There Is No Fool Like A Careless Gambler Who Starts Taking Victory For Granted. – Hunter S. Thompson

What Makes a Winner?

It's been a long week. 

Yesterday saw 10 two-year-old races. 

I can't say I enjoy too much racing as it is one of the biggest factors for punters losing money. 

Why? 

There is only so much time in the day and if you spread yourself too thin holes appear.

Throughout the Flat turf season, I don't have time for a holiday. It's impossible for me to put things down and pick them up. Don't get me wrong, I would love to get away for a week or two but it's impossible. 

In the last couple of years, I've spent much of my time in West Palm Beach, Florida but each and every day is full-time work. 

I am dedicated to the niche of two-year-old horse racing because there isn't enough time to consider anything else. 

Horse racing sets the pace. 

It's like being stuck on a conveyor belt and you either keep up or fall behind. 

If you fall behind, you may as well give up. 

Now, you may bet on this, that and the other. 

I'm not saying you are wrong because you are free to do as you feel. 

You may use a system or method that works on a universal front and takes no time at all. 

Who knows. 

My way of gambling is form-based and uses information from a number of sources. 

To be fair, everything I know you could too. 

It's simply an equal measure of time and dedication. 

Like most things, it isn't rocket science.

However, it is more about understanding how to use the information and work in a set way with principles and discipline. 

I'm still learning. 

I review every two-year-old race. I review each and every horse. It can be an incredibly time-consuming endeavour. Some races can be assessed in a minute, while others I may watch the video 20 times. 

So Saturday was a busy day. 

Although some days have seen 15 two-year-old races. 

I dread those days. 

And all those races and horses need to be assessed and then updating all the info from the racing the day before and then preparing for the next day. Less horse racing would be much easier and make for a more enjoyable life. 

Thankfully, I don't really work at all from November - March (a conventional turf season). 

Although I run many and varied studies and research to understand each and every two-year-old horse trainer. In addition, I run a number of websites within the horse racing niche. As the saying goes: ''All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.'' 

I am always trying to find ways to make my gambling and life more efficient. We all need to find easier ways to earn more money and work less. However, for all the trials and tribulations I enjoy what I do and make a living from what really is my hobby. 

There are many gamblers on our mailing list who are newbies and taking their first steps into gambling. 

Please be careful when betting because it isn't really something that should be done for fun. I know that is how we all got started but from my 30-years experience, betting shouldn't be taken lightly. It is a serious business that can make your life a nightmare if you don't give it due respect. 

Gambling really is like a game of chess. 

Just because you cannot see the person who is taking your bet don't imagine they are easy prey. The nature of market forces details the layers are of a high standard. It doesn't mean they cannot be beaten but you need to know a little more than most to make a profit, break-even or try to minimise your losses. 

That's why I say: ''Be careful when you consider betting for fun. Betting because of the buzz. It adds a bit of tension to the game. It's just a little bit of fun.'' It can be exactly that. 

However, without discipline, you may dig yourself into a hole. 

That's why paper trailing a new idea or system makes a lot more sense than putting down cold hard cash. 

Most of you will have heard this all before. 

However, it is important to take stock and re-assess. That is a winning move. 

The greatest lessons ever learned come from someone else's mistakes. 

I have made lots of mistakes over the years. 

Thankfully, never betting too much in those early years was a blessing because it gave me time to think, learn, and understand. 

Appreciating the strength of knowing my niche was a major turning point. 

Being a good gambler isn't about the money you bet. It is about the understanding that leads to your bet selection(s). You know, many of the high-profile gamblers you follow aren't the best in the business. They are known for being big bettors and that is a fascinating subject in itself. 

You will never know the best gamblers or rarely hear their name. 

This may sound a strange statement, but I don't like gambling. I used to hate the old days of going into the bookmakers. It used to depress me seeing the same old faces. The only reason they were still betting was simply they were losing long term. 

Not being a natural gambler is one of the greatest strengths because you see gambling for what it is. 

An opportunity to win money (not lose it). 

If that isn't your goal, then I would seriously consider how you think and feel about gambling and your motivation. 

I wish each and every gambler the best and always love to see a winner. Only a loser wants to see someone lose! 

Being a good gambler is knowing your niche. Knowing that little bit more than the average layer. You can reach that level with lots of hard work. 

Would you play chess against a good county player for £1000? 

How would you feel about taking on a Grandmaster? 

I know I wouldn't. Even if I fancied myself as an exceptional talent. 

Just because you cannot see the intelligence of the layer who takes your bet don't think you are better unless you are convinced you know a little more. 

I know a lot of our readers have a wealth of knowledge and make your betting pay. 

That is music to my ears. 

And I know how hard you have worked to get to that point. 

We live in a competitive world. In truth, it has always been competitive. But that doesn't mean you cannot make your betting pay. 

Consider where you are on your gambling journey and take a few moments to assess your situation as a gambler. 

You may be a beginner, intermediate, or professional gambler. 

Each of those positions is transient and brings about different problems. 

It is your knowledge rather than the money you bet which makes a winner. 

Good luck for the week.