This weekend’s Scoop6 could be life-changing for some lucky punters, as they are playing for a win fund of at least £378,889 that has rolled over. The bonus fund currently stands at a handsome £162,381, and both are likely to swell in size before the 1:55 at Newmarket. That means that a single winner of the Scoop6 tomorrow could be taking home a prize in the region of £750,000!

You can play the bet for as little as £2. To do it online simply open an account with Totesport.

To be in with a shout of winning the bounty, you simply have to pick the winners from the following six races:

1.55 Newmarket (I fancy Dalradian in this one) 

2.15 Goodwood

3.05 Newmarket

3.25 Goodwood

3.30 Thirsk

3.40 Newmarket (Amour Propre would be my bet in this race)

Best of luck, and to help you solve the 2000 Guineas Stakes at 3.05pm we’ve already provided a couple of tips.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing horse racing betting odds.

Last weekend the flat racing season picked up with the impressive reappearance of Paco Boy at Sandown Park, but there are plenty of punters like myself who prefer to hold back until the Stan James Guineas weekend at Newmarket. The first two classics of the season should throw up plenty of pointers to the season ahead, and many flat racing fans will want to know just how good St Nicholas Abbey really is.

Sea The Stars won the 2000 Guineas cosily at odds of 8/1 last year for John Oxx, but perhaps it is unwise to expect another superstar to emerge this season.

Superstar or no superstar, there is still a winner to be found amongst this bunch of colts.

5/4 St Nicholas Abbey

This son of Montjeu has been the subject of much speculation over the winter, and plenty of punters are already on St Nicholas Abbey at 2/1. Johnny Murtagh’s mount won the Racing Post Trophy in sparkling fashion, but the press are getting carried away with that win.

He could be a Sea The Stars, but 5/4 is my idea of a lousy price in the 2000 Guineas.

High Top was the last horse to do the Doncaster-Newmarket double, back in 1972. That is becase the Racing Post Trophy is normally run on soft ground, so is more suited for stayers.

He could win this race easily, but given what we know, fans should instead back him to win the Epsom Derby at 2/1. But even that price is too skinny for me!

7/1 Elusive Pimpernel

Won the Craven Stakes with a good turn of foot, but at 5/1, I feel the value has gone with him. He was destroyed by St Nicholas Abbey in the Racing Post Trophy, but perhaps the soft ground was against him. Course form at Newmarket is a bonus.

10/1 Canford Cliffs

Has smart form as a two year old, but flopped in the Greenham Stakes at 10/11. Perhaps a change of tactics could work, but he looks all speed. Could land a big sprint later on in the season for Richard Hannon. Has been subject of good reports since his shock defeat.

11/1 Awzaan

Has won his four races to date, but they were all over a six furlong trip. He settles well in his races, which means that he is bound to trade shorter in running on the betting exchanges. He doesn’t have the scope to improve later on in the season, so this is his day.

A recommended each-way wager, and the stable is confident.

20/1 Al Zir

Frankie Dettori’s mount has been backed this week, but I feel that Al Zir will be seen to better effect over further than one mile this season. He wouldn’t want the ground too fast, and is one for the future.

22/1 Inler

Harry Findlay’s Inler is a good-looking horse, that was given a gallop at the Craven meeting. Won a Newmarket maiden last October in comfortable fashion, and won’t be inconvenienced by fast ground. Trainer is well-known for the sprinter Kingsgate Native.

18/1 Fencing Master

Looks terrific value, and I guess that is because punters are getting carried away with his stablemate.

Remember that in 2002, Rock Of Gibraltar was the ‘second string’. Fencing Master is well bred, but doesn’t work brilliantly on the gallops.

Was unlucky in the Dewhurst Stakes (beaten a neck) and is worth keeping an eye on.

18/1 Xtension

Third in the Dewhurst, and Xtension could be another that’s escaped under the betting radar of punters. He has grown over the winter, and is not a 18/1 shot.

