ball this year and it does need to be sorted quickly.
I'm just wondering whether goalkeeper Roy Carroll needs to command his box a bit more, he's not the tallest and seems to come from the Peter Shilton school of running out and berating the nearest person in sight if the opposition has the ignominy to shoot at goal. In fact in one recent game our left back Jay McEverley made a horrendous blunder and ended up behind Carroll on the goal line in trying to rectify his mistake, yet Carroll still went running out to shout at the players upfield when the main culprit was hiding behind him!!
That apart, Derby haven't conceded a goal from open play in the last two away games now and I'm sure the young lad Miles Addison in midfield is a major factor in this, he's strong in the air, strong in the tackle and very mobile too, not bad for a converted centre half and although there are still weaknesses in the team no doubt, I think we will be much harder to beat from now on.
Have also backed Kent at the early evens today to win their County Championship cricket match at Lancashire, once again played at Liverpool where alot of wickets fell in Sunday's match so looks like there will be every chance of a result once they get underway (start delayed apparently).
Rob Key's team must be pretty despondent after once again missing out on silverware in the Pro 40, but they still have a chance in this competition and after all their one day exploits would be ironic if they came up trumps in the long format of the game. My outright picks Somerset and Durham are also in action so fingers crossed, the season ends next week so any wins now could be crucial.
Will be talking a bit about the Premier League snooker tomorrow hopefully, but will spend this morning pricing up the Grand Prix qualifiers which start on Monday. It might be a pointless exercise if no one prices them up - Sporting Bet were the only ones to put any first round prices up in the last event and even then selected matches only - but its still worth doing to keep on top of things in case any firm springs up at any stage with odds.
The main problem is a perceived suspicion of games played out in front of one man and his dog and the recent controversies about the results of some main tour round robin games last season hardly helped.
I read to my surprise there is actually no prize money gained by winning the first round qualifying games and its only by winning in round two that you actually begin to see any cash in the hand, so it shows how short the coffers appear to be running in snooker nowadays.
Skybet have been doing an interesting "to qualify for the last 32" market that might be worth a look again, as always with a new market it takes time to adjust and work out how to play it but its long overdue that I won some money off Thorpy (the odds compiler) lol. I think I did eek £20 out of him last time after losing a three figure sum the time before, he's a generous chap!!
Off to see one of my favourite bands of yesteryear Hue and Cry tonight at Sheffield so will have to dust down my dancing shoes, polish my medallion and delve deep into the wardrobe to find my Travolta outfit. Lock up yer daughters!!
All the best,
Rick
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Banned forumite of the month
Betfair once asked me to do one of these "forumite of the month" mullarkies which I then found in my inbox about a year later lol, I'm so organised!!, so being as the offer seems unlikely to be extended I'll answer their original questions on here instead.
If you could have a single ticket for any sporting event what would it be?
I've always fancied a trip to Laytown for the racing on the beach over in Ireland, or failing that St Moritz (Switzerland) where they race on the snow. Also as an alternative the meetings on Jersey held at Les Landes.
Whose opinion in the forum do you respect?
Anyone who cares to elaborate on why they are making a selection will do for me. Dont really get very excited if someone just says "Ronnie will win!" even if they are right. I'll mention frames anyhow as he gave me a good write up in his piece lol. Suggins is an interesting contributor too, plus casm has been very helpful over the last year or two, anybody else I've missed?!!
Is there one memorable match of snooker you wish you could experience again?
I enjoyed the Higgins-O Sullivan Masters final a couple of years ago off the top of my head, where I think Higgins final red just had the legs and almost stopped on the edge of the middle pocket. Also obviously the Davis-Taylor World final match on the final black and also the final in China last year between Murphy and Maguire.
Which betting school of thought do you consider yourself to be; layer, backer, trader?
Backer, though sometimes I dont limit myself to one selection in some markets.
Has sport ever cost you a girlfriend?
Yes I'd be like a modern day Englebert Humperdink if I didnt like sport.
Snooker on Betfair - could you improve it and how?
Not really bothered now as I bet at Betdaq lol, oh you could make it exempt from the premium charge, hows that.
Do you live by any betting principles and if so what are they?
Yes never get too carried away by big wins or bad runs, stay focussed and keep analysing, try to understand why the result happened, you can learn something even if you lose. Try to price up the event in question and you may find an edge if other people dont agree. Also don't bet where someone takes 20% of your winnings after your bet has come in.
When and why did you join Betfair and what do you like/dislike about the site?
It was nice to get better prices at the outset but now the value seems to have gone with the 20% takeout from consistent winners, which is the bit I dont like obviously, also didnt really appreciate the forum ban too much lol, the truth hurts it seems!
You have a bit of a following in the forum, why do you think that is?
Probably because I opened peoples eyes to the crowd pleaser that is Dave Harold, aka Bananaman himself, surely soon to become the biggest box office draw in sport, not just snooker itself.
Do you celebrate individual wins or look at the bigger picture?
As I said before I usually try to stay calm, especially when in public, but if I am on my own in the house I would charge up and down the stairs shouting yes a hundred times and then run around the garden punching the air for half an hour until I'm totally knackered. The dog looks at me gone out.
If so, what's your most memorable win and how did you celebrate?
I've enjoyed some good wins over the years, the one I particularly remember was a horse called Mr Ed in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, who I backed at 33/1. I noticed him a year earlier staying on over three miles and told everyone to back him in the National, just before Aintree, saying that if he stood up he'd win (at 100/1). Unfortunately he didnt stand up, but then won the Midlands equivalent the next year, I then went into work and said I told you he'd win the National, were you on?, they didnt look very happy for some reason.
What's the one tip you'd offer someone posting on the forum for the first time?
I hope you dont like freedom of speech too much.
Which three famous sportsmen would you have around for dinner?
Dave Harold and his two crates of bananas, no room for anybody else now.
If you could re-live one sporting day which one would it be?
Can I copy Frames' answer here, OK thanks, Frankie's magnificent 7 at Royal Ascot. Thats apart from Big Dave's only ranking tournament success of course, orders being taken for the re-released DVD as we speak (set of 15 discs).
What’s your most memorable mistake made on Betfair ?
Apart from the usual "lay" when you mean to "back" which I've done on a few occasions, probably the other day when I was dabbling in inplay for the first time, I forgot I'd paused Sky+ and was half an hour behind everyone else (that was the second time I'd done it in a week though the first time I wasn't betting!)
Might as well do the bit they have in the Racing Post now, too, being as I've just done my first full week on the blog.
Punting highlight of the week: Backing the first and second ante post in the Irish Greyhound Derby and seeing them fight out a photo finish, exhilirating!! I'll also throw in the Hispanic punter's video with his considered thoughts on the Premium Charge, pure gold if you can find it on the SBR forum (parental guidance required).
