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ray

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Posts posted by ray

    How did you rate the new Longchamp

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    Hi

    I`m a old time member but a long time away.

    However in the last few years along with friends decided to attend various notable horse racing venues across the Uk.

    We tend to be attracted by nice places locally where we can obtain accommodation and enjoy the hospitality.

    Standard places we attend are the Cheltenham Festival and York Ebor Meeting but we`ve been to Newbury,Newmarket Goodwood Chester Wetherby(Charlie Hall) Sandown Ayr Etc.

    Worst place visited Doncaster incidentally where the women`s tattoos are much better than the mens.

    If wall to wall hen nights and stag nights are your thing Donny is for you.

    In that vein we decided to try our 1st overseas trip and opted for The Arc.

    We won`t be back and not because the commentary was in French!

    We were in Les Jardins and paid 35 Euros for 2 days with Arc Day bought separately would have been 30 Euros.

    Cheap for Premier Day at Racecourse but 3/4 years ago would have cost around 5 Euros.

    However this was not the reason for discontent as the reason is simply facilities which you will recollect cost something like £130m renovation project.

    DRINKS

    At one point we stood in a Queue on Arc day for 1 hour and 5 minutes for a round of drinks and just about made the Arc.

    Nothing to do with volume of people as there only about 30 people in our queue.

    The bar facility consisted of a temporary table facility like you would get at a car boot sale with a table cloth on top.

    There was only enough space for 1 barman to serve and then a gap where an iced bucket of champagne stood with wines to show their range and then a small space where 1 other barman stood with a till at each serving area.(2 separate Queues)

    Behind the barman were various beer barrels and 1 guy pouring as the barman ordered.

    It took between 2-3 minutes for each customer to be served.

    I know this because an American in my queue started timing them as scared to miss the big race.

    Behind us people leaving queue in droves and more must have left queue than actually served.

    I`d say in total to cater for a huge area about 3/4 bar facilities all the same.

    TOILETS

    For this area there was a Gents with 6 Urinals and 1 Stall.

    There were portaloos which were Unisex at another Area but that`s it.

    Huge queues for a pee.

    FOOD STATIONS

    One decent area with seating.

    Other than that on Saturday 1 Pizza Van which on Sunday was upped to 3 Vans.

    Both days ran out of food.

    In fact on Arc Day the bar ran out of plastic pint tumblers.

    PARI MUTUAL

    Broke down on Arc day and so people couldn`t get bets on for a while and also big queues

    We were lucky with weather and Saturday in particular a lovely day.

    There was plenty of outside seating and very enjoyable.

    Sunday a bit wet in morning but we were there early and dried the seating which was fine although chilly.

    The difficulty is that there are very little covered areas in this vicinity so if it rains which I imagine at this time of year on Arc day would be regular you will have a 90% chance of getting soaked plus it`s all grass so feet will be a tad wet.

    I very much doubt next year these difficulties will be resolved as they need investment to overcome.

    A complete shambles in terms of facilities but a wonderful racing experience.

     

     

     

    Manchester City v Sunderland > Thursday January 1st

    in Premier League Predictions

    Posted

    Re: Manchester City v Sunderland > Thursday January 1st Pick Man City at 1/4 Hills Ladbrokes Corals. Reasons 1.Man City won 8 and undefeated in 10 PL home games against Sunderland. 2.Man City won 2/3 of last 9 Pl games New Years Day. 3.Sunderland never kept an away clean sheet against City in PL 4.Sunderland don't score many away goals. The combination of conceding goals and not scoring points to City win

    Manchester United v Newcastle United > Friday December 26th

    in Premier League Predictions

    Posted

    Re: Manchester United v Newcastle United > Friday December 26th My pick in this game is Man Utd 2/5 Stan James Ladbrokes Hills and Corals Skybet. Man Utd won 7/8 last home games so clearly home form returned to normal. Traditionally Boxing Day has been a good day for Utd winning 17/20 including last 17/18 with 10 home wins at Old Trafford. Would also recommend overs 3/5 Vc and Boylesport as Newcastle scored in last 4 visits at Man Utd. In the 1st goalscorer market assuming he plays Van Persie appeals scoring 6 in last 8 games against Newcastle at 4/1 Corals Vc or anytime at evens Corals Spreadex

    Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur > Friday December 26th

    in Premier League Predictions

    Posted

    Re: Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur > Friday December 26th I like the look of Tottenham at 11/10 VC Corals Hills. Reasoning pretty straightforward in that Leic have not won a game in over 3 months and their record in Dec is appalling failing to win in 14 attempts in December in Premier League. Only Chelsea and Man City average more points than Tottenham away. I would also recommend backing overs at 20/23 VC Boylesport as Tottenham have not kept the scoreline blank in their last 8 away games Incidentally on Boxing Day Tottenham won 6/9 fixtures

    Swansea City v Aston Villa > Friday December 26th

    in Premier League Predictions

    Posted

    Re: Swansea City v Aston Villa > Friday December 26th Have to disagree about Swansea and think represent a decent bet at 4/5 Hills Corals against a poor Villa team. Stats I note to base my judgement. 1.In 9 games against bottom half teams Swansea only lost 1 and conceded only 3 goals. 2.Villa just scored 4 away goals this season So Villa don't score away and Swansea beat bad teams seems a combination for a bet.

    Stoke City v Chelsea > Monday December 22nd

    in Premier League Predictions

    Posted

    Re: Stoke City v Chelsea > Monday December 22nd Been away from here a long time but glad to return. Anyway to turn to the match itself thought would put down some stats noted. 1.Last 4 home games Stoke have conceded 2 goals per game. 2.Stoke have failed to score in 5/6 games against Chelsea suggesting to me last seasons 3-2 victory was blip 3.Overall Chelsea won 9/12 premier league games against Stoke. I would also suggest that this is the strongest Chelsea team for a few years while Stoke have certainly not gone forward that this all points to a Chelsea win at 8/13 Corals. I must admit that my judgment may be partially clouded as I am waiting on Chelsea for a pretty serious payout. I am guaranteed decent money regardless of result and maybe I should lay them to guarantee more money

    Fallon charged

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    Re: Fallon charged Hi Guys; My understanding is that the difference between the Alan Berry and the others is simply the volume of offences. Berry + others have ben charged over the running of Hillside Girl in one race only. Not withstanding that if Berry was suspended the panel took into account Berry`s employees who would all find themselves out of work and they found a full suspension disproportionate to the offence. In the case of Fallon,Feargal Lynch,Darren Williams indicates there are a number of horses/races to consider. The principle that a man is considered innocent until proven guilty is relevant to criminal law only. Apart from Fallon whose retainer is in Ireland and still able to ride in Ireland and earn. Lynch and Williams while unable to ride are able to apply for compensation until the trial paid by BHB. In other words like any other employee suspended with pay pending the result of the trial. That`s my take of the situation. I saw another issue raised which highlights trainers running horses at wrong distances purposefully which should be spotted by the punter through form analysis. I am not convinced by this argument as I believe a trainer should know the best distance to run a horse and they have a moral obligation to allow the horse to run to their full potential. They also have knowledge of knowing the horses pedigree to aid their decision making. It strikes me as curious as running a horse purposefully at a wrong distance to obtain a favourable handicap mark is not seen as wrong doing but just my own opinion.:) The confidence of the punter should be paramount in addressing these issues.

    A Monster Gamble Today

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    In the 8.25 San Tilt has ben backed for loadsa money. From a Tissue price of 8/1 this morning backed down to 4/1 and now lucky to get bits and pieces of 5/2 which will not last. Whether horse will win or now represents value is an entirely different matter but thought this would be interesting to those who like following the money. Cheers.

    Rays Aintree Thoughts

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    Re: Rays Aintree Thoughts I have looked at the card very closely and I would strongly suggest that in the 2.15 Voy Por Ustedes looks nailed on. I simply cannot find any weakness and think if he jumps round he will win. Any odds against should be snapped up. A big bet. In the 2.50 I see 2 candidates with good chances in a competitive race. The 2 I like are Asian Maze and last years winner Al Eile. With todays conditions I fancy the proven stamina of Asian Maze to come out on top although Al Eile should not mind the condtions but I give AM the edge on stamina and with course form over further earns my vote. In the 3.25 the 2 I like the look of are Refinement but definitely too short at 7/2 and I prefer Hordago at 10/1. Its 2nd in the Pertemps Final which is a key race supplying 3 winnners in last decade looks interesting and informative. The horse is longer than forecast odds but I really do not see any reason why this should be the case. See what happens. Good luck all.

    Aintree Outsiders

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    Re: Aintree Outsiders Hope you don`t mind but hope O.K to put up some outsiders I like at Aintree. 2.00 Montgermont(tentative) 3.10 Central House(the softer the better) 3.45 Tamango (tentative) 5.30 Motorway(tentative) You will have guessed that Iwould submit these for minimal stakes. Good luck.

