Profitable month for Salmons AGAIN!

The Salmon money train keeps on rolling fish fiends, as for the 5th month in a row, followers find themselves in profit. In spite of minimal outlay in recent weeks, the coffers continue to bulge to the tune of +35 points for the year.

This means that had you followed the Salmon to a mere £10 per point stake you would be, on average, £70 in profit every month of 2011!
Consider also, that we have two live bets ahead of this weekend's classics and it is safe to say that Salmon sense would encourage even the most hardened cynic to follow.

Enjoy the sun fellow Salmons and enjoy the weekend's racing.



Profit/Loss Update:

2011 P/L = +35 points (up to 01/06/2011)

May 2011 = +10
Apr 2011 = +3.5
Mar 2011 = +10.87
Feb 2011 = +0.73
Jan 2011 = +11.9

2010 Total P/L = +7.75

No Blues for Salmons even though Gunners don't cop

Rejoice fellow Salmons! An intriguing weekend's footy saw Salmon backers net a tidy 14 points courtesy of Birmingham City's relegation to the second tier.
Followers have every right to feel a little aggrieved that our other main antepost footy selection didn't land, with Arsenal snatching defeat from the jaws of victory by finishing 4th having been in the top 3 all season.

Onwards brothers and sisters, for the Salmon must never retreat. There are a handful of interesting races over the coming days, not least the return of Workforce this evening in the Brigadier Gerard. However, here at Salmon HQ we are happy to take Michael Stoute's word that he may need the run and although we expect the Derby winner to be victorious, we will not be getting involved.

Instead we are focusing on the renewal of the very race that Workforce so emphatically and audaciously won last year.

Amazingly The Derby is only 9 short days away, and we believe we've found the answer in a horse that will be familiar to Salmon fans.

Native Khan was second in The Guineas behind the irrepressible Frankel and at 12-1 looks by far the best option in a field we know relatively little about. Carlton House is a solid favourite but makes no appeal at 6-4, whilst Aiden O'Brien's horses could be anything. The other one that has positive vibes around it is Pour Moi, but with more than double the price on offer about Native Khan, we're happy to take on the French raider too.

Sister race to The Derby, The Investec Oaks, also has a market leader taking a big chunk out, and for some, Blue Bunting would represent reasonable value at 2-1.

We’ve come down on the side of Zain Al Boldan however, who looked mighty impressive last time out and could improve further.

Get your bets on now and you will get Best Odds Guaranteed from Paddy Power, who are joint best priced on both animals as the market stands.

Native Khan (The Derby) 12-1 Paddy Power [1 point e/w 1,2,3 ¼ odds]

Zain Al Boldan (The Oaks) 10-1 Paddy Power [1 point e/w 1,2,3 ¼ odds]

Salmon returns for last day shenanigans!

Followers, it has been a long time and for that fish fiends, I can only apologise.

You will be pleased to hear however, that followers will be on a no lose bet tomorrow as Birmingham City attempt to stave off relegation. Advised at the beginning of the season at 6-1, Blues woeful form has seen them slip perilously close to the zone, and we now must back them to stay up to ensure a profit.

Salmons invested 2 points last year and with Hills now going 6-5 for them to stay up, we have to play the percentage game and back them. Chuck 2 points at them to stay up which will get your pre-season investment back plus some loose change. Of course ideally we want the antepost bet to score, which would land a tasty 14 points.

Elsewhere, our Arsenal bet looks to have run out of puff. It seemed unthinkable two months ago that the Gunners could capitulate and Salmon backers can feel very unlucky about the possibility of not nailing the each-way part of that bet for the Prem title. Third would have paid out.

Our World Snooker bet was also slightly unlucky with Ding just missing out on the final and therefore another bookie-bashing.


Birmingham City to stay up (6-5 William Hill) 2 points


Profit/Loss Update:

2011 P/L = +25 points (up to 20/05/2011)

Apr 2011 = +3.5
Mar 2011 = +10.87
Feb 2011 = +0.73
Jan 2011 = +11.9

2010 Total P/L = +7.75

Reasonable return in National for Salmons

Well, fish fiends a return of 6.5 points from The Grand National is hardly to be sniffed at as State Of Play and Niche Market (28-1 & 16-1) finished 4th and 5th respectively.

