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AFL

Normally the last round is quiet, but thats not the case this week and punters have launched into every game.

Fremantle look like naming a stronger side this week and they are already $1.75 to $1.65 to beat Carlton. They could even start shorter and looks like they are going to go around under the odds for mine.

Collingwood look some risk against Hawthorn after the narrow win last week, but punters dont share that view and they have been well backed, including one wager of $8000 at $1.53.

I can see an upset on the cards in Adelaide and punters are cautious on this one, because St Kilda have been difficult to lay at the $1.47.

There was a massive move on Wednesday for Sydney to beat Brisbane on the back of a story floating around about Jonathan Brown not playing. Money has talked the right language this season and Sydney are $1.38 from $1.55, with the Lions $3.

Richmond and Port are seemingly playing for pride only but punters have a firm opinion. Ports form has been quite solid under Matthew Primus, but consensus is with the Tigers and we have already taken $7000 at $1.72.

In Flag betting, the Western Bulldogs have basically doubled their quote in the past few weeks and are out to $11. Geelong have taken back favouritism from the Pies and are at $2.55.

In Brownlow betting, we took $2000 on Dane Swan at $2.50, but the biggest recent move has been for Gary Ablett, who has been $5.50 to $5 this week.

Rugby League

With Lockyer still out, Brisbane are friendless as they tackle the Warriors across the Tasman on Friday night. The Broncos are $2.65 and theres no takers.

Just a word of warning for punters that this game starts earlier than normal, with 6pm slotted in as the kick-off.

Brisbane are $17 to win the comp, but they really should be double that ... its only that were standing them for the national debt thats kept them at the shorter quote.

Money has arrived for St George-Illawarra to cover the 3.5 point line in Newcastle, with bets headed by $4000. Mathematically, the Knights can still make the 8, so they should have plenty to play for.

Canberra at $1.11 are just about the shortest priced favourite we have seen this season, taking on a depleted Cowboys outfit. Its expected to be a massacre and bets including $4000 at -17.5 have been taken, with the line moving to 18.5. Its seems punters feel the Raiders can use this game as a good opportunity to improve their for and against tally.

Golf

The Barclays Championship sees Tiger Woods in action again, but punters still arent interested and theres been little interest at the $12. Phil Mickelson is second pick at $13, but he too doesnt have much support.

Money has come for Steve Stricker ($26 into $17) and Paul Casey ($31 to $26). Adam Scott is the shortest priced Aussie at $51.

In the Johnnie Walker Championship in Europe, Ross Fisher is the $15 top pick.

Election

Punters were bang on target again in the individual seats last week, with dozens of plunges landed across the country.

Bennelong may well be an electorate bookmakers want to give the wide berth to in future. Three years ago, Maxine McKew was $5.50 into $1.35 and duly ousted the sitting Prime Minister. This time John Alexander was $3.25 to $1.25 and comfortably took back the seat for the Libs.

Note, all bets made prior to the election re the government of the day are still in play until the Prime Minister is decided. If we happen to go to the polls again, those bets will stand.

Sports Alive Weekly Preview July 8th

In AFL this week, the best match of the round is the Geelong-Hawthorn clash, but it has been robbed of some interest with Sam Mitchells withdrawal. The Hawks have eased from $2.90 to $3.25. While in the World Cup final, with both Brazil & Argentina having gone by the wayside, Spain was installed $1.55 for the final against the Netherlands and that price has since been trimmed to $1.52 on the back of the consistent support.

AFL

Luke Hodge has been strongly supported to win the Brownlow this week. We put him up at $6.50 after the weekend but fans of the Hawk latched onto that pretty quickly and hes now into $5.50.

Gary Ablett remains the $4.25 favourite but theres not a lot of backers for him. The big story in Brownlow betting this week was Michael Barlow, who had firmed from $1001 to $9, but is now out for an extended stint on the sidelines.