20/1 Dick Turpin

Won the Greenham against the odds, and goes on any ground. Trainer Richard Hannon knows that softer ground could be to the disadvantage of rivals, so it may be wise to wait for either the Irish or the French 2000 Guineas with Dick Turpin, as the going at Newmarket will be fast.

25/1 Hearts Of Fire

Trainer Pat Eddery has won the 2000 Guineas three times as a jockey. Hearts Of Fire won a Group 3 event at Baden-Baden and then won the Grand Criterium in Italy. The form of the latter race has worked out well, as Vale Of York went on to win the Breeders Cup Juvenile for the Godolphin team.

Stephane Pasquier rides.

40/1 Makfi

This son of Dubawi won the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Lafitte, the same race that Le Harve won last year. Makfi also has the option of the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp.

50/1 Fair Trade

 Only has a Newbury maiden win to his name.

50/1 Poet’s Voice

Fourth in the Middle Park Stakes at 15/8, but won a Group 2 at Doncaster before that.

66/1 Red Jazz

Barry Hills trained the winner of the 1000 Guineas last year, but a mile may not be the ideal trip for Red Jazz.

66/1 Viscount Nelson

Very well bred, by Giants Causeway and out of an Oaks winner. Was as short as 20/1 for this race, but Johnny Murtagh abandoned him for Black Quartz in the 2000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown. This horse finished second in that race. 

Kieren Fallon rides Viscount Nelson, but I prefer the chances of Fencing Master.

100/1 Buzzword

Has had a good winter, but may be one for the French 2000 Guineas.

100/1 Elspeth’s Boy

Inler appears to have a better chance for trainer John Best. Won his Wolverhampton maiden at 33/1.

125/1 Lord Zenith

Won a listed race at Lingfield in April, so may have a fitness edge. Has already been put in his place by Arcano. 

250/1 Audacity Of Hope

Had nine starts last year as a two year old. Unlikely.

250/1 Greyfriarschorista

Trained by Mark Johnston, but a win for Greyfriarschorista would be a huge shock, even though he was only beaten by a nose in the Spring Cup.

Recommended Bets:

1pt win Awzaan @ 11/1 (Totesport)

1pt win Fencing Master @ 18/1 (Sporting Bet, Betfair)

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing flat racing betting odds.

2000 Guineas Betting Odds

1000 Guineas Betting Odds

Investec Derby Betting Odds

Investec Oaks Betting Odds

Ascot Gold Cup Betting Odds

The Daily Mirror has today broken the story that Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola is set to throw in the towel this summer. Zola is reportedly prepared to kiss goodbye to his £1.8 million annual salary after a torrid year at the helm of the West Ham battleship.

The Hammers are now safe from relegation, but with two games remaining this season, they are booked for a disappointing position near the foot of the table. Co-owner David Sullivan is prepared to listen to offers for his players, but insists that the club will not be selling star midfielder Scott Parker this summer.

So if Zola is busy backing his bags for Sardinia as we speak, then there is no better time to get stuck into the betting odds for the next West Ham manager. The club could make a move for a manager soon, so it would be advisable to get your bet on sooner rather than later.

Glenn Hoddle is Paddy Power’s 9/4 favourite, but he is as short as 5/6 with Skybet for the job. Hoddle was linked with Leeds United in 2006, but has recently spent his time forming the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain. The ex-England coach has the pedigree to manage a London club once again, but punters may be tempted to search for someone at bigger odds.

Next in the betting is Steve McClaren at 4s, who is on the verge of securing the Dutch Eredivisie with FC Twente.

Avram Grant has been heroic in leading Portsmouth to the FA Cup final, and is rated as a 6/1 chance. Other possibles are Mark Hughes at 15/2, and Slaven Bilic, who has been backed into odds of 10/1. Backers of Bilic are clearly latching onto his West Ham connection, as he played for the club in 1996/7. Another possible factor for the incoming money is that Bilic failed to lead Croatia to this year’s Word Cup finals in South Africa.

