Betting Discipline: More Important than a Wizard or a Witch

The more you learn the more you understand. That insight brings further questioning which sees you follow a path you didn't really appreciate was right under your nose. 

That sounds something akin to L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I've seen that film a million times but still enjoy the story. It wasn't really about meeting the Wizard of Oz, but the appreciation of what was important to Dorothy Gale. In truth, all of those basic things we all take for granted but miss terribly when they have gone. 

I guess we would all like a touch of magic from a wizard or a witch to put a winning spell on each and every bet. 

But don't forget the witch was melted by a bucket of water and the wizard was simply a man with a big moustache, hiding behind a curtain, who terrified the innocent with a voice machine, dry ice and love of emeralds. 

Betting may seem a million miles from the yellow brick road when you walk to the bookmaker's shop but you would do well to think about the deep structure of your betting rather than the surface which may seem crystal clear. 

It may seem a strange thought but having discipline is actually more important than finding winners. You may consider that to be a ridiculous statement. 

''Isn't picking winners the start and finish of being a successful punter?''

It can seem that way from a distance. However, from my perspective and years of betting, discipline is more important than anything else. And when you consider it, you can see why. Because without guidelines, using your experience, and having the flexibility to appreciate the best approach on any given bet you have lost your key to success. In truth, trying to achieve that goal to a high level is about as easy as trying to grip a slippery eel. We can only try. But try we must...

Because if you don't have discipline you will make knee-jerk reactions as you try to think on your feet. You will be watching horse after horse enter the stalls as if you were Dorothy Gale, watching the hourglass run down as the witch (maybe a bookmaker) rubs her hands at your mistake while a flying monkey chases a scarecrow down some country road, losing padding just like you lose your dough. 

I find I am always making tweaks to my discipline (often after a glaring mistake or a small misdemeanour). Getting all these things right is a work in progress. It will be that way until the end of time because nothing stands still. It's like trying to catch one of a million similar butterflies in a jar. Even when you think you have it, you realise its something slightly different. 

I have made giant strides by making simple notes about thoughts, losing bets which could have been so different or composing myself after a complete disaster (thankfully few). 

These are just a few notes:

• PROPER BET - SHORT PRICED MUSH BE CONVINCED (11/4 - 5/1) SPECULATIVE WORTH A GO 
• Early season - stat horse second start may be forced into betting guides so be very careful. 
• STAT HORSES CAN BE BET OUTSIDE GUIDE IF YOU ARE CONVINCED.
• Multientered horse worth consideration when dropped in class 
• ALWAYS REVIEW EVERY FORM HORSE IN EACH RACE (THERE MAY BE SOMETHING OF INTEREST AT A BIG PRICE) Especially interesting when finishing behind group entered runners (indicating a strong race)

These pointers were written on the spot...that's why they are upper and lower case. I just copied and pasted them here to keep it authentic. 

These words may not mean anything to you. Each person will have their own rules of discipline which work for them. 

If I wrote down every guideline it would probably run into hundreds. In general, they have become habits through habituation. 

New rules/guidelines (call them what you may) have to be learned, incorporated and absorbed into a daily routine that endeavours to do the right thing. Basically, bet to my best and make a profit. 

If you still don't want to consider that discipline should come before betting, then consider the wise man built his house upon the rocks. 

Whether wicked witch, wizard, gambler or bookmaker...the best of the best have an understanding which goes beyond what can be seen. 

Good luck. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given

Would You Pay for Free Racing Tips?

Choose one, it's free! . 

I know it sounds a contradiction in terms. 

Why would you pay for something that is free? I guess you could make a donation because you had a big winner. Considering this friendly tipster chap (salt of the earth) gave it to you on the house. I mean, you're getting a free ride, hey?

I can imagine the ''free ride'' grates with a few people. ''Whose getting a free ride?'' 

My friend has given huge priced winners. Over 100 double-figure bookie ball breakers.  

How many punters do you know who have bet that many double-figure odds winners? 

I can't imagine even the best-paid tipster in the land has done that. 

It's a thankless task. He's tipped many, many winners and people have put decent money in their pocket. Any chance of someone saying they want to send him a tenner? I think we have more chance of hell freezing over. He's had the odd compliment. Some take the time to write an email or leave a comment on his blog. 

They are gratefully received. 

It's not quite the same as being paid money. As Del Trotter used to say, even those Hungarian luncheon vouchers go down a treat when you buy a steaming hot bowl of goulash. Gulyas, if you are fluent in Hungarian. 

Thanks, Ambrus. 

He's received the few obscene messages via Facebook. When I used to give tips, via my brother's phone, he received a particularly wordy reply of purple if not blue prose. I think he was shocked. 