After some had already pencilled their name on the prize its looking more and more like Richmond are no hope to take the Wooden Spoon. West Coast are into $1.50 and in their current form, look good things. Port Adelaide are third picks at $6, with it being only a few weeks ago that they were odds-on to make the 8. Brisbane were $13 to win the Flag after week four, but their dismal form sees them marked at the very same quote to now take the Wooden Spoon.

The best match of the round this week is the Geelong-Hawthorn clash, but it has been robbed of some interest with Sam Mitchells withdrawal. The Hawks have eased from $2.90 to $3.25 on the back of that news this week, with the Cats $1.34.

Rugby League

Markets go up again today as it becomes clearer on who will back up from Origin and naturally its been a quiet week to date.

Brett Morris looks the biggest casualty from Origin, with 4 to 5 weeks out, but St George dont play this week.

The Dragons are $2.75 competition favourites, but it seems punters are finally waking up to Penrith being serious contenders and we have seen some dribs and drabs for them at $5 this week.

The big talking point is can Canterbury do a Parramatta and make a late charge at the finals? You have to say the answer is Yes on recent performances and theres been plenty of punters willing to take the $21 about them being offered at the moment.

Rugby Union

New Zealand are $1.52 to get past South Africa in the opening Tri Nations match on Saturday night. The home ground advantage is expected to be enough and even the South African punters arent interested in touching the Springboks this week.

In Tri Nations series betting, the All Blacks are $2.15 and South Africa $2.20. The Wallabies continue to be friendless at $5.65.

Netball

Who would have thought we have a final without both Melbourne and Sydney? Both were at odds-on quotes at various stages through the season, but neither have qualified for the big one this weekend.

Waikato Bay of Plentys upset over NSW last week has seen Adelaide trimmed to $1.17 to win the grand final. Nobody is giving Waikato a hope and we havent written a ticket for them at the $5 quote.

Cycling

Alberto Contador has done his Tour de France chances no harm in the early stages and he has firmed from an opening $1.60 to $1.43.

Andy Schleck is a $7.50 hope, but it seems Aussie punters are now starting to warm to Cadel Evans chances. We took $500 on him at $11 this week and hes into $9 third favourite.

Soccer World Cup

Spain have been the long time tournament favourites but were deposed by Brazil and Argentina at various stages last week.

With both of those having gone by the wayside, Spain was installed $1.55 for the final against the Netherlands and that price has since been trimmed to $1.52 on the back of the consistent support.

David Villa was backed from $11 to $8 to be the Golden Boot winner prior to the tournaments start and those punters are on good terms with themselves, as he is now a warm $1.80 favourite, holding a one goal advantage.

Election

The Julia Gillard train continues to go full steam ahead and in the last week, Labor has trimmed from $1.38 to $1.24 to win this years Federal Election. We have taken $12,000 in recent bets on them, whereas theres barely been a dime for the Coalition, who are out to $4.

Tony now has to pull a rabbit out of his hat to stem the tide.

Sports Alive Weekly Preview July 1st

In AFL this week, this is the acid test to see if Hawthorn are back. They have beaten the poor sides, but how will they measure up against the Western Bulldogs? The Dogs have been hard to sell as favourite. In tennis, the business end of Wimbledon heats up as Roger Federer's early exit has left favouritism resting squarely with Rafael Nadal. While Serena Williams looks to be set to win the women's side of the draw. She is at $1.20.

AFL

Brisbane are totally friendless again this week and have eased from $3.30 to $4 with Fevola coming out. Carlton have been anchored in most multis this week at $1.25 and there has also been good money for them at the -24.5, so it seems most are expecting a shellacking.

Simon Black is back for the Lions, so Im not totally convinced the Blues should be that short, so hopefully the punters are wrong in this one.

This is the acid test to see if Hawthorn are back. They have beaten the poor sides, but how will they measure up against the Western Bulldogs? The Dogs have been hard to sell as favourites, with the Hawks being kept very safe at $2.25.

We think North Melbourne are the best roughie this week, getting 37.5 start against Geelong, who have a number of players missing. The Kangaroos are going along okay to my way of thinking, so if you want to be on the Cats at the minus, Sports Alive is the place to be betting.