At even bigger odds, Jose Mourinho and Teddy Sheringham are given no chance at 100/1.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing football betting odds.

Next Permanent West Ham manager betting odds

Next Liverpool manager betting odds

Next Man U manager betting odds

10 million viewers tuned into ITV1 last Saturday to watch the start of the fourth series of Britain’s Got Talent. Many of us will be relieved to see the likes of Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden return to our screens after such a prolonged absence, but those who find the talent show tedious (how can you?) could spice things up by having a cheeky wager on a contestant.

Viewers who tuned in last weekend would have seen the Glasgow and Birmingham auditions, but given the shape of the betting market, it is very unlikely that we saw the eventual winner. The winner will be crowned on 5 June, which means that there is still plenty of water to pass under the bridge.

Tobias Mead heads the BGT betting at the moment, and is the 10/1 favourite with betting firms 888 Sport and Blue Square. Tobias had wanted to pursue a footballing career, but seems to have found his niche in breakdancing. Before he appeared on BGT, he appeared on Living TV’s reality show ‘Dirty Dancing The Time Of Your Life’, so he will be accustomed to the pressures of TV and being in the public eye.

Simon and Amanda were both hugely impressed with his routine, but to put his performance in perspective, Susan Boyle (SuBo) was installed as a hot 2/1 favourite after her breathtaking BGT debut. Tobias will probably give you a good run for your money if you take the 10/1, but bear in mind that a dance act won the show last year. Is that a positive or a negative for his chances?

Tina and Chandi are next in the betting, and have been supported into odds of 12/1 with Skybet. Chandi is neither a singer nor a dancer – she is a rescue dog. The duo have appeared on several talent shows before, and won a £10,000 prize after winning a 2007 heat of BBC1′s When Will I Be Famous? They certainly have pedigree – they have also won prizes at Crufts. I don’t see that as a negative, as it may mean that viewers who are familiar with the act will wants to give them votes.

The drummer Kieran Gaffney is rated as a 14/1 chance, and 16/1 young signer Chloe Hickinbottom also made an impressive debut.

It would be unwise to invest too much cash at this stage in the competition, but of those to make it through the first round, I think that Tina and Chandi will go the furthest. Simon Cowell is 1/2 with Paddy Power to buzz the most often during Series 4.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing betting odds on TV shows.

Britain’s Got Talent Series 4 Winner Betting

Britain’s Got Talent Series 4 Most Series Buzzes Betting

Eurovision Song Contest Betting

Denman has swerved the Scottish Grand National in favour of today’s Grade 1 Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup, to be run over a distance of three miles and one furlong. UK viewers can catch him live on At The Races at 5.30pm, Sky channel 415. He faces a very strong field in the showpiece of the Punchestown Festival, and it is hardly surprising that his odds have drifted out to 13/8 from an early show of 5/4 from the bookies.

The going is said to be on the slow side of good, which shouldn’t inconvenience the runners. However there are a couple of horses in the field that would prefer much softer conditions.

Let’s take a look at each of the runners and their betting odds for the Gold Cup. Is Denman a value bet at 13/8 with William Hill? Or can we find an outsider to run a big race at rewarding odds?

13/8 Denman

The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will again be partnered by jockey AP McCoy, who has won the Grand National since last sitting on board ‘The Tank’. To give you an idea just how classy Denman is, his official rating is 180, and the next best horse is rated just 162. This graded race is not a handicap, so in theory Denman should thrash all of his opponents by at least 18 lengths.

But this is horse racing, and there are a number of important facts to take in surrounding the race. Denman’s trip by ferry across the Irish sea may be seen by some as a negative, but I’m concerned by his recent string of form: 22F-1U2. He would certainly prefer a bit of give in the ground and the horse isn’t getting any younger at 10 years old.

