Sandown Park says farewell to the National Hunt season with the Bet365 Gold Cup Chase taking centre stage on Saturday. A field of 25 runners will head to post for the race over 3 miles and 5 furlongs but Nigel Twiston-Davies looks to hold a strong hand with Foxhunters’ Chase winner Baby Run the solid favourite on the early tissue.
Sam Twiston-Davies’ will ride the 11-year-old gelding replacing his brother, Willie on the French-bred horse. Willie had partnered Baby Run on his four previous starts – winning three of those and falling at the Cheltenham Festival when in command 2 out. However, Sam takes the plum ride on the 11/2 favourite and his charge looks good value at the head of the market. He goes on the softer ground and his victory at the Grand National meeting at Aintree capped off an impressive season where he has also tasted Chase success at Wetherby and Haydock. The only negative is that he is unraced beyond 3 miles and 4 furlongs but the extra furlong here shouldn’t inconvenience him a great deal.
Next in the market is Balthazar King for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. He landed a Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham earlier this month to compliment his easy win at Hereford in a similar event on his penultimate start. This though is his toughest assignment to date and despite running well in defeat at the back end of 2010, he has yet to come up against any real classy opponents this year. He has had two recent runs and that could either for and against him but he looks the stables first string at 13/2. Triggerman (12/1) is Hobbs’ other runner but Dickie Johnson prefers Balthazar King.
Aimigayle is an interest runner for Suzy Smith’s yard after being pulled up on his reappearance after 18 months off at Sandown on his penultimate outing. He was turned out quickly for the Cheltenham Festival and ran a massive race at 25/1 behind Holmewood Legend in the Byrne Group Plate. On that evidence, Colin Bolger’s mount should go well but the mare might be best watched after so long on the sidelines. Meanus Dandy (12/1) could come in for significant support for Paul Nicholls who won this race in 2001 and 2003 with Ad Hoc. Ruby Walsh saddles the 8-year-old gelding – a previous course winner and impressive at Wincanton three starts back in a competitive listed event.
Ferdy Murphy’s Poker De Sivola won the Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival but has struggled to find his form this season. Unseated in the Scottish National at Ayr last week and a distant sixth in the Cross Country at the festival have failed to suggest he could win an event like this. He has stayed 4 miles before though and is currently 14/1. At the same price is Alan King’s representative West End Rocker who can count himself a little unlucky after being brought down at becher’s brook in the Grand National when travelling fluently. This 9-year-old won a valuable chase at Warwick in January and could run a big race at an each way price.
Last year’s winner Church Island goes for glory again for Michael Hourigan but he hasn’t won since his success last April. At 20/1 his recent form has not pulled up any trees and he looks an unlikely winner this time. At bigger prices, Faasel (25/1) could sneak in to the money on his distant second to Junior in the Kim Muir and Iconoclast (25/1) could make the places after winning his last two – albeit weaker races.
It promises to be a fascinating spectacle and the meeting will also witness the finest flat horses as the card combines flat and jump racing. Richard Hannon’s Dick Turpin contests the Bet365 Mile (the next race on the card) and the action continues on Sunday with the Class 1 Classic Trial the highlight of day two of the meeting.
By Mikey Mumford
Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers
Three horses yet to taste defeat will contribute to the ten strong field for Doncaster’s feature race on Saturday – The Racing Post Trophy. The last Group 1 race of the British flat racing season sees Native Khan, Dunboyne Express and Titus Mills battling to preserve their 100% wins to runs ratio. But Frankie Dettori’s ride on the Michael Halford trained Casamento, sees this 2yo colt head the market at a solid 5/2 with William Hill. The ante-post betting ring is in full swing as expected with plenty of runners coming in for cash, but who will the honours in this straight mile dash?
Let’s start with the favourite then. Sheikh Mohammad owns the colt and despite him finding one too good in the September running of the National stakes he delivered last time, sent out at 4/6 he took the Beresford Stakes by four lengths. Frankie will do the steering and Casamento will certainly come in for more money before post time and rightly so as he sets a clear standard on form. He’s beaten a group 1 winner in Aidan O’Brien’s Zoffany and Stan James have him as short as 7/4. He is probably the one to beat but there some interesting runners in this contest.
