http:// 2012-08-29T05:10:01Z 2012-08-29T05:10:01Z punters-could-be-on-the-money-when-bucking-the-trend-1

Alan Eskander, Managing Director of Betstar, has declared the 2012 AFL season as the most unpredictable in his company’s six year history, with punters confident current trends are there to be bucked. This season looks likely to see two unique results for punters coming to fruition; a Brownlow medalist from a non-Finals playing club, and possibly an AFL Premier from outside the top 4. “Not since Shane Crawford in 1999 has the winner (of the Brownlow) been from a club outside the top eight, but really it is difficult to see it being awarded to anybody outside the current 3 favourite this year,” Eskander said. “Trent Cotchin ($5.00), Gary Ablett ($4.00) and Jobe Watson ($4.50) have been heavily backed by punters who, like we, feel that their individual performances outweigh their club’s inability to qualify for the Top 8.” “When Essendon were hot, they were red hot, and Cotchin has starred in his side’s 12 victories and their many narrow losses. As for Gary Ablett? Well the man is a genius and a ball magnet, and still clearly the most talented player in the competition.” Amidst a season where Eskander has seen a marked increase in the number of punters wanting to get a piece of Brownlow action, Cothcin in particular has been attracting a lot of interest. The gun Richmond midfielder has an unbeatable lead in the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year Award, and was priced as high as $51 to win the Brownlow as recently as three months ago. “One punter has spread $19,000 on Cotchin over 7 outright bets, from $9 into $4.75,” explains Eskander. “The same punter has also spread another $12,000 over 5 different Cotchin/Premiership Doubles; if the Swans win the flag, he will have done very well as he got on at $42 with a sizeable outlay. It is fair to say that if he (Cotchin) gets up for the Brownlow Medal, our punters will be well and truly on the winning side.” The Premiership Market has seen comparable attention, with clubs all throughout the Top 8 being seen as value bets at different stages of the season. Current ladder leaders Hawthorn ($2.25) were as high as $7, and attracted big bets at that price including $8,000 last November; they have also been backed at $11.30 to the tune of $5000 in an AFL/NRL Double with Manly. Interstate fancies Sydney ($5.25) & Adelaide ($8.00) were as high as $34 and $51 at different stages of the season, with a Watson/Sydney double giving a $36,000 return to one punter if it lobs and a Pendlebury/Adelaide double resulting in a windfall of $94,200 for another. But it is the sides from 4th-6th who have punters believing that, even if they finish outside of the Top 4, they can go the whole hog and be the first team since Adelaide in 1998 to win from outside the top echelon. West Coast ($11) have drifted from as little as $6, and punters are snapping up the juicy odds, backing them in from $14 in the last week. From a reasonably small outlay, one punter stands to collect $22,000 if the Eagles lift the cup in both codes, backing West Coast into Manly into the already victorious Queensland State of Origin side. Collingwood ($6.50) were backed with $10,000 at $4 in February, and have fluctuated with every scandal; from Cloke’s contract to Swan’s suspension. The Pies dominating the headlines has had a significant effect on the market. But while the odds have fluctuated, the money just keeps coming for the biggest side in the competition. One punter is hoping that there is something in the water around the Lexus Centre/AAMI Park precinct, standing to earn just under $60,000 if Melbourne Storm and Collingwood both salute. Defending champions Geelongare currently $8 despite being in 6th place on the ladder, a reflection of the constant support that they receive and the high esteem in which they are held. “For the first time this Millennium, the AFL is a lot less predictable come business time,” said Eskander. “We are loving the nature of the season; we can’t decide who will top the individual and team perches. There is great value for punters out there, and they are lapping it up.” The AFL Minor Premiership will be paid out on Monday, with Hawthorn ($1.25), Sydney ($5.50) and Adelaide ($6.00) the only clubs still in contention; the Hawks can basically wrap it up with a win on Friday night, with one punter standing to win $78,000 after a $12,000 Pre-Season stake, if that happens. For full Betstar markets on the AFL Premiership and the Brownlow Medal, including our Brownlow Medal Round 10 Leader and Brownlow Medal Match-Ups, head to betstar.com.au or betstar.mobi For further information or interview requests, please contact: Pete Fairbairn, PR & Events Coordinator, +61 424 349 011 OR pfairbairn@betstar.com.au AFL BROWNLOW MEDAL MARKET Player Price Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) $4.00 Jobe Watson (Essendon) $4.50 Trent Cotchin (Richmond) $5.00 Scott Thompson (Adelaide) $11.00 Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide) $13.00 Josh Kennedy (Sydney) $14.00 Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) $17.00 Dane Swan (Collingwood) $17.00 Dayne Beams (Collingwood) $23.00 Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) $26.00 Kieren Jack (Sydney) $51.00 Joel Selwood (Geelong) $51.00 AFL PREMIERSHIP MARKET Club Price Hawthorn $2.25 Sydney $5.25 Collingwood $6.50 Adelaide $8.00 Geelong $8.00 West Coast $11.00 Fremantle $51.00 North Melbourne $55.00