Trainer Paul Nicholls is a legend of the game, but even his recent form isn’t great. Twist Magic refused to race in yesterday’s Champion Chase, and his fancied pair of Advisor and Meanus Dandy were both thrashed last weekend up at Ayr.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him rout the field, but he won’t make you rich at short odds of 13/8.

5/1 Cooldine

Willie Mullins has to be respected at Punchestown, and especially in these Grade 1 races. Mullins recorded a sensational 700/1 treble Grade 1-treble yesterday, which reminded punters just where their money should be going this week.

Cooldine is a class act on his day, and he won the 2009 RSA Chase at Cheltenham by a whopping 16 lengths. He was then beaten here by Rare Bob at 5/6 last year, and he hasn’t had his head in front since. Backers are taking a leap of faith here, but he has the potential to bounce back for a top team.

11/2 Joncol

Beat Cooldine in the 2010 Irish Hennessy, and won at this track last December. He’s an improving sort, but isn’t certain to go on the ground.

13/2 J’y Vole

13/2 could be a terrific price for J’y Vole today, but then again it may be dreadful. Let me explain.

Being a half-sister to yesterday’s Champion Chase winner Golden Silver, this mare is in receipt of 5lbs from all of her rivals. She has improved dramatically, and was third in this year’s Ryanair Chase at 28/1. To give you an idea of her improvement, she won a handicap at this festival last year off a mark of 134, but now she can boast a rating of 157.

The ground isn’t a worry, and Willie Mullins holds her in high regard. Looks the one to be on, each way of course!

11/1 Tranquil Sea

The 2009 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner ran terribly at the Cheltenham Festival, and is hard to fancy today. Another one that may prefer it softer.

18/1 Barbers Shop

The Queen‘s Barbers Shop is due a big win, but 3m would appear a stretch. I thought he had a good chance in the Ryanair, but he only managed seventh.

28/1 Rare Bob

A good third in the John Smiths Handicap at Aintree, but not classy enough to win a race as good as this.

33/1 Notre Pere

Won this race last year at odds of 15/8, but hasn’t performed since. Wants boggy ground.

33/1 Planet Of Sound

Not certain to see out the trip.

41/1 War Of Attrition

Won this race in 2006 after the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and he’ll be retired this year. Connections won’t want him to have a hard race, but there is part of me that thinks he could run into a place at the very least.

War Of Attrition has won six of his ten starts at this track, could he be worth a final sentimental investment?

75/1 Siegemaster

Fell in the Irish National this year.

110/1 Follow The Plan

Hard to fancy, but has bits and pieces of form as a novice. Monitor in the betting perhaps.

Betting Advice:

1pt ew J’y Vole @ 13/2 (Bet 365, 1/4 odds 1-2-3)

1pt win War Of Attrition @ 41/1 (on Betfair)

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing Punchestown betting odds.

2010 Guinness Gold Cup Betting Odds

ANTEPOST Rabobank Champion Hurdle Betting Odds (Dunguib is the 100/30 favourite)

Denman is a high-profile absentee from the Coral Scottish Grand National, but trainer Paul Nicholls could still have a say in the race with Meanus Dandy. Ayr’s biggest race of the year will be on Channel 4 at 3.20pm, Saturday 17 April.

The going will be ‘good’, so try and pick a horse that goes well in the spring. Each way punters should use either Bet365 or Paddy Power, who are both paying out on the first five horses home.

Here are the runners and their betting odds for the 4m110y marathon handicap chase.

25/1 Killyglen

Jockey Andrew McNamara comes over from Ireland for this ride. Killyglen has a touch of class and could be up to winning this under the burden of top weight, but has drifted in the betting out from 14/1.

33/1 Halcon Genelardais

Halcon Genelardais is also a classy type, but would prefer softer ground.

33/1 Razor Royale

Won the Racing Post Chase at Kempton Park this year.

