Argentina hot favourites in 2011 Copa America Betting

The 2011 Copa America gets underway this Friday (1^st July) and the hosts Argentina are the hot favourites to win the tournament for the fifteenth time. Bet365 are offering a decent betting special whereby if you place a pre-match Correct Score, Half-Time/Full-Time or Scorecast bet on any match and that game finishes 0-0, then the bookmakers will refund all losing bets on those markets.

As always Argentina and Brazil are the obvious favourites. Argentina edge it in the betting due to their home advantage and, lets not forget, the abundance of high quality attacking players they have at their disposal. With a team consisting of the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero goals are most definitely on the cards. Messi comes off the back of yet another phenomenal season where he has ruthlessly torn apart some of the best defences in the world with exquisite skill and panache. The Barcelona player is the bookies favourite to come away as the tournament’s Top Goalscorer with odds of 10/3 with Bet365, but he faces some stiff competition from teammates Tevez (15/2) and Higuain (8/1).

In such an attack minded team it is crucial that you have a resolute defence with a solid backbone, something that Argentina have lacked in the past. Although hosting the tournament is a great advantage the players must not let the immense pressure and expectation get to them, otherwise they will crumble. Argentina will need no reminding that they haven’t won a Copa America since 1993.

At 2/1 Brazil look like a very good pick. Not only have they won four of the last five Copa America tournaments but they head into the tournament with an effective blend of youth and experience. In their ranks they have the talented, young Chelsea target Neymar, who caught the eye of Europe’s biggest club’s last season after his excellent performances for Santos, and the striker looks good value at 8/1 to come away with the golden boot. It is no secret that Brazil would love nothing more than to life the trophy on the soil of their fiercest rivals, which will give them extra motivation as the tournament reaches its later stages. Importantly, the Brazilians may also hold the edge mentally as they have beaten Argentina in the last two Copa America finals.

Let us not forget that this tournament does not just consist of two teams, as Uruguay can rightly be proclaimed as realistic challengers for the trophy. As they showed in their impressive run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2010, they have the talent, determination and drive to be a real force. They also have an enviable attack consisting of the lethal Luis Suárez and Diego Forlan, who can be found at 14/1 and 16/1 respectively to finish as the tournament’s leading goalscorer. If the two strikers can replicate the form they showed in South Africa then Uruguay could well be worth a punt at 10/1.

Other teams that could pose a threat to the big guns include Chile (12/1), Paraguay (18/1) and Colombia (33/1), all of whom are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Group A – Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica

Group B – Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, Ecuador

GRoup C – Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Mexico

Copa America Outright Winner Odds

• 1/1 – Argentina
• 2/1 – Brazil
• 10/1 – Uruguay
• 12/1 – Chile
• 18/1 – Paraguay
• 33/1 – Colombia
• 33/1 – Mexico
• 66/1 – Ecuador
• 100/1 – Venezuela
• 150/1 – Peru
• 200/1 – Bolivia
• 250/1 – Costa Rica

Leading Goalscorer Odds

• 10/3 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
• 15/2 – Carlos Tevez (Argentina)
• 8/1 – Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina)
• 8/1 – Junior Neymar (Brazil)
• 14/1 – Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
• 14/1 – Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
• 16/1 – Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
• 16/1 – Alexandre Pato (Brazil)
• 16/1 – Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)
• 16/1 – De Souza Robinho (Brazil)
• 20/1 – Fred (Brazil)
• 20/1 – Radamel Falcao (Colombia)
• 25/1 – Ezequiel Lavezzi (Argentina)

All odds supplied by Bet365

England Outright Favourites To Win ODI Series Against Sri Lanka

England’s new ODI captain Alastair Cook got off to a perfect start in his official first game in charge as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 110 runs in a rain-affected match at The Oval. Jimmy Anderson was the hero for the hosts as he recorded an impressive total of 4-18 as he tore apart the Sri Lanka batsmen. Graeme Swann was also on form as he ended the day with figures of 3-18. However, Cook himself disappointed with the bat as he was sent back to the dressing room early on with a score of just five, something he will be desperate to improve on in the next match. England are now short 1/3 favourites with Bet365 to win the series after their explosive victory on Tuesday, where as Sri Lanka are available at 12/5 to come away victorious.