We took a $20,000 bet on Geelong at $2.50 to win the Flag last week. After being beaten by St Kilda, they eased to $2.80. The Saints are the big firmers, now clear second picks at $4.

Rugby League

Usually we expect a quiet week when all the Origin stars are away, but it has been a little different this week.

St George are giving up 6.5 points at the line against second placed Penrith and are missing half their side, but that hasnt stopped punters climbing into them, with the much anticipated return of Mark Gasnier.

There has also been a good push for the Eels with 4.5 start against the Warriors.

We are keen to lay Canberra this week. They were insipid the other night and the Roosters have the artillery to beat them, even with Mitchell Pearce being out. They look good enough on paper for mine, so anyone wanting to back the Raiders can get on with us. Already a number of punters are taking us up on that offer, including a $5000 bet at -4.

In Premiership betting, St George are $2.70, with Penrith second elects at $5.50. Theres still a lot of non-believers with regard to the Panthers though, because nobody wants to be on them.

Rugby

The Tri Nations market has had a bit of a shuffle over the past fortnight. South Africa hold favouritism at $2.15, but the All Blacks continue to firm, into $2.20 from $2.40. Australia are friendless, easing from $4 to $5.50 on the back of their non-impressive past two games.

Despite this, the Aussies are still holding their place in World Cup betting. The Kiwis top the market at $2.25 and South Africa are $4, with the Wallabies $4.50 chances.

Election

I think we are going to be in for some savage fluctuations heading towards the election.

It has been an interesting week, with money coming for both sides. We took $7000 on Labor at $1.38 early in the week, but the money still comes for the Coalition at $3.

A lot will hinge on what Julia Gillard does with policy before the election.

Cycling

An astute punter who only comes out of the woods for the Tour de France each year clearly expects defending champion Alberto Contador to repeat the dose, with a $3000 bet at $1.60. With other sustained support, Contador is now into $1.55 with us.

Lance Armstrong is a $10 chance. Best roughie from our cycling analysts is Bradley Wiggins, the Pom who is at $21. Consensus is that Contador is the better cyclist, but Wiggins has the better team.

Mark Cavendish is $2.25 top elect to take the Green Jersey, while the King of the Mountain looks a raffle, with Igoi Martinez the $9 favourite.

Tennis

Roger Federers exit was good news for bookies, taking care of all those who doubled up the two Wimbledon favourites.

The market now sees Rafael Nadal the $2.15 favourite, but surely this is Any Murrays time to shine, with the draw opening up beautifully for him now. Hes $3.50 second pick. Novak Djokovic is $5.25 and Federers conqueror Tomas Berdych is $5.75.

The Womens title looks like being served up on a platter to Serena Williams, who is $1.20.

Sports Alive Weekly Preview June 24th

Julia Gillards election to the position of Prime Minister has had an immediate effect on betting for this years Federal Election. Labor were at $1.52 yesterday, but firmed to $1.40 upon Gillards ascension to the top position. In tennis, it seems Aussie punters feel Little Lleyton can do it and though hes still at $31, hes easily the best backed player.

Election

Julia Gillards election to the position of Prime Minister has had an immediate effect on betting for this years Federal Election.

Labor were at $1.52 yesterday, but firmed to $1.40 upon Gillards ascension to the top position. The Coalition have eased to $2.90.

It will be interesting to see what Gillard does with some of Rudds unpopular policies and that is sure to have an effect on the immediate betting.

Soccer

We are almost down to the last 16 at the World Cup, but not much has changed, with all the main fancies still there and holding their place in the market.

Argentina and Brazil share the top line at $5, with Spain $5.75 chances. The Netherlands have been well backed throughout the tournament and are now into $8.

Tennis

Interestingly enough, Lleyton Hewitt is clearly our worst way at Wimbledon this year.

It seems Aussie punters feel Little Lleyton can do it and though hes still at $31, hes easily the best backed player.

