TIPSTERS AND TIPPING 305 



wanted to pay the training bills. In dealing with 

 horses I always much prefer those belonging to 

 people whom I don't know or care for, so that one 

 can express an absolutely fearless opinion. Right 

 or wrong, unless a man is prepared to say 

 emphatically what he means and thinks, he is not 

 worth his salt as a tipster. 



I have been for years, and am still, giving 

 predictions both daily and weekly. In the latter, 

 of course, one is seriously handicapped, for radical 

 changes constantly happen with startling sudden- 

 ness in turf affairs, and nothing is more sensitive 

 than our betting market ; thus what appeared 

 common-sense overnight reads ridiculously the next 

 morning. Horses miss their engagements, even 

 after arrival, for a thousand and one reasons — not 

 always apparent. Owners change their intentions, 

 because of inability to place the commission, or to 

 obtain a certain jockey's services ; some slight 

 mishap to the horse may alter everything at the 

 last moment. I always glance hurriedly over the 

 Calendar on Thursday if then practicable, marking 

 such events as seem advisable to speculate upon. If 

 opportunity occurs to revise this after a subsequent 

 day's running, which probably alters matters, so 

 much the better. 



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