The Punter

  • Wembley braced for a Spanish invasion
    Friday, 27th August 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW AND PICKS OUT THE TEAMS TO WATCH
    BEN CLEMINSON
    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2010-11 The road to Wembley has been mapped out for England’s representatives in the Champions League with the biggest obstacles, La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid who head the betting at 3/1 and 5/1 respectively, kept out of harm’s way for now. Fourth favourites Manchester United will be pleased with their group draw, but the big doubt about the 8/1 shots is how they stand up on the biggest stage if Wayne Rooney is out of form or injured. Carlo Ancelotti completed his first mission at Stamford Bridge last term by dethroning United at the Premier League summit, and... [Read more]

  • Hard to separate sides in key Villa Park clash
    Friday, 27th August 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON SUNDAY – 4.00PM SKY SPORTS 1 ASTON VILLA and Everton were involved in arguably the most exciting tussle in the Premier League last year, the race for the fourth Champions... [Read more]
  • Defenders hold the key in Monday night battle
    Friday, 20th August 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    MANCHESTER CITY VS LIVERPOOL MONDAY – 8.00PM SKY SPORTS MANCHESTER City would have counted themselves slightly fortunate to have escaped from White Hart Lane with a point on Saturday. Joe Hart... [Read more]
  • Kingsgate Native to bounce back to form and land his second Nunthorpe
    Friday, 20th August 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THE BEST BETS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS…
    THE Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is the feature race on the final day of York’s four day Ebor meeting and all eyes will be on eight-year-old Borderlescott in his bid to win the race for the third... [Read more]

  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 20th August 2010
    I hope you backed Dirar (14/1 winner of Wednesday’s Ebor) which I advised in this column last week... let's hope we can keep up the good work. Well, I’ve been to Amsterdam, Haarlem, Zwolle, Utrecht... [Read more]
  • Spurs can continue fine record against Man City
    Friday, 13th August 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs MANCHESTER CITY TOMORROW, 12.45PM, SKY SPORTS HARRY REDKNAPP would love to have the funds that Roberto Mancini has at his disposal, but the financial gap between the managers... [Read more]
  • Return to seven furlongs can give Ouqba the edge in the Hungerford
    Friday, 13th August 2010
    RETURN TO SEVEN FURLONGS CAN GIVE OUQBA THE EDGE IN THE HUNGERFORD
    IT may well be over a year since he last won a race, but Barry Hills’ OUQBA looks the one to beat in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury this weekend. The four-year-old son of Red Ransom is ideally... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 13th August 2010
    York takes centre stage next week and there’s nothing I like more than finding a few winners the weekend before a big meeting. Frankie Dettori is at Newbury tomorrow and I fancy him and KITE WOOD to... [Read more]
  • Chelsea to win back-to-back titles
    Friday, 6th August 2010
    THERE is no doubt that CHELSEA were comfortably the best team in the league last year and thoroughly deserved to be crowned champions. Carlo Ancelotti did a tremendous job to do the double in his... [Read more]
  • Rain is England’s main worry for second Test
    Friday, 6th August 2010
    SPORTS TRADER | CRICKET TRADING EXPERT OLLIE DREW LOOKS AT THE SECOND TEST BETWEEN ENGLAND AND PAKISTAN AT EDGBASTON
    ENGLAND vs PAKISTAN TODAY, 11.00AM SKY SPORTS 1 FINISHING early is not always the sign of a job well done. England can argue, though, that they put in a marvellous shift before ending the first Test... [Read more]
  • RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE’S TOP TIPS FROM GOODWOOD
    Thursday, 29th July 2010
    THE highlight of today’s card at Goodwood is the Group 2 Artemis Goodwood Cup (3.25pm) where Aidan O’Brien will be hoping AGE OF AQUARIUS can step into Yeats’ rather large hoofprints. His star stayer... [Read more]
  • England must beware of Pakistan’s pace, but can claim the first Test
    Thursday, 29th July 2010
    SPORT TRADER CRICKET TRADING EXPERT OLLIE DREW LOOKS AT THE OPENING TEST BETWEEN ENGLAND AND PAKISTAN
    ENGLAND vs PAKISTAN TODAY – 11.00AM SKY SPORTS 1 UNUSUALLY, England will host opponents that have played a Test series in this country more recently than they have when Pakistan head to Trent Bridge... [Read more]
  • THE INSIDER
    Thursday, 29th July 2010
    Many horses find Goodwood very challenging and course form should never be underestimated here. Glorious Goodwood is also a severe test for punters and the key is not having too many bets. I will... [Read more]
  • Dar Re Mi to be crowned Queen in tomorrow’s King George
    Friday, 23rd July 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THE BEST BETS OVER THE WEEKEND…
    THE only place to start when looking at tomorrow’s King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute. He trained the first three home in this race 12 months ago and looks... [Read more]
  • THE INSIDER
    Friday, 23rd July 2010
    It’s about time the Derby winner came out and took on his elders in the King George. Great horses like Shergar, Nashwan and Lammtarra completed the double and I think WORKFORCE can add his name to... [Read more]