12/1 Gone To Lunch

Finished second in this race last year, and has attracted money this week. Into 12s from 16/1.

20/1 Mobaasher

One of the only horses to be suited by the good ground. Well backed at the Cheltenham Fesitval into 6/1 and looks a cracking each way bet.

20/1 Faasel

Finished like a train in the 2010 Kim Muir. Interesting runner for David Pipe.

20/1 Montero

Dessie Hughes sends over Montero from Ireland. He feels that he will last the distance and go on the ground.

12/1 Theatrical Moment

Jonjo O’Neill and Tony McCoy are going for another National this weekend, bookies beware!

25/1 Auroras Encore

Has been tried over both hurdles and fences this season, and seems to run his best races at this time of the year.

10/1 Poker De Sivola

Poker De Sivola provided Katie Walsh with a win at the Cheltenham Festival, and there may be more to come. Will be suited by a good pace.

20/1 That’s Rhythm

Took a heavy fall in this last year (9/1) but otherwise has a decent chasing record: 11/1P/2221F-14.

50/1 Gidam Gidam

Gidam Gidam could run into a place, but he doesn’t look like the winner on paper.

33/1 Out The Black

Third in this last year, and always finishes well. Could reward punters at potentially huge odds in running on the exchanges.

33/1 Himalayan Trail

Takes his chance here on the back of two wins, price will tempt a few.

35/1 Superior Wisdom

A consistent type but made a bad error in his recent Fontwell race.

33/1 Chiaro

Fourth in this last year and this looks to be his seasonal aim. Richard Johnson rides and the Hobbs team are in great form at present.

50/1 Ma Yahab

Last win came in 2007. Overlooked.

11/1 Meanus Dandy

This Harry Findlay-owned seven year old could be dangerously well handicapped. Paul Nicholls loves these handicaps and will be giving the leg up to his former stable jockey, Paddy Brennan.

16/1 Dom D’Orgeval

Hasn’t won for three years now, but his two recent seconds read well. Backed in from 20/1.

18/1 Merigo

Stamina assured and Timmy Murphy is a good jockey booking. Wants softer conditions though.

33/1 Lothian Falcon

Form not as good as it once was with Lothian Falcon.

50/1 According To John

Tried with blinkers, but it looks like a last resort.

66/1 Present M’Lord

Not good enough to win this race.

66/1 Idle Talk

Another horse that has seen better days. Pass.

80/1 Lorum Leader

Dreadful form – no chance.

17/1 Scots Dragoon

Won the Grand Military Gold Cup very well, and jockey David Bass is able to claim an important 7lbs.

50/1 Cleni Boy

This French-bred attracted some decent each way money before the 2009 Becher Chase. Ran a decent race until falling. Has been selected by Pricewise at 66/1.

80/1 Western Gale

Out of the handicap. Can’t touch with a barge pole.

50/1 No Panic

Everything seems against him here.

120/1 Craiglands

Stamina unproven. Would be a disaster for punters!

Recommended Bets:

1. MOBAASHER 20/1 (Corals, Sky Bet, Paddy Power)

2. MEANUS DANDY 11/1 (Ladbrokes)

3. KILLYGLEN 25/1 (Canbet)

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing horse racing betting odds between the best bookmakers.

Scottish Grand National Betting Odds

Scottish Champion Hurdle Betting Odds

Don’t worry punters, this is one betting heat that will not take a lot of solving.

Wayne Rooney is 1/16 (bet £160 to win £10 profit) with Skybet to be named as the 2009/2010 PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and it is almost impossible to bet against him. Carlos Tevez is the next in the betting at 10/1, whilst Didier Drogba and Cesc Fabregas are also nominated for the prestigious end of season award.