England now have four remaining ODI matches against Sri Lanka this summer, with the next one taking place on Friday 1^st July at Headingley Carnegie at 10.45am.  Bet365 have made the hosts the clear 8/13 favourites to win the second match, with Sri Lanka priced at 13/10. Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott are both available at 7/2 to finish the match as England’s Top Batsman, while Craig Kieswetter, who scored an impressive 61 on his return to the team in the previous match, looks good value at 9/2. Spinner Graeme Swann and the hero of the first match Jimmy Anderson can both be found with odds of 3/1 to finish the second match as England’s Top Bowler, with England’s new twenty20 captain Stuart Broad available at 4/1.

Following their first match win England can be found at 6/1 to demolish Sri Lanka 5-0 in the ODI series, while the visitors have long odds of 16/1 to spark a remarkable recovery and come back to win 4-1. See below for more series odds.

ODI Series Score:

• 2/1 – England 3-2
• 2/1 – England 4-1
• 10/3 – Sri Lanka 3-2
• 6/1 – England 5-0
• 16/1 – Sri Lanka 4-1

ODI Series Top England Batsman

• 3/1 – C Kieswetter
• 9/2 – J Trott
• 9/2 – K Pietersen
• 9/2 – E Morgan
• 5/1 – A Cook
• 13/2 – I Bell
• 16/1 – R Bopara
• 33/1 – S Patel
• 100/1 – T Bresnan
• 250/1 – S Broad

ODI Series Top England Bowler:

• 9/4 – J Anderson
• 12/5 – G Swann
• 6/1 – J Dernbach
• 13/2 – T Bresnan
• 8/1 – S Broad
• 10/1 – S Finn
• 12/1 – C Woakes
• 28/1 – S Patel
• 33/1 – R Bopara

All odds supplied by Bet365

Alberto Contador Heavy Favourite In Tour de France Betting

The 98th Tour de France gets underway on Saturday 2^nd July, as the best cyclists in the world embark on the most prestigious event in cycling and one of the most gruelling physical and mental challenges in sport. The 2011 tour will see 198 racers cover over 3,400km in 21 stages across 23 days. It is always a popular betting market and provides a range of opportunities for punters, ranging from the Outright Winner to King of the Mountains market.

It will come as no surprise to anyone with even only a limited knowledge of cycling to learn that the three-time champion, Alberto Contador, is the major odds-on favourite, with Bet 365 pricing the defending champion at short odds of 7/10 to win what would be his third-straight title. The Spaniard is the best climber in the world and also a nifty time trialist, thus giving him a huge advantage. However, the 28-year-old has been plagued by a long on-going doping investigation, having tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol in the 2010 Tour de France, which could prove to be a nasty distraction.

Contador’s main challenge comes from Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck, who has finished runner up in the past two years, and is priced at 9/1 with Bet 365 to go one step better this year. Schleck is one of the best climbers on the tour but unfortunately he is not much of a time trialist, which could be a key factor preventing him from toping the podium.

With Contador such a huge favourite, it may be best to focus on the ‘Tour De France 2011 Odds without Alberto Contador market’ (see odds below). Ivan Basso and Cadel Evans have a wealth of experience and know what it takes to finish on the podium. The racers are 9/1 and 15/1 respectively to win the tour without Contador. After finishing sixth last year the young Dutchman, Robert Gesink, is definitely in with a shout as is the 40/1 the American long shot Chris Horner. Horner finished in 10th place in 2010 and has had a fantastic year to 2011, winning the Tour of California ahead of Schleck.

As usual the main British hope is Bradley Wiggins. After an array of excellent performances in France two years ago he came away with an excellent 4th place overall, although he did struggle last year, finishing in a disappointing 24th place finish. Bet 365 offers odds of 14/1 on Wiggins to win the race without Contador, which is well worth a punt.  Elsewhere Mark Cavendish starts as big 7/5 favourite for the green jersey.