You're not going to like this but I have thought about people who criticise free tips when they don't compliment a win or (unbelievably) stick their hand in their very long pocket. I'm sure most of these long-pocket bettors should contact the Guineas Book of Records because by f*** do they have a long pocket and a stubby arm with a hand that didn't evolve fingers. Please, if that's you, I know typing is a drag so save your time.  

You want to know what I'd say?

I couldn't give a toss. It may seem a little bit harsh. But, remember, this isn't directed to a morally decent person just Stubby Jukes, who lives past Will's Aunt.  

One of my friends has a blog and he said he was worried about giving someone a losing tip. I imagine I had a similar thought back in the stone age. It shows he is a decent human being. A good, kind heart. I thought it was quite humorous in ways. Because I said if you have a 50/1 winner you will be waiting a long time for someone to buy you a drink. So my thought is not to give it the slightest concern. In fact, if I gave 100 losing tips and someone complained I wouldn't give two hoots. 

Yes, I know it's harsh.

I treat people as they treat me. If someone pays for tips then they have every right to complain. They still don't have any right to receive any winners because the whole nature of gambling is uncertainty. If you can't cope with uncertainty or losers you really should be asking yourself a few questions rather than someone else. 

I gave up giving tips a long time ago.  

These days I just keep it to myself. 

I don't need a slap on the back, while someone puts a bundle of notes in their pocket. 

As my friend says: ''There are too many takers.''

You bet. 

Pixabay: free for commercial use and no attribution 

How Horse Racing Tips Can Help You Live a Better Life

I've just visited the website Portent's Content Idea Generator. It's helpful to find new catchy, blinging, sublime blog titles. I'm sure you agree. I've normally quite creative but it's difficult to think outside the box. 

Well, I typed in the keywords: Horse Racing Tips. Pressed the magic button. Hey Presto! 

How Horse Racing Tips Can Help You Live A Better Life. You need to know your process with Bet Bind. Please, make sure you track your bet history. 

I'm thinking, that's a gripping title if I have ever seen one. It's kind of inspirational. I think a few bookmakers could put this put outside there door. As you leave, there's a poster of a missing dog with the description: £5 Reward - Help Find My Dog (yes, they didn't use the idea generator). He is a Jack Russel, with one eye, deaf, a shut-in-the door tail and calls to the name, LUCKY!

The only way I can see how horse racing tips can help you live a better life is if they are mostly winners. 

I had a few quid on that (half a monkey) and it did the business beating the rag and came in at bottle. Happy ''You Live a Better Life'' days. 

I guess for most people who bet, this optimistic content generator has been drinking too much herbal tea. For the most part, it would seem, gamblers lose more money and in act of equilibrium, we should write the following title: How Horse Racing Tips Can... A Better Life (fill in the blank as you feel fit). 

I will be returning to the content generator as I feel it can improve my writing and at a touch of sparkle to a dark and gloomy world. 

Thank you.    

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

York Ebor Festival

The York Ebor Festival is one of the greatest horse racing events held at the York racecourse. This event holds a four-day meeting, hosting the group 1 Juddmonte International and Darley Yorkshire Oaks as well as the Sky Bet Ebor Hand cup. Not to mention, day 4 has an exciting lineup of races, for which you must take a look at some of the betting tips and preview for day 4 of the York Ebor Festival.   

Taking place from August 19 to 22, you will come across many world-class horses, trainers, and riders at the event. If you're a fan of horses, you’ll definitely enjoy seeing the top favorites in action. Horses have to meet some of the biggest race targets during autumn, and it's exciting to watch. 

Major announcements by the government have changed aspects of the event. The John Smith's Cup meeting faced the most amendments. The Prime minister announced that the meeting would have different rules so the event aligns with the country’s new ‘COVID-19 laws.’ 

The government plans to remain under "step 3 of the government's roadmap."Regardless though, the John Smiths Cup meeting will still take place as planned on the 9th and 10th of July 2021. However, the government did limit the audience for the event. This means there will be only 4,000 racegoers. 

Attendance priority will go to the owners of Annual Badge holders, runners, and limited hospitality guests. Furthermore, those who had to roll over their bookings in 2020 will also be able to go. This is a great concern for those who have already made their bookings. To know where you stand with your booking, read further below and see the instructions based on the booking you have made: 

The Grandstand & Paddock Booking: Only those who had their 2020 booking roiled over can attend. But if you made your booking in 2021, you will be unable to join. 

