Why am I doing this? Putting up tips could be considered an ego trip (but that could be said of the whole Blogging thing), but that only works if I show everyone what a genius I am. When the losing bets come (as they surely will), then my ego takes a knock. So is there another reason for this Blog?
Yes (I’m beginning to think I might be schizophrenic, talking to myself).
I’ve been following horse racing for more years than I care to remember. My first bet was Anglo in the Grand National 6d (that’s six old pence) E/W at 50/1, but I remember listening to E.S.B. win the 1956 National (I was 5 years old).
In the intervening 50+ years I’ve gone through all the usual moments of joy and pain that comes with backing horses.
Highlights, include watching Secreto hold on in a desperate finish to win the 1984 Derby (I’d taken 20/1). Having a double on Sea Pigeon to win the Champion Hurdle at 7/4 with Fogbound at 20/1 at (I think) Sedgefield (but I might be wrong there). Taking £800 of the bookmakers at one Doncaster meeting (on a works outing), with winners at 100/1, 13/2, 8/1, and 9/4 – Frankie Durr rode the first winner, Hittite Glory, beating Music Boy (which was heavily odds-on) in the Flying Childers, and Lester won the last with one of his classy finishes.
Downsides. Listening to and believing all the crap merchants. Spending unknown amounts of money (like all gamblers I remember winners but not losers) on stupid systems. Believing complete strangers rather than using my own judgement. Thinking that there is a secret key to unlocking how a horse might run.
Which brings me to the real reason for this Blog. There is a way of making money at this game. I’m not saying I have discovered the secret, but I have learned enough to be reasonably successful. It boils down to three main factors. Select races with horses that have exposed form. Think what a trainer has to achieve to keep the owners happy. Accept losses and don’t panic.
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