Drogba is 22/1 with Skybet, and he is only one goal behind Rooney in the EPL goalscoring charts. The ‘Drog’ has had an erratic season by his standards, but is the token nomination from a Chelsea side who now look nailed-on for the title. Meanwhile Fabregas is the 41/1 outsider of the nominees, but is currently on the sidelines. Fernando Torres is a bit unlucky to miss out on a nomination, but his team-mate Steven Gerrard can have no complaints. 

Nemanja Vidic was a warm order for the award this time last year, so perhaps punters should throw caution to the wind. The Vidic gamble was foiled by Ryan Giggs, who went on to complete a double with the 2009 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. 

The last three awards have all gone to Manchester United players, which seems like an extremely good omen for Rooney backers. Gerrard was the last English winner of the award in 2006, and Rooney has twice won the PFA Young Player of the Year award before in his career.

Rooney is the 11/10 favourite to also be Top Goalscorer, but he may be rested for a handful of games before the World Cup. In which case the 6/5 about Drogba may be tempting.

Grand National winning jockey Tony McCoy is currently disputing favouritism with Wayne Rooney at 4/1 at the head of the BBC SPOTY betting.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing odds on a wide range of betting markets.

PFA Player of the Year 2010 Betting

Top Goalscorer Betting

BBC SPOTY 2010 Betting

Marseille appear to have the French Ligue 1 title in their grasp after beating Nice 4-1 last night at the Velodrome, and they are now the hot favourites at 4/6 with Totesport.

Meanwhile Lyon are out to 14/1 with Boylesports after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Lille. Today the press are not talking about the sendings off of Ricardo Costa and Maxime Gonalons in the match, but instead about a small sponsor that made its way onto the left arm of the Lyon shirts on Sunday afternoon.

OL President Jean-Michel Aulas is no stranger to French league controversy, and his club now faces a hefty fine for sending his team out to play in ‘illegal shirts’. Lyon were not permitted by the league to sport their seasonal sponsor Betclic on their shirts at the beginning of the 2009/10 campaign, because online betting was illegal in France at the time. However the Betclic shirts could be worn away from home in Lyon’s Champions league matches, because those matches were not regulated by the French authorities.

On April 6 the French Parliament agreed to finally open up the French online betting markets, to provide limited competition for the French gambling monopoly Française des Jeux (FDJ). Lyon thought the tide had turned in their favour, but evidently not…

The subtle Betclic advert on the sleeve (see below) apparently still breaks Article 316, paragraph 14 of the league rules, which means that the Competition Commission is bound to fine Lyon the mandatory €15000 when they convene next Wednesday.

Aulas will fight hard for his corner, and he will certainly mention that the French rugby side Biarritz were able to wear the same sponsor on their shirts the preceding night. He will also want his side to wear the shirt for the next UCL clash against Bayern Munich.

€15,000 is small change for Lyon who paid its players €100,000 each for qualifying for the Champions league semi-finals against Bordeaux just last week. All the talk of Betclic can only be beneficial publicity for the online gambling operator, just as Bwin benefited when they got caught up in a similar tussle a couple of seasons back.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing football odds between bookmakers – including Betclic.

Here are the runners for the 2010 John Smiths Grand National, which will be run at 4:15pm on Saturday 10 April at Aintree. It will be screened live on BBC1 in High Definition (HD) for the first time. The trip is a gruelling four miles and four furlongs and the going will be ‘good to soft’. Last year’s hero Mon Mome bids for a repeat win, but there are plenty of other runners worthy of a punt on Saturday afternoon.

7/1 Big Fella Thanks

Finished sixth last year as a novice, and looked in fine order when winning the Raymond Mould Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury. After that win he shot up the betting into 10s from 20s, but owner Harry Findlay hasn’t yet backed his runner.

The jockey booking of Ruby Walsh is a massive positive given that he could have chosen stablemate Tricky Trickster. Big Fella Thanks could be well backed on the day, but Paul Nicholls has sent out a shocking total of 44 losers in this race….