County Stand Bookings: Keep a lookout to receive mail indicating where you stand with your booking. You can attend the event if you've received an email that confirms you have a seat in the limited crowd. You may receive another email if you have booked the County Stand after June 3 and March 27. Unfortunately, you can't attend if you have booked these dates. Whoever made these bookings will receive a few loyalty deals on transfer for future racing dates in the current season or, you may get a rollover to races held in July 2022. The last option is a proper refund. 

There have been so many changes occurring after the government's announcement. Therefore, it is important for everyone to wait until they receive an email before confirming plans. If you have already requested a refund for the 9th& 10th of July, know that they are already being processed. However, they may take a bit longer to finalize.

Source

The 9th and 10th race days are taking place under "step 3 of the government roadmap protocols." So you will have to provide all your tests and trace details as it is now a legal requirement. 

The fact that the York Ebor Festival is able to take place after a break is exciting. Despite the restrictions and changes, something is better than nothing. If you want to learn more about horse racing and prepare yourself before the big event, this article might come in handy. Make sure to follow all the guidelines available on the official website. Hopefully, if you're lucky enough to attend, make the best of it! 

If you’re in search of some amazing horse racing tips, check out this article and learn how they can contribute to better living.

Photo: Pexels

How has the online age changed gambling?

The internet has had a profound impact on gambling. Thanks to the smartphones in our pockets, poker tables, slots games and roulette wheels are conveniently at our fingertips. Instead of travelling to the casino we only have to turn on the computer or engage the app on our phone to instantly access countless online games that bring the excitement of classic casino favourites to us instantly in the digital age. 

One of the things the casino industry has always been good at is evolving with the times. In 2019, around 70% of UK betting takes place via the internet at online casinos and bookies, allowing for convenient betting that was almost unheard of 10 years ago. 

Mobile devices have been key. They have allowed online casinos to bring what started as a product for desktop users to small handheld devices that can be carried at all times. That impacted the way developers were looking at gameplay with versions emerging specifically for small-scale smartphone screens. 

With the affordability of mobile devices widening the potential customer base, casinos have acknowledged not only people’s ability to gamble but their desires when playing. This has, for example, seen a far greater emphasis placed on community and user interaction, exampled by online casinos offering live games like poker and roulette with real-life dealers, while slots games have been built around popular trends such as box office movies to add to the appeal. 

Online gambling has also changed the way we spend our money. Technology has made it easier and more secure to add cash to our accounts and has similarly made it quick and convenient to take home our winnings. Guides detailing all you need to know about casino cashouts, highlighting the various ways you’re able to withdraw your cash and which casinos offer quick pay-outs, to how-to articles about playing games with the best odds of winning, exampling both the growth of gambling and how we’ve become smarter players. 

These factors have conspired to create a billion-pound industry, driven by constantly improving software that is making gameplay more seamless, more interactive, and more rewarding. Developers have been able to utilise new technology such as virtual reality and augmented reality to bring more immersion to their games while fast internet speeds and 4G networks have afforded customers fast access. 

The online casino has also ushered in a new age of gaming. More people are playing poker than ever before thanks to the internet and operators have been quick to seize upon this attraction with a wide choice of poker variants, video poker games, and live dealers. Similarly, the social aspect of sports accumulators has helped grow the market while the fast-moving nature of the online sportsbook, combined with clever digital-age algorithms, offers gamblers attractive cash-out options to boost their chances of getting a profit. 

The online age has transformed the gambling market. Not only has it opened it up to a huge new customer base, but the industry has also characteristically embraced evolution and adapted accordingly, making use of modern technology to create more secure platforms, better games, and a more engaging, intuitive experience.

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given  

5:10 Wolverhampton Racing Info (8th March)

Not too much happening today. 

Just the one race.

5:10 Wolverhampton - A Fillies' Novice Stakes over 6f (6f 20y) on Standard going. This looks a decent horse race with a handful of three-year-olds worthy of a closer look. For starters, a debutante from Archie Watson's stable in the ownership of Andrew Rosen & Partner. 

Rosie Power is a well-bred daughter of Siyouni out of a French-raced mare who won on her first two starts and concluded her career in the United States. A consistent horse, she was placed multiple times at Listed class and competed creditably at a higher level. Her concluding race at Hollywood Park (USA) saw her finish fourth, losing by two-and-a-half lengths, at Grade 2.

Rosie Power cost 190,000 euros as a foal. She comes from a good family and this bay filly, a March foal, hails from a trainer who, generally, goes full steam ahead with his horses. There has been money for this horse and drawn in stall six I can see jockey Hollie Doyle getting to the lead and doing her best to stay there. 

It would be no surprise to see this three-year-old win today. 

There may be opposition. 