This leaves Salmons 29.5 points up for the year

Lack of time means that we will only be putting up suggestions rather than in depth reasoning today.

We'll leave the Scottish National alone as it looks a minefield and concentrate on the snooker.
The World Championship is the highlight of the calendar and looks incredibly open this year. With many of the top players in suspicious form, we have settled on Ding Junhui at 8-1 and Ryan Day at 80-1.

Ding will surely be World Champ at some point and in the easier half of the draw could take advantage, while Ryan Day (who hasn't perhaps become the player that many thought he would a few years ago) looks worth a punt at a huge price.

Ding Junhui (World Snooker C'ship) 1 point e/way [8-1 Bet 365 1/2 odds 1,2]
Ryan Day (World Snooker C'ship) 0.25 e/way [80-1 Totesport 1/2 odds 1,2]

Time to get in a State as antepost refund shows us the way

The eagle has landed Salmons. With the return of our Antepost NRNB stake (Frankie Figg), we plunge straight in to State Of Play who can now be backed at 25-1 NRNB BOG! Not only that, 5 places paid with Bet365. Get onboard.

State Of Play (Grand National) 0.5 points e/w [25-1 Bet 365 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5]

Salmon ready for National!

Well, after an excellent Cheltenham, it was disappointment on two counts for Salmons, with Aston Villa woefully losing their home encounter with Wolves and Enland failing to take The Grand Slam after capitulating in their final Six Nations Rugby match against Ireland.

One ray of hope has been the steady progress of Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup who have delighted Salmon followers by reaching their second consecutive final. Available at 11-10 only now, Salmons who invested half a point on the Sri Lankans at 23-5 will be looking forward to the final this weekend.

Turning our attention back to Racing, The Lincoln looks it's usual minefield and despite running throught the stats and attempting to find something, the best we could do was the recently (and heavily) backed favourite - Taqleed, so we're going to avoid a punt and enjoy the race.

One race we won't be avoiding having a tickle at is the Grand National. Our Antepost tip has failed to make the line up, but second choice in our Antepost preview (see Tuesday 15th Feb), a horse called Frankie Figg is still in. Bet 365 offer Best Odds, Non-Runner No Bet AND 5 places, so we're going to put a little on this front running type at a staggering 80-1.

Of our other highlighted horses, both Big Fella Thanks and Niche Market are steady in the market and although they are available at 16s with other firms, Bet365 is the place to bet these animals at 14s with the 5 places paid.

2.5 points invested then in the sequence below. However if you are a fan of State Of Play, we are still keen. We are hoping to find 25-1 with one of the firms paying 5 places, so hold fire on that one for now and let's bask in the fact that Salmons are still 23.5 points up for the year.

Big Fella Thanks (Grand N'nal) 0.5 points e/way [14-1 Bet365 1/4 odds 1,2,3,45]
Niche Market (Grand National) 0.5 points e/way [14-1 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5]
Frankie Figg (Grand National) 0.25 points e/way [80-1 Bet 365 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5]

Profit/Loss Update:

2011 P/L = +23.5 points (up to 30/03/2011)

Mar 2011 = +10.87
Feb 2011 = +0.73
Jan 2011 = +11.9

2010 Total P/L = +7.75

Super Salmon laughing all the way to the bank!

Followers, desist with your applause! Salmons were cock-a-hoop yesterday with two winners and a second. Had Baby Run got over the penultimate fence we may have been celebrating a hat trick!

However +8.88 points for the day or +16.25 for the festival.

Let's use up 2.88 points on Villa to beat Wolves today. The Villans may be patchy at best, but at prices like 10-11 to beat Wolves, have to be backed.


Aston Villa to beat Wolves (2.88 points win) 10-11 Bet365

Cheltenham Day Four

Well, a reasonable return from day three of 5.44 points from 4.5 staked. Steady! This leaves us with +25.44 points for the year so far.

Friday looks even more difficult than ever, but surprisingly we have plenty to tuck into punt-wise.

