Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sports World |
- Binocular to take the high road for Cheltenham prep race
- Mickelson back in the groove
- Is this going to be the Bruins' year again?
- New York Giants "Couldn't be in better shape"
| Binocular to take the high road for Cheltenham prep race Posted: 16 Feb 2012 07:40 AM PST The 2010 Stan James Champion Hurdle winner Binocular looks set to make the long journey north to Scotland for the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on February 15 as the cold weather forces his trainer Nicky Henderson to look far and wide in search of opportunities to give his various Cheltenham Festival candidates a final outing before the showcase meeting that begins on March 13, writes Elliot Slater. Binocular had been expected to have his final outing before attempting to regain his hurdling crown in his traditional warm-up race at Sandown in early February, where the Contenders Hurdle has proved a happy hunting ground for the gelded son of Enrique who has landed the contest for the previous two seasons. The wintry weather scuppered that fixture though, and with stable companion Grandouet set to take his chance at Wincanton in the Kingwell Hurdle, Binocular will very likely head up to Kelso in a race that is often used as a key Champion Hurdle trial. Those looking at a Victor Chandler review need to bear this in mind. Henderson has had runners in the race before and famously came unstuck when his Zaynar, (who went on to finish third to Binocular at Cheltenham three weeks later), was sensationally beaten at odd of 1/14 by Nicky Richards' Quwetwo. The Seven Barrows handler will be hoping that lightening doesn't strike twice and reports Binocular to be in good shape as he prepares the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old to take on the awesome Hurricane Fly in what is building up to be a fine renewal of the two-mile hurdling championship event. Fans of Bwin should pay close attention. Bookmakers rate Binocular a top priced 10/1 chance to repeat his 2010 Cheltenham success where he got the better of Khyber Kim in a thrilling finish, but Hurricane Fly continues to dominate the ante-post market for the race following his imperious win in Ireland recently and is no bigger than 5/6 to retain his title.  |
| Posted: 16 Feb 2012 03:27 AM PST Phil Mickelson overcame an erratic start to the 2012 season to win the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and claim his first tournament victory since last April. The four-time major winner overhauled overnight leader Charlie Wi with a stunning eight-under-par 64 to win by two shots and put a slow start to the year behind him. The 41-year-old began his season at the Humana Challenge and finished a disappointing 49th place. He followed that with rounds of 77 and 68 at the Farmers Insurance Open and appeared to be struggling with his game. Those looking at the latest online US Open golf betting should remember this. Despite his early struggles, the former world number one wasn't concerned with his form and was delighted to win his 40th tour title at a "special place". Mickelson said: "I felt like my game was so close heading into the season, and yet my scores didn't reflect how I felt I was playing. "To put it together this week, especially the final round, just feels terrific. It gives me a lot of confidence but also inspires me because I believe what I'm doing is correct and that I'm able to play some of my best golf." Mickelson will no doubt have his sights set on another major title this year. For a man of his talent and experience, four victories is a modest return. He clearly enjoys playing at the Masters – having claimed the Green Jacket three times, most recently at the event two years ago at Augusta. His only other success came at the PGA Championship in 2005. Mickelson finished joint second at last year's Open Championship and has come up just short at the US Open five times in his career. He will no doubt be targeting a maiden victory at those tournaments in 2012.  |
| Is this going to be the Bruins' year again? Posted: 16 Feb 2012 01:23 AM PST This season, the Boston Bruins havecertainly not been playing at the sublime level they managed to achievelast year, despite the fact that they are sitting pretty at the top ofthe North-East division, holding off a recently resurgent Ottawa Senatorsside in the process, but they are nonetheless proving themselves to be ateam not to be messed with on the ice when it comes to the crucialplay-off period. During this period it is hard to look past them as one of the better NHL betting tips. The Bruins may not have made it to the play-offs just yet, but theyhave plenty on their side to suggest it'll become a reality; the Bruins notonly have the experience of winning the tournament last year, but alsoknow that the fans remain faithful in their confidence in the players, even ifsome sections of the Canadian press have their doubts. With the regular season now entering its crucial phase, and fans ofall the NHL franchises knowing they have at least a small chance of takingin some play-off action, and all the excitement that brings to hockey citiesacross the nation, there's no doubting the fact that the NHL needs lastseason's Champions to up their game by proving they can dominate foryears, rather than the single season, perhaps in the style of the oncemajestic and unbeatable Red Wings; formerly one of the better NHL picks. However, if Boston upset the odds and crash and burn before they hit thetop gear we all know they're capable of hitting, we'll all just be leftscratching our heads wondering where, and why, they went so badly wrong thisseason, and how they'll begin the rebuilding process from there.  |
| New York Giants "Couldn't be in better shape" Posted: 16 Feb 2012 01:17 AM PST Tom Coughlin beamed with satisfaction at the end of a secondstraight day of practice and said his New York Giants players could not be inbetter shape to face New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee)came through what the franchise described as a limited 88-minute session on theUniversity of Indianapolis' FieldTurf indoor practice field. Perhaps most encouraging for Coughlin was confirmation that cornerback CoreyWebster (hamstring), wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder) andspecial-teamer/linebacker Jacquian Williams (foot), who were all restricted onWednesday, came through the latest itinerary. All of these updates will prove of interest to those engaging in NFL bets. In the final two first-unit offensive possessions of the day, quarterback EliManning also completed 10 of 11 throws and looked sharp; an good sign for those partaking in football betting. The 31-year-old, now in his eighth season and winner of the MVP award in 2008when New York recorded a shock Super Bowl XLII victory over thepreviously-unbeaten Patriots, completed 4,933 yards during the regular season. New York head coach Coughlin said: "We did fine. The energy level, theenthusiasm, the excitement is all there, as it should be, as it wasyesterday." He added: "They're really excited to practice for the game. I thinkthey've done very well. This was a good day of preparation." Coughlin also revealed the Giants would not be switching hotels to avoid theSuper Bowl XLVI frenzy on the eve of the showpiece in Indianapolis. New York, who were located away from downtown Phoenix four years ago, are onlya short walk from Lucas Oil Stadium and Coughlin revealed the franchise had nodesire to switch venues.  |
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