Westwood quote of 66-1 insulting

SPORTS BETTING: PADRAIG Harrington’s victory in the Honda Classic came out of the blue and more Irish success – of the Northern variety – is predicted by the bookies in this weekend’s WGC Cadillac Championship.


The Doral Blue Monster in Florida is the venue for one of the biggest events outside of the four majors and it is Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy who is the clear choice of the bookies at 9-2. I wouldn’t argue with that price as the 7,528-yards course will be right up Rory’s street given his length and accuracy off the tee.

But there is a suspicion he has yet to hit his straps this year, possibly given his desire to peak for the Masters. Bubba Watson and Jason Day (16-1) are upwardly mobile in the world rankings and will have their supporters this weekend, while the same can be said of rising star Jordan Spieth, the back-to-action Dustin Johnson and Aussie ace Adam Scott.

I can’t work out why defending champion Patrick Reed is 28-1 as the American has continued his progress from last year and is proven at this course. He is one of two each-way suggestions, the other being Lee Westwood, who is an insulting 66-1 despite a promising start to the season.



ENGLAND’s defeat in Ireland on Sunday has seen them pushed out to 5-2

to win the 6 Nations Championship. Reigning champions Ireland are 13-20, with Wales the only other nation in contention and available at 8-1.



ENGLAND’S cricketers continue to lurch from one crisis to another and I have come to the conclusion that those who say the team is suffering paralysis by analysis are right.

I believe (and have read) that the coaching staff are so stats-obsessed that players are not given the freedom to think on their feet. A change at the top may happen sooner rather than later.

England are out to 28-1 to win the World Cup after starting the competition at 10s.

Next up on Monday morning are Bangladesh who will be no pushovers. England are 1-3 to win this game with Bangladesh 5-2. Defeat for our boys and they are out. I can’t say I am confident.



RECOMMENDATIONS: WGC Cadillac Championship, Patrick Reed, each-way, 28-1 (Stan James), Lee Westwood, each-way, 66-1 (Coral).