Roger Federer holds his place as favourite, but punters were turned off big time by his tough five setter in the opening round and he has eased from $2.30 to $2.75 and even at the longer quote he has been friendless. Rafael Nadal has therefore firmed up to $3 and Andy Murray is very solid around the $8 mark.

The Williams sisters are all the rage in the Womens draw. Serena heads the market at $2.63 but punters are always wary of Venus at this tournament and shes a $3.85 shot. Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin are the only other players under double figures.

AFL

Theres not a lot doing in the three matches this week.

St Kilda dont have many friends in their quest to topple Geelong on Friday night, with most believing the wet conditions will suit the Cats best. The Saints are $3.30 and getting 20.5 points at the line and even with the start they are hard to sell.

The weather looks like playing a role in Sydney as well. Collingwood are $1.63 to beat the Swans, but punters think the conditions will put the home side more on level terms and the Pies arent attracting much support.

Its been an age since Melbourne won against the Crows in Adelaide, but theres a bit of a sniff around that this weekend the drought may come to an end. The Crows have obviously been very disappointing so far this season and the Demons have support at $2.30.

Rugby League

Teams have had another week to brush off the Origin cobwebs and most are going to be at full strength this week.

Its almost make or break time for Parramatta, but punters are siding with the Broncos to beat them this week. The Eels hold favouritism at $1.82, but the Broncos at $2 are proving more attractive.

Punters should note the Roosters v Warriors clash is being played in New Zealand, with Sydney City giving up the home ground advantage. Despite this, the Roosters are $1.80 and fancied to win.

Similarly, Souths home game against the Storm is being played in Perth and Melbourne are at $1.52 to beat them. However, I think the Bunnies can cause an upset and the $2.50 looks a fair gamble in my opinion.

Rugby

It seems punters arent too prepared to take the short odds about the Wallabies this week after being belted between the eyes with the loss to England last week.

The Aussies are having a few growing pains with their new look younger side and punters arent prepared to part with their hard earned at this stage against the Irish.

Punters are just sitting back at this stage, with the Wallabies clear $1.28 favourites and Ireland $3.60.

Sports Alive Weekly Preview June 17th

We have never seen results like this at a World Cup, with so many favoured teams either going under or coming up with a Draw against less fancied opponents. In NRL, Kurt Gidley is in doubt for Monday night, where Parra were $1.57 before the markets come down, but the Eels also have a query on Timana Tahu. Whilst in AFL, Richmond have grabbed headlines all week for their upset last week, but punters arent convinced and they have come for Brisbane even in the absence of Jonathan Brown.

Football World Cup

We have never seen results like this at a World Cup, with so many favoured teams either going under or coming up with a Draw against less fancied opponents.

Spain were into as short as $4 yesterday, but their shock loss has seen them immediately drift to $5.50 and Brazil are the new $5.25 favourites.

David Villa was backed from $15 to $5 to be the tournaments Golden Boot winner, but he went goalless in Spains opener. Spain would have been a horror result for us because they were heavily backed at $1.26 and coupled in many multis.

The big shorteners in the first week have been Germany (in from $15) and the Netherlands (in from $11) who are both rated at $7 now.

There was plenty of patriotic support to say Australia would go well in their first match, but that support has dried up now and in fact we have taken more bets on Ghana to win this weekend than the Socceroos.

Rugby League

Practically every bet type offered on last nights Origin went the way of the favourites.

Inglis was well tried at $7.50 to be first try scorer and they could march Darren Lockyer out on a wheel chair and he would still be popular with punters, so he was a poor result for us as well at the $8 and $9 mark.

We also struck several good bets on the Qld-Qld half-fulltime double at $1.90. The Maroons were $1.45 into $1.40 and even when we went out to $3 NSW, it was hard to get anything out of them.

We wont be betting on the third game until NSW announces their side, because you would have to expect wholesale changes after last night, where the score flattered them.

Last night was a brutal game, so we are anticipating plenty of withdrawals for this weekends games, and as a result, markets are going up later than usual.

Before Origin we took a $5000 bet on Melbourne at -3.5 ($1.92) and with Luke ODonnell coming out of the Cowboys, it looks a solid gamble now, although the punter will still be sweating on most of those Origin stars backing up.

