Comments on: Decisions decisions

By: Bert

Bert — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:25 +0000

John D,

The New Course and the Old Course are on the same ground and intersect each other. The new course is a bit flatter and has a long run in on the hurdle course (only 2 hurdles in the last seven furlongs). The old course is used for days 1 and 2, the new course for days 3 and 4. I think Pete still uses Johnny Alpha as a work horse, but I’m not sure.

Lastfiver,

I’m not sold on the Tote as I think Betfair is a low margin model and the Tote is mostly not (a lot of little old ladies in booths to look after). I think the Tote on the course mostly feeds on small players who aren’t price sensitive. The exotics piece is a good business, but Betfair can incorporate that anyway. There are plenty in Betfair who wouldn’t agree with me on this though.

micko,

er - he’s ok, he ran and he lost. Sorry not to reply earlier.

By: micko

micko — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:27:56 +0000

Hey bert i hope Mon Michel is ok?

Will he run at cheltenham now?

By: lastfiver

lastfiver — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:35:49 +0000

Looks like it’s going to be a busy couple of days. I hope you get a couple of runs and make a winners enclosure or two.
Be interested to hear your opinion on whether Betfair should buy the Tote. I’ve always thought that it would be a perfect fit and be a brilliant add-on to the business. Some of the shops may need to be sold but the Pool, Credit Betting etc. would be very interesting especially with Asian market opportunities. You probably can’t or wouldn’t want to comment but I think it is an extremely interesting development.
good luck with the horses.

By: John D

John D — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:35:01 +0000

Hi Bert
Great blog. I read it regularly. Quick question from a relative novice NH gambler, what’s the difference between the new and old courses at Cheltenham?
cheers
john, basingstoke
PS What happened to one of your flat horses you had with the Comic Strip Heroes called Johnny Alpha?