Well that was lucky. First blood to me on Betfair with Bowhunter home at $8 [paid $8.30w Stab]. I'm happy with $8w but should have had $50 on it !

Most of the action is in the last few minutes just like the other markets. Generally up until then the Betfair prices are much worse than on the tote. A rule of thumb I use is that if you can get on at a price that looks pretty similar to the Tote prices early in the betting, your probably looking at a runner that is going to be a big drifter. Although this is just an observation. I've not tested it.

Thanks for that tip. I was like a lost little lamb, but at least I took some Layer's money :-)

Crash,

I suggest you download the Betfair Advantage Tool.

It claims that Bowhunter at jump was backable at $10.50 and paid over 20% better than all TABs.

In this instance you probably would have been better off offering to back it at (say) $11.50. Rather than paying the virgin tax.

Chances are for a longshot like that you would have been hit.

If not then you could always negotiate a bit down as a last resort.

Will get the Advantage download.

I don't think these Layers can Handicap from a decent form guide. Bowhunter at $10.50? They are insane.
I jumped on at an early $8 because I thought it would go down to about $4 !

Well, one man's trash is another man's treasure I guess. Nice job.

Howdy Crash,
Good to hear you're a convert. Soon enough you'll forget all about the TAB's and wonder where this service has been all your life, LOL.

As for your questions, personally i prefer to use the bookies fixed price markets as a comparison, as the tote can often be difficult to judge with all the jumping around. Plus you know that should the tote be displaying a large overlay to the bookies market, plenty o' moola will be acomin'. Similarly, Bowhunter (Col Tidy + IAS) opened at 8's and 7's respectively, drifted to 9's before shortening to close at 8's. Under this arrangment you might set a price of 10's on betfair and should things move against you, take the 9's with the bookie etc etc. Certainly should you see $10.50, you would be inclined to have a nibble. Just my preference, but seems to work. (EDIT: I should add that the above would apply to the more fancied runners).

Oh and don't forget to include a 5% premium in your betfair prices to compensate for the commission.

__________________
I like Bing Lee.

Wait till you start trading the FTSE Intra's in the Financial's.

crash,

You'll notice some very strange prices on Betfair.
In some instances you can make a killing, others you'll wonder why bother with Betfair at all.
It's about picking and choosing I guess.
Also you have to allow that you are going from a big percentage takeout to a slim one. Therefore prices will generally be over what you expect.
Within this though are movements that can definitely be taken advantage of (including early markets).

__________________
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Thanks for all the info. from everyone. Hopefully I can fill a few jam jars [little ones to start with].