Luke’s Wagon Weekend Bets Part 5

The best betting blog in the world!

Well to say we needed a rally is an understatement and we had one of sorts last week, although to coin a phrase we definitely “hit the bar.” We managed to coin a profit of £96.67, but it could have been so much better. But for two penalties in the Portsmouth game (just about the only way either team could score!) and the Vikings snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, we would have had a blinder! Anyway, heads down and carry on I guess.

Running P & l = -£264.70

Racing Betting

This week’s big race comes to a screen near you from Cheltenham. Formerly the December Gold Cup, now known as the Spinal Research The Atlantic Four Gold Cup (doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue!) has seen some wonderful winners in recent years and is a wonderful trial for the festival. This year looks an exciting prospect on paper with the first three horses’ home in last months Paddy Power Gold cup as well as the promising Ghizao and Medermit. Pressing on, here are the usual stats I have collated to break the race down:

• Age 6 or 7
• Finished in the first 3 last time
• Ran in the last 30 days
• Carrying 10st 13+
• Officially rated 147+
• 2nd/3rd season chaser
• Course winner
• Won a graded chase
• Finished in the first five in the Paddy Power Gold Cup
• Run in less than four chase handicaps

There are two horses left of interest and that’s Divers and Medermit. The latter, last year’s Arkle favourite, sparkled at Exeter when winning the Golden Gold Cup and looks an attractive price at 12/1. However, the selection is Furdy Murphys Divers. A sparkling winner of the Centenary Novice handicap at last year’s festival, he showed he was still improving when a credible third in last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup. He ticks all the right boxes and, as we know, Furdy’s horses always seem to come on for the run. Therefore at 8/1 he looks a cracking each way bet for a horse that we know will relish both the course and trip.

Football Betting

The football punting has undoubtedly been the Achilles heel of this betting blog. However, not to be deterred, here we go again. All that is different is, to save face, I will just give you the selections not the explanations behind my thinking… it’s just too painful and embarrassing to read back!

Bolton v Aston Villa under 2.5 @ 10/11
Coventry v Hull under 2.5 @ 4/6
Southampton v Blackpool over 2.5 @ 4/6

NFL Betting

When it comes to Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons I quite simply think they are over-rated. Their 7-5 record is more than fair; that said, I don’t think they will be making much of an impression in the play-offs, that is if they make it. The Panthers, led by the ever ‘flash’ Cam Newton, are undoubtedly a long term project and will be interesting next season. However, Carolina will not fear the visiting Falcons and fancy their chances of winning, let alone covering the handicap of a three point start. Come on Cam… get it done!

My Big Bets

Diver @ 8/1 – 2.35 Cheltenham – 2 points ew
Bolton u2.5 @ 10/11, Coventry u2.5 @ 4/6, Southampton o2.5 @ 4/6 – 1 point win Trixie
Carolina +3 @ 10/11 – 2 points win