Webb Simpson and Luke Donald, first and second in the money list, are the headliners at this week's Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic over Disney's Magnolia and Palm courses.
The duo's presence gives what is normally a low-key event a serious boost and there can only be one winner with Simpson currently leading Donald by more than $362,000 - the latter has to finish no lower than second and hope the current leader does not finish inside the top nine. Not surprisingly, the American is 1/7 (from 2/1) with Paddy Power who quote the Englishman at 4/1. However, when it comes to this week's outright betting, the pair flip-flop with Donald the clear 8/1 market Leader with Simpson at 10/1. Another Englishman, Justin Rose, is next in the betting at 14/1.
Magnolia is this week's host course with the Palm just being played once before the cut. Compared to the 6.957 yard Palm, Magnolia is a monster at 7,512 yards but doesn't play anywhere near that and is consistently ranked as one of the easiest on Tour - last year's scoring average was 70.956, while the Palm played over a shot easier at 69.758. We can expect plenty of birdies then and a winning score of around 20-under.
My Three Against the Field:-
Kevin Streelman @ 33/1 bet365
The 'Big Two' could easily fight out the finish but they will no doubt be feeling some added pressure down the stretch and I think we can afford to swerve them at 8s and 10s. Besides, this event has not been particularly kind to punters in the past with several unfathomable winners. A victory for Streelman would hardly be that coming on the back of a share of sixth place at the McGladrey Classic, equalling his best result of the year and featuring a brace of bogey-free 66's, and a good showing here in 2008 when he was tied-sixth. He'll have to go one better this week to return his backers a profit, but that looks a distinct possibility.
Tommy Gainey @ 70/1 Coral
Gainey's swing is unorthodox to say the least but it works, as evidenced by his seven top-10s this season, including four thirds. Granted, he's not been in such good form of late with missed cuts on his last two starts but don't let that put you off as he's your classic hit-or-miss golfer, with four of his top-10s coming after missed cuts, and he is returning to the scene of his career-best Tour finish, a solo second in 2008 when he led the field in putting and birdies. At 70/1, he looks a decent bet to go one better.
David Hearn @ 80/1 Ladbrokes
Canadian Stephen Ames has won two of the previous three renewals of this event but cannot be recommended on current form. His compatriot Hearn, on the other hand, looks to have plenty going for him, not least his price. He may not be a familiar name but has been a regular sight on leaderboards of late with his fifth (JT Shriners Open) and seventh place (Frys.com Open) finishes, preceded by sixth place in a Nationwide Tour event. He's clearly in the form of his life and that makes his current odds of 80/1 (20/1 a place) look a shade generous.
Recommended Bets:-
Kevin Streelman 1.5pts each-way @ 33/1 bet365
Tommy Gainey 1pt each-way @ 70/1 Coral
David Hearn 1pt each-way @ 80/1 Ladbrokes
