The Punter

  • Kauto can beat Denman and Star for a third time
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S GOLD CUP...
    THE talking is nearly over. At around 3.30pm this afternoon, we will know who will have won the 2010 totesport Gold Cup. Will Kauto Star, probably the best chaser since Arkle, land his third Gold Cup or will Denman pick himself up from the canvas and reclaim the crown he won in 2008? I know it is not an original selection, but I just cannot see Paul Nicholls’ KAUTO STAR being beaten this afternoon. His preparation for the defence of his crown has been pretty much faultless and his master trainer has protected him to ensure he is as fresh as a daisy. His latest performance at Kempton on Boxing... [Read more]

  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions this afternoon on the final day of the... [Read more]
  • Ashkazar and Any Given Day can land the spoils
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S OTHER RACES…
    It’s hard to separate Irish raiders Alaivan and CARLITO BRIGANTE in the opener, but I marginally prefer the latter at around 9/2. The faster the ground the better for this fellow, who just keeps on... [Read more]
  • Denman is no match for stablemate Kauto
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    Sporting Index are once again tempting us with a whole host of match bets on this afternoon’s racing. Remember, they pick two horses in a race and predict the winning margin between the pair at the... [Read more]

  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    Gold Cup day and all the talk will be about Kauto or Denman. It should be a fantastic race to watch, but possibly not the betting opportunity I’m looking for. However, the JCB Triumph Hurdle is... [Read more]
  • French fancied to pile on the points in Paris
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    SPORTS TRADER | DAVID WILD HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEKEND’S SPORTING CLASHES
    FRANCE V/S ENGLAND TOMORROW-7.45PM-BBC1 FRANCE have historically tended to do well in Six Nations tournaments after Lions Tours but to suggest that their faultless record this year is due to the... [Read more]
  • Don’t risk Big Buck’s on World Champion
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S WORLD HURDLE...
    RUBY Walsh and Big Buck’s are a brilliant partnership – they have won eight of their nine races together and all six over hurdles. Andy Stewart’s seven-year-old has been a revelation since reverting... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions during this week’s Cheltenham Festival. A... [Read more]
  • Nicholls to land double with Alfie and Poquelin
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S OTHER RACES…
    PHILIP Hobbs has his string in rude health and I’ll be taking a chance on his COPPER BLEU in the opener at 16/1 with William Hill. The eight-year-old was only narrowly touched off at Aintree last... [Read more]
  • Barbers Shop is no match for Nicholls’ Poquelin in Ryanair
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    AGAIN, it’s certainly worth taking advantage of one of Sporting Index’s numerous match bets this afternoon. By challenging their prediction of the distance between a chosen pair of horses as they... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    I hope you drank plenty of Guinness yesterday and you are feeling ready to take on the bookies once more today. It’s World Hurdle day at Cheltenham plus there are plenty of large fields on the... [Read more]
  • Kalahari King all set to shake up Master Minded
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S CHAMPION CHASE
    THERE have been plenty of dual winners of this prestigious jewel in the crown for two-milers, but only Michael Dickinson’s Badsworth Boy managed to win three on the spin, so Master Minded will be... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions during this week’s Cheltenham Festival.... [Read more]
  • 8/1 Weapon's Amnesty may be RSA Chase value
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S OTHER RACES…
    TWENTY runners go to post for the opening contest of the second day of the Cheltenham Festival and I’m backing two at massive prices to cause an upset. Firstly, legendary Irish trainer Mouse Morris... [Read more]
  • It has to be ForPady on St Patrick’s Day
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    Sporting Index have priced up a host of match bets on this afternoon’s racing and there are not many better ways of opposing horses you don’t fancy. Basically, they pick two horses in any race and... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    My two bankers of the meeting are both running this afternoon. I’m also going to be backing my first Paul Nicholls trained runner of the Festival! Let’s get the bankers out of the way and then... [Read more]
  • Henderson’s Punjabi is Champion pick at 8/1
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON'S CHAMPION HURDLE...¶
    THERE may only be 12 runners in this afternoon’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, but the feature race on the opening day of the Festival looks one of the most open of the week. Irish raiders Go Native... [Read more]
  • Get Me Out Of Here can get Festival off to a flyer
