Bookies predict smooth sailing for University Boat Race

Oxford are the strong 2-7 favourites to win the 160th University Boat Race on Sunday, while Cambridge can be backed at 13-5, according to bookmaker Coral.

Ahead of the event, the firm has opened betting on a number of markets, including odds on a repeat of the drama in 2012. It’s 10-1 that a protester mirrors the 2012 incident and swims in front of the boats, 25-1 that either boat sinks and 1000-1 that a fight breaks out between the teams.

Meanwhile, Pippa Middleton, an avid Cambridge supporter, is 1-2 to be photographed at the race, while Prince Harry is 2-1 to make an appearance.

“It may be one of the oldest sporting events in the world, but punters are still as interested as ever in having a flutter. It’s one way traffic for Oxford to regain the trophy, but the odds certainly don’t rule out an upset,” said Coral’s Nicola McGeady.

**The Boat Race 2014

2-7 Oxford

13-5 Cambridge

150-1 Dead Heat

**Specials

25-1 Either boat to sink

3-1 Oarsman to ‘catch a crab’

10-1  A protester to swim in front of the boats

100-1 A team member to fall overboard

1000-1 Fight to break out amongst the teams during the race

100-1 Fight to break out amongst teams after the race

1-2 Pippa Middleton to be photographed at the boat race

2-1 Prince Harry to be photographed at the boat race

10-1 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to be photographed at the boat race