There is only one place to start and that is the Gold Cup. Defending champion Imperial Commander heads the betting, followed by King George hero Long Run. Then we find Denman and Kauto Star locked together next in the market. Of those four the only one that makes any appeal is Long Run. The three former winners will have to defy age related stats to get one of there heads in front, and I think are all past there best. I'd love to see Kauto win, but fear he is a mere shadow of the horse that became the first to regain this prize in 2009. Of the three, Denman would be my pick, but I think it's time for a new champ.

It will dismay followers to know that I just can't put my finger on why I don't fancy Long Run. He just doesn't appeal and I think Kempes could be the one to be with. AP is onboard, he won a Grade 1 last time out and could be value at 11-1.

The Triumph Hurdle is the day's opener and Salmon's are advised to join us with a couple of shillings on Zarkander. Extremely impressive at Kempton, 7-1 looks a grand price with improvement expected to come.

The Vincent O'Brien is next and it could pay to tickle Get Me Out Of Here who is better than the bare form suggests. Meanwhile our namesake Bob's Worth has had recent form franked and should take all the beating in the Albert Bartlett.

Baby Run won the Foxhunter Chase last year and after two fine winning performances this season I can't see a reason to oppose, whilst in the final race of the festival, Oh Crick is fancied to continue his gradual rejuvenation and go close.

Monster punt! Six of the seven races with suggestions, something the Salmon does not usually do! For this reason, staking suggestions are kept small, and leave us +7.37 points for the festival whatever happens.

Enjoy the day!


Kempes (3:20 Cheltenham) 11-1 Bet365 1/4 odds 1,2,3 [1 point e/way]
Zarkandar (1:30 C'ham) 7-1 Bet365 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4 [0.5 points e/way]
Get Me Out Of Here (2:05 C'ham) 16-1 Paddy Power 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5 [0.25 points e/way]
Bob's Worth (2:40 C'ham) 7-2 William Hill 0.5 points win
Baby Run (4:00 C'ham) 7-2 Paddy Power 0.5 points win
Oh Crick (5:15 C'ham) 10-1 Coral 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4 [0.47 points e/way]

Cheltenham Day Three

A hugely disappointing run form Time For Rupert scuppered our mini each way double yesterday, but Sizing Europe was soon on hand to push Salmon followers toa timely tonic of 14.5 points.

Another great dyas racing ahead with the Ryanair Chase and the World Hurdle the highlights.

Unfortunately due to technical problems at Salmon Heights, a late post means we have scant time in which to justify todays selections.

Kalahari King has been my idea of a Ryanair winner for a while (wish I'd got on at 25s) and at 5-1 with Bet365 looks an absolute each way bet to nothing.

We all love a fairytale and no-one would begrudge Big Bucks a third World Hurdle, but at the prices (4-1 Bet365) Grand Crus must be backed. Other firms have him as short as 9-4 and again this looks like a solid each way player.

Kalahari King (2:40 C'ham) 1.25 points e/way [5-1 Bet365] 1/4 odds 1,2,3
Grand Crus (3:20 Cheltenham) 1 point e/way [4-1 Bet365] 1/4 odds 1,2,3

Cheltenham Day Two

A disappointing return of just 3.42 points for 3.63 staked means a slight loss for the Salmon on day one.

Day two looks deceptively tricky and as such probably a day to punt with caution. The first race is a 4 mile lottery which we won't get involved with. The highlight of the day at 3:20 is The Queen Mother Champion Chase. My selection for this race is not one of the big two heading the market, but Sizing Europe. Last years Arkle winner has been steady rather than stunning since, but will carry my colours for one simple reason. The last TWELVE Arkle winners who returned the following season to compete in this race ALL finished in the first 3, five of which were winners. No further explanation required, as, with his price thrice that of Big Zeb or Master Minded he is the race value surely.

In the previous two races (The Neptune and The RSA Chase) I'm afraid I'm with both favourites, so we'll just have our loose change as a 0.21 point each way double on So Young and Time For Rupert, to keep us interested.

