Dropping into this thread like a skeleton racer hitting the first curve! I hear you on the Bromley and Nikitina picks, and your strategy’s got some legs, but I’m not fully sold on going heavy on those outright wins just yet. Skeleton’s such a chaotic sport—one tiny slip, and even a beast like Nikitina can end up kissing the ice. I’m all about chasing those big payouts, but I’m wondering if we’re overlooking some safer ways to play the field while still keeping things spicy.
Your bankroll split makes sense, but I’d tweak it a bit for high-stakes play. Instead of leaning so hard into one or two names, I’m thinking about spreading the love across a few more riders for top-3 or top-5 finishes. Bromley’s a safe bet for podiums, no doubt, but guys like Dukurs or Tretiakov can sneak in there, especially on technical tracks. Their odds are usually juicy enough to justify a smaller stake, and it cushions the blow if your main pick tanks. I’d probably go 50% on reliable bets like Bromley top-3, 30% on a couple of mid-tier riders for podiums, and then 20% for that high-roller Nikitina outright. That way, you’re still in the hunt for a big score without betting the farm on one run.
On the odds shopping, you’re spot-on about checking multiple platforms. Bet365’s solid, but I’ve found 22Bet sometimes edges them out for skeleton, especially for head-to-head bets. Those can be gold when you’re confident in a rider’s form but don’t want to gamble on the whole field. Live betting’s tricky, though—I’ve tried it, and the odds shift so fast you can miss the window if you’re not glued to the stream. Plus, skeleton races are over quick, so you’ve got to be sharp. Anyone else finding live betting worth the hassle, or is it just a trap for overeager punters?
Tracking bets is a must, but I’d add one thing: factor in the track conditions. Some riders thrive on icy, fast courses, while others handle the slower, grippy ones better. Nikitina’s starts are killer, but if the track’s a mess, she might not hold the lead. Check weather reports or track updates on sites like the IBSF before locking in. It’s extra work, but it’s saved my bankroll more than once. I’m curious—what’s everyone’s take on hedging with head-to-heads or top-5s to balance the big swings? And are you sticking to big-name books, or is there some under-the-radar platform with better skeleton markets?