Retrospective

[pawras]

Looking back on 2021 did you learn anything new re horse racing? Or life in general even?

For me I got a much better handle than before on exclusions/negative factors i.e. even though I like a horse cos of ABC reasons I shouldn't in fact back it cos of other XYZ reasons.

 

[Sandhog]

If you got that, pawras, I think you learnt a valuable lesson. I wish I'd learned that same lesson myself.
I end up with mixed feelings, and very little extra clarity. It is always useful to know what not to do.

A chap once told me that " there's only one thing on a building-site worse than doing nothing, and
that's doing something for nothing".

I did try to learn that lesson, as I totally accept it, but, I find I still do too much for nothing.
Must tighten up.

 

[Chesham]

I learnt how Jib Class and Jib ratings can point to how the a Trainer place their Horses. combined with other data such as TheBluesBrother TBBHC Rating in comparison to the BHA Rating. Some horses just jump off the page as being well in

Recently was made aware of a different way of looking at Trainer/Jockey Performance Figures (Thanks to mlmrob and ardnehue )

 

[Outlander]

my betting prowess peaked in 1992, since then each year less and less clarity , now almost total darkness. My money could get Frankel beat by Quixall Crossett over a mile on the flat, I’m not kidding.

 

[DuckandDive]

I've learnt that it's okay to back more than one selection in a race, as long as it represents some form of value and that the whole stake is within sensible money management guidelines. Also avoid F.O.M.O (fear of missing out) and that there will always be other suitable races coming along on another day.

 

[pawras]

This isn't just a 2021 thing but it's always good to remind one self that you're not always right, you don't know everything and be willing question any assumed truism in light of new information

 

[mick]

For me I got a much better handle than before on exclusions/negative factors i.e. even though I like a horse cos of ABC reasons I shouldn't in fact back it cos of other XYZ reasons.

Well done starting this thread and i hope the responses continue, in truth they should because in this game we are all continuous learners. Re your above we snap because i have negative filters but with the odd exception have always deployed them in a flexible way being willing to bet against them if the positives stack up on balance. But increasingly i find i am reversing this thinking and feeling OK with the outcome which is fewer bets.

Of course with all that we do there has to be a balance involved and in this instance the danger is that i could end up backing nothing, but i am aware of this which is half the job. I guess another way of attempting to explain is that i am finding comfort by focusing on what i call positive preferences and with an already selective initial selection process the former will only occur in a minority of cases.

Why the above ? well after 50yrs involvement i suspect that its part of a winding down process Re my actual betting and implementing this thinking will certainly ease the work load, but while i still find interest in attempting to solve the puzzle this is being negated by the current day attitude of most Bookmakers because having to beg a bet takes the rub off.

Finishing on a more positive note will fewer mean better and is it possible to find considered banker bets @ 12/1 ? well hopefully it will be fun finding out.

 

[DuckandDive]

Just to add, I continue to enjoy the process of using an excel spreadsheet to input and analyse numbers/data. I've improved my knowledge and yet realise there's still a load more to learn. It also helps in other areas of life too. ie: Personal Cashflows/expenditure + any future business plan support.

My ratings spreadsheet(s) have evolved more in 2020/2021 (during lockdown) and have improved my view of what variables/attributes I regard, are important to include.