m a n a b o u t d o g b l o g

Charity Bet 3: Curlin to Win Breeders Cup Classic

Having won my first bet (20 at 10/11 the Jets by more than 9 points), I lost last week when I also played on the NFL - the Jets and Cowboys both lost. So I am back to my starting back of €50.

Tonight I am having €20 on Curlin - the $10million dollar horse - to win the Breeders Cup Classic at 9/4.

Recommendation: Curlin 9/4

October....

....and the trees are stripped bare, of all they wear, what do I care?

Not making much money this month - nor losing it.

Andy Murray won the Madrid Masters yesterday +€0.80

Toomevara won the Tipperary County Hurling Final yesterday +€0.80

Slip The Lark got caught on the line in the Laurels final on Saturday night -€1.00

Cabra Boss was well beaten in the Laurels Consolation -€1.00

The Giants won but the Jets and the Cowboys were both beaten -€1.00

Shelbourne Tiger was fought with and disqualified in the St Leger -€1.00

October so far: 37 selections 12 wins loss -€3.24

Andy Murray on FIRE!

www.andy-murray.com

ATP Mens Tennis Tour

The Scottish wizard is in the Madrid Masters Final this afternoon after beating his nemesis Roger Federer in the semi-final, and this was after losing the first set. He ran out a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.  Whisper it but is Murray actually a possible World No.1?

He has Nadal and Federer ahead of him, although Djokovic is there too, but this year in particular Andy Murray is mentally a top player - he always had the ability.

Today he faces Gilles Simon who beat the World No.1 Rafa Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 in his semi-final. Impressive seeing as he was playing against the home crowd favourite.

So where can I make money today?  Andy Murray is too short at 2/7 to win, but there looks a bit of value at ToteSport who go 4/5 that Murray wins 2-0 - all the other firms are 4/6 or 8/13. I fancy him big time.

Recommendation: Andy Murray 2-0 4/5 Totesport

Year To Date Tennis: 13 bets; 6 wins; Profit: €15.15

 

Toomevara Greyhounds to bring Dan home

The Tipperary County Final takes place tomorrow and I intend to be there. The wife is a 'greyhound' so I cannot oppose Toomevara. Up Toome! (they should win handy)....

Recommendation: Toomevara to win Tipperary County Final 4/5 Boylesports

Toomevara's Greyhounds

"Up Toomevara then the cream of Ireland’s hurling men." These words of the old ballad, recall the fame of the great hurling teams of the first two decades of the century on a par with such great names as Boherlahan , Mooncoin , Blackrock , Claughaun and many more. Hurling has been played from time immemorial in the parish, from the foundation of the G.A.A. there was a team referred to as "The Old Team" on which there were Mahers , Doughans , Hacketts , O’Briens , O’Donoghues , Kennedys , and Whelans and their star player Jim Looby . At that time hurling was practised on the O’Brien land at Monanore and later at Carolls of Grawn .

The teams of that period consisted of twenty-one a side. The game was very physical then, hard tackling and hard pulling were the order of the day. At this time Templederry and the Silvermines had good teams and many games were played in Kennedy’s field at Garrnafarna and O’Dwyer’s field at Grenastown .

Most of the spectators walked to the matches while John Ryan’s long brake was commissioned to carry the teams further afield . It was often tired and bruised warriors who arrived in Toomevara to walk to their homes. On one occasion when cuts and bruises were worse than usual Little Jack O’Brien had the tip of his big toe hanging off, and as he hopped his way to his home in Ballybeg , he said, "Let every man take what he got."

On another occasion Pat O’Donoghue , Big Pat as he was called, when the team was playing in Borrisokane he felt some kind of grievance so he refused to go home on the brake, and he walked home to the village. Such was the spirit of the old warriors who were the forerunners of the great team, that came after them.

It was Jim Looby’s speed and skill which he perfected by constant practice that were characteristics of the famous team that earned the title of "The Toomevara Greyhounds."

The team at this time had the assistance of a number of players from Moneygall , and they had a most enthusiastic captain in ‘ Wedger ’ Meagher. Training was carried out at O’Meara’s of Grawn . The Greyhounds soon made their mark and had the selection for the 1913 All-Ireland final against Kilkenny. Tipperary were favourites having beaten Kilkenny in the Croke Memorial final earlier. But having to line out without Mick Ryan that most stylish player and our early injury to Bill Kelly. Kilkenny were victoriously downhearted after this defeat, but with undiminished enthusiasm, hurling flourished in the parish and the club had a strong representation on the County team. They won several tournaments, amongst them the coveted Thomond Shield in 1916. This was a great competition and was played with as much determination as the championship.

Like all parts of the country hurling was interrupted during the struggle for Independence and the Civil War which followed. Many of the older members went from the scene, and others emigrated. New blood was introduced, and with the arrival of Martin Kennedy, Tom Byrnes and very Rev. John Cleary, then a student, the team was strengthened and they held supremacy in the North Division right through the twenties.

