Regular, Only lighthearted mate. I don't know anything about your mate he could easily be one of the chosen few. But one thing is for certain as the other guys have said it is VERY difficult to make any significant money consistantly. Steer clear of the GLOSSY brochures promising riches galore, all bull******** (we all know, cos we all fell for it at some time or other) Just as some bookmakers were % men, and some where "opinion" men, some Punters rely on their own judgement to rate a race, some will pay for proven top class ratings (if you consider this , only go for the BIG names.) some like a purely mathematical approach (statistics etc) and others rely on gut feelings and luck!
The best advise is definitly to follow your ideas on paper and keep very accurate records preferably on a spreadsheet.

Another thing is always bet Max-divi, or best fluc. the likely profit is so small (%wise) that this will make all the difference.

Good luck!