  • Spain can hold their nerve to lift the title
    Friday, 9th July 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT SUNDAY’S WORLD CUP FINAL
    HOLLAND vs SPAIN SUNDAY - 7.30PM BBC 1 AND ITV 1 MOST football purists would have been purring at the start of the tournament if I’d said it was going to be a Netherlands v Spain final in... [Read more]
  • Flying filly Fleeting Spirit to take July Cup for second year running
    Friday, 9th July 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION
    THERE is an international flavour to today’s July Cup at Newmarket with speedsters from Australia, the US, France and Ireland taking on the home contingent. However, I think the prize will stay in... [Read more]
  • The INSIDER
    Friday, 9th July 2010
    Ihaven’t had too many two-yearold bets so far this season but I’ll be changing that tomorrow with a hefty wager on MAJOR CONQUEST (8%) in the nursery at Ascot (2.20pm). John Hills’ runners often... [Read more]
  • Cecil’s Twice Over looks good to Eclipse his Sandown rivals at 2/1
    Friday, 2nd July 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION
    THERE is certainly no Sea The Stars in tomorrow’s Coral Eclipse field, but the £500,000 added Group 1 contest has still attracted last year’s Champion Stakes winner TWICE OVER and Dubai Sheema... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 2nd July 2010
    Back in the day I used to visit one or two fashionable clubs, including some in Manchester. However, it’s not just the name that is drawing me to HACIENDA (5%) in the big Heritage Handicap over one... [Read more]
  • Samba Boys have the edge against Holland
    Friday, 2nd July 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S QUARTER FINALS
    HOLLAND vs BRAZIL TODAY – 3.00PM ITV1 BRAZIL have been unfamiliarly clinical so far in this tournament. They just did enough to beat North Korea, before impressing against Ivory Coast in the second... [Read more]
  • More penalty misery beckons for England
    Friday, 25th June 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT ENGLAND V GERMANY
    GERMANY VS ENGLAND SUNDAY – 3.00PM BBC 1 WELL, who’d have thought it? England face Germany in the second round and, if successful, it is likely they will meet another bitter rival, Argentina, in the... [Read more]
  • Tim Easterby’s Deauville Flyer can land Plate with no weight
    Friday, 25th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKENDS RACING ACTION…
    Newcastle’s Northumberland Plate takes centre stage tomorrow at 3.05pm and David Pipe will be trying to pull off a big race double with Mamlook following his win in the Chester Cup. Pipe tasted... [Read more]
  • The INSIDER
    Friday, 25th June 2010
    Sun, Champagne and a winner is all you need at Chester tomorrow to have a fantastic day out. The winner should come in the form of CANSILI STAR (3.45pm, 5%) who will be on the pace coming out of... [Read more]
  • Three Lions hoping for better rub of the Green
    Friday, 18th June 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT TODAY’S GAME BETWEEN ENGLAND AND ALGERIA
    ENGLAND vs ALGERIA TODAY – 7.30PM ITV THE Three Lions’ opening performance against the USA was undoubtedly disappointing, but a number of the top teams have started with a whimper rather than a roar... [Read more]
  • Lillie Langtry all set to be crowned Ascot Queen in Coronation Stakes
    Friday, 18th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    YOU would have got a big price about Aidan O’Brien not training a single Royal Ascot winner, but the Ballydoyle maestro will arrive at the Berkshire course today without a winner on the board after... [Read more]
  • Moore can steal the Show
    Friday, 18th June 2010
    TIPS FROM THE TOP WITH PADDY POWER
    PADDY POWER
    I'M hoping that Ryan Moore can get a tune out of Music Show in today's Coronation Stakes as former England footballer turned trainer Mick Channon says it's his best chance of the week. She had no... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 18th June 2010
    Henry Cecil had a winner on Wednesday, but his Bullet Train ran terribly in the Derby. He may come back today and run a blinder but I can’t put my money on him until he proves it was a one off. Green... [Read more]
  • Spanish raider Bannaby can cause Gold Cup upset at a massive 25/1
    Thursday, 17th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    SADLY there is no Yeats in this afternoon’s Ascot Gold Cup which means that there will be a new name engraved on the base of the trophy for the first time in five years. Aidan O’Brien will be hoping... [Read more]
  • For a top Royal Ascot tip, just Ask
    Thursday, 17th June 2010
    TIPS FROM THE TOP WITH PADDY POWER
    PADDY POWER
    ASK is a horse that won at the highest level over a mile and a half and when connections stepped him up to two miles last time in France, he was simply devastating. With Yeats no longer in the... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Thursday, 17th June 2010
    ANIFEST (10%) is something we have all heard plenty about over the last five months but in a political sense rather than the horse. Really it wasn’t until the demolition of a quality field in the... [Read more]
  • Byword to maintain France’s strong record in the Prince of Wales’ Stakes