2012-08-29T05:06:06Z punters-could-be-on-the-money-when-bucking-the-trend

Alan Eskander, Managing Director of Betstar, has declared the 2012 AFL season as the most unpredictable in his company’s six year history, with punters confident current trends are there to be bucked. This season looks likely to see two unique results for punters coming to fruition; a Brownlow medalist from a non-Finals playing club, and possibly an AFL Premier from outside the top 4. “Not since Shane Crawford in 1999 has the winner (of the Brownlow) been from a club outside the top eight, but really it is difficult to see it being awarded to anybody outside the current 3 favourite this year,” Eskander said. “Trent Cotchin ($5.00), Gary Ablett ($4.00) and Jobe Watson ($4.50) have been heavily backed by punters who, like we, feel that their individual performances outweigh their club’s inability to qualify for the Top 8.” “When Essendon were hot, they were red hot, and Cotchin has starred in his side’s 12 victories and their many narrow losses. As for Gary Ablett? Well the man is a genius and a ball magnet, and still clearly the most talented player in the competition.” Amidst a season where Eskander has seen a marked increase in the number of punters wanting to get a piece of Brownlow action, Cothcin in particular has been attracting a lot of interest. The gun Richmond midfielder has an unbeatable lead in the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year Award, and was priced as high as $51 to win the Brownlow as recently as three months ago. “One punter has spread $19,000 on Cotchin over 7 outright bets, from $9 into $4.75,” explains Eskander. “The same punter has also spread another $12,000 over 5 different Cotchin/Premiership Doubles; if the Swans win the flag, he will have done very well as he got on at $42 with a sizeable outlay. It is fair to say that if he (Cotchin) gets up for the Brownlow Medal, our punters will be well and truly on the winning side.” The Premiership Market has seen comparable attention, with clubs all throughout the Top 8 being seen as value bets at different stages of the season. Current ladder leaders Hawthorn ($2.25) were as high as $7, and attracted big bets at that price including $8,000 last November; they have also been backed at $11.30 to the tune of $5000 in an AFL/NRL Double with Manly. Interstate fancies Sydney ($5.25) & Adelaide ($8.00) were as high as $34 and $51 at different stages of the season, with a Watson/Sydney double giving a $36,000 return to one punter if it lobs and a Pendlebury/Adelaide double resulting in a windfall of $94,200 for another. But it is the sides from 4th-6th who have punters believing that, even if they finish outside of the Top 4, they can go the whole hog and be the first team since Adelaide in 1998 to win from outside the top echelon. West Coast ($11) have drifted from as little as $6, and punters are snapping up the juicy odds, backing them in from $14 in the last week. From a reasonably small outlay, one punter stands to collect $22,000 if the Eagles lift the cup in both codes, backing West Coast into Manly into the already victorious Queensland State of Origin side. Collingwood ($6.50) were backed with $10,000 at $4 in February, and have fluctuated with every scandal; from Cloke’s contract to Swan’s suspension. The Pies dominating the headlines has had a significant effect on the market. But while the odds have fluctuated, the money just keeps coming for the biggest side in the competition. One punter is hoping that there is something in the water around the Lexus Centre/AAMI Park precinct, standing to earn just under $60,000 if Melbourne Storm and Collingwood both salute. Defending champions Geelongare currently $8 despite being in 6th place on the ladder, a reflection of the constant support that they receive and the high esteem in which they are held. “For the first time this Millennium, the AFL is a lot less predictable come business time,” said Eskander. “We are loving the nature of the season; we can’t decide who will top the individual and team perches. There is great value for punters out there, and they are lapping it up.” The AFL Minor Premiership will be paid out on Monday, with Hawthorn ($1.25), Sydney ($5.50) and Adelaide ($6.00) the only clubs still in contention; the Hawks can basically wrap it up with a win on Friday night, with one punter standing to win $78,000 after a $12,000 Pre-Season stake, if that happens. For full Betstar markets on the AFL Premiership and the Brownlow Medal, including our Brownlow Medal Round 10 Leader and Brownlow Medal Match-Ups, head to betstar.com.au or betstar.mobi For further information or interview requests, please contact: Pete Fairbairn, PR & Events Coordinator, +61 424 349 011 OR pfairbairn@betstar.com.au AFL BROWNLOW MEDAL MARKET Player Price Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) $4.00 Jobe Watson (Essendon) $4.50 Trent Cotchin (Richmond) $5.00 Scott Thompson (Adelaide) $11.00 Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide) $13.00 Josh Kennedy (Sydney) $14.00 Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) $17.00 Dane Swan (Collingwood) $17.00 Dayne Beams (Collingwood) $23.00 Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) $26.00 Kieren Jack (Sydney) $51.00 Joel Selwood (Geelong) $51.00 AFL PREMIERSHIP MARKET Club Price Hawthorn $2.25 Sydney $5.25 Collingwood $6.50 Adelaide $8.00 Geelong $8.00 West Coast $11.00 Fremantle $51.00 North Melbourne $55.00

