Australia vs. West Indies, First Test

The Australian side to play the West Indies in the first Test in Brisbane starting today has been named:

Ricky Ponting (c), Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Michael Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus. 12th man: Doug Bollinger.

• Head-to-head the two nations have played each other in 105 Tests with Australia winning 50 of those matches and the West Indies 32. Of the remaining fixtures, 22 draws have resulted as well as 1 tie.

• Of the 23 Test series played Australia has won 13, the West Indies 8 and there have been 2 draws. Of the past six Tests, Australia has won 5, as well as 14 of the past 16.

• In the past 10 years the West Indies have only defeated Australia on one occasion - the fourth and final Test of the 2003 series in the Caribbean. Australia have won the past four series, and six of the past seven.

At The Gabba, Brisbane
• Australia have won their past five Tests.
  
• Australia are undefeated at the Gabba in their past 20 Tests, winning five and drawing five. They last lost at the Gabba in 1988, against West Indies.
  
  
West Indies At The Gabba
• Tests played 11; Australia won 5; West Indies won 2; 2 draws; 1 tie
• Australia and West Indies played the first tied Test in history at the Gabba, in the first Test of the 1960-1961

Going into this first Test of the Summer, it is very hard to see anything but another Australian victory, and unsurprisingly TAB Sportsbet has installed Australia has firm $1.22 favourites compared to the $13 West Indies. A draw is paying $5.50.

The match is scheduled to begin at 10:00am.

Betting jargon explained #20

Cover - To bet the spread by the required number of points. If such occurs you have "covered the spread."

Barclays Premiership action

In the latest round of the Barclays Premiership, the game of the week is without doubt the clash between Liverpool ($1.95) and Manchester City ($3.70) at Anfield.While Liverpool have lost 5 matches already this season, manager Rafael Benitez is confident they can bounce back and chase down the League table leaders after the Christmas break. Their greatest handicap has been the ongoing injuries to key front line players, and while Steven Gerard is expected to return this weekend they will be once again without the services of Fernando Torres.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has returned from a two week trip to Abu Dhabi after meeting with the club owner Sheikh Mansour, and the pressure will no doubt be on him to achieve victory after his £200 million team's 5 successive draws.

In the other matches Chelsea ($1.12) are expected to continue their winning ways when they play host to the Wolverhampton Wanderers ($19.00) at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester United ($1.33) will have similar expectations when they face Everton ($8.50) at Old Trafford. Everton has been ordinary this season but Manchester United's defence has been worse conceding twelve goals already. A draw ($4.50) is not likely. Everton's manager David Moyes is a very organised and smart operator so fellow countryman Sir Alex Ferguson will have to give due respect to Everton this weekend.

Betting jargon explained #19

Commingling - Commingling is the process whereby one totalisator organisation (bookmaker) combines its wagering pool with another, e.g. the NSW TAB combining with the QLD TAB.

Algeria vs. Egypt World Cup Qualifier

On Thursday bitter rivals Algeria and Egypt will clash in a sudden-death playoff for a spot in the Football World Cup finals, and if the previous fixture in Cairo is anything to go by, expect there to be plenty of fireworks.

In that match, needing to beat the Group C leaders by two clear goals at home, Egypt recorded a famous last gasp 2-0 win five minutes into stoppage time. The result meant that both Egypt and Algeria finished tied on points, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head records sending the fixture into a sudden-death playoff.

In addition to the events on the field, the match will also be remembered for the scenes that followed in its aftermath including rioting in the Algerian capital Algiers, and French port city of Marseilles and incidents in and around Cairo itself where 12 Egyptians and 20 Algerians were injured - some of the latter being wounded after their bus was stoned. Such behaviour is a continuation of the event's that took place on Thursday, when the Algerian team bus was attacked by Egyptian youths.