12/1 Mon Mome

Last year’s 100/1 shock winner was a dream result for the bookies, but this year he is bound to attract more money. He completed the course in 2008 aswell so clearly loves the place, and was given a great ride by the young Liam Treadwell. The dismal record of French-bred chasers was emphatically reversed by Mon Mome’s heroics.

The last horse to win back-to-back Nationals was Red Rum, but Mon Mome finished a gallant third in Imperial Commander’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. The worry for backers is that he has gone up 7lbs for last year’s success, but there could be more to come.

14/1 Black Apalachi

Won the 2008 Becher Chase at Aintree over the perilous National fences, but ideally needs more rain to fall before the race.

14/1 The Package

Jockey Timmy Murphy has chosen 2008 winner Comply Or Die, but The Package is very well weighted for a big run in the National. He is an improving novice and stays beyond three miles, and ran with credit to finish second to Chief Dan George at the Cheltenham Festival. Seven-year-olds have a poor record in this race though, and he looks a better bet for the Bet365 Gold Cup at 14/1 with Betfred.

14/1 Arbor Supreme

This horse is only 14/1 because of the ‘McCoy factor’, and AP isn’t even riding Arbor! This young Irish runner will be ridden by Paul Townend. Interesting jockey booking if this really is JP McManus’ best chance in the race.

16/1 Snowy Morning

Looked the likely winner in 2008, but finished a decent third on that occasion. Completed the course last year and has yet again been aimed at this race by trainer Willie Mullins. It is eyecatching that he only has to carry 10st13lb this year compared with a whopping 11st8lb last year.

18/1 Niche Market

Won last year’s Irish National, but didn’t run that well at Cheltenham last time out. Stamina is assured.

16/1 Character Building

Sold this week to Mr & Mrs Thompson, who run Cheveley Park Stud. Grey horses have a terrible record in the National but the same connections bought 1992 winner Party Politics just three days before the big race.

20/1 State of Play

Finished fourth in this last year, but his dismal run in the 2009 Hennessy is a bit worrying for me. A fresh horse nonetheless and may by punted on the day.

20/1 Tricky Trickster

Went up 3lbs for winning the Aon Chase at Newbury, but he ran a stinker in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when well-fancied to place at odds of 14/1. Has loads of stamina, but could something be amiss?

20/1 Don’t Push It

AP McCoy rides, so sure to be well-backed on the day by the housewives. Don’t Push It won at this meeting last year…

20/1 Vic Venturi

Won the Becher Chase last November, which has been won by previous National winners Silver Birch, Earth Summit & Amberleigh House over the years. Obvious chance.

25/1 Backstage

Won earlier on in the season at Ffos Las but needs the ground to dry out. Trainer could also have Silver Birch in the race.

20/1 Comply Or Die

Partnered by Timmy Murphy, Comply Or Die has finished first and second in his two Nationals. Something of a course specialist.

25/1 Can’t Buy Time

Doesn’t have much in the way of encouraging form.

28/1 Ballyholland

Trainer Colin McBratney is hopeful that his Irish raider will run well if the ground dries out a bit more.

33/1 Dream Alliance

Won Welsh National in 2009, can he do the double for his Welsh syndicate?

40/1 Cloudy Lane

The 2008 favourite has missed his best chance of winning this race.

40/1 Hello Bud

Has plenty of stamina but will be ridden by an inexperienced jockey. Sam Twiston-Davies is currently studying for his A-levels!

40/1 Irish Raptor

Won the Topham Chase last year at 8/1 for Nigel Twiston-Davies.

40/1 Maljimar

Horses that have won over three miles or further are at a great disadvantage, but Maljimar has had an interesting prep this season with this race in mind. Connections were devastated to miss out on last year’s race by just one place. He is guaranteed to travel strongly through the race if he jumps round, but stamina may find him out in the closing stages. One to back.

40/1 Kings John’s Castle

Finished second in 2008 and jockey Paul Carberry thinks he’s in good form.