2012-08-24T01:05:42Z all-blacks-at-even-money-against-wallabies

Alan Eskander, Managing Director of Betstar, has announced a special market for Betstar members that rectifies what he sees as over-enthusiastic pricing on the 2nd game of the 2012 Bledisloe Cup. Despite Betstar listing the world champion All Blacks at an almost unbackable $1.10, Eskander has announced a special offer of $2 on the All Blacks from Friday afternoon until we reach the first 500 bets. “The All Blacks are a very, very good side; nobody is disputing that,” noted Eskander. “But we aren’t half bad ourselves; we have the best scrumhalf in world rugby in Will Genia, two extremely talented young flankers (Liam Gill and Michael Hooper) making their Bledisloe debuts, and an attacking weapon in Quade Cooper returning to the starting lineup.” “We might not necessarily win, but $1.10 is simply too short from my point of view. The media on both sides of the Tasman have been having a real dig at the boys in Gold, but we believe that they will give as good as they get over at Eden Park and leave nothing in the tank at the end of 80 minutes.” Quade Cooper was Public Enemy Number One in New Zealand during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and on his return to the Australian starting lineup is sure to be the focus of plenty of attention. His 13 second press conference on Thursday won him no fans in New Zealand, but he will be better for the experiences of last year’s World Cup and he will be a different player. “It’s easy to forget just how good Quade was in the Super 15 last year; he headed over to New Zealand justifiably considered one of the top 3 10’s in world rugby,” Eskander said. “We all know what has happened since.” “He had a very poor tournament and missed most of this year with injury, but in his few appearances with the Reds, he showed that he had become a smarter player during his time off the paddock. His defence and tackling appear much improved, and I think if there is any chance of Australia sneaking an upset, Quade is the man to lead the charge.” Max bet $50 for first 500 bets only. Offer available from 5pm NZ time, Friday August 24. Head to betstar.com.au, betstar.mobi or call us on 1300 BETSTAR (Australia) or 0508 BETSTAR (NZ). For further information or interview equests, please contact: Pete Fairbairn, PR & Events Coordinator, +61 424 349 011 OR pfairbairn@betstar.com.au

2012-08-17T03:07:19Z eskander-s-betstar-have-green-to-go-one-better-in-first-caulfield-cup-market