Tour De France 2011 Outright Odds:

• 7/10 – Alberto Contador
• 33/20 – Andy Schleck
• 25/1 – Ivan Basso
• 25/1 – Bradley Wiggins
• 25/1 – Cadel Evans
• 28/1 – Robert Gesink
• 33/1 – Samuel Sanchez
• 50/1 – Frank Schleck
• 50/1 – Jurgen Van Den Broeck
• 80/1 – Janez Brajkovic
• 80/1 – Christopher Horner
• 80/1 – Levy Leipheimer
• 80/1 – Andreas Kloden

Tour De France 2011 Odds without Alberto Contador:

• 4/7 – Andy Schleck
• 9/1 – Ivan Basso
• 13/1 – Robert Gesink
• 14/1 – Bradley Wiggins
• 15/1 – Cadel Evans
• 16/1 – Samuel Sanchez
• 18/1 – Frank Schleck
• 22/1 – Jurgen Van Den Broeck
• 33/1 – Levy Leipheimer
• 40/1 – Andreas Kloden

King of the Mountains Odds:

• 3/1 – Alberto Contador
• 11/2 – David Moncoutié
• 11/2 – Andy Schleck
• 7/1 – Anthony Charteau
• 9/1 – Damiano Cunego
• 11/1 – Thomas Voeckler

Tour De France 2011 – Points Classification Odds:

• 7/5 – Mark Cavendish
• 7/2 – Alessandro Petacchi
• 7/1 – Phillipe Gilbert
• 8/1 – Thor Hushovd
• 9/1 – Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil
• 11/1 – Edvald Boasson Hagen
• 16/1 – Tyler Farrar
• 22/1 – Andre Greipel
• 33/1 – Ben Swift
• 33/1 – Mathew Goss

All odds supplied by Bet365

Sam Worthington The Warm Favourite in the Next James Bond Betting

The role of James Bond is perhaps the most famous in the world of film, and the speculation about who the next actor will be to play 007 continues to build pace amid rumours that Daniel Craig will bow out after the next movie is released in 2012. Craig has been lucky enough to fill the role of James bond for the last two movies while he has signed on to star in a third which is about to go in production, it could be his last adventure as 007 though and Paddy Power have a lively market open on who they believe will step into the breach and take on the iconic role.

The name of Sam Worthington has been linked with James Bond for some time now and the Australian born Avatar actor is priced as the 5/2 favourite with Paddy Power to replace Daniel Craig and be announced as the next James Bond. Worthington is certainly an actor on the rise at the moment with his turn in Avatar winning rave reviews and he could have the ideal look for a modern and edgy Bond which is reflected in his price. His closest challenger for the role according to the betting is Tom Hardy who is a young actor on the rise, he was part of a massive smash recently when he starred in Inception and is English making him a front runner for the high profile role. His relative inexperience in a  leading role may harm his chances but again he could have the ideal look making his price of 4/1 with Paddy Power a nice looking bet.

Punters wanting to take a bit more of a gamble on picking Daniel Craig’s successor may want to take a closer look at Michael Fassbender who made his name recently in Inglorious Basterds, he is another up and coming star and although he is not English he did grown up in Northern Ireland which would stand him in good stead. Fassbender may not be a household name just yet but his odds look attractive at 14/1 with Paddy Power, he looks to have the ideal profile for a potential Bond with his look and age seemingly ideal. Whoever takes over the role from Daniel Craig will have big boots to fill, Craig has proven a big success as 007 despite some initial doubts from the traditionalists and the powers that be will be hoping that can repeat that trick with their next selection.

Next James Bond Actor Betting with Paddy Power

• 5/2 – Sam Worthington
• 4/1 – Tom Hardy
• 8/1 – Christian Bale
• 10/1 – Will Smith
• 10/1 – Gerard Butler
• 10/1 – Clive Owen
• 12/1 – Alex O’Loughlin
• 12/1 – Dougray Scott
• 14/1 – Michael Fassbender
• 14/1 – Orlando Bloom
• 14/1 – Idris Elba
• 16/1 – Henry Cavill
• Bar

Betting market supplied by Paddy Power.com

England 25/1 In 2011 Women’s World Cup Betting

The 2011 Women’s World Cup got underway yesterday when hosts Germany beat Canada in front of a jam-packed crowd of 75,000. This year’s tournament is expected to be the biggest women’s only sporting ever and as a result the bookmakers Bet365 have a couple of betting specials available for you to get involved in. If you place a pre-match Correct Score, Half-Time/Full-Time or Scorecast bet on any match and that game finishes 0-0, then Bet365 will refund all losing bets on these markets.