A word of warning for punters is that this weeks Friday night double header will be televised on delay, with the Brisbane-Penrith match kicking off at 7pm and the Bulldogs-Gold Coast match to follow.

The Titans are likely to go up $1.65 but we expect this to be the best betting match of the round.

Kurt Gidley is in doubt for Monday night, where Parra were $1.57 before the markets come down, but the Eels also have a query on Timana Tahu.

AFL

One punter stands to collect the best part of $20,000 if Hawthorn can beat Essendon by 15.5 or more this weekend after taking a $5000 double on the Qld-Qld half-fulltime double into the Hawks at the minus at odds of $3.80.

Its an important game for both clubs, but the punters think the Hawks will be winning.

Richmond have grabbed headlines all week for their upset last week, but punters arent convinced and they have come for Brisbane even in the absence of Jonathan Brown.

Carlton and Fremantle both suffered losses as favourites last week and face off in Melbourne this weekend. The Blues have been one of the best backed teams of the round, with punters dropping right off the Dockers any time they have to travel east.

Gary Ablett is $3.80 Brownlow favourite, but Luke Hodge is all the rage at the moment. We went up $8 on Monday about him, but hes into $6.50 with consistent backing throughout the week.

Golf

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson share the top line for the US Open at $8.50.

As we said at the Masters, its close to 10 years since we saw a price like that about Tiger in a Major, but unlike Augusta, punters arent prepared to go with him at Pebble Beach and we have hardly written a bet for him.

Lee Westwood has been among the best backed, firming from $15 to $12 as he knocks on the door of a first Major win. Jim Furyk has been solidly backed at $26.

Adam Scott is the best backed of the Aussies, quoted at $41.

Tennis

A number of little bets are trickling in for Lleyton Hewitt, who may well be a chance at Wimbledon this year, with a number of the top players seemingly out of form. Hewitt has been seeded at 15 and is a $34 chance.

Roger Federer is still $2.30 despite the loss to Hewitt, but Rafael Nadal is firming up all the time and is now $3.50.

Sam Stosur is a $14 chance in the Womens Draw.

Election

We have written another 40 or 50 bets this week on Tony Abbott and his Coalition to cause an upset in this years Federal Election, as Kevin Rudd remains on the nose.

Labor retain favouritism at $1.52, with their rivals now into $2.50.

Sports Alive Weekly Preview June 10th

The 2010 World Cup is almost upon us, and Australia are $121 chances to win the Cup and you wouldnt say theres much confidence about them winning their opening match against Germany on Monday morning. In AFL, the best betting game of the round is sure to be Fremantle and St Kilda. You could have got $1.72 about the Dockers when markets first went up, but they are now into $1.65. While in NRL; as usual, theres little interest in the NRL this weekend, with all of the Origin players missing.

Football World Cup

Sports Alive will have live betting on each and every game throughout this years World Cup in South Africa.

Australia are $121 chances to win the Cup and you wouldnt say theres much confidence about them winning their opening match against Germany on Monday morning. A few bets have rolled in for the Aussies at $7, but the majority are going for the Draw at $3.95, suggesting they are hoping more than anything.

Germany are rock solid $1.50 favourites to win that one.

Spain have been heavily backed to win the Cup and hold favouritism at $5. Brazil have also been well-tried into $5.25 from $6. The Netherlands are $10 in from $14.

The Golden Boot is always a popular market and David Villa heads the market at $7.50. Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi are $10 second elects.

AFL

Theres a strong rumour again that Jonathan Brown is out for the Lions and the money has certainly suggested that is the case for the clash against the Western Bulldogs this weekend. We suspended betting this morning owing to the uncertainty.

The best betting game of the round is sure to be Fremantle and St Kilda. You could have got $1.72 about the Dockers when markets first went up, but they are now into $1.65. St Kilda are $2.25 and theres takers at that price.

Port Adelaide have been a reasonably solid go, being $1.76 in from $1.85, to beat Sydney.