Ed Dunlop’s Native Khan is unbeaten and has been reported to be ready to run in this race providing the ground does not turn very soft. The soon-to-be crowned Champion jockey Paul Hanagan takes the ride and he’s been impressed with the colt after riding him at home. The grey will be easy to spot in this field, and he has taken the eye in his first two career outings so a big run is expected. Ladbrokes list him at 8/1 which represents great value but can this French import take this with the conditions underfoot a slight worry?
There is a lot to like about Irish raider Dunboyne Express. Kevin Prendergast’s 2yo currently tops the Racing Post’s website poll for predicting the winner of the race with almost a third of the votes. This just shows how exciting a prospect this colt really is and at around the 7/2 (Paddy Power) mark it would be a surprise to not see him get in the mix. Wins previously at the Curragh and Leopardstown mean he won’t give up his unbeaten tag without a fight and it will be interesting to monitor him in the market before the off. Likewise with the final unbeaten horse Titus Mills, who Kieren Fallon will saddle. Brian Meehan has got his 2yo’s in great form of late and after making all at odds on at Goodwood last time he seems way overpriced with SkyBet’s 10/1.
Master of Hounds is one of two entries for Ballydoyle master trainer Aidan O’Brien and if its value you’re looking for he could be the one to be one out of the two. The American colt will be marshalled by Johnny Murtagh and Labrokes go top price with him at 7/1. Earlier in the week he could’ve been snapped up at 9/1 so clearly the dollar is coming in for this smart performer who won a weak event last time out at Tipperary. The competition is sure to be a lot tougher on Saturday and the only worry is that Dunboyne Express has had the beating of him before. But that was only by a short head, so can he reverse the placings when they meet on Saturday. Seville is Aidan O’Brien’s other runner but he’s on the drift ever so slightly in the ante-post rings pushed out to 6/1 from an initial 9/2 at Stan James. Colm O’Donoghue will take the ride aboard Seville but this price looks a little short based on his maiden win. The fact Murtagh has chosen to ride Master of Hounds speaks volumes about his chances and slight preference is for him as Aidan looks to continue his impressive record in this race (won it 3 times in last 10 years).
The remainder of the runners are all 20/1 bar but Toolain from the Jarvis yard could have minor place claims. Forgiving his last run where he didn’t appear to handle the soft ground he has solid claims as long as the ground is good or faster. The Clerk of Doncaster’s course expects the going to good, good to soft in places so depending on the track he may have a slight each way squeak at 20/1 (Bet365). It’s difficult to envisage Karam Albaari (20/1), Dubawi Gold (25/1) and Zaidan (33/1) making any sort of impression who were all well beaten on their respective runs last time. But this is racing and stranger things have happened, but expect one at the head of the market to take the £200,000 purse! If you are betting on the racing Post Trophy, why not open an account with Betfred who are offering a free £50 bet.
By Mikey Mumford
Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers
On Saturday 16th November, The Paddy Power Gold Cup takes place on the Cheltenham race track. The Grade 3 handicapped race has a total of fifteen fences to jump, and sits at a length of 2 miles, 4 and a half furlongs.
Because the race itself is relatively short with fences to clear, it is a rarity for a heavier Horse, such as over 12 stone, to win the race. In fact, the last time a Horse weighing over 12 stone won The Paddy Power Gold Cup was in 1994.
The bookmakers favourite seems to be ‘Chapoturgeon’. Trained by the successful Paul Nicholls, ‘Chapoturgeon’ is listed at 6/1 at many bookies, including Coral, Ladbrokes, SkyBet and Paddy Power. Paddy Power also has 6 year-old ‘Poquelin’ joint favourite with ‘Chapoturgeon’ at 6/1. However, Sporting Bet has ‘Poquelin’ at 8/1, which could turn out to be a very good bet, as only one month ago, on 17th October, ‘Poquelin’ finished 1st out of 13 horses at the 3.15 Cheltenham, where the Horse broke away from the pack, so much so that it was able to ease the final 50 yards; clearly showing that the Horse knows the track.