Sizing Europe (3:20 Cheltenham) 1 point e/way [9-1 Sportingbet 1/4 odds 1,2,3]
So Young & Time For Rupert ( 2:05 & 2:40 Cheltenham)
0.21 e/way double [3-1 & 5-2 Totesport both 1/4 odds 1,2,3]

Cheltenham Day One

Devastating news broke on Sunday morning that Binocular would not be returning to Cheltenham to defend his Champion Hurdle crown. Nicky Henderson does not seem to have managed the situation very well, but surprisingly a number of bookies have. If you backed Binocular antepost, do check with your bookie - many are returning stakes.
Unfortunately, Salmon followers took a Betfair price and now feel rather green about the gills. It seemed inconceivable that Binocular would not run just a month ago....

Anyhow, on to a spectacular first day's racing at Cheltenham. The big race of the day is The Champion Hurdle, but as our antepost selection no longer runs, we are going to sit back and enjoy the race without a betting suggestion. For the record I would take Menorah or Mille Chief, but do not think there is sufficient value in what could be a hugely open race.

The banker of the day (and possibly of the festival) looks to be Quevega in the mares race. We're always hesitant to tuck in to short prices, but Sportingbets 11-10 looks very reasonable indeed. With 2011 profit/loss at +12.63 points, we'll use up some loose change with 1.63 points on the nose.

The race I'm most interested in is the curtain raiser - The Supreme Novices. Short priced favourites have been beaten in the last two renewals of this contest, and although Cue Card is a worthy favourite, I'd like to take him on with forgotten horse Zaidpour. This animal has undoubted class and were it not for a couple of below par runs (both of which were slightly unfortunate) I would expect the price to be half the size. 0.5 points e/w could prove just the tonic. I would usually suggest backing with Bet365 as they pay out on fourth, but Paddy Power will return the win part of your bet if Cue Card does take it and for that reason will chance only the first 3 places.

The Arkle betting does not look to have an awful lot of value, but I really like Medermit for this, so will take a small plunge at the widely available 3-1.

Finally, in the Cross Country Chase, I have to have a little sentimental bit on L'Ami. We all know that Enda Bolger knows how to win these races and I would love to see L'Ami get the better of rival and stablemate Garde Champetre.

Quevega (4:40 Cheltenham) 11-10 Sportingbet [1.63 points win]
Zaidpour (1:30 Cheltenham) 10-1 Paddy Power [0.5 points e/way 1/4 odds 1,2,3,]
Medermit (2:05 Cheltenham) 3-1 Bet 365 [0.5 points win]
L'Ami (4:00 Cheltenham) 7-1 Sportingbet [0.25 points e/way 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4]

Last Minute Racing Post Chase Tip!

Errors abound at Salmonland today, thus the late tip. We're are looking at the Racing Post Chase, for which Fistral Beach was the original tip before postponement of the race. However with different ground now and 16 runners, we offer two against the field. Somewhat predictably these are last year's first and second. Nacarat can still be backed at 13-2 which looks great value considering he's finished first and second in the last two renewals of this race and is " pounds lower in the handicap than last year.
Razor Royale will like the fact that it's rained overnight and although not looking in the best of form lately, knows how to win this race and probably should be backed to a small stake as a saver.

Nacarat (3:00 Kempton) 13-2 Sportingbet [1 point each-way 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4]
Razor Royale 93:00 Kempton) 11-1 Bet365 [0.25 each-way 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4]

Patriotic Punt Is Passport To Profit

An arena we haven't dipped into yet this year is The RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship.

At the beginning of the tournament, it looked impossible to predict, but with two rounds of games down, I am very keen on England. The French travel to Twickers on Saturday and bookies make England odds on shots. If England play like they did against Wales and Italy, they should sweep by France who are unpredictable if occasionally brilliant.

If you do fancy England but want a bit of value, try a bit on England to win the Grand Slam. It seems unlikely that Scotland will present much of a difficulty, so assuming England beat France, their is only a trip to Ireland to worry about. At 9-5 with Paddy Power this looks the call.

England to win 6 Nations Grand Slam (9-5 Paddy Power) 1 point win

Steady Progress For Salmons

1 from 2 of our Saturday racing suggestions come in, yielding profit again for Salmon backers.

Unfortunately in spite of all the talk at Salmon Towers this afternoon about West Ham being a must-bet this evening, we failed to get on or advise, so can't add to our profits further.

