quote:

Originally posted by Trojan:
Thanks Rab,

Yet another day of abandonments and crap left-overs.

Gives me a chance to get on my soap box.

I started this thread in fun - yes, it may come to a shock to some of you, but the bailiffs are not really coming around. I wanted to put some urgency into meeting an unreasonably high target within an unreasonably short time scale.

To make £4,000 profit from £1,000 bank in 28 days is a tall order. However, with an odd bit of luck and a following tailwind, I believed it was possible. I'm not so sure now because of the abnormal lack of betting opportunities due to the high number of abandoned meetings. My selections depend on handicaps, and have been more successful in the races of Class "C" and above.(Also, I am making arrangements to go abroad for medical treatment, which may come sooner rather than later)

Apart from the fun side, I wanted to show that it is possible to do quite well using only the free RP website, and crude staking. These points are important to me.

When I first started betting, I used tipsters. I swopped from one to the other, chasing my tail and losing money.

I tried betting short-priced favs – you know the sort – non-handicap races, no more than 12 runners, won last time out, placed before that etc etc - but a high strike rate did not ensure profit because of the short prices.

I tried computer software, ratings and systems. Again, subscribing to different Ratings services, swopping between them – still didn't make a profit.

Ahhh my problem was my staking. I tried different staking methods – different mathematical progressions, spreadsheets, ladder, Colgate mathematical formula – all sorts. I still failed to make a profit. Now, before you staking buffs jump on me – I'm sure many (if not all) would have worked with my selections– but not for ME. When a losing run comes along and I get out of my comfort zone, I just cannot continue – I'm risking more than I feel comfortable with. This spreadsheet is telling me to put £X on this horse and I don't want to, I'm anxious, my blood pressure goes up, I start sweating, I'm uncomfortable and I'm not enjoying it. If I'm not enjoying it, I'm not doing it.

So, I'm not saying that other ratings are not useful – but just wanted to show that the free ones can be used perfectly adequately.

Likewise, I am positive that a different staking approach would enhance my profits to the nth degree. Looking back at results, something as simple as "win only" instead of "each way" would do for a start – but I don't care, I'm doing what I'm comfortable with. I'm betting these with my money and I'm quite happy with my profits as they are. I don't want to go outside my "comfort zone" again, I'd rather give up. I am in control, not some spreadsheet. Many of you will think I'm crazy – why not utilise profits as best as possible? Well, perhaps I AM crazy