Last year's runner-up Green Moon and Doomben Cup winner Mawingo share the top line of betting in Eskander’s Betstar's opening market for the 2012 Caulfield Cup following the close of entries for the $2.65 million race. Betstar has rated the imported pair, who are both trained locally, at $13, ahead of Lights Of Heaven at $15. Last year's winner Southern Speed is rated on the fifth line of betting at $26 in what Betstar's Alan Eskander described as a star-studded line-up. The first two internationally-trained entrants in the market are Luca Cumani's Quest For Peace and last year's Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux at $26. "When you consider the fact that the past two Melbourne Cup winners, Americain and Dunaden, don't even make into the top 15 in our opening market, it gives you some idea of the depth of this year's entry," Eskander said. "There's no doubt those two horses would be considered unlikely runners at this stage but we're sure Green Moon and Mawingo will be aimed at this race. Lloyd Williams has never won a Caulfield Cup and Green Moon was desperately unlucky last year. He gets the chance to atone this year and Mawingo strikes me as also having the perfect profile for the race," Eskander said. Eskander said the trend of Australian stables identifying international stayers with the potential to compete in our Cups was gaining momentum as this year’s entries show. "We've seen the success that local stables have had with the likes of Lucas Cranach, Mawingo, Manighar and December Draw, and there'll be a huge influx again this year going by the entries. Many of these horses are already in Australia so the question about their ability to handle the travel has been taken out of the equation," Eskander said. "This new trend has become a nightmare for bookmakers and assessors but I expect punters to tell us quite early which horses are most likely to make a name for themselves this spring. We'll be monitoring the market moves on these runners closely," he said. Star mare Atlantic Jewel has been kept safe at $17 in Caulfield Cup betting but Eskander says she will more likely head to the Cox Plate for which she is expected to be the opening favourite. A summary of Eskander’s Betstar’s Caulfield Cup market follows – to view the full market click here To organise an interview with Alan Eskander contact: Pip Kerr Marketing Manager Betstar Ph: 0420 441 983 Email: pkerr@betstar.com.au

2012-08-17T00:31:12Z first-time-coach-the-likely-choice-for-the-power

Alan Eskander, Managing Director of Betstar, has weighed into the debate over whether Port Adelaide will target an experienced coach or a first timer to replace the sacked Matthew Primus. Eskander believes that the Power-brokers at Alberton will see this as an opportunity to rebuild the club from the bottom up, and has opened two markets on the decision. Punters can bet on whether the coach appointed is a first-time AFL senior coach or not, as well as the full market of contenders for the role. “I think that the Power will go for a young, hungry coach with something to prove,” Eskander said. “They are pretty close to completely bottoming out, and they will be looking for a long-term solution as opposed to a quick fix. We have opened a market on whether the coach will be a first-timer, and we have that priced very short at $1.33. I’m happy to be taken to the cleaners if people disagree with me.” Eskander thinks that not only would Port Adelaide be making a blue by trying to solve their problems too quickly, but that the ‘Golden Oldies’ would not be that keen to move to the City of Churches anyway. “The likes of Mick Malthouse ($21), Paul Roos ($34) and Leigh Matthews ($34) are unlikely to be coaxed out of the coaching wilderness here; this is not the right challenge for any of them, and to be honest, it’s not an especially attractive proposal.” “I feel it is the same for the likes of Neil Craig ($34) and even Rodney Eade ($6); whilst they would probably both love to be a senior coach again one day, they are in their first year of new senior assistant roles, and despite media suggesting ‘Rocket’ is the man for the job I think it is the wrong approach from Port if they head in that direction.” “I think that the likes of Leon Cameron ($5), Scott Burns ($8) and Mark Bickley ($8) deserve to have a crack. Port have seen their cross-town rivals take a punt on a new man with great results, and will most likely look to follow suit.” Eskander also thinks that there is no chance of Power Premiership coach Mark Williams returning to the role he held for over a decade. “He is already coaching GWS; Sheeds is just the PR man, the spin doctor. We think that there is more of a chance of Israel Folau winning the 2013 Coleman Medal than ‘Choco’ returning to that hot seat, and have priced him at $51 accordingly. To view Betstar’s Port Adelaide coaching markets, including the New Blood vs. Golden Oldies special, head to www.betstar.com.au or betstar.mobi/ For further information about Betstar’s AFL markets, or to arrange radio interviews, please contact: Pete Fairbairn, PR & Events Coordinator, +61 424 349 011 OR pfairbairn@betstar.com.au