Theres also been money for a couple of outsiders at the line.

North Melbourne have been tried with the 23.5 start against Carlton and Essendon have come in for support at +28.5 against Geelong.
The Cats do seem short enough in that game given the injury concerns over a number of players.

Gary Ablett is an easing $4 favourite for the Brownlow and there hasnt been any serious money on him for weeks. Teammate Paul Chapman has trimmed up to $31 from $51.

Hawthorns Luke Hodge is now equal $10 second favourite with Chris Judd. The biggest move has been for the Dockers Michael Barlow, who opened as a 1000/1 chance, but is now 5th pick at $15.

Rugby League

As usual, theres little interest in the NRL this weekend, with all of the Origin players missing.

The one team that punters have come for is the Warriors at +4.5 against the Knights.

Queensland are $1.43 and probably should be a whole lot shorter, but past history tells us Queensland punters simply refuse to take short odds.

The Blues are $2.85 and getting 7.5 at the line.

Golf

Tiger Woods is the $7 favourite for next weeks US Open, with Phil Mickelson $8 second pick. Adam Scott is the most highly rated Australian at $41.

A lot of the top players have elected to bypass this weeks St Jude Classic to rest up for next weeks Major. Lee Westwood, who is at $15 for the US Open, heads betting for the St Jude at $13. Rory McIlroy is a $15 chance and Robert Allenby $17.

Election

Punters keep chipping away at the Coalition, with the quote now into $2.60.

Labor are $1.47 and dont expect to see any money for them until Kevin Rudd has a significant turnaround in his woeful polls.

Tennis

Markets are up for Wimbledon and Roger Federer is the $2.25 favourite. His 2008 conqueror Rafael Nadal is $3.50 second pick.

In the Womens Draw, Serena Williams is $3 favourite and sister Venus $5 second pick owing to her superb record at the All England club. Samantha Stosur is a $16 chance after her breakout French Open final appearance.

Horse Racing

Whobegotyou has been a good horse for bookmakers in his last few big race attempts and we are hoping that trend continues come Saturday.

He is $2.90 to win the $1M Stradbroke after a slashing first up second in the Doomben 10,000. Stablemate Catapulted is an $11 chance with us. Melito is a firming second favourite at $7.50 after getting an ideal draw. Latin News is third pick at $9 and would most likely be much shorter, but he needs a scratching in order to secure a start.

Kutchinsky heads betting for the Queensland Derby at $3.50. Oaks favourite Dariana and last start midweek winner Fieldmaster share the second line at $7.

The Group 1 T.J. Smith sees Pressday and Ringa Ringa Rosie on the top line at $3.75.

Sports Alive also has markets for next weeks Royal Ascot carnival.

The Kings Stand Stakes has been dominated by Australian trained runners since Choisir won in 2003 and Nicconi is the $4 favourite to be the fifth Aussie to win the event. Starspangledbanner is at $12, but may be saved for the Golden Jubilee, while Gold Trail is a $15 chance.

Sports Alive Weekly Preview June 3rd

In AFL, the big game of the week is Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs. People might be surprised to see the Pies come up as the $1.70 favs, but thats the way the money is going at the moment. While in the NRL, this is the toughest round of the year so far and thats saying something. Also, Sam Stosur, who opened up at $26, is the new $2.25 favourite to win the French Open. Can she do it?

AFL

Its a quiet round so far, with punters still picking themselves up off the floor after a few big upsets last week. Collingwood, Bulldogs and Port Adelaide providing Richmond with their first win of the season were unwelcome results for our clients.

When two or three perceived good things go under it generally means we are in for a quiet next weekend.

Theres a couple of matches punters have been prepared to bet into so far.

Brisbane are right back in favour after beating Collingwood and already they are $1.65 into $1.60 against North Melbourne, with money both straight out and at the line.

Hawthorn are on a roll, but with Franklin out this week, punters are betting against them. Somewhat surprisingly, they are forgiving Port for their disaster in the mud against Richmond and the Power have been backed straight out at $2.90 and with 16.5 start.

