Trading software

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wednesday's bets

It looks like there may be some limited financial trading in the U.S. today although I don't think I'll go near the financials again today with so much uncertainty about.

In the racing, I've one form study bet and one handicap bet. For the form study betting, Tropics looks the one to beat in the 6.35 at Kempton but will probably be odds-on. Ran very well when second in two maidens so far and it shouldn't be long before it gets off the mark. In the handicaps, Marshim (3.25 Punch) looks to be a pound or two light and can be backed around 7/2. 

***

On a non-related note, I continue with my psychology course in Trinity tonight. This is week four and I'm enjoying it a lot. It makes for a long day on Wednesday but it's worth it .

As regards the book I'm writing about trading, I've fallen behind with that so I've made it a priority and it's first on the list of projects to work on to get completed. I'd love to have it done before Christmas. 

Best of luck with what you do today, 

Wayne.


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Wall Street closed with Hurricane Sandy

Some scary scenes in the United States as Hurricane Sandy batters the East Coast.






Sadly, a number of people have been killed already and watching stuff like this on the news makes me appreciate how lucky we are in Ireland with the climate we have. My wife is from Newfoundland on the East Coast of Canada so I hope it keeps away from there.

Wall Street has been closed so we can expect most markets around the world to be quiet. I've decided to stay away from the financials today - there might be a bunch of people looking for some action elsewhere and it can be hard to predict what effect it will have. I don't think we'll see moves too big though.

As regards the betting for the presidency (in which I've backed Mitt Romney at 2/1), the storm may turn out to be a boost for Obama. Times of national solidarity or crisis can work in the president's favour and he may be out and about addressing the nation. Although that said, if the storm continues until polling day, it could have an effect on turnout.

On the racing front, I'm just having one form study bet today. Mundahesh (5.10 Wolverhampton) will be a very short price but this should be a straightforward penalty kick. Here's Timeform's comments:

From family of smart milers Trans Island and Welsh Diva, and matched debut form when ½-length second of 9 in 6f maiden at Kempton last time. Step up to 7f will suit, and sets a solid standard.

Best of luck with your trading/betting today. 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

It's been a while

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I've had a lot on.  Where do I start....



Firstly, some non-racing stuff.  Spent last weekend in London with my daughter and had a great time. I've grown to love London and I think there's a fantastic buzz about the city. So I wasn't doing any betting or trading for a few days.

Actually, Shane MacGowan has a great song about London which sums up the good and bad about the city - it's a cracker:




 Then on Thursday, I had my driving test so I took some time out to study for that.

The good news is that I passed, so I'm absolutely delighted.

I was looking back at my goals for 2012 which I typed up in January and one of them was on driving:

Driving
I’d love to pass my test – I’ve only got the car a month so how realistic that is I don’t know but I’m going to keep learning as much as I can and hopefully, I can pass the test by the end of the year.



So that's something else off the list.  I feel quite proud because I only got a car aged 31 which is quite late in life I suppose. 

Anyhow, back to the racing. This week, John McCririck was dropped from Channel 4 racing. 



Love him or loath him, it's the end of an era. Growing up in the 80s, my old man would have the racing on the TV every Saturday and he was always part of that. He was eccentric and annoying in equal measure and he often bugged the shit out of me but now that he'll be gone, I actually think we will miss some of the entertainment value. In fact, they've dropped some good people and I'm not so sure I like the new line up to be honest. Anyhow, Nihil aeternum est - Nothing lasts forever I suppose. 



I've a couple of bets for today, below is today's Irish Independent article. Best of luck with what you do today,

