» Issue April 29-May 1, 2005

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Th Apr 28 – 21.00 BST (SS2)

Fr Apr 29 – 21.00 BST (SS2)

Sa Apr 30 – 20.00 BST (SS2)

Su May 1 – 20.00 BST (SS3)

Vijay Singh is making mistakes and still winning golf tournaments, which is ominous for the rest of this week’s field. Still, even at our best price of 3/1, he has to be taken on this week, especially as the fact he’s defending champion counts for little with the tournament being played over a new course – the monster 7, 520 yard TPC of Louisiana. One player who should find the course to his liking is Charles Howell, mainly because of the small greens which will take the pressure of his putting (not his strong suit). Last week at Redstone he managed to hit all 18 greens in regulation in the first round, but shot a disappointing 70 due to the large putting surfaces. In contrast, Joe Ogilvie is one of the Tours best putters (he leads the Tour in total birdies too!), and it’s surely only a matter of time before he records his maiden win. Last week’s sixth placed finish at Houston was his fifth top-ten through 12 starts, one more than his career high of four of a year ago. The final pick goes to big-hitting Lucas Glover, whose four top-ten finishes this year have all come on long course like this one.

Nigel’s Three Off The Tee ... Charles Howell 25/1, Joe Ogilvie 33/1, Lucas Glover @ 66/1. Each-way 1/4 odds, 1.2.3.4.5. Betting In-Play available throughout.

2000 Guineas – Newmarket

Sa Apr 28 – Live on C4

The first of his year’s Classics has all been about Dubawi in recent weeks, the Dubai trained ‘wonder-horse’ having been well-backed into favouritism on the back of some ‘blinding’ pieces of home-work. If he’s as good as they say he’ll win, but there has to be a doubt about him delivering the goods first time out on his return to wet and windy Newmarket and, at such cramped odds, we’ll give him the cold shoulder. The key to the race could be Newmarket’s Craven Stakes, an unsatisfactory ‘trial’ in that a modest gallop resulted in a bunched finish at the business end of the race, contributing to a lack of racing room. The two to suffer most were runner-up Rob Roy and fourth placed Iceman, with the latter in particular suffering a nightmare run. A smart juvenile, who looks sure to benefit from the faster-paced mile of Saturday’s race, Iceman rates the best alternative to the favourite.

1000 Guineas – Newmarket

Su Apr 29 – Live on C4

The fillies’ race looks a tough one to call, especially now ante post favourite Damson is out of the race. That’s a shame as my original selection, Karen’s Caper, is a lot shorter now than she would have been. Still, I’m not going to desert her now after the way she devoured the final furlong of the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket, looking sure to appreciate the extra furlong of the Guineas. There was no fluke about that win, and she can again take care of the Nell Gwyn second, Cape Columbine, who may do better over shorter distances. Of the others, Shanghai Lily, probably owes her position in the market to the reputation of her trainer Michael Stoute, while Maids Causeway might just lack the pace needed to win a Guineas. A more interesting each-way bet is Penkenna Princess, who showed she had trained on with a gutsy win in the Fred Daring Stakes at Newbury.

CHANNEL 4 OFFER
With 8 live races from Newmarket this weekend - plus one each from Goodwood, Uttoxeter and Salisbury - our Channel 4 Offer really comes into its own.! Back the winner in any of these races, at 4/1 or bigger, and we’ll give you a free bet to the same stake (up to £50) on the next live race. If your free bet also wins at 4/1 or more, have another free bet on the next live race, and so on.

With only a few weeks left of the season, time is running out to get back any losses, so it’s time to get the punting boots on. First up, play-off chasing Preston play Wigan, who, like last season, have surrendered top-spot and now stand on the verge of having to made do with the play-offs. Preston’s home form has been excellent this season, having not lost at Deepdale in the Championship since early November, and they are playing well enough of late to warrant a bet at 6/4. The teatime encounter between Bolton and Chelsea offers us another decent bet, albeit at more speculative odds. Chelsea are taking their time to get over the Premiership winning line and, whatever the result at the Bridge on Wednesday night, there is value in opposing the champions elect here. Bolton, who drew at Stamford Bridge in the reverse, have had a clear week to prepare for this, and must be worth a few quid at 11/4. Sunday’s live game between Charlton and United is not obvious betting material but, with Charlton sinking like a stone in the Premiership after a decent start, United look nailed on for victory at 8/13. That price is not going to make us rich so, with the Addicks managing only one clean sheet in their last seven games, the alternative is to go for more than 2.5 goals at Evens. The 7/2 on Ruud van Nistelrooy to score first looks worth taking too, especially as we’ll give you your money back if he scores the last goal in the game instead! Once the above games kick off, don’t forget to check out our ‘In-Play’ service which offers you up to 15 markets to choose from.

Best bets:
Preston to beat Wigan @ 6/4
Bolton to beat Chelsea @ 11/4
Charlton v United – Over 2.5 goals @ Evens & van Nistelrooy to score first at 7/2

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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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