blonde poker forum

Spreadsheet link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aia1Hxq-NDNWdDlrTlV0eFE2bVZ3SlhBZkRXMDRpeEE#gid=0

I am pleased to announce this year's Blonde Cheltenham Tipster Competition.

The rules are as follows:

1. Entry is open to everyone upon payment of a £25 entry fee to me. I will PM my bank details to everyone who has expressed even a remote interest (see post below). Payment must be received by me before midday on Tuesday 12th March. If you are interested, please indicate below or PM me. Each person may enter up to a maximum of two times. Each entry costs £25.

2. The competition will be run over the 27 races from Tuesday 12th March to Friday 15th March.
The charity race on Thursday will not be included in this competition.

3. Each entrant will pick one horse per race. The selection must either be for a £2 win or a £1 each-way bet. Winnings will be settled on the basis of Starting Prices.
If you fail to make a selection or select a non-runner it will be counted as a £2 win bet on the SP favourite (lowest racecard number if there are joint/co favourites).
I will take instructions for "random" selections (e.g. first horse alphabetically) for each race if you do not have the time/inclination to make your own selections but, in a rather dictatorial manner, I am not going to allow selections such as "pick the SP favourite for every race" or attempts to circumvent this rule.

4. The place component of an each-way bet will be decided using the following criteria:
1/4 the odds for a place for each horse officially returned on the results for each race on www.gg.com

5. I will be using www.gg.com for the purpose of deciding the result of each race.

6. Entries must be sent to me via PM by midday on the day of the races. I will then make everyone's selections available via the spreadsheet by 12:30pm that day. This will hopefully give you time to marvel at each other's selections before the first race starts.

7. The winner will be the person who makes most profit (or least loss) over the course of the festival.

8. My decision is final in all matters (until proven otherwise).



The payout structure will be as follows:

1-10 entrants
1st 100%

11-20 entrants
1st 75%
2nd 25%

21-30 entrants
1st  60%
2nd 30%
3rd 10%

>30 entrants
tba



Have fun

<reserved for rule clarifications>

Those who have expressed an interest so far are:

Alverton                      PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
Biddy 62                      PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
bobby1                        PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
claypole                      PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3
Doobs                         PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
edgascoigne                PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
Eso Kral                      PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
horseplayer                 PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
Karabiner                    PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
MahoganyVic               PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
MTT DESTROYER          PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
Nico29                        PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3
redarmi1                      PAID   DAY1   DAY2   def.   DAY4
redarmi2                      PAID   DAY1   DAY2   def.   DAY4
redsimon                     PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
Simon Galloway1         PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
Simon Galloway2         PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
StuartHopkin               PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3
Tal                            PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
tikay1                        PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
tikay2                        PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3   DAY4
typhoon13                 PAID   DAY1   DAY2   DAY3    DAY4      

scotty2hatty
T_Mar
ZZZZZZZROPE


I will update this post as entrance fees and each day's selections are received.

The races that will be used for this competition are:

Tuesday 12th March

Supreme Novices Hurdle
Arkle Challenge Trophy
Festival Handicap Chase
Champion Hurdle
Cross Country Handicap Chase
David Nicholson Mares Hurdle
Centenary Novice Chase


Wednesday 13th March

National Hunt Steeple Chase
Neptune Investment Hurdle
RSA Chase
Queen Mother Champion Chase
Coral Cup
Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle
Champion Bumper


Thursday 14th March

Jewson Novices Chase
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle
Ryanair Chase
Ladbrokes World Hurdle
Byrne Group Plate
Kim Muir Challenge Cup


Friday 15th March

JCB Triumph Hurdle
County Handicap Hurdle
Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Foxhunter Steeple Chase
Conditional Jockeys Hurdle
Grand Annual Chase

Thanks for running this again Vince

I will be donating

You're very welcome.

You have a silver medal from last time to defend.

Will be investing.

Looking forward to it.

thanks again mere

do your bank details remain the same as last time please?

many thanks

Great stuff Vince, when it comes to running these you really are the man.

In and hopefully crushing young Galloway's algorithm this time around.

You're welcome.
I'll PM bank details to people by the end of the day.

