/ Jake Norton / 13 February 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

THE BEST - RANDWICK, RACE 4, NUMBER 2 - RABBUKA

MT: Ultra impressive over 1500 metres at Rosehill three weeks ago, Rabbuka heads home to Randwick over the more suitable mile hoping for back to back wins.

Given the Gai Waterhouse five-year-old is being set for the Doncaster, a Saturday welter against horses with less ability should pose few problems.

Rabbuka is one win from one on heavy going, and has three wins from four starts on dead tracks, so the rain in Sydney will only suit it more.

Dangers? I can't see many. If Betfair layers are in a generous mood, you might get $2.00 which is the right odds.

JN: For the first time Thomo, we agree old son - you had it right with Burdekin Blues last week and Rabbuka looks twice the good thing BB was last week.  If you can get evens about Rabbuka as MT says, which is the only thing I am circumspect about here, consider yourself lucky.  Back Rabbuka and don't be shy.

 

THE VALUE -TWENTY20 INTERNATIONAL, NEW ZEALAND TO BEAT AUSTRALIA

Cricket's shortest form always narrows the gap between teams of a differing standard, and this will be the case at the SCG on Sunday when an inexperienced Australia faces New Zealand.

The Black Caps had the better of the locals in the one-dayers at the start of the summer, and have the batting firepower to beat the home side in the Twenty20 format.

While Australia will rest players from the match, New Zealand will want to head home with the taste of victory in their mouths. If Brendon McCullum can play a blinder the Kiwis will win.

Expect odds of around $2.20, which represents great value in a head-to-head contest.

THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE -TWENTY20 INTERNATIONAL, AUSTRALIA TO BEAT NEW ZEALAND

JN: I couldn't disagree more with you on this one Thomo.  I get the feeling you're trying to assume my regular role as devil's advocate here, but I'll be with the punters on this one.

The Kiwis have a woeful record in T20s and have not won under the format against Australia, so the Aussies look good things.

McCullum is a T20 specialist but he's carrying an injury and isn't fit enough to carry the Kiwis to victory for mine.  Back the Aussies with confidence.

 

THE LAY- SUPER 14 - HURRICANES 1.40 TO BEAT THE WARATAHS

Ah, the footy!  After a 'lethargic' summer of cricket, the boots are finally out of the cupboard and the air is in the footy's.

One thing that remains the same though is the NSW Waratahs 'duck egg' in the Super 14 competition.

Is 'this the year' the fans ask? I don't know if they will win the title, but they can come close this weekend.

The $1.40 on offer about the Highlanders is to short against an exciting attacking outfit, and the $3.25 about NSW is big overs.

Lay the Hurricanes at their current quote, because this will be tighter than the market suggests. You can trade at a higher quote later in the match.

 

THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE - BACK THE HURRICANES; LAY THE WARATAHS IN THE S14 WINNERS MARKET

JN: Is that the sound of a parochial New South Welshmen I hear?  The 'Tahs have lost arguably the two best (pr at least, most important) players in Australian rugby - Rocky Elsom and Dan VIckerman - and will surely underperform this season.

You can lay them against the home Hurricanes, and lay them at the ridiculously short $11 backers want in the overall Super 14 winner market.

Good luck and happy punting, one and all!

Betting tips from Mat Thompson and Jake Norton.