Karl Burke sends out Seeking Perfection who has proven ability, finishing a creditable second on debut and then winning well on her second start at Newcastle. Roger Varian's Kratos, who started at odds of 8/15, may well have disappointed that day and in a small field you have to question whether there was too much strength and depth in that race. However, this daughter of Twilight Sun did nothing wrong and looks a straight forward filly. She carries a 7lb win penalty, which may be a burden against a potentially smart newcomer. Carl Waters has a number of talented horses at Spigot Lodge and although she has a stiffer challenge here could well run a big race. She's proven the point of winning and with valuable experience isn't a pushover. 

David Loughnane is a trainer whose made a good impression over the last couple of seasons. He is a man who I take note of his two-year-olds. Redheaded Stranger cost 15,000 Guineas at the yearling sales, out of an unraced mare. She was beaten seven lengths over course and distance just under a month ago and is open to improvement. She led for a good way but dropped back to finish third. I would expect improvement but it looks a stiff challenge to me. A wide draw is a negative. I particularly dislike horses running wide. It's a disaster. 

Another horse worthy of note is Clive Cox's Just Amber who races in the familiar silks of Ken Lock Racing. She wasn't overly fancied on debut at 18/1, well beaten over 6f at Lingfield. She was very slow away and very much in need of the run. Not a bad-looking horse but definitely needs to improve. I would have concerns if this horse was priced double-figure odds. Would be better if backed. 

A debutante from a trainer who I thought had disappeared. Geoff Oldroyd, who has Never Say Never is from loyal owner Reg Bond [Bond Thoroughbred Limited]. This daughter of No Nay Never is well a bred filly out of who raced twice, unplaced both starts. Difficult to know whether this horse will be fit or not. But Oldroyd has seen many debut winners and he can go well. Another horse who would hold a better chance if backed. 

Kingston Star is worth noting for the future. 

Conclusion: Archie Watson's Rosie Power, is the horse to beat, although would only be price to chance. Most likely to lead and could take some pegging back. Seeking Perfection has proven she is a winner and will put down a decent race. The only concern is the win penalty. If Rosie Power has ability she may be difficult to stop. Just Amber may hold claims if backed. Never Say Never could go well at big odds but an unknown quantity. 

Frankel 2YO Horse Betting Odds Revealed

A few readers may be aware that I submit articles to Frankel Blog. It's a relatively new platform but has over 100 posts. It is dedicated to Frankel's two-year-old (2yos) offspring racing in the UK. 

By all accounts, it has been well received and featured highly on Google if searching for many and varied keywords. 

Anyway, I'm sure you have noticed that Frankel's offspring have been in flying form this season.

So I thought I would take a quick look at the 2019 Frankel colts and fillies and see what prices they started on debut and how they fared. 

It should make interesting reading.

Alpinista (Sir Mark Prescott) 9/4 1st 

Lisbet (John Gosden) 12/1 7th 

Shammah (Richard Hannon) 6/1 3rd

Dollar Bid (Sir Michael Stoute) 11/1 4th 

Highest Ground (Sir Michael Stoute) 3/1 1st

Far Rockaway (William Haggas) 11/1 5th 

Fred (Mark Johnston) 11/4 8th 

Herman Hesse (John Gosden) 3/1 6th

Born A King (William Haggas) 11/4 4th 

Frankel's Storm (Mark Johnston) 4/1 7th 

Heaven Forfend (Sir Michael Stoute) 7/2 2nd 

Frankly Darling (William Haggas) 7/2 2nd 

Jacksonian (Ralph Beckett) 4/1 2nd 

Boss Power (Sir Michael Stoute) 7/1 4th 

Unresolved (Mark Johnston) 9/2 8th 

So what can we tell from these 15 random Frankel two-year-olds of 2019?  This is very much a sample of perhaps 50 or so juveniles we could have viewed. 

The two debut winners were priced 9/4 and 3/1 respectively. The biggest price from this sample was 12/1 (finished 7th). Six of the debutantes were winners or placed. The largest odds of those Shammah 6/1 in third, trained by Richard Hannon. 

Without question, the best performer of the Frankel 2yos for 2019 was Roger Charlton's Quadrilateral. This chestnut daughter of Frankel by the mare Nimble Fingers won on debut, impressively on her second start before knuckling down to beat Powerful Breeze in the bet365 Fillies' Mile (Group 1) at Newmarket and favourite for the 1,000 Guineas in May 2020. 

In all, Frankel's offspring for 2019 performed admirably and much to look forward to come the new Flat turf season. 

Staying at the Nelson Hotel for a night at Great Yarmouth's Grosvenor Casino

It's never long before we visit Great Yarmouth on the Norfolk coast.  

