McIlroy Masters Favourite

Rory McIlroy has proved his critics so very wrong and gone into the US Masters 2011 with a bang, taking the lead after the opening round on Thursday 7th April. The 21-year old who hails from Northern Ireland played in his first professional European Tour event as a 16-year-old in 2005 at The Forest of Arden. And the teen prodigy went on to turn professional at just 17.

On the opening day in Augusta, he surged clear of the field on day one after shooting a seven-under-par 65 and was later joined by Alvaro Quiros at the top of the leaderboard, putting him straight to top of the bookies favourites list.

Despite such a positive start, there are fears that history may repeat itself. McIlroy went two strokes better when taking the lead of the Open at St. Andrews last July but then slumped to a second-round 80 when the wind worsened.

However, speaking after his flawless round on Thursday, McIlroy said he now feels better prepared to deal with adversity. “At the time, it was very disappointing,” he said of his second-round collapse at St. Andrews. “But looking back, it was probably very valuable in my progression as a golfer. I hope it will help me,” he said. “I have that experience to draw on, especially being in a similar position to last year at St. Andrews.”

“I feel like I’m better prepared to tee off in the second round of a major with the lead.”

Tags: mcilroy to win masters odds, rory mcilroy odds, rory mcilroy us masters, us master 2011, us masters oddsShare

Murray Favourite For Aussie Open

It’s finally happened! Both Nadal and Federer are out and Murray is still in a major tennis open and right now he’s the favourite to take the Australian Open 2011. Digging as deep as he’s ever had to, Andy Murray brought all of his fighting spirit as he battled to a four-set win over David Ferrer to reach a second successive Australian Open final.

Seeded fifth, he won 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-1 7-6 (7-2) to set up a final against Novak Djokovic on Sunday 30th January 2011. Despite an error-strewn performance against Spain’s Ferrer, his undoubted talent and class saw him come from the brink of a two-set deficit, leaving him just one win away from his first Grand Slam title.

But winning the title in Australia will be no easy task. Novak Djokovic claimed his second successive Grand Slam semi-final win over reigning champion Roger Federer to also reach the final of the Open. The Serbian, who beat Federer at the US Open in September, saw off the 16-time Grand Slam champion 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-4 in the first semi-final in Melbourne.

Having won his semi in, what is considered to be, easier fashion, Djokovic is odds on favourite with some of the bookies, but the are split, with some favouring Murray. If you want to get in on the action then it all goes live from Australia BBC One, Red Button & online from 0815 GMT on Sunday.

Tags: Andy Murray, australian open odds, murray to lose odds, murray to win australian open, Murray to win odds, tennis oddsShare

Old Favourite Sublimity Back To Winning Ways

Trainer Robbie Hennessy’s grand servant Sublimity returned to the winners’ enclosure for the first time in over two year’s when getting the better of a tremendous tussle with the 2006 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill in the McCarthy Insurance Group Hurdle at Cork on Monday, writes Elliot Slater.

The 2007 Champion Hurdle winner has had plenty of ups and downs since his famous Cheltenham triumph over Brave Inca, but has found victories hard to come by despite a number of fine efforts. An injury last year to a suspensory ligament placed the now 11-year-old’s career in serious jeopardy, but he has recovered well and proved at Cork that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the right grade.

The clear pick on official ratings according to those looking at betting tips regularly, Sublimity was given a patient ride by Andrew Lynch as Newmill established a long lead. After gradually moving closer, Lynch delivered his mount to challenge at the last but then had to get to work as Newmill found extra reserves and made a serious fight of it, eventually only giving way to Sublimity in the last 75 yards.

Plans are now afoot for the Selkirk gelding to tackle the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on January 15 over two-and-a-half miles, before possibly having a crack at the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown at the end of the month, a race in which Sublimity finished third last year to Solwhit. Monday’s win was the ninth in a 33-race career, both on the Flat and over hurdles, in which Sublimity has now amassed over

Prima Vista 5-1 favourite for Sunday's MCR Hurdle

Noel Meade: trains Sunday's MCR Hurdle favourite Prima Vista

  PICTURE: Caroline Norris  Prima Vista 5-1 favourite for MCR Hurdle By Brian Fleming 1:59PM 4 JAN 2011 PRIMA VISTA has been installed as the 5-1 favourite with Paddy Power for Sunday's MCR Hurdle, formerly run as the Pierse Hurdle, after 29 entries remained at Tuesday's forfeit stage.

RELATED LINKS MCR Hurdle card MCR Hurdle betting Free bets  The Noel Meade-trained Prima Vista was raised 15lb for his facile win at Leopardstown last month and is likely to be joined inthe €100,000 contest by stablemate Asigh Pearl, raised 6lb for beating top-rated Fosters Cross by two lengths at Fairyhouse in December.

 

Wexford trainer Len Whitmore, who has just four horses in his care, is hoping that 20-1 chance Casey Top can register a rare big-race win for the yard.

