I've managed to make a few quid on several occasions by taking the best odds on offer to end up at around 97-98%. A small % but very satisfying. The achillies heel of course is deductions in the case of late scratchings. Does anyone know statisically how many times this happens and the overall effect. I mean I know you could be creased on one particular race but what is the likelyhood of it happening?

I'm only finding a few races where it can be safely done to make between 1 and 4%, but I feel that with longshots say above 35-1 it may be possible to back em at BEST tote with a reduced bet and increase the takeout or at least include more races.

What I'm getting at is say we make a book to 97%, which includes 2x34-1 shots and a 50-1 shot, so the amount allocated on them (to take out 100units) is approx 8 units 3+3+2, so maybe we back em best tote (or SP) say 2 +2+1.5 thereby reducing total outlay to 94.5 units.

Now I am aware of the danger that maybe the 50-1 shot comes home and only pays $40 best tote, but I'm wondering if that tiny risk could be worth it,

Any thoughts?