I may be in a 'grass is always greener on the other side' situation but I like the sound of bookies. The fact that I could lock in a bet at odds sounds fantastic to me. There are things you can do with that you simply can't do here (North America).

Being a math nut I have a few papers on mathematical strategies at the track but, wouldn't you know it, they all apply to Australia.

On the other hand, your race tracks sound more 'serious'. As I understand it, the minimum bet through bookies is in the hundreds. It seems to me this would generate less of the social, almost family-oriented atmosphere you see at tracks here. Having not actually been at an Australian racetrack I haven't a clue so take that with a grain of salt.

If there's one thing I do enjoy about y'all (that's more American than it is Canadian) it's the intelligent, social atmosphere of this forum. Thanks, all, from Canada for your insights, information and good humour, eh (now THAT'S Canadian)!

-Duck

Hammers - someone from this forum (sorry, can't remember who) told me that the TF prices quoted by IAS are there own TF prices and not the official bookmaker ring TF prices that the track bookies pay on. Also they don't seem to "add-up" - eg. they quote an opening price of $7.50, Fluct1 of $7.00 and SP of $7.00 but then give TF of $7.00 - surely it should be $7.50?

TheDuck - Gudday (now that's Australian!) The minimum bet in the hundreds only applies to telephone bets placed with the bookies from off-track (as I understand it this was put in place to protect the TAB's who didn't want the bookies "stealing" their telephone betting market) - however the rules are different from state to state and are being phased out - eg. Minimum telephone bet with Victorian bookies is now $50 for major meetings and no minimum for country meetings. As far as I know there are no fixed minimums for on-track betting.

__________________
"Computers can do that????" - Homer Simpson

becareful,
Until recently the only prices on the All Sports website were Read's own prices and yes they were highly inaccurate - only what they were betting and not the real ring action.
They still post these prices but in addition they now have the fair dinkum Top Flucs for winners about 5 minutes after weight is declared. I have checked the prices and they are spot on.
It is available for all city meetings and most provincial meetings.

Last night Neil posted part of a letter I wrote to him with regard to "top fluctuation" betting.

To start the debate rolling I would like to nominate in advance Races 5,6,and 7 at Morphettville on Saturday 10/8/02. I will analyse the top fluctuations for these races from data published in the Sunday Mail and publish the results on this site with my comments.

I do accept that the analysis of three races is not sufficient to draw any firm conclusions' but it's a start.

I would suggest in advance of the results that no bookmaker would ever be able to offer on a long term basis unconditional top fluctuation betting...and make a profit!