2012-05-04T04:12:06Z where-there-is-smoke-there-is-k-rudd

Kevin Rudd has been backed in from $8 to $2.75 to lead the Australian Labor Party at the next Federal Election with bookmaker Eskander’s Betstar. Labor and Prime Minister, Julia Gillard have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons of late and their approval rating has fallen to new lows. “It would seem a desperate move for Labor to bring back Kevin Rudd, given his vocal disapproval of many of his colleagues, but the party is in a mess and desperate times call for desperate measures. “The flood of money for Rudd suggests we have not heard the last of him and that many within the Labor Party feel he is their best chance given his apparent popularity with the Australian public,” said Betstar’s Alan Eskander. Julia Gillard is friendless in betting markets, drifting from $1.60 out to $2.50. “Federal Politics has a distinct soap opera feel to it these days and the instability is reflected by movements in Betstar’s betting markets, Kevin Rudd is the Ricky Ponting of politics, you think he’s going to take a back seat but then he pads up again. “Labor’s woes have seen them drift from $4 out to $5 to provide the PM at the next election and the Coalition has firmed from $1.28 into $1.17. “Betting markets have emerged as a key political indicator, so while Kevin Rudd might return for one final fight, he seems destined for failure on election day,” concluded Eskander Leader of Labor Party at 2013/14 Federal Election Julia Gillard 2.5 Kevin Rudd 2.75 Bill Shorten 5.5 Stephen Smith 5.5 Simon Crean 9 Greg Combet 16 Craig Emerson 51 Anthony Albanese 101 Chris Bowen 101 Wayne Swan 101 Kate Ellis 501 Nicola Roxon 501 Penny Wong 501 Peter Garrett 1001 Australian Federal Election – Next Prime Minister Coalition $1.17 ALP $5 To organise an interview with Alan Eskander contact Pip Kerr on 0420 441 983 or pkerr@betstar.com.au Betstar

2012-01-31T23:50:48Z 10-000-on-offer-for-victorias-best-of-the-best

The competition to find Victoria's best football team is on again, and is looking to build on a hugely successful 2011 event. The Betstar Champions Cup, won by Geelong Football League team South Barwon in 2011, has expanded in 2012 and will feature nine teams from across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, added prize money, media support and sponsorship.Taking place on March 18 at Bulleen Park in Melbourne, the 2012 Betstar Champions Cup will be contested by Division 1 premiers from across the State.Respective competition premiers Bell Park (Geelong FL), Bundoora (Northern FL), Cranbourne (Mornington Peninsula NFL), Noble Park (Eastern Football League), Romsey (Riddell District FL), Shepparton United (Goulburn Valley FL), Spotswood (Western Region FL), Strathmore (Essendon District FL) and St. Paul's (Southern FL) will play off in modified rules matches on three ovals in a one-day football spectacular, with the winner to take home a $5000 cash purse from Betstar and $5000 in prizes from Sports Support partners and sponsors of the day.After capturing the attention of footy fans last year, 1116SEN has become the event's official media partner and will broadcast live from Bulleen Park with former Hawthorn and North Melbourne forward Nathan Thompson and a host of current and former AFL stars wandering the grounds.But the teams in battle will not be the only ones to benefit from the Betstar Champions Cup.Football clubs from across Victoria are invited to attend education sessions featuring presentations from a number of experts designed to enhance both on and off field performance.The EJ Whitten Foundation Forum Room will feature talks and demonstrations from leading football identities in fields such as health and fitness, medical, financial, merchandise and coaching.AFL great Terry Wallace will be a key-note speaker and coaches, administrators, support staff and players are invited to attend. Betstar Champions Cup general manager Ben Charles praised the event as a celebration of local footy and the perfect launch to the 2012 football season."There had always been that question about suburban footy and who really sits at the top of the tree. The SUPER SUNDAY provides just a little insight into that question and this year we've added to that by scheduling in the EJ Whitten forum to advise and support clubs as they start their season."The day certainly has a competitive edge but it's really the only chance for all local footy fans to rub shoulders and really get an understanding of the other competitions on the one day. Many of the sides last year became unofficial supporters of the competing teams for the remainder of season 2011 and I would suspect this year's competing teams will share the same sort of connection."As they did as official sports betting partner in 2011, Betstar has again framed a market to allow local footy supporters to have a bet on their team.Betstar Managing Director Alan Eskander said he was thrilled to support the event for a second year."Betstar is thrilled to be back on board as the sponsor of the Betstar Champions Cup."The inaugural event was a huge success and this year's is shaping up to be even better."We think it's important to support grass roots footy and we are looking forward to seeing who is the strongest team in Victoria."Corporate and EJ Whitten Foundation Forum Room packages, and admission tickets are available online at www.sportssupport.com.au, as well as at the gate on the day. Games begin at 11am, with Forum Room presentations beginning at 11:15am . The Betstar Champions Cup will be fully catered and is licensed to sell alcohol. Ample parking is available.For interviews and information, please contact Andrew Lowther via drew@sportssupport.com.au or on 0415 344 126.Betstar on Twitter|Betstar on Facebook

