THE EXPERT: CHRISTIAN HELLMERS Professional Handicapper Ready to win some cash at this season’s races? Famous handicapper and reality star Christian Hellmers gives the best tips and advice for placing your bets and beating the odds.
L’AUBERGE DEL MAR 1540 Camino Del Mar Del Mar, CA 92014 858.259.1515 www.laubergedelmar.com
Avoid the hassle of traveling and stay right where the action is! At L’Auberge the track is within walking distance, and you are right in the heart of Downtown Del Mar, which is where the after parties will be! Just steps away from the beach, you will have the best of it all! This resort’s mantra, “relaxing by day, stylish by night,” is everything you need to make your staycation the best yet.
WON’T BE A PARTY WITHOUT A BALCONY! Make sure to get a balcony at L’Auberge to view the Opening Day party.
Q: How did you get into horse betting? Christian Hellmers: I must thank my old man for the introduction to horse betting. Like many others, my father took me to the racetrack for my first time as a teenager, and I was hooked. He and I would pick the NFL games based on the point spread each weekend — typical father-son bonding. But after we started studying horses, the world changed. Finally, I had discovered the perfect blend of intellectual challenge, decision-making and risk. I found a game that rewards you for having a sharp mind. Q: What is the biggest bet you’ve won? CH: Last year I took home over $270,000 in the Horseplayer World Series in Las Vegas, but I’ve hit several scores over $100,000 including two in the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge tournaments where I finished second twice in 2011 and 2012. Q: What was it like being on Esquire’s reality show “Horseplayers”? CH: Anytime the reality TV cameras are on anyone, you’re at risk of looking like a jackass. I understood that going in. I also knew that I would come across as a different man than those on the show since I’m a health junkie, spiritual seeker, and lover of the arts. But I didn’t mind the attention or that risk because my goal was to share a look inside my world as a Horseplayer. Plus, I’ve dedicated lots of my time to personal development and being present in the moment — watching the power of my words and owning it.
RANCHO VALENCIA 5921 Valencia Cir Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 858.756.1123 www.ranchovalencia.com
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Valencia is 45 acres of pure bliss. The resort rests on olive groves, colorful gardens, and Mediterranean style waterfalls.
Ranked as one of the top hotels and resorts in California, Rancho Valencia offers exquisite wining and dining areas with stunning views and signatures cocktails. Just a short drive from the Del Mar Racetrack, Rancho Valencia will provide a luxurious atmosphere as your evening winds down.
Q: What are some tips and the best set of advice you can give to betters? CH: For me, I wanted to get one thing across. Most people think of horse racing as a game of luck. I couldn’t disagree more. It’s about skill, self-mastery, and truth. This game isn’t for everyone as it takes everything you’ve got as I consider it a spiritual quest for truth — my own and the destiny of the horses. The trainers only know so much — same with the jockeys. The horses don’t speak verbally unless you are one. Thus, it’s up to the analysts, AKA the Horseplayers, to cut through the history of the horses’ racing performances to decode their ability to run a race on a given day. “Most people think of horse racing as a game of luck. I couldn’t disagree more. It’s about skill, self-mastery, and truth.” – Christian Hellmers | JULY 2015 | 139