[shmeeko69]

I was actually quite sad to see Selby winning the title, as I don’t like his style of play. He is a good ambassador for the game, but his negative tactics are NOT good for the development of the game for the UK youngsters

[shmeeko69]

I think Arsenal could be a decent bet, as they seem to have a better balance with Ozil in the team and him and Wilshere will play a key role in all competitions.

[shmeeko69]

Looooks wide open.

I’m on Trump. 10/1 after last years event and 7’s before winning the UK. His form has tailed off a bit since that UK win but he seems to thrive in the big events and the longer format. Ding the danger.

What’s everyone else’s thoughts?

This is probably the most open tournament in years with a few of the top players in average recent form and even although I’m not a fan of his I think Mark Selby could win.

Potential Winners

Mark Selby

– likes the longer frames and has the temperament to win at Sheffield.

John Higgins

– loves the Crucible and the longer frames, but his form has been poor of late.

Judd Trump

– Fearless player and proves last year that, he can go all the way.

Ding Junhui

– His recent form has been pretty good and is more than capable on his day.

Mark Williams

– He has enjoyed reasonable form of late and is well accustomed to Sheffield and the longer frames.

Mark Allen

– Ha enjoyed some recent good form and is a match for anyone on his day, but his attitude might get in the way

Neil Robertson

– He is a big game player and has already crossed the winning line hear, so he certainly cannot be written off.

Ronnie Sullivan

– He is the most naturally gifted player of all time and on his day can beat anyone, but which Ronnie will show up at this years Crucible?

Shaun Murphy

– He certainly has the pedigree for the Crucible and the longer frames and can compete with the best.

Stephen Maguire

– His recent form has been good, but like Ronnie, his temperament is questionable and will probably find one too good.

Graeme Dott

– This little fella is a dogged performer and loves the Crucible, so can never be written off at Sheffield.

Stephen Lee

– He is enjoyed some of his old form recently and is well used to the Crucible, but this could be a bridge too far.

Best of luck in choosing this years world snooker champ.

Mark

[shmeeko69]

It’s got to be Big Buck’s 2.00 at Aintree for 17 in a row, although as expected, the odds are quite skinny.

The 3.05 at Aintree poses more questions than answers and I can’t really decide between Riverside Theatre and Burton Port, although there are others horses like Hunt Ball, Medermit and What A Friend to consider. There’s no real value for an each way bet with any of them, so Riverside Theatre for the win I think

[shmeeko69]

I suppose there will always be a bias towards the sport(s) of your choice and who you decide to pick.

Boxing – Muhammad Ali

Horse Racing – A P McCoy

Golf – Jack Nicklaus

Tennis – Roger Federer

[shmeeko69]

I think some people are quite critical about Liverpool. They’re still in the two cups and they have a good chance of finishing fourth, so not all bad compared with some so called decent teams around them. I agree most of the signings with Dalglish have been questionable – Carroll £35m, Henderson £19m and Downing £18, although Adam £5m and Enrique £5m have certainly been more productive and value for money.

I think they will come good under Dalglish, as he fully understands the Liverpool way of playing football, but they will need to find another top class player to replace the not so youthful Gerrard.

[shmeeko69]

The only thing which is going to deprive Big Bucks in beating the record is if he falls. Other than that I think he can go on and win at least 20 in a row.

Big Bucks

[shmeeko69]

Big Bucks will look once again like the greatest stayer ever against this bunch of very average stayers. Mourad…Probably not in the top 5 Ireland could find for this distance. Dynaste….beaten in a grade 1 last time cause that’s what happens when a grade 3 winner steps up to grade 1

You would be a fool to bet against him even at 1/4 having won the last 14 races and likes cut on the ground, although he goes on any ground. This horse is a true phenomenon and one of the best racehorses I’ve had the privilege to see.

[shmeeko69]

It will be a walk over, MM is in a different class, if he wore boots, none of these would be fit to lace them!

You’re probably right, but there’s nothing sure in this sport and any horse can have their off day, but I do think that MMM will be to strong for them all.

Mark

[shmeeko69]

In my opinion the three most important components of betting are developing a strategy, having sensible money management and controlling your emotions. If you can specialise in specific type races and have your own selection criteria which ignores following the money, applying a small % of your betting bank to each bet and try to take away the emotional attachment that comes with real money on the table then, you’ll be ahead of at least 80% of your fellow punters who lose money through betting.

Mark

[shmeeko69]

Excellent result for the man and for horse racing. This was long overdue and especially after exceeding 3000 wins and winning the grand national. I’m glad the horse racing fraternity got behing their man, as I had a feeling that, Phil Taylor or possibly David Haye might win the trophy!

Read More ……..

Mark

[shmeeko69]

No chance whatsoever IMHO.

In a highly rated 5f sprint any horse who gets off to a good start, has a chance of winning a race in my opinion.

Mark

[shmeeko69]

Hughes is a certainty to make up the deficit. The fact that his father-in-law has far greater resources at his disposal than Fahey you can be sure that they will throw the kitchen sink at this challenge. The wheels will start falling off the Hanagan band wagon shortly. "Three wheels on my wagon, and I’m still rolling along, the Cherokess are after me…..

Is there any truth in that Hughes doesn’t see eye to eye with Hannon on a few things?

Mark

[shmeeko69]

Todays win only selection.

15:50 WORCESTER H’CAP HURDLE CLASS 5 2M GF/Good

Misamon 3.95 Back (Win Only)

Win Adv. – Distance
Ground Conditions
Class

Win Disadv. – Weight
Trainer Course Form

Misamon

scored the most points in our selection criteria just ahead of

Rince Donn

& as long as no more rain gets into the ground, is a reasonable value selection. Misamon 3.95 to back.

Mark

[shmeeko69]

I am quite surprised at the outcome, as I fully expected him to get a ban instead of a fine

read more

……..

Mark

[shmeeko69]

Todays win only selection.

15:40 UTTOXETER H’CAP HURDLE CLASS 4 3M GOOD/GF

RIPALONG LAD 5.2 BACK (WIN ONLY)

Win Adv. – Distance
Ground Conditions
Class

Win Disadv. – Weight

I think

Ripalong Lad

has a good chance over a distance that is comfortable and weather to suit & scores the most points.

Public Esteem

&

Winsley Hill

are the other two contenders in what is quite a good race.

Mark

[shmeeko69]

No real surprise then, that flair won the day over organisation. Spain were just to good for a German side clearly missing Muller.

Germany tried to do what they did to England & Argentina & hit Spain on the counter attack, but unfortunately for them, the Spanianards have a decent defence and Puyol & Pique have a telepathic understanding.

It should be a good final with the two most creative sides in european football getting to the final. Both Holland & Spain play a similar kind of game, but Spain play it slightly better and I expect them to lift the World Cup on sunday evening.

Mark

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