Throw in his previous course form of 3rd here last year and a 2nd in 2003, and you have the makings of a cast-iron each-way bet.
With some decent prize money on offer, a strong field has assembled in Germany for the second tournament that counts towards next year's Ryder Cup.
The Course: Gut Larchenhof, Cologne, Germany (par-72, 7,289 yards)
This Jack Nicklaus-designed course opened in 1996, and has been used for this event since 1998 – meaning there’s plenty of course form to go on. It is a resort style course which, despite being toughened up in recent years, offers plenty of birdie / eagle opportunities, so expect scoring to be low. The four par-5’s are the 3rd, 7th (the longest at 583 yards), 13th and 15th.
Ross' Top Tip: Miguel Angel Jimenez @ 20/1 Paddy Power
Despite the easy track, the cream has ridden to the top here in recent years - the last 4 winners have been Karlsson, Soren. Hansen, Goosen and Harrington - and this week's market leaders, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood and Ross Fisher, all boast rock-solid credentials. They will have their backers but don't win often enough for me to merit a punt at shortish odds and better value can be had by backing the Spaniard.
Granted, he hasn't won for a while (May 2008) either but he's been ultra consistent of late, making the cut in each of his last eight starts and three times finishing in the each-way payout places. He currently ranks 8th in scoring average on Tour (70.49) and is capable of going very low. Throw in his previous course form of 3rd here last year and a 2nd in 2003, and you have the makings of a cast-iron each-way bet.
Next Best: Thongchai Jaidee @ 45/1 William Hill
A prolific winner in Asia, Jaidee rarely seems to get the respect from bookmakers he deserves, which is no bad thing for punters of course. Twice a winner at the start of this season, he's maintained his form well throughout the summer and played with great credit in the final two majors of the year at Turnberry (tied-13th) and Hazeltine (tied-36th). He arrives here on the back of a fifth place finish at Crans and some previous here, shooting a final round 68 when finishing 21st in 2007. More like a 33/1 shot in my book.
Outsider: David Howell @ 90/1 bet365 (100/1 Expekt)
Take out last year's four over par score when he was struggling for consistency, and the Englishman is 17 under for his last six rounds here, with a sixth and eighth place finish to show from his last four starts. Clearly, there is more than a suggestion that this track fits his game and, after a long spell in the doldrums due to injury, there have been signs recently that he's on his way back to something like his best. In which case, 90/1 is top value.
Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet: Miguel Angel Jimenez to beat Francesco Molinari @ 5/6 Skybet
Tournament Lay: Ross Fisher (Betfair place market)
Has twice played this event, finishing a respectable 32nd in 2007 before claiming third twelve month's ago, but I suspect he might need just need the run this week on his first start back since the USPGA Championship.
Recommended Bets:
Miguel Angel Jimenez 2pts each-way @ 20/1 Paddy Power
Thongchai Jaidee 1pt each-way @ 45/1 William Hill
David Howell 1pt each-way @ 90/1 bet365 (100/1 Expekt)