Betting Approach

A typical meeting sees Jes spend two to three hours creating his markets; doing the videos between races and perhaps just five minutes in actual betting.

“You’re generally waiting until the last couple of minutes for the liquidity to build in the market and it can be strong enough now on Betfair even on a greyhound race, with as much as almost $20,000 matched. I’m a ‘picker’ of the market rather than a price setter and I’m happy to wait.

“Betfair’s vital for me with the tote diminishing and limited access to the corporates. The Betfair market is strong enough for me to get on a favourite. I can have a decent bet, in the last minute or so, on a favourite,’ he said.

Tim’s fundamental bet strategy is to back two or more runners in every race he bets on and his bet size is usually instinctive.

“The object is to consistently make money so I’m happy to hedge. I’m happy to back two at, say, $4 and be content with the evens. I’m 90% win betting and 10% quaddies. I know my sweet spot which is dogs around the $2.60 to $3.0 mark. Betting up is usually instinctive but there are two key factors. The first is that I expect the dog will get a clear run, according to my map, and the second is that the dog is at its peak.”

“They’re animals, not robots so your maps will not always work out. The map might be right three or four times out of 12 gambling services but that’s enough if you’re opting to play the right races. I also keep my betting statistics at each track. It makes sense to spend more on the tracks where you’re having success”

His methodology typifies that of most successful punters – as it’s based on hard work, discipline and finding an edge. But, in his case as he candidly admits, his edge is no secret.

“My edge is out there for everyone to see. Understanding the racing pattern of the greyhound. Plenty of people do the form but they need to do more in terms of videos. It’s not hard. Just go to The Watchdog at GRV (Greyhound Racing Victoria). It’s about 30 seconds a race to watch a greyhound race video.

“There are other factors of course as it’s one thing to read a race and another to make money out of it but it can be read more done,’ he said.

Another of those factors is discipline which is vital according to Tim. “I had a very good mentor who taught me to shut down the computer. If there’s a couple of races to go but no perceived value, then just shut down and walk away. I’ve also learned that many crumbs equal a loaf.”