You're very kind.

The sophistication of some of these algorithms amazes me; people should really patent them before their secrets are revealed.

Many thanks for running this Vince, please count me in.

Cheers

Yeah I will donate a couple of entries.

Top man, will be in so PM deets please.

Thanks Vince, you're a star.

Great news Vince, thank you.

I am dusting off my alphabetical algorithm as I speak. I have some secret tweaks this year. Be afraid.

Two Entries please. Will send you my Bank Details so you can pay my winnings.

INNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

Algorithm has been finely tuned this year, watch out.

WD and TY again Vince for running the show

Hi Vince

Please PM bank details.

Thanks
Alan

In

This

In - same details as year for bank....

ill have a shot.

Yer in, nice one Vince.

I would like to join in if that is ok?

Of course.
Everyone is most welcome.
Invite your friends!

We had 29 entries last year; it would be great to beat that.

Shipped

Received.
Good luck.

In

Hi Vince,

I couldn't help noticing that in the rules it says that if you make no selection for a race or select a non-runner you automatically get you bet placed on the SP favourite to win, but it also says that a contestant cannot ask you for SP favourite in every race.

What would happen if someone offered no selections?

Would they not get the SP favourite in every race or do you have a rule to cover this?

Good question; I'm glad that you've raised it.

Rule 3.

3. Each entrant will pick one horse per race. The selection must either be for a £2 win or a £1 each-way bet. Winnings will be settled on the basis of Starting Prices.
If you fail to make a selection or select a non-runner it will be counted as a £2 win bet on the SP favourite (lowest racecard number if there are joint/co favourites).
I will take instructions for "random" selections (e.g. first horse alphabetically) for each race if you do not have the time/inclination to make your own selections but, in a rather dictatorial manner, I am not going to allow selections such as "pick the SP favourite for every race" or attempts to circumvent this rule.

This situation is covered by the highlighted section as I would consider it as an "attempt to circumvent this rule".

The reason for this ruling is that previous competitions have shown how poor the "Blonde massive" is at tipping and anyone choosing to pick the SP favourite for each race would undoubtedly win the competition. Of course, there is nothing to stop people explicitly selecting the favourite in each race.
I expect that some people who enter may not be in a position to enter a new set of selections each day so I'm quite happy to take (simple) instructions for choosing the horses for them based on alphabetical or numerical (or any other) considerations.

Please let me know if you need more clarification.

Shipped £25. Will PM you selections

I need to make it clear that excludes me.

I can also barely believe that people sent in selections which were alpha or numerical based, lowest or highest. Shameful.

That's a 2010 algorithm.

We've come a long way since then.

I am developing a reverse alphabetical.

people who have hosted a live tv preview should have a handicap

:)

in

In - Your efforts are appreciated sir  :)up

Stay away from my "Back the grey unless there aren't any, in which case back anything with a pokery name and if there's none of those back the top weight" (working title - patent pending) system and we'll be fine.

Seven paid entries so far.
Don't be shy; plenty of time left to enter.

Entry fees must be paid by midday on Tuesday.

Ooh, thanks for the nudge, will sort it over the weekend, thanks Vince.

Am still working on my algorithm, but it shows great promise in simulated testing. I just have to programme the misclicks in, & I'm done.

funds sent vince

thanks

Received.
Thanks.

9 paid entries so far.
http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=60495.msg1729958#msg1729958

If anyone needs my bank details, please send me a PM or post on this thread.

Closing time is midday tomorrow and the entry fee must be received by me by then.

Ooh, well nudged.

£50 SENT. One minute ago.

Thanks.

Shippèd

Sounds good, please can you pm bank details :)

In :)

Shipped

So you are all effectively playing for First place as I seem to have an uncanny knack of leading these things till Galloway pips me on the final day by pinging out some 50/1 shot to beat me!

Cheltenham wouldn't be Cheltenham if we didn't all need a 50/1 shot in the last race to get out of it.

Vince, can you release the Kral and Mr G handicaps please, surely we don't have to take them on at level weights given their previous form?

In please, have pm'd asking for bank deets.

Colchester Kev found a 50/1 winner in the last race a few years ago and would have won except he managed to bet it EW.