    Rays Aintree Thoughts

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    Hi; Not really time for much text I`m afraid but here goes. 2.00 This does look a match between My Way De Solzen and Mighty Man. My Way De Solzen ticks all the boxes for me and I really can`t find a negative looking at the trends for the race. Already beat MM albeit dissimilar track at Chelt and MM receives 4 lb weight allowance. Hopefully will run tactically the same way as Chelt in which case I would expect the same result. (Well my reasoning of a match was correct and a pity went for the wrong one. In hindsight the obvious thing to do was put on the reverse forecast which paid £6.70 but as stipulated MWDS needs to go down as a loser) Christ look at the time so will will just have to put up selections. 2.35 Ain Beef Or Salmon Unlike Chelt this track will suit. (Pity his jumping didn`t stand up) 3.10 I expect a small surprise here and tentatively would put up Turko. POooh. 3.45 The top few in the betting all have some negatives for me and as an outsider I would put up Sikander A Azam which has run well in the race previously although a bit long in the tooth still running consistently. More pooh 4.20 Assessing the race and trends I would put up Arthur Moore`s Mansony which looks laid out for the race. More pooh 4.55 In this race the horse I expect to come out on top is Natal. Hoorah winner 7/2. 5.30 I have no ideas at all apart from no bet and this is a newish race. I do not like Ameretto Rose at the head of the market due to Henderson`s abysmal record at Aintree. Winning lay. See what happens but a cracking card.

    One Lay for Friday

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    Re: One Lay for Friday Well done Don.:clap Re-Sensible Boy`s comments although congrats on winning bet are in order then I really worry when people say "nearly had my entire betfair betting bank in liability" on 1 bet. My concern relates to an individual unproffessional approach which will nearly always ultimately end in tears. Hopefully Sensible Boy is aware of a disciplined approach to betting involving staking and betting banks. Don`t want to appear disrespectful but I`d rather mention this than anybody end up in the poorhouse.:eek

    One Lay for Friday

    in At The Races - Racing Forum

    Posted

    Re: One Lay for Friday Hi Don; I agree with you in principle but I think it is also important to take into account that Ashes will definitely be race fit from the AW while AOTN & BB have not run for around 5/6 months. This seems to me to be positives for the lay. Brave Bear to adopt his normal Front Running tactics which is a favourable style of running at a flat track like Muss. Good luck.

    The Truth Behind Blackjack

    in Poker

    Posted

    Re: The Truth Behind Blackjack

    :rollin :rollin :rollin Very funny Ray, don't let it put you off. Next time go without the wife, and try a quieter night Were you able to play your BS properly in the casino conditions ? Classy folks the weegies eh?
    The BS was not such a problem as my burning arse but yup managed BS but a different matter counting & BS. Regarding weegies the ironic thing was the arse burner was a drunken Asian weegie!! His girlfriends were playing the next box to me but he kept bumping into me while attempting to put chips in their box or any other box + his f**kin mobile kept ringing and he would talk shit through it. Not condusive to a serious game but ironically fairly amusing after the event.

    The Truth Behind Blackjack

    in Poker

    Posted

    Re: The Truth Behind Blackjack

    Great post ray !!:rollin , sorry to laugh mate but your trip seemed doomed to failure from the start despite being so well prepared. Pure tragi-comedy that was mate. I doubt you`ll be put off, that`s the main thing. Just make sure they don`t know what`s hit `em next time :ok :hope
    Glad you liked it BA. Quite amusing and true and I`ll be back. I was only using minimum stakes so no damage done.