A lot of people, including residents, question why go to ''Yarmouth'' for a holiday or weekend break. However, we have a long history of visiting this coastal town. It is a place our dad used to go horse racing, while, as children, we stayed at the Haven holiday park at Caister-on-sea. Such lovely times. 

We visit every September for the Eastern Festival, which sees sparkling racecourse action over three days. A merry pilgrimage of family and friends which remembers those who are no longer here but always in our hearts. 

Next week, I'm off to West Palm Beach, Florida to see my beloved Marlene. I wanted to visit Great Yarmouth before leaving as we haven't visited the town since September. We have stayed at a good few hotels. The best, if not most expensive, being the Andover House. The Embassy Hotel has been a regular haunt. Last night, the Nelson Hotel took centre stage. A family room, for the three of us, cost just £65, including breakfast. A great deal. The room had a view overlooking the seafront and the Grosvenor Casino, almost opposite the Wellington Pier. 

We arrived at the hotel around 9:30pm after taking the train to Great Yarmouth, changing at Norwich. A taxi from the station to the hotel giving the driver a tip (to bring us luck). 

A hundred-metre walk from the hotel to the casino at around 10pm. A decent meal in the listed building. Always exceptional service although the food can be a bit hit and miss.

Thereafter, we went downstairs to the gaming room. Sometimes we play three-card poker (not very often as the rake is high) so we favour roulette. The tables were busy so we played on the machines. I had never played on them before. In some respects, I wasn't keen as it seems a very private way to play and low key compared to the often hectic table with chips aplenty and chat from winners and losers.

Anyway, I played on the minimum £1 bet. I started with £20 and that was all I ever needed to cash because once again I got lucky. I always follow hot numbers which have come up a few times and thirty-three caught my eye. I routinely place a single bet and corner. Within five spins, the single and corner had come up and I had £50 or so in credit. A few more spins it comes up again and I am well in profit. I ended the night winning £80. I left with my two brothers at 2am. Tony won £230, while Gareth lost £40. 

All in all, it was a great evening. A brisk walk back to the train station after a full English breakfast at the hotel. 

Returning home a couple of hours later. 

Feeling tired but an evening to remember and we'll be back soon. 

A Nation of Gamblers

So you love to gamble. 

I bet I love to gamble more than you. I guess we all know someone who doesn't just bet - they bet! Probably more casino gamblers bet big. It's just an inkling. I have been to the Grosvenor Casino at Yarmouth and a few of the regulars don't hold back. One bloke, Graham, doesn't seem stressed by betting a thousand pound a spin on roulette. Makes my 50p (fun bet) look foolishly poor. In truth, it is the only time I bet for fun because I think it builds bad habits. Opening the floodgates starts with an inch or two. But back to betting. Graham must have had a few days where he didn't feel so jubilant going home. He can't be short of a few quid. Either that, or he has borrowed to the hilt. You never know. 

I remember going to the Grosvenor Casino at Luton and there was an Indian man who seemed even more interesting than Graham. I say more interesting as meaning he bet more money. His wife sat at the roulette table drinking tea and not showing much expression to her husbands substantial losses. It was strange as he seemed even more blank-faced than his trouble and strife. He never took less than £50 notes out of his pocket and when those had gone went to the desk and had about 50 tokens worth £500+. We saw him lose £15,000 in a couple of hours. 

He didn't seem in the slightest bit perturbed. 

They say the biggest gambling takes place in Hong Kong. Happy gamblers at Happy Value and a myriad of betting from the sublime to the ridiculous. 

Who do you know who bets big? 

Is There Too Much Horse Racing?

I remember meeting a friend of a friend who said they liked greyhound racing better than horse racing because there was less waiting time between each race. 

Not being nasty, but this reminded me of a potential candidate for a compulsive gambler. 

Anyway, that's another subject. But do you think there is too much horse racing? And, more importantly, would you be a better gambler with less racing? Now, I know this is unlikely to be a problem for most punters. Simply because they bet for recreation and it really makes no difference if there are a million and one races. However, for those who take their betting seriously, from a professional point of view, the number of races can bring problems. 

I follow two-year-old horse racing. 

Take a moment to look at the number of juvenile (2yo) races over the flat turf season by month. 

March: 5

April: 30

May: 80

June: 120

July: 150

August: 200

September: 210

October: 200

November: 30

So the two-year-old Flat turf season has over 1,000 races. 