Germany are the hosts, holders and odds-on favourites for the tournament and with the last two World Cups and seven European Championships to their name they are certainly the team to beat. As expected the Germans got off to a winning start on Sunday after they beat Canada 2-1, courtesy of goals from Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi, with Christine Sinclair scoring a spectacular free-kick for Canada.

With odds of 9/2 with Bet365 Brazil are the second favourites in the betting. The Brazilians have surprisingly never won the Women’s World Cup but they will be eager to create a new slice of history and come away from Germany victorious this time round. They have in their ranks the five-time defending FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Marta, and are likely to avoid the fellow big guns Germany and the USA until the final.

The USA come into the tournament as the number one side in the world and third favourites at 6/1. However, they struggled to qualify for the tournament, needing to win a two-match playoff against Italy, and have suffered surprise defeats to Mexico, Sweden and England over the last 12 months. The USA have already won two World Cups (1991 and 1999) and have never finished below third place, and with a relatively easy group which includes North Korea, Columbia and Sweden, they have an excellent chance of winning their third World Cup.

Other teams to keep an eye on include Canada and England, who both have the talent and determination to spring an upset. Canada come into the World Cup fresh off the back of winning the CONCACAF last year, which will have filled them with confidence. Canada have been drawn in arguably the most difficult qualifying group which features Germany, France and Nigeria, and must be on top form if they are to progress through to the quarter-finals.

England are available at 25/1 outsiders to win the 2011 Women’s World Cup. England have a number of good players in their ranks, including veteran striker Kelly Smith, Fara Williams and Rachel Yankey. Hope Powell’s team know they can beat the best teams in the world following their confidence boosting win against the USA earlier this year and after an impressive qualifying campaign they will be looking to make an impact in Germany.

England have been drawn with Japan, Mexico and New Zealand in Group B. Their first game is against Mexico tonight at 5pm in Wolfsburg, and Bet365 have England as the clear 4/9 favourites to win, while Mexico are priced at 6/1 and a draw is at 10/3. Mexico upset the USA in qualifying and will definitely be a tough opening fixture. England will also have to do battle with the group favourites Japan, who are currently ranked fourth in the FIFA women’s world rankings. New Zealand aren’t expected to pose much of a threat, and have suffered heavy defeats to both Netherlands and fellow Group B competitors Mexico in recent times.

England’s Group B matches:

Monday 27^th June: v Mexico (Wolfsburg, 5pm).
July 1: v New Zealand (Dresden, 5.15pm).
July 5: v Japan (Augsburg, 5.15pm)

Women’s World Cup Outright Odds

• 8/11 – Germany
• 9/2 – Brazil
• 6/1 – USA
• 16/1 – Sweden
• 22/1 – France
• 25/1 – England
• 33/1 – Norway
• 33/1 – Canada
• 40/1 – Japan
• 40/1 – North Korea
• 100/1 – Australia
• 100/1 – Mexico
• 200/1 – New Zealand
• 200/1 – Colombia
• 250/1 – Nigeria
• 500/1 – Equatorial Guinea

Group B Outright Odds

• 10/11 – Japan
• 11/8 – England
• 10/1 – Mexico
• 14/1 – New Zealand

Group C Outright Odds

• 8/13 – USA
• 15/8 – Sweden
• 15/2 – Korea DPR
• 50/1 – Columbia

Group D Outright Odds

• 2/5 – Brazil
• 23/10 – Norway
• 12/1 – Australia
• 80/1 – Equatoria Guinea

All odds supplied by Bet365

Treasure Beach Cut in St Leger Betting After Irish Derby Success

Aidan O’Brien always has a strong hand when it comes to the classic races in the UK and Ireland, and the latest star from his yard Treasure Beach could be aimed towards the St Leger following his impressive win in the Irish Derby recently. The horse ran a blinder at Epsom in the English Derby and franked that form with his win at Curragh as he finished ahead of stable mates Seville and Memphis Tennessee. The horse looked like he wanted further and the final classic of the season could now be his aim and the bookmakers agree, Boylesports have slashed Treasure Beach into 5/1 for the Doncaster race and he could prove a nice piece of value.