The former winning Irish pointer won a valuable handicap hurdle at Killarney in July and is reported to be on target for Sunday's race by his trainer.

Whitmore said: "He's going to run in the MCR Hurdle and he's had a little bit of a break to freshen him up for his first time back as he was campaigned all summer.

"The trip might be a bit short for him which would be my concern as he would be better at two and a half miles, but it's a good old pot and we'll take our chance."

Tony Martin, who won the race with the well-backed Xenophon in 2003, has three remaining - Montan, Northern Alliance, Tijuana Dancer - while Dermot Weld, successful with Archive Footage in 1999, is represented by New Phase. 

Ireland's champion trainer Willie Mullins won this race with Adamant Approach in 2002 and he has left in Call The Police, Doctor Deejay and Final Approach.

The race failed to attract a sole British-trained entry as it was race was whittled down from the original entry list of 48, while the going at Leopardstown was described as soft on Tuesday. 

MCR Hurdle

Paddy Power bet: 5 Prima Vista, 8 New Phase, Tijuana Dancer, 12 Call The Police, Final Approach, 14 Asigh Pearl, Montan, Prince Of Fire, 16 Alpine Eagle, Capellanus, Doctor Deejay, Lancetto, Slieveardagh, 20  Casey Top, Marlay Park, Mubrook, Mutadarek, Un Hinged, Whodouyouthink, 25 Belord, 33 bar.

Join the betting revolution.Our new iPhone app has brilliant built-in betting - download it now or watch the video to discover what it can do for you

FacebookDeliciousDiggStumbleUpon Tags:  Prima Vista   

ITALY: Favourite Definightly flops in Rome

Papal Bull foal tops quiet November Breeders sale King's Theatre son Menorah affirms classPivotal stud fee reduced to £55,000 for 2011Empire Maker sold to Japanese interestsRecital becomes Montjeu's latest juvenile starRead Full News Service TONY MORRIS Zoffany: could thrive beyond a mile at threeBuzzword: honest performer willing to give his all Search News Archive

HUNTINGDON: Medermit deposed as Arkle favourite

Who will win the Paddy Power Gold Cup? Login Please login to cast your vote Long Run 30% Mad Max 15% Great Endeavour 15% Catch Me 7% Little Josh 5% Pigeon Island 5% Tchico Polos 5% The Sawyer 4% Sunnyhillboy 4% Edgbriar 3% Poquelin 2% Dancing Tornado 2% Finger Onthe Pulse 2% Just Smudge 1% Chaninbar 0% Tatenen 0% Door Boy 0% Passato 0% Gwanako 0% Gonebeyondrecall 0% Can't Buy Time 0% Pickamus 0% Rory Boy 0% Awesome George 0% Il Duce 0% Fisher Bridge 0% Show all 26 runnersPaddy Power Gold Cup Chase (Handicap) Grade 3 Bloodstock news  TOP STORIES

McCoy hot favourite for Kauto King George ride

Blame returns home to Clairborne for stud duty Zenyatta's conqueror comes from quality lineMidge pedigree has a sentimental Derby linkIndiana boost from Mile win of Dakota PhoneSuperstar Goldikova from brilliant female lineRead Full News Service TONY MORRIS Zoffany: could thrive beyond a mile at threeBuzzword: honest performer willing to give his all Search News Archive

Classic option for Mile second favourite Gio Ponti

Westmead Guru lands Henlow Derby in style Cahill stars on course for Newcastle FestivalBradley races to track record in Leger semiDroopys Oscar goes well in Newcastle warm-upMac is back in Harold's Cross Grand NationalRead Full News Service Search News Archive

GERMANY: Silvaner denies favourite in Cologne Group 3

Pinpoint rules in the All England Trial Stakes Beaten Bodell has tonsillitisBaran Pimlico is fastest in Leger quarter-finalsArtisan delights Williams with comeback trialOsprey takes off in Henlow Derby semisRead Full News Service Search News Archive

Delegator Godolphin Favourite

With the flat season soon coming to an end, there’s still a few races worth noting before the jumps start and one of them is the Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes which takes place next Saturday, 16th October, at Newmarket.

Tipped as favourite is the Godolphin horse Delegator, last month’s winner of the Dubai Duty Free Cup. At the moment it is also likely that he will be joined in the race by Shakespearean, who will have to carry a Group 2 penalty for his win at Newbury in August and four-year-old Ashram.

With 19 entries he may have some stiff competition especially in the form of Red Jazz and Beethovan who are currently at very good odds of 6/1 and 7/1 respectively.

As well as Beethovan, trainer Aidan O’Brien also has Air Chief Marshall in the running and though not as well favoured, each way odds could return a healthy profit as you can still get him at 25/1 with Paddy Power Bookmakers.

Tags: free horse racing tips, godolphin favourites, horse racing tips, victor chandler challenge stakesShare

Toulouse Favourite For Bookies

The 2010/2011 Heineken Cup may just have kicked off over the weekend but with only one game under their belts Toulouse have already topped the poll as the bookies favourite to take the title yet again next May. But it is as cut and dry as it seems??

