Watching the Epsom Derby Festival on Channel 212 on Saturday reminded me just how third rate our local racing product has become :
Firstly – The event was broadcast in razor sharp HD with surround sound so I was made to feel immersed in the visuals & atmosphere. It was almost surreal being reminded just how absorbing & entertaining a race meeting can be.
Secondly – The focus of the broadcast was centred almost entirely on the horses & information regarding their likely chances. There were only occasional references to the betting market and absolutely no mention of tote pools, winning tickets and suchlike.
Thirdly – There were no ‘airhead’ celebrity interviews, no fashion shows, no jumping castles, no losing ticket competitions, no giveaway livestock. Special events there may well have been but we weren’t burdened with having to watch them.
As to the race itself :
I have made a lifelong practise of avoiding favourites. In extreme conditions I may reluctantly cover my outlay on my fancies with the favourite but I almost never back a favourite to ‘win the money’. I regard it as the major reason why I have never been ‘stuck out’ in nearly 50 years of racing.
As much as the market indicated that the favourite was a ‘good thing’ I regarded three issues as being pivotal to his success or failure :
1.) He had never run at Epsom – a course which makes special and unique demands on a horse.
2.) He was trying the distance for the first time and had won the Guineas to my eye in the style of a sprinter/miler rather than a genuine middle distance horse.
3.) Bookmakers interviewed were rating him better than past champions such as Nijinsky whilst issuing ever more bets to punters at 8/10. Go figure. It must have been Christmas for them considering that EVERY horse was a genuine trier prepared specifically for the event.
I ended up playing against the favourite (not a cent on it) and backed 4 other horses; any one of which won me close to R10k for a total outlay of R2,650. Two of my selections finished first and second. Although the favourite could count himself unlucky not have finished closer when he was ‘held in’ down the straight all that it served to remind me of was the multitude of unconsidered factors which can upset the most carefully considered wager. Which is why I continue to argue that racing is not a viable betting medium when compared to sport and should be treated as a small stakes fun activity only.
Roll on Royal Ascot!
….and how was Greyville? I understand there was a big meeting there.
Last edit: 7 years 5 days ago by Garrick.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Muhtiman, Andycap, MAJMU
"Roll on Royal Ascot".......o yes after yesterday's feast
Without Parole is my best play for Ascot and Battaash vs Lady Aurelia should be a cracker
As far as Saxon, i am sure no point in st leger and ARC might be touch difficult with Cracksman and Enable but whatever the outcome some mouthwatering clashes ahead this season
I had no choice but to bet Saxon Warrior whom I backed in the Guineas. The losing bet was less painful than losing the opportunity of backing a triple crown winner. I did it for American Pharoah. For me, it's not just about the punt but it would be nice if I made a profit.
Craig Pienaar wrote: Watching yesterday i was surprised at how many dislike the Epsom track , looks very tough on the horses
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In truth it should not be a race track. I have walked that course so can imagine the toll it takes on horses especially the Derby as the start uphill then switch sides then downhill around the corner then uphill over the last furlong. Suppose that what makes the Derby the worlds most famous and possibly best race. Cue on for the Durban poly lovers
....Dom Zaki looks better in HD.....but really did he have to go on about why he was there.....if you want to learn something about production of a racing event.....better to have stayed at home and watched it on DSTV 212.....however Dom you deserve to be at Epsom....you have done well in your spell at TT and your reward was richly deserved.....just wish that TT boys get to watch that DSTV 212 coverage.....sadly I PVRed some of the action but deleted it by mistake earlier this morning..... :S
MAJMU wrote: Comparing ITV racing and Tellytrack was embarrassing
UK covered a borrowdale race via tellytrack in preference to the greyville race running at the same time, bearing in mind you are unable to get a bet on at borrowdale.
Dave Scott wrote: "Roll on Royal Ascot".......o yes after yesterday's feast
Without Parole is my best play for Ascot and Battaash vs Lady Aurelia should be a cracker
As far as Saxon, i am sure no point in st leger and ARC might be touch difficult with Cracksman and Enable but whatever the outcome some mouthwatering clashes ahead this season
Saxon could meet the derby winner in the Irish Derby to gain revenge ?
Dave Scott wrote: "Roll on Royal Ascot".......o yes after yesterday's feast
Without Parole is my best play for Ascot and Battaash vs Lady Aurelia should be a cracker
As far as Saxon, i am sure no point in st leger and ARC might be touch difficult with Cracksman and Enable but whatever the outcome some mouthwatering clashes ahead this season
Saxon could meet the derby winner in the Irish Derby to gain revenge ?
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