Paul Kealy: 'I get involved with exactas and trifectas - you know the pools are going to be strong'

Our top tipsters talk you through their Cheltenham Festival betting tactics. Next up: top tipster Paul Kealy.

Does your form study or betting routine change at all during Cheltenham?

Only in the respect that I tend to do more of both. You tend to be faced with far more big fields than would normally be the case and to look at them properly takes time. As for the betting, I must admit I like nothing more than the most competitive races when the odds of reward can be so enticing.

Do you prefer to get most/all of your bets on before the first, or go race by race?

All single bets will be placed at the overnight stage or before. I will, however, get involved on the day with exactas and trifectas in nearly all the handicaps and some of the more competitive Graded races.

What is your view on multiples betting at Cheltenham?

If you're a big professional backer you probably wouldn't give them a second's thought, but for the casual punter they can give you a bit of fun dreaming about a big win for a modest outlay.

Is that different from your normal stance on them?

Not really. I bet for fun as much as I bet to win and if there are enough competitive races with decent-sized fields I'll have a crack. With all the extra places on offer these days, they're well worth looking into.

What's a type of bet that everyone forgets at Cheltenham, but shouldn't?

I'd say trifectas and exactas. I don't tend to do them anywhere other than Cheltenham and Royal Ascot, but you know the pools are going to be strong and they will more often than not beat the CSF and tricast.

Do you tend to take a breather at any point in the week?

Hard to when you're working as well, but . . . there's always time for a nap when the cross-country is on! 

You're allowed to consign one myth of Cheltenham Festival betting to the bin. Which would it be?

The idea that you should run a stayer in the Supreme because it can be more of a stamina test than the Ballymore is often spouted at this time of year and is total garbage.

Would a horse who doesn't get two miles have a better chance in the Ballymore? Is the 2,000 Guineas more of a stamina test than the Derby? Don't be silly.

Of course stayers have won the Supreme, but that's because nearly every horse who runs in it is bred for further than two miles anyway.

Also in this series:

Graeme Rodway: 'Lots of people think this race is a lottery that should be watched rather than bet on - it's not' 

Keith Melrose: 'Look out for enhanced place terms that make each-way multiples particularly attractive' 

Robbie Wilders: 'Don't include short-priced favourites in extensive multiples - odds-on chances are always beaten' 

Tom Segal: 'I rarely bet each-way and prefer to back a couple in a race instead' 

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