For the most part, there isn't too much horse racing. As can be seen from the early season, the first three months feature less two-year-old races than the month of June alone. The peak of the season being September with 210 races. In fact, from June - October we see 880 races. This time of the year can be very busy. Why? Well, I follow each and every race, assessing the merit of each horse. It can take a lot of time. To be honest, it can feel like being stuck on a conveyor belt. Either keep up to speed or fall behind. If you fall behind you may as well give up because a lack of knowledge is sure to find you out. It is like tempting fate. 

This season I have worked even harder and haven't struggled to keep up with the vast number of races. 

It is something that needs to happen year after year. When the Flat turf season is concluded around the middle of November I can take it a little bit easier. Then my time is spent understanding the data for just about all horse trainers. This is vital to help me look in the right direction when it comes to betting. In truth, this is one part of a jigsaw puzzle built over decades of experience. 

Good luck on your betting journey.

Why You Shouldn't Bet for Fun

Betting, gambling, a punt. 

Life is most definitely a gamble. And, to be fair, understanding that point can probably make you a wiser person. The best lessons learned are from others mistakes because they can be less costly to ourselves. 

''You remember that old bloke at the top of the road? Well, he jumped off the top of the carpark in town because he lost all his money gambling.'' 

His wife jumped the next week, followed by his five children and a pet cat named Lucky. 

It's no joking matter. 

It is a worry about the amount of advertising on TV for gambling. I think these companies, which don't lack for cash, are sailing pretty close to the wind. In the sense that, one day, gambling may be banned from the box in the corner of the room because it is destructive. I do think most people who gamble do so in a very naive fashion. The adverts portray it's all about fun and community. You win a prize every day. You win, but in the process lose a fortune if you don't restrict your betting. 

I'm not sure whether men or women are more naive when it comes to betting. I'm talking about the consequences of betting rather than a knowledge of a Trifecta. I guess, being a sexist comment, perhaps, women like playing bingo while men bet on football, the nags or greyhound (too many to choose). Yes, I know there are plenty of women who know more about betting than men. We are talking about general statistics. 

Betting is not a subject to make fun of. ''Oh, let's have a game of card, stud poker, and bet all the cash and then cry when you are bankrupt and the bailiffs are knocking at the door. 

You don't hear too many stories about the people losing every cent (even in the USA) but it happens, probably more than we realise. 

Do not bet for fun. 

How Do I Find Free Inside Info for Horse Racing Tips?

I can imagine someone typing this long-tailed keyword into Google and hoping they get lucky. Perhaps it will connect me with Ralph Beckett and he will phone me up in a few minutes to tell me about this good thing running at Newmarket later this evening!

Well, this could be your lucky day. 

True ''inside info'' the Holy Grail, is rare to find. The likelihood of a horse trainer telling you that their Frankel 2yo is going to win on debut isn't going to happen. Well, not unless you actually own the horse and paying the bills. Even then, very few horse trainers like to say point-blank ''It's a Winner!'' They have little to gain and lots to lose. Would you want to irritate a wealthy owner by giving one or two losers? Even the best horses get beaten for all manner of reasons. 

But let's get back to the ''inside info'' as I know you took the time to search for that term in Google or some other search engine. 

Is it possible to find out about the best (let's say) two-year-old horses in training before they have even set foot on track? It seems difficult, hey? From the hundreds of horses how on earth are we going to narrow it down to a list of 10 Dark Horses? When 80% of horses never win a race in their life to find this ''inside info'' would be a real stroke of luck. I wouldn't even know where to begin!

That's what your average punter would say. 

But that isn't exactly true. Would you believe that you can find the best ''inside info'' about top-class horses without doing any work or having to wonder if they will ''really can they be as good as they say''?

You'd be surprised the standard of knowledge you can find for free if you know where to look. 

Have you heard of a website called Group Horse? The name should give you a clue to the standard these guys set. They say, they will keep you informed of the best unraced and lightly raced two-year-old horses of which the majority will race at Group-class level. Remember, this is before they have even set hoof on track. 

It doesn't sound possible. 

However, it is as true as the words you read on this page. Not only is it a fact, but they have also proven the case year after year. 

If you want to know true ''inside info'' then take a gander at Group Horse and see what all the fuss is about. 

You didn't realise it, but you got lucky today. 

3 Horses to Follow in 2019

It's been a quiet time for uploading posts here at On The Gallops. 

Sadly, our lovely friend, who wrote so many articles, passed away this year and I haven't felt greatly inspired to write on this platform. It was meant to be the place Eric A. wrote his insightful prose. We will remember him for the kind, generous man he remains in our heart and mind. 

Readers may remember that we have a number of other websites including Group Horse Daily, which is the sister site to Group Horse. Both sites have a reputation to deliver the best lightly raced and unraced two-year-olds in training. 