Wayne

*** 


STEELER
IT never ceases to amaze me how much the shops charge for children's stuff these days. On Thursday, I went shopping with the little one for a Halloween costume and the face paint alone cost me the guts of a tenner, never mind the rest. In my day, there was less money around but it was a hell of a lot simpler, with black bin-liners providing the basis for every costume imaginable. Want to be a skeleton? No problem; just put on a black bag and paint the bones on with some of your da's leftover white gloss. Want to be a witch? Grand; stick on that black bag and grab the broom from the kitchen. When a knock came to the door, there’d be half a dozen kids outside, all wearing some sort of black bag disguise. So feeling peeved off at handing more than thirty quid over to the shop the other day, I thought I'd try make the bookies pay for her costume this year by sticking a ton on Double Your Money, priced 1/3 at Southwell. It seemed a simple case of buying some cash; but unfortunately the colt turned out to be inappropriately named and only managed third place, leaving me with a useless docket and even deeper in debt. That leaves me on a recovery mission today but I reckon punters can inflict some Halloween horror on the layers by backing the Mark Johnston trained Steeler in the last British group one of the season, the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster (3.05). I honestly can't see why he's priced as high as 4/1 considering the form he's in of late although it must be noted that he's never raced on anything softer than good so I'll be keeping an eye on the weather this morning. He's related to some useful winners and while successful at 7f in the past, he looked far more at ease when getting off the mark for the first time in group company last time at Newmarket over a mile. He's bred to get some distance and there are already suggestions that he'll take a chance in a Classic next season. It’s a bit early for that talk and it's best to wait and see how he gets on today but I do suspect we'll be hearing more about this one next term. That said, he faces a formidable opponent if Aidan O'Brien's Kingsbarns races at a similar level to his debut at Navan, where he bolted up in a maiden following sustained support in the markets all morning. O'Brien has a great record in this race and this son of Galileo is definitely one to stick in the notebook; although from a betting point of view, he’s a little short today at 7/4. Soon afterwards at Newbury, a chance is taken on Harris Tweed at 5/1 in the St Simon Stakes (2.45). While he's a versatile sort, he seems to go best with a bit of cut in the ground so today's underfoot conditions should be ideal. His form went a little bit astray over the summer but he was back near his best last-time-out when runner-up in a listed race at Newmarket. Considering he was conceding weight all-round as a penalty for winning a group three in April, a second-place finish was a considerable achievement. As a half-brother to Frankel, likely favourite Noble Mission is also one to watch with interest.

EACH-WAY
AT 14/1, Sirvino is overpriced in the Racing Post ipad App Handicap at Doncaster (2.00). He's been given a chance by the handicapper lately and certainly wasn't disgraced when coming fourth of fifteen in a very competitive handicap at Nottingham last time. At these weights, connections should not go home empty handed.

DO THE DOUBLE
Racing: Maxentius has been racing in group one and two company of late and while he's performed with some credit, he's been a little out of his depth. The drop in class to group three should prove interesting today and early odds of 11/4 look tempting considering the colt has some of the best form on offer in the Horris Hill stakes (2.15 Newbury). 
Soccer: In weeks to come, will we will look back at tomorrow’s top table clash between Chelsea and Manchester United and recognise it as a turning point in the League? United have problems in defence but are still extremely hard to beat even when conceding early - which makes the win market very difficult to call.  Instead,  backing both teams to score  can pay off, priced around 8/13 (Ladbrokes).

TODAY'S SELECTIONS
2.00 Doncaster: Sirvino (e/w)
2.15 Newbury: Maxentius
2.45 Newbury: Harris Tweed
3.05 Doncaster: Steeler

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

London

Hi folks, I've been away in London for a bit, hence the lack of posts. Hoping to get back into the swing of things before the weekend.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Farewell to Frankel




Saturday's Irish Independent article:

