One thing I have noted, and is proving very frustrating as we tick through January, is the ‘non event’ of horses being put up for the 2024 festival on the ‘National Hunt’ SKY requestabets. It’s a source of huge frustration.
By early December 2021, all of Galopin Des Champs (Gold Cup @ 33/1), Jonbon (both Arkle AND Champion Hurdle @ 16/1) and Constitution Hill both Champ Hurdle & Arkle @ 10/1) were available for selection. SKYBet also have a tendency to only put up very early the ‘big guns’ that look very capable, showing huge promise, of winning multiple career grade 1’s. If you can place your faith, and invest for 16+ months, and study probable career trajectories, it’s a great market to invest in. But that’s exactly it - I don’t see them as ‘betting opportunities’ (although they are) - you have to look at them as proper long term investments.
Shishkin was available 18 months out from Sept 2nd 2020 to win the 2022 Champion Chase @ 33/1. Ultimately it was a 4/6 loss on the day,
I’m sure the people here might remember the 225/1 Shishkin/Envoi Allen double being offered 3 years ago ready for 2022. Again, a loss, but it did shorten to 16/1 before Envoi Allen went horribly wrong the moment he left Gordon’s yard.
This year on SKYBet?? Nothing for 2024. Not a sausage. It’s of huge frustration for someone who enjoys these investments.
I think the 4/5 on the Mullins/Townend ‘top trainer/top jockey’ was a bit of a steal a few weeks back on Paddy P.