2011-10-27T01:55:06Z it-s-us-against-them-says-eskander-and-that-s-great

Thursday 27th October, 2011 Betstar's Alan Eskander says Australian punters should embrace the internationalisation of the Melbourne Cup as debate continues over this year's foreign invasion which should ensure our most famous sporting trophy heads overseas again. "The international competition is great for the race," said Eskander. "When you look at how much publicity the overseas runners generate, you realise just how important they are to keeping racing in the public eye at this time of the year. And if an international horse is the best stayer, so be it. Surely competition in any sport is good. We as Australians love to cheer on our national teams when they have success in so many sports around the world, so why shouldn't we welcome the internationals with open arms when they come here to compete. To be the best you have to beat the best" Eskander said. "And while our staying ranks aren't that strong at the moment, we don't complain when our best sprinters head over to Royal Ascot and win the big races over there. The British didn't complain when the likes of Choisir, Takeover Target and Miss Andretti went over there and won some of their biggest sprint races so why shouldn't it work the other way. I'm sure the Brits won't be complaining when they get the chance to see our own Black Caviar in action at Royal Ascot next year," said Eskander. "If Australian owners and trainers are going to stay competitive in the Melbourne Cup, perhaps it's time for someone to bite the bullet and start breeding some stayers. The Europeans have learned the lessons from their earlier forays and now have a good handle on just what is required to be competitive, and from my point of view, I reckon it's fantastic for the race and the Spring Racing Carnival," said Eskander. Eskander said Betstar had framed a market on where the Melbourne Cup winner will be trained and it's no surprise that the Internationals are a firm favourite. Melbourne Cup Special – Aussies V The World The World (trained overseas, includes NZ) $1.70 Aussies (trained in Australia) $2.15 To arrange an interview with Alan Eskander contact: Pip Kerr Marketing Manager Betstar Email: pkerr@betstar.com.au Ph: 0420 441 983

2011-10-13T04:50:42Z draw-presents-no-barrier-for-cup-favourite

This morning's barrier draw has had little or no impact on the market for Saturday's $2.5 million Caulfield Cup. Ruling favourite December Draw maintained his place at the head of Betstar's market on the race at $2.50 after drawing barrier 11 while second favourite Lucas Cranach ($6.50) drew barrier 3. Betstar's Alan Eskander expects a rush of money for the favourite now that the barrier draw has been made. "I think favourite backers have been waiting for the barrier draw to tick the final box before launching on December Draw. Assuming the emergencies don't get a run, he'll start from barrier 9 and it's been the most successful starting position in the last 15 years in the race with four wins. Eight of the winners in that time have come in the range from barriers 7-11 so he looks ideally placed, and while he's already short enough, today's draw can only give his backers more confidence going into Saturday's race," Eskander said. "Lucas Cranach is still a solid second favourite with us although his barrier draw may not necessarily be ideal for a horse with his "get back" style of racing," Eskander said.Southern Speed firmed slightly after drawing barrier 4 while Precedence is out to $26 after drawing barrier 20. Eskander said Lloyd Williams's only Cup runner, Green Moon had been well supported this week. "He'd looked like he wasn't going to get a run so got out to $41 at one stage of betting but he's into $15 now that he's in the field," Eskander said. To view Eskander’s Betstar’s Caulfield Cup Betting Odds click here

