Crash i agree with what your saying [this time ] in regards to not getting the 1/4 value everytime Thats the only down side though IMO. If you can get 'set' on 1/4 + of win price ....well....it would be the only way to bet. Betfair is one way but its not often enough. The best of 2 or 3 is the only other chance you have to get 'close enough to get the edge'. There is no other way you can win place betting other then taking the 2 options above. I have kept more data on this outcome covering many agencies, tabs & bookies, then probably anybody has on any 1 system venture. Yes you can make profit, even in winter, but more in Spring - Autumn as more opportunities and more consistent horses are running. Current figures having me to turnover $1.75m - $2m this year > place betting.
I firmly believe theres one secret to place betting other then the above >> at the end of every day, week, month or year its all about the horses i didnt back that make the difference. The horses, that despite how i might feel about them at the time and wanted to back them, i dont becasue they will cost me long term, maybe not in this race, but long term. Punting is an 'adictive' pass time. Like smoking & drinking, it attracts the weak more easily then most hobbies. This means, even the most full proof system can be put infront of most & they will still have difficulty in deciding to do what their brain tells them over what their emotions tell them. Emotions will usually win out. Now add tight margins that punting brings with it. Its a failuire waiting to happen.
Again >>> what i didnt back is more important then what i did back, thats my 1st line of thought after every day and everytime i go over my figures.....and what i think is the secret for me anyway.
I dont claim to know how it should be done, this is just what i do succesfully enough so maybe it'll help, maybe it wont....