Punting lowlight of the week: Nothing too costly this week, but thinking I had a winner on the Premier League snooker highest break market through Ding last week only to find out I'd misread the scores. The spectre of the Premium Charge also if I can include that.
Thought for the week: Too many greedy or jealous people in the world. Why cant they just be happy with their lot?
Thats it for now, all the best to the Rams tonight!!
See you soon,
Rick
If you could have a single ticket for any sporting event what would it be?
I've always fancied a trip to Laytown for the racing on the beach over in Ireland, or failing that St Moritz (Switzerland) where they race on the snow. Also as an alternative the meetings on Jersey held at Les Landes.
Whose opinion in the forum do you respect?
Anyone who cares to elaborate on why they are making a selection will do for me. Dont really get very excited if someone just says "Ronnie will win!" even if they are right. I'll mention frames anyhow as he gave me a good write up in his piece lol. Suggins is an interesting contributor too, plus casm has been very helpful over the last year or two, anybody else I've missed?!!
Is there one memorable match of snooker you wish you could experience again?
I enjoyed the Higgins-O Sullivan Masters final a couple of years ago off the top of my head, where I think Higgins final red just had the legs and almost stopped on the edge of the middle pocket. Also obviously the Davis-Taylor World final match on the final black and also the final in China last year between Murphy and Maguire.
Which betting school of thought do you consider yourself to be; layer, backer, trader?
Backer, though sometimes I dont limit myself to one selection in some markets.
Has sport ever cost you a girlfriend?
Yes I'd be like a modern day Englebert Humperdink if I didnt like sport.
Snooker on Betfair - could you improve it and how?
Not really bothered now as I bet at Betdaq lol, oh you could make it exempt from the premium charge, hows that.
Do you live by any betting principles and if so what are they?
Yes never get too carried away by big wins or bad runs, stay focussed and keep analysing, try to understand why the result happened, you can learn something even if you lose. Try to price up the event in question and you may find an edge if other people dont agree. Also don't bet where someone takes 20% of your winnings after your bet has come in.
When and why did you join Betfair and what do you like/dislike about the site?
It was nice to get better prices at the outset but now the value seems to have gone with the 20% takeout from consistent winners, which is the bit I dont like obviously, also didnt really appreciate the forum ban too much lol, the truth hurts it seems!
You have a bit of a following in the forum, why do you think that is?
Probably because I opened peoples eyes to the crowd pleaser that is Dave Harold, aka Bananaman himself, surely soon to become the biggest box office draw in sport, not just snooker itself.
Do you celebrate individual wins or look at the bigger picture?
As I said before I usually try to stay calm, especially when in public, but if I am on my own in the house I would charge up and down the stairs shouting yes a hundred times and then run around the garden punching the air for half an hour until I'm totally knackered. The dog looks at me gone out.
If so, what's your most memorable win and how did you celebrate?
I've enjoyed some good wins over the years, the one I particularly remember was a horse called Mr Ed in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, who I backed at 33/1. I noticed him a year earlier staying on over three miles and told everyone to back him in the National, just before Aintree, saying that if he stood up he'd win (at 100/1). Unfortunately he didnt stand up, but then won the Midlands equivalent the next year, I then went into work and said I told you he'd win the National, were you on?, they didnt look very happy for some reason.
What's the one tip you'd offer someone posting on the forum for the first time?
I hope you dont like freedom of speech too much.
Which three famous sportsmen would you have around for dinner?
Dave Harold and his two crates of bananas, no room for anybody else now.
If you could re-live one sporting day which one would it be?
Can I copy Frames' answer here, OK thanks, Frankie's magnificent 7 at Royal Ascot. Thats apart from Big Dave's only ranking tournament success of course, orders being taken for the re-released DVD as we speak (set of 15 discs).
What’s your most memorable mistake made on Betfair ?
Apart from the usual "lay" when you mean to "back" which I've done on a few occasions, probably the other day when I was dabbling in inplay for the first time, I forgot I'd paused Sky+ and was half an hour behind everyone else (that was the second time I'd done it in a week though the first time I wasn't betting!)
Might as well do the bit they have in the Racing Post now, too, being as I've just done my first full week on the blog.
Punting highlight of the week: Backing the first and second ante post in the Irish Greyhound Derby and seeing them fight out a photo finish, exhilirating!! I'll also throw in the Hispanic punter's video with his considered thoughts on the Premium Charge, pure gold if you can find it on the SBR forum (parental guidance required).
Punting lowlight of the week: Nothing too costly this week, but thinking I had a winner on the Premier League snooker highest break market through Ding last week only to find out I'd misread the scores. The spectre of the Premium Charge also if I can include that.
Thought for the week: Too many greedy or jealous people in the world. Why cant they just be happy with their lot?
Thats it for now, all the best to the Rams tonight!!
See you soon,
Rick
Monday, 15 September 2008
175-1 accumulator pays a tenner!!
Coming back down to earth now after an enthralling Saturday and just catching up with the uninteresting stuff like shopping and changing car batteries today.
In fact went to the garage (apparently French and Italian car specialists) and asked for a battery specifically for my make of Citroen and after he consulted the computer I came away with something about twice as high and half as wide as the original so think they might be better sticking to the Italian side of things for a while!!
Logged into the greedy exchange to draw out my greyhound winnings from the weekend and can confirm the forum ban is still in place which was nice of them. Wasnt totally surprised I got the heave ho but having seen whats been posted since I think quite a few posters must have slipped through the net!!
In fact in retrospect I maybe should have drawn my money out in £10 instalments just so as it cost them more to process lol.
Didnt quite hit the target with the two bets yesterday, was fancying my chances of a Lancashire win when opponents Somerset needed 16 off the last 2 overs but a couple of boundaries soon changed that, once again my side lost the toss and at this time of year with the earlier starts and dampness in the wicket its often crucial.
Did try to wait until the toss was made in one match last year but all the prices seemed to disappear, these bookies aren't as daft as they seem sometimes, lol.
Anyway have been pretty much even steven on the cricket so perhaps won't be in my portfolio next season, seems pointless keeping on sports unless you're healthily ahead as you can't really justify the time studying them.
The other bet was a throwaway few quid on the draw in the hurling, but although not successful this time over the season you wouldnt have gone far wrong at around those odds.
There was some surprise news at the weekend as I entered the local football club's prize draw, having to predict six results, and successfully predicted wins for Chelsea, Portsmouth, Everton, West Brom, Fulham plus the draw in the Wigan v Sunderland match!! Not bad for saying I picked them in about thirty seconds flat, sometimes you can analyse things too much perhaps.
