Breeders Cup 2010-Kentucky is back to the dirt

When most think of Kentucky, they see a Colonel and a secret spices chicken. They see Zinger burgers, Twisty wraps and family buckets. I'm hungry just thinking about it. KFC is one of those things that look better than they actually are. Once presented with it in bucketform, it never quite lives up to expectations. Will this week's Breeders Cup be likewise?

For the last two seasons, Europe has enjoyed more success than ever before off the turf on the artificial pro ride surface. Kentucky is back to the dirt and it seems Europe has resigned itself with mopping up the turf races. Many Americans will be happy, they are back to their traditional surface. Racing on pro ride would be akin to us running the Arc on Pro Ride but then again, it's a fair surface and I think it should be embraced world wide or at least tapeta shout

Enough chat, give me winners

Ok looking at the races, our two big winners would appear to be Workforce in the Turf & Goldikova in the Mile and I expect one of those at least to get beat from a bookies point of view and will be encouraging Mulholland's to go biggest on the double. Why? Workforce has complained about the trip over, well not the horse per se, more Michael Stoute and and more grips about the ground will have instilled market weakness. Stoute though is prone to putting punters away and even said Workforce was doubtful in the Arc. Winning the Derby, Arc and Breeders Cup Turf in one season would normally automatically confirm him a wonder horse but their seems to be huge apathy out there for Workforce after superstar Sea the Stars last season. No arc winner has ever won a breeders Cup event but the problem is who can beat him? Behkabad has shown his limitations beaten 4th in a messy Arc but I was seriously underwhelmed by his trial run as well. Dangerous Midge and Al Khali look nothing special while Debussy and Winchester could both prove the dangers. I'd expect Debussy to win as he clearly enjoys the other side of the Atlantic as he has shown winning the Arlington Million and has the right draw.


Goldikova has beaten all that has been put in front of her and really has nothing left to prove. She won by the minimum margin last season in this race but won nevertheless. Paco Boy won't Richard Hughes in the saddle but their is a home horse been completely overlooked this side of the pond. Sidney Candy, at 10/1 is an each way steal and judging by his running action and style, the draw can be overcome.




Of the other races, I can't see past Midday and make her the bet of the meeting in the 10:50 Friday( Filly & Mares Turf). She has been exceptional this season and while some may say she's had an easy few races with Sariska parking her bum in the stalls, she is a previous winner and it's her ideal trip and ground should be no problem.

A few foreign raiders will look to capture the Juvenile Fillies Turf race(8:50 Friday) but nothing jumps off the page. Together has had plenty of runs already and her second to White Moonstone would read best but the ground is a big worry. I'd give it a miss altogether.

I'm shocked the Europeans have not targeted the Breeders Cup Sprint Turf and perhaps am surprised further that California Flag is such a big price. He was sent off favourite earlier in the year in Meydan coming 3rd but has shown flashes of super stardom and worth a nibble at a big price.

Precision Break if it handles the dirt would have a smashing chance in the Marathon and again worth a go at the minimum bet.

In the big race, I cannot get away from Zenyatta. She was awesome last season and yes I know she's all about Californian pro ride type surfaces but this is a poor renewal with only one superstar present at over 9/4. Don't think, just back and back early as the price will tumble. 19 out of 19 wins makes her an all time great and those who doubt her ability to win on the dirt should note that her widest margin wins have been on this surface. Last season her last to first was epic but she'll need to race handier than that on this surface but what can beat her?


Zenyatta on Dirt


Zenyatta last seasons epic win- Arguably one of the greatest performance ever



Bets for Breeders Cup:
5pts: Midday 10:50 Friday Filly & Mares Turf
3Pts; Zenyatta 10:45 Saturday Classic
2pts; Sidney s Candy 8:40 Saturday Mile
1pt: Debussy 10:00 SaturdayTurf
1 pt: California Flag 7:15 Saturday Turf Sprint


Not only do we have Zenyatta, Midday and Workforce to whet our appetite, we have the jockey battle between Paul Hanagan and Richard Hughes and the seasonal bow of Kauto Star. Check out Mulholland's crazy Kauto Star cashback offer:

If you don’t want to know who will win the X factor, look away now!

