University Boat Races 2019: Cambridge v Oxford betting preview, odds and tips

TV: Live on BBC1, from 2pm Sunday

Cambridge claimed their 80th victory in the 164th instalment of the men's Boat Race in 2018 and the Light Blues are as short as 1-5 to reclaim the title on the Thames on Sunday.

The commanding three-length victory over Oxford last year narrowed their deficit in the overall victories tally to just three and this year they have made waves by adding two-time Olympic champion James Cracknell to their crew.

Cracknell, who at 46 will become the oldest ever participant in the annual match, will sit in seat two of the Cambridge boat in his attempt to emulate former teammate Sir Matthew Pinsent - with whom he won coxless four Olympic golds at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 - in winning at both the Olympics and the Boat Race.

It is clear to see why bookmakers rate them such strong favourites.

Both crews have been beaten by Oxford Brookes University in preparation for the varsity showdown, although Cambridge acquitted themselves better than the Dark Blues, going down by three-quarters of a length and a length in two pieces whereas Oxford were beaten comfortably by the Brookes boat on both occasions.

Five of the last eight Boat Races have been decided by three or more lengths so the distance markets could be the best way to support heavy favourites Cambridge. Hills go 6-5 about the Light Blues winning by more than that margin.

Cambridge's women are also long odds-on to win a third straight Boat Race. The Light Blues won by 11 lengths in 2017 and seven last year.

Recommendation
Cambridge to win by more than three lengths
1pt 6-5 Hills

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