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

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

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

My form study methodology remains the same but my betting routine differs at Cheltenham and all the major meetings as you can get the bets you want on at competitive prices with the minimum of fuss. That is seldom the case on a normal day.

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

I like to start playing ante-post from November onwards and would generally have a position or two in most of the non-handicaps before March, with a couple of additional handicap fancies thrown in when weights are published a fortnight before the festival. Ante-post betting typically makes up between 30-40 per cent of my output across the week.

What is your view on multiples betting at Cheltenham?

I'm a big fan of multiples provided the outcomes are relative to each other, particularly ante-post. For example, the Ramillies (National Hunt Chase) and Gaillard Du Mesnil (Brown Advisory) double interested me a while ago. I've long been of the view that Gaillard Du Mesnil will run in the Brown Advisory despite being a short price for the National Hunt Chase. The pair share the same owner and trainer and will probably be split up. You can get 41-1 about the double non-runner no bet, and that multiple will probably be shorter than 10-1 at SP if I'm correct. I'm also open to straight trainer multiples when we know the targets as strong stable form is always a positive. The Marine Nationale (Supreme) and Good Land (Ballymore) double for the shrewd Barry Connell at 26-1 is enticing.

Is that different from your normal stance on them?

For the lion's share of punters multiples rarely work out in the long run and I've been in the unlucky majority when playing such bets in my lifetime, so would prefer to steer clear regardless of the temptation to go for gold at Cheltenham.

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

The 'each-way without the favourite market'. If you can't see a 4-6 shot being beaten but reckon a 33-1 chance should be much shorter, and at least nine runners stand their ground, then accepting reduced odds is well worth considering. Your selection could finish fourth and you'd still collect a tidy profit.

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

My breathers tend to come in the form of the gym and a steam room in the evenings. This week is promoted for the best part of five months and I'd rather fully immerse myself in the action by finding a play in every race before distancing myself from the sport for a couple of days following the conclusion of the Martin Pipe at 5.30pm on the Friday.

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

Don't include short-priced favourites in extensive multiples. Odds-on chances are beaten every year at Cheltenham and at least one will let you down.

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'  

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

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

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