» Issue April 21-24, 2005

Houston Open

Th Apr 21 – 21.00 BST (SS2)

Fr Apr 22 – 21.00 BST (SS2)

Sa Apr 23 – 21.00 BST (SS2)

Su Apr 24 – 21.00 BST (SS2)

With only a couple of years of course form to go on this week it’s difficult to be too dogmatic about this week’s picks. However, as one of only three men who have posted top tens in the two years that Redstone has hosted this event, Geoff Ogilvy looks worth a few quid each way at 25/1. Results of 10th last year and 7th in 2003 are impressive enough, but his Tour form this year has been a career best, including his maiden win in Tucson. Of the other two, Vijay Singh, as the only member of the world’s top ten taking part this week, is worth a saver, while John Daly’s form this year has been abysmal. That’s a shame, because this monster of a course is absolutely setup for him, so instead it could pay to stick with the other members of the grip-it-and-rip-it brigade this week. Step forward Brandt Jobe and Jimmy Walker, who are both high up in the driving distance stats, have bits of form to their names this season, and are at juicy three-figure prices!

Nigel’s Three Off The Tee ... Geoff Ogilvy @ 28/1, Brandt Jobe @ 100/1, Jimmy Walker @ 125/1. Each-way 1/4 odds, 1.2.3.4.5. Betting In-Play available throughout.

Johnnie Walker Classic

Th Apr 21 – 06.30 BST (SS1)

Fr Apr 22 – 06.30 BST (SS1)

Sa Apr 23 – 06.00 BST (SS3)

This is the time of year when the European golf starts to get more competitive and, betting-wise, more interesting. However, due to the early Thursday start of this week’s event in China, making an outright selection here would be academic, but I couldn’t help noticing that we were biggest price on Trevor Immelman at 33/1. The normally under-achieving South African will have had his confidence boosted by a fine fifth place in the Masters, and this could be year that he moves up to the next level. Incidentally, with live Sky coverage on all four days, this event will be covered in-play throughout.

Betfred Gold Cup – 3m 5f, Sandown

Sa Apr 23 – Live on C4

This year’s race ‘Whitbread’ is not a great one for the money and, with most of the intended runners entered merely as an after-thought after a long old season, the best advice is to go for the relatively fresh Kelami. The William Hill Trophy winner was taken out of the National to wait for this and looks well in off just 10st 1lb. By the time of the race, the ground is expected to dry out to good, which will be sufficient for Kelami to reproduce his Cheltenham form. Both Martin Pipe and Paul Nicholls have made multiple entries in the race as they slug it out for the trainer’s title. However, the championship could well have been decided by the time they go to post for the big race, with the former’s Well Chief a big fancy to come out on top of his old rival Azertyuiop in the Celebration Chase (2.35). Those two might not get things all their own way, however, with the Mark Rimell-trained Oneway expected to put his disappointing run at Cheltenham behind him. Both races are part of the Channel 4 racing coverage, so if you can find the winner at 4/1 or more, we’ll give a free bet on the next live race! Finally, backers should get a lift from the progressive Wunderbra (Haydock, 6.15pm), who will be bouncing after a encouraging run on the All-Weather recently.

Portsmouth v Southampton

Su Apr 24 – ko 12.00 BST (Sky Prem Plus)

Plenty of live Premiership action this weekend to get stuck into, including a relegation battle at Fratton Park, where avoiding defeat will be the first priority for both teams. Home advantage is normally decisive with this pair and, with Southampton’s away record one of the worst in the league, the call has to be Pompey at 5/4, while a punt on over 2.5 goals could also be lucrative. Almost half of Pompey’s goals (11 out of 24) have come from the four games they hosted against teams now below them in the table. Once the game kicks off, don’t forget to check out our ‘in-play’ service which offers you up to 15 markets to choose from.

On Saturday, Crystal Palace take on Liverpool (live on RTE, ko 3pm), and a tight game is on the cards. The last three games have been close with a win apiece and a draw, so we’ll go for the stalemate at 5/2, and have a few quid on Gerrard to score first and atone for his missed penalty against Spurs. The 7/1 is good value especially as we’ll give you your money back if he scores the last goal in the game instead! It’s hard to make a case for Fulham against Chelsea (live on SS1, ko 12.45pm), even though the 1-0 merchants of old are conceding nearly as many goals as they score. The 2/9 hardly screams value, but they look good Premiership acca material, while a few quid on over 2.5 goals wouldn’t go amiss. The same comments also apply to the United v Newcastle clash (live on SS1, ko 4.05pm), after the Magpie’s back line allowed the Red Devils to run riot last Sunday.

Our Premiership Accumulator Offer wins you up to 60% more on you Premiership accas this weekend. A £25 acca on Portsmouth, Chelsea and United to win, and Palace to draw this weekend, pays out £360.94, which includes our 10% bonus!

San Marino Grand Prix

Su Apr 24 – Live on ITV

Fernando Alonso is now 4/7 for the Formula One Drivers Championship after winning in Bahrain last Sunday. The Spaniard followed up his win in Malaysia and now holds a 10-point advantage at the head of the standings. Pre-season favourite Michael Schumacher is 3/1 second favourite but has just two points at this stage having been forced to retire from the race. His Ferrari team will be hoping to put up a better show on home soil this Sunday, but that is not guaranteed, and there is no reason to think that the Renault can’t build on their success. Alonso is 15/8 favourite for Sunday’s race, with Schumacher at 11/5. Renault have yet to win the world championship as a fully fledged constructor – but are 1/2 to do just that. After the start of the race, we’ll have live in-play betting.

---

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.

Your independent guide to the top online betting firms

t Internet betting directory: bookmakers, sportsbooks, casinos & poker

t Use the drop-down menus to find online betting firms you can trust