At best prices I work out that little lot would be paying around 175-1 but unfortunately I will have to make do with about a tenner I should think, suddenly the premium charge doesnt look so bad lol.
Nice to see Graham Wheldon put a decent take on the Betfair situation in the Racing Post who have been very quiet on the matter for the most part, probably not wanting to risk losing advertising revenue.
Graham points out that many ordinary punters are caught up in the charge bands, in fact he reckons only one or two people he knows aren't affected, but on the other page Mark Winstanley goes and spoils it all by practically advocating them, I despair!!
Not only that but he is apparently a trader after all, had always had him down as one that would follow his opinion and stick with it.
I really can't see alot of benefit in using Betfair with the 20% charge in place as surely the ordinary bookmaker would offer at least as much value if not better if you're an opinion bettor, the prices offered would have to be considerably higher to make up the deficit and its hard to see it happening.
Time for an early night anyhow,
All the best
Rick
In fact went to the garage (apparently French and Italian car specialists) and asked for a battery specifically for my make of Citroen and after he consulted the computer I came away with something about twice as high and half as wide as the original so think they might be better sticking to the Italian side of things for a while!!
Logged into the greedy exchange to draw out my greyhound winnings from the weekend and can confirm the forum ban is still in place which was nice of them. Wasnt totally surprised I got the heave ho but having seen whats been posted since I think quite a few posters must have slipped through the net!!
In fact in retrospect I maybe should have drawn my money out in £10 instalments just so as it cost them more to process lol.
Didnt quite hit the target with the two bets yesterday, was fancying my chances of a Lancashire win when opponents Somerset needed 16 off the last 2 overs but a couple of boundaries soon changed that, once again my side lost the toss and at this time of year with the earlier starts and dampness in the wicket its often crucial.
Did try to wait until the toss was made in one match last year but all the prices seemed to disappear, these bookies aren't as daft as they seem sometimes, lol.
Anyway have been pretty much even steven on the cricket so perhaps won't be in my portfolio next season, seems pointless keeping on sports unless you're healthily ahead as you can't really justify the time studying them.
The other bet was a throwaway few quid on the draw in the hurling, but although not successful this time over the season you wouldnt have gone far wrong at around those odds.
There was some surprise news at the weekend as I entered the local football club's prize draw, having to predict six results, and successfully predicted wins for Chelsea, Portsmouth, Everton, West Brom, Fulham plus the draw in the Wigan v Sunderland match!! Not bad for saying I picked them in about thirty seconds flat, sometimes you can analyse things too much perhaps.
At best prices I work out that little lot would be paying around 175-1 but unfortunately I will have to make do with about a tenner I should think, suddenly the premium charge doesnt look so bad lol.
Nice to see Graham Wheldon put a decent take on the Betfair situation in the Racing Post who have been very quiet on the matter for the most part, probably not wanting to risk losing advertising revenue.
Graham points out that many ordinary punters are caught up in the charge bands, in fact he reckons only one or two people he knows aren't affected, but on the other page Mark Winstanley goes and spoils it all by practically advocating them, I despair!!
Not only that but he is apparently a trader after all, had always had him down as one that would follow his opinion and stick with it.
I really can't see alot of benefit in using Betfair with the 20% charge in place as surely the ordinary bookmaker would offer at least as much value if not better if you're an opinion bettor, the prices offered would have to be considerably higher to make up the deficit and its hard to see it happening.
Time for an early night anyhow,
All the best
Rick
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Oh what a beautiful morning!
Feeling on top of the world this morning as my two big ante post winners Shelbourne Aston (42/1 average price) and Slip The Lark (33/1) fought out one of the most pulsating Irish Greyhound Derby finishes of all time last night.
Few things can beat the arenalin rush of a race like this when you've got an involvement and would even have to turn down a night of hanky panky with Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren combined to experience the high of last night!!
Though having just checked wikipedia and found out that their combined age is now 142 perhaps that wasnt the best idea I've ever thought of anyway, doesnt time fly when you're having fun, lol.
Back to the action and the race panned out like a dream for me with Slip The Lark showing his paces to take the first bend in front, however unlike in the heats where he skipped clear much of the time, this high quality field remained on his tail throughout the race except of course for Shelbourne Aston who was in his customary position two or three lengths behind the rest of the field at that stage.
On to the final bend the two short runners Lark and Johnny led them around so you knew it was far from cut and dried but the fast finishers were struggling for room as they began to make inroads, however Aston was having none of it and bulldozed his way through the pack to come flying through and take it literally on the nod in the very last stride, absolutely breathtaking!!
Even the commentator thought Lark had held on but with the rather dodgy camera angle from the Sky coverage it was very difficult to tell until the camera panned to the winning trainer Pat Curtin who broke down in tears, even then I wasnt sure whether it was joy or despair, at that stage wasnt too bothered as I was a winner whatever the result.
It was amazing that this dog won the flagship Champion Stakes before this competition started yet people were still prepared to dismiss this as a fluke and lay over 40/1 beforehand, just as a footnote if the premium charge had applied in this instance, the extra value would have been well and truly negated and the return only pretty much in line with the bookmakers best price of 33/1.
Theres something enthralling to me about these horses and dogs that finish with a wet sail, I always remember an old handicapper called Densben (he passed away in 1999 I've just found out) who used to finish like the proverbial rocket up the hill at his favourite course of Pontefract, as he got a bit older he got a bit slower and needed dropping in class.
So as a favourite of mine I saw him entered in a 6f selling handicap race at Haydock in September, a course with a gradual uphill finish but more importantly there was juice in the ground to help bring his stamina into play. Also a certain K Fallon was booked. The rest was exhilarating, I had a nice punt and was a great spectacle to see him come from last to first.
Seem to remember being there the following the year for the same race again and pretty sure he did the double. A year or two later a horse with a similar profile Mu Arrik was running in the same event and he did the business too for me at very big odds, great memories, people decry these low quality races but to me it doesnt matter if you take the trouble to find out a bit about the characters in some of these events. The following year the race went out of existence.
I must say these big winners are the ones that keep you ahead of the game much of the time, at the smaller odds you're quite often winning a bit and then giving it back again so although they dont come around so often (the last real big one I had was Silver Birch at 50s in the National I think) they are essential to the long term.
Just going back to the greyhound scene, I have to say how much easier it is to keep up with the form for the Irish dogs, there is a fantastic site at "greyhound data" where enthusiasts post up their videos of most of the top races on a day to day basis and the IGB stream races online too if you bet into their tote pools.
Contrast that with the UK scene and its hard to find any similar source of video reference, indeed some of the big bookie chains that own some of the BAGS courses are allegedly trying to stop videos and DVDs being sold to punters to try and enhance their advantage, not content with the overround, a sorry state of affairs indeed if its come to that.
