Punter’s week: Brag, Byrd and Grand National bankers

Tim Richards
February 22, 2010
2 Comments
Put the champagne on ice, love

Put the champagne on ice, love

So, a late filing this week because of a trip to Wales (which over ran, because of a stomach bug) to pick up two 60’s lampshades. How my life will improve. Light and shade. And I left my scarf behind – Fred Perry it was.

But at least we all know where we are regarding this week’s golf i.e. not drinking Cristal from the silk lining of Eva Mendes’ unpadded bra – no, instead I’m drinking instant coffee from a lovely chipped mug. Yep, the weekend is over – long live next weekend.

In the World Matchplay, my picks of Paul Casey, Jeev Mikha Singh, Charl Schwartzel and Stewart Cink all gave good accounts (i.e. didn’t win). Casey, obviously came closest – but Wales being Wales and with no internet connection, I’m afraid I didn’t trade anything back on Betfair. Schoolboy error. Open and shut Casey. But Ian Poulter winning? In hindsight was that obvious? I don’t know, maybe I need more hindsight. My, oh my. And Beckman? FFS. Backed him two weeks ago. I could kill Posh Spice.

Anyway, the weights are out for the Grand National. And Tricky Trickster is looking like a fine chance for Paul Nichols to finally pop his National cherry. You can still get 12/1 if you do some serious shopping – so a good chance to involve the wife…

There are three former Grand National winners in this year’s race. Mon Mome, who sprang a 100/1 shock last year, is the highest-weighted on 11st7lb. He carried 11st to victory in 2009. Comply Or Die, who won the 2008 National off 10st9lb, has been allotted 11st5lb this year, 1lb less than he carried when finishing second to Mon Mome last season. Silver Birch, who carried 10st6lb to victory in 2007, has been given 10st5lb this year. I’m still going to stick with Big Fella Thanks (10st12lbs), but I think a saver on Black Apalachi (11st6lb) at around 16s and – if he gets in – Our Vic at 66s is worthy of a few bob.

Anyway, as mentioned last week, I lost a few quid at brag with some ‘mates’. There was a time when playing cards for cash in the back of a pub was common. But, as has happened with the trilby, the noble game of brag + lager + chain smoking in the darkest corner has for some reason vanished. Extinctified. I think a campaign to bring back this neglected sport should be started. Maybe by Gordon Brown… could work. Brag is the British version of poker. E.g. simplified for when you have had too many lagers. Three card brag is the common game – basically three cards each, dealt face down, bet blind for a while, then look, then bet for a while longer, then lose. Tis a game for commoners and kings alike.

Bad week this past week – so no mention of the ridiculous picks, but I have added an ante-post double to my portfolio in the shape of Peddlers Cross in the Neptune and Shinrock Paddy in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham – all based on a moany letter in Sunday’s Racing Post (about a chap that was knocked back in a Hill’s shop for a lumpy each-way on Peddlers Cross). This has to be sign – of desperation. So, get on, get off and get it back. Here’s to next week – I’ve just been put on to Jonathan Byrd by Jonny the Rascal. Have it. Jonny is red hot. He backed Ben Crane at 130s two weeks ago and came close with Paul Goydos before he got Pebble Beached at the 14th.

Running total after Week 5: £-340

Added to the ante-post portfolio bets:
Our Vic – Grand National 66/1
Black Apalachi – Grand National 16/1
Peddlars Cross – Neptune Novices 12/1

Already advised bets:
Horseracing
Go Native – Champion Hurdle 8/1
Long Run – RSA 6/1
Twist Magic – Champion Chase 12/1
Captain Cee Bee – The Arkle 8/1
Poquelin – Ryanair Chase 6/1
Kauto Star – Gold Cup 11/8
Shinrock Paddy – Albert Bartlett Novices 12/1
Whiteoak – David Nicholson Mares 12/1
Grand National – Big Fella Thanks 20/1

Co-ordinated Cut – The Derby 33/1
Twice Over – Dubai World Cup 7/1 – Come on Henry.

Football
Chelsea – Premier League 6/4
Bordeaux – Champions League 33/1
Barcelona – Champions League 3/1
Cardiff – Championship 25/1
Aston Villa – FA Cup 9/1
Lionel Messi – Champions League Topscorer 9/1
Didier Drogba – Premier League Top Scorer 6/1
Torres – Top World Cup Scorer 12/1

Snooker
Ding Junhui – World Championship 12/1
Stephen Maguire – World Championship 14/1

To read Week 4′s entry click here.

If you have any further information related to this story that you would like to share with us privately please click here.

Can't get enough CalvinAyre.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, then you'll never miss out on the latest gaming industry news.

Share
Tags: Article, football, Horse Racing, Snooker, The punter's week
Views and opinions expressed are those of the Author and do not necessarily reflect those of CalvinAyre.com