In the mean time, let's just remind everyone of the open bets that Salmon followers are already on.

Sri Lanka to win ICC World Cup (23-5 Betfair) 0.5 points win
Mobaasher (Grand National) 50-1 Bet365 [1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5] 0.15 points e/way
Aston Villa (Top 6 finish) 20/1 Stan James [0.5 point win]
Binocular (Champion Hurdle Antepost) 100-30 Coral [1.2 points win]

Arsenal (Premiership Title) 6-1 Paddy Power [4points each-way 1/5 1,2,3]

Birmingham City (Prem Relegation) 6-1 Ladbrokes [2points]

Frank Lampard (Top Scorer) 28-1 Sportingbet [1point each-way 1/4 1,2,3,4]

Don't forget that these bets are from between now and post one, a time during which the Salmon has raked in total profit/loss of +21.25 points. This means that by following the Salmon to a £20 per point stake, your profit would be £425!

More To Come From Salmon!

Well, fish friends, a second and third from our Friday selections, but neither of those are much good when backing to win in 6 runner contests! So, nothing to return from our small wagers today.

Whilst it would be unfair to suggest that here at Salmon base we have an extensive knowledge of One Day Cricket, it would appear from research that a small bet on Sri Lanka (joint hosts of the tournament) could be worthwhile in the ICC World Cup. Sri Lanka are the only team to have won it when hosting (in 1996 when shared with India and Pakistan) and look to have an relatively simple path to the semis at least. Betfair offer just over 9-2 and a half point dabble will keep us interested until the business end of the tournament.

Sri Lanka to win ICC World Cup (23-5 Betfair) 0.5 points win

We are offering only one horse tip this weekend, in addition to the week's earlier suggestion - Mobaasher (3:20 Haydock), and that is Riverside Theatre in The Ascot Chase. Clearly the one to beat on known form, Salmon sense tells us that he will have enough to see off the progressive Pride Of Dulcote and the rejuvenated Tartak.

Riverside Theatre [3:00 Ascot] 7-4 Bet365 (2 points win)

Salmon Only Prepared To Tickle Friday Card

Friday's rearranged Newbury card throws up some very interesting races for fans of the hoof, but from a punting perspective looks sticky to say the least.

The big race of the day is The Totesport Trophy (1:50). But this looks impossible to call, with no fewer than half the field presenting viable each way options. Since this time last week Salmons have been scratching their heads considering Walkon, Soldatino, Get Me Out Of Here, Notus De La Tour and The Betchworth Kid for punting purposes. Unfortunately with little over 12 hours to go we find ourselves no closer to the winner, and therefore can only advise a watching brief.

1:50 Newbury - NO BET

As a token, we'll take Fair Along in the Aon and Tchicos Polos in the Game Spirit, but would advise only very circumspect bets at 4-1 and 100-30 respectively, particularly as the small fields render each way bets unattractive.

12:45 Newbury - Fair Along (4-1 Paddy Power) 0.25 points win
1:15 Newbury - Tchico Polos (100-30 Paddy Power) 0.25 points win

National Weights Inspire Salmon Punt

Excitement and trepidation abounds as the weights for the 2011 Grand National have been announced this morning. With that in mind, here is a very brief outline of Salmon thoughts at present.

Last year's winner Don't Push It seems an obvious place to start and looks like he could be fairly treated only 4 pounds higher for his efforts, although no horse has won back to back Nationals since...Red Rum. A hard task to follow certainly, but the 20/1 available may catch some eyes.

Other animals with strong form in the great race (Big Fella Thanks and State Of Play) also have to enter calculations at this stage, the former priced at 20/1 and the latter at 25s - a price that may well be shorter on the day given his two placed efforts in recent years.

Paul Nicholls has never won The World's Greatest Horserace and he saddles Niche Market (as well as Big Fella Thanks) who looks every inch a National horse and is available at 16/1.

Elsewhere, Synchronised and Notre Pere have both won Welsh Nationals so ought to have some sort of look in.

In spite of all this, the temptation is to look for more of a price at this stage and the two that have the Salmon's gills a-twitching are Frankie Figg and Mobaasher.

