For those monitoring Tiger Woods closely, last week's runner-up finish at the Valspar Championship was either a case of perfect timing or premature something-or-other as he heads to Bay Hill in search of a remarkable ninth triumph in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Woods had been quoted at 18/1 for this week's event by one firm prior to his effort in Tampa, but having contended throughout there the revised prices were understandably shorter when they arrived on Monday morning. No less surprising is the fact that they have been taken, with only a few standing firm at 13/2 at the time of writing. It will probably last no longer than those lingering hopes that we might have been able to back him at 20s had he struggled last week.

Strip away betting, and of course Woods' performance in the Valspar, where he came up one shot short but not before that electric moment on the 71st hole, rates a positive. He now arrives at Bay Hill having familiarised himself with wearing that Sunday red in the heat of battle, with having a putt for a play-off even, and that can only be good news for those willing to take the plunge.