    The Truth Behind Blackjack

    in Poker

    Posted

    Re: The Truth Behind Blackjack Well guys thought I would let people know how I got on. Firstly,the information on this thread is awsome and ideal reading material for anybody who purports or wants to be a blackjack player. I had carefully rehearsed basic strategy and the rules for counting and thought to myself this casino ain`t gonna know what`s hit it!! As some of you may be aware the purpose of the casino visit from my wife`s perspective was to have a nice meal with friends a few drinks & see in the New Year. My motives were perhaps not so straightforward as the gambling side was quite prominent. Things started to go wrong as before I left the house I had picked up a virus and felt like shit!! Never mind determined to shake this off got a lift to my friend`s house and started off with a beer and cashews (I love them). Felt O.K as driven to town parked and stopped in the lounge for a drink. I had a pint but halfway through suddenly felt queasy. At this time we were called to our table for our meal where I sat down sweating profusely. Someone ordered me a pint but gave it away as felt rotten. Could not even enjoy my meal which I attempted to force down my throat and left some which for me is a cardinal sin. We then trooped down stairs and sat at the lounge next to the tables. Drinks were ordered but I decided not to partake. Someone suggested having a quick game before midnight and I went to a Blackjack table armed I thought with my superior knowledge. Trouble was there were only 3 players including myself and you try to count with cards whizzing round like a cyclone. I was saved when an announcement came that tables were closing for 20 minutes as it was nearing midnight. I crawled away down 5 points . When the tables re-opened decided to go for a busier table to buy myself some time. My thought process was disturbed when I felt a burning at my arse. Yup a drunk behind had lit a fag and carelessly burned my trousers. Ya F**kin ****** I shouted at him and got back a what`s up mate. The croupier is also trying to shut me up. When this calmed down I tried to concentrate on card counting but I was useless and eventually left 6.5 points down . In truth it was too early for me to be a card counter so lesson learnt . I was still feeling lousy so went to find my wife and her friend playing rouletteon the computer machine. They were whooping it up as had won a hundred quid each. Seems they put a fiver on a colour and ten minimum bets on a number. Inadvertently,they had contrived to have the fivers on a number and cover which had come up after cursing each other for being so stupid. We then left the casino with me sufficiently chastened and my wife never even gave me the tenner back I had given her to play roulette. The life of a so called pro is not easy but I`ll be back.

    The Truth Behind Blackjack

    in Poker

    Posted

    Re: The Truth Behind Blackjack

    Hi Ray, The staking plan you've got there is in theory the best out there. However a couple of caveats. It's written for the long term player, with a bank roll of 500 units. For the casual player it offers two major risks, 1. Even with a true count of 8, you can split, then double down etc, have 20 units or so on the table and lose to a dealer blackjack. Long term player accepts this as part of the game, the casual players bankroll is destroyed. 2. If you aggresively raise your bet the deeper into the shoe you are, you will quickly be flagged as a counter and banned from the casino (and every other in the chain). It's not right, and it's not fair. But it's what happens. Casinos hate counters and will ban people on suspiscion alnone. I'm not sure how much BJ you've played Ray, but if it's not a lot here's my advice. Casinos can be intimedating places, set yourself realistic goals. If you can maintain the count (see below) I double stakes at +5, it's conservative but not blantent to the pit boss Firstly have your basic strategy perfect, not just very good but perfect. Get a BJ trainer program from the web, and play it for hours until you are flawless in your BS and you don't even need to think about what play to make. Then have a few beers and try it, to replicate real casino conditions. This is your first and most important weapon, if you can do this you're in the top 1% of BJ players in the world. You're playing an almost even game. Only after that should you think about counting, again with the trainer practise keeping the count, It's not easy you've got to count not only your cards, the dealers and everyone else at the table. And you've got to be cute doing it, if you blatently look at everyone elses hands, or move your lips at all as you add and subtract. You're nicked and banned. If you do want to try it, it's a whole other post (book ??) about techinque, faking drunkness etc. The worlds best counters are young "drunk" women. No one suspects or expects anything from them. I've been playing for about 5 years now, firstly in the UK, but I've been to Vegas several times, and also played in Portugal and Sweden. I now live in NZ and play a bit at the casinos in Auckland and Roto-Vegas. How's Glasgow this time of year, I lived there for a few years and remember bloody cold winters.
    Lots of interesting stuff Foolsgood. Think I`ll give it my best shot and see how I get on. I doubt I`ll be sussed as a counter because I`m sure I`ll ge some elementary stuff wrong as not played for years and then not seriously. I`ve played BJ 3 times in the last weeks though as I read an article funnily enough in a magazine sent by VC bet and just follwed the principle which was a shortened version of what I now know as basic strategy. I did Ok and came out on top but I now realise if I bet more seriously I would have done much better with a proper staking policy and perfect use of basic strategy. The other thing I noticed about the Casino I visit is that the vast majority of people are drunk and much of the time of staff is spend dealing with them as they drop drinks everywhere and use industrial language which requires staff intervention. As I`m going on New Years Eve it will be worse. Also I`m on medication I really cannot drink too much anyway. It`s been absolutely freezing over the last few days and as I type the snow is falling thickly on the ground. Thanks for your help.
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