On current form and going I would expect a lenient mark!

Ps thx for Mr Ogier over the weekend

Mr G appears to have handicapped himself by electing to personally pick the horses for one of his selections.
However, the quality of the algorithm for his other selection should have you all worried.

Sent.

Sent with Day one picks

Sent

Good Luck everyone

17 paid entries so far and 9 submitted selections for tomorrow's races.

If you have sent me money or selections and it is not recorded on the following post, please let me know.
http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=60495.msg1729958#msg1729958


Meanwhile, there is still plenty of time left for anyone else who wishes to enter.

Entry fee and first day's selections need to be with me by midday tomorrow.

just sent the cash mate and will end the winners shortly

Day One Entries SENT.

Just to make life easy for baron spreadsheet the first race has been put back to 2.05pm...

Ooh good, gives Fred time to shovel on even more ******* money.

We now have twenty paid entries.
Of those who have paid the following have not submitted selections for today:

Biddy 62
redarmi x2

The deadline is midday so there is still plenty of time as there is for anyone else who wants to join the party.

In

seems like a good entry this year

gd lk all

Details sent.

In, pm bank details please.  Just throwing darts for my selections now, so may be a little after 12, but will send as soon I get details.

Details sent.

Money received.

As the first race has been put back, I'm going to extend the deadline to 12:30pm to allow those who have not submitted selections yet to do so.

Money received.

Rigged.

My algorithm allowed for the time of the race, as some of my selections run better earlier in the afternoon, or they like an afternoon nap at specific times. And it'll be nearly dark by the time the last race is run, & one of my selections in that race is scared of the dark.

This is outrageous.

In the unlikely event I do not come 1st & 2nd, I shall object.

Cheltenham hasnt got quite the same focus for me this year as my wife had our first baby a couple of weeks ago (thin "I got a wife and had sex" brag blah blah I know) so i have barely done any work yet after being up with baby half the night I set my alarm at 630am here in Florida to study for this comp so i hope you all appreciate the effort I put in for Blonde and let me win!!!!!

3rd place is the best available Stu. Sorry, I have an algorithm.

Last call for "Biddy 62" & Alverton.

10 minutes to go.

Just "Biddy 62" to go now.

Greetings for the Gili Isles, I have just had a few beers with the fish Amatay as we watched an amazing sunset.....now heading out on the piss with a set of head phones, iPhone and wifi to cheer things on - big day, MTOY sets the tone.

I hope there is no geo-blocking of pictures in Indonesia or I am stuck with the commentary

Good luck all

We have 22 runners and a prize pool of £550.27.
The additional 27p is a generous donation by one of the entrants.

The prizes are as follows:

1st: £330.27
2nd: £165
3rd: £55

Selections for day one are here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aia1Hxq-NDNWdDlrTlV0eFE2bVZ3SlhBZkRXMDRpeEE#gid=3


Good luck all.

27p for last?

What's tikay going to do with 27p?

Pay the bill on the 1.30 race if the result is 12.9 and 8?

do we need a password to see the doc Vince?

Not any more. :D

(Hopefully).

Sorry about that - let me know if there are still problems.

np cheers

No one else for Midnight Chase?

This is either very good news or... the other one.

Given the general standard of tipping in these competitions, probably good news. :)

Too good.

Be prepared to eat your words.

Feeeeeling good. Dubai told me, I can't lose.

After the first race:

Tipster   Total Score              
Biddy 62          12.00            
Alverton          8.25                    
bobby1           8.25                  
StuartHopkin   8.25            
redsimon           1.47                  

Temporary setback, all part of the algorithm.

First 33/1 torpedo hits the woodwork. 

Unlucky. That would have taken some catching.

Baily Green @ 33/1
£5.00  EW Single    12/03/2013 14:30:24    10.00

crossbar here :-)

After the second race:

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   15.07
bobby1   11.32
Alverton   8.25
StuartHopkin   8.25
claypole   3.07
Doobs   3.07
Eso Kral   3.07
MahoganyVic   3.07
Nico29   3.07
redarmi1   3.07
Tal   3.07
tikay1   3.07
redsimon   1.47

 ;applause;

Boom!