This year has had abundance of Drama and we haven’t even started yet. Saturday’s first live show promises a great big twist. What will it be? Will it be a wildcard selection, the mentors change category or will they add a new category so we have the Over 28s, the Groups, the boys, the girls and the overstayed their visa’s category? All will be revealed and Emperor Simon Cowell’s wallet can be assured the whole of Britain and Ireland will be sitting glued to the world’s newest gladiator colosseum where instead of blood and guts the only murdering we see is some girl from Grimsby attempt at latest Lady Gaga song.

There has been plenty of hullabaloo this week regarding Gamu Nhengu exclusion from the live show, with plenty of idiots even ringing in ofcom to complain and state that Cheryl Cole is racist. What nonsense, it’s not like Gamu was a toilet attendant or anything. The money went crazy for her to win even though she wasn’t in the live shows earlier in the week but now it looks unlikely as the X factor producers do a better job of patrolling the nations borders than immigration control.

The Contestants

Matt Cardle is the biggest dud favourite since Goliath. He is simply too short in the betting;on account that he’s softly spoken and the bettors think he’ll be a hit with the Grannies. What will happen is his little gay "close his eyes and bring his hands to his face routine" will grate quite quickly, and he can’t wear that hat forever, he’s nothing without his hat.

1 direction are second in the betting and while it could be assumed that direction would be straight down back to obscurity, it should be noted that these guys are already getting a big tween fan base on account of their boyish good looks and have an unusual trait in a boyband in that they can all sing. Cowell will be keen to stick all his resources into making this a first victory for the groups.

Rebecca Ferguson has a serious voice and just like Leona Lewis, plays the softly shy tame thing off the stage. That annoyed the hell out of me with Leona but it didn’t do her chances any harm and if Stacey last season had kept quiet, then no doubt she’d have won. Live contender

Our Mary Byrne is taking up where Jedward left off and at 25/1 may not be a bad bet for a run. She’ll trade shorter than that but it’s doubtful she’ll hang for Gold. We may be denied the right to vote, but thanks to our economy, plenty of our brethren have to seek wage in Britain again so there is a growing Irish Diaspora once again. Also rumours of a Tesco mounted campaign could add weight (no pun intended) to her cause. She is reported to be struggling with a virus so she’ll have to overcome that on the sympathy vote this week.

Of the others, Cher Lloyd blew me away in her first audition but she’ll need to show a little variety and at present looks like a one trick pony.

Katie Waissel looks like a young Madonna but sings like Maradonna. Her apparent beau, Storm Lee is top class, oh he’ll annoy everyone and there’s a certain karaoke factor about him but he’ll add plenty of cheese to your Saturday night diet. John Adeleye has talent and he could emerge as the dark horse in the race but could just as easily be gone in the first 3 weeks. Aidan Grimshaw is one of those constipated singers you just hate to watch but can really sing while Nicolo Festa is surely a joke entrant stuck in to throw a few dramas and bump up the Italian audience.

FYD and Belle Amie are the final acts and of the two FYD are simply better than 25/1 chances, that’s value on a serious well polished group and lets not forget they are the only group who were together before the auditions. They could come in under the radar and don’t forget with all the different themes, it’s going to be hard for the other two groups to gel week in week out. These guys have the work ethic of JLS, arguably the most successful act in the last few seasons and really should of won only for Alexandra Burke to pull Beyonce out of the hat.

It should be noted in the youtube clips the only acts registering big views is Cher, Gamu, Katie and Mary. I can’t see the public going with their darling Cheryl to win 3 in a row and that will come against the Girls so I’m going to go for a complete outside and pluck FYD at 25/1 to win

Verdict: FYD to win at 25/1

Prices to win X Factor

Cardle, Matt 3/1
1 Direction 7/2
Ferguson, Rebecca 4/1
Lloyd, Cher 7/1
Grimshaw, Aiden 9/1
Belle Amie 16/1
Adeleye, John 16/1
Waissel, Katie 20/1
Festa, Nicolo 20/1
Lee, Storm 25/1
FYD 25/1
Byrne, Mary 35/1

To be first eliminated

Waissel, Katie 7/2
FYD FYD 4/1
Adeleye, John 6/1
Lee, Storm 6/1
Belle Amie 13/2
Festa, Nicolo 8/1
Byrne, Mary 10/1
Lloyd, Cher 12/1
Grimshaw, Aiden 20/1
1 Direction 33/1
Ferguson, Rebecca 40/1
Cardle, Matt 50/1

Prices supplied by Betpack.com

Heineken Cup- What of the Irish no hopers?