OPINION POLL
"WHEN the legends die, the dreams end; there is no more greatness." So said Tecumseh, leader of the Shawnee tribe and one the most iconic figures in Native American history. Fair enough, Frankel is far from dead and I've no doubt Tecumseh was discussing more important matters than sport; but one can't help feeling a little melancholic as the greatest horse in racing history goes to post one last time this afternoon. Certainly, it has been a dream journey for Sir Henry Cecil and the 69-year-old trainer has credited Frankel for giving him a lease of life and helping him fight a very tough battle with stomach cancer. Perhaps then, it's not so over-the-top to compare both the horse and trainer to the legends of the past. Great horses will come along again in the future but God knows when, if ever, we'll see one this good. A friend of mine who manages a bookmaker shop in Wicklow told me that some of his regular customers have been backing Frankel with small stakes this week - but rather than cashing in the dockets when he wins, they plan on keeping them as souvenirs. As a man with some Cavan blood in me, I'd never leave a docket un-cashed, even if it were worth only pennies - but if I'm blessed with grandchildren in years to come, I'll certainly have them on my knee recalling memories of this absolute freak of an animal. Having discussed the son of Galileo on these pages almost every time he's raced, there's not much more to say only that I desperately hope the ground doesn't come up too heavy at Ascot in the Champion Stakes (4.05) for which he trades at 2/9. The worst ground he's encountered thus far has been soft and that was on his debut - although he is so far ahead of any horse in training that defeat seems almost out of the question, not matter what the conditions today. Cirrus Des Aigles won't mind the ground and should follow him home, with Nathanial also expected to give a reasonably good account of himself. Let's just hope that Frankel and Cecil get the fairytale ending they deserve. In the opening Long Distance cup (1.45), Opinion Poll is tipped to reverse last year's placings with Fame And Glory and take home the prize for the boys in blue at Godolphin, priced around 3/1. The latter horse was one of the best stayers of the season last term but he's failed to sparkle in his latest two races and you'd have to wonder if the days of winning group races are now a thing of the past. The selection was beaten by stablemate Colour Vision in the Ascot Gold Cup last time but Colour Vision hasn't been quite as good in his subsequent races so if you ask me, Frankie Dettori will have his work cut out to get him home in front today. Opinion Poll is far more consistent and will have no problem handling today's conditions. In the following Champions Sprint Stakes (2.20), take a chance on the mud-loving Maarek, available at 13/2 in places. He was particularly striking in the group three Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh last month and as one of the toughest five-year-olds in training, the quick return to racing after a six day break won’t prove troublesome.

EACH-WAY
It's been over a year since Ponty Acclaim has registered a win but she's been holding her own in listed company of late and seems to enjoy a run in the muck. Despite the fact that she'll be carrying topweight, the Catterick Dash Handicap (2.50) is a step down in class for her today and it wouldn't be at all surprising to see the front-runner take off early and go for gold this afternoon, priced around 8/1.

DO THE DOUBLE
RACING: Excelebration has had to settle for the runner-up place behind Frankel a couple of times this season but there's certainly no shame in coming second to the world's greatest horse. A top drawer performance when winning  the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville last time was proof that he's one of the best milers in the business and his odds-on price of 8/11 for today's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot (3.30) is justified.
SOCCER: The Norwich defence have been as useful as a chocolate fireguard lately and the Canaries have conceded as many as twelve goals already this season. That figure is likely to get worse this afternoon considering Arsenal's recent record on the road. Back the Gunners to win this evening at 4/7.

TODAY'S SELECTIONS
1.45 Ascot: Opinion Poll
2.20 Ascot: Maarek
2.50 Catterick: Ponty Acclaim (e/w)
2.55 Ascot: Great Heavens
3.30 Ascot: Excelebration

Friday, October 19, 2012

Friday

Morning all,

We are well and truly in the mixed month of October with national hunt action today at Cheltenham, and the Champion Stakes tomorrow on the flat at Ascot.

Can't make up my mind if I'm having a bet today or not - I quite like the look of Sivola De Sivola (3.20 Cheltenham) as an each-way bet today as he doesn't seem too high in the ratings for a handicap and I'd expect more to come before the handicapper has a grasp on him. However, I was hoping for at least 8/1. The current price is around 6/1 which seems a little short. I'll keep an eye on the market and decide later.

My gold hasn't worked out just yet and may hit its stop loss - didn't risk a huge amount but it's disappointing nonetheless. We'll see what today brings.

Best of luck with your trading and betting today.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thursday

Got up early but couldn't find anything decent to bet on on the horses so I'll leave them alone.

Decided to trade some Gold and bought a small amount around $1745. I'm hoping we are coming to the end of a small bear run but there are a few factors in play here which make the trade a little shaky. I'll keep my stops tight and see how we go over the next few days.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Tuesday

Sorry for the short post,, on my way out. No bets/trades to be found today

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Two for today

Gonna back these two each way, they ran recently and look ahead of the handicapper.

