2009 BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD BETTING TIPS

Jenson’s Button’s banner year for Brawn F1 has catapulted him into pole position to secure the 2009 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. While the shortlist of 10 candidates is certainly an impressive one, the odds indicate that Button is a distinct favourite and only faces a realistic challenge from one or two possible rivals for the coveted title.
Personally, I had been hoping that Tony McCoy would have at least been on the list, and Racing Post editor Bruce Millington issued an impassioned appeal on McCoy’s behalf that I think should have been given a bit more attention. Securing 3000 career winners this year is a feat that is pretty difficult to replicate, but McCoy himself was philosophical when asked about his absence. He declared “I was third in 2002, but if Frankie Dettori never won it for riding seven winners at Ascot, then no jockey’s going to get involved in it.”
As it currently stands, Jenson Button is listed at an odds-on price of 1.57 to secure the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, with the winner announced on December 13th. Jessica Ennis, Heptathlon World Champion, is commanding a very strong price of 4.0, but I think this is based on a little bit of reverse-bias from the bookmakers who may believe that the powers that be would enjoy the politically pleasing situation of naming a female winner. Newly-crowned WBA World Heavyweight champion David Haye is the 3rd favourite with a 7.0 price tag.
The odds then take a significant jump to Andrew Strauss, who captained England’s dramatic Ashes-winning triumph, and he trades at 17.0. Veteran footballer, and all-around great bloke, Ryan Giggs is listed at 21.0 and that looks like the last entrant with a chance of getting the victory. Andy Murray could have been a much stronger contender this year with another few victories, but he is deservedly on the list and commands a 51.0 price. Gymnast Beth Tweddle sits at 51.0 as well, with triple jumper Philip Idowu available at 67.0. Cyclist Mark Cavendish can be backed at 81.0 while diver Tom Daley brings up the rear at 101.0.
I have to admit that the smart money goes on Button, who has certainly achieved more than many on the list in this calendar year. However, these are ten incredible athletes and I have a feeling that they may spring a surprise with this victory.
In my opinion, Button and Ennis are the only likely winners. However, with England's cricket team playing fairly well in South Africa at the moment, Strauss remains a player in the headlines. He may be your dark horse.