This time of year is always busy in professional sport and Christmas Day is the only one we’ll get off. We’re in early on Boxing Day before a few of us dash off to Kempton for the King George VI Chase. It’s always been a family tradition of mine to head to the races and some of the rugby guys come along as well now.
It’s a cracking day of racing and the line-up for Boxing Day’s showpiece looks the best on paper that I have seen for years. Long Run is the stand-out favourite and there are at least six top runners in the mix. However, Al Ferof is no longer one of those since he has pulled out due to injury.
If fit, Grand Crus will be available at around 9.0 on BETDAQ and will be a solid shout to land the big one. I saw this horse claim last year’s Feltham Novices’ Chase over course and distance in a quicker time than Kauto Star and although he was well beaten in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, he has since had a wind operation. I’m therefore putting £5 of my charity bet on Grand Crus.
Sunday’s pick of the football action is Manchester United’s trip to the Liberty Stadium.
United are in fine form and with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney up front they look as if they can score every time they go forward. It’s amazing that Danny Welbeck can get a start for his country, yet cannot get a game for his club. This lot remind me of the 1999 attacking foursome of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Defensively they still have some issues and Sir Alex Ferguson will be relying on Nemanja Vidic’s return to tighten things up.
Swansea were beaten 1-0 at Tottenham last weekend on the back of a flat performance that summed up their problems this year. They are a temperamental side, but when they get it right they can be a match for anyone as my beloved Arsenal can testify to.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vidic slot straight back into the starting XI as the league leaders look to pull away from the chasing pack with another maximum haul. The remaining £20 of my charity bet will be going on Man United this weekend.
Dec’s best bet on BETDAQ
Our betting and gaming partner, BETDAQ, is giving Dec a £25 bet each home game. All winnings will go to the Concern Worldwide at the end of the season
Tip of the week:
Grand Crus to win the King George VI at 9.0 on BETDAQ (£5.00) and Manchester United to beat Swansea at 1.68 on BETDAQ (£20.00).
Reckon Dec’s on to a winner? Bet now on your mobile or online at www.betdaq.com*.
Dec’s last bet: Manchester City and Manchester United to draw at 3.55 on BETDAQ (£20.00) and MultipleBet of City v United draw, Everton v Tottenham draw and West Ham v Liverpool draw at 35.54 (£5) returned £0.00 |Dec’s season winnings: £63.75
*Prices appear as decimal odds and are correct at time of going to press. For more information see www.betdaq.com. The views expressed in this column are the personal opinions of Declan Danaher. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. www.gambleaware.co.uk
Did you know that as well as checking the realtime prices on BETDAQ below – you can also log into your account and place your bets directly into BETDAQ from BETDAQ TIPS.