2.40 Limerick - Don't Tell Pa (still a reserve)

3.50 Limerick - Ordinary Man

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Saturday's Irish Independent article

A great day all-round yesterday with my financial trades hitting their profit targets and a good win on the horses. Ireland were brutal though!

Here's Saturday's Irish Independent article:

***




PARLIAMENT SQUARE
THERE were mixed fortunes for this column last weekend and consequently, my equine bankroll went on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. With a trip to Ascot planned for next week, I was hoping Saturday's selections would cover the cost of the flights as I'm getting uneasy about the fact that all the girls behind the counter in the local Credit Union know me by first name. As it turned out, the day went rather well with the main bet, Mince, taking a group three at 9/4. She's a very smart filly and one to watch next year if they stick to their plan and keep her in training. With Mandy Layla landing a seller later on at odds of 11/10 at Dunstall Park, the Ascot coffers were begging to look pretty decent and I was patting myself on the back for a job well done. But as it says in the book of Job; the Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away and unfortunately, I was only holding on to the winnings overnight. Looking back, my confidence in Camelot for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was severely misplaced although with the winner Solemia coming home at 33/1, I wasn't the only one who called it wrong. If hindsight were foresight, we'd all be millionaires. While it was frustrating to see Camelot run so poorly, spare a thought for those who backed runner-up Orfevre all the way down to 1/100 in-running on the machine. Camelot underwent surgery for colic (which can be very serious in horses) this week and thankfully, the colt is "doing great" according to a tweet from Coolmore yesterday. Where to next with Camelot remains to be seen but with last Saturday's winnings cancelled out the following day, I could do with squeezing a few bob out of today's action. Step up Aidan O'Brien's PARLIAMENT SQUARE, whose odds of 14/1 make him a very attractive each-way proposition for the group one Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket (2.20). O'Brien also runs Gale Force Ten and Cristoforo Colombo  but I'm not convinced the latter should be as low as 11/2 following the Railway Stakes on soft ground the Curragh, in which he finished tamely in second. He clipped heels in the Phoenix Stakes last time which was unfortunate as he was going well at the time but he's yet to live up to his promising line of form when third behind Dawn Approach and Olympic Glory in the Coventry Stakes at Ascot. With the ground likely to be on the softer side of good, the selection looks set to thrive with both his wins to date taking place when underfoot conditions were somewhat testing. Considering the hefty weight he was carrying in a sales race at Doncaster last time, he ran a credible race in fifth and that followed on from a career best when finishing third to today's favourite Reckless Abandon in the Prix Morny on good ground at Deauville. Unbeaten in four starts, you can't argue Reckless Abandon's record but unless the ground dries out, we enter unknown territory which makes his odds of 15/8 seem a little short this afternoon. Moohaajim must be given a mention too and is likely to be thereabouts. He showed a wonderful turn of foot when taking the Mill Reef Stakes last time and a good run today should see his odds of 20/1 contract for next year's Guineas. 

EACH-WAY
A massive field of 35 go to post for the Betfred Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket (3.35) but the one to watch at 8/1 is MONTASER, which has slipped in nicely at the bottom of the weights. He's versatile, will love the trip, and has loads of scope for improvement.
* Last week's each-way selection was placed at 12/1

DO THE DOUBLE
Horseracing: The best juvenile of 2012, DAWN APPROACH can justify odds of 2/5 and take the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket (2.55).  Jim Bolger has a cracking record in this race with four wins since 2006 including the selections sire, New Approach. Bank on Bolger to land a fifth success this afternoon.
Soccer: The Premier League and Championship take a break this weekend but League 1 action continues including the clash of PRESTON v MK Dons. Pre-season, the Dons were considered likely candidates for promotion but they've let themselves down on the road and now sit in fifth place. With a lot of new players drafted in, Preston are still trying to find their shape but should give a good account of themselves tomorrow with home advantage. Back the Whites at 2/1 (BetVictor).
TODAY'S SELECTIONS
1.50 Newmarket: Scarf
2.20 Newmarket: Parliament Square (e/w)
2.55 Newmarket: New Approach
3.35 Newmarket: Montaser (e/w)
4.05 Newmarket: Melody
8.45 Wolverhampton: Lulla

Friday, October 12, 2012

Friday's bets

Just the one bet today on the handicaps, Mwaleshi in the 2.10 at Carlisle. Currently trades around 9/5 which seems ok - very convincing at Kelso the other day and comes back quick enough with a penalty - I reckon the penalty is not as much as the handicapper would give and another big run is expected.

