ONE of Queensland’s biggest and most respected gallops punters has urged Stewards to start monitoring markets before races are run rather than watching video replays afterwards.
‘‘There is no point continuing to take the traditional approach of climbing the stairs to the tower, binoculars in hand for an up close and personal look, and then relying on video replays before taking any action,” he said.
The punter in question, who has been betting on racing Australia-wide for decades but focusing on major TAB meetings in south-east Queensland says that many of his colleagues are refusing to bet in the north any longer.
“I stayed solid believing there was some hope when Kim Kelly (former Deputy Queensland Racing Industry Commissioner) was there looking over the shoulder of the Chief Stipe Josh Adams. He was approachable and would listen to complaints. But since he departed the situation has worsened.
“Many of my colleagues, sick of watching favorites drift alarmingly on Betfair, then race accordingly, have given up betting in Queensland. I won’t be far behind them if things don’t change.’
Here is the message to Josh Adams from this highly respected big betting punter who is prepared to financially back his opinion provided he is getting a fair go which he doesn’t believe to be the case now.
‘MONITOR THE MARKETS, ESPECIALLY THE FLUCTUATIONS ON BETFAIR. THAT WILL TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THE RACE TO BE RUN THAN WATCHING IT WILL.’
He was especially incensed when a horse he backed in the past week, that looked a good thing, drifted from $2.6 to $5 while the winner of the race firmed from $3 to $2 and not a word was said. In a small field the high profile jockey who rode the one he backed got into an impossible position and was a certainty beaten. “It just give you the impression those supposedly policing racing are as dumb as dog-shit.
“Stewards accepted the explanation for the ride. Perhaps they have given up on suspending jockeys or failing to give their mounts every chance because they know a smart lawyer will bamboozle the Appeals Panel who will deem the ride excusable,” the big punter told LGHR.
“Where’s Kim Kelly when you need him most,” he asked? “Reports suggest he left because of plans recommended by the Racing Review which will see major changes for the worst to the policing of racing in Queensland.
“It is no secret that Kelly is no fan of new RQ Chairman Matt McGrath who amazingly was selected for the role by the Racing Minister after conducting the Racing Review. His off-sider in that, Kym Daly, also found a spot on the Board.
“If integrity is downgraded punters like me will walk away from betting on Queensland racing like we have in NSW where, with all due respects, some Sydney races are nothing short of a joke and nothing is done about it.
“Kelly felt he couldn’t work in an environment under McGrath, whose credentials are zero when it comes to the policing of racing. Worse still he felt that McGrath would be relying on his Review side-kick Kym Daly to call the integrity shots. Give us a break this bloke was a second-rate trots driver and witnessed an unforgettable era at the red hots which I am reliably informed continues today. And as for his stewarding credentials, sorry mate but chairing a gallops meeting in Cunnamulla is about your limit.’
We asked the big punter, who has had many accounts closed by corporate bookies because he wins too often, if he had a message for the ‘mums and dads’ who like to have a bet on the races in Queensland each week.
He said:
(1) If you understand how betting works, monitor the fluctuations on Betfair and see what favorites are being laid for plenty (to lose) and which ones are being backed (to win). Don’t waste your time doing the form, that’s a far more accurate guide.
(2) Steer clear of betting with corporate bookies and stick to the TAB. If you are too successful they will close your accounts for no reason. While you are rated a ‘mug punter’ by them expect the betting bonuses – with conditions applied – to continue.
(3) No matter how attractive the meeting might be in Sydney, it’s the support races where some of the ones declared by the so-called experts and urgers seem to miss the start, get caught wide or never get a clear run in the straight.
EDITOR’S NOTE: LGHR has watched a replay of the race he refers to as being ‘on the nose’ and sadly we wholeheartedly agreed with his sentiments.
