» Issue April 7-10, 2005

The Masters

Th Apr 7 – 21.00 BST (SS2)

Fr Apr 8 – 21.00 BST (SS3)

Sa Apr 9 – 20.00 BST (SS2)

Su Apr 10 – 20.00 BST (SS2)

All the talk going into this year’s first Major is about the Big 4 (apart from the weather!), and that’s understandable given their track record in the event. Over the past five seasons, Woods, Singh, Els and Mickelson have finished in the top ten on 17 occasions between them, while for the past three of these, only Woods has finished worse than 7th. The title has gone to one of them in four of the past five stagings. Not surprising then, that they dominate our betting lists, and it would be foolish to discount any one of them this week. In terms of a bet, however, Mickelson is the one to be on this week. Of the Big 4, he’s the only one who can say he’s at the very top of his game, having taken the rain-delayed Bell South Classic on Monday (his 3rd win of the year). As defending champion, you’d expect him to be carrying that burden this week but, now that he’s got that all-important first Major under his belt, he’s likely to be playing under less pressure now than last. Take the 13/2 in our new enhanced win-only market, and don’t forget to have your free ‘In-Play’ bet during the final round (more later).

Outside the ‘Big 4’, one player who is constantly underrated is South African Retief Goosen, who can be backed at 16/1 this week. That price is value when you consider he’s already shown he can play the course when runner-up in 2001, and has major experience with two US open trophies to his name. With the greens reportedly at US open speed, the ‘Goose’ should really be in his element this week. Perhaps by Sunday night we’ll be talking about golf’s ‘Big 5’?

The final selection this week is two-time champion Jose-Maria Olazabal, who is always inspired by this tournament. The fact that he’s playing some of his best golf in years right now is a bonus (his 2nd at the Bell South was his third top-ten in a row), although it barely matters. Regardless of his form going into this event, Olly always performs with credit at Augusta, having only once ended the week outside the top 15. His problems with the driver have been well-chronicled in the past but this year he’s hitting more fairways (80% last week!) and this, combined with his superb short game, could see him return to his glory days this week. Although he has been well backed in recent days, he still represents value at 40/1, while he looks a steal at 7/1 for ‘Top European’, a market he has made his own down the years.

Nigel’s Three Off The Tee ... Phil Mickelson @ 13/2 (Enhanced Win Only Book), Retief Goosen @ 16/1, Jose-Maria Olazabal @ 40/1. Each-way 1/4 odds, 1.2.3.4.5. Betting In-Play available throughout.

MASTERS – FREE £25 IN-PLAY BET
Once you’ve had your bet on any Masters market, then you’ll qualify for a free bet to the same stake (up to £25) on any ‘In-Play’ market of your choice, once the final round gets under way on Sunday. If your free bet wins, then the money’s yours to keep. If not, don’t worry, it was a free bet on us, just pop us an email with your username and bet reference numbers so we can reimburse you within 48 hours.

Grand National – 4m 4f, Aintree

Sa Apr 9 - Live on BBC1

Finding the winner of the National used to be easy (no, honest!). In the old days, it was just a case of whittling down the field to a shortlist of about four or five horses who were both the right age (9 or 10) and were carrying the right weight (in the handicap but under 11 stone). Now, with every horse in Saturday’s race able to race within the handicap proper, bettors are faced with a much more open race than usual. Still, the ability to jump the fences is paramount, and Scottish challenger Strong Resolve makes plenty of appeal on that score. Form comments such as ‘jumped with his usual fluency’ back this up, while his ability to see out the marathon trip is not in question either after a superb second to Silver Birch in the Welsh National in December (3m 5f). To cap things off, he also looks well handicapped of just 10st 6lb.

Of the others, it’s easy to make a case for a whole host of them, although I have doubts over the form of last year’s race, which would exclude the likes of Amberleigh House, Clan Royal, Lord Atterbury and Hedgehunter (3rd when fell at the last). So, for the forecast (!), I will plump for the Gallic raider Innox who could run well at a big price. His stable has not had much luck in the race but the way he was running on over an extended 29 furlongs (3m 5f) the time before last, suggests he’ll be suited by this distance. Any softening of the ground (v. likely) between now and Saturday will also be in his favour, while it may inconvenience some of his rivals. If conditions came up really soft, then expect to see floods of money for Irish mud-lark Colonel Rayburn. Connections of the fancied Longshanks will be hoping that enough horses above him in the weights come out to allow him a run which, if the case, can see him put his experience of the big fences (2nd in the Topham last year) to good use.

Nigel’s National selections: 1: Supreme Resolve, 2: Innox, 3: Colonel Rayburn, 4: Longshanks (if a runner)

GRAND NATIONAL – FREE £50 BET OFFER
If you’ve yet to open an account with us (why not!), then you’re just about to run out of excuses! For this week only, open an online account and place your first bet of £25 or more between now and 15.00 UK time on April to qualify for a £50 basket of free win single bets. Once you have qualified, simply place up to 5 different win single bets prior to 23.59 UK time on April 10th 2005 to total stakes of £50 or currency equivalent.

Once you’ve opened the account (if you’ve not done so already!) then you can bet with confidence on the big race, knowing that you’re also getting the following special offers:

• Best Odds Guaranteed – Take an early price on the race before midnight on Friday and if the starting price is greater on the day, we’ll pay out at the bigger price!

• Each Way 1/4 Odds 1,2,3,4,5 – We’ve enhanced our each-way terms for the National, giving you that extra bit of value on the 4 miles, 4 furlong extravaganza.

• No Runner No Bet – If your horse is a non-runner, we’ll happily refund your stake.

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Get in the game and be lucky!


Nigel

Please be aware that prices are subject to change. All times are subject to change. Check local listings for TV coverage on these event.

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