Weds 27th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1084 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Daily challenge golf bets are 6/22 and 68% returns. Just so you know prior to today's bets. That's the thing about golf though – losing runs and occasional big priced winners. Still, it's the only losing sport on here and only fair to warn any newcomers.

I've caught Michael Campbell playing a few shots over the last few weeks, and he really looks like a player getting back into the swing. This course and the weather should help. I've played a few match bets as well as outright to try to limit the damages, though it does mean we are getting stung on the overround each time.

Campbell £3 ew at 50/1
Campbell £8 beat Dyson at 9/10
Campbell £8 beat O Fisher at 10/11
Campbell £8 beat Jaquelin at Evens

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2872 – Tipsarevic yet to play - accounted)
Still in good shape. I'm not sure about short priced football teams to be honest, but the Arsenal price is perfectly fair and maybe has too much of Fulham's win in it.

1. Tennis Tipsarevic beat Warburg £250 at 1.24 c/over

2. Tennis Srebotnik beat Muesberger £250 at 1.17

3. Arsenal beat FC Twente £250 at 1/4

Tuesday 26th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1084 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Nothing appeals today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2839)
4/4 on the horses yesterday – Warwick, Ripon, Cartmel and Huntingdon! Which puts us a bet ahead on the week already. Be nice not to give it up too quickly.

I forgot to mention a bet in-running on Sunday. When Noble was sent off for West Ham I dutched City to win and a 0-0 draw at 1.27. Looks a possible new avenue worth exploring, though I struggle to get a handle on true odds in such situations.

1. Tennis Tipsarevic beat Warburg £250 at 1.24

2. Tennis Radwanska beat Shedova £250 at 1.13

Monday 25th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1109 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Nothing like spending a Sunday in bank holiday traffic jams to make you want to get back in the saddle!

US Open tennis.

The men's tournament had me chewing my front trotter off after about half an hour so I've swerved it entirely.

The women's tournament looks even more unfathomable but it does have an interesting shape to it. The 4^th quarter looks a decent place to be. The shrewdies hate Jankovic and have given up on her ever winning a slam. I tend to agree on the whole – all that injury nonsense is a sure sign of mental fragility. On the other hand she is second best rated in the world and that's because she usually goes deep in a tournament. The two in her draw who could trouble her play each other early on, but should they beat her in round 3 could then have a real good run to the final – with Kuznetsova off form and Dementieva surely due a letdown after Beijing. Anyway, enough prattle – here's the portfolio. The bookies let me down badly in accepting bets and I ended up adding Safina to make up the stakes – how amateur is that!

Jankovic £15 win 4^th quarter at 13/8
Safina £5 win outright at 6/1
Wozniacki £2 ew at 66/1
Azarenka £1 ew at 28/1 (33/1 available but the Tote would only allow me £6 – risible)

For the horses I'll probably continue with Many Volumes, who looks likely to drift this afternoon.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2500)
12/17 last week – hopeless and £400 down on the week. Gonna take some time to get back to the new benchmark.

Some racing opportunities today maybe.

1. Tennis Azarenka beat Zakopolova £250 at 1.1

Sunday 24th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1074 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Three wheels on my waggon...!

I was due a kick in the arse. I can't help feeling York being abandoned may have been a blessing in disguise. And at least it was Fulham that dented the Arsenal bet!

And, in reality all that's happened is I've given back August's profits so far, so a sense of proportion required, and in times of yore a betting day like yesterday would have spanked me way harder, so the staking strategy I was moaning about midweek proved its mettle again.

I'll adopt usual tactics and have a day or two off. A steam fair in Shrewsbury should be sufficient to get the enthusiasm back!.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2709)
Racing kept me in the game – after a terrible week – although Petara Bay nearly scuppered one late play. That hedge on Veronica Campbell has helped staunch the losses as well. The Olympics started well but the athletics caught me out big time.

Saturday 23rd August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1104 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

The racing looks remarkably uncompetitive today. I may look silly saying that later! Hard to find obvious bets though, so I'll do my old stand-by of doubles.

Patkai/Sanbuch/Bankable/Winker Watson/New Approach 10x £2 doubles
(add Ravens Pass/Duke of Marmalade) 4 x £1 fivefolds
The top 5 plus Dobriskey (see below) £1 sixfold

Dobriskey runs in the women's 1500m later and has a finishing kick that is hardly associated with British distance runners. I think she'll grab a place. But I'll aim higher and back her without the fave.

