A very sad Grand National last week left me fielding all sorts of questions from my non-racing friends who I am sure were mainly trying to wind me up for the fun of it. Fact is, I do not have all the answers but I would point out that these were seasoned chasers invariably competing over three miles or more without falling on a regular basis, so someone with more knowledge than me (could be anyone lol), needs to ask why so many departed so early in the race this year?
As the fences had been amended with the assistance of the RSPCA to make them safer I can only guess that they went far too fast from the offset, so maybe some kind of slowing down mechanism would be the answer, though heaven only knows what that would mean? Personally, I had the double blow of backing Synchronised only to see him fall and lose his life, which was sad enough for me (and no I do NOT mean my losses), but must have been totally devastating for his stable lad (or lass), jockey, owner and trainer. All I know is that, as popular as the nationals may be with umpteen million watching it on the television, the publicity is bad publicity and the well used adage of “non racing folk don’t know what they are talking about” simply will not wash any more.
On a more positive note, I recommended a decent bet on Oscar Whisky, which was landed at BETDAQ odds of 3.6 (well, that’s what I got), though I cannot say I was confident until they went over the line. He managed to beat the gallant Thousand Stars by a neck which had me gaining a few grey hairs I can tell you, but win he did and as my main bet that was job done for Saturday.
After that I was a good boy for a change having been invited to Newmarket by Sir Ivor Racing for both days of the Craven meeting (Wednesday and Thursday), and who was I to argue – but I needed to make sure I had plenty of punting money! With my mobile phone and my I Pad with me (I will NEVER take the skinny bookmakers prices again, BETDAQ rules!), I used the dreaded public transport so I could partake of a beverage or two, though at racecourse prices you need a few winners or a mortgage if you fancy more than a single drink! £27 to get in to the best enclosure and then £4.30 a pint reminded me why I usually watch on the TV instead, but don’t get me started on that one! Overall I met some like-minded people (racing is fun!) and had a good time (go to www.sirivorracing.com for details), though it still didn’t help my BETDAQ balance! It’s always fun to argue the toss about a horse’s chances but to agree on a 12.0 shot (BETDAQ price) and then not back it personally (because he had been 32.0 earlier in the day), is tantamount to betting stupidity!
Calming down, it is time to look ahead to the weekend and see what we have in store, starting with the horses once again, and in this case Newbury, who follow on from Newmarket each and every season with their classic trials. Richard Hannon struck gold at Newmarket on Thursday, and may well do the same here thanks to Best Terms who has only lost one race in five attempts but is clearly best in officially ahead of the Fred Darling Saturday at 2.35pm. On juvenile form she wins this with her head in her chest (only form danger Roger Sez is from the Tim Easterby yard who have had only one winner from their last 29 runners at the time of writing), so the omens look pretty decent!
Moving on to the football, and I am still sulking after Everton were beaten last weekend by Liverpool (can anyone explain how Mr Bellamy got away with moving the free kick about 15 yards?), but then that is the fun of sport, differing opinions all round? Value is, as always, the name of the game and I am sure someone clever can explain me why Chelsea are 4.2 with BETDAQ to win at Arsenal on Saturday? I do understand the away team had a tough game midweek, but a 1-0 win v Barcelona has to be considered a serious positive, and with the home team losing to Wigan this week past, the odds make no sense at all?
Next up, I suggest not one but TWO more away options at over the top prices? Norwich have been a surprise package this season and will not be allowed to rest on their laurels making the BETDAQ price of 4.0 to win at relegation threatened Blackburn frankly laughable. The Canaries do not know how to roll over regardless and although Blackburn can turn the style on given half a chance, at the price it may be worth a small bet that today is not one of their going days!
Finally on the footie side of things, anyone who has not appreciated the way Swansea have played all season needs their head examined as they have been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League throughout 2012. On Saturday they head to Bolton, which is no gimmee, but gives them a chance to get out of their recent mini slump. Odds of 3.8 with BETDAQ seem generous away to Bolton who are a half decent side severely lacking in confidence, and with just one of the three away bets needing to come off to make it a profitable weekend, I am happy to sit with those three as my bets until Monday at the very least!
This week’s suggested bets (odds correct at the time of writing):
Football:
1pt CHELSEA to win at Arsenal Saturday at BETDAQ odds of 4.2
1pt NORWICH to win at Blackburn Saturday at BETDAQ odds of 4.0
1pt SWANSEA to win at Bolton Saturday at BETDAQ odds of 3.8
Horse Racing:
2pts Win Best Terms 2.35pm Newbury Saturday
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