The deciding match will played at the neutral venue of Sudan. Head to head TAB Sportsbet (NSW) has Egypt has $2 favourites ahead of the $3.50 Algerians, while a draw after 90 minutes is paying $3.50. Other betting markets on the match include Correct Score, Half time/Full time double, Half-time result, 1st Half correct score, and Total Goals Over/Under (normal time).

Betting jargon explained #18

Buy (Points) - In sports betting, a player pays an additional price to receive half a point or more in his favour on a point spread game.

Betting jargon explained #17

Buck - A sports betting term for a $100 wager.

All Whites vs. Bahrain - One Shot for Glory

This Saturday night, Wellington's Westpac Stadium will be full to capacity as the New Zealand All Whites take on Bahrain in their do-or-die clash for Football World Cup qualification.

After the first-leg of the two leg play-off in Manama ended in a 0-0 draw both sides go into the match with it all to play for. For Bahrain, thanks to the away goals rule, a score-draw would be enough to see them through, but such a result is far from a certainty.

Buoyed by 35,500 screaming Kiwis (the largest ever football crowd in New Zealand), the All Whites will be a formidable opponent for the 5th placed Asian qualifier. Furthermore, the predicted weather conditions for Saturday night's match (a brisk 11 degrees) couldn't be more different to what the Bahranian side will be used to.

The New Zealand TAB has the All Whites as narrow $2.40 head-to-head favourites ahead of Bahrain at $2.70. While a draw after 90 minutes is paying $3.20. There are also a raft of other special markets on offer including Half time/Full time double, Half-time result, 1st team to score, Time of 1st goal, Total goals in match, Goal Start. Exact Score, Winning team & Method, Number of corners, Double Chance, Penalty in match, NZ to score and/or Bahrain to score.

In other upcoming World Cup qualifiers this weekend, Greece ($2.05) takes on the Ukraine ($3.30); Portugal ($1.37) takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina ($8.25), the Republic of Ireland ($2.70) plays France ($2.40); and Russia ($1.35) meets Slovenia ($9.00).

Tiger out to break Oz duck

World Number 1 golfer Tiger Woods arrived in Melbourne earlier this week ahead Thursday's JBWere Australian Masters at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Heatherton, Victoria.

Woods, who is only played in 3 previous events in Australia - the 1996 Australian Open, 1997 Masters at Huntingdale, and most recently the 1998 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, is yet to record to a win on Australian soil and is determined to break the duck.

While Woods comes into the event in solid but not startling form, having placed sixth at the World Golf Championships tournament in Shanghai, TAB Sportsbet has installed the American as $2.50 favourite in the early stages of betting. Other golfers who could challenge Tiger include Geoff Ogilvy ($10), Adam Scott ($15), Michael Sim ($17), Aaron Baddeley ($21), John Senden ($21), Rod Pampling ($23), Matthew Goggin ($26) and Stuart Appleby ($34).

Further to the usual markets, TAB Sportsbet will also be offering the options of Top 5, Top 10 and Top Australian as well as daily features including 3 Balls for the first two days of the tournament and 2 Balls for the weekend along with special markets for Tiger Woods.

Betting jargon explained #16

Boxed Quinella - The easiest and most popular way to take a Quinella (the first two finishers). You pick three, four, five or more runners and by boxing them, you buy all possible combinations of those horses coming first and second. The more runners the greater the cost, e.g. at $1 per combination: three runners boxed = $3, four runners boxed = $6, five runners boxed = $10.

Boxed Trifecta - The same as above, except this time you buy all possible combinations of the chosen horses come first, second and third.

Shocking - big support for Lexus Stakes winner

Following on from Saturday's dominant showing in the Group III at Flemmington, Lexus Stakes winner Shocking has had his odds slashed from $26 to $12 for the Melbourne Cup and is thus far the best supported runner since Saturday night's barrier draw.

However that being said, the horse that defeated Shocking at two of his three prior starts, Alcopop ($5.50) remains the backers elect favourite, slightly ahead last year's Cup winner Viewed ($5.60). Also amongst the favourites is another from the Cummings' stable, Roman Emperor, solid in the Final Field Market at $9.40.