£5 Dobriskey w/out Jamal at 3/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2746)
3 losers in the last 6 bets has the look of a Wall Street crash in this fund. The first real testing time for the fund!

1. Vlasic win women's high jump £290 at 1.19

2. Dutch Ravens Pass/Bankable £290 at 1.17

3. Dutch New Approach/Duke of Marmalade £290 at 1.22

Friday 22nd August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1097 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

Yorkshire Oaks. I thought Lush Lashes would get the trip fine in the Oaks, so am inclined to forgive her. Besides there may not be much pace here – let's hope Manning doesn't mess up again. Michita is very solid and I don't like Passage of Time despite her last two races. Dar Re Mi is worth a go in this class, but for me we can get with the front two at a fair price. I'll try to land a treble with the other carried over races.

£24 dutch Lush Lashes and Michita at 1.5
£6x1 trebles Lush Lashes/Michita/Equiano/Bauer/Milne Graden/Yellowstone

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £3036)
What chance Jamaica drop the baton in the two 4x100m sprints? That's the only obvious way they'll lose. Surely less than 10% despite GB/US examples yesterday. I have a feeling the 1.17 available is decent, though rain would put me off.

Thursday 21st August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1127 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

Allyson Felix definitely looks injured. I wouldn't blame anyone for getting out of that bet, although she still looks at least second best. Personally I'm going to hedge with Veronica Campbell in the barking bets fund.

Tomorrow looks like a racing day, so we'll do Saturday's football today.

Blackburn are 4/6 with Ladbrokes to beat Hull. They seem very keen to get the team, which is a worry, as my ratings have Blackburn priced at 1.5 for this. I think they are betting on apparent unrest in the camp, rather than beief in Hull. Fulham should have been away and gone after half an hour last week, whilst Blackburn got a great result at Everton. Hull's away form last season was very poor, and I'd say there's a considerable class gap here. I'll go against Ladbrokes.

I think we'll do an accumulator every weekend as well this season, though last week may be the closest we get!

Blackburn beat Hull £25 win at 4/6
Blackburn/Southend/Plymouth/Barnet £2.50 win acc at 20/1+

(For Jonah – Chester – heavy ground, poor horses, good luck with that project! The Racing Post seems all over him like a rash but the only horse that appeals is Leslingtaylor. I've always liked him and he should enjoy the conditions. Say £2.50 win at 11/2 for interest's sake! Have a good night.)

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2692)
I forgot to account for Lolo Jones yesterday – that hurt – went 1:01 in-running – but Gail Devers managed the same feat twice so I should have guessed. Strange that I'll play the same event today!

1. Robles £290 win 110m Hurdes at 1.2

2. Veronica campbell £290 at evens (If Felix wins these losses are accounted against that)

Weds 20th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1157 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

I was going to have this as a barking bet, but given the continued absence of York, let's move it up as the main bet.

Usain Bolt will win today. But break the world record? I doubt it. Even if he gets the wind; even if he isn't tired from all the races AND the attention; even if he actually runs through the line; even if someone makes a race of it, and even if he improves his bend running I still think he'll come up short. For now. And so does Michael Johnson. And frankly, if you've been paying attention over the last few years that should be enough.

Usain Bolt not to break 200m world record £30 at 1.35+

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2907)
Damn – back where we started the week.

Three potential races in half an hour this evening –
Newton Abbott 6:40 and 7:10, and Folkestone 6:25

Tuesday 19th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1121 – 5 bets inplay – accounted)

On Weds of Cheltenham I was due to go with a friend. He was halfway there before it was called off. Today he is halfway to York. Now that's bad luck!

No bet today now. We have some interest in the athletics today – and a probably forlorn hope that Sanya Richards ties up. Since I've learnt that Michael Johnson has been helping her I've lost confidence in that bet – but do think Uhurogou's a tough opponent.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £3155)
Another couple of wins in the Olympics yesterday. We've doubled our money now - which is nice!

1. Possible bets at Nottingham dogs tonight 8:00 and 8:15

Monday 18th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1146 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

I'll stick with the Olympics on a quiet day today.

