aceform

This month’s forumite is “aceform” a regular contributor to the Horse Racing forum.

1. Tell us a little about yourself?

I am 48 years old and work for a large oil company in Grangemouth. My job is driving petrol tankers and delivering to retail sites all over Scotland and at times Northern England. I am happily married and live in a 3 bedroom detached house in the central belt, no family. I am bang in between Hamilton & Musselburgh racecourse. I started punting in 1977 following the Peter O'Sullevan treble each Saturday morning. I fell in love with the sport (both codes) the rest is history. I had my own tipping line (1992-1994) which was known as the North's Aceform, due to high advertising prices I decided to pull the plug. I was Pro punting for around 4 years, hobbies include, walking, going out for a meal, bit of keep fit and a bit of reading.

2. When and why did you join Betfair and what do like /dislike about the site?

I joined Betfair on the 4th Oct 2002 after reading about it in the racing press and noticing it was well advertised. I thought I would give it a go and bought myself a PC. I could count in one hand how often I have been in a high street shop since. I do not have any dislikes about the site, apart from when it crashed just before the Ayr Gold Cup, but these things happen in life.

3. If you could change one thing what would it be?

I have no complaints.

4. You have a bit of a following in the forum, why do you think that is?

I put it down to my success when I first started posting my selections, but it is all down to character and personality and being able to handle the toilet talk from others (which I don't have a problem with). I also think giving a punter an insight on how you go about playing each day, showing the win/loss. I think it is interesting to another punter, and I don't have a problem with that. I would count myself as a fair judge (there are a few good ones on there).

5. Do you have a particular formula for selecting your winners and can you share any secrets with us?

I spend a fair bit of time on the form, which some day's can be 4 hours, or 5 mins, it can all depend if you are watching for a certain horse. The one that catches the eye, you keep on going back to it, the horse is annoying you. I never listen to another punter for ''tips'' or trainer/rider. I do take on board an opinion though. I like the place market just before the off, you can sometimes get a short price no-hoper for laying, and a decent price against for place backing. I have to say my one black mark in my punting is I tend to chase now and again, but I am working on it, and will conquer it, be confident!

6. Do you ever get involved with betting in-play?

I very seldom get involved in-running, still trying to lay that 1.01, working on it though.