Cambridge to dominate Oxford according to Boat Race odds

When the head-to-head record reads 75-80 you know there is going to be very little splitting the two teams.

Oxford and Cambridge contest the 157th Boat Race on Saturday – there was one dead heat (100/1) way-back in 1877 – and Ladbrokes are offering plenty of betting markets to keep punters interested in the race.

Cambridge are the reigning holders and the 8/13 favourites to retain their title this year, but considering there are only five wins splitting the two head-to-head records in Cambridge’s favour, the value is in backing Oxford at 6/5.

On the three previous occasions that Cambridge have triumphed, Oxford have gone on to win the following two renewals and the boys in dark blue, while lighter than their opponents, boast a new team that features just one of last year’s losing crew.

Oxford are conceding 13lb to Cambridge but while the heavier crew are perceived to have the advantage, there is no statistical evidence to back this theory up.

However you can guarantee the two crews will be in peak condition and targeting a course record which currently stands at 16 minutes and 19 seconds when Cambridge beat Oxford in 1998.

There have been just two races under 17 minutes in the last 11 races but the race to last 17 minutes 15 seconds or less is the favoured result at 5/4 and a record could be on the cards.

Cambridge are favoured to record a 2 1/4 length or more at 7/4 and having come from behind to win from the less-favoured Middlesex side last year, Cambridge may choose to return to that side and they are 10/11 to do so.

Cambridge are the dominant crew in most of the Boat Race betting markets but despite the weight difference, Oxford are ready for this race and are prepared to surprise a few people.

A £20 stake on Oxford winning the Boat Race would return £44. New customers can sign up here to get up to £60 in free bets.