So much as I've enjoyed the competition, its a pretty much impossible task to keep up with the form over here on a day to day basis so thats why I'll only be occasionally dipping my toe in to the dog betting, will be keeping an eye out across the Irish Sea for some of my favourites from this event though.
The rest of yesterdays action didnt go so well, Pro 40 outright bets Kent lost the toss against Essex and had to bat on a dampish pitch and while they made a decent fist of it, you had the feeling the conditions were a whole lot better by the time the visitors went out for their innings.
So it proved, though if a certain Robbie Joseph had shown a bit more intent in the field when danger man Grant Flower had skied a ball into the deep it might have been different, or at least thats what his team mates seemed to imply as they collectively threw their arms into the air after seeing him take the easy option by ambling in and letting it bounce a few yards in front of him.
The aussie rules bet also went down, despite having 27 scores to 21 in their favour, my picks Collingwood seemed to have gone to the Mr Magoo school of kicking and most of their efforts were minor scores (through the outside posts) worth just one point.
The main scores in this sport are worth six points which are gained by an accurate kick through the middle posts, in which discipline St Kilda excelled, with 17 of their 21 kicks hitting the jackpot.
So I think when I review my betting next year the aussie rules will be near the top of the hit list to go, its been my biggest loser over the year and although that was mainly due to a couple of acts of buffoonery on my part, firstly misreading a spreadsheet and lumping on a short priced fav that I shouldnt have done and then making a halfhearted attempt to chase my losses with a multiple bet that also went down (albeit at the last gasp) the following week, theres always a mug punter in there trying to get out!!
Sometimes I think I'm gambling's answer to Inspector Clouseau but as long as we both get the bad guy in the end I'm not so bothered lol.
Nothing on the menu today to match yesterdays efforts, but will have a dabble on Lancashire (10/11) to beat Somerset in the Pro 40 relegation clash at Liverpool, both teams have been disappointing in this event, the Cidermen perhaps a bit more suited to the slower scoring rate of the County Championship. Lancashire made short work of my team Derbyshire twice in the 20 20s though (probably no great feat lol) but I will give them the edge in front of a decent sized home crowd probably.
Being as I'm feeling flush I'll also throw a few quid at the 10/1 offered for the draw in the under 21 hurling clash between Kilkenny and Tipperary at Wexford, the draws dont come round so often in GAA but at those odds probably worthwhile between two closely matched teams.
Can't go without mentioning my football team Derby who finally got the monkey off their back with a great win over Sheffield United last night, I think it was some kind of record of about 30 league games without a win (oh dear) but now they've got one I'm fancing they may get another at Swansea on Tuesday.
The young lad the Rams have brought into midfield Miles Addison looks a real find, he was a real colossus yesterday and the closest thing we've had as a real tough ballwinner since Lee Carsley, I think I may be having a lay of Swansea at least in midweek without getting carried away.
Anyway thats about it, I think I can hear Sophia and Raquel calling me from upstairs, oh go on then, being as I'm feeling in a good mood.
All together now "I'm just a luv machine, and I won't work for nobody but you, hey yey"
See you soon
Rick
Few things can beat the arenalin rush of a race like this when you've got an involvement and would even have to turn down a night of hanky panky with Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren combined to experience the high of last night!!
Though having just checked wikipedia and found out that their combined age is now 142 perhaps that wasnt the best idea I've ever thought of anyway, doesnt time fly when you're having fun, lol.
Back to the action and the race panned out like a dream for me with Slip The Lark showing his paces to take the first bend in front, however unlike in the heats where he skipped clear much of the time, this high quality field remained on his tail throughout the race except of course for Shelbourne Aston who was in his customary position two or three lengths behind the rest of the field at that stage.
On to the final bend the two short runners Lark and Johnny led them around so you knew it was far from cut and dried but the fast finishers were struggling for room as they began to make inroads, however Aston was having none of it and bulldozed his way through the pack to come flying through and take it literally on the nod in the very last stride, absolutely breathtaking!!
Even the commentator thought Lark had held on but with the rather dodgy camera angle from the Sky coverage it was very difficult to tell until the camera panned to the winning trainer Pat Curtin who broke down in tears, even then I wasnt sure whether it was joy or despair, at that stage wasnt too bothered as I was a winner whatever the result.
It was amazing that this dog won the flagship Champion Stakes before this competition started yet people were still prepared to dismiss this as a fluke and lay over 40/1 beforehand, just as a footnote if the premium charge had applied in this instance, the extra value would have been well and truly negated and the return only pretty much in line with the bookmakers best price of 33/1.
Theres something enthralling to me about these horses and dogs that finish with a wet sail, I always remember an old handicapper called Densben (he passed away in 1999 I've just found out) who used to finish like the proverbial rocket up the hill at his favourite course of Pontefract, as he got a bit older he got a bit slower and needed dropping in class.
So as a favourite of mine I saw him entered in a 6f selling handicap race at Haydock in September, a course with a gradual uphill finish but more importantly there was juice in the ground to help bring his stamina into play. Also a certain K Fallon was booked. The rest was exhilarating, I had a nice punt and was a great spectacle to see him come from last to first.
Seem to remember being there the following the year for the same race again and pretty sure he did the double. A year or two later a horse with a similar profile Mu Arrik was running in the same event and he did the business too for me at very big odds, great memories, people decry these low quality races but to me it doesnt matter if you take the trouble to find out a bit about the characters in some of these events. The following year the race went out of existence.
I must say these big winners are the ones that keep you ahead of the game much of the time, at the smaller odds you're quite often winning a bit and then giving it back again so although they dont come around so often (the last real big one I had was Silver Birch at 50s in the National I think) they are essential to the long term.
Just going back to the greyhound scene, I have to say how much easier it is to keep up with the form for the Irish dogs, there is a fantastic site at "greyhound data" where enthusiasts post up their videos of most of the top races on a day to day basis and the IGB stream races online too if you bet into their tote pools.
Contrast that with the UK scene and its hard to find any similar source of video reference, indeed some of the big bookie chains that own some of the BAGS courses are allegedly trying to stop videos and DVDs being sold to punters to try and enhance their advantage, not content with the overround, a sorry state of affairs indeed if its come to that.
So much as I've enjoyed the competition, its a pretty much impossible task to keep up with the form over here on a day to day basis so thats why I'll only be occasionally dipping my toe in to the dog betting, will be keeping an eye out across the Irish Sea for some of my favourites from this event though.
The rest of yesterdays action didnt go so well, Pro 40 outright bets Kent lost the toss against Essex and had to bat on a dampish pitch and while they made a decent fist of it, you had the feeling the conditions were a whole lot better by the time the visitors went out for their innings.