On the financial trading, I've still open positions on the S&P500 and the Dow and both are around breakeven at the moment.

Hoping to get some Betfair trading done later if I get the chance - want to try out that Advanced Cymatic Trading bot - although I also want to get out for the Ireland match later so I'll see how it goes. Ireland are around 8/1 for the win and 7/2 for the draw. I don't think we'll do much but hey, ye have to hope for the best:


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thursday

Couldn't find any bets today on the horses so I'm leaving them alone. I hope to get some trading done on Betfair over the weekend - it's been ages since I did some and I've really gotten out of the swing of it. I've just been so busy lately but I need to make time.

On the financial trading, I've done the gap trade on both the S&P and the Dow but I'm being a bit cautious with my stakes as I always find the upside gap harder to close.

I mentioned on these pages that I was hoping to run the Dublin marathon at the end of this month. Well, I logged on to pay this morning - and they are finished taking applications :-(

Really disappointed about that. Not sure whether to wait until next year or try to find another marathon in the meantime.


Anyway, off out so best of luck with what you do today.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Wednesday's bets

A frustrating start to the morning on the phone to o2 so I'm a bit behind schedule. Basically, the dropped my upgrade from platinum to gold for no reason. Spent ages on the phone going around in circles so when I asked them to put it in plain English in an email, they eventually gave me my platinum upgrade back. These companies really frustrate me - I've had the same old iPhone 3 for two years - they were all nice to me when it was time to renew my contract a couple of months ago but when I go looking for a new phone, it's a different bloody story.  I digress.

Two form study bets today, here's Timeform's comments:

4.20 Towc - Hit The Switch
Really benefited for move to this yard, fending off a well-handicapped rival at Bangor prior to taking massive step forward when adding to that at Sedgefield. Clearly ahead of the assessor.


7.00 Kemp - Syrenka
Most encouraging start when a keeping-on fourth in a 7f minor event at Newbury last month. Sure to have learnt plenty from that and tough to beat having sights lowered here.


In the handicaps, Royale Knight is worth a punt (4.50 Towc) and looks ahead of the handicap off the same winning mark as Saturday.


Haven't had time to look at the financial markets because of the phone call to o2.

On another note, I'm starting my evening course in psychology in Trinity College tonight - looking forward to it very much. 

Best of luck with your trading and betting. 


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Betfair trading software

Have been through the cards but can't find any good opportunities so no bets today - ditto on the financial trading.

Just came across some more Betfair trading software on zergtrader's blog:

http://zergtrader.blogspot.ie/2012/10/see-wheres-your-money-in-queue.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TradingBetfairExchange+%28Trading+Betfair+Exchange%29

It's called Advanced Cymatic trading and the main feature that differentiates it from other bots is that it allows you to see where your money is in the queue. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but this could prove very handy indeed. I hope to give it a go over the weekend.


Saturday, October 6, 2012

Saturday and Sunday's bets

'Twas was a great day yesterday with a couple of decent priced winners. On the downside, my financial trades got stopped out for a loss but the racing more than made up for it. Here's today's Irish Independent article.