At this stage of the flat season attention now turns towards the St Leger at Doncater with those top class three-year-olds with an extra bit of stamina likely to be aimed towards the race in September. Aidan O’Brien is always cagey about confirming future plans for his horses which is a worry for Treasure Beach fans and that looks to have been taken into account with his current price. The one the bookmakers are most wary about at this stage is Nathaniel who looks ideally suited to the trip following his recent Royal Ascot win, the John Gosden horse was second behind Treasure Beach in the Chester Vase in May and seemed to improve for that when winning the King Edward Stakes at the Royal Meeting.

The St Leger has to be the likely destination for Nathaniel and he  is currently available at 3/1 with Boylesports to pick up the win at Doncaster and he could prove to be the one to beat. Another interesting contender in the St Leger Betting is the excellent Brown Panther who was also particularly impressive when winning last time out at Royal Ascot. The Tom Dascombe trained horse is a highly progressive type as he showed when winning the King George V Stakes and he could be one on the upward curve, Boylesports rate the Michael Owen trained horse as potential winner of the St Leger and is priced at 7/1 to do just that.

St Leger Betting with Boylesports

• 3/1 – Nathaniel
• 5/1 – Treasure Beach
• 7/1 – Brown Panther
• 7/1 – Sea Moon
• 7/1 – Seville
• 8/1 – Memphis Tessessee
• 12/1 – Fiorente
• 14/1 – Carlton House
• 16/1 – Recital
• 16/1 – Solar Sky
• Bar

Markets supplied by Boylesports.com

Jenson Button 17/2 In European Grand Prix Betting

Jenson Button sparked the 2011 Formula One season into life after he won a pulsating race at the Canada Grand Prix two weeks ago. The Brit had a blistering finish, catching up with the race leader Sebastian Vettel with only a few laps remaining, before forcing the young German into a rare mistake on the final lap to snatch a dramatic victory. Although Vettel still leads the overall standings by quite some margin, 60 points to be exact, Button’s win will give both himself and the other top drivers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise one sided season to date.

At 13:00 BST on Sunday 26^th June the drivers will be revving up their engines as they get ready to roar into action in Valencia for the European Grand Prix. On Friday it was Mark Webber who was the quickest in the first practice. The Australian has been totally and utterly eclipsed by the exploits of his talented team mate Vettel so far, meaning he will be desperate to get a good starting place on the grid in order to have a chance of winning his first race of the season. The 34–year-old can be found at 25/1 with William Hill to win Pole Position, record the Fastest Lap and finish as the Race Winner.

The Valencia street circuit may not be as glamourous as Monaco or as challenging as Montreal but it does offer some good overtaking opportunities which will make it an exciting race. Vettel will once again head into the race as the favourite, with odds of 23/20. Lewis Hamilton will be eager to put his recent controversies behind him and focus on getting his season back on track and is 7/2 to win on Sunday. At 17/2 Hamilton’s McLaren team mate Button looks good value after his exploits in Montreal, while Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso is available at 9/2 to win his first race of 2011.