So using that as our source, we will detail 3 potentially smart juveniles (2yos). Some are fair performers while other dark horses which may well show ability at lower class. More nursery types.

1) Vardon Flyer 

Mick Easterby's bay gelding is a son of unfashionable sire Fountain Of Youth whose stallion fee is just £4,500. This March foal has run three times and went well last time out at Carlisle when unlucky to bump into a smart opponent in Hugo Palmer's Coase. Although far from blue-blooded, this gelding cost £15,000 at the yearling sales. He's a very good-looking horse with a strong neck, size and scope to progress. Connections must think something of this youngster as he ran at York, although a 100/1 shot. I had a bet on this horse at Carlisle, which drifted markedly in the betting but in some respects, the layers pushed their luck. Worth noting next start especially on softer ground, which it is proven. 

2) Endowed 

I'm pretty sure Richard Hannon fancied this son of Dark Angel on both first two starts. Racing in the familiar silks of Ben MC Wong. This 110,000 guineas breeze-up purchase (80,000 as a yearling) was very well backed on debut at Ascot (5/1 - 11/4) but never figured, completely outpaced by a few nice sorts. I imagine connections simply got the distance wrong because they stepped up to 6f at Chester. Fancied to go well at this Class 2 race, he was outpaced by Mark Johnston's odds-on shot Raffle Prize who was simply too good for all. Endowed, a good-looking colt was held up in third place, awkward and hanging on the bend, every chance at the two-furlong pole but almost blew a gasket trying to get to grips with easy winner Raffle Prize, who is going places. Endowed dropped out quite tamely but is a capable horse who should be winning this season. 

3) Mia Diva

John Quinn has a nice two-year-old in Liberty Beach, who won the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley. This chestnut filly, a daughter of Exceed And Excel, isn't the biggest of horses but she may have something going for her starting at Class 2 level. This £70,000 yearling purchase ran creditably at Newcastle but pulled much too hard and, basically, ruined her chance. Owners, Phoenix Thoroughbreds Limited is no stranger to a talented juvenile and I would expect this filly to show more in future. Not been seen since April, and sure to know much more on her second start. 

Frankie Dettori is Changing the Foundations to Bookie’s Bets?

Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori left the layers reeling when he rode four consecutive winners on Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot this summer. The Italian rider began the day by clinching a fine victory aboard 5/1 shot A’Ali, and he then steered Sangarius to success in the Hampton Stakes. Star Catcher, a promising three-year-old from the John Gosden stable, handed him a sensational treble when he saluted in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes. 

That result set tongues wagging across the country, and the best was yet to come. Next up was the Gold Cup, the showpiece event of the entire meeting, and Dettori led defending champion Stradivarius into the fray once more. Bjorn Nielsen’s superstar delivered a customary turn of pace to show his rivals a clean set of heels, and soon Dettori was performing his trademark flying dismount celebration. 

Memories of the Magnificent Seven 

That sparked serious jitters among the bookmakers, who clearly feared a bloodbath. It evoked memories of his Magnificent Seven, a feat achieved back in 1996. Dettori took the bookies to the cleaners by winning all seven races on the card, including the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Wall Street, Diffident, Mark of Esteem, Decorated Hero, Fatefully, Lochangel and Fujiyama Crest all triumphed to secure a near-impossible accomplishment for Dettori.

He wrote his name into the record books and single-handedly cost bookmakers more than £30 million. Many punters still back all of his riders in accumulators, Yankees, Canadians and so on at big meetings, and the bookies feared the worst on Ladies’ Day this year.

In the fifth race on the card, he rode Turgenev, who began the day at 25/1 and went all the way in to just 7/2 as Dettori mania gripped the nation. The bookmakers would have been having heart palpitations when he took Turgenev to the front and looked to be cruising to victory, but he was eventually overhauled by Biometric and could only finish second. 

An Immense Sigh of Relief 

The bookmakers breathed a huge sigh of relief, but they were still licking their wounds. Sky Bet said it was “looking down the barrel of the worst day in our history”, adding that Biometric reeling in Turgenev amounted to “the biggest swing in recent memory for the bookmaking industry”. Paddy Power was bracing itself for the biggest pay-out in its history. 

Bet Fred and Betfair spoke of their immense relief, Ladbrokes called it “a bloodbath” and Betway was just happy that Biometric saved it from “a titanic loss”. 

In a bid to protect themselves from future damage, some bookies began to impose restrictions on punters that wanted to place multiple bets on the 48-year-old Italian. Bet365 decided to block all multiple wagers on Dettori’s rides, causing Paddy Power to poke fun at its rival. Sky Bet also restricted multiples on Dettori’s higher priced rides on the final day. “Punters will not be able to place all those horses in trebles and upwards but it’s due to the sheer size of liabilities we have been accruing in previous days,” said spokesman Michael Shinners. 