Frankie Figg is available at 66/1 and whilst we would like to know for certain that a run was on the cards (and that he stays a trip like this), the raw talent is there for the keen front-runner.

Mobaasher on the other hand is engaged at the Grand National Trial this weekend (where he is installed as 8/1 second fav) and is an animal who is showing more solid form of late. Bearing in mind that West End Rocker, favourite for the aforementioned race at Haydock on Saturday, is priced as short as 20/1 for the big one, the 50s with Bet365 (Best Odds Guaranteed) about Mobaasher come April could look silly.

His price will tumble if he wins on Saturday and for that reason I suggest a small each way go on Mobaasher in both races. True, if he flops at the weekend, he may not make it to the National, but as far as antepost bets go, there must be worse looking options. Get on both races with Bet365 antepost and use up the loose change from last months winnings!

Mobaasher (Grand National Trial) 8-1 Bet365 [1/4 odds 1,2,3,4] 0.3 points e/way

Mobaasher (Grand National) 50-1 Bet365 [1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5] 0.15 points e/way

Super Salmon On Top!

What a month it has been for Salmon followers! In spite of the weekend's racing only returning 0.15 points (and that, a non-runner!), things looked much rosier Down Under, where Salmon suggestions Clijsters and Murray raked in a tasty 10.75 points.

As we have reached the end of the month, let's take a look at current profit and loss.

Total Profit /Loss = +19.65 points

2011 Profit/Loss = +11.9 points (up to 31/01/11)

2010 Profit/Loss = +7.75 points

As you can see, the stats are conclusive...you simply cannot afford NOT to back the Salmon!!! If you were following Salmon suggestions during January to the tune of just £1 per point, you would have staked £20 and returned £31.90

Midweek outlook good for Salmons

Another footie winner for the Salmon, taking this season's football tips to 3 from 4, and leaving followers 9.8 points in profit since post 1.

In addition, we have tips in both the Men's and Women's Australian Open semis, 3 football bets which are strong runners for profit come May and an antepost Cheltenham fancy all waiting in the wings.
Look out for next week's early post for more on these bets and a round up of profit/loss so far.

The Salmon strays from the farm this weekend, so an early look at the weekend's racing is required. One horse I will be keeping an eye on is Mobaasher who will either run in the Cleeve Hurdle or the Skybet Chase. However I will not be advising parting with any readies until we know more information about this tricky character who could be worth backing at a price. More to follow there.

For now we're going to throw caution to the wind and have a teeny little patent on Saturday's big races. I could go in to why each of these animals are selected, but between now and Saturday afternoon, you can probably find that out for yourself, so for what it's worth here are the selections.

Cleeve Hurdle - Bensalem (7/2 VC)
Argento Chase - Punchestowns (11/4 VC)
Skybet Chase - Fistral Beach (11/2 Coral)

The prices given are the current best odds and all these bookies offer best odds guaranteed. However, for the trio, Bet365 offer the overall bigger payout as well as best odds guaranteed, so take the prices with our favourite online bookie and have a go.


Bensalem, Punchestowns, Fistral Beach (7/2 5/2 5/1 Bet365) 0.15 point patent [total stake = 1.05 points]

Salmon looking to leap forward.

It's a humble Tuesday evening Salmons, but let not the dullest of days dampen the possibility of a couple of small but good looking investments.

Salmon followers are already on Andy Murray in the Men's Australian Open, and so far he looks in super form. Let's switch to the Women's draw now and get behind Kim Clijsters, who looks an absolute shoo in. She was available at 6/4 a few days ago and amazingly can still be backed at prices just short of that figure. She should have no trouble seeing off Radwanska in the semis, and on doing so is likely to be odds on for the final. She has to be backed at 5/4 to win outright.

As keen Villa fans at Salmon HQ, the sight of Darren Bent netting on his debut on Saturday evening was precisely the tonic required to revitalise our interest in the Premier League season. The Villans can be backed at 13/10 to continue their recent better form by putting a weak Latics side to the sword this evening. OK, Villa aren't the best away from home and have shipped plenty of goals this season, but they always create chances and against a Wigan team that have been whipping boys this season, I see no reason not to back Aston Villa to win.