Once again, the big two teams in Ireland start their Heineken cup campaign on the back of an inter province derby encounter. It backfired spectacularly last season with Leinster going down at home to London Irish while Munster looked sluggish and losing 31-27 away to Northampton Saints.

Munster this time faces London Irish away while Leinster has a home encounter v Racing Metro. Will lightening strike twice and we'll see another two Irish defeats. It doesn't really matter with regards outright prospects as I'm going to draw a line through both teams right now. Munster needs to bite the bullet and blood some youth into their aging forwards, as they are going backwards! Buckley and Du preez finally getting game time is a good thing but a season of transition looks on the cards.

I know writing off Munster is akin to writing off England at the World Cup( Rugby World cup that is, I always write them off for football's equivalent without a sniff of worry) but they just do not look like a side capable of winning those big matches in other people's back yard anymore. They may get luckier than last season when the ERC saw fit to award France with two semi finals and a final but even so, Munster have gone to the well once too often. A win first out at London Irish and Munster fans will be scoffing at my prediction.

Leinster too has looked a shambles so far and Joe Schmidt needs more time to turn this team around. Last weeks derby win only papers over the cracks. They have a horrid group alongside Clermont and Saracens and they hope must be that last season's Top 14 side only care about their domestic title. Even Racing Metro are one of these new breeds of super rich French clubs throwing money at players(currently top of top 14) and the likelihood is Leinster will need to top the group to progress into 1/4 finals. They must also watch out for Francois Steyn doing this.

Ulster have looked an improved side this season and the addition of Ruan Pienaar has the men up north excited they'll get into the last eight for the first time since their 1999 win. They beat Bath home and away last season and Bath again have question marks over Lewis Moody (eye injury) and Butch James is out. Biarritz last season’s runners have Imanol Harinordoquy, Dimitri Yachvili and Damien Traille as the heartbeat of this team and put them as clear favourites to emerge on top of this group and as the dark horse to win the whole thing.


Who can win?

French Clubs

They just look so strong now. The Top -14 is like the English Premier League at present buying up all the top foreign talent and off course the French national side is not too shabby at present. The danger of course is how serious each team takes it compared to the Top 14. Clermont are repeat offenders but after winning last season's domestic title, they may be more inclined to treat this competition with the respect it deserves. Toulouse and Biarritz are the top two for taking this seriously and Biarritz will be keen to get going especially after an indifferent start to their league campaign. Racing and Toulon are the new boys but I can’t help feeling their eyes are on domestic first and foremost so I will overlook them. Don’t be surprised if at least 4 of the ¼ finalist is a French side.

English Clubs

London Irish has started best and would fancy their chances if they didn’t get landed in such a hot group. Bath are the 2^nd shortest priced English team and frankly that beggars belief. Saracens too will struggle in their group unless the French play to stereotype. Leicester are in their usual place in the market but again don’t inspire me this season while Northampton can do well at home but can they win on the road? Wasps need to turn around their domestic form but a weak looking group alongside Toulouse may see them qualify as best runners up and from there anything is possible for a side that talented.

Welsh Clubs

The final this season is in the Millenium Stadium and while that normally means Munster win or minimum make the final, Ospreys and Cardiff can both take heart from winning silverware last season and finally win one for Wales. Ospreys have finally acquired the habit of winning close encounters and I expect they’ll top their group with Munster, Toulon and London Irish. Cardiff too have a very winnable group alongside Castes, Northampton and Edinburgh and the addition of Dan Parks this season could see them win those tight encounters.