Tucked right in behind the leaders.

No one follows my advice.

Not even me.

More slim pickings in the third.
Current positions are:

Tipster   Total Score
bobby1   15.32
Biddy 62   15.07
Alverton   8.25
StuartHopkin   8.25
Doobs   5.69
redsimon   4.09
horseplayer   4.00
claypole   3.07
Eso Kral   3.07
MahoganyVic   3.07
Nico29   3.07
redarmi1   3.07
Tal   3.07
tikay1   3.07

Not having that.

FYP.

You should have thought of things like this when you chose your name.
atikay would have served you better in this table.

My name is Anthony.

Indeed.

After the fourth race:

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   20.32
bobby1   15.32
Doobs   10.94
horseplayer   9.00
tikay1   8.32
Alverton   8.25
StuartHopkin   8.25
Karabiner    5.25
redsimon   4.09
claypole   3.07
Eso Kral   3.07
MahoganyVic   3.07
Nico29   3.07
redarmi1   3.07
Tal   3.07
redarmi2   2.38

No change after the fifth "race".

Good each-way results for horseplayer and redsimon in the sixth.

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   23.77
horseplayer   20.00
bobby1   18.77
redsimon   13.34
tikay1   11.77
Doobs   10.94
Karabiner    8.70
Alverton   8.25
StuartHopkin   8.25
MahoganyVic   6.52
edgascoigne   3.45
claypole   3.07
Eso Kral   3.07
Nico29   3.07
redarmi1   3.07
Tal   3.07
redarmi2   2.38

The complete table after the final race of day one is:

Tipster   Total Score
horseplayer   25.00
Biddy 62   23.77
bobby1   18.77
redsimon   13.34
tikay1   11.77
Doobs   10.94
Karabiner    8.70
Alverton   8.25
StuartHopkin   8.25
MahoganyVic   6.52
edgascoigne   3.45
claypole   3.07
Eso Kral   3.07
Nico29   3.07
redarmi1   3.07
Tal   3.07
tikay2   2.50
redarmi2   2.38
MTT DESTROYER   0.00
Simon  Galloway1   0.00
Simon  Galloway2   0.00
typhoon13    0.00

three that traded short two of those win and we have a nice cushion

never mind

Remember that I need to receive your next selections by midday tomorrow.

In the event that I do not receive a person's selections on time, I will randomly choose them for you.

Oh dear what a start i've made in this comp.

Will have to start swinging for the fences soon at this rate.

Not having that. FYP

I see Galloway is held up for another late run.

Double handful here

ha ha thought i would be miles in front.What you horsey last winner?

no winners just 3 placed at massive prices

There has been an objection with regard to the last race which I have considered and accepted.

The table now reads:

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   57.77
horseplayer   25.00
bobby1   18.77
redsimon   13.34
tikay1   11.77
Doobs   10.94
Karabiner    8.70
Alverton   8.25
StuartHopkin   8.25
MahoganyVic   6.52
edgascoigne   3.45
claypole   3.07
Eso Kral   3.07
Nico29   3.07
redarmi1   3.07
Tal   3.07
tikay2   2.50
redarmi2   2.38
MTT DESTROYER   0.00
Simon  Galloway1   0.00
Simon  Galloway2   0.00
typhoon13    0.00



Remember that entries must reach me by midday each day or I will select a random horse in each race for you.

8 entries are outstanding for today.

See: http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=60495.msg1729958#msg1729958

You have 30 minutes left.

Bugger, clean forgot, sorry!

Will fire up the algo now.

stewards stewards!!

only joking :)

It is in everyone's best interests to let him implement his "algorithm".
My random picks would almost certainly fare rather better. :)

SENT

All entries received and entered.
The spreadsheet will be updated momentarily.

I would remind you that I am crushing Galloway & Typhoon. Did they actually SEND any entries, or were they all just useless?

I will let them use my selections if they wish. Got some snorters today, been researching them all night.

Today's selections are available for perusal.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aia1Hxq-NDNWdDlrTlV0eFE2bVZ3SlhBZkRXMDRpeEE#gid=4


Please let me know of any errors at the first possible opportunity.