Other horses worth a look include Danny O'Brien's remaining hope, Master O'Reilly ($15); Daffodil ($18) and Basaltico ($44).

Betting jargon explained #15

Book - A collection of bets taken on Fixed Odds betting events.

Bookmaker (Bookie) - The person who sets and manages the odds on racing or sports events.

Wave of support for Heart of Dreams

The best-backed runner for this Saturday's Tatt's Cox Plate is the Mike Price-trained Heart of Dreams. Heavily favoured since Tuesday's barrier draw, the 3 year old is currently paying $6 and is second favourite behind Whobegotyou ($2.70) , unbeaten from 4 starts at Moonee Valley.

Aided by a favourable inside barrier draw and having beaten Whobegotyou on two previous occasions, Heart of Dreams looks a major threat.

Other horses worthy of consideration include Speed Gifted ($11.90), So You Think ($14.00) and Scenic Shot ($17.60).

Betting jargon explained #14

Blinkers: A device attached to the head of the horse to prevent it from having sideways vision and to keep its attention to what's in front of it.

In Saturday's Caulfield Cup, Roman Emperor ($15) wore blinkers for the first time and ran an impressive 2nd behind winner Viewed ($13). Viewed's win was the first time since Rising Fast in 1955 that a Melbourne Cup winner has returned the following year to win the Caulfield Cup. Both Roman Emperor and Viewed are trained by the legendary Bart Cummings.

Cima de Triomphe heading for Caulfield Cup favouritism

While the Godolphin raider Kirklees may have started as slim favourite for Saturday's Caulfield Cup, since Wednesday's barrier draw it has been the British entire Cima de Triomphe who has been the best-supported runner.

$10 before the draw Cima de Triomphe is now paying between $7.50 - $8.50 for the win with the major Australian bookmakers (Betfair, Sportingbet, IASbet, Centrebet, Sportsbet,Sportsalive, TAB Sportsbet, Luxbet), and Kirklees between $8 - $9.

Described as the best horse trainer Luca Camani has brought out to Australia, there is a lot of confidence around Cima de Triomphe's chances.

Other runners worth noting include Daffodil ($8-$9.60), Viewed ($14-$18.60), Predatory Pricer ($8.50-$10), Vigor ($9.50-$11.90), and Allez Wonder ($10-$13).

Betting jargon explained #13

Betting pool - The total money that has been bet on the race on each of the bet types.

Betting jargon explained #12

Barrier - The positions in the starting stall that the runners (horses) start the race from.
Barrier stats - The success rate of each barrier at a certain point at a certain track e.g. Horses starting from barrier 1 have won 20% of races over 1700m at Flemmington.

Tri Nations game 8 - South Africa vs All Blacks

There are some good value bets for South Africa's final game of the Tri-Nations, particularly if you are an South African supporter. South Africa are paying $2.65 with the New Zealand TAB, with the All Blacks favourites at $1.45. In Australia Sportingbet offer slightly better odds for the All Blacks, paying $1.53 compared to South Africa at $2.50. South African try scoring machine Bryan Habana is a worthwhile bet paying $10 to be first try scorer.

Lowndes and Whincup set to tame Mt.Panorama again

In what is arguably the most high profile motor race in Australia, this Sunday will see the V8s return to Mt. Panorama for the annual Bathhurst 1000. For many years, legends like Peter Brock were synonymous with the great race, while today it is the likes of Craig Lowdnes and Jamie Whincup. This Sunday, the two Ford drivers have a chance to make history as they shoot for an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory.

Unsurprisingly they have been installed as firm $3.60 favourites with Holden's Will Davison and Garth Tander in car number 2 ($4.10) and Ford's Alex Davison and Shane Van Gisbergen in car number 6 (6.20) not far behind.