Martin was recognised as the best full forward of his time and was unchallenged for his place at club, county or provincial level during a long career.

In 1930, Tom O’Meara, Sergeant Glesson and Garret Howard joined the team that won the County Championships and again in 1931. They also won the Thomond Cup on two successive occasions and as a result made a cup of their own. Then the Parish Rule was introduced, and Toomevara lost the support of Moneygall and with the departure of Tom O’Meara, his brother Paddy, Matt Kennedy, Sergeant Glesson and Garrett Howard, the club was very much depleted as regards staying in senior ranks.

It was the mid-forties before Toomevara surfaced again as strong contenders for the senior hurling championship fired by the enthusiasm of Fr.Cosgrave . The senior team won the North Championship of 1946, and again in the late fifties and early sixties, many titles were won, and when Tipperary won the All-Ireland of 1961 the honour of captain fell to Matt Hassett .

It is sad to think that we don’t have a representative on the County team at present, whose fortune has fallen so low for far too long, but there are high hopes with the widespread interest, and the success at underage level.

The motto for the young aspiring hurler ought to be! "If you hurl, don’t drink." Then you will have the satisfaction of physical and mental well being and a comradeship that will last all through your lives, as well as the added joy of bringing much pleasure and pride to your parish and county.

So Toomevara can look to the future with a great amount of hope, and for the young hurlers the future is bright. If they follow the golden rule, "no smoking, no drinking and constant practice."

I earnestly hope that in the not too distant future that we will be once again able to sing with pride – "On Toomevara then, the pride of Ireland’s hurling men."

By J. O’ Donovan

Charity Bet 2: NFL Week 7 Treble

A bit predictable this week - I'm going for a NYJets, NYGiants and Dallas Cowboys treble.

The Jets(at the Raiders) are 4/7, the Giants (at home to the 49ers) 1/5 and the Cowboys (at St. Lousi) 1/3. Trebling these hotpots is a nice 1.51/1 and I have decided to put all of last week's winnings of €18.18 (NFL Bet 1 Jets to win by more than 9 pts against Bengals - they won by 12pts) onto this treble which will result in a profit of €27.52 if they come in.  The €50 bank is safe and in tact regardless of the results.

I have decided to set parameters for myself - the most important is whatever profit I have in excess of the €50.00 bank at the end of the month, I will get Bruce Betting to send a cheque to Macmillan Nurses Cancer Care.  If there is no profit at the end of a month no cheque will be forthcoming.  So far so good - so come on the Jets, Giants and Cowboys

Recommendation: NYJets, NYGiants and Dallas Cowboys Treble (1.51/1)

Current Charity Bank : €68.18 (from a €50.00 start) 1 bet 1 win

NFL Year To Date: +€2.03; 5 bets 3 wins

Tyrur Hestor continues his good run

As selected last night Hestor won at 9/4. My other 3 selections at Belle Vue and Reading got turned over so a loss on the night of -€0.75 added to my even showing at Sunderland. Not the worst of nights.

Droopys Kez wins the Northern Puppy Derby

I broke even last night on the Sky card, as Raving Black finished strongly to come second to good winner Droopys Kez. On the night, I got 2 out of 6 selections home.  Dodging Me Buddy in the penultimate race was a good decision - yet another odds-on shot turned over on Sky.....

manaboutdogblog 2/6; +€0.00

815 Perrys Corleone LOST

835 Charlies Dream LOST

850 Lochbo Meg WON at 6/4 took 2/1

910 Bubbly Kate LOST

945 Raving Black E/W 2nd at 8/1

 

Jonathon Kay 3/7; -€1.03

Officer Donagh Non Runner

Boherbradda Mac WON at 4/5

Perrys Corleone LOST

Noelles Saka LOST

Lochbo Meg WON at 6/4

Swift Blackfoot LOST

Me Buddy LOST

Droopys Kez WON at 4/6

 

Tony Bullen 3/8; -€0.45

Romeo Del Piero WON at 9/4

Boherbradda Mac WON at 4/5

Perrys Corleone LOST

Big Brett Coal LOST

Lochbo Meg WON at 6/4

Bubbly Kate LOST

Me Buddy LOST

Droopys Quinta LOST

 

Peter Meldrum 3/6; +€6.67

Was Not Me LOST

Droopys Tobey LOST

Perrys Corleone LOST

Lochbo Meg WON at 6/4 but took 2/1

Laverick Limmi WON at 7/1!