Just letting you get your hopes up before i pounce.

Everything under control.

Don't panic Mr Mannering, dont panic dont panic dont panic

Well hello........

Numerical algo working again?

Plenty of people on the winner in the first:

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   64.27
horseplayer   31.50
bobby1   25.27
tikay1   18.27
Doobs   17.44
Karabiner    15.20
redsimon   13.34
StuartHopkin   11.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Tal   9.57
redarmi2   8.88
Alverton   8.25
MahoganyVic   6.52
tikay2   5.50
edgascoigne   3.45
claypole   3.07
Nico29   3.07

MUCH more sophisticated this year, Phil.

Got a Spectrum Computer churning out stats 24/7.

Had 1st and 2nd there, bit of a disappointment really.

I think the mistake you made was not using the alphabetical algo for your 2nd selection. ;)

Exactly, I used Reverse Mode in error.

lol

You lot got lucky there

A few people on "The New One" in the second:

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   64.27
horseplayer   31.50
bobby1   25.27
StuartHopkin   20.25
tikay1   18.27
Doobs   17.44
Karabiner    15.20
redsimon   13.34
MahoganyVic   12.90
claypole   12.07
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Tal   9.57
MTT DESTROYER   9.00
Alverton   8.25
tikay2   7.75
edgascoigne   3.45
Nico29   3.07

No change after the third.
"Boston Bob" was looking good for a few of you.

A few of you got lucky with Sprinter Sacre in the fourth:

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   66.77
horseplayer   34.00
bobby1   27.77
tikay1   20.77
StuartHopkin   20.25
Doobs   19.94
Karabiner    17.70
claypole   14.57
redsimon   13.34
MahoganyVic   12.90
Alverton   10.75
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Tal   9.57
MTT DESTROYER   9.00
tikay2   7.75
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45

Just two cashes in the fifth:

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   66.77
horseplayer   34.00
bobby1   27.77
tikay1   20.77
StuartHopkin   20.25
Doobs   19.94
Karabiner    17.70
MTT DESTROYER   15.00
claypole   14.57
redsimon   13.34
MahoganyVic   12.90
tikay2   11.25
Alverton   10.75
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Tal   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45

Who was the other one, please?

:)

You wish.

The sixth was a good race for backers of "Flaxen Flare":

Tipster   Total Score
Biddy 62   66.77
MTT DESTROYER   48.25
horseplayer   34.00
bobby1   27.77
tikay1   20.77
StuartHopkin   20.25
Doobs   19.94
Karabiner    17.70
claypole   14.57
redsimon   13.34
MahoganyVic   12.90
tikay2   11.25
Alverton   10.75
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Tal   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45

Very well done MTT DESTROYER

Great day sir

Remarkable.

At the end of the second day the complete table is:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   81.50
Biddy 62   66.77
horseplayer   34.00
bobby1   27.77
tikay1   20.77
StuartHopkin   20.25
Doobs   19.94
Karabiner    17.70
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
Alverton   13.50
MahoganyVic   12.90
Tal   12.82
tikay2   11.25
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45
typhoon13    3.25
Simon  Galloway1   0.00
Simon  Galloway2   0.00

All coming along according to plan.

If I understand things correctly, the Cross Country Handicap Chase (cancelled on Tuesday) has been rescheduled for tomorrow.
It will be counted for the purposes of this competition.
You are free to pick a new horse for this race or I will use the selection provided on Tuesday.


Entries for all races should be sent to me by midday tomorrow.

Are you using a new rope-a-dope algorithm this year?

I bet on a horse called a bottle of smoke.

(Pogues fans will get that one..)

Wow Mtt, bet you didnt expect Ruby to be 25's in last. Well done.

I liked the pogues but only ever owned the album with fairy-tale of NY on it.

So you pretty-much whooshed me there although the title would have certainly appealed to my instincts wayyyyy back when ;)

worth a look on youtube Ralph, might have to listen to it a couple of times to catch the lyrics, but you will get the idea. 

Cliffs:

He went to the races
A 25/1 shot was involved
It finished strongly

Im not going to lie, im picking randomly haha. 