40/1 My Will

Third last year at 8/1 for Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls but has had a poor season. Is 40/1 a big price? Didn’t excel in his Gold Cup prep as he did last year.

50/1 Eric’s Charm

Trainer hopeful of a ‘good show’ but Eric’s won’t be entirely suited by the track.

66/1 Madison Du Berlais

66/1 also in the 2008 National, but fell at the canal turn on that occasion. Has been a revelation since winning the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury for the David Pipe team, but unlikely to get involved under the burden of top weight.

66/1 Royal Rosa

66/1 Joe Lively

Has had a poor season by his standards.

66/1 Ballyfitz

My favourite of the long shots. Has had a mixed season of chasing and hurdling, but I can see him getting involved here at a big price.

66/1 Ellerslie George

Don’t think so.

66/1 Palypso De Creek

Another seven year old. Discount.

66/1 Flintoff

Part-owned by the cricketer Andrew Flintoff. Go with Mon Mome instead for the same trainer.

66/1 Cerium

Ran a blinder to finish fifth with a cracked skull at 100/1 last year.

66/1 Nozic

Likes really soft ground. Only positive is that he is partnered by last year’s winning jockey Liam Treadwell. Owned by Coral bookmakers and The Sun newspaper.

100/1 Beat The Boys

Dreadful form. Would be 1000/1 if a different trainer.

100/1 Preists Leap

Would only have a chance if this race was transferred to Gowran Park at the last minute!

100/1 Piraya

Light weight but David Pipe has better chances with Madison Du Berlais, The Package and finally Comply Or Die.

125/1 Made In Taipan

Doubtful stayer.

125/1 Ollie Magern

High class on his day, but prefers Wetherby as a track.

125/1 Conna Castle

Don’t bother wasting your money on this one.

150/1 Pablo Du Charmil

No hoper.

150/1 Knowhere

First reserve now.

Recommended Bets (both each way, 5 places):

1. Maljimar 40/1 (William Hill)

2. Snowy Morning 16/1 (Totesport, Corals, Canbet)

bookies.com is your best bet for checking out the odds on the 2010 Grand National:

Aintree Grand National 2010 Betting Odds

Number of false starts betting odds

Jockey Specials

JP McManus Special

Winning Trainer Specials

Today’s Totesport Bowl Chase is a Grade 1 steeplechase taking place at Aintree at 3:10pm, live on BBC2 for British viewers. Denman fell in last year’s edition and handed victory to Madison Du Berlais. The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander is back in action today and is a short priced favourite to record another big win for the Twiston-Davies team.

11/10 Imperial Commander

Imperial Commander is a worthy favourite but has drifted significantly in the betting market. Punters may be worried that he had a hard race in the Gold Cup and that his best form is at Prestbury Park. Both Denman and Kauto Star have flopped in this race after running in the Gold Cup.

The one to beat.

100/30 What A Friend

Owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and won the Lexus Chase in Ireland. What A Friend will be partnered by Ruby Walsh and has won four times from six starts over fences.

9/2 Nacarat

Won last year’s Racing Post Chase and is best round flat tracks like Aintree and Kempton. Stable jockey Sam Thomas is still injured but AP McCoy knows Nacarat very well.

A popular front-running grey.

14/1 Carruthers

Also runs from the front, and finished fourth in the Gold Cup. Likes the ground very soft.

20/1 Calgary Bay

20/1 looks a big price for such a genuine chaser, but he may not be classy enough to win this. Ran a sound race in the Gold Cup last time out, but may need the favourites to disappoint in order to get involved.

bookies.com is your best bet for checking out the odds on the Totesport Bowl Chase:

Totesport Bowl Chase Betting Odds

Liverpool Hurdle Betting Odds

Aintree Grand National 2010 Betting Odds

Number of false starts betting odds

Jockey Specials

JP McManus Special

Winning Trainer Specials