On the subject of Villa, I couldn't help but flick through the end of season markets to see if there was any value in backing the Claret n Blues for a sudden upturn in fortunes. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that they can be backed with Stan James at a staggering 20/1 to finish in the top 6. They have work to do, but with current sixth place residents Sunderland having a very tricky run in and other challengers looking inconsistent at best, it could be worth chancing Houllier to come good and lead Villa to their fourth consecutive 6th place finish. On Betfair, they are half the price SJ are offering and a token shrapnel bet could prove to be more than just fun.

Kim Clijsters (Women's Australian Open) 5/4 Bet365 [2 points win]
Aston Villa (to beat Wigan) 13/10 Bet365 [1 point win]
Aston Villa (Top 6 finish) 20/1 Stan James [0.5 point win]

Citizens and Wanderers provide midweek tonic for Salmon!

Another winner for followers and a total profit since post one of +12.2 points.

At Salmon HQ, antepost Cheltenham bets are something of a rare commodity, but after last night's winning double and a quick revision of the Cheltenham odds, something stands out. Binocular, who was so impressive at the weekend is still available at 100-30 for the Champion Hurdle! This looks a huge price with Coral especially as numerous other large bookmakers offer only 5-2. Indeed, the simple fact that Hills offer second best price of 3-1 suggests that Coral are out on a limb here.

Chief rival in the betting market - Hurricane Fly, races this weekend, as does Solwhit, and as such, an impressive or unimpressive performance could turn the market on it's head. However, I would not put anyone off having a small dabble on the reigning champ. It seems certain that Binocular will run barring any major mishaps, and I don't think the price will lengthen dramatically between now and the festival. Let's throw some of last night's profit at the Bins and look forward to March!

Binocular (Champion Hurdle Antepost) 100-30 Coral [1.2 points win]

Time To Back Big Boys...

Regular Salmon viewers will be aware that our coffers stand at +10 points at the moment and therefore, let's try to sneak a bit more with a startlingly obvious footy double. We all love the romance of the Cup, but I think Man City and Wolves are as nailed on as you can get to win tonight's two FA Cup ties. City will change their team from Saturday's victory over Wolves, but still have far to much class for the plucky Foxes. Wolves on the other hand put up a great show at Eastlands at the weekend and assuming they don't show signs of fatigue, should overcome Doncaster Rovers. It is always tempting fate to say that a bet looks watertight, but with a Salmon record on footy doubles 1 from 2 so far this season, you should be in good hands.

Anything over evens looks tempting, and Coral offer a smidgen over 11/10 which looks too good an opportunity to double our money.

Man City & Wolves to win in 90 minutes (11-10 Coral) 2points win double

End of an era as Kauto misses out...

In spite of speculation of Kauto Star's retirement after he failed to notch a fifth successive King George on Saturday, Paul Nicholls insists that the horse will run in this year's Gold Cup.

It seems unlikely that he could re-rally and win it for a third time, most bookmakers go 10-1 for the ten year old to recapture his greatest form.

So, Salmon backers lose a little on the great horse, but have a cracking chance to get some back with a little patriotic punt on a certain grumpy Scot in the Australian Tennis Open.

As with most majors, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominate the betting market, and thus offer little in the way of betting value. Murray made the final last year, only to be outplayed by a rampant Federer, but there is no reason to suggest he can't at least repeat that feat. Ok, Nadal is looking to become the first man since Rod Laver to hold all Grand Slam titles at once, but I believe there is a little doubt over his fitness presently and could not back him at 2-1. Federer is the likely winner, and 7-4 looks like a realistic price, but not one to get excited about. Andy Murray is available at 8-1 with Paddy Power and with each way terms of 1/2 odds for reaching the final, looks the bet.

With Salmon followers at a total profit of 12.5 points at the moment, let's throw 1.25 points e/way at him.

Andy Murray (Australian Open) 1.25 points e/w [8-1 Paddy Power 1/2 odds 1,2]

Misfiring Rocket Brings Salmon Down To Earth

Oh dear followers.