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S OTHER RACES
    WILLIAM Hill are as short as 4/6 about Irish raider Dunguib in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the opening contest of the four day meeting. Last year’s Champion Bumper winner could well be something... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions during this week’s Cheltenham Festival.... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    Take a leaf out of poker legend Chris Ferguson’s book and make sure you bet within your bankroll at Cheltenham this week. It is very easy to get carried away in all the excitement but it is worth... [Read more]
  • Championship races may be tighter fought affairs than Sporting predict
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    Sporting Index have produced a host of special bets for this year’s Festival and are predicting that the aggregate winning distances for the 26 races over the next four days will be between 96 and... [Read more]
  • England pack are key to victory at Murrayfield
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    SPORTS TRADER | David Wild has teamed up with Bettorlogic to look ahead to the calcutta cup and the Premier League
    DAVID WILD
    SCOTLAND VS ENGLAND TOMORROW – 5.00PM BBC1 Considering France already appear to have the Six Nations wrapped up – as their odds of 1/50 with Boylesports suggest – and that the Triple Crown is a... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? LOG-ON TO BETDAQ AND BET IN-RUNNING ON THE SIX NATIONS WWW.BETDAQ.CO.UK 0870 178 1221
    England again only gradually rose through the gears against Ireland. We could probably say they never quite hit fifth, but they only really got going around the time of scoring their first try on 61... [Read more]
  • Qaspal to set up Festival bonus tilt with Imperial Cup win at Sandown
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION…
    BILL ESDAILE
    TOMORROW’S Paddy Power Imperial Cup is normally a Pipe family benefit race, but the one they’d obviously lined up for the race, Hunterview, unfortunately missed the cut. He would surely have had a... [Read more]
  • THE INSIDER
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    With the David Pipe trained Hunterview failing to make the cut, the market for tomorrow’s Paddy Power Imperial Cup at Sandown (3.05pm) is in turmoil. This race has been won six times by Martin Pipe... [Read more]
  • Battlecry can answer Twiston’s call for another Saturday to remember
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION…
    WITH less than two weeks to go until the start of the Cheltenham Festival, there is a distinct lack of quality racing on offer this weekend. The Raymond Mould Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    With no all-weather tomorrow and only one poor betting race declared over the jumps, I will be backing just the one horse over the next couple of days. FREDDIE’S GIRL runs in Lingfield’s 4.10pm this... [Read more]
  • Mick’s Wolves lack the bite to frighten United
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S PREMIERSHIP AND FA CUP GAMES
    WOLVES vs MANCHESTER UNITED TOMORROW – 5.30PM ESPN THE relationship between the red and blue sides of Manchester has been especially hostile this season thanks mainly to the Carlos Tevez saga.... [Read more]
  • Late England charge can dent strong Irish record
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    ENGLAND v/s IRELAND Tomorrow - 4.00pm BBC1 Martin Johnson leapt to the defence of his usually dependable fly-half, as much of the criticism for England’s stale performance against Italy a fortnight... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    We’ve seen how England have taken a while to find their feet in their previous matches against Wales at Twickenham and Italy at the Stadio Flaminio. If we anticipate a similar situation in their... [Read more]
  • Flat track bully Madison can give Pipe his first Racing Post Chase
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF HORSES TO BACK THIS WEEKEND
    IN THE past 11 years only two horses have won Kempton’s Racing Post Chase (3.05pm, tomorrow) carrying less than 11stone and four have shouldered at least 11st10lbs. In short, this race goes to the... [Read more]
  • the INSIDE
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    The Betdaq.co.uk Cleves Stakes at Lingfield (3.50pm) is an intriguing contest and my eye is taken by three runners. I backed Mullionmileanhour in the 2008 Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot when he was... [Read more]
  • Miko De Beauchene looks pure Gold to add to tremendous Haydock record
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION
    THE expression ‘horses for courses’ could not be more appropriate when it comes to weighing up the chances of MIKO DE BEAUCHENE in bottomless ground at Haydock. Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old is... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    It's that time of year when the two-year-olds face the stalls for the first time. The outcome is polarised. They are either indifferent to the starting stalls and walk in, or they have to be man-... [Read more]
  • City and Reds to share the spoils as battle for fourth spot heats up
