 Friday, 4th Jan 2008 10:28 The betting column returns this week with two pundits looking ahead to our FA Cup game at Chelsea as well as the other weekend sporting highlights While the argument about a midwinter break for the players rages on, our pundits are just coming back from an enforced one of their own. Two of them this week, hopefully a full compliment next time, as we enter the second half of the campaign on a new website. The Don So, what’s the story so far? Well we’re in good shape thanks to a fantastic performance from Denman back in November in the Hennessey – to carry that weight, on that ground and to win in such fine style, marks this horse out as top class. Sam Thomas didn’t have to lift a finger as the opposition just melted away. Quite apart from the fine sporting accomplishment, Denman’s victory has put us back into profit (albeit by a mere £3.02) – but the fact that we doubled him up to take the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2008, means we hold a rather juicy ticket (effectively £50 at 5/1) for his showdown with Kauto Star come March. He is now trading at a skinny 6/4 with Coral, so we can allow ourselves to feel rather smug gentlemen! Even better, the first leg of my each way ‘lucky 15’ of long shots obliged with John Part taking the world darts championship at plump odds of 33/1. So we are guaranteed a profit there, but of course this is not yet reflected in the trading account. That won’t happen until the other three runners have taken their chance. If one of Robertson (World Snooker), Bewley’s Berry (Grand National) or Scott (US Masters) can deliver we’ll be on for a very nice drink indeed! All four would deliver over a third of million pounds – but let’s be realistic, when does that kind of financial miracle happen to poor, down trodden, QPR fanatics? Before moving onto this week’s action, I hope you’ll allow me to give you a hard luck story about a ‘missed winner’. As Clive will attest, before the old LFW site collapsed, I had already submitted copy – and at a time when ‘Mourinho for England ’ was a ‘done deal’, I’d tipped up Fabio Capello. Oh well, at least I was on! I won’t bother mentioning Damion Stewart – who I have consistently backed on these pages – who has become a goal machine during our enforced absence. Nor will I torment you with the news that I had only 4 major bets in December (Twist Magic, Joe Lively and Straw Bear to win, and Our Vic to place) all of whom obliged and more than paid for my Christmas! Don’t blame me – blame the Northern fella. (Passing the buck shamelessly, blame Rupert and his television company – ed) OK, enough self indulgence, how are we going to approach this week? Well, let’s start with another look at that Gold Cup market. The main contenders (Kauto and Denman) are plenty short enough now and I think that creates value elsewhere, with the 25/1 generally available about STAR DE MOHAISON looking quite tasty. Let’s invest £10 each way in the hope he can place, and perhaps notch, should anything happen to the principals. The main event of this weekend, of course, is at Castle Greyscull as we take on our friends from just down the road. As optimistic as I am about the R’s at the moment, I just can’t see us getting anything from this one – however, we may just hit the back of the net, and if we do, then there are some rather generous prices on offer from Paddy Power. Back MARTIN ROWLANDS (14/1) and DAMION STEWART (30/1) to score at anytime - £10 on each. Finally we turn to snooker and the Masters at Wembley and I just can’t stop backing NEIL ROBERTSON on the basis that if I don’t he’ll oblige! So it has to be £5 each way with Skybet at odds of 20/1. Come on you R’sssss! Four for the weekend
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