MINCE
IT has been a week of surprises in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe market with CAMELOT and Great Heavens both declared, Danedream and Nathanial both ruled out; and Frankie Dettori offered a gilt-edged ride for Aidan O’Brien. Even though tensions between Godolphin and Ballydoyle have eased considerably over the past few years, the move is significant and it will be the first time the Italian native has taken the reins on an O’Brien horse since partnering Scorpion to victory in the St Leger back in 2005. It’s said that Joseph O’Brien can’t get the weight down to 8st 11lbs to ride Camelot which is somewhat disappointing; although with some analysts still blaming the jockey for Camelot’s loss at Doncaster, the young O'Brien would have found himself under the most intense pressure imaginable to get it right tomorrow. Deep down, perhaps he should feel a sense of relief now that the tremendous burden of restoring the horse’s reputation (not to mention value) has been lifted from his shoulders. With 24 Arc races including three wins under the belt, Dettori is a safe pair of hands although it still must be said that O’Brien is not without a chance on St Nicholas Abbey, which is generally available around 10/1. The betting proved entertaining this week with Danedream backed down from 999/1 to 9/1 on Betfair following rumours that she would be allowed to take her place. But such rumours proved unfounded and unfortunately, last year’s winner remains in quarantine at her training base in Cologne following an outbreak of swamp fever. Great Heavens seemed an unlikely runner and had also been matched at the maximum price on the exchange, but she was supplemented late on Thursday at a cost of €100,000 and now trades around 12/1. So, are we likely to see a flying dismount from Frankie at Longchamp tomorrow afternoon? That's a tricky question. If you're willing to forgive Camelot for Doncaster, then you'd have to say there’s a great chance of it happening. Who knows – perhaps Camelot’s not really the staying type after all and we may see a rejuvenated animal now that he's back at a mile and a half. While they weren't the strongest renewals, he did win the Guineas and the Derby after all, and at 11/4, I reckon it's just about worth giving him another chance of atonement. That said, it's hard to pick holes in the form of the second favourite, Japanese Triple Crown winner Orfevre. Rated 3lbs clear of the field by Timeform, he's been putting in some superb prep work over a mile at Chantilly and is sure to make Camelot work hard for his oats. On the negative side, Orfevre’s high draw in stall 18 could prove troublesome. Sea Moon is another one with claims and numerous bookmakers reported strong each-way support for the colt since Ryan Moore was confirmed fit to ride. So while it was disappointing to lose some high-profile entries, it’s still a fascinating contest overall. Admittedly, it’s not a very original pick - but Camelot narrowly gets the vote ahead of Orfevre to land France's most prestigious race. At Ascot, take a chance on MINCE at 5/2 in the group three John Guest Bengough Stakes (3.05). Trainer Roger Charlton had originally considered the Prix De L'Abbaye at Longchamp for his three-year-old but has opted to keep her on home soil as the filly goes for a four-timer to follow on from a career best at York last time.

EACH-WAY OUTSIDER
A couple of months ago, I tipped ARNOLD LANE in the Betfair Summer double at Goodwood and he wasn't disgraced when coming second at 6/1 in what turned out to be a very competitive handicap. He's back in action today in the Betfred Challenge Cup (3.35 Ascot) and I remain convinced that we'll see him back in the winners enclosure sooner rather than later. Take him each way at 14/1.

DO THE DOUBLE
Horseracing: MANDY LAYLA (11/8) didn't handle the heavy ground at Chester last time but she's dropped in class for this evening's Phil And Sandra Baddeley 40th Wedding Anniversary Selling Stakes at Wolverhampton (6.50) which should see her back to winning ways. She performs best when given a prominent ride so Tom Eaves is best advised to get her out in front early.
Soccer: Manchester City were lucky to get away with it in the Champions League on Wednesday and even Roberto Mancini has admitted that all is not well with the setup. With just one victory in the past five league meetings of the pair, City's record against Sunderland is a little suspect and odds of 2/7 for a home victory today look decidedly short. Back the Black Cats to land the 'double chance' bet (win or draw) at 3/1.

SELECTIONS
2.30 Ascot: Songcraft (e/w)
3.05 Ascot: Mince
3.35 Ascot: Arnold Lane (e/w)
6.50 Wolverhampton: Mandy Layla
3.25 Longchamp: Camelot (Sunday)

Friday, October 5, 2012

Friday's bets

One form study bet this morning - the price is currently around 2.8 so decent enough. Here's Timeform's comments:

1.00 Yarmouth - Half A Person
Sales price increased twice, and he showed plenty when fourth on last month's debut at Leicester, helping force pace and not knocked about once chance had gone. Hard to beat granted improvement.