Stablemates provide big return

Don Frampton of Paraparaumu, New Zealand won the Punter of the Year contest at Hastings on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of Wall Street and stablemate Vosne Romanee.

Frampton, who made a profit of $27, 978, has now won the betting contest run in conjunction with the Kelt Capital Raceday, a remarkable three times. In addition to his winnings, he also received $50,000 in cash as the first place getter.

After investing on the sixth race, Frampton was left with just 5 cents in his competition account.
He put $500 on Wall Street in a multibet going into Vosne Romanee in the Kelt Stakes. Wall Street, the only favourite to win at Hastings, paid $2.30 and Frampton ended up with $400 a win and $600 a place on Vosne Romanee, who paid $55.40 and $9.70.

If that wasn't impressive enough, Frampton also put another $300 a win on Vosne Romanee - separate from the betting competition - and also collected on a $36,000 multibet, placed before Saturday, which finished on Vosne Romanee.

In total, Frampton estimated that Vosne Romanee's win, including the cash price, had returned his around $130,000.

Storm vs. Eels, Slater vs. Hayne

The 2009 NRL Grand Final will not only see a match-up between the two best sides in the competition - the Melbourne Storm and Parramata Eels, but a clash between two of the game's biggest stars - Billy Slater an Jarryd Hayne.

The last time these two sides met was on the 20th July, with the Eels narrowly edging out the Storm 18-16, and this weekend's match is set to be just as nail-biting. While the Eels have been the form side over the last two months with 10 wins from their last 11 matches, and star fullback Jarryd Hayne in great form, it is the Melbourne Storm who go into Sunday's match as the favourites. Despite a slow start to the season the Storm have come good when it really matters, as evidenced by their annihilation of the Brisbane Broncos 40-10 last Saturday. Furthermore, playing in their fourth consecutive Grand Final they will be desperate to erase the pain of last year's 40-0 loss to the Manly Sea Eagles.

Head to Head, the Melbourne Storm are $1.55 -$1.60 favourites with all of the major Australian book makers (Betfair, Sportingbet, IASbet, Centrebet, Sportsbet, Sports Alive, TAB Sportsbet, Luxbet) to the $2.35 - $2.45 Parramatta Eels. Meanwhile, in the Churchill Medal stakes (Player of the Final) there is little to separate Billy Slater $4.50-$6.00 and Jarryd Hayne $4.75-$5.50.


The Grand Final will kickoff this Sunday, October 4th at ANZ Stadium.

United and Chelsea favourites to progress from group stage

Last year's Champions League finalists Manchester United and Chelsea are expected to add to their opening day group wins tomorrow, when they take on Germany's Wolfsburg and Cypriots Apoel Nicosia, respectively.

While the two English Premier League giants have had contrasting fortunes in the past week, with United securing victory at Stoke and Chelsea suffering a shock loss to lowly Wigan, both sides are favourites to come away with the three points. Manchester United at home , are paying $1.37 for the win to Wolfsburg's $10.50, while in the group D match-up, Chelsea away to Apoel Nicosia are $1.36 favourites to the Cypriot side's $13.50.

In the matchday two's other matches:

Home win/Draw/Away win
CSK Moscow vs. Beskitas $1.75/$3.85/$5.90
AC Milan vs. FC Zurich $1.24/$6.80/$17.00
Bayern Munich vs. Juventus $2.18/$3.45/$3.80
Bordeaux vs. Maccabi Haifa $1.29/$5.90/$15.50
Porto vs. Athletico Madrid $1.99/$3.70/$4.40
Real Madrid vs. Marseille $1.25/$7.00/$15.50

Betting jargon explained #11

Back straight - Another term from the world of horse racing, the back straight is the stretch of race track furtherest away from the spectators and the winning post.

How the West was won

A predicted crowd of 80,000 will pack into ANZ Stadium tomorrow night as the Bulldogs lock horns with fellow west Sydney side the Parramatta Eels in the first preliminary final of the 2009 NRL season. The winner will face either Brisbane or Melbourne in the Grand Final at this same venue 9 days later.

