IN THE world of South African horse racing, few names resonate as profoundly as Matthew Stevens, affectionately known as "The Whisperer."

With a formidable track record spanning 25 years, Stevens has established himself as a trusted source of racing tips for serious punters, merging keen analytical skills with a deep understanding of the sport.

Steven's journey into the racing industry began modestly, serving as an assistant trainer for four years.

However, it was his insatiable passion for studying race form that led him to pivot towards providing expert tips.

He joined the ranks of Winning Form and Sporting Post (horseracing publications), honing his craft under the mentorship of the late Matthew Lips, an influential figure and official handicapper for the National Horse Racing Authority (NHRA).

Stevens gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of the handicapping system, which would later inform his betting strategies.

Frustrated by the limitations of advance selections published in print, Stevens sought to offer his followers more precise tipping. He believed that by releasing his picks on the morning of race day, after all last-minute scratchings were announced, he could enhance the accuracy of his predictions.

This epiphany led to the launch of his dedicated website, where subscribers receive tailored race analysis, post-scratching, which maximised their chances of winning.

Before unveiling his online platform, Stevens worked diligently at a Hollywood Bets betting agency for a year, gaining extensive knowledge about odds and market behaviour.

Complementing this practical experience, he attended business school, to refine his customer service skills and better cater to his clients' diverse needs.

Stevens has elevated his analysis further by dedicating no less than five hours to each race meeting, scrutinising up to 100 re-runs.

Understanding that the form book can often be misleading, but his meticulous approach included studying various factors such as race pace, tactical riding, and individual performance nuances.

His collaborations with South African champion jockeys, including Anton Marcus and Lyle Hewitson, have provided him with insider knowledge that constantly enhanced his strategies.

Currently, his dialogues with UK Champion jockey Oisin Murphy have enriched his understanding of race dynamics on international tracks, contributing to his successful tips in the UK market.

As a professional horse racing analyst, Stevens prioritises not only making winning selections but also offers sound advice to clients, especially on challenging cards.

His philosophy as a tipster revolved around two core principles: enabling clients to save money during tough races and empowering them with effective betting strategies.

His standout offering is the "value bet"—a long-term strategy where punters place consistent stakes on horses that appear undervalued by the market.

This methodology has yielded substantial returns, showcasing a net profit of over R140,000 from value bets last season alone.

As the horse racing community gears up for significant events, Stevens has identified his top contender for the upcoming Grade 1 Daily News 2000—a key race leading up to the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July.

He has earmarked Eight on Eighteen, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by Richard Fourie, as the horse to beat, citing its impressive track record and readiness for the 2000-metre challenge. Alongside other critical competitors, including Confederate and Spumante Dolce, Stevens encouraged punters to consider their racing insights before placing bets.

For those keen to gain from Stevens' extensive form analysis and tipping expertise, daily selections for the Daily News 2000 and further information can be found on his website: http://www.whisperer.co.za, or through direct contact via mobile/WhatsApp at 073 435 0672 or email at info@whisperer.co.za.

DAILY NEWS

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