That's why I think he should keep it simple,but I think the extra point for a winner at evens ( or maybe above ? ) is essential. Otherwise a lot of us will get bogged down with odds-on shots.

ud -just noticed you`re doing well in division 1, hope to see you next month

It didn`t go undecided unnoticed

Your Competitions Champions League 2013

This is a one-off, Horse Race tipping competition, in the style of the football champions league.

The aim is to get 128 players involved, but we'll see what numbers we get and work from there. If it looks like we'll only get around 64 then I will probably cap it there and we'll start later, missing out the first stage.
If we do get over 64 taking part then the competition will commence 9th September for 15 weeks, ending on 21st December.
If no more than 64 take part then we'll start a week later 16th September, for 12 weeks, ending on 7th December.

Players will be drawn into groups of 4, and each player will play each other once. Each match lasts one week, during which you only make one selection.
For each player that's 3 matches, 3 selections, over 3 weeks per group stage.
Depending on numbers I plan 5 group stages, see the rules section for details.

As it's matchplay, the main thing is to beat your opponents, not who gets the best P/L figures at the end. There is however a bonus point for selecting an Evens and above winner, irrespective of win lose or draw the match, and one more bonus point for best winner in the group. P/L figure may play a part at the end in the case of a tie on pts.

Start is penciled in for Monday 9th September but keep an eye out for a firm date.

If you are interested in joining in, PLEASE I BEG YOU to read the rules thoroughly, and be prepared to take part once a week for 15 weeks between September and Christmas, if good enough of-course! (see holiday cover). There is also a thread where we had a trial run of a group stage, you may wish to have a look through it to get acquainted with how it works although bear in mind we have tweaked the rules a bit since then, basically the same though.

Important - I will only accept selections posted under the player's forum name, i.e no posting for others (exception - see holiday cover section in rules).
I know a few of you post on behalf of friends in other competitions, but due to the matchplay nature of this one I will not accept that here.


Competition Format:

Maximum 128 players (If between 64 and 127 enter then I will adjust the 1st stage to suit)

1st Round (3 weeks) the 1st group stage, 128 players divided into 32 groups of 4. Each player plays each other once (3 matches each).
Top two from each group qualify to round 2.

2nd Round (3 weeks), second group stage, the 64 qualified from round 1 will be divided into 16 groups of 4 and again each player plays each other once, 2 from each group qualify.

3rd Round (3 weeks), next group stage, 32 qualified from 2nd Round are divided into 8 groups of 4, same again, top two qualify.

4th Round (3 weeks), 4th group stage, 16 qualified from 3rd Round are divided into 4 groups of 4, only the winner goes through.

Final Group Stage (3 weeks) - the last 4 standing, 3 final matches each to determine the champion.

Draws will take place on the Sunday before each new group stage, I will need someone's help for this. The plan is for two of us to simultaneously and independently post a full player list, in random order, and a random order group list for that player list to slot into.



Group stage match format:

Within each match, players will be required to pick one horse, win only, any price. You may not pick the same selection as your opponent.
Players can pick any time Monday to Saturday (the duration of the match).  Sundays will be for catching up on results and making draws.
There will be a cut-off for all selections on Saturday - the time of the first UK/Irish race. You will have the choice therefore, you can pick at leisure during the week, running the risk of showing your hand to your opponent, or of waiting to play on Saturday to prevent that. During the week, you may select right up to the scheduled race time (one minute before), so you may have the advantage of seeing the market moves. Obviously if you pick a loser early week then you give your opponent a long window to find that odds-on cert, but you may be able to exert extra pressure with a winner.

Once you post a selection, you can't change it, unless it's a duplicate or non-runner.
You are not allowed to leave reserves.


Scoring (Industry SP used for prices):

A match winner will get 2pts, but there will be the possibility of winning a bonus point for making a winning selection on or above the price of Evens, irrespective of winning or losing the match. If a match is drawn, both with the same priced winner, or both losers, then it's 1pt each.
There will also be a chance for one additional bonus point, awarded at the end of the group stage, to the player with the biggest priced winner. If there is a tie for biggest priced winner, the bonus point will not apply.

Possible match scenarios:
Player A picks a winner under evens and Player B picks a loser - Player A gets 2pts, Player B gets 0pts.
Player A picks a winner evens or over and Player B picks a winner under evens - Player A gets 3pts, Player B gets 0pts.
Player A picks a winner evens or over and Player B picks a winner evens or over but a lesser price than Player A - Player A gets 3pts, Player B gets 1pt.
Player A picks a winner evens or over and Player B picks a winner of identical price - Player A gets 2pts, Player B gets 2pts.
Player A picks a loser and Player B picks a loser, or both pick identical winners below Evens - Player A gets 1pt, Player B gets 1pt.



Non-runners:

If a player does not select or picks a duplicate or picks a non-runner (non-runners/duplicates evident before the Saturday cut-off can be replaced) then they will be assigned a selection - Last race fav. (If jt. favs then lowest number on the card). If both players in a match end up with non-runners then it will be 1pt each.

If a player just doesn't turn up for at least one of the three group matches then they are out irrespective of pts gained through assigned LRFs.


Tied on points:

Tie-breakers at the end of group stages as follows:

1. Any player that missed a selection (including picking a duplicate) will be penalised
2. Head to head record between tied players
3. Overall Profit/Loss figure
4. Higher aggregate prices for all three selections


Holiday cover

If you know that you will be away and cannot post for any match, I will accept a post on your behalf as follows:

You must notify in advance of the match that you will not be posting.
You can either email me your selection or
email to someone else to post on your behalf or
nominate someone to select for you.

I will not accept posts on your behalf unless approved by me in advance of the match in question.