Scottish Clubs

I was a big fan of the Scottish clubs as they seemed to be on the ascendancy. Glasgow especially have incredible talent and are hard to beat at Ravenhill but injuries and the loss of Dan Parks are hurting and they’ll have to treat Wasps as two winning cup final matches to make a ¼ final berth. Edinbrugh will beat one or two at home but that is all I can see.

Verdict:

Ireland nor England will produce the winning side, It is between the Welsh and French. Picking either is difficult as it’ impossible to mind read the French commitment. Biarritz’s poor start to the season makes me believe they’ll go all guns blazing to finally win this big one. Ospreys have the game finally to get it done and with Tommy Bowe ripping the heart of teams and Dan Biggar starting to resemble a highly reliable number 10 but I am probably being greedy and saying I’ll give it a swerve at such a short price and just back them to top the group of death.

Biarritz 12/1 to win

Ospreys to top pool 3 at 15/8

Outright Betting
7/2 Toulouse
7/1 Leicester Tigers
10/1 Clermont Auvergne
11/1 Ospreys
12/1 Munster
12/1 Biarritz
12/1 Cardiff Blues
14/1 Northampton Saints
14/1 Bath
16/1 Leinster
16/1 Perpignan
25/1 Londonb Wasps
25/1 Toulon
33/1 Racing Metro 92
40/1 Saracens
66/1 London Irish
66/1 Ulster
80/1 Castres
200/1 Glasgow Warriors
200/1 Edinburgh
200/1 Llanelli Scarlets
200/1 N G Dragons
2000/1 Aironi
2000/1 Treviso

Top Try Scorer

16/1 Chris Ashton
16/1 Vincent Clerc
20/1 Tommy Bowe
20/1 Tom Varndell
20/1 Napolioni Nalaga
20/1 Takudzwa Ngwenya
25/1 Leigh Halfpenny
25/1 Maxime Medard
25/1 Julien Malzieu
25/1 Shane Williams
25/1 Matt Banahan
25/1 Scott Hamilton
33/1 Tom James
33/1 Doug Howlett
33/1 Brian ODriscoll
33/1 Ollie Phillips
33/1 Alesana Tuilagi
33/1 Paul Sackey
33/1 Rudi Wulf
33/1 David Strettle
33/1 Sailosi Tagicakibau

Pool 1 Betting
6/5 Cardiff Blues
5/4 Northampton Saints
6/1 Castres
16/1 Edinburgh

Pool 2 Betting
7/4 Clermont Auvergne
15/8 Leinster
7/2 Saracens
5/1 Racing Metro 92

Pool 3 Betting
3/2 Munster
17/10 Ospreys
10/3 Toulon
9/1 London Irish

Pool 4 Betting
Evs Biarritz
11/10 Bath
7/1 Ulster
500/1 Aironi

Pool 5 Betting
4/9 Leicester Tigers
15/8 Perpignan
18/1 Llanelli Scarlets
300/1 Treviso

Pool 6 Betting
1/5 Toulouse
4/1 Wasps
28/1 Glasgow Warriors
33/1 N G Dragons

Are Cork Going Down?

Well I've fancied Cork from the very start, surely I can't change now? I hope the Cork team bus has a toilet on board when the celebrating gets under way on the way home down the new motorway or they're be some dangerous pit-stops.

Even the most optimistic langer must be getting worried as each and every time Cork have taken to the field, we keep expecting them to blow into life like they did last season against Donegal and Tyrone. Each time, they win without any slickness to their performance. Let's be fair, Dublin had them firmly on the ropes only for tiredness set in playing that high intensity football and silly fouls were made late on. An Eoghan O Gara no show didn't help. Down won't have that problem up front with Martin Clarke and Benny Coulter sure to cause problems individually and collectively.

I fancied Down to win Ulster this season and although confidence was slightly shaken, they got a nice draw and built confidence with wins over Offaly and Sligo before that masterclass against Kerry. They have been a breath of fresh air into this season's championship and wouldn't it be something for another AFL man to turn his back on professionalism to win the top prize Gaelic football has to offer. What odds Clarke heads back to Oz if Down win on Sunday?