2011-09-22T01:31:18Z big-money-for-december-draw-in-caulfield-cup

Some big moneythis morning has seen Mark Kavanagh's star galloper December Draw firm to clear favouritism for next month's Caulfield Cup. Betstar laid a bet of $14,000 @ $8.50 for a return of $119,000 and immediately tightened December Draw into $7 for the race to be run on October 15. Betstar's Alan Eskander said the punter is banking on December Draw winning Saturday's Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield. "December Draw has to win on Saturday to be guaranteed a run in the Caulfield Cup.The punter has obviously had a look at the entries for the Naturalism (Stakes) and put ‘two and two’ together. Given he's only got 50kgs currently in the Caulfield Cup, Kav will almost be hoping for a penalty after Saturday to open up his jockey options for the horse,” Eskander said. History says the Naturalism winner is rarely penalised more than 1.5kgs for the Caulfield Cup. “If December Draw wins on Saturday, we’ll be taking the light weight and guaranteed start into account, there is no doubt his odds will firm up again and he’ll be a standout favourite in early betting for the Caulfield Cup."Eskander added. To view Eskander’s Betstar’s Caulfield Cup market Caulfield Cup Betting Odds

2011-09-09T02:58:11Z don-t-be-a-wallis-with-betting-says-eskander

Following the AFL’s tough and appropriate reaction to the Heath Shaw and Nick Maxwell betting scandal leading bookmaker Alan Eskander was shocked with the revelation that Essendon Assistant coach Dean Wallis was also being investigated. With Wallis now copping a heavy penalty he hopes the entire AFL community are now aware of the rules and the consequences of breaking them Alan Eskander Opinion “The Shaw and Maxwell case was on the front page of the papers for days, how anyone let alone an AFL assistant coach failed to get the message that the AFL are deadly serious about maintaining the integrity of the game is beyond me. The cynics were speculating that the AFL were just using high profile players to set an example, but the Wallis case puts the writing on the wall for everyone involved in the AFL, it’s a pretty simple message - do not bet on AFL or you will cop it.Wallis has come out today saying he was stupid, I second that notion and I wonder what further warning players, officials and coaching staff need. The AFL are doing a great job at maintaining the integrity of the game and bookmakers are providing them with the right support and information, let’s hope there are no further indiscretions.”

2011-05-02T07:20:51Z bool-car-is-safe-says-eskander

As the famous Warrnambool Racing Carnival gets set to kick off, Betstar's Alan Eskander has offered punters an early chance to grab some punting action on the country club's popular Trainers' Bonus. Last year, Robert Smerdon became the first trainer to win the Mercedes Benz offered by the Warrnambool Racing Club to the trainer who can train four winners across the three days, including one of the feature races, but Eskander is tipping that there won't be a repeat this year. In a special market framed for the Trainers' Bonus, Eskander has No Winner a raging favourite at $1.65. "Robert Smerdon had a standout year last year but I'm prepared to gamble against it happening again," Eskander said. "I've rated Darren Weir the best chance to pull it off this year and we've got him at $5 while Robert Smerdon's followers can get $6.50 about his chances of a repeat win. I reckon Robbie Laing ($9) is the only other trainer with a realistic chance of pulling it off but as usual, it's up to the punters to determine the market and I'm happy to be guided by them," said Eskander. Bool Specials - He's Got The Keys In The Ignition… No Trainer Wins Car $1.65 Darren Weir $5.00 Robert Smerdon $6.50 Robbie Laing $9.00 Any Other Individual Trainer $11.00 Eric Musgrove $11.00 Will Any Trainer Win The Car Over The Warrnambool Carnival Pays On Official Ruling By Warrnambool Racing Club (Ts & Cs Included) Trainer Must Train 4 Winners Including 1 Feature Race Features: Galleywood, Wangoom, Cup & Grand Annual - Win Only