European Grand Prix Race Winner Odds courtesy of William Hill

• 23/20 – Sebastian Vettel
• 7/2 – Lewis Hamilton
• 9/2 – Fernando Alonso
• 15/2 – Mark Webber
• 17/2 – Jenson Button
• 28/1 – Felipe Massa
• 40/1 – Nico Rosberg
• 50/1 – Vitaly Petrov
• 50/1 – Nick Heidfeld
• 66/1 – Michael Schumacher

All odds supplied by William Hill

Chelsea and Andre Villas-Boas Specials with Paddy Power

Ever since Chelsea ruthlessly axed Carlo Ancelotti in the aftermath of their final game of the 2010/11 season there has been a media frenzy concerning the identity of their new manager. With Guus Hiddink the obvious favourite since betting commenced, it came as a surprise earlier this week when Andre Villas-Boas’s name was re-entered into the ballot. Yesterday Chelsea put an end to heavy speculation by appointing the 33-year-old as Ancelotti’s replacement, and as a result Paddy Power have an array of cracking Chelsea and Villas-Boas betting specials for the 2011/12 season, in what promises to be yet another entertaining year at Stamford Bridge.

After what happened to Ancelotti at the end of the previous campaign, following his failure to win any silverware, there will be heaps of pressure on Villas-Boas to win at least one trophy this season – for which he has odds of evens. The former Porto boss has already displayed his confidence by stating that he is targeting the quadruple in his very first season in change, a bold and perhaps erratic statement that he will surely regret come May…providing he lasts that long. As we know football is an unpredictable game and virtually anything can happen in the next 12 months…for instance can Chelsea do the unthinkable and win the Premier League, Champions League, Carling Cup and FA Cup at odds of 350/1? Unlikely but possible.

As the whole of the football world is aware, Roman Abramovich is absolutely obsessed with winning the Champions League, which is something that has so far eluded six different managers during the Russian’s time at the club. Paddy Power currently have Villas-Boas at 2/1 to win the lucrative European competition in his first season with the club. If the ambitious amongst you are feeling particularly inspired by his appointment then you can back Chelsea to match the famous Manchester United treble winning season of 1998/99 by placing a bet on the Blues to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup this upcoming season at odds of 100/1.

There has already been much talk on which team will inflict the first league defeat of the Villas Boas reign. The Portuguese manager has been dealt a potentially tricky first game away to Stoke City, and the Potters may be a good bet at 7/2 to deliver that first defeat on Chelsea’s new boss. In their following three games West Brom, Norwich and Sunderland are unlikely to pose too many problems but then on 17^th September Chelsea have a crunch match with Manchester United at Old Trafford, which will be huge indicator of how they are progressing under their new boss.

Chelsea & Andres Villas-Boas Specials with Paddy Power

• Evens – Villas-Boas to win a major trophy in his first season as Chelsea manager
• 2/1 – Villas-Boas to win the Champions League as Chelsea manager

Villas-Boas First League Loss: (Applies to Chelsea’s First Premier League loss of the season)

• 15/8 – Man Utd
• 7/2 – Stoke City
• 11/2 – Sunderland
• 14/1 – West Brom
• 16/1 – Arsenal
• 16/1 – Bolton
• 22/1 – Everton
• 25/1 – QPR
• 40/1 – Norwich
• 50/1 – Swansea
• 10/3 – To be Unbeaten at end of October

Villas-Boas 2011/12 League Losses: (Applies to number of Chelsea’s Premier League defeats in 2011/12 season with Villas-Boas as manager)

• Evens – Exactly 4, 5 or 6
• 3/1 – Exactly 1, 2 or 3
• 2/1 – Exactly 7, 8 or 9
• 18/1 – 10 or more
• 50/1 – None

Chelsea Multiple Trophies:

• 8/11 – No Trophies
• 16/1 – Premier League & FA Cup
• 18/1 – Premier League & Carling Cup
• 22/1 – Premier League & Champions League
• 25/1 – FA Cup & Carling Cup
• 40/1 – Champions League & FA Cup
• 40/1 – Champions League & Carling Cup
• 100/1 – Premier League & FA Cup & Carling Cup
• 100/1 – Premier League & Champions League & FA Cup
• 125/1 – Premier League & Champions League & Carling Cup
• 250/1 – Champions League & FA Cup & Carling Cup
• 350/1 – Premier League & Champions League & Carling Cup & FA Cup

