Hi Merriguy & GeneralGym,

Good to hear from you.
General, that 9% was very respectable and if you could maintain a 9% return even on $1 for about 20 years you would have a 7 figure amount. The point I make is that while some "gamblers" scoff at these supposedly minute returns we will survive and hopefully prosper. Others will come and go and not grasp the fact that the whole racing game utilises averages against the punter meaning that in the longterm most punters fall away. However, the astute punter(read: investor) is able to skim a reasonable return from his/her investments - an approach I apply to my stockmarket activities by the way).
You hear of people becoming millionaires only after they have been broke 2 or 3 times - it seems a bit drastic to me. Why didn't they apply a sound approach in the first place and grow gradually from profits. In respect of this, let me emphasise that the term: "unit" does not necessarily mean $1. My strategy is that after raising your betting bank by $500-$1000 you then increase the value of your basic unit by $0.50 or $1...
This is the strength of the percentage-based investment strategy - you are only betting within your means and from accumulated profits(hopefully).
Yesterday, I had a successful day and returned a reasonable profit. No, I can't give pre-race tips because, as I have outlined before, some opportunities don't present themselves until just prior to the race start time.
Today, Race 3 Kyneton, appeared to present an opportunity to invest. Yes, there were only 7 starters, meaning only two place divs.
I supported No. 3 Wal's Princess and it duly won, paying NSW $3.50win & 2.00 pl providing a very satisfying overlay(win $3.50 ie. 2.5w x1/3 pl = anticipated div of $0.83, rounded down to $0.80(ie. $1.80 place div), yet it paid $2.00 place in NSW, resulting in an overlay of .20/1.80 = 11%, you can't get that at the bank!
The whole racing game is a study in recurring averages and percentages so until the pattern of racing changes, there is still scope to "skim" a regular return from TAB turnover.
If it does change(refer to my previous comments about small fields), then we are well equipped to change our strategy to these factors, unlike the loss chasing system users.
Cheers.