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

Our top tipsters talk you through their Cheltenham Festival betting tactics. Next up: Pricewise guru Tom Segal.

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

No. Most of it is already done, so it's actually much quieter during that week of the festival than it is in the lead-up to it.

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

No preference really. Some of them are done ante-post, some in the morning or some pre-race.

What is your view on multiples betting at Cheltenham?

We all have our own way of betting. Personally I'm not a multiples man but I've always felt I should be because you should give yourself the best chance of winning a sum that makes a difference.

Is that different from your normal stance on them?

No.

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

Once again, I tend to play it straight. It's what I've always done but clearly making use of the enhanced each-way terms is important, although I rarely bet each-way and prefer to back a couple in a race instead. I also like betting in the 'without the favourite' market, which are getting more and more traction with so many short-priced favourites these days.

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

Yes. I often go for a walk or go for a coffee if there is a race I'm not interested in. So at least once a day I will step away.

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

A 7-2 winner pays the same at Sedgefield as it does at Cheltenham. Of course that's right financially, but in terms of satisfaction and enjoyment there is no comparison.

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' 

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

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