Hey Xanny, Yep, I plan on opening an acct as soon as I have a little extra $$. I took the first step last week and re-opened my Phone Bet Acct here in the Philly area. (I hadn't used it since 1997 and opened back in like 1991!). I'm going to put some more in the Phone Bet in a little while so I can sit at home and bet the Aussies while talking to all you guys. I get so frustrated waiting for all the excellent info on here whil researchingthe web (like Barrier Trials, Steward's Reports, Stats, and Track Maps) in a rush before heading to the Turf Club. I'm not asking anybody to rush their tips,,,, I understand it takes an Artiste to win at this game, The best values are in the place and show pools over here in the later races (5,6,7 as we don't take them all the way through usually) I think I can grab the best of bothe worlds and have a great time instead of fighting with the Manager at club. I do enjoy the comradrie from the select few that play the Aussies-the smartest and best 'cappers at the track in my opinion, and grab a lot of info from them as well.Sportz gave me a couple of great internet sites over there. Does Australia have regular local bookies on the treack apron like in Ireland? And how about Turf Accountants in shops around town? It was great in Ireland on vacation, hanging out and betting horses. The best had to be going to Punchestown Race Course outside Dublin near Naas. A large 2 mile oval, I got to see some great's like Doran's Pride and Danoli (the pride of Neal and Foley as the Irish song goes.) There were a lot of "rats", "pigs" or "dogs" there also. (Our lingo for Bad Horses.