BEAT THE BOOKIES ( **** the bookies )
HENRY RIX'S GOLDEN RULES
Following these rules will make you a smarter gambler and help you to beat the bookies more frequently.
1. Only in exceptional circumstances should you bet at less than 2-1. At short prices you have to back too many winners and it doesn't pay in the long term.
2. Don't be put off by big prices. If you fancy a 33-1 shot as much as a 5-1 shot, then have twice as much on the 33-1 shot. Never be afraid to win too much.
3. Never chase your losses - there is always another day. Don't be afraid of losing runs - a loser is the next step before a big price winner.
4. Don't underestimate the advantage of having a top jockey on your side. Try to avoid unproven jockeys or inexperienced apprentices. If at all possible stick to G Mosse, D Holland, J Fortune, R Hughes, J Murtagh, E Ahern, R L Moore, Dane O'Neill, P Hanagan, T Durcan, L Dettori, J Egan and J Spencer on the Flat, and R Walsh, G Lee, B Geraghty, T Murphy, A McCoy, D Casey, R Thornton and P Carberry over jumps.
5. Don't spread your time too thinly between too many races. Maybe study three or four races a day.
6. Concentrate on the effect of the draw in all races (even over long distances at certain tracks) and stall positions of the early pacesetters in sprints. Watch for fresh strips of ground that may cause a major draw advantage - Goodwood and Newmarket have used fresh ground for big races in the last 12 months.
7. Only bet when you're sure of a fast early pace - preferably an end-to-end gallop. Slowly-run races often provide shock results.
8. Be careful with front runners in apprentice or amateur races.
9. Be wary of all gossip news (especially in 2YO and 3YO maidens and bumpers). The 'fancied' horses or stable tips tend to be poor value and often worth opposing.
10. Selections should have form on the ground or a pedigree that suggests conditions will suit.
11. Take special care with 3YO (unexposed) handicaps on the Flat before June. There are simply too many question marks in this type of race.
12. Tread carefully at the start of the jump or Flat season. Wait for the form to settle down.
13. Try to avoid betting at low-grade tracks. Steer clear of Brighton, Folkestone, Catterick and Redcar. Poor quality horses are less reliable.
14. If at all possible, avoid the all-weather at Southwell. Invariably, the surface is described as standard but, realistically, it can represent anything from hard to heavy. The Polytrack at Lingfield and Wolverhampton is a level playing field and definitely OK for betting in the right circumstances. Truely-run or strong pace races work out particularly well on this Polytrack surface.
15. Pay special attention to big fields of two mile handicaps hurdlers - often the form works out particularly well.
16. Try to avoid staying handicap hurdles from two miles six furlongs and upwards. Too many horses are unproven or unexposed at longer distances.
17. Only bet in top-class chases. Backing clean-jumping quality novice chasers can be lucrative. They are often offered at better prices than you would expect for their ability.
18. Blank out all media hype and preconceived ideas at big meetings such as the Cheltenham Festival. Take a fresh look on the day.
19. Avoid most ante-post races - it is hard enough on the day. The 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas are possibly exceptions.
20. Cut out all fun (normally losing) bets, and keep a record of all betting business. One of the advantages of betting on the Betfair betting exchange is that all bets, profits, losses and totals are listed and recorded for you.