Disgraceful.

Anyone who makes their selections randomly should be disqualified.

Bloody amateurs.

You should take a leaf out of the Pro's books. Do you think horseracing  legends like Simon Galloway make their selections randomly?

Got 'em right where I want them...

The danger is behind you, not in front.

Does the charity race at 545 count for this comp? Forgot to ask and haven't put a selection in, presuming it doesn't?

Yes, it doesn't count.

For the old and infirm (and any one else who has not yet entered), there is less than an hour to get your selections in for today's racing.

http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=60495.msg1729958#msg1729958


The deadline is midday.
I will randomly pick selections (win only) for anyone who fails to submit their selections on time.

FML.

My bank of computers are at max CPU as they work through my algorithms.

Nearly done actually, just the Kim Muir & the Glenfarclas to be finished.

I may Post my selections on the Thread, too, to assist folks like typhoon & Galloway.

SENT, with hours to spare.

0.5 hours to be precise.

Can you give me 23 tips for the Kim Muir?  My alogrithm can take care of it from there.

That post will be too subtle for him. :)

 :D

Day 3 selections are now available:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aia1Hxq-NDNWdDlrTlV0eFE2bVZ3SlhBZkRXMDRpeEE#gid=5


If redarmi's tips don't seem as solid as usual it will be because I have randomly selected them for him.


Good luck all.

horseplayer has Benefficient in the first:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   81.50
Biddy 62   66.77
horseplayer   61.00
bobby1   27.77
tikay1   20.77
StuartHopkin   20.25
Doobs   19.94
Karabiner    17.70
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
Alverton   13.50
MahoganyVic   12.90
Tal   12.82
tikay2   11.25
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45
typhoon13    3.25

horseyyyyyyyyyyy!

that horse is so game

shame i doubted its class for today in actually backing it

+1

StuartHopkin is the only person to cash in the second.
Unlucky to all those that were on Captain Sunshine.

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   81.50
Biddy 62   66.77
horseplayer   61.00
bobby1   27.77
StuartHopkin   22.75
tikay1   20.77
Doobs   19.94
Karabiner    17.70
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
Alverton   13.50
MahoganyVic   12.90
Tal   12.82
tikay2   11.25
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45
typhoon13    3.25

Ha, 20 of us and we could not find the winner between us, then Hopkin of all people gets a place for the rubs.

imagine being on the 2nd and getting out shouted up the str8 by a 5 year old boy who backed the winner. He is now going to learn about the person that stakes you gets some of the returns. :)

By my reckoning, £660 staked for a return of £441.49 so far.
Most inspiring.

Should cover your time, Mere, right?

;)

I just wait until you all tip every horse but one in a race.
Then I mortgage the house and back the one that's left.
That's what is called a system.

Wonder if any of us were sufficiently astute to select Cue Card?

Six people had Cue Card to win.

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   90.50
Biddy 62   75.77
horseplayer   61.00
StuartHopkin   31.75
tikay1   29.77
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
Alverton   22.50
Karabiner    17.70
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
Tal   12.82
tikay2   11.25
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45
typhoon13    3.25

Bugger. Did you tell them my selection?

Simon Galloway does a Rory and storms off the course.

As they say in the trade, close enough if good enough.

Only very old & wise people would have selected Solwhit.

The wiser had him to win.

After 4 races:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   90.50
Biddy 62   75.77
horseplayer   61.00
Karabiner    36.70
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   29.77
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
Tal   16.07
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45
typhoon13    3.25

horseplayer and Biddy 62 have each-way success in the fifth:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   90.50
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   67.00
Karabiner    36.70
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   29.77
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
Tal   16.07
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
edgascoigne   3.45
typhoon13    3.25

edgascoigne is the only person to cash in the sixth:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   90.50
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   67.00
Karabiner    36.70
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   29.77
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
Tal   16.07
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
edgascoigne   6.45
Nico29   5.57
typhoon13    3.25

Just pipped

Apologies for the delay with the result of the final race of the day.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/uk-ireland/results and https://gg.com/racing/ do not yet have the result.


I'll update the results as soon as I see something definitive.