So it proved, though if a certain Robbie Joseph had shown a bit more intent in the field when danger man Grant Flower had skied a ball into the deep it might have been different, or at least thats what his team mates seemed to imply as they collectively threw their arms into the air after seeing him take the easy option by ambling in and letting it bounce a few yards in front of him.
The aussie rules bet also went down, despite having 27 scores to 21 in their favour, my picks Collingwood seemed to have gone to the Mr Magoo school of kicking and most of their efforts were minor scores (through the outside posts) worth just one point.
The main scores in this sport are worth six points which are gained by an accurate kick through the middle posts, in which discipline St Kilda excelled, with 17 of their 21 kicks hitting the jackpot.
So I think when I review my betting next year the aussie rules will be near the top of the hit list to go, its been my biggest loser over the year and although that was mainly due to a couple of acts of buffoonery on my part, firstly misreading a spreadsheet and lumping on a short priced fav that I shouldnt have done and then making a halfhearted attempt to chase my losses with a multiple bet that also went down (albeit at the last gasp) the following week, theres always a mug punter in there trying to get out!!
Sometimes I think I'm gambling's answer to Inspector Clouseau but as long as we both get the bad guy in the end I'm not so bothered lol.
Nothing on the menu today to match yesterdays efforts, but will have a dabble on Lancashire (10/11) to beat Somerset in the Pro 40 relegation clash at Liverpool, both teams have been disappointing in this event, the Cidermen perhaps a bit more suited to the slower scoring rate of the County Championship. Lancashire made short work of my team Derbyshire twice in the 20 20s though (probably no great feat lol) but I will give them the edge in front of a decent sized home crowd probably.
Being as I'm feeling flush I'll also throw a few quid at the 10/1 offered for the draw in the under 21 hurling clash between Kilkenny and Tipperary at Wexford, the draws dont come round so often in GAA but at those odds probably worthwhile between two closely matched teams.
Can't go without mentioning my football team Derby who finally got the monkey off their back with a great win over Sheffield United last night, I think it was some kind of record of about 30 league games without a win (oh dear) but now they've got one I'm fancing they may get another at Swansea on Tuesday.
The young lad the Rams have brought into midfield Miles Addison looks a real find, he was a real colossus yesterday and the closest thing we've had as a real tough ballwinner since Lee Carsley, I think I may be having a lay of Swansea at least in midweek without getting carried away.
Anyway thats about it, I think I can hear Sophia and Raquel calling me from upstairs, oh go on then, being as I'm feeling in a good mood.
All together now "I'm just a luv machine, and I won't work for nobody but you, hey yey"
See you soon
Rick
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Rubbing my hands in anticipation
While most peoples eyes will probably be on the Leger today, I'm gonna gloss over that one as until I've properly gotten up to date with the nags, not going to start analysing any of the individual races just yet, looks a bigger field than the norm this year but you would have thought the advantage would lie with one or two of the market leaders.
Wigan made it through to the next round of the Super League play offs last night but realistically I think the small outlay I had on them outright will be staying in the bookies satchels.
Traditionally, the Grand Final goes to one of the top two teams, a very big factor being that the lower down the league ladder you finish, the more games you play in a brutally physical sport so injuries tend to come into play for the lower placed teams which weakens them somewhat by the time they play the big boys waiting in the wings (Pat Richards stretchered off last night to confirm the point).
Highlight of the day for me is the Irish Greyhound Derby Final tonight at Shelbourne, televised live on Sky.
Only tend to play the big greyhound competitions myself in the main but this one has really captured my imagination.
Fair enough, perhaps the most charismatic of all the dogs, College Causeway, was unfortunately knocked out of contention in the semi finals but it transpires he has a shoulder injury (not sure if it was caused by that incident) so at least we have a six dog final which is preferable to an empty box.
I did have "College" as one of my ante post picks but have fared quite well nevertheless, the other flying finisher Shelbourne Aston is through for me at around 40/1 unfortunately backed on Betfair which would probably take me deep into premium charge waters (lol) so maybe I shouldnt be cheering too hard.
Also I have early paced Slip The Lark (33/1) backed after round one and have since added Headley Bridge (5/1) to win a small amount at the quarter final stage and finally English raider Ballymac Ruso (7/2) to break even as further insurance yesterday.
The other contenders are rank outsider Macchu Picchu and the other fast starter Advantage Johnny.
Johnny and Lark are the two flying early pace dogs in the race but equally neither get home well enough to come from behind, so their chances will be won and lost up to the first bend. Lark for me is the fastest if he hits the traps though sometimes he just loses a length out of the box which he cant afford to do here.
Johnny built up a massive lead in the semi last week yet only held on by a fast diminishing half length from Headleys Bridge and wouldnt be so sure he will get so far clear with fast dogs on his inside this time around.
Headleys Bridge has been one of the more impressive dogs of the event, he has a good mixture of pace and stamina and looks closely matched with Ballymac Ruso on previous runnings. Ruso has the advantage of being drawn inside the slow starting Shelbourne Aston so ought to go up well, alot depends if he can get out clear of the outside dogs who will be cutting across, if he does he will be in a good position.
Aston may not have much early and seems likely to be last up to halfway unless theres trouble in running but is an absolute powerhouse from thereon, finishing with rocket speed two to every one of the other dogs, so if he is anywhere near them on the final bend it should make the hairs of your neck stand on end.
Of all the semi final performances, his was probably the best, he was the dog that actually collided with Causeway, having been hampered by Headleys Bridge himself, but flew up the run in to be only a length behind the latter dog in a close third.
So in one of the most open races for years I'll be cheering a hefty win if either Lark or Aston lifts the prize, two more contrasting dogs you couldn't find but hopefully things will fall into place for one of them.
Heres hoping anyhow.
All the best, Rick
Wigan made it through to the next round of the Super League play offs last night but realistically I think the small outlay I had on them outright will be staying in the bookies satchels.
Traditionally, the Grand Final goes to one of the top two teams, a very big factor being that the lower down the league ladder you finish, the more games you play in a brutally physical sport so injuries tend to come into play for the lower placed teams which weakens them somewhat by the time they play the big boys waiting in the wings (Pat Richards stretchered off last night to confirm the point).
Highlight of the day for me is the Irish Greyhound Derby Final tonight at Shelbourne, televised live on Sky.
Only tend to play the big greyhound competitions myself in the main but this one has really captured my imagination.
Fair enough, perhaps the most charismatic of all the dogs, College Causeway, was unfortunately knocked out of contention in the semi finals but it transpires he has a shoulder injury (not sure if it was caused by that incident) so at least we have a six dog final which is preferable to an empty box.
I did have "College" as one of my ante post picks but have fared quite well nevertheless, the other flying finisher Shelbourne Aston is through for me at around 40/1 unfortunately backed on Betfair which would probably take me deep into premium charge waters (lol) so maybe I shouldnt be cheering too hard.