Droopys Kez WON at 4/6

Jonathon Hobbs had a stinker 2/8; -€5.70

Droopys Rascal LOST

Boherbradda Mac WON at 4/5

Perrys Corleone NAP LOST

Charlies Dream LOST

Lochbo Meg NB WON at 6/4

Primitive Way LOST

Me Buddy LOST

Crown Rover LOST

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Sky Sports Tipster League Table

UP TO DATE   LEAGUE TABLE AFTER 29 BROADCASTS IN 2008 (up to and including the Northern Puppy Derby Final meeting)

1. Peter Meldrum +€11.14; 43/127 (34%)

2. manaboutdogblog +€7.50; 48/168 (29%) 

3. Phil Donaldson -€2.04 9/22 (41%)

4. Dave Johnstone -€2.61; 3/8 (37%)

5. Patrick Kelly -€2.84; 7/16 (44%)

6. Jimbo -€3.02; 14/40 (35%)

7. Tony Bullen -€13.73; 52/140 (37%)

8. Jonathon Hobbs -€14.88; 69/213 (32%)

9. Richard Birch -€23.94; 17/55 (30.9%)

10. Jonathon Kay -€28.08; 65/175 (37%)

UP TO DATE   LEAGUE TABLE AFTER 29 BROADCASTS IN 2008 (up to and including the Northern Puppy Derby Final meeting)

1. Peter Meldrum +€11.14; 43/127 (34%)

2. manaboutdogblog +€7.50; 48/168 (29%) 

3. Phil Donaldson -€2.04 9/22 (41%)

4. Dave Johnstone -€2.61; 3/8 (37%)

5. Patrick Kelly -€2.84; 7/16 (44%)

6. Jimbo -€3.02; 14/40 (35%)

7. Tony Bullen -€13.73; 52/140 (37%)

8. Jonathon Hobbs -€14.88; 69/213 (32%)

9. Richard Birch -€23.94; 17/55 (30.9%)

10. Jonathon Kay -€28.08; 65/175 (37%)

1. Peter Meldrum +€11.14; 43/127 (34%)

2. manaboutdogblog +€7.50; 48/168 (29%) 

3. Phil Donaldson -€2.04 9/22 (41%)

4. Dave Johnstone -€2.61; 3/8 (37%)

5. Patrick Kelly -€2.84; 7/16 (44%)

6. Jimbo -€3.02; 14/40 (35%)

7. Tony Bullen -€13.73; 52/140 (37%)

8. Jonathon Hobbs -€14.88; 69/213 (32%)

9. Richard Birch -€23.94; 17/55 (30.9%)

10. Jonathon Kay -€28.08; 65/175 (37%)

1. Peter Meldrum +€11.14; 43/127 (34%)

2. manaboutdogblog +€7.50; 48/168 (29%) 

3. Phil Donaldson -€2.04 9/22 (41%)

4. Dave Johnstone -€2.61; 3/8 (37%)

5. Patrick Kelly -€2.84; 7/16 (44%)

6. Jimbo -€3.02; 14/40 (35%)

7. Tony Bullen -€13.73; 52/140 (37%)

8. Jonathon Hobbs -€14.88; 69/213 (32%)

9. Richard Birch -€23.94; 17/55 (30.9%)

10. Jonathon Kay -€28.08; 65/175 (37%)

Tiger looks grrrrrrrrrreat!

St Leger Round 2 tonight. Can't pick between Lenson Joker and Bubbly Totti in their clash, but Shelbourne Tiger jumps out at me as a good thing in the fourth heat.

Recommendation: Shelbourne Tiger St Leger 2nd Round Ht 4

Irish Laurels Final (Live on Setanta)

In what would be a SWEET victory tomorrow night for Pat Buckley, I will be cheering for Slip The Lark to lift the 2nd most important stake in Irish racing - the Laurels.  Pat is double handed though as he has the trap 2 runner Cabra Cool as well.

In a new departure, Setanta Sports will be covering the event which means yours truly can get the beer and pizza out and bet online.

Here's the line up for th €35,000 to the winner final at Curraheen Park.

1. Solinus (Top Honcho x Doll Face) Tr. Mark Moloney
2. Cabra Cool (Big Daddy Cool x Cabra Dancer) Tr. Pat Buckley
3. Chicken Supper (Tucks Mein x Greenfield Gift) Tr. John Kiely
4. Slip The Lark (Larkhill Jo x Slip The Posse) Tr. Pat Buckley
5. Tyrur Laurel (Top Honcho x Tyrur Fiona) Tr. Paul Hennessy
6. Cashen Legend (Ballintore Brave x Fergus Gold) Tr. Chris Houlihan

Recommendation: Slip The Lark 11/10 General

Pat also has Cabra Boss in the consolation and he is well drawn to make all from trap 2

Recommendation: Cabra Boss SP

Tonight's other Open action

Recommendation: Townbrow Melody 8.40 Belle Vue

Recommendation: Tyrur Hestor 9.43 Belle Vue

Recommendation: Shelbourne Thesa 9.14 Reading

Recommendation: Stardome Girl 10.03 Reading

Year To Date Dogs: 401 settled bets; 106 Wins; Profit +€22.36