With just three weeks to go in the Tipster Challenge 2016/17, sponsored by Betting Gods, Bradley Gibbs is the latest expert to challenge AppBet’s Sarah Shannon for top spot.
The editor-in-chief at Bookmaker Ratings, a provider of in-depth bookmaker reviews, ratings, news, tips and free bets since 2011, has provided expert tips for today’s seven race card at Fontwell.
Gibbs will be hoping to show bettingexpert’s Stephen Harris and the experts from Timeform, his rivals for the day, how well his extensive bookmaker knowledge translates to horse racing.
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2:10
bettingexpert: Dingo Dollar
Was not disgraced in stronger company last time and should appreciate the rapidly drying ground conditions.
Timeform: Red Rising
Looked all about stamina when staying on well to score on his Rules debut at Catterick in February. He’s in good hands and with improvement a distinct possibility he gets the nod to make it 2/2.
Bookmaker Ratings: Red Rising
Dan Skelton’s gelding, who boasts a solid pedigree, confirmed the promise of his point victory when winning with plenty in hand at Catterick last time out and should take all the beating on what is his second start under rules.
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2:40
bettingexpert: Shantou Village
Will win this by a long way hard on the bridle barring mishaps.
Timeform: Shantou Village
Didn’t entirely convince with his jumping in the autumn, paying the price late on at Wincanton when last seen, but he did show an aptitude for the job and, presumably having done plenty of schooling since last seen, he should be too good for these rivals.
Bookmaker Ratings: Shantou Village
In an uninspiring contest, Shantou Village for the Neil Mulholland stable should have too much quality for his three rivals. If staying on his feet, the seven-year-old is very much fancied to get the job done.
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3:10
bettingexpert: Pattara
Has been freshened up by 107 days off the track, and a repeat of her Huntingdon second in December would be enough to take a hand here.
Timeform: Dites Rien
Ran a nice race against a big improver on her handicap debut recently and should be very competitive here from the same mark.
Bookmaker Ratings: Pattara
Both Snippetydoodah and Pretty Rose won last time out and will no doubt be popular but they’re a pair who’re hard to trust, while neither really appeal as follow-up winners. At a decent price, Pattara is the one who stands out. Although far from consistent, his 2nd in a stronger-looking race at Huntingdon back in December looks decent form.
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3:40
bettingexpert: Itoldyou
More consistent than most of these and loves this unique figure of eight course.
Timeform: Bandon Bridge
Created a good impression when making a winning chase debut at Warwick two weeks ago and is taken to follow up.
Bookmaker Ratings: Venetian Lad
This veteran proved that he still retains some ability when going agonisingly close at Plumpton last time out and proved that the marathon-type trip still suits. For a trainer who has a good strike rate at this venue, the seven-time course winner could easily get involved at the business end.
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4:10
bettingexpert: Peggies Venture
Caught the eye under a negative ride at Kempton last time and is capable if improving a chunk on the bare form.
Timeform: Old Harry Rocks
Shaped with promise on hurdling debut at Kempton last month, and he seems sure to improve with that experience under his belt, so is taken to open his account at the second attempt.
Bookmaker Ratings: Rebel Collins
Having turned in a few decent performances over longer trips on the flat, the six-year-old has joined a more than useful National Hunt yard – one who offers up a decent strike rate at Fontwell. At nice odds, it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see this one go well on his debut over timber.
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4:40
bettingexpert: Kayflin
Has only had five runs over fences and looks the one to side with here getting lumps of weight from some limited/exposed performers.
Timeform: Lakeshore Lady
Confirmed her return to form when second to Easter In Paris at Hereford last month, but the latter was seen to maximum effect from the front that day, so David Bridgwater’s 7-y-o could reverse the form on revised terms.
Bookmaker Ratings: Detour Ahead
In failing to finish the race in four of her last six starts, this mare has shown little in the way of recent form; however, her mark continues to drop and, as a result, will race here off a featherweight. On some of her better form, would be hard to dismiss, while the booking of Leighton Aspell is noteworthy. 1/1 at this venue and, if capable of producing something near the form of her sole win over the larger obstacles, could easily go close.
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5:10
bettingexpert: Boston De La Roche
Could be a totally different proposition now for Dan Skelton and is worth chancing after over a year off the track
Timeform: Boston De La Roche
There was definite promise in three qualifying hurdle runs in the care of David Loder last term, and having joined Dan Skelton he could be worth chancing to prove himself on a feasible opening mark for his handicap debut.
Bookmaker Ratings: Boston De La Roche
Won a pair of NH Flat races in France before performing with credit in some warm novice hurdles last season, the form of which has worked out well. Off for the best part of a year, but is certainly in the right hands. In a race that probably won’t take much winning, is worth chancing.
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Where will Bradley Gibbs enter on the Tipster Challenge leaderboard?
Rank | Tipster | Race Wins | Points |
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1 | Sarah Shannon - AppBet | 3 | 13.69 |
2 | Alan Alger - Betway | 3 | 11.41 |
3 | Jacob Johns - Easyodds | 3 | 7.72 |
4 | Phillip Anderson - Before The Off | 3 | 6.17 |
5 | Ciaran O'Brien - William Hill | 3 | 5.29 |
6 | bettingexpert | 1.63 | 4.79 |
7 | Ben Cleminson - Square in the Air | 1 | 4.50 |
8 | John Hill - Coral | 2 | 4.25 |
9 | Alex Donohue - Ladbrokes | 2 | 4.11 |
10 | Michael Shinners - Sky Bet | 2 | 4.00 |
11 | Stuart Tilly - Argyll Entertainment | 1 | 4.00 |
12 | Darren Moore - Betting Gods | 2 | 3.66 |
13 | Conor White - BetBright | 3 | 3.62 |
14 | Trevor Keane - Sportego | 2 | 3.50 |
15 | Harry Lang - Pinnacle | 1 | 3.50 |
16 | Matthew Hulmes - Betfred | 2 | 3.25 |
17 | Timeform | 1.83 | 3.24 |
18 | Paddy Power | 1 | 3.00 |
19 | Russell Yershon | 1 | 1.88 |
20 | Edward Rycroft - LeoVegas | 2 | 1.82 |
21 | Charlie McCann - BetVictor | 1 | 1.75 |
22 | Stephen Power - @racingblogger | 2 | 1.69 |
23 | John Cruces - Dafabet | 1 | 1.25 |
24 | Michael Whittle - Team FA | 1 | 0.91 |
25 | Ed Nicholson - Unibet | 1 | 0.73 |
26 | Gerry Murray - 32Red | 1 | 0.44 |