Laying Strategy?

[BillyHills]

Hi guys, over the last couple of months ive been extensively 'laying' selections rather than backing them. There is something that slightly bothers me about it and wondered what the overall opinion is of you guys that also 'lay' I usually go through a particular event- usually Horse Racing or Golf- and select my 'lays' and quite a lot of the time i could back them at bigger prices and take a small profit. The dilemma is, do you always back at bigger prices just to take the small profit or do you follow your first instinct and stand the bet anyway. I hate backing something ive spent ages on deciding it wont win, it doesnt make sense to me but i also see the brains behind just taking the profit however small just in case it does win. Up to now ive only backed Golfers after the price has drifted because the price difference is usually a lot greater and a decent profit can still be had. I always stand the horses and although once or twice i could have saved myself im sure im better off just laying them. Like i said ive only been tracking them seriously over the last couple of months and would be interested if anyone has a long term view on it. Thanks BH

[WorkingForTheEnemy]

Re: Laying Strategy? A lot depends on your record. If you can constantly make a profit from laying your selections then theres no real need to lay back and you may be damaging your profits. It would depend on why your laying your selections also. Are you laying them as you feel they wont win or because the price is too small in your opinion? If the first then Id say let them roll, if the latter then Id say take the trade and make a guarenteed profit. I ocassionally back after Ive laid but only if either I feel I can make a satisfactory profit from it or its in running and Ive become uncomfortable with my original decision.