Five-time winner of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Wild Oats XI simply can’t be beaten. Or so says online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au, who have decided to pay out early on the favourite four days before the starter raises his pistol.
Sportsbet.com.au’s Shaun Anderson said the online bookie had no hesitation in paying out early, with Wild Oats XI’s form placing it in a league of its own.
“We’re absolutely certain we’d be paying out very soon anyway, so punters might as well enjoy their cash before Christmas,” Anderson said.
“Of course there are a few variables in this race such as the weather, but Wild Oats XI is in such red hot form and surely only bad luck can beat her.”
Sportsbet.com.au has a reputation for paying out early on major events, and usually is on the money with their predictions including So You Think to win the 2010 Cox Plate and England to win the 2010/11 Ashes Series. However, this was not the case in 2010 when they paid out on Richmond to win the wooden spoon after only four rounds, or earlier this year when they paid out on Chris Judd to win the Brownlow Medal with four rounds to go in the season.
“Nothing is ever certain in bookmaking, but Wild Oats XI to win the Sydney to Hobart is about as good a thing as you can get,” said Anderson.
“As with all sportsbet.com.au early payouts, the market remains open, meaning punters who have been paid out can take their cash or can reinvest if they wish.”
Wild Oats XI is currently paying $1.30 (in from $1.40) to win the Sydney to Hobart, ahead of Investec Loyal at $3.60 (out from $3.00).
Market courtesy of sportsbet.com.au
2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Line Honours Winner Betting
$1.30 Wild Oats XI (in from $1.40)
$3.60 Investec Loyal (out from $3.00)
$17 Lahana
$21 Wild Thing
$34 Ichi Ban
$51 Hugo Boss, Loki, Brindabella
$67 The Stick, Merit
$101 Southern Excellence, Living Doll, Knee Deep
$151 Cougar II, Calm
Others quoted
The payout applies to all single wagers placed on Wild Oats XI to win line honours in the 2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race before 11.00am AEDT on Thursday, 22 December 2011.