On the back of tremendous form which has seen them win 9 out of their last 10 games, including victories over minor-premiers St.George Illawarra and the Gold Coast Titans in the past fortnight, Betfair Australia has installed the Eels as slim favourites paying $1.96 to the $2.02 Bulldogs.

While both sides are expected to be back to full-strength; with the return of five-eighth Daniel Mortimer (hip) and centre Krisnan Inu (hamstring) for the Eels and Brett Kimmorley (cheekbone) for the Bulldogs; all eyes will be on the game's new star Jarryd Hayne.

In the other preliminary final Melbourne a strong $1.39 favourites to the $3.55 Broncos.

Betting jargon explained #10

Back marker - In a standing start harness race, which is handicapped, the horse that is given the biggest handicap is known as the back marker.

TAB punter lays down $150,000 on Wellington win

In New Zealand, a TAB punter has placed a $150,000 bet on Wellington to beat Southland in tomorrow night's round 9 match of the Air New Zealand Cup.

Presumably, this decision was based on the return to the Wellington side of All Blacks Cory Jane, Hosea Gear and Rodney So'oialo

At $1.36 the bet has a possible return of $204,000 and a profit of $54,000.

Wellington currently lie in 7th place in the Air New Zealand Cup standings while Southland are well placed in 2nd.

Betting jargon explained #9

Apprentice Jockey - As the name suggests, a young jockey who is apprenticed to a trainer.

Betting jargon explained #8

Apprentice Allowance - With respect to horseracing, all throroughbred horses are required to carry an allotted weight when they race. In most cases this weight can be reduced if an apprentice jockey is used. The amount of the weight reduction is called the apprentice allowance. This allowance starts at 4kg and decreases as the apprentice jockey rides more winners.

Apprentice Henjak out to usurp the Master

While tomorrow night's knockout semifinal between the Brisbane Broncos and St.George Illawarra Dragons promises to be an epic encounter between two in-form sides, it will also be a clash of two coaches - Ivan Henjak and Wayne Bennett.

Once apprentice to Bennett, Brisbane rookie Henjak has now well and truly stepped out of the shadows and in doing so has guided his Broncos side to yet another finals appearance.

Although Brisbane go into Saturday night's match on the back of a dominant performance away to the Titans, their finals record at Suncorp Stadium leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, in six finals played in Brisbane since 1995, the Broncos are yet to win.

However, it is worth-noting that on each of those occasions it was Bennett steering the Brisbane ship!

Despite this it is the Dragons who go into the match as $1.83 favourites, to the $2.16 Broncos.

In tonights match, the Eels are strong $1.47 favourites at home to the Gold Coast Titans ($3.10).

All Blacks vs. Wallabies and the battle for 2nd place

With the Springboks having already sewn-up the Tri-Nations for 2009, and the Bledisloe Cup retained for another year, one could be forgiven for thinking that there was little left to play for on Saturday. But for the All Blacks and Wallabies this couldn't be further from the truth.

Firstly, for the All Blacks who are in their worst form slump since 1998, there is not only the weight of public expectation but the possibility that if they don't front-up they could become the only All Blacks side in history to lose three home tests in a calendar year.

Meanwhile, the chance to make history will also be a motivating factor for the Wallabies as they desperately seek to end what has been an eight-year losing to streak to the All Blacks in New Zealand. Of the current 23 man squad, only George Smith has ever played in a Wallabies side to have beaten the All Blacks at home.

Betfair Australia has installed the All Blacks as favourites ($1.62), as has the New Zealand TAB ($1.50). While the Wallabies are paying $2.74 and $2.50 respectively.