    Wednesday, 16th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT TODAY’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    BILL ESDAILE
    FRENCH trained horses have won two of the last three renewals of the Prince of Wales’ Stakes (3.50pm), the feature race on the second day of Royal Ascot, and BYWORD can maintain their hot streak.... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Wednesday, 16th June 2010
    The forecast for today looks fine, but I’m hoping that RAINFALL (3%) pours it on in the Jersey Stakes this afternoon. Mark Johnston has champion jockey Ryan Moore booked to ride this son of Oasis... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Wednesday, 16th June 2010
    Market leaders Antara and Strawberrydaiquiri were both given extremely positive rides last time out and I’d be surprised if Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore weren’t equally as positive in the Windsor... [Read more]
  • International raiders set to steal the show on Ascot’s opening day
    Tuesday, 15th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT TODAY’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    FIVE days of quality racing gets underway this afternoon with arguably the race of the week, the Queen Anne Stakes. Last year’s winner Paco Boy meets multiple Group One winners GOLDIKOVA and Rip Van... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Tuesday, 15th June 2010
    If you followed this column at Cheltenham, which was extremely profitable, you would understand that precautions need to be taken when you face five days of racing. The main requirement is not to go... [Read more]
  • Cosgrave can maintain 100% record on gutsy Invincible Lad
    Friday, 11th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION
    WITH just a handful of days to go until the start of this year’s Royal Ascot meeting, this weekend's racing is definitely the calm before the storm. That said, a 2/1 winner at Southwell on a wet... [Read more]
  • England could stutter against USA tomorrow
    Friday, 11th June 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT ENGLAND’S OPENING GROUP GAME
    ENGLAND vs USA TOMORROW – 7.30PM ITV1 THE tension is building, the car flags are flying and the red and white face paint is out. World Cup 2010 is nearly here and, as always, every England fan is... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 11th June 2010
    OLE, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, the World Cup starts today. I’ve been growing my nails getting ready for the penalty shoot outs and red cards. It’s time for a lot of beer and a huge amount of highs and... [Read more]
  • Bolger can land his second Oaks with Akdarena
    Friday, 4th June 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION FROM EPSOM
    THERE is only one place to start when looking for a potential winner of the Investec Oaks; the master of Warren Place, Henry Cecil. He has won this race eight times in the past and has two live... [Read more]
  • Midas Touch the golden Derby bet for O’Brien
    Friday, 4th June 2010
    Who do I think is the most likely winner of the Investec Derby? It has to be Jan Vermeer. Who do I think is the best betting proposition? It has to be MIDAS TOUCH. Aidan O’Brien hasn’t won English... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 4th June 2010
    On 1st June I normally have two things on my mind, firstly, “Where is my top hat?” and secondly, “So-and-so will be my Derby bet”. This year was different. Worryingly I have already found the hat and... [Read more]
  • Lions can slay Robins to win vital promotion
    Friday, 28th May 2010
    SPORTS TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, BEN CLEMINSON AND WILL CHRIMES TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING, FOOTBALL AND RUGBY ACTION
    MILLWALL vs SWINDON TOMORROW – 3.00PM SKY SPORTS 2 HAVING seen Norwich and Leeds go up, Millwall and Swindon lock horns tomorrow in the quest to join them in the Championship. The Lions are 4/7... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 28th May 2010
    Henry Cecil is still going great guns and his LORD SHANAKILL (5%) has a massive chance dropped in grade in the Group 3 Timeform Jury Stakes at Haydock (3.30pm) tomorrow. BARSHIBA (5%) will probably... [Read more]
  • Penalties on the agenda for history-making final
    Friday, 21st May 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    BEN CLEMINSON
    BAYERN MUNICH vs INTER MILAN TOMORROW – 7.45PM ITV1 THE ITV big-wigs must be tearing their hair out in frustration that the first time the Champions League final has been moved to the prime Saturday... [Read more]
  • Canford Cliffs can hand Hannon his third Irish Guineas
    Friday, 21st May 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    BILL ESDAILE
    PACO BOY landed the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last Saturday for Richard Hannon and CANFORD CLIFFS can bag another Group One for his in-form stable at the Curragh tomorrow. The son of Tagula proved... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 21st May 2010
    It’s only three weeks until the 2010 Football World Cup and if you are quick and use oddschecker.com you might just be able to get a few pounds on England to win at 7/1. Or is that the right thing to... [Read more]
  • The Cheka is the call at 14/1 against Paco Boy in the Lockinge
    Friday, 14th May 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    BILL ESDAILE
