Betting the Miss Universe 2009 novelty prop (Pictures included)
Of all the novelty bets coming and going throughout the year, none are so much to research as Paddy Power’s annual “Miss Universe Winner” proposition wager. After this writer’s decent showing last year (netting $162.50 per $100), this one really requires some analysis from the Os Man. We’ll be working with a Live Bets Direct bankroll of $100 again and spreading that ‘round a bit.
Ada Aimee de la Cruz, Miss Dominican RepublicFirst, a look at some of the major contenders. Best of news for world-be punters on this prop bet is that essentially every contender has long odds. The Miss Universe contestants currently getting odds shorter than 25/1 at Paddy Power include the following, with parenthetical figures at right representing the ever-popular “each way” betting, i.e. a wager that your selection will finish among the top five in the contest:Mexico: 10/1 (10/4)Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Australia: 12/1 (3/1)Japan, Ireland, Costa Rica, USA, Honduras: 14/1 (7/2)Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Germany: 16/1 (4/1)Lebanon, Panama: 18/1 (9/2)Paraguay, Venezuela, France, Cayman Islands: 20/1 (5/1)Right. So, after some serious, um, research, Live Bets Direct’s expert team (of one) suggests the following betting strategy for Miss Universe 2009.Our favoritesAvalon-Chanel Wyzig
Avalon-Chanel Wyzig, Netherlands – The pic not exactly what you were expecting? No kidding. Believable is that Ms. Wyzig is half Indonesian. Entirely believable is that the exotic-to-die-for Ms. Wyzig is an online fan favorite. Popular ogling – I mean, *fan* — site GlobalBeauties.com has Miss Netherlands in first place, just above two other Live Bets Direct endorsees, Miss Dominican Republic and Miss Australia.
Speaking of exotic looks, check out Ada Aimee de la Cruz, Miss Dominican Republic above. There’s no wonder this lady places high on the Paddy Power table: Ada is already a professional model at 23 years old and represented the Dominican Republic at the 2007 Miss Worlds. Plus, there must be something to Ms. de la Cruz’ victory in her home country as she is, according to Wikipedia, “the second woman of noticeably black heritage to win the Miss Dominican Republic pageant.”
Recommendation: Put $10 each of Miss Netherlands and Miss Dominican Republic to win it all, and $15 on each as an each-way bet.
Rachel Finch
Others to consider
For those more at home with the girl-next-door look are certainly scoping out Rachel Finch, Miss Australia, and why not? Ms. Finch has seemingly cornered the market on both wholesomeness and sex appeal in one devastating package. More judges are certain to be swayed, should she get to relate during the interview segment of the contest the story of her awesome (and oh-so-Australian) experience with a crocodile attack.
Emiri Miyasaka, geared up
Sure, Emiri Miyasaka, Miss Japan, is heart-thumpingly beautiful, but what’s the ace-up-the-sleeve that’s going to put her among the elite? Believe it or not, the native costume round will be key. Miyasaka’s amazing (and naturally, in home Japan, controversial) kimino gear (pictured, right) designed by world-renowned fashion designer Yoshiyuki Ogata. Ogata’s last effort for the Miss Universe competition was a samurai-themed outfit for then-Miss Japan Kurara Chibana. The outcome? Japan took the “Best National Costume” prize, and Chibana finished first runner-up.
Nicosa Lawson
Call me nuts, but there’s a reason ladies from tiny countries sneak high up the boards to nestle with much more well-publicized contestants. This year’s micronational favorite is Nicosia Lawson, Miss Cayman Islands (pop. 52,000), who has quite the admirable CV in both beauty pageants and charity. Nicosia has represented the Caymans in Miss World 2008 and was 2nd runnerup in the 2000 Miss Teen Cayman Islands contest. In the less glamorous world, she has worked with numerous HIV/AIDS programs, is a high-ranking member of the Rotaract Blue Club in the Caymans, and founded a women’s magazine. Looks, talent (she was noted for her singing performance at the 2008 Worlds) and brains? Sounds like a finalist to me!
Recommendations: Put $15 on each-way bets for Miss Australia, Miss Japan and Miss Cayman Islands.
The longshot
Zsuzsa Budai
Gotta go with Miss Hungary, Budai Zsuzsa, here at 33/1, because, well, she’s Hungarian. And if you don’t know how charming Magyar girls can be, you’ve probably never met one.
Recommendation: Spend a token $5 on Ms. Budai; even as an each-way pick, she’s going off at over 8/1.
The snub
The astute among you have probably noticed the omission of favorite Miss Mexico, Karla Maria Carrillo Gonzalez. It’s not that Karla isn’t as gloriously gorgeous, talented or charming as any of the other women, it’s just that, to be honest, I’m not even certain she’s the best choice in Mexico. Check out the photo below, with Miss Mexico Universe side by side with Miss Mexico World, Perla Judith Beltrán Acosta. Well, what you think?
Miss Mexicos: Gonzalez (L) and Acosta
Comments are closed.