Also I have early paced Slip The Lark (33/1) backed after round one and have since added Headley Bridge (5/1) to win a small amount at the quarter final stage and finally English raider Ballymac Ruso (7/2) to break even as further insurance yesterday.
The other contenders are rank outsider Macchu Picchu and the other fast starter Advantage Johnny.
Johnny and Lark are the two flying early pace dogs in the race but equally neither get home well enough to come from behind, so their chances will be won and lost up to the first bend. Lark for me is the fastest if he hits the traps though sometimes he just loses a length out of the box which he cant afford to do here.
Johnny built up a massive lead in the semi last week yet only held on by a fast diminishing half length from Headleys Bridge and wouldnt be so sure he will get so far clear with fast dogs on his inside this time around.
Headleys Bridge has been one of the more impressive dogs of the event, he has a good mixture of pace and stamina and looks closely matched with Ballymac Ruso on previous runnings. Ruso has the advantage of being drawn inside the slow starting Shelbourne Aston so ought to go up well, alot depends if he can get out clear of the outside dogs who will be cutting across, if he does he will be in a good position.
Aston may not have much early and seems likely to be last up to halfway unless theres trouble in running but is an absolute powerhouse from thereon, finishing with rocket speed two to every one of the other dogs, so if he is anywhere near them on the final bend it should make the hairs of your neck stand on end.
Of all the semi final performances, his was probably the best, he was the dog that actually collided with Causeway, having been hampered by Headleys Bridge himself, but flew up the run in to be only a length behind the latter dog in a close third.
So in one of the most open races for years I'll be cheering a hefty win if either Lark or Aston lifts the prize, two more contrasting dogs you couldn't find but hopefully things will fall into place for one of them.
Heres hoping anyhow.
All the best, Rick
Friday, 12 September 2008
Almost caught up
Its now just over a year since I made a concerted effort to catch up with all the horse racing form (had about 7 months backlog to get through after having a break for a while due to the ever expanding fixture list); that's taken far longer than originally envisaged, but like to do these things properly and now only three weeks to catch up on, just in time for my favoured all weather racing season.
Everything has tended to stop on that front when there's been a snooker tourney on but have made a decent amount for three consecutive seasons betting on the baize, it does take time to price up the games and act accordingly.
Still need to get back to my roots as have always enjoyed the thrill of the nags since the age of about seven when my grandma used to take a long list of about twenty penny bets up to the local bookie who used to give a disagreeing scowl at the potential workload for such a small possible reward.
Its always a bit of a quandry how many sports to have in your portfolio, I havent really cracked some of them up until now though have been continually trying to analyze and hopefully in a better position regarding these than I have been in the past.
Had a winner today on the cricket in the only match where there was a positive result with improving Hampshire defeating Surrey by an innings to land odds of 11/10 in the County Championship.
The recent rains have helped me a bit regarding my outrights as my pre season picks Durham (9/2) and Somerset (10/1) are still in with every chance while games are being truncated despite having a few iffy performances of late.
While those two played out a draw today, Hants now lead the table by one point but all the other teams have a match in hand.
The Pro 40 Div 2 comes to its conclusion tomorrow and I still have Kent (6/1) as serious contenders. They need to beat Essex in a revenge mission at Canterbury, having been recently beaten in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy at Lords.
Yorkshire are also in the mix, going to Northants so it may go down to run rate over the season if its a three way tie.
Also have a small bet on Wigan in the rugby Super League outright market in action against Bradford tonight though they have had to concede home advantage by moving to Widnes due to a clash with football preparations at the JJB.
For tomorrow morning have backed Collingwood in the Aussie Rules play offs @ 8/11 against St Kilda, the Saints finished the season quite well but alot of their opponents seemed to have put their coat on the rack for the season and although this match is officially on neutral territory, the Magpies play their home matches here. They have come back quite well after sacking two experienced players due to disciplinary action for off field strife a few weeks ago.
Again, its not a sport I've totally cracked but may as well continue to the end of the season now (thats what the bookies love to hear lol!)
Looking forward to the Irish Greyhound Derby tomorrow night in which I have a few ante post bets still running, more of that tomorrow, though unfortunately I also have to go and watch the Rams in action due to my ill conceived purchase of a season ticket so its not all fine and dandy!!
Anyway, all the best 'til later
Rick
Everything has tended to stop on that front when there's been a snooker tourney on but have made a decent amount for three consecutive seasons betting on the baize, it does take time to price up the games and act accordingly.
Still need to get back to my roots as have always enjoyed the thrill of the nags since the age of about seven when my grandma used to take a long list of about twenty penny bets up to the local bookie who used to give a disagreeing scowl at the potential workload for such a small possible reward.
Its always a bit of a quandry how many sports to have in your portfolio, I havent really cracked some of them up until now though have been continually trying to analyze and hopefully in a better position regarding these than I have been in the past.
Had a winner today on the cricket in the only match where there was a positive result with improving Hampshire defeating Surrey by an innings to land odds of 11/10 in the County Championship.
The recent rains have helped me a bit regarding my outrights as my pre season picks Durham (9/2) and Somerset (10/1) are still in with every chance while games are being truncated despite having a few iffy performances of late.
While those two played out a draw today, Hants now lead the table by one point but all the other teams have a match in hand.
The Pro 40 Div 2 comes to its conclusion tomorrow and I still have Kent (6/1) as serious contenders. They need to beat Essex in a revenge mission at Canterbury, having been recently beaten in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy at Lords.
Yorkshire are also in the mix, going to Northants so it may go down to run rate over the season if its a three way tie.
Also have a small bet on Wigan in the rugby Super League outright market in action against Bradford tonight though they have had to concede home advantage by moving to Widnes due to a clash with football preparations at the JJB.
For tomorrow morning have backed Collingwood in the Aussie Rules play offs @ 8/11 against St Kilda, the Saints finished the season quite well but alot of their opponents seemed to have put their coat on the rack for the season and although this match is officially on neutral territory, the Magpies play their home matches here. They have come back quite well after sacking two experienced players due to disciplinary action for off field strife a few weeks ago.
Again, its not a sport I've totally cracked but may as well continue to the end of the season now (thats what the bookies love to hear lol!)
Looking forward to the Irish Greyhound Derby tomorrow night in which I have a few ante post bets still running, more of that tomorrow, though unfortunately I also have to go and watch the Rams in action due to my ill conceived purchase of a season ticket so its not all fine and dandy!!
Anyway, all the best 'til later
Rick
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Stunning View
I think its taken me around thirty posts spread over about three different platforms but I'm finally getting the Betfair debacle out of my system and moving on.
