Betting tips / The Puntathlete / 05 August 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Going against the Bolt tide, the Puntathlete believes on any analysis of recent form, Yohan Blake should be favourite for the men's 100m gold medal.

Usain Bolt is odds on and being backed because of what he has been able to do in the past, and what those wanting to punt on him hope he can replicate, but I simply can't have him at his current quote.

Any of the first six runners in the market are capable of the sort of performance that could snatch the gold today.

I deliberately include Asafa Powell in that, and can't believe that an athlete of his quality is being offered up @ Betfair odds of (80.0). He possesses a blistering start, something that can be a problem for runners like Tyson Gay and even Usain Bolt. The track is super-fast, which should help him, and he'll be in the race a very long time, potentially giving punters a good run for their money at long odds.

The safest bet in the race, however, is Yohan Blake. He's in winning form, has had a far more impressive and successful preparation for this than Usain Bolt, and is not under the injury cloud that adds to the uncertainty around the favourite.

Having already said that he should - on paper at least - be favourite, I consider his current odds a luxury. On form and especially on value, I think there's a clear margin for backing him in what will be a great betting contest...and hopefully and even more impressive race.

It's very hard to tip against an athlete of Usain Bolt's quality, and it's safe to say that if he gets away from the starter in front of, or even amongst, the other quick beginners, he could have it sewn up as far out as he did in Beijing.

Nevertheless, all considerations other than nostalgia and aspiration for the champion point to his compatriot for the gold medal.

Best Bet @ Betfair
Back Yohan Blake to win the gold medal

A final tip...

Make sure you're watching the semi-finals and not just for times and margins. You will glean a lot from watching small things like the body language of runners - especially after their semi. If your runner appears to win their semi easily, keep and eye on him and see how he cools down, if he's relaxed and smiling, or if it looks to have taken a lot out of him.