Eto'o's Champions League Challenge

In what is set to to be one of the more tastier match-ups of the first round, Inter Milan will tomorrow morning take on Spanish giants and defending champions Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

Both sides possess a wealth of talent across the park, but for one player in particular the match will have extra significance. This time last season Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o was plying his trade for the Catalan side, but, having been forced out of the side in the off-season, will tomorrow line-up against them. While at Barcelona, Eto'o enjoyed great success including two Champions League titles in 2006 and 2009, and it was with a heavy heart that he left the club.

Although the home side, Inter will go into tomorrow's encounter as the underdog ($3.15), with Barcelona paying $2.56. While $3.35 for a draw doesn't look a bad punt. Unsurprisingly, Samuel Eto'o is the favourite to score ($2.86), with the man who replaced him at Barca, Zlatan Ibrahimovic ($3.15) the next most likely.

Betting jargon explained #7

Angles - Using key factors from previous events, such as past form, to predict the results for future outcomes.

Mum's the word, as Clijsters clinches title

Belgian Kim Clijsters marked a remarkable return to top-flight tennis today with her straight sets win (7-5, 6-3) over 19 year old Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, reclaiming the U.S. Open title she last won in 2005.

On this form, Clijsters, who clearly displays not only the strength to match it with the likes of the Williams' sisters but also the mental aptitude, will go on to enjoy further success as her comeback gathers momentum.

On the men's side of the draw, Rafael Nadal was unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament by Argentine Juan Martin del Potro (6-2, 6-2, 6-2). While in the other semi, World Number 1 Roger Federer produced some sublime tennis to move past Serb Novak Djokovic (7-6, 7-5, 7-5).

Unsupringly, Federer is the firm favourite ($1.31) to take out the title in what is his 6th consecutive U.S. Open final. That being said, the plucky del Potro ($4.10) is an all or nothing competitor who won't make things easy for the Swiss master.

Betting jargon explained #6

All-in - If placing an all-in bet you are doing so with the knowledge that there will be no refunds given for scratched or withdrawn competitors or teams in the event in which a bet is placed. That being said, should the event be cancelled a refund will be made available.

Winterbottom on pole for Phillip Island

Ford Perfomance Racing's Mark Winterbottom and co-driver Steve Richards ($2.04) will start from pole position for Sunday's Phillip Island 500 after winning the second of Saturday's sprint races.

Next on the grid will be race favourites Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup ($1.99) of Team Vodafone, with Toll Holden Racing Team's Garth Tander and Will Davison ($2.02) rounding out the front three.

In the V8 Drivers Championship Jamie Whincup on 2007 points holds a comfortable lead over Will Davison (1824 points), with Garth Tander languishing further back on 1479 points.

Betting jargon explained #5

Trifecta - A Trifecta involes selecting the first three place getters in the correct order.

Melbourne vs. Manly, too close to call?

Unable to separate them on paper, Betfair Australia is paying $1.98 for both the Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles Head to Head, while Sportsbet is offering shorter odds again of $1.91.

Centrebet on the other hand, believe the Storm has shown enough form in recent weeks to knock-over the Sea Eagles and has accordingly installed them as $1.85 favourites.

With the bookies having a hard time picking a clear winner, don't be suprised if this first play-off encounter goes into golden point extra time.

Betting jargon explained #4

All the way win - To lead from start to finish in a race.

How far can Oudin go?

American teenage sensation Melanie Oudin has continued to defy the odds with another remarkable win over a much more fancied opponent. This time round it was the 13th seed Natalie Petrova to fall victim to the big-hearted 17 year old, going down in three sets 6-1, 6-7 (2), 3-6.

This latest result continues Oudin's remarkable run which has seen her upset world No.4 Elena Demetieva and No. 29 Maria Sharapova on her way to an unlikely quarterfinal. Next up for Oudin is the winner of the 3rd round clash between Caroline Wozniacki and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Riding high on a wave of a American public support, who's to say Oudin can't go one further. Although odds have not yet been released for her quarterfinal match-up, her odds of making the final have been slashed to $5, behind only Serena Williams ($1.55), Caroline Wozniacki ($3) and the newly returned Kim Clijsters ($3.10).