O'Sullivan tumbles out of the Masters at the first hurdle in a match that was by no means vintage for players of Ronnie and Mark Allen's talent. The Rocket looked to have got on top with the scores at 4 apiece, but some wayward pots let the Northern Irishman in to put the mockers on our latest investment.

In further frustrations for Salmons, a lack of internet access procluded fish fiends getting on Blackpool draw-no-bet which was to be last night's tip. Nevermind...onwards. A great weekend ahead, watch this space for more suggestions and hopefully a return to winning ways.

Wolfie Roars To Success For Salmon!

Well folks, it's another successful tip from the Salmon, as the veteran Martin Adams takes home the BDO Darts World Crown to net a tidy +14.5 points.

Looking at this week's sporting action, it's difficult not to fancy a small dabble in the Masters Snooker.

One the one hand the fact that only the elite get to play in the competition would suggest that the event would be hard to call. However, when you bare in mind the fact that Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby have won the last four renewals between them and Ronnie has been in 6 of the last 7 finals, an unavoidable assumption is made...Ronnie should be on the premises. With Selby already out, I was stunned to see some 4/1 still available last night about the Rocket. Sadly, his price has contracted to 3/1 , but with Bet365 (amongst others) offering 1/2 odds on reaching the final, you'd have to think it's an each way bet to nothing.

It chills me to the gills to put up the Rocket, especially as the price has shortened and he is the favourite, but I just can't see past him and reckon there's still value.

Let's not get carried away though, whilst O'Sullivan has shown some scintillating form of late, he does occasionally blow up and for that reason let's keep stakes small.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Masters Snooker) 3/1 Bet365 [1 point each way 1/2 odds 1,2]

Deliberate Mistake!

Eagle eyed Salmons will have noticed that the footy tip given just moments ago, should have stated that Blackpool face Birmingham tomorrow and Arsenal face Man City on Wednesday...OOPS!

Happy New Year To All Salmons

Apologies fish fans, it has been a long time since the Salmon has been seen in action. Find solace in the fact that had you followed Salmon tips in 2010 you would find yourself +7.75 points from the handful of suggestions given, whilst still having live bets on Arsenal to win the Prem and Birmingham City to be relegated.

With these stats in mind, lets play up our profit now, before the new year starts in earnest.

If you fancy a dabble in the Prem footy over the next couple of days, you could do a lot worse than backing Blackpool to beat Birmingham tonight and Arsenal to beat Man City tomorrow (7/5 and 10/11 with Paddy Power respectively). Birmingham have been appalling away this season and have not won at Bloomfield Road in 50 years, Blackpool on the other hand have not played at home for over a month and have won 7 of the 9 games they have taken the lead in. I fancy them to score early and see out the victory. The other game looks harder to call, but I can't understand why Arsenal aren't a little shorter. Yes, City are good away from home, but can Mancini's men step up to this difficult task knowing that the gunners knobbled them 3-0 at Eastlands in October? I don't think so, and thus suggest a small double.

Thankfully we have not got involved with the PDC Darts World Championship as it has proved as predictable as a bucket of soapy frogs. Let's focus on the BDO Championship which continues live on the BBC from the Lakeside.

The first round has seen the departure of solid Lakeside performer Daryl Fitton and former champ Ted 'The Count' Hankey. This leaves only two former winners in the draw. They face each other and I think Martin 'Wolfie' Adams can overcome John Walton in round two and go on to success. He can be backed at 7/2 and is, to my mind, in the easier half of the draw. Stan James offer half odds to reach the final, and this looks a bet to nothing at least. Go each way on the England captain, who with his experience, should be shorter than main market rival Scott Waites.

Elsewhere, I am cock-a-hoop with excitement and anticipation. Why you ask? Well Kempton's King George VI Chase (usually held on Boxing Day) is to be run on 15th January after being defeated by the Christmas weather. I always hesitate to back odds-on shots, but with the great Kauto Star in the line up attempting to win it for an inconceivable fifth time you have to be on. Back him with William Hill who guarantee best odds and best industry price up until the beginning of the race.

Blackpool & Arsenal [0.75 point double] 3.58/1 Paddy Power

Martin Adams (BDO World Darts) 7/2 Stan James [2 points each way 1,2]

Kauto Star (King George) 5/6 William Hill [3 points win]