Where Cork can dominate is in midfield. Peter Fitzpatrick did well for the injured Ambrose Rogers but against men like Alan O’Connor and Aidan Walsh, I can see Down coming up short especially when you consider Cork can spring Nicholas Murphy from the bench. Cork's bench is more dangerous than a News of the World expose.

Cork's biggest danger would be the same as Kilkenny's. Kilkenny shouldn't of played Shefflin and Cork shouldn't play Canty if he is genuinely not fit as Down will look to score heavily early on. With that in mind, the best bet in the market for a nice price is:

Down Half time- Cork full time @ 5/1

Also have a nibble on Ambrose Rogers to score the first goal @ 40/1
Rumours around the Mourne county suggest he may start up front and if he doesn't start, and a goal is scored before he comes on, you get your money back anyways so no harm done.

Win Free bets in a free to enter tipster competition

SUPERBOWL XLV PREVIEW

Ok folks, I'm going to fess up, I did not write this. Normally I would have my head stuck into the NFl for months now, learning all the insides and out of training camp, but a man with a young family doesn't really find the time to watch 9 hours of football on a sunday evening anymore so in the last few seasons have lost more and more knowledge in the game to the point where i can no longer call myself an expert nfl bettor

NFL Preview- The NFC

First price divisional odds
Second Price superbowl champions

By Sean Nolan of joe.ie

NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys: Looked liked potential Superbowl winners last year until getting mauled by the Minnesota Vikings. This year’s finale is at Cowboys Stadium and no team has ever appeared in a home Superbowl, so owner Jerry Jones would love to break that cycle. With QB Tony Romo looking the real deal they have a chance. In DeMarcus Ware, they have a linebacker who is a sack machine and running backs Felix Jones and Marion Barber are formidable. Should win the NFC East but will want to go further. 6/5 10/1

New York Giants: 8-8 and no playoffs was a poor return last season. They must do better, but they play in the toughest division in football. Eli Manning seems to be getting better every year and with their running game so weak, he will need to keep his passing accuracy up. Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon are great wide receivers but defensively you fear for them if they don’t tighten up. 11/4 22/1

Philadelphia Eagles: A new QB (Kevin Kolb) for the first time in 11 seasons following the departure of Donovan McNabb is a gamble for a settled offence. The entire team has now been reshaped, so it is hard to know what form they will be in. It all depends on Kolb‘s performances. If it doesn’t work they have America’s Sweetheart Michael Vick as back up. It might take a year for all the changes to bed in. 11/4 22/1

Washington Redskins: Donovan McNabb’s new home; they could surpass his former team. Coach Mike Shanahan has spent the summer fighting with defensive end Albert Haynesworth over a new defensive system and it looks like Shanahan has won. He is an offensive coach and with McNabb they will be good to watch and might cause a few upsets this year. Not enough to make the playoffs though. 6/1 33/1

NFC North:

Chicago Bears: With Mike Martz as offensive co-ordinator and Jay Cutler at QB, the Bears will be a serious attacking threat. The defence will improve now that Brian Urlacher is fit and the addition of defensive end Julius Peppers further strengthens that area. Expect lots of amazing plays and disappointing turnovers, adding up to another year with the post-season off. 5/1 33/1

Detroit Lions: Just two wins last year, but that was an improvement from a 0-16 season the year before. So could they make it to five or six wins this time? Maybe, but no more than that. Jahvid Best was a good draft and he will provide some valuable running yards. Even better is Ndamukong Suh (below), a monster of a defensive tackle. His hits will be highlight reel stuff all year. Low expectations are justified. 20/1 150/1

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh hits hard.