Dragons Favourites for NRL Premiership

With the final round of the regular NRL season drawing to a close over the weekend, league fans can now look forward to one of the most highly anticipated finals series in recent history.

While all of the top 8 have shown great form in recent weeks to cement their position in the finals, it is Wayne Bennett's St.George Illawarra who are looking like the team to beat. After their 37-0 obliteration of in-form Parramatta on Friday night, the Dragons have been installed as firm $3.60 favourites for the premiership.

Tip: As a speculator, punters could do worse than putting a wager on the $8.80 Brisbane Broncos.

Can Roddick put an end to Federer reign?

It may have been six long years since he last won at Flushing Meadows, but Andy Roddick is confident he can put a stop to Roger Federer winning a record-equalling sixth consecutive title.

However, before he can have a crack at the 'Fed Express', Roddick must first negotiate a 3rd round encounter with fellow American John Isner. With nothing to loose, the 55th ranked Isner is likely to come out firing and Roddick will have to be on top of his game.

Betfair has the 5th seed as the clear favourite paying odds of $1.10 to Isner's $11.

Betting jargon explained #3

Action - A sports betting wager of any kind, a bet.

Something to Crow about

The Adelaide Crows look sure favourites to beat Essendon in AFL tomorrow night, at least with the betting agencies. Sportingbet Australia has taken a bet of $10,000 at $1.14 as well as $30,000 between two punters at $1.13, while Darwin Sportsbet has taken bets of around $18,000 at $1.15 and $10,000 at $1.13. Big bets for short odds.

Betting jargon explained #2

Acceptor – A runner officially listed to start in a race.

Betting jargon explained #1

Abandoned – A race meeting will be abandoned for the following reasons:

• The host club fails to receive sufficient nominations to stage the race meeting and/or
• Inclement weather causes the track conditions to be deemed unsafe

Chelsea favourites for EPL crown

Following on from an indifferent 2008-2009, which saw them finish in 3rd place, Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea are four from four in the new season and considered strong favourites for the EPL title.

British bookmakers William Hill have them paying 2.20, with Manchester United (3.60), Arsenal (6.50) and Liverpool (8.00) rounding out the top four.

If Chelsea are to regain the silverware they last won in 2005-2006, they will have to take points against these other title contenders.

Betfair launches "Aus Multis"

Betfair in conjunction with Sports Alive, has announced the introduction of its latest betting product "Aus Multis". The advent of this new product, will allow punters worldwide to place fixed odds multiple bets through Sports Alive, directly from their Betfair accounts.

The Aus Multis product, which adds to Betfair's already wide-product range, will be offered through Betfair's site and managed by Sports Alive under their ACT sports bookmaking licence.

Parramatta continue as a good bet

Parramatta continue to be a great NRL bet, with outstanding form at the business end of the competition. Yesterday they thrashed the Penrith Panthers 48-6 with Jared Hayne impressive once more. The Eels were paying $2.30 to win their match by 13+ with TAB Sportsbet.

In other matches Manly are favourites to beat Cronulla paying just $1.05 for the win. Similarly the Bulldogs are short favourites to take out the win against the Warriors paying $1.09.

The money is on Stewart

Punters have let their money talk for this weekends round of NRL with more than $50,000 placed on Manly to beat Melbourne. Confidence is high with the belief that Manly fullback Brett Stewart will play. Manly had been $2.10 outsiders, but with the belief Stewart will return odds have been shortened to $1.90 equal favourites.

Kevin Rudd picks the wrong bet

After the All Blacks beat the Wallabies in the weekend, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had to make good of his bet with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and wear a NZ tie. Read more here.

Doh!

Wow, feel sorry for the punter who bet $250,000 on the Dragons to beat the Broncos in the weekend. Had the Dragons won he was set to profit $80,000 but instead the dragons went down losing 12-2.