Cruz poised to shine when Kansas and Louisiana have their say

Three wins on Super Tuesday ensured Ted Cruz remains, just, in the chase to be named the Republican candidate for this year’s US Presidential Elections, but another good weekend could really thrust the Texan into the mix.

Eight states head to the polls across the weekend, and it’s in Kansas and Louisiana where Cruz could come up Trumps (excuse the pun).

There are few polls to go on in the way of gauging expected results in the two states, but with Cruz claiming victory in Oklahoma, that could give us an indication into how Kansas might go.

The Sunflower state shares much more than just a border with its neighbour, with the two states home to similar socioeconomic and ethnic demographics, plus a relatable split between urban and rural populations.

A rare poll from Kansas had Trump and Hillary Clinton winning this weekend, but 40 per cent said they were undecided while Oklahoma’s polls also supported a Trump/Clinton story before the state actually voted for Cruz and Bernie Sanders.

As for Louisiana, well Cruz’s hopes rest on whether or not the Pelican State carries through its recent history, after voting for social conservatives in Rick Santorum four years ago and Mike Huckerbee in 2008.

Trump claimed five of the six southern states in what was pretty much an SEC Primary on Tuesday, losing out only in Cruz’s home Texas.

The real estate mogul is 1/4 to be named Republican nominee and run for the White House, while Cruz’s odds have fluctuated wildly from 6/1 to 33/1 following his South Carolina loss, and then back in to his current price of 16s after Super Tuesday.

There’s little to suggest Marco Rubio will steal the headlines, but with Florida still to come, the tide could yet turn for the 44-year-old.

Kentucky, Maine and Puerto Rico also make their Republican decisions this weekend, so while it may not have the impact of the 12 states this week, a lot could still change as Monday arrives.

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing.