SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Russell Yershon, the former Head of Sportsbook for Titanbet, is the industry guest for this week’s seven-race Tipster Challenge at Hereford Races.
Yershon will be going up against the 11th placed experts from Timeform, and Stephen Harris of bettingexpert, who last week retained a 2.56-point average after 16 weeks of action.
Alan Alger continues to lead the way after his 11.41-point showing at Fontwell back in October. Can Yershon rival the PR Manager from Betway?
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1:30
bettingexpert: Miracle Cure
Has quirks and needs producing late, but has been found a good opening here to get back on track with deep ground no issue.
Timeform: Lillington
Showed his best form yet on handicap debut at Wincanton last month and this lightly-raced 5-y-o may yet do better.
Russ Yershon: Way of the World
A winner at Hereford last time out on heavy ground, Way of the world has a lively chance. Although racing off a higher mark this time, having course form could stand for a lot in this encounter.
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2:00
bettingexpert: Aurillac
Was an unlucky loser at Newbury last time and can get off the mark over fences at the fifth attempt.
Timeform: Aurillac
A shade unfortunate not to make it fourth time lucky over shorter at Newbury in December, and now equipped with blinkers, he can open his account.
Russ Yershon: Chef D’Oeuvre
Can take advantage of drop back in class in this beginners’ chase after a recent good run in a Listed race at Warwick over three miles last month.
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2:30
bettingexpert: Ice Cool Champs
Showed plenty of ability on his bumper debut and will relish this test of stamina now switched to hurdles.
Timeform: Ice Cool Champs
Showed plenty of ability when second on bumper debut at Warwick in December, and understandably up in trip for hurdles bow (stoutly bred), he can open his account.
Russ Yershon: Diamond Fort
Taking on the odds-on favourite with course and distance, Diamond Fort, who finished 3rd of 14 in early January. Improvement on that form today can find the horse first past the winning post.
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3:00
bettingexpert: Final Nudge
Ran well when third to Premier Bond last time out and that form has since been franked.
Timeform: Alcala
Made a very encouraging start to his chase career when third in a good-quality handicap at Uttoxeter on New Year’s Eve and could be the answer with improvement forthcoming.
Russ Yershon: Colin’s Brother
Tough one to pick here, but hat-trick seeking Colin’s Brother gets the vote having won over fences over varying ground from good to soft and heavy and distance shouldn’t be a problem either.
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3:30
bettingexpert: Racing Pulse
Better than his form figures suggest, and should find this a lot easier than the three Cheltenham handicaps he has tackled this season.
Timeform: Mountainous
Hasn’t fired this season but there was at least some hint of a revival at Warwick last time and he could be worth chancing now only 1 lb higher than when winning the Welsh National last term.
Russ Yershon: Mountainous
The horse is well treated for today’s handicap chase and two-time Welsh National winner can roll back the years by giving trainer Kerry Lee a nice winner here at Hereford.
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4:00
bettingexpert: Pacha Du Polder
Pacha Du Polder has a touch of class at this level, and should go close under a talented lady rider.
Timeform: Pacha Du Polder
Confirmed he’s still competitive in regulation handicaps over the summer and this looks a good starting point for him ahead of his main spring targets.
Russ Yershon: Grandioso
Ran well at Taunton finishing 2nd last time out and has the stamina to deliver a winning performance here ahead of Pacha Du Polder.
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4:30
bettingexpert: Runasimi River
Hails from the Mulholland stable that can do little wrong at present and can make a winning debut if the market speaks positively late on.
Timeform: Born for War
Has garnered experience in points, and following a sound Rules debut when third in a solid-looking bumper at Sedgefield, is very much the one to beat.
Russ Yershon: Well Smitten
Going against the favourite here with Well Smitten, who should look to improve on last month’s debut at Warwick. With Gavin Sheehan on board, he can take the spoils in the finale at Hereford.
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Where will Russell Yershon enter on the Tipster Challenge leaderboard?
| Rank | Tipster | Race Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Alger - Betway | 3 | 11.41 |
| 2 | Phillip Anderson - Before The Off | 3 | 6.17 |
| 3 | Ciaran O'Brien - William Hill | 3 | 5.29 |
| 4 | Ben Cleminson - Square in the Air | 1 | 4.50 |
| 5 | John Hill - Coral | 2 | 4.25 |
| 6 | Alex Donohue - Ladbrokes | 2 | 4.11 |
| 7 | Michael Shinners - Sky Bet | 2 | 4.00 |
| 8 | Stuart Tilly - Argyll Entertainment | 1 | 4.00 |
| 9 | Trevor Keane - Sportego | 2 | 3.50 |
| 10 | Matthew Hulmes - Betfred | 2 | 3.25 |
| 11 | Timeform | 1.81 | 3.23 |
| 12 | Paddy Power | 1 | 3.00 |
| 13 | bettingexpert | 1.25 | 2.56 |
| 14 | Charlie McCann - BetVictor | 1 | 1.75 |
| 15 | Stephen Power - @racingblogger | 2 | 1.69 |
| 16 | John Cruces - Dafabet | 1 | 1.25 |
| 17 | Michael Whittle - Team FA | 1 | 0.91 |
| 18 | Ed Nicholson - Unibet | 1 | 0.73 |
