Altior 2/1 for the Arkle is absolutely scandalous given that neither Min nor Yorkhill have jumped a fence in public (nor Buveur D'Air for that matter). Bookies setting new standards in piss-taking with the 2017 Cheltenham Festival ante post markets.
Oddy, they've been piss-taking us for donkey's years, one way or another. It is such a shame that we insist that this is the way we want to bet. The PMU system is not that terrible, with a variety of ways to have a bet on horses that make the frame. So much is put back into French thoroughbred horseracing. Look at the prize money for French racing too; as an owner he or she only has to win one, or maybe two, races to pay for most of the upkeep of their horse for quite a spell. Even the place money is good for them. But no, we'll stick with these rogues called bookies for another 200-years at least? That's the way it is.
True enough Swanny, we are creatures of habit. Old Mrs Merkel standing again next year with no credible opposition
It does beggar belief, talk about a survivor. Surely the Bürger understand what she did some 14-months ago? The problem for them is "who the hell do we vote for then?" A fair-enough question as AfD is not an alternative for responsible people, by any means. SPD are out with the washing. The Greens mostly impractical nutcases. Die Linke, well they're too much. FDP can barely scrape 5%. The Pirate Party/Computer Nerds have been sunk without trace, or have 'deleted' themselves. What to do? (Apologies if I've missed a viable party).
Guess you're talking about NH racing in this respect, Ron, or are you including the Flat too? Founder Phil Bull would have nothing to do with the rating of NH horses, reckoned it was impossible due to so many imponderables. I am not sure but I would imagine he was outvoted by the board of Timeform, in those far-off days, when they decided to rate NH horses? I owe such a lot to Timeform, and in particular old Phil, for it made horseracing so much more interesting for at least 30-years after it was founded around 1947 (?). All Phil Bull asked for was that the reader used his own noddle, and Timeform would help with all the nitty-gritty that an ordinary racegoer would never have the time for. He never ever suggested backing the Timeform top-rated horse on the Flat, but think the race out carefully, and make your own decision. Great man IMHO. Don't forget, at that time, the punter never had all the video replay aids, and all that, which he or she have today. If you are including the Flat in your remark, then the only thing I can think of there is that there are way way too many "horses in training", many of whom are not much good and, as such, totally inconsistent. Pretty difficult to 'rate' these animals with any confidence. P.S. I have not subscribed to Timeform for many years now!
