hedgehog, how do I do it? Probably late beginners luck as I have been trying since 1951. Seriously though, I have tried innumerable approaches over the years and though I may not know what to do I have a fair idea of what not to do:
1) I avoid poor going.
2) Try to keep to a reasonable size of field - not more than around 12 as the layers take is less and avoids possible traffic problems.
3) Prefer handicap races to assess as the OR provides a standard, which you don't get in non-handicaps.
4) Prefer restricted races to open contests.
5) Haven't even tried on the AW tracks for years.
6) Keep to a systematic approach - a daily routine.
7) Make comparisons all the time with other ways of working.
8) Keep trying to improve the strike-rate of winning bets.
Could probably think of more, but it's all down to individual temperament - and I hate losing. (Enjoy my racing though my wife of 62 years tells me it's stupid betting on horses and she goes to bingo on Saturday nights

).
A 'restricted' race for me is one where no more than half the field are at odds less that the true mathematical odds. True mathematical odds are always one less point than the number of runners e.g. 9 runners = 8/1.