Nashua Masters

Outright plays (1 unit):

David Frost to win 18/1 e.w. @ SkyBet
Only SkyBet have priced up this event and so there is not a lot of value around for the leading players, however they are offering 5 places for this very minor event so will try to land at least a place finish from one of these selections. After missing the cut in the two co-sanctioned event this year, Frost certainly found his form last week to be 5th after three rounds. He did follow that with a 77, but the indications are there that this could be a good week. Apart from one event in 2001, these have been his first starts on home soil since 2000. Previously his form in South Africa had been exceptional - 10 top-5 finishes in 15 events from 1997 to 2000 - and buoyed by his form last week, he may feel that he can be competitive in this country again this week.

Roger Wessels to win 40/1 e.w. @ SkyBet
Similar story with another seasoned campaigner. His form in South Africa has been ordinary for a couple of years, but until the end of 2002, he was one of the best and most consistent golfers on this Tour. He struggled with his game on the European Tour last year, but in returning to much lower competition on this Tour, he may rediscover some confidence. The fact that he has finished 4th and 2nd in his two starts in the past three years on this course will certainly help.

Nic Henning to win 50/1 e.w. @ SkyBet
A youngster by comparison, Henning was a European Tour member only three season ago (three top-10 finishes that year, but has concentrated on his home Tour ever since where he has been a consistent top-10 finisher. He was in the top-10 after three rounds of the South African Open last month, but faltered in the final round. With two top-10 finishes in the last four years on this course, it also looks as though a top-10 finish is a good possibility and that means value at this price and place terms. And having beaten Darren Clarke in a playoff for the 1999 Vodacom Players Championship, he can win and against much better opposition.

UPDATE:

Paddy Power have just priced up this event and are offering much larger odds: Frost 25/1, Wessels 50/1 and Henning 66/1!!  At their prices, I would also have dropped Henning in favour of Richard Sterne 16/1.

Final update: 0-3; -3.00 units

Frost 24th
Wessels 17th
Henning 10th

Failed to take advantage of some good prices. Wessels found his form a little too late, while Henning did get as high as 6th in the final round, but finished two shots out of the places. Obviously boosted by being tipped here last week, McLardy duly won ... this week!