C'mon the Big Shu

Puts me nicely into place for the last day

Everything still going to plan

Cant here Teeks chirping nowwwww

Nice one.

Here is the complete table after day 3:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   90.50
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   70.25
Karabiner    36.70
edgascoigne   36.45
StuartHopkin   35.00
typhoon13    33.25
tikay1   29.77
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
Tal   16.07
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
Simon  Galloway1   0.00
Simon  Galloway2   0.00

should be a good last day

The same rules apply for tomorrow.

Entries need to be in by midday.
If I do not receive an entry I will make win only selections at random.

I made 14 random selections today and returned not a single penny.

Good luck everyone.

You are not alone.

You said you had a system FFS......oh well sadly I wouldnt have done any better on my own.

AND you go ahead of me.

Beginners luck, IMO.

Thankfully, I can rely on Galloway not to do the same.

I try giving some money back from the last few of these and get ridiculed.

OK, well no blubbing when a 100/1 scud missile comes flying past you all in the last tomorrow!

Just nudging along for now. Going for the persuader tomorrow ;)

My grand plan reaches it's epic conclusion today.

Entries SENT.

Please keep 50% of my "Cheltenham Tipster" Winnings as a "thank you" for running this. You deserve nothing less.

mere what is 50% of £0 please?

The Met. Office kindly lent me some time on their super-computer to work that one out.
The answer it came up with is "Sweet FA".

25 minutes left for outstanding entries.

http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=60495.msg1729958#msg1729958

10 minutes to go.
4 entries left.

Today's selections are now available.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aia1Hxq-NDNWdDlrTlV0eFE2bVZ3SlhBZkRXMDRpeEE#gid=6


claypole and StuartHopkin have "benefited" from my random selections.

Good luck everyone.

Some proper gamblers here today.

"Each way is for losers" they cry!

lots of different selections there

could be all change all change

Prrrrretty much hoping so....

Looks like everyone is going for it today.

Will be some big swings here, should make a good afternoon.

Good Luck to you all

Best of luck everyone it's been emotional.

This pony has been one of my best investments for the festival as it's given me something to funk for in every race without having to resort to loose tenners here there and everywhere.

Once again a superb job by Baron Spreadsheet  ;hattip;

Aye ayeeeeee!

Four of you were on the winner in the first race:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   100.50
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   70.25
Karabiner    46.70
edgascoigne   36.45
StuartHopkin   35.00
typhoon13    33.25
tikay1   29.77
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
Tal   26.07
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Simon  Galloway1   10.00
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
Simon  Galloway2   0.00


Mr. Galloway's "algorithm" has just kicked into gear.
Be afraid; be very afraid.

No change after the second. :)

Three people on the short-priced winner in the third race:

MTT DESTROYER   105.25
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   70.25
Karabiner    46.70
edgascoigne   36.45
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   34.52
typhoon13    33.25
Tal   30.82
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Simon  Galloway1   10.00
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
Simon  Galloway2   0.00

They've all got the whip out while I'm nursing him into position.


On reflection, that sounds a lot more sexual than I intended.

Lolz as if worm is winning this. So sick.

Norton's Coin in the next.

Wayward Prince would give you a nice lead if it comes in.
About time for another 100/1 shot?

Trust me, I'm much happier with the actual result :D

After the Gold Cup:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   105.25
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   71.88
Karabiner    46.70
edgascoigne   43.95
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   34.52
typhoon13    33.25
Tal   30.82
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Simon  Galloway1   10.00
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
Simon  Galloway2   0.00

This is where the real fun begins

you had a bit more on it than you realised, too :-)

wiiiiiii :)

No cashes in the fifth race so it's as you were.

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   105.25
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   71.88
Karabiner    46.70
edgascoigne   43.95
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   34.52
typhoon13    33.25
Tal   30.82
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Simon  Galloway1   10.00
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
Simon  Galloway2   0.00

horseplayer was the only tipster to cash in the sixth race:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   105.25
Biddy 62   78.77
horseplayer   74.88
Karabiner    46.70
edgascoigne   43.95
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   34.52
typhoon13    33.25
Tal   30.82
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Simon  Galloway1   10.00
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
Simon  Galloway2   0.00

the late gamble scuppered my chances of second i fear

got stopped twice as well

Fancy some Drumshambo for a giggle, typhoon?

