Coral

[billy the punter]

I've been playing on the exchanges for some time so haven't really paid much attention to early birds lately. I've looked at it recently due to being unable to quote exchange prices when tipping. From around 15 advised prices this year not one have been Coral. Now it could be coincidence that they haven't been bigger on these selections - but I'm guessing they are tighter with their early birds in general. Does anyone bet with Coral regulary who can confirm/dispel this? Just been looking at their w/o Master Minded market for the Queen Mother and they are betting to a disgraceful 170% (approx), opposed to Stan James' 130% (approx) VC and Paddy Power both 145% (approx) Just looked at the Supreme Novice, they are biggest on NO horses. They are joint best (every bookmaker the same price) about Go Native, and are joint best with every firm about three 50/1 shots - they seem to be ducking the first 15 of the first 16 in betting! :loon It's common knowledge that if their compilers are ever stand alone about something, they shorten immediately without taking a bet - they see it as a mistake rather than an difference of opinion. And of course there is the famous Mr Laroc ante-post story. Pathetic. As a bookmaker they are a laughing stock. And every year they seem to win "Bookmaker of the Year". :rollin

[Gingertipster]

Re: Coral You are right about those markets Billy, Corals are offering poor prices. However, as I understand it: With Corals, if you back horse A, and horse A wins, there is no rule 4, no matter what. Even if horse B was in the market when you had your bet, but is a non-runner. Some other firms (Ladbrokes for one) will take a rule 4 out of your winnings. Therefore Corals will need to bet with a slightly higher over round. There are some races where other bookmakers are working to a higher over round. William Hills and Skybet have a poor market at present for the Gold Cup. There are times when bookmakers re-evaluate markets, so go to a higher over round while this is being done, may be that is the case here. Also, bear in mind Corals have been betting NRNB for longer on these markets than any other major bookmaker so probably have more liabilities on the favourites. May be it is just my imagination but Corals prices do seem to contract nearer the day of race before lengthening on the day. On the day, I find Corals better than most (if not all) other bookmakers. Their odds compiler is not frightened to go it alone. Some prices will be significantly shorter than their rivals, others significantly higher. I'd be very surprised if their day of race percentages were worse than others. I find it easy enough to get on at their advertised prices by getting on on the dot of opening time; unlike Victor Chandler. Out of all the big four bookies I have more bets with Corals, going for a value best price as always. Of the smaller bookmakers, I find Skybet (oddly enough) and B365 very good. Ginge