The Art of Legging: The History Theory and Practice of Bookmaking on the English Turf

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The average winning distances are much shorter due to the big field sizes. It is more likely that the handicapper has his ratings right. The average winning distance of the favourite is sure to cause a few anxious moments as they mostly go to a photo finish. Spread betters beware!

Overall the favourite now wins 11.7% in bookie sponsored races compared to 16.3% in non bookie sponsored handicaps of 20 runners or more.

These are the real races that bookies wish to sponsor. The bean counters and suits that now control the big 3 and the Tote must lick their lips at these races. If the favourite attracts the most money, and the over-rounds contain a good built in buffer, and the favourite gets stuffed.....

Here the Magic Sign are shining. The favourite won just 3 times from 56 races - that is a strike rate of 5.4%.

There is no explanation for this. Ladbrokes must be extremely clever or punters and the betting market very stupid because favourites should not be winning just 5.4% of the time.

The last winning favourite in a Ladbrokes sponsored 20 runner+ handicap was back in September 1998. Sammy's Shuffle won the £3,425 Ladbrokes South Down Handicap at Brighton beating 19 rivals.      Flatstats