Allyson Felix looked special last year. She joined that special group in my mind's eye of runners who look graceful and effortless – Coe, Gabrielselassie, Pietro Mennea. I was convinced she'd become a great and was getting ready to bet accordingly. Then I caught her a couple of times on eurosport last month and she looked sluggish and off-form. She has run a good time recently though, and I think at the prices I'm going to stick with my earlier memories. That hasn't been the best of ideas so far – Kelly, Nicole (Sanders) and Paula have all shown the rather obvious need for form.

So, let's back her up with someone in the form of his life, who could just grab a bronze and, in a very messy event – who knows.

Felix win 200m £19 win at 11/8
Baddeley 1500m £2 ew at 33/1
£1 ew double

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £3061)
A couple of good plays in the athletics got me off to a good start for the week. The prices have been very attractive.

1. Mens team track pursuit - £290 GB at 1.08

Sunday 17th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1149 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

Really good run lately. I don't feel I've made enough of it – but then my staking strategy is bound to seem hopelessly conservative in good times and it's important to remember what it saves me through the bad times.

I've already had my bet for today – the Chinese women in the quadruple skulls, which was a remarkable example of patriotic prices skewing the market. I was close to doing them as a barking bet at 1.3 after the heats, and they were 1.9 at the off in the face of a Great Britain challenge and Steven Redgrave hype. He's plainly not as good a judge as Michael Johnson who actually predicted Bolt's finishing time yesterday – now that's top topping!

I probably should now sit out the rest of the day but the football has drawn me in. We'll blame Billy if it all goes Pete Tong.

Aston Villa are only a fair price on my ratings to win today, given that I missed the evens that was available earlier in the week. However, if you overlay the almost certain improvement O'Neill will squeeze out of them, and the almost certain implosion of City (one of the worst run clubs imaginable) then 5/6 looks fair enough.

We'll split bets with Chelsea. Who always seem to be drawing at half time in their matches at home, (not far off 50% in the last few seasons) before winning second half. Portsmouth are more than capable of keeping it tight.

Aston Villa £15 win at 5/6
Chelsea £12.50 draw half-time at 7/4 (15/8 is available for some)
£2.50 Draw/Chelsea at 7/2

“Barking Bets” (Banked £875/Current bank £2905)
Bolt landed us a double whammy and pulled me into profit for the week. I banked a modest £100 and am now up to £290 per bet. Can't find one today though – should have done Rebecca Romero but was too busy chewing a chocolate criossant.

Saturday 16th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1025 – 5 bets inplay – accounted)

Sadly we can forget Kelly – I did warn you it was a lovebet!

Already some bets running on – Chris Hoy and football. Let's add some racing.

Newbury 2:40.
Sixties Icon is a favourite of mine and has done well for this blog over the last couple of years. A little worried about the going and with Geordieland skewing the win market we can keep a couple of tough soft ground horses on side as well.

Newbury 3:15
Paco Boy looks a legitimate favourite here, with no obvious reason why those he beat last time should fare any better. However, this is Welsh Emperor's race, and it does look like he could get the soft lead he needs. We can back them both at odds against.

£12 dutch Sixties Icon/Tempelstern/Peppertree Lane at 6/4ish
£15 dutch Paco Boy and Welsh Emperor at 5/4ish
£3 win double Sixties Icon and Paco Boy at 10/1ish

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2785 – mens 100m unaccounted)
Another racing loser yesterday – wipes out most the good work of the week, and makes Usain Bolt somewhat key to the week – especially as I'm going in again!

1. Mens 100m – Bolt £275 at 1.3

Friday 15th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1080 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Olympics again today:

Firstly cycling.
The Keirin is supposed to be chaos. Strange then that Chris Hoy has won the last 20odd races he's been in. That makes 5/6 look big.

Hoy £13 win Keirin at 5/6

Secondly the women's 400m.
As with Asafa Powell this bet is on the basis Sanya Richards chokes on the big occasion. In particular with this event she seems to struggle when she has to run heats and semis. I'm going to lay her and cover the English girls for a patriotic top-up. I'm a big fan of Nicola Sanders but she hasn't had the best of preps.

Lay Sanya Richards for the 400m to lose £10 at 1.4ish
Uhurogu £1 win at 14/1
Sanders £1 win at 33/1

Tomorrow could be busy so let's get the weekend football out of the way as well.

