Laurence,

I have no problem with most of what you say although a couple of minor points:

1. If you are talking about Australian races then I wouldn't pay too much attention to the historical pool sizes - they are growing each week. Obviously you won't be able to lay huge bets on every race but for most of us that is not a big issue :smile:

2. Laying a single horse is no riskier than backing a single horse - you either win or lose. Obviously you need to adjust your bet sizes according to your bank level - so if you typically back horses at $100 a time are are laying a horse at 5/1 then you should probably only put $25 up so if you lose your loss is $100.

4. The main problems with IAS fav/field betting are firstly that you are limited to the favourite (ie. you cannot lay other runners, only the favourite) and secondly if they do not have the odds on the website you have to phone to get them and then, I believe, you must have a bet. Personally I like to know the price without being committed to buying the item!


I can't speak for the others who have commented on this issue but I feel it is a worthwhile option to explore but I certainly wont be limiting myself to favourites only (although to limit exposure I wouldn't lay anything above about 10/1 initially - maybe later if I have built a decent bank)