SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
John Cruces, Head of Marketing Operations at Dafabet, has agreed to take the Tipster Challenge at Chepstow Races.
He is the latest industry guest to compete alongside Timeform and Stephen Harris, the Horse Racing Guru at bettingexpert.
Our regular tipsters currently sit 4th and 5th on the Tipster Challenge leaderboard, with point averages of 2.62 and 1.00 respectively.
Cruces will be hoping to rival the 11.41 points achieved by Alan Alger of Betway at Fontwell. Last week’s guest John Hill, PR Manager at Coral, collected 4.25 points at Fakenham to move into second place.
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1:10
bettingexpert: Criq Rock
Useful in bumpers last season and hails from a stable going great guns with their novice hurdlers.
Timeform: Criq Rock
Showed plenty of ability in bumpers and makes his hurdling debut with his yard going along nicely.
Dafabet: Orchard Park
With many making the switch to hurdles, a lot must be taken on trust and while I’d avoid the race personally, for the challenge I sided with Willoughby Court who went well in a Grade 2 Bumper at Aintree. However, after a late withdrawal, I’ll go for Orchard Park, who I believe is too big a price.
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1:45
bettingexpert: Dingo Dollar
Comes from a yard with a strong hand in novice hurdles, and he is taken to make a winning start under Rules (bought for 50k after winning his only PTP).
Timeform: Dingo Dollar
After the withdrawal of Bim Bam Boum, we’re backing Dingo Dollar in a Chepstow race packed full of unknown quantities.
Dafabet: Dingo Dollar
Another race where I’d prefer more information, but I’m siding with Dingo Dollar who’s already ran over 3m in a point race in Ireland. The price in the King yard makes me think there must be something about him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Libby T Valance go well given Rebecca Curtis’ yard form.
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2:15
bettingexpert: Ozzy Thomas
Shaped well over fences last season, and looks well handicapped if fit and readied for this return.
Timeform: Ozzy Thomas
Things didn’t quite go to plan for Ozzy Thomas after his good second on his chase debut in this race last year, but it’s still early days with him and he can go one better at Chepstow.
Dafabet: Valseur Du Granval
A worthy favourite who looks on the upgrade to me; I’d take him more likely to handle the weight rise over Octagon switching to fences.
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2:50
bettingexpert: Third Act
Better known as a quirky handicap chaser, but he is well capable off this sort of mark now he’s back hurdling and fresh.
Timeform: Rocklander
Has shaped with promise in maiden hurdles and is a potential improver now moving into handicaps, so gets a tentative vote in a wide-open contest.
Dafabet: Lilac Tree
In a depleted field in which I originally thought Sadma could get the better of the standard setting Space Oddity (who both don’t run) – I’ve gone with Lilac Tree, who showed signs of returning to form that saw two wins last season. Have the new connections found the key?
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3:20
bettingexpert: Truckers Glory
Looked ahead of the handicapper when landing the cash for his in-form stable, and can follow up here with conditions to suit.
Timeform: Silver Eagle
Wouldn’t be the first Kim Bailey runner this season to shrug off a disappointing spell chasing reverting to timber, so it may well be worth risking him given the mark he has fallen to.
Dafabet: Truckers Glory
With the yard in form and an impressive handicap debut win already in the bag, I think the step up in trip will suit and the raise in the weights won’t prevent a follow up.
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3:50
bettingexpert: Bears Rails
Has the scope to improve for more racing this season, and will be hard to beat if fit after 219 days on the sidelines.
Timeform: Deadly Move
Already looks a much better chaser than hurdler, and this step up in trip can help him get off the mark.
Dafabet: Paddy The Deejay
After my original pick Albert Dolivate was a non-runner, I’ve stayed away from likely favourite in Bears Rails as he’s too short in my eyes. I’ll take a chance on the extra distance working for Paddy The Deejay.
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4:20
bettingexpert: Sumkindofking
The George/Heskin combination are making a great start, and this winning pointer is expected to win in this Rules debut.
Timeform: Sumkindofking
Market support for expensive winning pointer Sumkindofking looks significant, in the wake of Black Mischief’s Chepstow withdrawal.
Dafabet: Holy Street
An above average bumper to end the day, I’ve sided with the debutant Holy Street on breeding and yard. Having made my selections overnight, I’d like to see some money for him in the morning. Cap Horner could also go well at a price.
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Tipster Challenge 2016/17 Leaderboard
| Rank | Tipster | Race Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Alger - Betway | 3 | 11.41 |
| 2 | John Hill - Coral | 2 | 4.25 |
| 3 | Michael Shinners - Sky Bet | 2 | 4.00 |
| 4 | Timeform | 1.50 | 2.62 |
| 5 | bettingexpert | 0.50 | 1.00 |
| 6 | Ed Nicholson - Unibet | 1 | 0.73 |