If you are looking for a Horse that will give you a significant return, but still have a good chance of a finish, look no further than ‘Tranquil Sea’. Although ‘Tranquil Sea’ has not had the greatest of Years over at Cheltenham, it hit form towards the end of October and it’s odds are shortening over at Tote Sport, and is currently listed at 10/1, and shortened at ¼ each way, therefore if you bet now on ‘Tranquil Sea’ each way, you can double your money if placed; and judging by the bookies shortening of odds, it looks like this could well happen.
Paddy Power Gold Cup Free Bets
Bet 365
Totesport
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
As we prepare to say goodbye to York’s Dante Festival – step up Newbury and the JLT Lockinge Stakes. The 53rd running of this Group One event will be run over the straight mile where Canford Cliffs will take on nine rivals as he looks to continue where he left off as a classy 3-year-old. Of this opposition, he will come head-to-head with stablemate Dick Turpin who he had a length behind in the St. James’ Palace Stakes at Ascot in June. So, it promises to be an enthralling renewal headed by the Richard Hannon trained pair.
There’s little doubt Canford Cliffs is the horse they all have to beat in the Lockinge. Last year he scooped the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Susex Stakes sandwiched between his victory in the St. James’ Palace at Royal Ascot. Each time Richard Hughes has got serious with him he’s proved a class act and had Dick Turpin a length behind on his penultimate run. If all goes well in running Canford Cliffs will prove a tough nut to crack at odds on.
Dick Turpin is interesting in the sense that he’s already had a run this year. He won with considerable ease on his reappearance in the Bet365 mile at Sandown three weeks ago and has beat Canford Cliffs in the Greenham last season. Three-time champion jockey Ryan Moore takes the ride and Dick Turpin could surprise a few who think this one is a forgone conclusion. At 7/2 he looks the value in the race.
After the success of Midday in the Dante on Thursday Henry Cecil has another fine chance here with Prince Khalid Abdulla’s Twice Over. This 6-year-old landed a fourth win in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July but flopped in the Dubai World Cup in March. Back on home soil he stands a real chance if fully tuned up. At 7/1 he looks a bet to nothing each way and had Dick Turpin trailing in the Juddmonte in August.
A real genuine and consistent sort is Cityscape (12/1) who has done much of his running over a mile. He notched successive Group One events for Roger Charlton last campaign and beat Premio Loco a long way on his penultimate run. The only negative is Dick Turpin had his measure recently although he is expected to get better ground this time around.
Michael and Barry Hills team up with Red Jazz but he looks up against it in this company. Predominantly raced at 7f he is likely to find a couple too good here as is Premio Loco who will have George Baker in the saddle. He has run poorly of late and finished eighth of nine in a Group One which Cityscape won last time, so he is another probably best watched on this occasion.
Of the rest, the Godolphin runner Shakespearean has failed to pull up any trees on recent form and is overlooked. Likewise Beacon Lodge, who despite winning a listed sprint at Haydock last week is significantly upped in class here. Of those with an outside squeak Balthazaar’s Gift is capable of upsetting his larger odds won a competitive Group 2 at Doncaster at the end of last season; certainly one to keep an eye on. Worthadd completes the line-up and any market confidence would be significant.
Probably a two-horse race in all honesty with the Richard Hannon pair likely to be scrapping it out for the £175,000 prize. It would be no surprise to Canford Cliffs steam home by a lengthy margin but Twice over on his best form should run a race if his Meydan exertions haven’t took too much out of him. Dick Turpin looks the the value bet at 7/2 for the 2011 running of the JLT Lockinge Stakes.
By Mikey Mumford
Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers
A slightly disappointing field of eight will go to post for the John Smith’s Hurdle at Wetherby on Saturday. Considering there were sixteen declared as late as Thursday, a somewhat depleted number of runners will do battle over 3m1f. But of those still left, there is a case to made for several but the real puzzle could lie with which horse goes the best fresh. The first three vying for favouritism all seem to go well fresh after lengthy lay offs and but it’s the Nicky Henderson trained Duc De Regniere who may well go off the shortest. Get the latest betting tips in our horse racing betting section.