Turning in Their Graves 

Star Bet’s Ben Keith said Joe Coral, William Hill and Cyril Stein would be “turning in their graves” at the attitudes of the bookies, calling them “utterly pathetic”. He added: “How do you not lay a multiple? You can always put the last two in short or say SP only the last leg. They’re going to get their bum smacked once every ten years. It's happened and they’ve shown that they’re not actually bookmakers.” 

In the end, Dettori’s luck ran out and the winners dried up on the final days of the meeting, but the whole situation continues to reverberate around the industry. It sets an interesting precedent for bookmakers, particularly as it was 23 years since Dettori last gave them a giant nosebleed. In the interim, they will have made plenty of money on failed multiples covering his rides. 

Bookmakers reserve the right to refuse any bet they wish, although it arguably amounts to bad PR and a questionable business strategy. Yet this phenomenon appears to be specific to Dettori, who carries an aura of magnificence about him at big meetings. If you check out horse racing betting you will see that the Italian often rides highly rated horses, but he will also be aboard plenty of long shots too. Punters love him and he really captures the imagination when he rides a few winners. Bookmakers could face multibillion-pound liabilities if he rides six winners on a card, and they might not be able to pay out punters due to the high level of interest in him. 

A Change in Strategy 

They will maintain that they did the right thing by restricting multiples on Dettori’s rides, and they are now overhauling their strategies. He rode a treble at Sandown earlier this month, reminding the bookies of the threat he poses. Layers now fear the unique risk posed by small staking punters that might claim colossal pay-outs, and they are taking drastic action.

At the Coral-Eclipse day, Coral would not allow punters to take a price on Dettori’s final two races of the day, allowing it to hedge its position. ITV racing presenter Matt Chapman branded Coral “pathetic” for restricting multiples on Dettori’s rides “Basically what Coral are saying is ‘we do not want you to win’. What a pathetic attitude from a bookmaker, they really need to grow a pair.” 

But Coral hit back, saying it was only being prudent. There are many big meetings left this summer, including Glorious Goodwood and Newmarket’s July Festival, and punters will be drawn to Dettori. They can expect restrictions from various bookmakers that fear being wiped out by more heroics from their bête noir.

Royal Ascot 2019 (Do You Really Like it?)

Royal Ascot 2019. 

Yikes! I guess you are wondering why I say that five-letter word. Just as well it isn't four, with Her Majesty the Queen in town. 

Sure there is a lot of razzmatazz about the Royal meeting. High-class two-year-old racing. I'm not sure about the fashion angle but, I guess, people pay a lot for their hats. Perhaps they should have a race for the Best-Dressed Men and Momen. A combination of a sack and egg-and-spoon race. You have to stop and put your hat back on is it falls off. 

But back to the racing. 

Do you really enjoy betting at Royal Ascot? To be honest, I can't say I find the two-year-old races easy to assess. I'm pretty sure I can assess them better than most because this is my niche. 

However, here's a question: ''How do you limit a winning horse?''  

True, if it won a Selling Stakes, you may be thinking it has its work cut out. But how do you really assess the ability of a winning horse? That's the question. I have many and varied ways of ousting a few weak links and some form lines, and the way a horse wins gives a chance to say: ''Yay'' or ''Nay''. 

Perhaps. 

Added the mix are these giant fields. How will the draw affect the chances? I find the lesser horses often set a scorching pace and tire rapidly to drop out of contention like a kipper tie in the fashion stakes. 

Then, if that wasn't enough, we have this American bloke who trains horses with a number of rare talents. Big, strong types (and that's the fillies) who set land-speed records somewhere over the pond. Somewhere in the direction of Keeneland, where those four-and-a-half furlongs let the dust fly. Wesley Ward has bedazzled the Royal crowd time after time. Even after a few years, I remember Lady Aurelia stretching clear of the field while I sat in a drunken haze (joke). I don't drink enough to get drunk. No man should drink more than three snowballs in one afternoon!

So, I'm sure you can appreciate my concerns. It's like a strange ambivalence where I'm caught in two worlds - like being sat between The Queen and Prince Philip. 

I will love each and every two-year-old horse race. From the Coventry Stakes to the Chesham Stakes and all those in between. 

There will be plenty of stories. One is how this bloke from the Fens got through security to sit between the Royals. I will be the ambassador for the common man. One step up from Frankie Dettori (joke). 

I will be hoping that those little owners, trainers and jockeys (aren't they all small?) taste victory. 

That's what makes a winner.