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    MANCHESTER CITY V/S LIVERPOOL Sunday – 3.00pm THIS game could quite easily decide which team finishes fourth and takes the crucial final Champions League spot. Manchester City and Liverpool have been... [Read more]
  • Moore all set to land hat-trick with Harry
    Friday, 12th February 2010
    racing trader | Bill Esdaile, our racing expert, takes a look at this weekend’s action on the track
    HAVING sent out both Heathcote (2007) and Wingman (2008) to land the Totesport Trophy, it was snow and ice that prevented Gary Moore from attempting to land the hat-trick last year. However, his... [Read more]
  • THE INSIDER
    Friday, 12th February 2010
    Golf seems to be a recurring theme at Lingfield which unfortunately means that they don’t have a sponsor. It’s a shame as it’s a great place to have a day out with friends and family. Racing in the... [Read more]
  • Azzurri aggression no match for Johnno’s men
    Friday, 12th February 2010
    sports trader | david wild has teamed up with BettorLogic to look at the six nations and the FA cup
    ITALY VS ENGLAND Sunday – 2.00pm BBC1 MARTIN Johnson must be a relieved man. After at least a couple of aimless performances in November, his side looked progressive and threatening – all that he’d... [Read more]
  • Lucky Leo can star at Donny
    Friday, 5th February 2010
    RACING TRADER | Bill Esdaile, our racing expert, takes a look at this weekend’s action on the track
    LAST weekend’s meeting at Doncaster was frozen off, so let’s hope the weather doesn’t disrupt tomorrow’s action. KALAHARI KING, runner-up in last season’s Arkle Chase, carries top weight in the... [Read more]
  • Postive England setup should trouble Welsh
    Friday, 5th February 2010
    sports trader | david wild has teamed up with BettorLogic to look ahead to an exciting weekend of sport
    ENGLAND Vs WALES UNDERACHIEVING England coach Martin Johnson has thrown down the gauntlet. By picking a positive starting XV – which notably includes Mathew Tait at outside centre – they are sending... [Read more]
  • SUPER BOWL XLIV
    Friday, 5th February 2010
    England wing Mark Cueto tells Frank Dalleres that players, not tactics, at root of autumn malaise
    NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Vs INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PREPARE for an afternoon snooze if you plan to stay up for the 44th installment of America’s greatest sporting spectacle. Super Bowl debutants and the NFC’s... [Read more]
  • Calgary and Nozic look good at Donny
    Friday, 29th January 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF HORSES TO BACK THIS WEEKEND
    THE SKYBET Chase, formerly the Great Yorkshire Chase, is always one of the trickiest punting puzzles to solve in the National Hunt calendar and tomorrow’s renewal looks as impossible as ever. David... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 29th January 2010
    Legs eleven, black eleven, left wing (eleven), one less than a dozen (eleven) has always been my number but I’m going to have to swap it for seven. SEVEN IS MY NUMBER might be an obvious choice... [Read more]
  • Arsenal should have the edge in Emirates thriller
    Friday, 29th January 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    ARSENAL VS MANCHESTER UNITED SUNDAY – 4.00PM, SKY SPORTS 1 THE next few weeks are absolutely crucial for Arsenal in their battle to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004/05. They... [Read more]
  • Twist all set to turn on the Magic in Ascot’s Victor Chandler Chase
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF HORSES TO BACK THIS WEEKEND
    ONLY eight runners have been declared for tomorrow’s Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot, but we are still set for a mouth watering clash with TWIST MAGIC, Petit Robin and Well Chief all standing their... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    In 1985 I was surrounded by ‘ghettoblasters’ playing tunes such as Journal of an Airman and 30-Love. In 1987 they were joined by Rodney Allen performing Days of 49. All the tracks were recorded be... [Read more]
  • Stoke could prove tough nut to crack at Britannia
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    CITY AM SPORTS TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM SPORTS TRADER
    STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL SUNDAY – 1.30PM, ITV1 ARSENAL did readers of this column a favour with their 2-0 win against Bolton at the Reebok last Sunday. It was a fairly comfortable victory for the... [Read more]
  • Imperial Commander looks the only danger to Kauto and Denman
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES AN EARLY LOOK AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
    ONLY 27 horses stood their ground on Wednesday for the Cheltenham Gold Cup which was no real surprise when you consider that two of those names were Kauto Star and Denman. The eagerly awaited re-... [Read more]
  • Cheltenham Festival Trading Strategy