Green Bay Packers: One of the favourites for the NFC, they lost to the Cardinals last year in a 51-45 overtime wildcard thriller. This year they should be even better. No real stars, but a really solid roster of talented players makes them justified favourites to win the North. QB Aaron Rodgers has proven he is a classy performer and the team is set up to exploit his abilities. Great bet to win it all this year. EVS 11/1

Minnesota Vikings: As always, it is all about Brett Favre. Back in the team and he is already complaining about his ankle. This could be the year his unbelievable run of consecutive starts ends. If it does, the Vikes could be doomed. They have other issues too with one wide receiver Sidney Rice out for six months and another, Percy Harvin, hospitalised by migraines. They still have Adrian Petersen, but too much rests on a 40-year-old ankle. 7/5 14/1

NFC South:

Atlanta Falcons: Could be a surprising team this year. Matt Ryan has all the tools to be a serious quarterback and he is supported by a lot of weapons. Defensively they can be unlocked, but there is a chance they could make the play-offs. 2/1 25/1

Carolina Panthers: With an inexperienced quarterback and a young roster, the Panthers are betting on the exuberance of youth. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are quality backs and Steve Smith is vital as their best wide receiver. If his broken arm is healed, he will be QB Matt Moore’s main target. With Julius Peppers gone to Chicago, they will be weaker on defence and another 8-8 year is a realistic target. 6/1 40/1

New Orleans Saints: Champions, but can they repeat? Well, they have a softish division and an OK schedule. They have the superb Drew Brees running the offence. They have almost all of last year’s roster available to them again and they seem to be lucky with injuries. Back-to-back titles is on. First up is the Vikings in the Superdome and a win there will set them on the way to another divisional title and possibly another tilt at the Vince Lombardi trophy. 8/13 10/1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Manchester United may be doing well, but the Glazers’ first love is struggling. They only managed three wins last year and it is unlikely they will get much more this time. The team is in the middle of a serious rebuild. They drafted well with nose tackle Gerard McCoy bound to make them tighter and second year QB Josh Freeman will be better, but it would be a surprise if they did not finish bottom of the division. 25/1 125/1

NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals: Carried by Kurt Warner deep into the playoffs for the past two years, the great man finally hung up his helmet in the off season, passing the baton to Matt Leinert. Now he has been cut, meaning Derek Anderson is the man taking the snaps. They still have Larry Fitzgerald, but the team looks in disarray. Running back Beanie Wells will see more action, but Coach Ken Whisenhunt has a big job to win another divisional title. 12/5 40/1

Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll arrives from USC to have another crack at coaching in the NFL. He was deemed a failure at New Jersey and New England, but it is 11 years since he coached with the pros. In Matt Hasselbeck, he has a franchise player but the rest of the roster is weak. Nate Burlson, their best receiver, went to Detroit so another grim year beckons for the Seahawks. 3/1 50/1

San Francisco 49ers: The NFC version of the Jets. Everybody is talking them up as potential champions so now they have to step up. Defensively they are very solid, meaning that if they can get some points on the board they could rack up a lot of wins. QB Alex Smith still has to convince many, but he has talent to throw to the likes of Michael Crabtree. Frank Gore is an exceptional running back too so they should win the moribund NFC West. 20/23 28/1

St Louis Rams: Fewest wins (1) and lowest points scored (175) last year. It meant they could draft Heisman winner Sam Bradford and he will be their starting QB. He looks NFL ready and in pre-season, there were signs the Rams will be better this year. Taken over by Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke in the summer, the team is planning to build around Bradford but he looks to have few players of his calibre around him yet. If wide receiver Laurent Robinson is fit they could win a few but not too many. 18/1 150/1

NFL Preview Part One - The AFC

By Sean Nolan

AFC East:

Buffalo Bills: It is over a decade since the Bills were any good and it is not going to change this year. They have a new G.M. in Buddy Nix and coach in Chan Gailey and the changes they are making will take time to work. Neither of their two QB options, Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick, are from the top rank and they are in a brutally tough division. In short, another losing season. 25/1 125/1

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have a good young quarterback in Chad Henne. They have one of the best wide receivers in the game in Brandon Marshall and the enigmatic Ricky Williams is still going strong. They are also adept at deploying the wildcat offence. Defence is their problem, but if new defensive co-ordinator Mike Nolan can tighten it up, they could spring a few surprises. 3/1 33/1

New England Patriots: The entire future of the team rests on Tom Brady. One of the top three active QBs, he should have Wes Welker fit again to throw to, which is a massive boost. Randy Moss has also looked motivated in pre-season and coach Bill Belichick is one of the smartest men in football. Solid play-off contenders as always. 5/4 12/1

