Lots of factors contribute to long-term success as a punter. If you want to be profitable the bottom line is you need to consistently back horses at prices higher than their actual probability of winning.
There are a large variety of approaches and methods that people take to achieve profitability. Generally they will use a mix of methods such as form evaluation, visual impression, race-times including sectional timing, trainer and jockey study, various stats and trends, and so the list goes on.
As well as selecting the appropriate horses to bet on people then have to establish a staking strategy, manage their betting ‘bank’ and find ways to get their money on.
All should be good after that, shouldn’t it? Not always...
Even if your selection methodology and price evaluation strategy is sound and you are theoretically able to ‘beat the book’ there is still one major obstacle in your path, an obstacle that is overlooked by many punters and one that can derail your efforts spectacularly – that obstacle is your own mind.
Almost everyone who has bet on horse racing in a serious way has experienced what you might term the roller-coaster of emotions or stresses that inevitably come as part and parcel with the pursuit. That roller coaster can often cause those who start out with the necessary tools to succeed (sound selection and betting bank management strategies) to find they are very quickly struggling. Before long their bank can be bust, their confidence shot and the individual wondering where it all went wrong.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LION ROARS TO TOP SPOT
John Anthony is right up with the pace as the speed horses kick on again
JUST STAY IT AGAIN SAM!
Paul Jacobs relishes a grand October climax with final Flat season flourish
TROY JOY OPENS THE FLOODGATES
lan Heitman recounts a month of stunning track highlights
FINEST LAP OF HONOUR
Graham Buddry tells the dramatic tale of Australia's brilliant Southern star
DOWN LAMBOURN WAY
Richard Eagle brings news from the Valley, Epsom and beyond
BOY WILL STEP UP IN THE WET
Ben Morgan sticks to his guns with 10 top tips to follow in the coming weeks
CUTTING BACK TO THE OLD DEBATE
Rolf Johnson weighs up one of racing's perennial chestnuts
FROM BOOK TO BOOKIES
The former Sky frontman turns detective in hunt for Arc clues
FUM-ING BUT NO DISGARCE
Jeremy Grayson picks it up in the sticks after a late summer jumps break
MEMORIES OF SIR MICHAEL'S EARLY DAYS RUN SO DEEP
Dave Youngman looks back at Michael Stoute's road to success