Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

England's hopes of achieving rugby World Cup glory next summer looked to be slimmer than Peter Crouch's chicken legs a month ago. However, a pasting of the Aussies at Twickenham a fortnight ago means the echo of Sing Low Sweet chariot can be heard once more and English optimism is raised again. The Litmus test I feel will be on Saturday when the wounded World Champions South Africa arrive. The Springboks suffered an unprecedented loss last weekend against the Scots, who will feel a similar rejuvenation as England in many ways. South Africa are without some key players after some suspect 'supplements' were found in the bloodstream of Chilliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson. This seems the perfect time to play the 'Boks and surely England will round off an impressive Autumn campaign with a convincing win. The handicap is -5.5 with odds on Betfair of 1.98.

International Rugby Union Handicap Betting

England VS South Africa

ENGLAND -5.5 @ 1.98

5 points to win

One of the great National hunt races this side of the new Year takes place on Saturday at Newbury. The Hennessy Gold Cup showcases some great Chasing talent many who have competed at Grade 1 level. The racegoers favorite Denman heads this field and no doubt there will be plenty of support for this one. He is however 8lbs higher than when winning this last year and at the prices I am going elsewhere. In such a competitive and large field I am always willing to punt on 2 selections Win and Place as the race pays 4 places. The 1st of these will be Cheltenham winner Burton Port. Having won at the festival this horse keeps getting better and at odds of 9.6 to win and 2.66 to place looks a solid alternative to Denman at the weights. My other selection is Neptune Collonges at a big price who on his best form has a big chance and will hopefully put in a big performance. He is handsomely priced at 17.5 to win and 4.4 to place with in form Noel Fehily on board.

Hennessy Gold Cup 

BURTON PORT to win and place @ 9.6 and 2.66

3 Points on Win, 3 points on Place

NEPTUNE COLLONGES to win and place @ 17.5 and 4.4

2 Points on WIN, 2 Points on Place

As has become customary on this blog we finish off with some sort of multiple bet for those who like small bets for large returns. And what better chance of winning a multiple do you have than with the NFL. Looking at the fixtures five teams stand out as having a high percentage chance of winning: these are the REDSKINS, GIANTS, RAVENS, TEXANS and the FALCONS. This makes a 5 point multiple which gives combined odds of 7.76.

NFL Five-Fold

REDSKINS

GIANTS

RAVENS

TEXANS

FALCONS all to win

5 Points @ 7.76

Hopefully some good picks there and back to winning ways.