Issue April 7-10, 2005

The Masters

Th Apr 7 – 4:00 pm EST (USA)

Fr Apr 8 – 4:00 pm EST (USA)

Sa Apr 9 – 3:30 pm EST (CBS)

Su Apr 10 – 2:30 pm EST (CBS)

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 $40 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 $40) 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.

Auto Advance Parts 500

Su Apr 10 – 12:30 pm EST (FOX)

After last week’s race at Bristol, the Nextel Cup circuit visits another short track, Martinsville, Virginia. The track is relatively flat, which means the cars have to rely on their brakes coming in and out of the turns. Put simply, the drivers who can come into the turn the fastest and exit faster will be the ones to beat. After his win at Bristol, Kevin Harvick (9/1) might be in a position to duplicate his short track feat. Problem is he’s always been good at Bristol, but not so good at Martinsville, with his best finish coming at the back end of 2003. Jimmie Johnson’s (6/1) form here is progressive, culminating in a win here in the fall of last year. Expect him to go well again this week. 2nd in that fall race was Jamie McMurray, who has really come into his own at Martinsville in his last 3 runs (8th, 7th, 2nd). As he was going well last week until bad luck ran into him, he must be worth an each-way bet this week at 25/1.

Nigel’s Checkered Flag: Jimmie Johnson @ 6/1, Jamie McMurray @ 25/1 (each-way 1/5 1.2.3)

Week 11 Match-Ups

 

SJ Sabrecats @ CHI Rush

Su Apr 10 – 1:00 pm EST

 

PHL Soul @ COL Crush

Su Apr 10 – 1:00 pm EST

First up, a rematch of last season’s semi final will take place in Chicago when the defending champion and No. 4-ranked San Jose Sabrecats (6-3) travel to Allstate Arena to face the Chicago Rush (5-4). After opening the year 1-3, the Sabrecats have won five in a row, including a 48-27 win last week over Arizona, and have regained the lead in the AFL’s Western Division. Chicago has never defeated San Jose, losing to the Sabrecats three times during the regular season and once in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Soul (5-5) look to add to their franchise record three-game winning streak vs. the AFLWA’s No. 1-ranked Colorado Crush (7-2), who are on their own winning streak, looking to make it seven in a row against the Soul.

Picks: San Jose (-6.0) & Crush (-7.0) both @ 10/11.

Our live betting game this weekend is CLB Destroyers @ ARZ Rattlers (Friday April 8th, 10pm ET), with Point Spread and Game Total odds ‘In-Play’.

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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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