Cheers guys...some interesting comments there and links which I'll look at.

After 2 years I feel reasonably confident of the methods I'm using [but gee I've been wrong many times before].

I'd probably have to look at the situation if I got down to 50% return - but happy to continue on until things got that bad.

I do have what I'd call a rigid system though it differs in that I don't look at a race and then apply the rules and voila have a selection. I'm looking for what you'd call 'form factors' - last Sat I had 5 bets, Wed had 1, this Sat I'll have 2.

The problem with part of my rigid rules [one being don't bet in a race where an unraced runner is engaged] meant it doesn't always work in your factor - had I disregarded this I would have had one more bet and winning selection on both Sat and Sat resulting in a small profit overall - still I feel that rule has proven itself overtime.

I think the value of a staking plan you're comfortable with can assist greatly - I'm betting X% of my bank. So as the bank goes down I'm reducing my bet. Now that might not suit everyone - and makes it harder to get back to a profit - but still it's something I feel comfortable with.

I think if anything it's learning you're not going to win large amounts every bet or even win every bet. It's about the longterm strategy. Hopefully it works in my favour.