New York Jets: The buzz team of 2010. Last year’s beaten AFC finalists have added Antonio Cromartie, LaDainian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes to an already formidable roster. QB Mark Sanchez had a breakout year last year and if he can keep it up they have a great chance of going all the way. Leading them is coach Rex Ryan, the NFLs version of Jose Mourinho in that he takes all the pressure off his team and onto himself with his outspoken views. Great bet to win the AFC at 6/1. 6/4 14/1

AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens: Always solid defensively, the Ravens attempted to address their offensive shortcomings by adding Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth. If Joe Flacco can find them regularly, they should be hard to stop in this division. After that, they need to perform if they face the Colts again. 10/11 12/1

Cincinnati Bengals: Hard to know what to make of the Bengals. Their roster is full of explosive characters, and they added Terrell Owens to the mix this year. Antonio Bryant has been cut as his knee injury failed to heal and they needed an extra dimension. Cedric Benson is a great running back but Carson Palmer will have to throw to Owens and Chad Ochocinco. They should win this division again if they can keep all the egos in check. It’s a big if. 13/5 25/1

If Owens and Ochocinco perform, it could be a big season for the Cincinatti Bengals

Cleveland Browns: They won their last four games of 2009, giving hope to a beleaguered city. President Mike Holmgren is a winner and owner Randy Lerner is determined to return to the play-offs for the first time since 1994. Could be one of the sleeper teams to watch. 18/1 100/1

Pittsburgh Steelers: A byword for excellence in recent years, the Steelers have been dragged through the mud by Ben Rothlisberger’s off-season problems. Suspended for the first four games, where they are when ‘Big Ben’ returns will dictate their season. Two Superbowl wins in the last five seasons mean they are experienced and with Troy Polamalu now fit (for more on Troy, click here), they have the games most effective safety back in harness. Definite play-off contenders. 13/5 25/1

AFC South:

Houston Texans: A best ever 9-7 season last year means the Texans are seen as a progressive side. Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing misses the first four games with a drugs ban and the Texans face the Colts and the Cowboys in that period. Add in the fact that they share a division with the improving Tennessee Titans and another 9-7 season will be a challenge. 4/1 40/1

Indianapolis Colts: The best team in the NFL over the last decade, they were desperately close to winning last year’s Superbowl. Peyton Manning is one of the all-time great quarterbacks and his team is well balanced and experienced. A losing pre-season can be ignored, when the time comes, they will win and win a lot. 8/13 8/1

Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Drew-Jones got 15 touchdowns last year and the Jags will rely on him again to get the crucial scores. QB David Garrard is under pressure and he needs a fast start to stop the chatter becoming unbearable. Defensively, they were a mess last year and though they drafted well in that area, it will be a tough year. 10/1 66/1

Tennessee Titans: Taking until week seven to get a win killed the Titans last year. 8-2 for the final 10 weeks of the season is a sign that they have a formula now. In Vince Young and Chris Johnson they have a two of the most exciting players in the league and they protect their prized assets well. A relatively benign schedule, including playing the Colts on the final day when the Colts will surely be easing up mean they could make the play-offs. 7/2 33/1

AFC West:

Denver Broncos: All eyes are on Denver thanks to drafting college star QB Tim Tebow. He is unlikely to start the season but Kyle Orton needs to perform with back-up Brady Quinn and Tebow eager to step in. Coach Josh McDaniels is a tough nut and all three could be taking snaps if he is not happy. That indecision will hamper the team and a sense of chaos does not make winning teams in the NFL. 15/2 125/1

Kansas City Chiefs: Arguably the worst team in the AFC but hope springs for the Chiefs. Matt Cassell has to improve his completion rate and the defence has to toughen up and the signs are they have. Coach Todd Halley has added some good young talent in the off-season too but another season at the bottom of the AFC West beckons. 15/2 125/1

Oakland Raiders: New QB Jason Campbell replaces the disaster that was JaMarcus Russell so that is already an improvement. The Raiders are always tough and a winning record may not be out of the question if they can channel their undoubtedly talented roster into football activities. 7/1 100/1

San Diego Chargers: Second favourites for the AFC title behind the Colts, another AFC West title seems certain. It is how they perform after that that matters. Packed with talent, they should have won a Superbowl by now and this could be their last chance. Phillip Rivers is at his peak as a QB but clambering past the Colts, Jets, Patriots and Ravens in the AFC is a tall order. 2/7 9/1

Magners League Season Preview

We must mourn the loss of poor Setanta's demise and subsequent loss of rights to the Magners league TV contract.Now have to brush up on our bleeding Welsh and Irish to follow some of teh matches , it is probably a good thing for us punters that more people will be watching it on RTE2, TG4, BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, and S4C means more money bet on events which gives us stronger markets to bet on.

