Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking back at Saturday’s big winners Cheltenham and Doncaster.
Saturday Review
Saturday’s racing felt uninspired, aside from the Nyetimber December Gold Cup. Speaking of which, it was great to see a non-bookmaker sponsor the big race. Hopefully, more follow suit.
Cheltenham
Gemirande held off well-backed favourite Madara to win the Nyetimber December Gold Cup. The winner, in a solid jumping rhythm from his previous run, delivered again. Charlie Deutsch gave him a top ride, getting down to his lowest riding weight of 10-2.
Madara seemed poised for victory two out but was bumped by the winner. However, the runner-up had ample time to challenge and was outstayed by the winner.
Last year’s winner, Fugitif, finished third under a patient ride from Sean Bowen. The 9-year-old ran well despite quicker ground than ideal and faced two better-treated rivals.
Gemirande was one of four trends qualifiers highlighted in Wednesday’s column.
Earlier, Sean Bowen showcased his skill with two standout rides. First, he dead-heated aboard Teriferma in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. Then, he guided Haiti Couleurs to a good win in the Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.
Bowen is currently the best jump jockey around. Better than the two Harry’s Cobden and Skelton. He’s versatile, excelling with both front-running and hold-up rides. Injuries aside, he looks set to claim his first jockeys’ championship.
Skyjack Hijack found the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle too demanding. His jumping faltered, and he couldn’t shake off his rivals. He’s not as good as some thought but his performance suggested this was one race too many. French challenger Jet Blue landed the prize. He stays well but he didn’t look like a future Cheltenham Festival winner to me.
Elsewhere, Libberty Hunter impressed with a seasonal debut win in the BetMGM Handicap Chase. His patience-rewarding connections have a potential graded chaser over two miles on their hands.
Wodhooh back from an 11 month absence made it 6-6 over hurdles in the BetMGM Mares' Handicap Hurdle. Gordon Elliott’s mare benefited from a slow pace but showed her class.
Doncaster
Charlie was the name of the day at Doncaster, too. Charlie Uberalles took the bet365 Handicap Chase with a good jump display. Always in a handy position the 8-year-old relished the better ground to held off the rallying Docpickedme.
Forward Plan, last year’s winner, stayed on for third. He’s a likely contender for the Great Yorkshire Chase over C&D in January, as is Charlie Uberalles, ground permitting.
Jumping made the difference in the Listed bet365 Doncaster Mares' Hurdle. Wyenot justified favouritism with a front-running win against two underperforming market rivals.
Meanwhile, amateur jockey David Maxwell faced criticism for his ride on 2/13 favourite Off The Jury.
Maxwell puts plenty of money into the sport and rides his own horses funds so punters should know the risks. Savvy bettors know there’s value in laying his mounts, as demonstrated here.
Turning a Corner
The past few months have been tough for me and those on the Victor Value service. However, things turned around in style on Saturday. Gemirande (11/1) and Charlie Uberalles (16/1) both delivered, having been advised to subscribers on Friday afternoon.
It was a fantastic pre-Christmas profit, even with a couple of setbacks from Altobelli and Take No Chances. And honestly, it’s been a bit of a wait.
Ironically, a few subscribers left the service on Friday, just before the big winners. I can’t blame them—it’s frustrating during a lean spell. But as Saturday proved, one good day can recover losses and more.
The tipster game isn’t easy. That said, I’ve delivered profits for subscribers over the last 12 years and intend to keep doing so.
A Long-Term View
Joining a tipster service for just a month or two is short-sighted. Sure, it’s possible to make a profit in a single month but highly unlikely. Betting for profit is sadly a long drawn out actually boring process.
I can honestly say that in five or six months of the year, I expect to make a loss. But over the course of a year, the overall profit will be steady. If you’re looking to get rich quickly then trust me don’t join a tipster service as you will be disappointed.
If you’re thinking of joining any tipster service—not just Victor Value—give it a year. That’s the only way to properly assess its value.
The Thrill of Big Priced Winners
Laying has kept things ticking over recently. Icare Allen was another successful lay at Carlisle on Sunday. But let’s be honest—nothing beats finding big-odds winners. Saturday was proof of that.
Here’s to more days like it this and more big winners over the busy Christmas period.
Monday Racing
There’s a decent card at Naas on Monday. It’s a seven race card and just two of the races are low grade handicaps so not the usual bookmaker fodder. The card has attracted no less than 120 runners, and the races should be worth watching with the future in mind.
Good luck with your Monday bets.
John
What if the 12 months turns out to be loss making? Do you refund cllients the subscription fees which they paid? Nobody knows when a losing run might come to to an end. I’ve experienced so many tipsters where the losing run did not end and they are no longer in business. There are no guarantees with betting or tipping.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your comment—I completely understand where you’re coming from. Unfortunately, the industry does have its fair share of fly-by-night tipsters, but I’ve been around for 12 years and have no intention of going anywhere.
You’re absolutely right that even the best tipsters can have losing runs—it’s part and parcel of betting. For example, Hugh Taylor, who’s widely regarded as one of the best in the business, has had five losing months out of the last six. It’s a reminder that no tipster is immune to tough periods, and yes, losing years can happen too.
That said, my focus has always been on providing long-term value and being transparent about results. It’s this consistency and honesty that has kept me going for over a decade.
John
Hi John, I was pleased with Whynot’s performance at Donny, she’d been on my one to follow. But noticed she is no longer in any mares races for Cheltenham.
Have owners/Trainer think they’ve found her limit and withdrawn her or is there another reason.
I know she was a big outsider so went to check new odds after latest win but couldn’t find her
Hi Mike,
No idea regarding Wyenot. I did have a look at oddschecker and I couldn’t see her listed for the Mares Hurdle. There’s always a possibility that connections could supplement her if the improvement continues.
John