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    This year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup is being billed as a straight match between Kauto Star (best priced 2.6 on Betdaq) and Denman (best priced 3.2 on Betdaq) and punters all around the country are split... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    Last weekend we had a winner at 9/2 but also a narrow miss with a second place. It was the disappointing Aeroplane who let us down but he is back out again tomorrow in the 3.10pm at Lingfield. Maybe... [Read more]
  • Gunners can spoil the Coyle family reunion
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    SPORTS TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM SPORTS TRADER
    BOLTON WANDERERS vs ARSENAL SUNDAY – 4.00PM SKY SPORTS 1 OWEN Coyle couldn’t really ask for a more difficult first game in charge at the Reebok as Arsenal come to town hoping to close the gap on... [Read more]
  • SPREAD BETTING AND CRICKET –THE PERFECT MATCH
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    Following England’s dire first innings performance at the Wanderers, they’re in for a real battle to get even a draw from the match. The best chance may be if the weather continues to be a factor,... [Read more]
  • Liverpool to begin their climb back up the table
    Friday, 8th January 2010
    FOOTBALL TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    LIVERPOOL vs TOTTENHAM SUNDAY – 4.00PM SKY SPORTS LIVERPOOL put in another lacklustre display when they were outplayed by struggling Reading in the FA Cup last weekend and things are still not right... [Read more]
  • 13/2 Go Native and 16/1 Weapon’s Amnesty look likely Festival types
    Friday, 8th January 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES AN EARLY LOOK AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
    OVER the next nine or so weeks between now and the start of this year’s Cheltenham Festival, we will continue to add to our ante-post portfolio that already contains Somersby for the Arkle at 20/1 (... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 8th January 2010
    The chances of racing this weekend at any racecourse in the UK must be slim. However, if they do go ahead at Lingfield tomorrow, the most appropriate winner will be Melt in the 3pm. Unfortunately... [Read more]
  • Cheltenham Festival Trading Strategy
    Friday, 8th January 2010
    I got food poisoning over Christmas because my mother got her timings muddled up when it came to cooking the stuffing. Funnily enough, I got my timings muddled up a few days later by not locking in a... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Thursday, 17th December 2009
    The most fascinating in-running trading contest of the weekend looks to be Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle run at 2.05pm tomorrow. Big Buck’s is currently trading at around 1.55 on Betdaq, but I expect him... [Read more]
  • Save the Big Buck’s for Bellvano and Dave’s Dream at Ascot today
    Thursday, 17th December 2009
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF HORSES TO BACK THIS WEEKEND
    PAUL NICHOLLS continued his extraordinary run of Saturday big race wins by landing last weekend’s Boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham and the Champion trainer will hope that Big Buck’s can make it... [Read more]
  • SPREAD BETTING AND CRICKET –THE PERFECT MATCH
    Thursday, 17th December 2009
    It’s always crucial to keep an eye on the weather when spread betting on cricket and with rain forecast at Centurion, the draw is now the bookies favourite at stumps on day two. The beauty of spread... [Read more]
  • No festive joy for shaky Hammers against Blues
    Thursday, 17th December 2009
    SPORTS TRADER | BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM SPORTS TRADER
    WEST HAM vs CHELSEA SUNDAY, 4.00PM SKY SPORTS 1 THE Premier League has been something of a baptism of fire for Gianfranco Zola and he has certainly suffered more than his fair share of bad luck.... [Read more]
  • What to drink this Christmas
    Monday, 7th December 2009
    From sherry to Champagne, we have the festive tipple for you
    ZOE STRIMPEL
    Champagne As chosen by Esme Johnston, director of www.fromvineyardsdirect.comPerrier Jouet Belle EpoqueCream and honey, brioche and lingering nutmeg notes make this special edition bubbly a... [Read more]
  • Chelsea hold all the aces as City try to find a spark
    Friday, 4th December 2009
    FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON HAS TEAMED UP WITH BETTORLOGIC TO BRING YOU THE CITY AM FOOTBALL TRADER
    MANCHESTER CITY vs CHELSEA TOMORROW, 5.30PM ESPN THE pressure continues to mount on Mark Hughes after a record-equalling seventh straight Premier League draw against Hull last weekend. Man City did... [Read more]
  • Irish raider Big Zeb to stay upright and land Sandown's Tingle Creek
    Friday, 4th December 2009
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND'S RACING ACTION
    I’M NOT SURE how much more rain Sandown Park will be able to take ahead of tomorrow’s Tingle Creek meeting, so keep a close eye on the weather. However, if the forecast biblical storms do... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 4th December 2009
    THE FIELDS for novice chases tend to be small once again this year. The handicapper and the authorities need to revisit the way they are rating animals as this can’t go on much longer. The 1.... [Read more]