The big game of the week is Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs. People might be surprised to see the Pies come up as the $1.70 favs, but thats the way the money is going at the moment.

Geelong are into $2.60 to win the Flag after key rivals went under last week. St Kilda are still without Reiwoldt, but have returned to the second line, now marked at $5.50.

Rugby League

This is the toughest round of the year so far and thats saying something.

Friday night sees two out of form teams as the outsiders, but punters are again forgiving of both.

Parramatta are $2.20 into $2.15 against the Storm, who still have queries over the availability of Inglis and Slater this week.

The Bulldogs are going terrible and seemingly cant beat anyone at the moment. Their season is well and truly on the line and punters think they can strike back against Wests, with them firming from $2.25 to $2.17.

The Raiders have an ordinary record as favourites, but punters are clearly turned off by the Titans dismal display on Monday night and have backed Canberra confidently here at the -3.5 point line.

North Queensland get Thurston back and that prompted an immediate market change, with them going from $3.50 into $2.75 to beat Souths ($1.45).

Tennis

Sam Stosur was $26 when betting first opened and then eased to $34 after her tough draw came out, but after beating Henin and Serena Williams this week, shes the new $2.25 French Open favourite.

Her toughest obstacle looks to come up in the semi, with Jankovic now second pick at $3.30, but Stosur is at $1.62 to get by her.

In the Mens Rafael Nadal firmed to $1.28 with Roger Federers exit, but the Swiss conqueror Robin Soderling is coming in for good support and has firmed from $5 to $4.50.

Golf

Tiger Woods has come up as the $8.50 favourite for the Memorial and clearly a few punters think he has overcome his neck problem, with a sprinkling of support for him but nothing like we are more accustomed to.

The Australians have come in for support here, with Adam Scott $26 into $23, Geoff Ogilvy $31 to $28 and Robert Allenby solid at $41.

Unusually, the Wales Open is attracting more interest than the PGA tournament this week. Luke Donald is the $14 favourite, but Chris Wood has been $31 to $21 and Stephen Gallacher $67 to $51.

Football

The World Cup is drawing nearer and interest is certaintly heating up. Spain remain the $5 favourites, with Brazil the second picks at $5.50 and England $7.

Argentina ($8.50 into $7.50) and the Netherlands ($13 to $10) have been best backed in recent days.

Horse Racing

Dariana is trying to break a 23 year run of outs for Bart Cummings in the Queensland Oaks, but she was dealt a blow at the barrier draw, coming up with 19 and she has eased to $4.20 with us.

Marheta again draws ideally and is the $6 second pick, with Fairy Oak, Status Quo and Spera all under double figures.

The Oaks heads a great day of racing at Eagle Farm, with the QTC Cup, Dane Ripper and Queensland Sires being run at Group 2 level.

Sports Alive Weekly Preview May 13th

Fremantle face their acid test when the host Collingwood in the AFL this weekend. The Dockers havent attracted much support and the Pies are $1.90 into $1.82. In NRL, the Dragons are $1.52 and 5.5 point favourites, but quite frankly, I cant believe the price of the Bulldogs in this one. They get Josh Morris back and were happy enough to take on the competition favs here.

AFL

Theres been plenty of action in flag betting this week, with bets taken on every team except Richmond and St Kilda. Clearly punters are scared off by what they saw from the Saints against Carlton last week and based on that game alone, they should be at a bigger quote.

Geelong are the $3.65 favs, but this week we took $8000 on Collingwood at $4.75, $3000 on Fremantle at $14 and $1000 on Carlton at $21.

It looks a tough round this week.

Fremantle face their acid test when the host Collingwood. The Dockers havent attracted much support and the Pies are $1.90 into $1.82.

The Western Bulldogs go to Canberra to take on the Swans and punters want to be with the Dogs, who are $1.75 into $1.67.

Normally Brisbane attract huge support at home, but punters have dropped right off, with the Lions out to $3.25 from an opening quote of $3. Geelong have been coupled up in all multis this week, so we are hoping the Lions can show a return to form.

