Royal name-game takes hold

BETTING:

BOOKMAKERS never miss an opportunity to make a fast buck and they certainly have been quick out of the blocks over William and Kate’s baby announcement.

In less than 24 hours, a competitive market has been formed on the name of the Royal Family’s next arrival.

If the odds layers are to be believed, a traditional monarch’s name will be the choice of the popular couple. Anne (or Ann), George and Victoria are favourites at 14-1, with Charles and Edward 16s.

I’ve had a pound on Brooklyn at 500-1.



THE X Factor is down to the nitty gritty, with just three contenders remaining.

Jahmene Douglas is clinging on at 5-4, but James Arthur is hot on his tail at 6-4, with Christopher Maloney 7-2.

I don’t care at all who wins this jazzed-up karaoke contest — and I admit Strictly Come Dancing is starting to lose its appeal too.

The days when hopeless dancers blossomed into ballroom winners seem to have gone and it appears long-time favourites Louis Smith (10-11) and Denise van Outen (9-4) — both of whom have the advantage of a singing and dancing background — will dominate the final stages of the competition.



MANCHESTER City, with no European competition to distract them, are 11-2 favourites to win the FA Cup following their home draw against Watford in round three.

United have a much tougher test at West Ham and further involvement in the Champions League makes them a swerve at 13-2.

One team who do look overpriced, though, are Everton at Corals’ stand-out 16-1.

The Toffees are a tough side to beat: they look sure to win their third-round tie against Cheltenham or Hereford and should not be almost three times the price of a side they matched at the weekend.



RORY McIlroy rounded off the golf season in style with victory in Dubai and 2013 promises to be an even more productive year for the most prodigious golf talent on the planet.

Not surprisingly, McIlroy is just 11-2 to win the first major of next season, the Masters at Augusta, with Tiger Woods 15-2 and the rest 14-1 and upwards.

RECOMMENDATION: Everton to win FA Cup, 16-1 (Coral).