There's possibilities in each division. Middlesbrough could be a bet to beat Spurs. Or Spurs a lay – after all they only won away from home three times last year, and are yet again priced on hype over substance. Chester look in disarray and Wycombe could profit. The two we're going to play though are:

Sheff Utd to beat QPR. The latter look the new Spurs when it comes to expectation over experience. The prices are based on their supposed resurgence rather than on last year's form. I'll stick with the form.

Brighton to beat Bristol Rovers. I'm obviously a big Micky Adams fan. He did the job before for Brighton and I'll take him to do it again. Rovers are in freefall and clear bottom of the league on my ratings. Brighton's main striker is injured so let's cover 0-0.

Sheff Utd £14 win at 13/10
Brighton £12 win at 4/5
£2 0-0 at 10/1
£2 four fold – Sheff Utd/Brighton/Middlesbrough/Wycombe at 25/1ish

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2918 – mens 100m unaccounted)
A loser yesterday – definitely due.
Possible races today – 2:20 Newbury; 2:00 Kempton and 4:15 Kempton.

Thursday 14th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1070 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Let's split bets again today.

1. Olympics. A lovebet this to be honest, but I've backed Kelly Sotherton virtually every major championship she's been in and she's always grabbed a medal. Looks like it will be close again, and more javelin agony no doubt. Evens is fair though.

Kelly Sotherton £12.50 to win a medal at evens

2. Salisbury 4:15. Third Set could be Godolphin's new flagbearer – god knows what they've done with all the others – but the going won't help today. A striking aspect of this race is that Hannon trains both the horses likely to put the pace to the race, and both look to have cracking chances in their own right. Ridden sensibly there's every chance the two could stack this field up. I'm split between backing them both, or Ordnance Row to place. Possible non runners, particularly taking field below 8, and the exact state of going will decide. For here I'll go:

Redolent £5 win at 11/2
Ordnance Row £5 win at 6/1
£1.25 rev forecast

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £3121)
Seem to be choosing well so far this week – which is probably a case of riding luck because I'm fairly sure I should have sat out some of the plays.

1. Men's 100m £275 dutch Gay and Bolt at 1.43 (Powell has a very poor championship record)

2. Possible plays 2:00 and 3:05 Salisbury

Weds 13th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1100 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

An unusual bet (for me) today. Here's Arsenal's first ten fixtures:
West Brom (h)
Fulham (a)
Newcastle (h)
Blackburn (a)
Bolton (a)
Hull (h)
Sunderland (a)
Everton (h)
West Ham (a)
Spurs (h)

Last year they also had a softish start to their campaign and they started well only for the tougher fixtures and a thin squad to tell later on. I expect the same this year. Plus Man Utd may well start slowly with their injury worries.

Anyway, here's the bet. Back Arsenal now for the title, and then lay out entirely after around ten games. They are a shade over 5/1 now and hopefully we'll be able to get out under 3/1.

Trade: Arsenal £30 win at 5/1+

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2979)
Possibles Yarmouth 2:20 and Beverley 4:50 – the listed race at Salisbury could also have potential. Probably no bet though – we're effectively one bet ahead this week so far and in no rush.

Tuesday 12th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1100 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Another no bet day.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2957)

Anne was badgering me to do a couple of chores I've been avoiding so I ended up playing all the events I was in two minds about yesterday, just to keep out the way! Turned out well, and I added Phelps overnight at what looked a big 1.11. Radwanska won for us yesterday yet again, and I guess we dodged a bullet as she lost today in a similar match.

1. Possible 2:30 Lingfield – Dutch front two.

Monday 11th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1100 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th in the golf. At least a couple were each way.

Fair play to Harrington who reminds me of Rooster Booster. Years of coming second, and then suddenly he seems to discover where the winning line is! Garcia looks destined never to win a major (though I would have said that about Harrington about 13 months ago).

No bet today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2660)
I was tempted by England for the cricket but will stay out. Zilcash looked a sick horse last time out and has 4 credible challengers – a possible lay, but King's horses are tricky in first time blinkers. Probably sit out today.

Sunday 10th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1081 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Golf update: No option but to sit and wait and play later.

Arlington Million sounded like a soft lead race – disappointing. Football kicked off better. Maybe I should have trusted myself and piled on Southend. I still think a certain caution will be useful early doors, so we'll split bets again today.