    PACO BOY couldn’t have been more impressive at Sandown on his reappearance over a mile last month and Richard Hannon’s five-year-old will take plenty of beating in the Lockinge tomorrow. However, he... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 14th May 2010
    IF YOU'RE a gambler then the bet or should I say 'lay' of the weekend is PACO BOY (10%). I have a feeling that tomorrow in the Group One Lockinge Stakes at 3.05pm the value lies with the field. Okay... [Read more]
  • Chelsea shouldn’t take first Double for Granted
    Friday, 14th May 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    BEN CLEMINSON
    CHELSEA vs PORTSMOUTH TOMORROW – 3.00PM ITV CHELSEA have really come to the fore over the past few weeks and thoroughly deserve their first title in four years. They were immense against Wigan at... [Read more]
  • SPREAD BETTING - IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE
    Friday, 14th May 2010
    THE FA Cup has changed in the past couple of years. We were used to all Big Four contests in the early part of this century, but Chelsea are the only top team to make it to the final in the last... [Read more]
  • Timepiece to land trial before going on to bigger things
    Friday, 7th May 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    BILL ESDAILE
    THERE is no better trainer of a filly than Henry Cecil. The master of Warren Place showed off his skills in preparing a member of the equine fairer sex for a Classic last week when only the Stewards... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 7th May 2010
    The Dee Stakes looks like a watching race rather than a betting one. Desert Myth has reportedly been going great guns at home and on his sole start broke his maiden well. Some tipsters have suggested... [Read more]
  • Chelsea to clinch title in style against Latics
    Friday, 7th May 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    BEN CLEMINSON
    CHELSEA vs WIGAN SUNDAY – 4.00PM SKY SPORTS THE 2009/10 Premier League season has been full of drama, but it now looks almost certain that Chelsea will secure their first title for four years. We... [Read more]
  • St Nicholas Abbey to land O’Brien his sixth 2000 Guineas
    Friday, 30th April 2010
    SPORTS TRADER | BILL ESDAILE AND BEN CLEMINSON TAKE A LOOK AT THE BEST OF THIS WEEKEND’S RACING AND FOOTBALL ACTION…
    I was at Doncaster last season when ST NICHOLAS ABBEY spread-eagled a decent looking field in the Racing Post Trophy and thought then, as I do now, that I may have witnessed something special. It was... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 30th April 2010
    Most of my big race hopes have bitten the dust, but Elusive Pimpernel still has a great chance in the 2000 Guineas tomorrow. The field may split in two and if it does, then Richard Hannon may hold... [Read more]
  • Chelsea can take another big step towards the title with Anfield win
    Friday, 30th April 2010
    LIVERPOOL v/s CHELSEA SUNDAY – 1.30PM SKY SPORTS 1 THE conspiracy theorists will be out in force if Liverpool succumb to Chelsea in what will effectively stop Man United breaking the Reds’ record of... [Read more]
  • Hobbs can end season on high with Lacdoudal
    Friday, 23rd April 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    PHILIP Hobbs has had a fantastic end to the jumps season and he can cap things off in perfect style by taking tomorrow’s Bet365 Gold Cup with LACDOUDAL. The 11-year-old grey won this race four years... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 23rd April 2010
    Last weekend I ignored my No1 rule and paid the price. It is essential to make sure a stable is in form before backing any horse. You may miss a few big priced winners but overall, in my opinion, it... [Read more]
  • Red Devils to pile the pressure on Chelsea
    Friday, 23rd April 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    MANCHESTER UNITED v/s TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Saturday – 12.45pm, Sky Sports IF Sir Alex Ferguson goes on to make history by becoming the first ever manager to win four straight top flight titles, he will... [Read more]
  • Canford can land Newbury Guineas Trial
    Friday, 16th April 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    ONLY five runners go to post for the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, but they include leading 2000 Guineas candidates CANFORD CLIFFS and Arcano. The pair met in the Group One Prix Morny last August when... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 16th April 2010
    Deirdre runs in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury (3.05pm) tomorrow. I don’t want to upset any readers or owners of the horse but I can’t back her because of her name. It doesn’t give me that ‘... [Read more]
  • City can leave United’s title hopes in tatters
    Friday, 16th April 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    MANCHESTER CITY vs MANCHESTER UNITED TOMORROW – 12.45PM SKY SPORTS 1 THIS must be one of the most important Manchester derbies in recent memory with United trying to gain ground on Chelsea and City... [Read more]
  • Irish raiders hold key to the Grand National
    Friday, 9th April 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT TOMORROW’S GRAND NATIONAL...
    THOSE of you that follow trends will think I’m mad tipping BLACK APALACHI to win the John Smith’s Grand National. All bar one of the last 25 winners have shouldered 11 stone or less to victory and... [Read more]