Hotdog is scant consolation

I'm back again, that was a quick week wasnt it! My current lack of form continued on the Sky dogs on Tuesday night I'm afraid with Capel Wilson my only real winner of the evening at 2/1 and my ante post picks failing to fire in the final of the canine Grand National. At least I covered my overall stake with the winner Hotdog Jack but with a few other losers on the night it was scant consolation. It's strange how you can do no wrong for weeks and weeks and then suddenly everything conspires against you all at once, but thats the way it always seems to work in the world of betting.
At least my aussie rules treble of Geelong, Carlton and Western Bulldogs came up last weekend and I've stuck with the same three teams in another treble this week, as well as backing the latter two at double figure odds for the AFL Grand final itself later in the year. Geelong obliged today as the first part of the bet so at least we're still alive and kicking at present with that one.
The gaelic football betting must be going better than ever as I seem to have been restricted to £25 on one bet I wanted this week at one of the firms, not sure if its a one off or that will be the norm. Suppose I'll have to contemplate travelling down to the nearest shop with a wedge of notes if this continues though thankfully at present there are alot of other options online.
Anyway after a loser or two perhaps they'll have a re-think you never know. This week I'm chancing a treble of Dublin, Derry and Sligo who all need to win for various reasons with the leagues coming to a close (apart from Division 4 who still have one week to go).
Laois dont have anything to play for up against Monaghan but they do seem to have improved a bit in their last couple of games while the opposition have had to work hard for their wins in the main apart from the last match when they comfortably beat Cork. Anyway with the +2 handicap I think I'll plump for Laois this time as a sort of cover for my outright Monaghan bet who are in a three way tussle to qualify for the final.
The Blue Riband and Golden Sprint greyhound heats start tomorrow at Hall Green and Romford respectively and they look pretty competitive but have had a dabble with my usual four or five in each and I'll possibly add to them depending on how it goes and how many I lose after the first round held today (Friday).
The Scottish Derby takes place at Shawfield on Saturday and there was a very impressive semi final winner in Thurlesbeg Joker in the week coming from last to first with a devastating turn of foot which really was something to behold. After that exhibition there was no doubt I had to delve into my pocket to take the 5/4 though I do still have Cabra Cool from my original ante post picks going from a favourable draw in trap one. He was a 14/1 shot at the start of proceedings.
I also had a bit on the Joker for the English Derby at 33/1 each way which looked a very good offer if he was actually going to run, though have since found the owners have expressed doubts that he is "the right shape of dog" for Wimbledon whatever that means! Perhaps the chunky bonus will tempt them if he wins up in Scotland.
The semi finals of the Easter Cup take place at Shelbourne the same evening where my original selections Shelbourne Aston (14/1) and Faypoint Man (10/1) are still in contention along with those added since Oran Classic (8/1 ave odds) and Tip and Tin (50/1).
As I mentioned at the foot of last week's blog there was good news as my old favourite Jemmy Doodlebeag was reported to have suffered nothing more than a case of cramp when failing to finish in one of the Easter Cup heats and he has already been back on the track with a trial at Cork a few days ago.
The NHL season is nearing its completion before cranking up again for the play offs and I'll have three representatives in Boston, Philadelphia and Calgary although Dallas were badly hit by injuries all season long and will miss out. The Bruins look the best chance of the three and seem to be re-discovering a bit of their early season form again of late so I'm hopeful of a good run there, which in fairness I've already had for a 33/1 shot.
The Flyers and the Flames tend to be useful scoring teams but not so hot at keeping them out at times so would be a bit surprised if they could go all the way but at least they'll keep us all entertained I suppose, and you never know in ice hockey.
Plus the IIHF World Championships in Switzerland are just around the corner too with the rosters being unveiled over the next couple of weeks. I'll keep an eye out on those for any clues for the outright market as I usually take a keen interest in this with an online subsciption for the games, as its not normally covered on mainline UK TV. That way you can watch them as and when you want as I'm sure you could probably wangle getting them for free somewhere but cant always guarantee being around at the time of the games, epsecially as it clashes with the snooker at Sheffield too.
Speaking of which been looking at all the exotic markets that come into existence once a year for snooker's main event and although I'm nowhere near as confident of picking the winner this year as I was last time around when I felt I'd got all angles covered, there are a few interesting punts elsewhere that are tickling my fancy somewhat. Anyway more of that next week.
Hopefully going to see the new Brian Clough film tomorrow "The Damned United" which seems to have gotten some decent reviews, though not endorsed my many of his closest acquintances it has to be said. And gonna cheer on the Rams at Hillsborough on Saturday as we still need a few more points to be safe which aren't going to be easy to come by judging on our 4-1 loss at Cardff in midweek, the injuries are starting to bite I feel.
Also while I still have some money left indulged in buying some tickets for Derbyshire's 20 20 cricket campaign this term - went last year and thoroughly enjoyed it all - so even decided to book a few of the away games this time around, its a long while since I've been to either Trent Bridge or Headingley and I've never yet been to Old Trafford (the cricket ground) or Grace Road, so should be interesting.
All the best for now
Rick