Weekend Review: Nations League nadir leads to sharps’ success as Royal Ascot arrives
Bettors take advantage of low-scoring affairs to come out on top while Irad Ortiz Jr secures New York win ahead of Berkshire battle
The lacklustre UEFA Nations League tournament has failed to capture the attention of bettors in the post-domestic season lull, leaving sharps to pick up astute wins over the weekend.
England (4/5) played out a 0-0 draw at Molineux in a rematch of the Euro 2020 final against Italy (15/4), in front of a handful of school children due to the match being played behind closed doors.
Mason Mount came closest for the Three Lions in the first half after rattling the crossbar, while Raheem Sterling proceeded to somehow miss from all of four yards out with an open goal gaping in the second.
The #ThreeLions! ? pic.twitter.com/SnRQe9QucJ
— England (@England) June 11, 2022
England’s Nations League performances have been less than stellar, slipping to a 1-0 loss away to Hungary, followed up by a 1-1 draw against Germany.
Matchbook’s Aidan O’Sullivan revealed how bettors with their fingers on the pulse were able to claw out victories despite the low scoring affairs.
He said: “We’ve seen many sharp customers playing the unders on Nations League games in the last few days, with the England vs. Italy borefest at Molineux potentially highlighting the lack of appetite from players at the end of a long season.
“Under 2.5 goals was a popular bet at Matchbook for many of these games in recent times,” he added.
Away from the doldrums of international football, attention is turning to Royal Ascot, with the horseracing extravaganza to take place this week.
At the weekend, jockey hotshot Irad Ortiz Jr made the perfect preparation for the event after winning the Belmont Stakes in New York atop Mo Donegal.
Isn’t he lovely? Happy #BelmontStakes everyone ? we can’t wait to see you… pic.twitter.com/7RTKYkiLvR
— Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 11, 2022
Betfred’s Alan Firkins said: “The weekend fare was diverting enough, especially the spate of international draws – but now for the feast that is Royal Ascot. High-flying jockey Irad Ortiz Jr warmed up beautifully by taking the Belmont Stakes in New York on Saturday, and he’s riding all of top American handler Wes Ward’s runners.
“That includes speedster Golden Pal, all the rage for the King’s Stand on the opening Tuesday. Puerto Rican Ortiz, 29, reminds me of a young Frankie Dettori, and is arguably the best jockey in the world right now. We can’t wait,” he added.
O’Sullivan revealed Matchbook is expecting a busy week down in Berkshire.
He said: “We’re expecting a high-volume Royal Ascot week with our horseracing prices getting more competitive by the day, especially in the 15-to-20-minute window before each race.”
Finally, the NBA Finals are set for a firework finish, with the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors drawing 2-2 heading into Game Five.
The Warriors, led by the imperious Steph Curry, who dropped 43 points and 10 rebounds in Game Four, will be looking to secure a 3-2 lead at home.
Stephen Curry.
That’s it, that’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/NxOmlAr9x2
— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) June 11, 2022
O’Sullivan said: “Elsewhere we head to Game Five of the NBA Finals between the Celtics and Warriors.
“Following a shock Game One loss at home, the Warriors touched good odds against prices for the series with some sharp punters duly getting involved.”