In the handicaps, it might be worth taking an each-way chance on River Dragon (3.05 Hexham). Makes a quick return to racing having won at Newcastle in difficult conditions on Wednesday and looks like he could be a couple of pounds ahead of his hurdle mark today.


With the financial trading, both my S&P and Dow trades are still open but both are in the red at the moment, I'll see how they go today before probably closing off for the day. It's going to be a busy day with the non-farm payrolls out in the US. If you're not sure what that is, here's a quick explanation from Forex Live:

Nonfarm Payrolls measures the change in the number of people employed during the previous month, excluding the farming industry. Job creation is the foremost indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of economic activity.
A higher than expected reading should be taken as positive/bullish for the USD, while a lower than expected reading should be taken as negative/bearish for the USD.


I think Paris is looking unlikely this weekend as the costs still rise - I didn't realise but my wife is away in England most of next week with work and will need some dosh for that so maybe it's best to stay at home. I'll decide later. Anyhow, best of luck with what you do today. 

Thursday, October 4, 2012

A trip to Paris for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?

Fancied having a bet today but having gone through all the cards for a couple of hours this morning, I simply couldn't find anything that seemed overpriced so once again, no bets today.

I haven't had a bet since Saturday and the little devil gambler on one shoulder is whispering in my ear to have a fun bet just for some action - but there's no fun in losing money so I'll keep the gun powder dry for another time and sit it out. Betting out of boredom is a quick way to the poorhouse but it's surprisingly difficult to resist sometimes. But when you don't really fancy anything, it's best to stay away. Good opportunities don' arise every day and sometimes, a week or more will go by before something catches my eye.

Looking forward to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe this weekend in Paris. It's a fairly big deal to see Frankie Dettori ride Camelot - the last time he rode for O'Brien was Scorpion back in 2005. Tensions between them and Coolmore have eased over the years but I was still a little surprised. At this stage, I'm leaning towards Camelot although I'm not certain the price is great. 

 Last night, I got it into my head that I wanted to go and checked out some flights for me and my daughter (the missus is working). There were some pretty good deals last night on Ryanair - But they were GONE this morning when I went to book. I'm fuming and I should have just booked there and then.  I'm now not sure if I want to pay a great deal of money for something that was pretty cheap a few hours ago. I'll think more about it today - I've short sold the Dow and the S&P500 and will get out if or when they hit last night's close price. Those trades would earn me a couple of ton if they went right so I'll decide later if I'm going to Paris or not - but at this stage, I'd say it's unlikely.  Still thinking of going to Ascot for Frankel soon though. 

Best of luck if you're backing or trading today. 

***

 Frankie Dettori, who rides Camelot on Sunday:

 



Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Wednesday

Apologies to regular readers for the lack of decent posts recently. I've been up to my eyes with various things including getting the kitchen done up so I haven't really been able to get much time to study the form or to trade. This morning, I had to go to the DIY shop to pick up some final bits and pieces for the kitchen so I didn't get to today's cards. I've a full schedule today so I simply don't have time. Hate getting anything done in the house, especially the kitchen, but hopefully it will be worth it when it's finished. Hoping to get back to normal tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe betting.

Anyone remember years back when there was no racing on Tuesdays?  Perhaps we should go back to them days - today's fare is pretty poor stuff. Has a good look through the cards but I couldn't find anything to back with confidence so once again, there's no bets today.

With regard to the Arc market, it's been a bit mad with Danedream ruled out of Sunday's race. It's a bit of a weird one with the horses in Cologne being placed into quarantine:

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/article/465/8131306/danedreams-arc-defence-could-be-over

Really crappy for her connections but what can be done? As it stands, Orfever heads the market now, just ahead of Nathanial and Camelot.

Was just checking prices - I don't think I'll make it to Paris this weekend - have spent a bomb already the past couple of weeks on getting my kitchen done.

Longchamp Racecourse:


Monday, October 1, 2012

Monday

Had a mad busy weekend with my daughter's birthday party, getting the kitchen done and a few other bits and pieces so I had to step aside from betting and trading for a bit. Haven't had a chance to go through Monday's cards so no bets. Should be back up and running as normal again tomorrow.

Wayne