With just four weeks to go in the Tipster Challenge 2016/17, sponsored by Betting Gods, Gerry Murray is the latest expert to challenge AppBet’s Sarah Shannon for top spot.
The Director of Brand & Acquisition for 32Red, the operator subject to an outright cash offer from Kindred Group, has provided expert tips for today’s seven race card at Wincanton.
In Grand National week, Murray will be testing his mettle against sixth placed Stephen Harris, the horse racing guru from bettingexpert, and the experts from Timeform in 16th.
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1:50
bettingexpert: Cousin Khee
Ran well in a big field at Doncaster and comes here freshened up after two months off the track.
Timeform: Mr Fickle
Took advantage of the handicapper’s mercy when scoring by 11 lengths at Plumpton last week, and it’s feasible to think he can strike under a penalty granted similarly aggressive tactics.
32Red: Mr Fickle
This was between Gulshanigans and Mr Fickle, but I’ll take the trainer in better form the past few weeks and horse with a decent recent win at Plumpton.
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2:20
bettingexpert: Dance Floor King
A model of consistency with good form over this course and distance in the book.
Timeform: Comeonginger
12lb below his last winning mark and hails from a yard in very good form.
32Red: Lou Vert
Two respectable second place finishes recently and looks like the longer trip will be beneficial.
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2:50
bettingexpert: Listen To The Man
Comes from the red-hot Skelton yard and shaped better than the bare form on his recent handicap debut.
Timeform: Innocent Girl
Has done nothing but improve since joining Harry Fry, making it four wins from her last six starts over fences at Taunton recently.
32Red: Innocent Girl
Stable in decent form and last week’s win at Taunton suggests the winter break hasn’t done any harm.
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3:20
bettingexpert: Thumb Stone Blues
Progressing nicely and has far more potential than his only serious market rival.
Timeform: Thumb Stone Blues
Not much to choose between him, Solighoster and Anchor Man on their best form but he is preferred after an easy win at Doncaster last month.
32Red: Anchor Man
You should ignore the last outing at Market Rasen, but with a bit of weight in hand he could be well placed to bounce back.
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3:55
bettingexpert: Arctic Lady
Hated deep ground when finishing tailed off on her chase debut and much better is expected here stepping up in trip.
Timeform: Butlergrove King
Wasn’t seen to best effect when well backed at Stratford last time and is worth another chance in first-time headgear having eased another 4lb.
32Red: Butlergrove King
Not a particularly confident pick, as he seems to like being beaten as favourite, but good ground should help.
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4:25
bettingexpert: Mon Parrain
He has a touch of class in hunter chases and will relish the decent ground at this speed based track.
Timeform: Mon Parrain
Mon Parrain and Toby Lerone have established themselves as high-end hunter chase performers this term and can be expected to fight this out, with a 4lb concession enough to tilt the balance towards the former.
32Red: Thereyarsee
Taking a chance on potential here, but with five wins from 11 starts, there would appear to be some talent there.
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4:55
bettingexpert: Shall We Go Now
Bred to be useful and can make a winning debut for the excellent Harry Fry.
Timeform: Diamond Guy
Plenty of leading yards are represented, with Diamond Guy a very likely sort on paper.
32Red: Diamond Guy
Close your eyes and pick a number here with not much to base a selection off. Diamond Guy gets the nod as Nicholls’ horses have form in the race.
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Where will Gerry Murray enter on the Tipster Challenge leaderboard?
| Rank | Tipster | Race Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1.61 | 4.63 |
| 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 | Timeform | 1.87 | 3.36 |
| 17 | Matthew Hulmes – Betfred | 2 | 3.25 |
| 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 |
Source: SBC News
