Anirban Lahiri is a strong recommendation in this week's Hero Indian Open.
We venture back to New Delhi for the Indian Open which produced some dramatic scenes last year. I was on Marcus Fraser who really should have come out on top but was outdone in the end by Anirban Lahiri who went off a short priced fav at 7/1. This course is made for the plotters. Swashbuckling driving will get you absolutely nowhere around this place so strategic golf is what is needed. The golf on the final day last year left a lot to be desired with many of the leaders heading into day four faltering badly and allowing Lahiri to come from way off the pace to win.
We haven't got far to look before finding this week's top bet. Anirban Lahiri is one of the most exciting betting prospects of the year so far. Early quotes of 8/1 have disappeared but I am very surprised to see him chalked up at this figure when he was 7/1 last year in a weaker field. Joost Luiten is the danger golfer lurking in behind but he hasn't been firing on all cylinders this last while. Lahiri though arrives in New Delhi this year a much more experienced golfer and, considering he has won on this course four times already, we will be having a very strong bet. He has won the Panasonic Open, the SBI Open (twice) and the Hero here last year all on this course so clearly is a specialist. He clearly has a penchant for the tighter tracks also with a top 5 finish in Crans last summer. He also bagged a top five finish in last years final major at Whistling Straits so everything points to a good performance this week. Taking everything into consideration, he was 7/1 here last year. That same price stands for a much more accomplished golfer as he tees it up this week and it must be pounced upon.
We haven't got far to look before finding this week's top bet. Anirban Lahiri is one of the most exciting betting prospects of the year so far. Early quotes of 8/1 have disappeared but I am very surprised to see him chalked up at this figure when he was 7/1 last year in a weaker field. Joost Luiten is the danger golfer lurking in behind but he hasn't been firing on all cylinders this last while. Lahiri though arrives in New Delhi this year a much more experienced golfer and, considering he has won on this course four times already, we will be having a very strong bet. He has won the Panasonic Open, the SBI Open (twice) and the Hero here last year all on this course so clearly is a specialist. He clearly has a penchant for the tighter tracks also with a top 5 finish in Crans last summer. He also bagged a top five finish in last years final major at Whistling Straits so everything points to a good performance this week. Taking everything into consideration, he was 7/1 here last year. That same price stands for a much more accomplished golfer as he tees it up this week and it must be pounced upon.
Anirban Lahiri - 3.5pts e/w @ 7/1Placed 2.62pts
As Lahiri is a large stake bet we'll be having just one more stab in this event in the shape of Frenchman Gregory Havret. He is always one who I keep in mind around the more strategic courses and after a top ten posted in Thailand last week he must be worth a small bet on his first outing in New Delhi. There isn't much more to say other than it is worth the risk at the price of 100/1. Who can forget his US Open bid on day four at Pebble Beach before being pipped by McDowell. Almost a fairytale story was told that day and it has been a shade barren ever since. I do expect Havret to notch another win before he hangs up his spikes and I'm prepared to play him this week after a decent showing in Thailand.
Of the others, if Tommy Fleetwood made it here in good shape his quotes of around 25/1 may look a shade big come the weekend. Uihlein is mighty short in the market for somebody who can not get over the line. I can't help but feel is overrated by the golfing public and I question if he will ever reach the heights that were expected of him. With a couple of good rounds last week I considered a few quid on Marc Warren as he can keep the ball in play. 66/1 is tempting but I'd be looking to see a bit better form before investing in the Scot.
Of the others, if Tommy Fleetwood made it here in good shape his quotes of around 25/1 may look a shade big come the weekend. Uihlein is mighty short in the market for somebody who can not get over the line. I can't help but feel is overrated by the golfing public and I question if he will ever reach the heights that were expected of him. With a couple of good rounds last week I considered a few quid on Marc Warren as he can keep the ball in play. 66/1 is tempting but I'd be looking to see a bit better form before investing in the Scot.
Gregory Havret - 0.5pts e/w @ 100/1Lost -1pts