2011-04-08T05:56:52Z sports-betting-educate-amp-regulate

Sports betting is on the rise with the popularity and growth of sport worldwide and especially in Australia. What we're seeing is that professional sport is more and more accessible through TV rights, increased broadcasting agreements and the internet and what that brings is a greater interest in sports betting.Largely speaking, there are certainly some issues within the sports betting industry that need addressing as we see in the case of obvious NRL and cricket examples. I applaud the recent efforts made by bodies such as the AFL and NRL who aim to protect their sports. Issues need to be addresses and regulated without a doubt, however a call to prohibit exotic bet types is not the answer. The fact is that 99% of those who bet do so recreationally and within their means so we're talking about the minority who act irresponsibly and tarnish the reputation of the sports betting industry. Gambling is not dissimilar to alcohol, the majority of Australian's like to have a drink and do so responsibility, however a small minority over indulge. Like alcohol, gambling needs to be managed and promoted responsibly rather than be forced underground.Bookies want integrity in sport. History shows that across many controversial social issues, that prohibition is not a successful strategy and that's certainly the case when it comes to wagering on sport. The key is for the industry to keep up to speed by educating and regulating not only the public, but sports players and officials. We need to be teaching those involved about the importance of what they may be privy to for a start, and we need to see educational programs as part of the sports industry across all sports. Consumer interest and demand for sports betting is only rising and that demand needs to be satiated. Effectively, all you do through prohibition is drive that demand underground and that's where you end up with illegal activity, unlicensed operators and corruption. I believe there is a real danger if the issue is not managed properly. If we do not keep ahead of the game with education and regulation we will create a black market where illegal bookies will thrive. An environment like this means there is no auditing, no safe guard, no paper trail and increased opportunities for corruption. We will not have access to dialogue between the punter and the bookmaker and therefore will be unable to scrutinise the information should the need arise. In regards to recent public debate about the proliferation of advertising from wagering operators at sporting events; while Betstar does not currently advertise in this space, we are listening to the public opinion and think the right balance can be found between giving sports fans the betting market information they are looking for and the saturation of the advertising. At Betstar, we work closely with various sporting bodies to help protect the integrity of their various sports. We recognise the need to ensure sport is free of corruption to ensure that punters can have a bet with complete confidence in the integrity of the event they are betting on. If we are unable to achieve this common goal then spectators and fans along with punters will lose faith in the credibility of their sport of choice and this is a dangerous and slippery slide for any sporting code.

2011-04-08T05:55:05Z the-choux-fits-for-punter

Star New Zealand three-year-old Jimmy Choux is a rock-solid $2.05 favourite to add to his "picket fence" of wins in tomorrow's Group 1 AJC Australian Derby at Randwick. Betstar's Alan Eskander says the horse can handle all types of going and his only worry will be whether he gets cluttered up on the rail from his no.1 barrier. "If Jonathan Riddell can just make sure he gets a clear run from there, he should be too good for them and we won't be taking any risks with him. We're already holding a payout of $94,000 to one punter who took Sepoy into him in a Slipper-Derby double, and he's also the first leg of a lot of doubles into the AJC Oaks, the Doncaster and the Sydney Cup," Eskander said. "The best backed to beat him has been Shamrocker. She's been $8 into $6.50 and that includes one bet of $8,000 each way at $7 however it's a big ask for a filly against the boys and she'll need every bit of Glen Boss's Group 1 magic to reverse the Rosehill Guineas result, " said Eskander. However the main focus tomorrow won't be on the Derby as world champ Black Caviar steals the racing spotlight. Eskander said today she hadn't budged from her $1.20 to make it 12 in a row in the Group 1 T.J.Smith Stakes. "We can't lay any other runner which I guess isn't surprising. Many punters will be happy just to watch her go around but it wouldn't surprise me if some of the bigger punters stepped in closer to race time. After all, you don't get a 20 per cent interest rate on your money every day," Eskander added. Big fields are the order of the day at Randwick and Eskander expects some fast and furious action on what looks to be one of the race days of the year. To check out the latest markets for Randwick click on the link below:http://www.betstar.com.au/todays_racing.asp?racedate=tomorrow

2011-02-16T00:19:56Z scully-a-giant-or-is-eddie-talking-a-whole-lot-of-falafel-1

Eskander’s Betstar are giving punters a chance to weigh into the debate about whether Demon Tom Scully will jump ship and join the Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2012. “Eddie McGuire thinks he’s got the story of the year, Jim Stynes thinks Eddie’s just stirring the pot and Scully’s management insist Scully hasn’t signed a deal, providing all the right ingredients for what we love about football - debate and speculation. “Eddie is always going to get himself into trouble trying to wear a journalist and president’s hat, but he is sticking by his source and it would be naive to overlook the mail from one of footy’s best informed identities.“For this reason we have positioned Scully as a $1.50 chance to pull on the Giants jumper in 2012,” said Betstar’s Alan Eskander. Betstar Market - Little Tom the Giant Tom Scully will play for GWS in 2012 $1.50 Tom Scully will not play for GWS in 2012 $2.60 Rules Max bet $500Tom Scully must sign a new contract with Greater Western Sydney a play one match in 2012 to be paid as a winne.