The Racing Post have napped Duc De Regniere and he is currently best priced 9/4 with Victor Chandler after his neck victory in a Grade 2 limited handicap at Cheltenham in April. The 8yo gelding has won eight of his eighteen career starts and has run well over fences and the feeling is that he will prove just as good once more over hurdles. The French import finished third to the impressive Big Buck’s at Newbury last year and it seems Barry Geraghty’s mount sets the benchmark in this open race.
Next in the market comes Tidal Bay from the Howard Johnson yard. He’s another horse who has been left trailing in the wake of Big Buck’s and will be glad Paul Nicholls’ excellent gelding has not been entered in this one. Tidal Bay can be found around the 5/2 mark with William Hill and is another that puts his best forward after a spell out from the track. He finished six lengths short of Big Bucks at Aintree in April last time out and has a chance on that form knowing that he shouldn’t come up against his class on Saturday. He’s ran well at this course previously and must be taken seriously in the betting. As should last years winner Fair Along. This German raider trained by Philip Hobbs scored by a massive eighteen lengths here twelve months ago and while it is very unlikely it’ll be as easy this time, he merits his position as a solid 7/2 (Stan James) shot. The 8yo last appeared in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham but finished a disappointing tenth that day in a race which, yes you guessed it Big Bucks won! He’ll no doubt have to bounce right back to form but the majority of his jumping wins came last year from October-December so you would expect him to be thereabouts once more.
Kayf Aramis is an interesting runner simply because of the stables record in this race. Nigel Twiston-Davies has won this race twice in the last four years and his recent exploits on the flat will ensure he lacks nothing in fitness. Probably one of the most exposed horses in the race with sixty-four career starts, he has won over this distance before and the conditions underfoot look sure to suit which means he can’t be ignored at 17/2 (Victor Chandler). This 8yo represents good each way value, the only worry being he failed to win over hurdles in nine attempts last season but not to be discounted with Paddy Brennan in the saddle.
The prices start to get a little larger now as we analyse the chances of Alan King’s Blazing Bailey. He won at odds on in his penultimate outing at Leicester, but that was a Novices chase and only three runners went to post. And despite a finishing third at Wincanton in March he was still thirteen lengths off the pace. Far from the force he was in the 2008 season, his poor showings in Novices this year justify his longshot 10/1 odds (Bet365). May be best watched once more and likely he’ll have to settle for place claims at the most. Raslan is next in the market at 12/1 (Victor Chandler) but does arrive at Wetherby in decent form for David Pipe. The 7yo gelding has had some recent track time unlike some of the opposition, taking a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot in August and following up with placings in September and October. Danny Cook takes the ride and although he will be unable to claim a 3lb allowance, he could run a huge race at a tasty price. A negative however is that he has done most of his racing over much shorter and the trip could be a cause for concern. Coastley (33/1) and Majestic Mayhem (50/1) make up the field but both look out of their depth in this company and are likely to struggle against their classier opponents. Get a free bet for this race here.
Duc De Regniere will most definitely go off shorter than his current 9/4 but he can justify favouritism by landing the John Smith’s Hurdle for Nicky Henderson. His profile is progressive and can capitalise most from those horses retuning from a break and take the £43,000 purse!
If you are betting on the John Smith’s Hurdle, why not open an account with Betfred who are offering a free £50 bet.
By Mikey Mumford
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
Horse racing is one of the most popular sports to bet on, and as a result we provide weekly betting previews for the upcoming feature horse races. Our betting previews include detailed form and analysis, free betting tips and the best offers from online bookmakers including special offers such as extra place terms, cashback, and free bets offers.
Get your Royal Ascot free bets during the Festival, and check out our preview for the Golden Jubilee Stakes on Saturday.
John of Gaunts Stakes
Temple stakes
Lockinge Stakes
John Smith’s Trophy
Racing Post Trophy
St Ledger
Ayr Gold Cup
Ascot QE2 Stakes
When it comes to horse racing betting online, our favourite bookmaker is Bet 365. Not only do they offer great odds on all horse racing, Bet 365 offer best odds guaranteed which means if the odds change between the time of you placing your bet and the start of the race, Bet 365 will pay you at whichever is the best price.
