Harrison Hits Form Ahead of Rangers’ Opener

Texas Rangers pitcher, Matt Harrison, went some way to proving his fitness ahead of the season-opener against the Houston Astros, producing a dominant performance on his return to action following the toe injury that had kept him out for over two weeks.

Playing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the left-hander pitched six scoreless innings in his first ‘A’ game since the beginning of March; throwing 41 strikes from 57 pitches, retiring his final 14 batters after a conceding a single to the first batter of the game.

Harrison even had enough left in the tank to throw extra pitches in the bullpen after the 4-0 win in order to get some more practice under his belt following his inconvenient spell on the sidelines during this late-stage of pre-season.

Despite looking back to his best in his return to the mound against the Dodgers, Harrison insisted to fans betting MLB World Series that he still has work to do in order to be 100% for the opening game of the new season against the Astros.

"I'm not in a groove yet, it's only one game, but I feel like I am back on track," Harrison said.

"I feel like its back to normal -- keeping that back foot down, being able to drag my foot again and I feel like my legs are under me again. The biggest thing is I feel like my velocity is up again,” the 2012 All Star told MLB betting news reporters.

All going to plan, Harrison is expected to fill the No.2 starter position in the Rangers’ rotation behind Yu Darvish, who will be looking to continue the encouraging manner in which he finished his rookie season in the MLB.

Giants Have What it Takes

Huddersfield Giants 32-8 win over champions, Leeds Rhinos, not only returned them to the top of the Super League but it also showed that they have the players and the game plan to keep them in contention for the rest of the season.

In poor conditions at Headingley the Giants produced some outstanding rugby and used the wet weather to their advantage as they consistently turned the Rhinos back three round with probing kicks early in the tackle count. 

Leeds failed to learn from their mistakes as Danny Brough produced a series of pinpoint kicks which his teammates capitalised on, as well as scoring a try and four goals himself, and Giants coach Paul Anderson was quick to praise his returning half-back. 

“People will obviously point to the difference that was made by having Danny Brough back in the side – he again showed what a class act he is.” Anderson said.

Brough had been missing for the Giants last outing- a disappointing defeat to Bradford, but his return galvanised the team and the Giants’ hard work was rewarded with a clinical victory which proved their credentials as title contenders. 

“The key for me was the collective effort and the attitude that everyone showed in making the victory possible,” Anderson said. “As soon as the boys came off I asked them what the difference was between this week and last, and they all said it their approach,” he added.

If Brough remains fit for the rest of the season and the Giants pack can continue to dominate their opposition then they look certain to be in contention for a Grand Final spot and, on Friday’s showing, they will be confident of going on to win the whole competition.

Interested in betting on the Six Nations? Take a look at the rugby odds on Betfair for all the latest picks and news for the showcase event.

Irish Dominance in Cross Country Chase

Ireland will be looking to continue their dominance in the Cross Country Chase this year at the Cheltenham Festival in the most unique contest of the four days.

The Irish have won seven of the eight runnings of this race and did actually have a 100% record until Balthazar King broke that trend for trainer Philip Hobbs 12 months ago.

Enda Bolger will be hoping for his first win in the Cross Country since 2009. He prevailed as a trainer in four of the first five running since the inauguration in 2005. This year he has four entries in the race with the market suggesting Arabella Boy is his best chance of success. He currently heads the betting in the 3m7f contest where 32 varying obstacles have to be cleared.

The eight-year old has won twice at Punchestown this season. In November he scored by just under a length in a 3m chase on heavy ground. 

Then a couple of months later, he returned to the same racecourse to prevail in a Cross Country Chase where Nina Carberry guided him home ahead of Big Shu and Long Strand. He did though take part in the Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in December where he unseated Carberry during the International Meeting.

Joining Arabella Boy at the top end of the market is Outlaw Pete who is also trained in Ireland by John Halley and runs in the colours of John McManus. He won the race at Prestbury Park earlier this season over the cross country course and will be looking to complete the double there when he returns next month.

The seven-year old came home seven lengths clear of Bostons Angel who is also likely to be back on day one of the Festival looking to go one better than his run in December.

Begin your preparations for the spring racing by visiting the Gold Cup betting website or plump for a bet on the 2013 Grand National on the Betfair website.