Here’s a quick crash course to the tournament (in case you need one) – 20 teams divided into five pools of four teams each. Each team plays the others in it’s pool twice – once at home and once away. Four points for a win and an extra bonus point if you get either a) four tries or b) lose but within 7 points of the winning score. The top team from each of the five pools automatically goes through to the next round along with the next three best teams (on points) from any of the groups.

Teams are then seeded based on their overall points tally from the group stages and ranked 1st to 8th. Generally, for the quarter finals 1st plays 8th, 2nd plays 7th, 3rd plays 6th and 4th plays 5th to determine the semi finalists. The final is then played in a pre-determine stadium in May.

Toulouse are the most successful Heineken Cup team followed by Munster who have made it out of the group stages every single year since the competition began – they also have the single best supporters of any team (ok, I’m biased but hey).

Now, what I find strange about this year is that Toulouse are not even top of their group and yet they’ve flown in as the favs – in fact Leinster, Ulster, Scarlets and Leicester Tigers all have more points than them and Toulouse were lucky to scrape a win at the weekend!

Though you can never rule them out, I don’t think it’s their year this year and would be looking to put my money somewhere else…Paddy Power Bookmakers are offering pretty decent odds, especially on Leinster and Munster who can never be ruled out – beware though – injuries are hampering both teams and now Brian O’Driscoll is looking likely to be ruled out of this weekends game against Saracens…

Check out Paddy Power Bookmakers for full odds on the tournament…

Tags: heineken cup 2010 odds, heineken cup favourites, heineken cup odds, munster odds to win heineken cup, toulouse heineken cupShare

Holloway early favourite for monthly award

8:01pm 5 Oct 2010 Reds 14-1 for the drop after Blackpool shock 8:32pm 3 Oct 2010 Eriksson just 11-10 not to last season at Foxes 8:23pm 3 Oct 2010 United out to 3-1 for title as Sunderland get point 7:39pm 2 Oct 2010 Show All Current Stories GOLF Westwood picks up new ankle worry in Dunhill 9:52pm 7 Oct 2010 Sky claim Masters for all four rounds 8:17am 22 Sep 2010 Lords of the Manor to shine again in Dunhill 2:07pm 6 Oct 2010 Europe's Ryder Cup win costs layers dear 3:35pm 4 Oct 2010 CRICKET England backed for Ashes success in Oz 1:42pm 23 Sep 2010 India 1-3 for series spoils after Mohali win 6:58pm 5 Oct 2010 TENNIS Nadal 5-2 to hold all four Slams after New York win 6:56pm 14 Sep 2010 Kim cut for Oz Slam defence after US stroll 9:13pm 12 Sep 2010 Federer 12-1 for Grand Slam after fourth Aussie win 11:39am 31 Jan 2010 Serena shakes off Henin to land fifth Aussie Open 2:01pm 30 Jan 2010 RUGBY Tigers on drift after third loss of season at Sarries 6:56pm 3 Oct 2010 Warriors 9-4 to retain Grand Final crown 3:45pm 3 Oct 2010 Rhinos land Grand Final hat-trick 8:46pm 10 Oct 2009 OTHER SPORTS F1 Suzuka qualifying delayed until Sunday 12:04pm 8 Oct 2010 Barney fancied to tackle mighty Power in final 7:20pm 8 Oct 2010 Dovi can strike as Lorenzo eyes MotoGP title 7:17pm 8 Oct 2010 Notre Dame can put pushy Pitt in their place 9:33pm 7 Oct 2010 Taylor 1-4 for Grand Prix after the Wizard departs 2:31pm 8 Oct 2010 Fight to the F1 finish begins in Japan 8:37pm 6 Oct 2010 Contador evens to win 2011 title 6:19pm 25 Jul 2010 Disappointed David 5-1 to step down as MP 7:45pm 28 Sep 2010 Taylor 9-2 to take title haul to 20 2:49pm 4 Jan 2010 Schumacher makes F1 return with Mercedes 12:19pm 23 Dec 2009 Show All Current Stories GOLFWISE EXTRA Golfwise Extra: Toms still looking good in McGladrey Classic 7:13pm 8 Oct 2010 BOXING Haye huge favourite for Harrison clash 4:35pm 7 Sep 2010 Search our News Archive Sport News RSS Feed All Racing Post RSS Feeds Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Download our iPhone app

Alfa Beat favourite for Kerry National

Freshman sire Iffraaj reaches 30 winners Dynaformer filly trounces May Hill fieldNYBSC cancels Fall Breeding Stock saleZebedee solid advert for Spirit in ChildersHalf-sister to Kyllachy breaks Festival recordRead Full News Service TONY MORRIS Zoffany: could thrive beyond a mile at threeBuzzword: honest performer willing to give his all Search News Archive