The debate rages though elsewhere with losers convinced they will magically somehow start winning once certain players leave the exchange and still prepared to take a 20% commission charge when 2% is available down the road, it beggars belief.
Sounds like there have been plenty of withdrawals of funds though judging by the totalisor they have running on the forum - so the news is better elsewhere lol.
A special mention to Betfair forumite "ash hight punter" who came up with a couple of crackers that had me in stitches the last couple of days, asking "When did Norman Wisdom take over Betfair" and then posting a link to a home video of an Hispanic punter venting off steam over the commission hike.
I shan't post the link here due to some of the language content but it really was one of the funniest things I've seen for a long long time and summed up the feelings perfectly of all those who had fallen foul of the charges. I really empathised with the guy. See if you can find it for yourself if you havent seen it - entitled "The Best Thing To Come Out of Betfairs Premium Charge" (parental guidance required though!!)
Just realised the background to my blog is purple, lol, I wonder if that was a coincidence or I picked it because of my feelings at the time, will have to ask them if they want some free advertising on here at Betdaq so that it matches up.
Highlight of the day for me was the filly Rainbow View's stunning success in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, had seen her win her maiden a while back in the style of one of the most impressive winners of the season and meant to take what would have been a big price then for the 1000 Guineas but then forgot doh!! Ended up taking the 8/1 after the next Group 3 race she won and the price will have contracted again today, the only worry would be perhaps if she was sold to the Arabs and didnt take in the said race and of course whether she stays fit for the race next May.
Finally the Premier League snooker kicked off tonight in fine style with some excellent snooker on show.
Mark Selby was tempting at the odds to beat Ding Junhui but I erred on the side of caution due to this being his first ever match in the competition and decided to back Ding for the highest break @ 8/11 as he often knocks in a ton or two into what usually seem to be overtly generous pockets in this competition.
He did oblige with a century in frame two but this is where it all got very confusing for me!! I somehow mixed up the points for the break with his overall points score so instead of him scoring 105 as I thought, he apparently only totalled a bare 100 break.
Hence as Selby managed 104 I was on my way to the payout desk only to be stopped in my tracks by a visit to the Matchroom website which told me to take a step backwards again lol. Oh dear so I shall check the video to confirm if it comes on again but think thats ones a loser, hence the re-write of this paragraph lol.
In the other match I was tempted in by the 2/1 John Higgins in the draw no bet market against Ronnie O Sullivan but after leading 2-0 he trailed 3-2 before saving my stake in the final frame.
These two players always afford each other alot of respect, Ronnie said recently he thought John was the only player who could really challenge him when he himself was playing at the top of his game. Not sure the same respect was afforded to the hapless interviewer at the end though as they both seemed to be laughing at his rather banal questions!!!
So in the end a mixed day but hopefully a couple of ante post vouchers that look to have a live chance. See you soon and sorry about the confusion lol.
Thanks to all who signed the petition btw, very flattering, even Johnny which was a shock, good on yer!! But unfortunately Betfair have me by the goolies at the moment if I stay there, new forum on its way at Betdaq soon apparently, keep watching...
The debate rages though elsewhere with losers convinced they will magically somehow start winning once certain players leave the exchange and still prepared to take a 20% commission charge when 2% is available down the road, it beggars belief.
Sounds like there have been plenty of withdrawals of funds though judging by the totalisor they have running on the forum - so the news is better elsewhere lol.
A special mention to Betfair forumite "ash hight punter" who came up with a couple of crackers that had me in stitches the last couple of days, asking "When did Norman Wisdom take over Betfair" and then posting a link to a home video of an Hispanic punter venting off steam over the commission hike.
I shan't post the link here due to some of the language content but it really was one of the funniest things I've seen for a long long time and summed up the feelings perfectly of all those who had fallen foul of the charges. I really empathised with the guy. See if you can find it for yourself if you havent seen it - entitled "The Best Thing To Come Out of Betfairs Premium Charge" (parental guidance required though!!)
Just realised the background to my blog is purple, lol, I wonder if that was a coincidence or I picked it because of my feelings at the time, will have to ask them if they want some free advertising on here at Betdaq so that it matches up.
Highlight of the day for me was the filly Rainbow View's stunning success in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, had seen her win her maiden a while back in the style of one of the most impressive winners of the season and meant to take what would have been a big price then for the 1000 Guineas but then forgot doh!! Ended up taking the 8/1 after the next Group 3 race she won and the price will have contracted again today, the only worry would be perhaps if she was sold to the Arabs and didnt take in the said race and of course whether she stays fit for the race next May.
Finally the Premier League snooker kicked off tonight in fine style with some excellent snooker on show.
Mark Selby was tempting at the odds to beat Ding Junhui but I erred on the side of caution due to this being his first ever match in the competition and decided to back Ding for the highest break @ 8/11 as he often knocks in a ton or two into what usually seem to be overtly generous pockets in this competition.
He did oblige with a century in frame two but this is where it all got very confusing for me!! I somehow mixed up the points for the break with his overall points score so instead of him scoring 105 as I thought, he apparently only totalled a bare 100 break.
Hence as Selby managed 104 I was on my way to the payout desk only to be stopped in my tracks by a visit to the Matchroom website which told me to take a step backwards again lol. Oh dear so I shall check the video to confirm if it comes on again but think thats ones a loser, hence the re-write of this paragraph lol.
In the other match I was tempted in by the 2/1 John Higgins in the draw no bet market against Ronnie O Sullivan but after leading 2-0 he trailed 3-2 before saving my stake in the final frame.
These two players always afford each other alot of respect, Ronnie said recently he thought John was the only player who could really challenge him when he himself was playing at the top of his game. Not sure the same respect was afforded to the hapless interviewer at the end though as they both seemed to be laughing at his rather banal questions!!!
So in the end a mixed day but hopefully a couple of ante post vouchers that look to have a live chance. See you soon and sorry about the confusion lol.
Thanks to all who signed the petition btw, very flattering, even Johnny which was a shock, good on yer!! But unfortunately Betfair have me by the goolies at the moment if I stay there, new forum on its way at Betdaq soon apparently, keep watching...
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Anyone for a bit of red hot poker?
Well here it is at last, I've been planning to put up a blog since the years when Steptoe and Son used to roam the streets in that horse and cart.
Main thanks go to Betfair's betting exchange who decided my blustering rhetoric on their forums regarding their recent announcement that they were "taking a 20% cut of all winners profits" was a little too strong for their palate.
Plus I may well have mentioned one or two of their rivals too - accidently on purpose like you do lol - the reason being if I'm outta there its in my interests to encourage as many people as possible to join me so there is enough money in the pot for us all to get a better deal at the new place.
