Alchemy is the art of turning base metal into gold.No-one has ever managed to pull it off.

We are attempting to predict a future outcome with some extremely limited information.Even people with unlimited cash,the ability to buy the most brilliant mathematicians,programmers etc etc, and access to the best information fail in the long term.

This should be telling us that punting is a fun hobby,and like most hobbies will cost a few $$$$.Take it seriously and we are heading for financial disaster.

The number of forumites who conclude their posts with the words "good luck" (including myself) have inadvertantly hit the nail on the head.

Good Luck.