World Hurdle Betting
Tidal Power!
When Tidal Bay won the Arkle, like so many before him, he was tipped for future glory and even his trainer Howard Johnson will be the first to admit he was carried away on a wave of hype. Probably wouldn't use that pun, but that's what we get paid for. The nine year old bounced backed to winning ways in spectacular style in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham and his County Durham handler was quick to remark "He's a quality horse. It's like with people, class always tells." Jockey Denis O'Regan isn't as confident and rolled out a hackneyed cliché. "The World Hurdle is going to be a very hard race to win but if you're not in, you can't win." Thanks Denis, we're all the wiser for that. Has Tiday Bay still got the World at his hooves? Thurs 3.20pm C4/RTE
Extra Place Special
Five Star Value
Byrne Group Plate Hcap Chase
Thurs 4pm C4/RUK
Extra Place Special
The always exciting Festival Plate is highly competitive and to give you a helping hand we are paying out on the first five places in this race. That's 1-2-3-4-5 Places at 1/4 odds.
Does not apply to Tote bets. Applies to bets placed after 10am March 17th only
Liverpool v Lille
A Lil' Bit Clichéd
We're not sure where Lille's Adil Rami learnt to speak English but from his heavy use of tired clichés, we're guessing he's been spending a little too much time listening to the guys on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday. Maybe not Paul Merson though. Rami was at least able to construct coherent sentences. "We're holding all the cards. But at the same time, we should keep our feet on the ground because if we can win at home then so can they. It'll be a true battle and we'll need to give it our all. But even if we concede three at Anfield and go out, I'm sure we'll have done our best." Lille won the first leg but in a tie of two halves, the cream should rise to the top, the Kop crowd will be a 12th man and Torres could put them to the sword by Rami-ing in the first goal. Thurs 8.05pm Five/Set Irl
Fulham v Juventus
Ful Of Belief
3-1 was a little harsh on Fulham after they put in an admirable stint in the second half of the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico and the players are going in to the second leg in a positive frame of mind. "We came out in the second-half, played a lot better and created a few chances. If we can continue that, especially with the game being at home, I think we've got a great chance. Coming to places like Craven Cottage is intimidating for teams like Juve. We're looking forward to the game," said defender Chris Baird. Juventus are missing a raft of players, including their first and second choice keepers, so Roy Hodgson's side will be feeling confident. A 2-1 win will be a big scalp for Fulham but it won't give them the place in the Europa League quarter-finals they're Craven. Thurs 6pm Set
Rugby Union Betting
Over Confi-dunce?
Not for the first time this season, the Scarlets are exuding confidence ahead of a meeting with one of the Magners League big guns. Not for the first time this season, there's also little suggestion they've got the form or talent that would warrant such confidence, but that hasn't stopped them in the past. "We have a group of players that have had a lot of game time together and that puts us in a strong position," went head coach, Nigel Davies' not-exactly compelling or indeed mildly compelling argument for his side putting one over Munster in Musgrave Park. The Welsh region are second from bottom in the table and a Munster win by 21 -25 points would suggest the Scarlets coach needs his head red. Thu. 7.35pm Set. Irl – Leinster v Glasgow – Rugby Union Matches
Premier League Darts
Wade And See
There's still time to get his Premier League campaign back on track but at the moment James Wade, the defending champion, looks about as likely to regain his title as Phil Taylor is to quit darts and take up something physically demanding, anything really. "I've been practising hard and am trying turn it around, but the results aren't quite coming for me. For the last couple of weeks I've been playing some good darts and my form is coming back," said Wade after drawing with Ronnie Baxter in the Premier League last week. He then went to the PDC Player's Championship with his improving form and got knocked out in the first round. PDC World Championship finalist Simon Whitlock is up next for James but will the Australian make the Wade for a first win continue? Thurs from 7.10pm, SS1
Albert Bartlett Hurdle Odds
Robin The Bookies!
Some people associated with the Cheltenham Festival often describe it as the "racehorse Olympics" and trainer Robin Dickin has echoed that sentiment in the build up to the Albert Bartlett Hurdle. Luckily, we haven't had an equine Ben Johnson or a Caster Semenya yet. Sure, in the latter's case, how could we tell? (Quevega could be a prime candidate in the manner she won) Ehem... and it's a good job Moonlit Path didn't turn up at Prestbury Park. Anyway, Restless Harry is Dickin's chief contender to win gold at the Festival and he admits himself he's quite "bullish" about his chances. "I can assure anyone who wants a little bet on him that he will go there in magnificent order," he said. You won't be Harr-d up if he wins the Albert Bartlett! Fri 2.40pm C4/RTE