Another great feature of Bet 365 is their Channel 4/1 offer. If you back a winner on any televised Channel 4 race at odds of 4/1 or greater, Bet 365 will give you a free bet to the same stakes on the next live Channel 4 race. To start betting with Bet 365 and get £200 worth of free bets click here.
Click here to view all free bet offers from bookmakers
On 6th and 7th of November 2009, we will be treated to the Annual Breeders Cup in North America, and before even one gate has been opened, history has already been made in the fact that Santa Anita Park, host of the Breeders Cup 2008, has again been picked as the venue, the first time a track has hosted the cup twice in consecutive years. Choose a free bet for this race.
There are 14 races spread across the two day event, and with a $25.5 Million purse up for grabs, it is the Richest prize-money event in sport. The most important, and certainly prize-money richest race is The Breeders Cup Classic, with a $5 Million share to win, and it is the Classic that most betting men will be watching.
Bookmakers have ‘Rip Van Winkle’, trained by Aiden O’Brien, the favourite with SportingBet offering the best odds of 15/8. ‘Rip Van Winkle’, having won the Group 1 qualifying round seems also to be the customers favourite, but there are also some fantastic, if somewhat outside odds on other horses. ‘Zenyatta’ is the bookmakers next favourite for the Classic with odds of around 9/2, although BoyleSports is offering odds of 5/1, with an offer available on registration which means you get a free £20 bet once you deposit £20. Put that on ‘Zenyatta’ to finish each way, and you could make a nice profit.
Although a large difference in odds between ‘Rip Van Winkle’ and ‘Zenyatta’, the latter does have a good chance, with the horses ability being reflected by the fact that it is the bookmakers favourite for The Breeders Cup Ladies Classic. Again BoyleSports seems to have the best odds of 5/6, and if you want a sure thing, stick with ‘Zenyatta’ for the Ladies Classic, as the horses behind ‘Zenyatte’ such as ‘Careless Jewel’ and ‘Music Note’ have failed to deliver at points this year.
Rip Van Winkle 15/8 Sporting Bet
Zenyatta 5/1 Betfred
Summer Bird 7/1 Bet 365
Quality Road 12/1 Bet 365
12/1 Bar
When it comes to free bets for the Bredders Cup there is a lot of choice. We would recommend the free bet offers at Bet 365 where customers get £100 in free bets, or Totesport, who also offer £100 in free bets for new customers. Grab yourself a Cheltenham free bet ahead of the 2013 Festival.
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
5/1 ROYAL – THIRD TIME LUCKY?
As for Clan Royal, it could be a case of third time lucky in the National for the eleven-year-old, but he now looks very short in the betting considering his tendency to pull hard in his races. Besides, it’s debatable whether he would have beaten impressive winner Hedgehunter last year if he hadn’t been carried out by a loose horse, so there has to be better value further down the bet365 betting list. For previews and free tips of other races, check out our horse racing betting section.
BOTTOM WEIGHTS ARE BEST
At this stage, with a maximum field of 40, there are still doubts over whether several fancied horses will get a run. Still, we can back our selections with confidence here at bet365, as we’re non-runner no bet on the big race – why go anywhere else for your National bets! Although the race is attracting more quality horses these days, the race traditionally favours horses carrying less than 11 stone (bet365 go 3/1 that the winner carries 11st or above), and the two that stand out near the bottom of the weights are Direct Access (25/1) and Ross Comm (20/1). The former was last seen when winning the Rehearsal Chase back in December (jumped well), but has a great record fresh and a Grand National winning jockey to boot in Tony Dobbin. He looks sure to run well, while the Sue Smith-trained Ross Comm must also come into the reckoning after bouncing back to form last time out over a barely adequate 2m 4f at Bangor. The gelding was also travelling sweetly when falling at the 16th in the Hennessey in November, and will have the services of the talented Dominic Elsworth in the saddle, who rode a winner for the in-form stable at Kelso on Monday. Grand National Picks: Garvivonnian @ 16/1 Ross Comm @ 20/1 Direct Access @ 25/1
GINGER 20/1 FOR NATIONAL GRAND FINALE
As well as offering outstanding each way terms on the big race (1/4 odds, 1.2.3.4.5, worth repeating!), bet365 have also wasted no time in pricing up a whole gamut of ‘Race Specials’. They were originally 3/1 that there would be a fifth Irish-trained winner of the race in eight years, but that’s been now been cut to 2/1 (still a decent shout when you consider what they’ve got running!), but you can still have 20/1 about the soon-to-be-retiring Aintree legend Ginger McCain training a fifth National winner. His best shot looks to be the recently acquired Inca Trail who could surprise a few people by running well at the current bet365 price of 50/1. In the same market, the seven-strong Paul Nicholls is a 4/1 shot to train the winner, while you can have 6/1 that all the runners negotiate the first fence. If you didn’t win on this year’s Grand National, why not console yourself with a Cheltenham free bet.
