1. Courses
There is a real opportunity to become race - specialist you focus on the All-weather courses exclusively because theres only 4 in the UK, Kempton, Lingfield, Southwell and Wolverhampton. Less is definately more!
One third of all UK Races are now run on the artificial surfaces. Therefore, we can accept All-Weather racing as an established part of the UK racing calendar. Having said that, a lot of punters still fail to recognise the main differences between the courses.
2. Weather
Races on the All weather sand surfaces are less affected by the weather than those on turf, although heavy rain can still slow the surfaces down.
2. Pace
Races on the All-Weather are run at a more consistent pace than those on turf. This can naturally vary form slow to fast, but due to surface consistency races are less affected by the ground conditions.
3. Class
Low class handicap sprinters beat each other regularly on the A.W. The lower the class the horse is, the more it needs the right conditions to perform well. Conversely, much better class animals are more likely to defy potentially unsuitable racing conditions.
4. Seven day rule
Avoid laying favourites returning to the same course and distance they have won or placed over in the last 7 days. Unlike on turf they can return to the same course and often have an advantage. In fact these animals are worth backing if valued can be obtained.
5. Ratings
Good turf form is no guarantee of success on the All-Weather surfaces. In fact good ability ratings achieved on the (turf) can almost be discarded as transferring to the A.W. The same applies the other way around and good A.W. ratings are not transferable to turf.
6. Form awareness
All -Weather course form is often not transferable. Although some horses are proven on more than one A.W. track, it’s rare to find a horse which is suited to all four courses. Look out for horses starting as favourite which have:
- Failed at the course before on more than one occation
- Never raced at the course before/Never raced on surface before (often only raced on turf)
- Raced at the course, but are only proved at a particular distance (Now racing at a new distance)
In any of the above cases it’s wise to look for competitive races where the unproved favourite is competing against proved course and distance performers.
7. Surface
Out of the four A.W. courses Southwell is considered the most testing and rides very differently (slower) to the Polytracks at Lingfield, Wolverhampton and Kempton. Don’t bet that a horse will win on its first run on the all-weather.
8. Draw
Results can be affected by draw bias. If the favourite has a poor draw in comparison to it main rivals you can consider this a factor in your favour when considering laying it.
9. Course specialists
If the favourite is well handicapped, has won and placed on few occasions over the current course and distance and is in class, facing rivals unproved then reconsider laying it. Conversely, if there are several course and distance specialists in a race then it’s a real positive for the layers because the race will be fiercely competitive.
10. Sex
Females really are bad bets on the All-Weather. If you identify a favourite which is a filly facing colts, consider laying her as long as the odds are no greater than 4.00 Betfair.
11. Jockey & Trainer
Pay more attention to jockeys than you normally would. Some jockeys have really got the knack of riding the AW tracks. Certain trainers are better on the A.W. than turf.
Favourites can be profitable to lay as long as you indentify the rights ones. Those animals who face stiff competition, are up in the handicap, distance, and class are all worth closer scrutiny. This plan teaches you how to find and confidently bet against them.