Anyway a change is as good as a rest and I've decided to join those nice people at Betdaq for my next few soires in the punting world, up until now they have mostly been playing second fiddle but are doing their bit by only offering 2% commission until the end of the year. WBX are the other possibles but they are currently third in line in the liquidity stakes although some of their NHL ice hockey markets last year looked quite feasible.
The vast majority of Betfair users are feeling somewhat like they have just had a red hot poker shoved where the sun don't shine and have been justifiably venting enough steam to start a traction rally on various forums across the world wide web so we're all a bit down in the mouth at present, was good to see England have a cracking 4-1 win in Croatia this evening in the football to brighten the gloom a bit.
Betfair have been putting out alot of spin that "only 0.5% of users are affected" but I'm sure this a red herring for their own devious purposes plus they also seem to be trying to fob this percentage off as being people who run aggressive bots or are traders, both of whom seem to be hardly flavour of the month with alot of its fellow clients.
This helps them create a divide and some people seem to have fallen for it, the truth is that alot of ordinary punters like myself who just bet the conventional way have been caught up in this too and Betfair are trying to sweep this under the carpet, much of the press coverage is also failing to address this point.
The 0.5 per cent is really a nonsensical figure anyhow as even if it was correct which I strongly doubt, everyone on there has the potential to win and fall into the band if they have a sustained period of good results for a while.
So certainly it seems there will be a fair exodus which breaks their stranglehold and it will then be very interesting to see how they react if their plan for the future has gone somewhat pear shaped at that point. It may well be too late for any u-turn then as people will have settled into their new surroundings at that stage, and anyhow once the germ of an idea is there they will be out to get you one way or another.
The lads on the Betfair snooker forum have started a petition to get me re-instated but sensibly not many people had signed it the last time I looked and those that read me rambling inanely on here will also be retracting their names very quickly I should think lol.
I'll tell you what if Johnnybigbananas signs it I'll make a comeback in true "for one night only" style should the powers that be allow it but think I'm on a safe bet with that one.
Johnny is a big friend of Jimmy Michie the pro snooker player, who has earned the nickname the "International Man of Mystery" as his name strangely disappears when you type it onto the forum and I seemed to get into a bit of strife for bringing it to everyones attention and then doing some silly jokes about it.
I'll apologise again as I do like the Pontefract Potter's style of play, OK he might not often reach the main venues but he is eminently watchable and can pot them off the lampshades on his day but maybe just tends to be ground down by the more methodical players.
He's still not a patch on Dave Harold though, who surely is a future World Champion if ever I saw one, he already holds the mantle of "most bananas eaten in one mid session interval" several times over and has come back manfully from receiving a dud batch at last years World Championship clash with Shaun Murphy since when his suppliers have been sacked.
Oh just remembered went overdrawn today to cap it all and incurred a £35 penalty charge, the bank in question kept badgering me to move most of my savings into a different account with better interest and I forgot to move enough back again to cover some money I had drawn out to fund my betting grrrr!!! I blame Betfair for not sending the withdrawal of my funds a bit faster lol.
Anyway, thats about all, I hope they dont charge by the word on here or else I shall be moving on again very quickly by the looks of it.
Will report back soon with some more musings on life.
Cheers for now
Rick
Main thanks go to Betfair's betting exchange who decided my blustering rhetoric on their forums regarding their recent announcement that they were "taking a 20% cut of all winners profits" was a little too strong for their palate.
Plus I may well have mentioned one or two of their rivals too - accidently on purpose like you do lol - the reason being if I'm outta there its in my interests to encourage as many people as possible to join me so there is enough money in the pot for us all to get a better deal at the new place.
Anyway a change is as good as a rest and I've decided to join those nice people at Betdaq for my next few soires in the punting world, up until now they have mostly been playing second fiddle but are doing their bit by only offering 2% commission until the end of the year. WBX are the other possibles but they are currently third in line in the liquidity stakes although some of their NHL ice hockey markets last year looked quite feasible.
The vast majority of Betfair users are feeling somewhat like they have just had a red hot poker shoved where the sun don't shine and have been justifiably venting enough steam to start a traction rally on various forums across the world wide web so we're all a bit down in the mouth at present, was good to see England have a cracking 4-1 win in Croatia this evening in the football to brighten the gloom a bit.
Betfair have been putting out alot of spin that "only 0.5% of users are affected" but I'm sure this a red herring for their own devious purposes plus they also seem to be trying to fob this percentage off as being people who run aggressive bots or are traders, both of whom seem to be hardly flavour of the month with alot of its fellow clients.
This helps them create a divide and some people seem to have fallen for it, the truth is that alot of ordinary punters like myself who just bet the conventional way have been caught up in this too and Betfair are trying to sweep this under the carpet, much of the press coverage is also failing to address this point.
The 0.5 per cent is really a nonsensical figure anyhow as even if it was correct which I strongly doubt, everyone on there has the potential to win and fall into the band if they have a sustained period of good results for a while.
So certainly it seems there will be a fair exodus which breaks their stranglehold and it will then be very interesting to see how they react if their plan for the future has gone somewhat pear shaped at that point. It may well be too late for any u-turn then as people will have settled into their new surroundings at that stage, and anyhow once the germ of an idea is there they will be out to get you one way or another.
The lads on the Betfair snooker forum have started a petition to get me re-instated but sensibly not many people had signed it the last time I looked and those that read me rambling inanely on here will also be retracting their names very quickly I should think lol.
I'll tell you what if Johnnybigbananas signs it I'll make a comeback in true "for one night only" style should the powers that be allow it but think I'm on a safe bet with that one.
Johnny is a big friend of Jimmy Michie the pro snooker player, who has earned the nickname the "International Man of Mystery" as his name strangely disappears when you type it onto the forum and I seemed to get into a bit of strife for bringing it to everyones attention and then doing some silly jokes about it.
I'll apologise again as I do like the Pontefract Potter's style of play, OK he might not often reach the main venues but he is eminently watchable and can pot them off the lampshades on his day but maybe just tends to be ground down by the more methodical players.
He's still not a patch on Dave Harold though, who surely is a future World Champion if ever I saw one, he already holds the mantle of "most bananas eaten in one mid session interval" several times over and has come back manfully from receiving a dud batch at last years World Championship clash with Shaun Murphy since when his suppliers have been sacked.
Oh just remembered went overdrawn today to cap it all and incurred a £35 penalty charge, the bank in question kept badgering me to move most of my savings into a different account with better interest and I forgot to move enough back again to cover some money I had drawn out to fund my betting grrrr!!! I blame Betfair for not sending the withdrawal of my funds a bit faster lol.
Anyway, thats about all, I hope they dont charge by the word on here or else I shall be moving on again very quickly by the looks of it.
Will report back soon with some more musings on life.
Cheers for now
Rick
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