2012 is already shaping up to be a memorable year in the world of betting, and here are our 12 best bets for the year ahead...
January - James Wade to win PDC World Darts Championship
Wade, a former world number 2, is in the easier half of the draw, and should cruise through until at least the ¼ Finals, where he may face Adrian 'Jackpot' Lewis. Despite this daunting tie, we still fancy Helen Chamberlain's ex (which obviously is more than can be said for Helen Chamberlain.) Having averaged over 95 in the 2nd round, Wade at [10] is the value of the 2012 PDC.
February - Green Bay Packers to lift the Super Bowl
Smash some shekels on the Packers at [3], and enjoy watching your account bulge on February 5th. Make sure you turn off at half-time though, or you might catch a bit of Madonna. And nobody wants that.
March - Wales to top the Six Nations
This young side who had a thundering World Cup will be strongly fancied to win the Six Nations. The recent news that the coaching stuff will remain largely unchanged only cements our thoughts that 3.85 is a decent bet.
April - Miami Heat to bounce to NBA glory
With the season only beginning on Christmas Day, there aren't too many indications of form at this early stage. Nevertheless, last year's losers the Miami Heat should be there or thereabouts, and are worth a tickle at 2.88.
May - Judd Trump to take the Snooker World Championship
With the Rocket having mentally flown to the moon, and the Chinese challenge not quite storming through like one of its take-aways, nobody would be surprised if the May 7 showdown was Higgins-Trump once more. The young Bristolian is a superior player a year on (as he showed in the UK Championship), and he is a sound punt at 7.6.
June - Tiger Woods to bounce back at the US Masters
All is right in the world once more; Tiger is favourite to win the US Masters again. After a couple of years out steamrollering, Woods won his last tournament of 2011 (the Chevron World Challenge), and will be spending the next four months beavering away (not like that) to reclaim his Augusta throne. We think Rory will be too strong for him in the opening Major of the season, but fancy Woods to thrive in the Olympic Club San Francisco on June 17th. Have a bit of him to win a Major at 2.22 in the Tiger majors market.
July - Germany to win Euro 2012
Much was made of the blow Barcelona have suffered with the broken leg of David Villa, yet the enormous jolt this inflicts on the Spanish national team has yet to be fully acknowledged. They may even have to field Fernando Torres (remember him?). The Germans have been Spain's main rivals over the last four years, and Low's boys may just be turning to men at the right time. It could be a rare German victory in the Soviet Union on July 1. Get in early at 4.3.
August - Great Britain to win over 26 Olympic gold medals
Having won 19 in Beijing, along with 13 silvers, it won't take too much home support to lift Team GB into the realm of 26 golds. Consider for example China's increase from 32 to 51 golds when competing at home (compared to '04.) Throw in a handful of 'plastic Brits' who should medal and the 26+ looks the shrewd choice in the GB gold medals market, available at 3.15.
September - Andy Murray to win the US Open
I know I know - we say it every year. But given Federer's best days are in his rear window, Nadal is knackered and Djokovic will probably win the three preceding majors, Flushing Meadows could be the one for everyone's favourite Scot in 2012. Back him to win a Grand Slam at 1.5, and have the patience to shvitz it out until September 9th to collect your loot.
October - Sri Lanka to make themselves at home
There have been two previous international cricket contests held in Sri Lanka, and the hosts have reached the final in both, even winning the 1996 World Cup. The lash n' smash ICC Twenty20 arrives in Sri Lanka next Autumn, and we fancy the Lankans to be the last men standing on October 7. They are priced at a competitive 7.6.
November - Barack Obama to be the next US President
Given the impoverished state of the GOP right now, one suspects even if Iran explode a nuclear bomb, half of America are on the dole and Obama is exposed for having an affair with a goose, the incumbent should still stroll back into the Oval Office. 1.93 is a good price, and it will only shrink before the November 6 vote.
December - Christine Ohuruogo to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year
After this year's kerfuffle, one thing is for sure; the 2012 SPOTY will be a female of the species. In an Olympic year, it also seems pretty certain that an Olympian will triumph. Ohuruogu, the local gal with the common touch, is available at [80] right now. If she can sort her form out and retain her Olympic 400m title, another bauble should follow in December.
