Wagering backmarkers - get value for your dollar

Horses who do not race on the speed need more luck in their races than on pace runners. This means you must take better odds about them than you would for an on pace horse with similar form.

For example, the horse needs to get a clear run. How often have you also heard jockeys use the slow speed of the race as an excuse for the horse running on but never looking a winning chance?

It's bad enough when punters get hit by a nasty surprise, like a horse that normally leads or races on the speed settling near the tail of the field and not winning. Like last Saturday at Rosehill, when the John Hawkes' trained 4YO mare, in Class 6 company over 1200 metres, started the solidly backed $3.70 favourite, settled near the tail of the field from barrier 14 of 17, stormed home and finished second by a half head to $51.00 "can't win" horse Keltic Flash.

But if, for example, you know a 3YO filly taking on the older mares in Class 6 company over 1300 metres in a field of 15 at Rosehill is a backmarker and showing tote odds of only $2.50, it will be no surprise to see that filly plenty of times never get into the race.

Eliminate poor value bets like that and punters must make a better return on their betting turnover.