This blog was originally devoted to sport. However, I soon realised there was much fun to be had (for me, if not the reader) in exploring other areas. And I’d like to think by mucking around with other subjects I’ve kind of stretched my writing muscles (for want of a less corny term) in some interesting ways, become a little more rounded as a writer, and can now perhaps apply some of that to sporting subjects. Or something. Read the rest of this entry »
No, dear reader, this isn’t a post about mucking around on a boat. This, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear, is a post all about my underwhelming gambling career. This week is probably the best in the calendar for the Sport of Kings as the Cheltenham Festival rolls around again. I’ve been burnt many times by betting on the horse racing, yet I find it hard to resist the great festivals.
From a purely betting perspective, there’s (potentially, hopefully!) a much better chance of picking a winner, as the form of the best horses stands up better than the form of those nags in class six races who wouldn’t look out-of-place working Blackpool beach.
But there is far more to it than that. While I’ve sadly never been, the atmosphere seems incredible. Also, over four days, the best of the best congregate – a fantastic and memorable performance is only ever a matter of minutes away. Racing history is tangible, and is being made. This week Kauto Star and Denman will face off for a third time for the Gold Cup, in one of sport’s truly greatest duels. You don’t need to have a bet on to appreciate that contest.
I also think something is added by the festival taking place during the week. If you go, or even if you watch at home, there must be that lovely feeling of ‘playing hooky’. Things always seem more enjoyable if you really should be at work. It certainly gives it a different feel to sporting events that take place on evenings or weekends. And by progressing over four days there is a distinct narrative and flow to the week, whether you can get the time off or not (not in my case).
This flow for the week allows for a nice routine, whatever it may be. But an essential element has to be starting the day with the Racing Post. Each morning you’ll find me leafing through it, eager to find that elusive winner.
Yesterday I got lucky, and had a couple of nice wins. I then got a series of text messages from a mate as he racked up over £600 worth of winnings over the course of the afternoon. No such riches for me, far from it, as I’m far too cautious with my betting stakes. Still, that will play to my advantage today as each and every selection elects to stop for a pee half way round, run backwards, grind to a halt, etc etc…
Here’s some of what I’ve enjoyed reading in the world of sport this week…
I’m always a sucker for nostalgia, and there’s something I love about obsolete technology too, so I enjoyed reading Twohundredpercent’s look at the imminent demise of teletext very much indeed. The television text service was for many years the main way to access the latest football scores on a Saturday afternoon, with the added drama of having to wait for the right page to come up (and then inevitably looking away and missing them at the crucial moment). In this age where everything is available on demand, and Soccer Saturday’s constantly scrolling results, it’s fun to think back to how things were in simpler times.
Geegeez looks at the trends for November’s Melbourne Cup, if you could do with a few pointers for one of the world’s biggest horse races. I could always do with some help with how to not lose my money, so this is very welcome.
And there’s fun to be had at the Rogue’s Baseball Index, a sort of urban dictionary of, well, baseball.
What sporting stuff have you been looking at this week?
Being something of a glutton for punishment, I continue to plough on in search of a winner.
Goldolphin and Frankie Dettori are in a rich vein of form at the moment, so I’m concentrating on their runners today:
York:
Spring of Fame
Huntdown
Dandy Man
Salisbury:
Black Snowflake
All in the mug punter’s favourite bet, an each-way lucky 15. We’ll see how lucky I am, eh?
When I restarted this blog I eased myself in with a series of tips – or at least a daily record of what I was betting on each day. To begin with there was some profit, and I was sad that I was only betting to incredibly small stakes. Then I lost and lost and lost, and was extremely happy to be only betting to incredibly small stakes. However, I figured that such a remarkable knack for picking the wrong horse/football team/baseball team/cricket team etc wasn’t really worth noting in blog form.
Until today that is, when my betting escapades make a (welcome? unwelcome? unnoticed?) return. With some time off work I’ve had the opportunity to study the form, decide on a plan of action and go to war with the bookie. However, I’ve ended up just following other tipsters and going along with what seems like reasonably sensible bets. I’d say Poets Voice is the only conclusion I’ve come to on my own – so perhaps you’re best avoiding that one like the plague!
Today’s selections:
York Racing:
2.15 Poets Voice
2.50 Jukebox Jury
Football
Sunderland to draw or win
Celtic/Arsenal to draw
Wait until next year 