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

Carlton House And The Queen Going For Irish Derby Success After Epsom Failure

All the talk leading into the recent Epsom Derby was about whether or not the Queen would have the winner, Carlton House entered the race as the warm favourite but he could only manage third place behind eventual winner Pour Moi from France. Her Majesty will have been disappointed with that run at Epsom but Carlton House has another chance at glory this weekend as he heads across the water to take in the Irish Derby at the Curragh, the horse has been left in the race at this stage and is expected to take his chance on Sunday for trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

There was a feeling at Epsom that Carlton was hampered going around Tatnam Corner and although he made up ground on the leaders he was left too much to do in the end, with that in mind Paddy Power have forgiven the run and installed the horse as the 5/4 favorite for the Curragh race. Carlton House is not a definite starter and with a raft of Aidan O’Brien horses set to run it looks a competitive renewal this season, O’Brien and the Ballydoyle team have won the race for the past five years and they have a number of contenders as they go for a sixth straight win.

The most obvious candidate for Aidan O’Brien in the betting is Treasure Beach who was one place in front of Carlton House at the Epsom Derby, the horse went so close to winning the race and punters wanting to back him to go one better at the Curragh can get a price of 3/1 with Paddy Power. Prior to Epsom it was assumed that another O’Brien trained horse Seville was the superior type to Treasure Beach but he was beaten soundly by his stable mate that day, he could bounce back at the Curragh though and is priced accordingly at 6/1 with Paddy Power.com. Seville has good form behind Carlton House from the Dante Stakes back in May and with the addition of Treasure Beach it looks a fascinating betting race for punters this weekend.

Irish Derby Odds 2011 with Paddy Power

• 5/4 – Carlton House
• 3/1 – Treasure Beach
• 6/1 – Seville
• 9/1 – Native Khan
• 12/1 – Roderic O’Connor
• 12/1 – Memphis Tennessee
• 20/1 – Dunboyne Express
• 25/1 – Notable Graduate
• 33/1 – Best Hello

All markets supplied by Paddy Power

Rory McIlroy Odds On Favourite In Sports Personality Of The Year Betting

Following his spectacular US Open victory at the Congressional Country club last weekend, Rory McIlroy has had his odds slashed in the 2011 Sports Personality Of The Year Betting. The 22-year-old stunned the rest of the field with a majestic display of power, class and skill, and as a result is the new 4/5 favourite to scoop the BBC award in December. Now the Ulsterman has enjoyed a taste of major success he will by no means settle for just the one major and who would bet against him winning another this year.

Click here for Rory McIlroy Specials

Next in the running is Andy Murray with odds of 7/1. Despite his impressive showings at the Australian Open and the French Open, the fiery Scot knows that if he is to stand any chance of stealing McIlroy’s thunder then he simply has to win a Grand Slam this year. A feat easier said than done. Murray will all but guarantee the award is his if he becomes the first Brit to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry way back in 1936.

In the last week Jessica Ennis has had her odds lengthened from 3/1 to 9/1 but, the heptathlete still has a summer of athletics to look forward to in order to get her name back in the thick of things. The Golden Girl of British athletics will be gunning for gold at the World Championships in Daegu (South Korea) at the end of August. Heavyweight boxer David Haye will also be a strong contender if he beats Wladimir Klitschko in their summer showdown in Germany on Saturday 2^nd July.

If you are looking for a cheeky outside bet then Jenson Button at 50/1 may well be worth a punt. The Formula One driver won a pulsating race in Canada a couple of weeks ago which could well give him the impetous to spark a dramatic comeback and catch the runaway leader Sebastian Vettel in the standings.

Sports Personality of the Year 2011 – William Hill Outright Odds – correct from 22/06/2011:

• 4/5 – Rory McIlroy
• 7/1 – Andy Murray
• 8/1 – David Haye
• 9/1 – Jessica Ennis
• 25/1 – Lee Westwood
• 28/1 – Alastair Cook
• 33/1 – Lewis Hamilton
• 40/1 – Amir Khan
• 40/1 – Tom Daley
• 40/1 – Paul Scholes
• 50/1 – Luke Donald
• 50/1 – Jenson Button
• 50/1 – Chris Ashton
• 50/1 – Mo Farah
• 50/1 – Mark Cavendish

All odds courtesy of William Hill

Next Page »