Could put us in contention

Drumshambo would put us in an ebullient mood

I'll have a glass of that please..

Just cracked a Shiraz for this evening Ralph

fyp.

The sun's not quite over the yard-arm down my way Trevor but it won't be long now.

That concludes the fun and frivolities for this year's Cheltenham Festival.

The final table is:

Tipster   Total Score
MTT DESTROYER   113.25
Biddy 62   86.77
horseplayer   74.88
Karabiner    46.70
edgascoigne   43.95
StuartHopkin   35.00
tikay1   34.52
typhoon13    33.25
Tal   30.82
Doobs   28.94
bobby1   27.77
tikay2   23.88
Alverton   22.50
redsimon   16.59
claypole   14.57
MahoganyVic   12.90
redarmi2   10.25
Simon  Galloway1   10.00
Eso Kral   9.57
redarmi1   9.57
Nico29   5.57
Simon  Galloway2   0.00

well done guys

Well done, MTT, Biddy and horseplayer and thank you, as ever, to mereorganiser.

The winners are as follows:

1st: £330.27   MTT DESTROYER
2nd: £165       Biddy 62
3rd: £55         horseplayer


I'll wait until later this evening to allow people to validate the results and raise any objections.
I will then PM the winners assuming that the Cabernet Sauvignon doesn't get to me first.

I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who took part and congratulations to our three winners - very well done.

Well done guys.

Pure bubbled again :(

Thank you to MereNov for a professionally run comp, much appreciated!

Congrats to all the winners, well deserved.

Mega thank you to Vince for running the competition in his usual faultless manner, thanks

well done winners and cheers for running the comp Vince

Some statistics that may be of interest.

If we had been using real money to place bets, we would have bet £1,188 for a return of £691.24.
Each tipster would have invested £54 and only the top three tipsters returned more than that, i.e. made a profit.

If you had placed a "win only" bet on the SP favourite in each race you would have returned £47.02 and if you had placed an each-way bet on the SP favourite you would have returned £49.58. This would have made a small loss on the festival and would have placed you in fifth and fourth place in the final table, respectively.

Interesting, isn't it? :)

it is

thanks for running this again mere its appreciated

Fantastic effort Mere and well done to all winners.

Thanks for all the generous comments on this thread and by PM.

VERY interestring, Vince.

Extraordinary reality check that 85% of us would have done better if we had just said "Favourite".

Thanks again for organising, managing & running this with such efficiency, humour, & a lovely light but firm touch.

Baron Spreadsaheet, indeed, as a very aged Gentlemen said earlier.

Well run Vince. Well held on Mtt, nice 3rrd Horsey.

Better in terms of finishing position, but not in terms of the comp!  It's a bit like an mtt with 9 places paid, altering strategy so that rather than losing a critical flip for a FT stack and coming 15th, you do something else which means you come in 11th.  Better, but no difference.

Enough darts get thrown where someone is going to hit a longshot.  Trying to overtake them while going e/w on Sprinter Sacre might be hard going.  Enough people had the right idea on the final day, if you are 50 pts behind the leader, choosing 4/1 shots in each race guarantees that you don't win the competition.

Thanks for running the comp Mere-great effort, kinda wish i'd sent in late/or not sent in my entry everyday and got the random picks you promised for such entries, I could not have done any worse! :)

I made 28 random selections during the competition and returned not a single penny. :)

Not as easy as it sounds, Vince, it somewhat reminds me of Les Dawson playing the piano badly.

Making random selections is as easy as it sounds. :)

But tough to continually check for inadvertent bias to your RNG...

I had it validated by Alderney GCC.  ;)

Stats are on selections made when a big % of the field are trying to shoot for the stars to catch a clear leader at the top, as an example I picked big prices for the comp  in almost all the races yesterday but only had a bet on one of them. If there had been a load of people still in with a chance for the last 2 days the selections of most would  have been different but MTT lived up to his name and destroyed the field with two big priced winners on day 2 so it became going for gold time if you were behind from then.