I originally subscribed because having been a successful punter/bookmaker I found it increasingly difficult to make a profit over the last 2/3 years. I wanted something that gave me an interest over the winter and if that culminated in having a few ante post bets along the way then that was an added bonus.
When Cheltenham arrived I was in a good position with most of my bets. I do not bet each way, NRNB, without the favourite etc as I would not be a £20 punter, I cannot get on with many bookmakers, so I do not tend to bother anymore. It's Betfair or no bet. However, I was quite surprised at the lack of liquidity in the ante post markets.
Having said that I had some reasonable bets to look forward to and whilst not expecting to show a profit I had enjoyed the ride.
Altior, Blaklion and Black Hercules winning was very impressive to say the least from Mr Gibson and will therefore earn my subscription for next year.
I must admit I don't go in for all the hundreds of pages included in the "Trail", tell me that you think such and such a horse is value, is good enough for me. I want someone to do all the leg work for me so I would head straight to the "preview section", see if a bet had been put up and move on.
And whilst I do not go in for backing short priced favourites, one could have made a lot of money this year listening to Mr Gibson's comments regarding Thistlecrack. I mentioned to a colleague that had Thistlecrack been trained by W Mullins it would have started at 1/2 (1.5) and was freely available at 11/8 (2.36) for most of the morning prior to the race and for my money was the easiest winner of the week.
Stewart B