General Chat

[Istabraq]

The most noticeable difference this year to all previous is the speed Cash Out is being removed and then left greyed out afterwards by.

I think it would be a useful exercise for all those who currently benefit from cashout to ask themselves if it didn't exist would they bet differently ?

[archie]

You have to understand that the most likely time for a horse to pick up an injury is when it's being worked towards peak fitness, ie in the 2 or 3 weeks leading up to a big target like the Festival.

Anyone who compiles a book for each race will surely have this covered. Those of us who don't should be betting on the principle that we have a good price but it includes a risk factor.

I don't bet much anyway but this season I have only had 2 bets that weren't either free bets or NRNB. Everyone can choose their own favoured option but always be prepared for the worst outcome. If you can't afford to lose it all then you shouldn't be staking it.

[Istabraq]

my mrs can’t tell if I’ve won a grand or lost it.
which is a good job in both respects

Completely agree, I've always said honesty in a marriage is overrated...

[Kevloaf]

If you can't afford to lose it all then you shouldn't be staking it.

Very true.

On this point in particular, every time we get 'this close' to the festival, people from work and friends of friends start asking me for tips so they can win some money.

First question is always, how much are you willing to lose?

Answer is almost always "nothing" and that ends the conversation. Which is how it should be.

[Splinterboy82]

I think it would be a useful exercise for all those who currently benefit from cashout to ask themselves if it didn't exist would they bet differently ?

Great question & point in general this. I’ve been backing ap for many yrs pre cash-out. There’s the odd one I’ve laid stake back on the machine in advance but in general even if I knew something was potentially not going, I never would consider cashing out personally as the percentage calls / Alger rhythms are usually set in the bookies favour and I can’t deal with the FOMO linked to ante post. I’ve gone off a few horses over past years where you might have considered cashing out & then they’ve won - couldn’t imagine the feeling if I’d cashed them for example. For me personally, if I’ve placed the bet ante post then my money is down, all in win or not. Maybe I’m just a bit oldskool though

[Splinterboy82]

Very true.

On this point in particular, every time we get 'this close' to the festival, people from work and friends of friends start asking me for tips so they can win some money.

First question is always, how much are you willing to lose?

Answer is almost always "nothing" and that ends the conversation. Which is how it should be.

Haha, agree with this - but then they produce that pound free bet coupon from the paper….to which I reply to pick the name or the colours they like!

[JackieMoon33]

I think it would be a useful exercise for all those who currently benefit from cashout to ask themselves if it didn't exist would they bet differently ?

My casual, fun strategy for Cheltenham is heavily reliant on cash out and without it, I’m actually not sure whether I would even bother with AP anymore as I’d need too large of a bank to compensate.

[Saxon Warrior]

I’d echo spectres comments
in fact
in general a gambler needs to remain calm and level headed
if you are the type to get too high or low then there are obvious dangers.
my mrs can’t tell if I’ve won a grand or lost it.
which is a good job in both respects

Based on demeanour and temperament, I cant tell if Ive won a grand or lost a grand,

.........so my wife has no chance

[Silverbirch]

So, what do we all think of the 12s available for GQ tomo?

[Many Clouds]

My misses can 100% tell if i've won or lost, both involve lots of swearing, its just the tone and excitement levels that change. But I never get down about any of the losses, and the money is saved up through the year to put on Cheltenham so its there to be lost or to make into more money no guarantees in anything but if I win I do like to celebrate. A week off work, watching the best racing and having a few bets n bevs, aslong as you dont go daft whats not to like.

[Lobos]

A question for those who have been at this antepost thing for longer than me. How are you finding it this year compared to previous years?

This is only my 4th year doing it but it feels like the hardest so far, with trouble narrowing down targets, poor early prices from the bookies, injuries (mainly the Arkle for me) etc.

I know most thought last year was a freakishly good one for most people, and not the norm, but would you say this year is tougher than normal or just about average? Just curious to hear people's thoughts.

Don't think this year has been any harder than last. I'm fortunate that I'm retired and can put a hell of a lot of study in and that helps hugely with making the right choices. Mind you, I've been at it for 40 years so I should know a few tricks by now ! Not been hit by many pull outs but the ones that I've had I've managed to already have cover in place and those horses have just slotted in with improved winning chances.

[Many Clouds]

So, what do we all think of the 12s available for GQ tomo?

Looks friendless on the exchange, out to 18.5, my plan to back him when he was first priced up and then lay the stake off at shorter odds looks to have gone right down the shit pan.

[Lobos]

So, what do we all think of the 12s available for GQ tomo?

Who??? .........He's tomorrow's Fish and Chip paper now.

[Benjy23]

I'm in the no change of emotion win or lose category. Quite often the Mrs will be in the same room and guess without any idea if I've won or lost... And knowing I won't tell her either way.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm missing something so glad others are the same

[Glasgow Ronnie]

I can't hide anything however hard I try my MRS can tell when I've had a winner or two