I think it could be rugby overload personally and it will be interesting to see how gates fare especially at the Sportsground for Connacht when TG4 are showing live rugby. It may mean more in time will go who wouldn't have before but in a recession it will usually mean people cutting back and sitting in the armchairs.

Last season I backed Glasgow at a huge price(40/1) and got a real close run for my money with them unlucky with injuries and running out of steam in the semi final. One trend will become clear after the introduction of the playoffs is watch the team that has injuries now and is resting plenty of players. I suspected last season (why didn't I back it though-cos I'm an eegit) that the Ospreys would come on with a late run after playing dismal start f season rugby with many players rested and injured for most of September/October. Your team needs to time it's run smoother than a Jamie Spencer hold up mount and hit the top 4 at the business end juggling European campaigns as well as supplying their star players to the national teams.

The big two in Ireland have been written off as on a dangerous downward curve. Leinster are hoping Mike Ross can come to the party up from after Stan Wright was ruled out for 6 months and their youth players will need to explode onto the scene in Luke Fitzgerald style but that can't be rules out and so too Munster have ammunition with players like Damien Varley and Johne Murphy could prove to be international class. The backlines look healthy, it's up front where the blood just doesn't seem to be coming through.

Ulster are the new Man City with all their super signing from the Boks. Ruan Pienaar will have got the Ulster folk excited about the season ahead and last season showed signs of Ravenhill starting to become that fortress again. I really like the look of the squad and although I don't think they should of let Isaac Boss or Nagusa go, they could very well finish in the top 4 and may even come ahead of the big two who are in a season of rebuilding. Up front they look the strongest province and I can see them winning a few battles of attrition

Connacht, well at least they won't finish last this season thanks to the addition of the Italian sides. I'm sorry to rain on anybody's parade but i don't fancy them one iota to beat anybody else and can see the Dragons beating them on Saturday in Galway.

So who will win it. All the buzz is about Cardiff and if Dan Parks plays like he did last season for Glasgow and Scotland, they'd have a cracking chance at 9/2 but I have serious reservations and wonder does Dan parks tight kick for the corner type of rugby suit a side like Cardiff. I'll pass

Glasgow themselves don't seem to have strengthened this summer and a backwards step looks on the cards. Edinburgh too don't have enough big names while the Dragons and Scarletts will win some big ones this season while not actually getting into the top 4.

That leaves last season's champions Ospreys as the team to beat. They look head and shoulders above everyone else out there. Whether they concentrate more on the Heineken cup is another thing but they have too much class to finish outside the top 4 and from there, they'll win it again. They may have been deducted 4 points for not playing Ulster last season and fined €100,000 but that won't stop them.
Good Luck with your bets

Verdict:
Ospreys 5/2 Grand Final winners
Ulster top Irish side 11/2


Friday night Double
Leinster Evens to beat Glasgow
Ulster 10/11 to beat Ospreys

Yes I know your probably thinking, how can he tip Ospreys to win the bleeding league and then below it tip Ulster to beat them first up. Its the quality of the sides each team has put out and the fact Ulster should win at Ravenhill. Ospreys started slow last season and I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen again. They have not lost an opening fixture since 2003 but stats are made to be broken.

Backing Glasgow each week made me plenty of money last season but this looks a weak Glasgow side. No Parks, No Cusiter nor Kelloch means no chance I'm betting them to beat a decent looking Leinster side. I'm very surprised Glasgow are favourites.

US Sports | NFL Preview Part One - The AFC

US Sports | NFL Preview Part One - The AFC