Weekend Review: Close But No Long Yellow Fruit
Hello again dear reader, and I hope the weekend has recharged your batteries (and perhaps your bank balance as well).
It was a case of 'close but no banana' for the Victoria Cup preview yesterday. You may remember that I'd narrowed it down to just six of the 29 runners, and had plumped for King Of Argos to win. Well, five of the first seven home - including 14/1 winner Beaver Patrol - were in the nominated sextet. These horses were 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th. The nag conspicuous by his absence? Why, King Of Argos of course.
As this was the first leg of my Saturday Lucky 15, I was somewhat disappointed. However, better news was to follow for yours truly. The other three nominees on my (virtual betfred.com) ticket were Firenze, Princelet and TrainerFlatStats only runner of the day, Sky More.
They all won, and they all won easily, at odds of 7/2 (incredible price - I took 2/1!), 5/1 (I took 4/1!) and 2/1 (I didn't take 15/8 - phew!).
Elsewhere, and its been a busy weekend of football. First of all, commiserations to Sheffield United fans, whose team were mightily unlucky to be relegated today. In what turned into an absolute slog, the man Heskey was "immense" (to quote Sky commentator, Alan Smith) for Wigan.
In the playoffs, followers of this column are sitting pretty right now. I vouched for more than two goals at 5/4 in the West Brom - Wolves game (result 3-2), and I confidently predicted wins for both Bristol Rovers and Blackpool.
Rovers were a bit lucky in truth, and looked nothing like their normal assured selves defensively against a dangerous Lincoln unit. They'll have to pull their socks up for the second leg if they're to progress, but I still expect them to get a result at Sincil Bank and advance to Wembley. A small(ish) wager on Ravers to win the tie was cashed at a very generous 6/5.
In the tie between Blackpool and Oldham, where I'm on record as saying I think Blackpool will win both legs, they have done the hard part today by getting the result by the odd goal in three at Boundary Park.
After a tepid first half, the Tangerinemen smashed Oldham to pieces in the seconda tempo. How they only won 2-1 (and the one was a dubious penalty), I don't know. Well, actually I do. Kiegan Parker missed - by my count - six one on ones or otherwise presentable chances. This tie could have been massively out of sight, and I remain confident that Blackpool will take their winning run to a very impressive nine matches in midweek and head for Wembley with their tails up.
They were trading at just over 7/4 on betfair for the game today and I availed myself, again only for small money, as I've backed them and Rovers already to win their respective playoffs.
With just the (predicted) bloodbath between Shrewsbury and MK Dons at Gay Meadow tomorrow night before all ties are at the halfway point, its interesting to note that four of the five games played this season to date have ended in away wins (Bristol Rovers the notable exception).
Even more interesting is that of the twelve playoff semi-final ties played last season, there was only one home win. I have no idea why this is, and it could just be (a mighty big) coincidence, but suffice it to say that I won't be steaming into any supposed home bankers this week.
For followers of this column's advice, my suggestion is to sit tight on Rovers and 'pool, with every chance of getting both sides to the final. Those of a slightly more prudent disposition can trade out now on either team for a bet to nothing, to win about 1.25 stake units.
Oh, and before I close, a quick reminder that I reckon there'll be one or two cards issued tomorrow night, so a small buy on the bookings index may reward the hardier footballing (and punting) souls.
And finally, as Sir Trevor MacDonald used to smirkingly say on the ITN News at Ten, just time to tell you that I'm learning some new web design skills currently (if you've seen my sites, you'll know I need to!), and my first attempt can be seen at www.nag-nag-nag.co.uk, which is of course the home page where this blog resides. Do feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. Please don't be too harsh... ;)
More soon... may your next bet be a winner.
Matt
It was a case of 'close but no banana' for the Victoria Cup preview yesterday. You may remember that I'd narrowed it down to just six of the 29 runners, and had plumped for King Of Argos to win. Well, five of the first seven home - including 14/1 winner Beaver Patrol - were in the nominated sextet. These horses were 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th. The nag conspicuous by his absence? Why, King Of Argos of course.
As this was the first leg of my Saturday Lucky 15, I was somewhat disappointed. However, better news was to follow for yours truly. The other three nominees on my (virtual betfred.com) ticket were Firenze, Princelet and TrainerFlatStats only runner of the day, Sky More.
They all won, and they all won easily, at odds of 7/2 (incredible price - I took 2/1!), 5/1 (I took 4/1!) and 2/1 (I didn't take 15/8 - phew!).
Elsewhere, and its been a busy weekend of football. First of all, commiserations to Sheffield United fans, whose team were mightily unlucky to be relegated today. In what turned into an absolute slog, the man Heskey was "immense" (to quote Sky commentator, Alan Smith) for Wigan.
In the playoffs, followers of this column are sitting pretty right now. I vouched for more than two goals at 5/4 in the West Brom - Wolves game (result 3-2), and I confidently predicted wins for both Bristol Rovers and Blackpool.
Rovers were a bit lucky in truth, and looked nothing like their normal assured selves defensively against a dangerous Lincoln unit. They'll have to pull their socks up for the second leg if they're to progress, but I still expect them to get a result at Sincil Bank and advance to Wembley. A small(ish) wager on Ravers to win the tie was cashed at a very generous 6/5.
In the tie between Blackpool and Oldham, where I'm on record as saying I think Blackpool will win both legs, they have done the hard part today by getting the result by the odd goal in three at Boundary Park.
After a tepid first half, the Tangerinemen smashed Oldham to pieces in the seconda tempo. How they only won 2-1 (and the one was a dubious penalty), I don't know. Well, actually I do. Kiegan Parker missed - by my count - six one on ones or otherwise presentable chances. This tie could have been massively out of sight, and I remain confident that Blackpool will take their winning run to a very impressive nine matches in midweek and head for Wembley with their tails up.
They were trading at just over 7/4 on betfair for the game today and I availed myself, again only for small money, as I've backed them and Rovers already to win their respective playoffs.
With just the (predicted) bloodbath between Shrewsbury and MK Dons at Gay Meadow tomorrow night before all ties are at the halfway point, its interesting to note that four of the five games played this season to date have ended in away wins (Bristol Rovers the notable exception).
Even more interesting is that of the twelve playoff semi-final ties played last season, there was only one home win. I have no idea why this is, and it could just be (a mighty big) coincidence, but suffice it to say that I won't be steaming into any supposed home bankers this week.
For followers of this column's advice, my suggestion is to sit tight on Rovers and 'pool, with every chance of getting both sides to the final. Those of a slightly more prudent disposition can trade out now on either team for a bet to nothing, to win about 1.25 stake units.
Oh, and before I close, a quick reminder that I reckon there'll be one or two cards issued tomorrow night, so a small buy on the bookings index may reward the hardier footballing (and punting) souls.
And finally, as Sir Trevor MacDonald used to smirkingly say on the ITN News at Ten, just time to tell you that I'm learning some new web design skills currently (if you've seen my sites, you'll know I need to!), and my first attempt can be seen at www.nag-nag-nag.co.uk, which is of course the home page where this blog resides. Do feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. Please don't be too harsh... ;)
More soon... may your next bet be a winner.
Matt
Labels: Flat Racing
posted by Matt at
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