Theres been a sprinkling of support for Richmond at the +30.5 against the Hawks, who get a few players back, including Buddy Franklin. I guess the support for the Tigers comes on the back of that solid three quarter effort against the Crows last week, but dont forget, the Crows did put 50 on them in the last term.

The team we are chasing this week is St Kilda at $1.43. We see no reason why Essendon cant beat them.

Rugby League

The return of Mark Gasnier has seen St George-Illawarra go from $4 into $3.75 to win this years NRL title.

Not surprisingly though, there hasnt been much action in the future betting, with punters rightly concerned about the rumours of more salary cap breaches.

The Dragons are $1.52 and 5.5 point favourites, but quite frankly, I cant believe the price of the Bulldogs in this one. They get Josh Morris back and were happy enough to take on the competition favs here.

I also think Cronulla might aim up against Penrith. We have taken $2500 on the Panthers to cover the 6 point line and were happy to do so.

The other game where were against the flow is the Raiders-Storm clash. I really think the Raiders will beat Melbourne and were chasing the Storm, but theyre hard to sell at $1.64 and were not expecting a big betting game.

Rugby Union

Its the final round, but surprisingly, quite a number of the matches can have a bearing on the finals.

The key game is on Friday night, with the Crusaders at $1.45 against the Brumbies. The Crusaders have been anything but convincing this season, but theres not much support for the Brumbies around the traps at the $2.75.

NSW arent normally a side that punters latch onto when they are favourites against a good opponent at home, but theres a building wave of supporters getting behind them to beat the Hurricanes. The Waratahs are $1.67 and the Canes $2.20.

Theres no betting at this stage on the Stormers-Bulls clash and we wont go up until the two teams are announced. Theres a possibility the Bulls who are assured of the top spot will rest up to 12 players.

A win by the Stormers will get them second spot and a home final. That has them marked $3.50 in title betting, with the Bulls dominant $2 picks.

Cricket

Australia opened at $5.50 but punters are getting right behind them now, with their form pointing to them winning the T20 tournament.

Since the final four has been determined, the Aussies have firmed from $2.30 to $2.15, which seems short enough to me, given the unpredictable format of this game.

Australia are at $1.40 to beat Pakistan in the opening semi-final. Pakistan are $6 tournament chances.

England ($1.75) are slightly favoured to beat Sri Lanka ($2.05) in the other semi, but its fair to say punters only want the Aussies.

Boxing

Michael Katsidis defends his lightweight title in the UK this weekend, but Aussie punters arent really getting behind the Queenslander. The unbeaten Kevin Mitchell has his first shot at a world title and in front of what will surely be screaming home fans, Mitchell is $1.72, with Katsidis $2.10 and unwanted.

Golf

The Texas Open continues the build up to the US Open, but our market for that event is down at the moment with uncertainty about Tiger Woods appearance.

Punters want to be on Ernie Els in Texas and he has been well backed at $12.

Adam Scott seems to be running into a bit of form without winning and he is third pick at $21.

Again this week the outsiders have been popular. Fredrik Jacobsen is $51 into $34; Vijay Singh is $67 into $41; Tom Gillis and Tim Petrovic have both been tried at $101 (into $81) and Blake Adams has trimmed up from $151 to $101.

Election

The big story this week has been the Federal Election. It seems every time Kevin Rudd turns up somewhere we get a swag of money for the Coalition.

Tony Abbotts team is $4 into $2.90 and the $1.40 about Labor is as good as has been available for a long time about Rudd being returned to office for a second term.

Horse Racing

Group 1 action goes to Brisbane on Saturday, with Ortensia $3.40 favourite for the BTC Cup. The mare is aiming to win a second Group 1 race in succession. Melito was another Group 1 winner during the Sydney carnival and she is the $5.50 second pick.

Shellscrape ($6.50), Mic Mac ($7.50) and Monton ($8) are the other runners under double figures.

Punters also have a big meeting at Scone to contend with on Friday, with the $770,000 Inglis Guineas the highlight, along with the Scone Cup and Dark Jewel Classic.