A sentimental attachment to particular horses can be a problem. I don't mean a serious stable system, but some people will back their favourite nag regardless of the context of the race. I don't have this problem but I observe others who do. Someone will tell me with great excitement "Rubitano's back this Saturday. Can't wait!" If you say, but will it win? they say "Great horse Rubitano!" I say "No doubt, but will it win?"

I try not to get emotional attachments to particular horses but judge them on their merits in the context of every race. Hardest is horses who've won for you in the past. Again I observe people doing this. They look at a field and the name 'Piermont' jumps out because they once had a big win with Piermont. But that's no reason in itself to back it again! People get emotional about their wins. That's a mistake. You have to get to the point where you are non-chalant about your wins and make selections in a business-like manner.

Then there's the problem of on-line discipline. I could have a whole system worked out but when the numbers come up on the screen the system goes out the window. The answer to that is to think long term. Which is very hard. You have to be able to dispassionately say to yourself "I probably won't win today, but I will this month." Always betting with a bank and ALWAYS keeping a record of every bet helps.

My thoughts

Hermes