For independent reviews of all bookmakers featured on this site, and a complete list of free bets and other promotional offers, click here
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
Website: Ladbrokes
Free Bet:£10 free bet for all new customers
Promotions: weekly free bets
Customer Support: 24/7 by phone or email
Ladbrokes are the biggest name in online sports betting, with over 2000 betting shops in the UK, and over 500,000 registered customers for their internet betting site. Ladbrokes have achieved this by being the market leader, through a combination of excellent customer service, fast payouts of winnings, and standing large bets. Ladbrokes is owned by the Hilton hotel and leisure group, making it a credible online betting organisation. Ladbrokes offer betting in differnet currencies and languages, making Ladbrokes the worldwide leader in online betting.
Ladbrokes Design/ Navigation
The Ladbrokes online betting website is the most superior betting website, with fantastic navigation, attractive colour scheme and ease of use. Through the use of drop down menu’s and featured events, it only takes 3 clicks to place your bets with Ladbrokes, an enjoyable and hassle free experience. Ladbrokes also have a number of great website features, including webcasting of UK horseracing, racing and football form/stats.
Ladbrokes also have one of the best Smartphone betting apps on the market, allowing customers to quickly and easily place bets using their mobile phones. You can download the betting app for the best experience, or if you are in a hurry the site works just fine in a mobile phone browser.
Ladbrokes Betting Markets
Being the complete betting service, Ladbrokes offer odds on virtually every sport and event, and will quote prices on request for any peculiar events that other bookmakers have not priced up. Ladbrokes coverage of football and racing is particularly impressive. Ladbrokes also offer a full range of financial betting, as well as poker and casino.
Ladbrokes Free Bet
Ladbrokes offer regular free bet promotions to loyal customers, each week offering you a free bet on a selected market if you place a bet on that event. See website for more details. Ladbrokes accept deposits via Paypal with no charge to the customer. Any winnings can also be withdrawn back to your Paypal account, making Ladbrokes one of the best Paypal betting sites in the UK
Click here to open your Ladbrokes account and get a free £10 bet
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
England can qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup by beating unfancied Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday. England are as short as best price 1/6 with VC Bet to beat Trinidad, who caused a major upset by drawing with Sweden in their opening World Cup group game. Trinidad are best odds 20/1 with Bet 365 to beat England , or 7/1 on Betfair to earn a draw.
With odds on England so short in the outright 90 minutes betting, many patriotic punters will be looking to the handicap markets to place bets on England . With Trinidad and Tobago receiving a 1 goal head start, England are available at best odds 1 /2 with Bet 365. With Trinidad receiving a 2 goal head start, England can be backed on best odds 11/10 with totesport.
In the first goal scorer markets, Bet 365 have the following odds available on an England player scoring the first goal:
Owen 7/2
Crouch 9/2
Rooney 9/2
Lampard 11/2
Gerrard 13/2
Joe Cole 13/2
Beckham 9/1
Bet 365 also have a couple of special bets on the England vs Trinidad match, with Michael Owen 1/3 to be subbed off, and Wayne Rooney available at Evens to play some part in the game.
Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
Online Betting King © 2023