The Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts gets underway tonight at the Echo Arena, Liverpoool.

The darts action continues around the UK until the playoffs at Wembley Arena at the end of May.

Sky Bet are looking to take on hot favourite Phil Taylor, offering the stand out price of 1/2. I’m sure that price will appeal to many readers, as he’s been in sensational form this year. Taylor is 10/1 with Ladbrokes to win all televised tournaments this year, and 2/1 with Boylesports to remain undefeated in the 2009 Premier League.

Tonight’s highlight is undoubtedly the rematch of the 2009 PDC Final – Taylor v van Barneveld. Taylor is 2/7 with Boylesports, whilst Barney looks a big price at 10/3 with Ladbrokes. Although I’d fully expect Taylor to win, I don’t think that Barney gave a true showing when he lost 7-1 in the PDC Final. Paddy Power go 5/6 for Barney +3.5, which looks like the bet of the night.

My other bet for the tournament is van Barneveld to throw the most 180s at 7/4. In the PDC he threw 46 to Taylor’s 34, and even bagged a memorable 9-darter. I’m hoping that Barney at least gets to the final; he’s a 5/1 shot to win the Premier League outright. Ladbrokes go 15/8 for another Taylor v Barney final.

28/1 Mervyn King and 33/1 Klaasen are both making their debuts, and it’s pretty difficult to make a case for any of the other players.

Recommendation:

3pts @ 7/4 R. van Barneveld Most 180s

bookies.com compares Darts odds from the best UK bookmakers:

Premier League Winner Betting

Premier League Match Index

Premier League Winner W/O Taylor Betting

Premier League Nine Dart Finish Betting

Premier League Most 180s Betting

The race is a Grade 3 steeplechase run over 3m5 1/2f that features the true stayers, many of whom have lofty ambitions for the Grand National at Aintree. With 20 forecast runners, I’m looking for a plodder who’ll revel in the soft ground and will hopefully fill in one of the 4 places offered by the UK bookmakers. Let’s have a look at the top of the betting to see if any of them are worthy of our hard-earned cash.

11/2 Nenuphar Collonges

Is in great form and has been ‘crying out’ for a test of stamina. Won a Grade 1 at the Festival and I have made no secret before on this blog that I am happy for Choc Thornton to carry my money to victory. He’ll carry 10-6 which may be too much.

6/1 Mon Mome

I’m really interested in this one for Venetia Williams as he is well in the weights according to the figures after his recent win at the Boylesports Cheltenham meeting. He battled on well to beat Star de Mohaison that day and came 10th in the 2008 National behind Comply or Die. The jockey claims 3lb, so this looks like a decent bet going by the form.

9/1 High Chimes

Kept on well in the Hennessy, which should see him in good nick for this test. The current mark is a bit of a concern, but I was at Ascot last Friday to see Deep Purple win a promising chase for the same trainer-jockey combo. Will love the ground and should be considered.

10/1 Officier de Reserve

The Pricewise antepost selection is one for the Nicholls-Walsh team. I told you how there were doubts emerging about the recent performance of the Paul Nicholls yard, but Kauto Star and Nozic both hosed up on Boxing Day. This horse looks unexposed, but I don’t think it’s up to this test.

10/1 Notre Pere

Stays well on the ground but isn’t on an ideal mark, meaning that I’m looking elsewhere. Was a creditable 3rd in the Irish National this year.

10/1 Halcon Genelardais

2006 winner will be partnered again by Wayne Hutchinson. Top weight is a huge burden but he didn’t seem to mind too much when losing the 2007 edition by a head, when he arguably would’ve won had it not been for a mistake at the last fence. 10/1 is a great price for a horse that was 4th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

13/1 Miko De Beauchene

Won it last year but to be honest I’d rather be on Halcon because Miko will be 17lb worse off this time. Could grab a place at best.

Of those running at big prices I like Cornish Sett at 33/1 – partnered by the capable Nick Scholfield who claims 5lb. The horse ran well in the National this year until the final few fences and won a decent race at Wincanton last time out.

Recommendation:

1pt win 6/1 Mon Mome

1pt each way 33/1 Cornish Sett

Welsh National Betting

Lexus Chase (Sunday)

Sky Sports 3 – 9.45pm – CORAL ESSEX VASE – Romford

1. 12/1 BOMBER BLUE

Triumphant in the Produce Stakes at Hall Green, but needs to improve if he wants to get in the money. Probably should be a shorter price because of his draw, but the betting hinges on whether he can lead in the first turn.

2. 7/1 SHERRIES BOY

Come back well from a lay-off and is difficult to rule this one out after the year that Tony Collett has had. Ran well last time out to beat Bubbly Rambo by 5 lengths and warrants respect now that he finally has a better draw. Sherries Boy is 3/1 to win the race without the favourite.

3. Vacant

4. 10/1 BRICKFIELD DREAM

Should make the running and could well spring a surprise. Only lost to Bubbly Totti by half a length, and is more than capable of turning the tables on the favourite. At a tight track like Romford, I reckon this dog should be more like a 5/1 chance. I say that because he has the vacant trap 3 on his inside which he can work to his advantage and then take an early lead. If there is carnage in running behind him, he could make all for Ernie Gaskin.

5. 5/2 DROOPYS CARVALHO

Comes from off the pace and won the Sussex Cup in July. Classy round 4 bends, his odds reflect his great semi-final performance. He is the even money favourite to win without Bubbly Totti, currently available at Ladbrokes.

6. 6/5 BUBBLY TOTTI

SkyBet are the only firm to go odds-against Totti this morning, with others making him an even money chance. Bubbly Totti is 7/2 to be Greyhound of the Year, and trainer Ted Soppitt has previously stated that he is the best dog he’s ever had. He proved by winning the St Leger at Wimbledon that he is classy, and the betting suggests that he will be too good for the other contenders. The reason why he isn’t odds-on is the track itself, which is unforgiving. Totti likes to come from off the pace, so may not be entirely suited by the stiff track. If he finds himself last at turn one, he may just find another dog too good for him on the night.

If you fancy this one to win, why not head over to Coral to bet on his winning distance instead. Under 1 3/4 lengths is 7/2, although there are other distances available in the betting.

Recommendation:

1pt each way 10/1 Brickfield Dream

bookies.com compares odds for all greyhounds racing in the UK, including tonight’s televised action at Romford:

7.40 Betting

8.00 Betting

8.15 Betting

8.35 Betting

8.50 Betting

9.10 Betting

9.25 Betting

9.45 Coral Essex Vase Betting

Antepost Greyhounds:

Comerford Cakes National Puppy Betting

William Hill Oaks Betting

2009 Greyhound Derby Betting