Ana Inspiration 2021 - Dinah Shore, Mission Hills, California

The first Major of the year sees the ladies head for Mission Hills, California. It's not usually an event I get involved in but there's three players I'm keen on backing and yet I also wanted to include Leona Maguire as well, but have let her be this week despite a solid start to 2021 from the Cavan girl. She'll be on the podium very soon regardless. 

Lexi Thompson has proven course form here having won this back in 2014. Lexi posted a 7th finish in '15, 5th in '16, and lost a playoff in 2017 amid huge controversy following a referee decision reminiscent to DJs at Oakmont during the final round, having held the lead after 36 & 54 holes. A TOP20 was posted in 2018 before finishing 3rd in 2019 and again in 2020. How she's available @ 12/1 - 6 places with 4 players ahead of her in the betting, I'm not sure, as she's clearly at ease with Mission Hills. Two runner-up postings in her 3 events this month augur well for another assault on this Major that owes her another title! The course specialist this week and the favourite in my book.

Sophia Popov is a little overpriced for me this week @ 80/1. Having posted 10-8-48-21 in her 4 LPGA starts this year,the German has the ability to grind out results as proven when winning the Women's Open last August. 

Lastly, Stacy Lewis is added @ 66/1. Stacy won this back in 2011 and lost in a playoff to Brittany Lincicome in 2015 at the 3rd extra hole. She won as recent as last August in Scotland so the 36 year old cannot be taken lightly as she has proven in recent weeks posting TOP-10s at The Gainbridge and Kia Classic. 

Selections

2 pts e/w L. Thompson @ 12/1 - 6 places

1 pt e/w S. Lewis @ 66/1 - 6 places

1 pt e/w S. Popov @ 80/1 - 6 places