Marchand D'Or should win today – this is his track and he won very cheekily last time. 5/4 is the right price I'd say. We should probably keep US Ranger onside – you know why – but I'll stick with the fave.

Football – Reading have kept most of their players, so their rating should hold up. These players bossed this league two seasons ago. Forest are stepping up, and have injury problems. I thought Reading should be 5/4.

Marchand Dor £11 win at 11/8
Reading £11 win at 6/4
£3 double

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2660)
A couple of winners yesterday.

1. Tennis – Radwanska beat Chan £275 at 1.17

Saturday 9th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1095 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Golf update: Garcia and Stenson still in the mix and it looks wide open. We'll top up with another slew of arrers and see where we are this time tomorrow.

O'Hair £1.50 at 20/1
Toms £1.50 at 25/1
Baddeley £1.50 at 22/1
Poulter £1 at 125/1
Trahan £1 at 80/1
Michael Campbell £1 at 180/1

Racing:
The Shergar Cup isn't a betting event for me, and with all the rain about I'll be keeping it quiet all day. The one race we can attack with verve and gusto is the Arlington Million. I don't know the American horses, but looking through the form there really doesn't seem much to worry the two raiders. I prefer Archipenko of the two, but we're in O'Brien land again, and angels fear to tread there.

Arlington Million: £25 dutch Archipenko and Mount Nelson at around 8/11

Football:
Here we go at last! I looked back over last year's postings and it was a useful reminder to treat my ratings with caution for the first few games. The odds compilers really take into account transfer activity in a way my ratings can't. I'd guess they probably overreact, but I'll still tread quietly for a few weeks.

Southend for example are being labelled a selling club, and Peterborough a buying club, and the odds today reflect that. My ratings though have Southend odds on for this match. Last year I'd have steamed in and paid the price. This year I'll still play but let's spread the love by including two other teams clear on ratings but who presumably have not done a lot pre season.

Southend beat Peterborough £8 at 11/8
Carlisle beat Bristol Rovers £8 at 2/1
Rochdale beat Grimsby £8 at 7/4
£1 treble

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2490)
I got back from London just in time to get stuck into the Haydock maiden. A hungover mistake I feel cross with myself for! And one that's ruined this week.

I'll be careful today.
Possibly 2:35 Haydock Dutch Smokey Oakey/Multidimensional and Flying Clarets (soft lead).
Other possible races – Redcar 4:10; Lingfield 5:40 and 6:10; and Ayr 6:20.

A long day!

Weds 6th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1133 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

I'm off for a couple of days after today – back to London for one hour's work, then off with old mates to Sandown for the racing and then a hungover game of tennis. Nice.

So, and this is something of a damp squib, here's my Olympics bet. I think there will be ample opportunities for barking bets throughout but this is the only outright bet I ended up with. I'll play it up here rather than in the barking section despite short odds.

The only thing that is crystal clear is China's utter determination to top the medals table. They have been plotting for 8 years to gain most golds, and though the price looks terrible at first glance, I think it's a safe bet. In particular I think we are going to see some decidedly dodgy results in all events that are marked by judges. Don't however be tempted into the most medals market at better prices. USA major in events where they can often pick up more than one medal (eg athletics), whereas China are majoring in events where often there is only one entry per country.

£25 China most golds 2/5

We'll also start a USPGA golf portfolio and, as with the Open last month, top up as we go along.

I'd love to say there's a lot of research gone into this. But there hasn't. I'm giving Garcia yet another last and final chance; keeping Stenson my favourite golfer onside, and seeing if KJ Choi can avoid a snowman on the 72^nd hole this time. A loyal bet, made up with the two players playing the most solid golf this year. Hopefully a couple will challenge and put us in a fighting position.

Garcia £1.50ew 25/1
Choi £1.25ew 45/1
Stenson £1.25ew 45/1
Perry £1.25ew 45/1
Karrlsson £1ew 70/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2765)
Haas sent us back to the start of the week. These tennis players really do tank a lot, and I wonder how much appearance money has to do with it. This tournament was always likely to be dodgy so we'll shut up shop on that sport for the week. It's the only area not in profit and I've already cut back accordingly.

No obvious bet today.

Tuesday 5th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1133 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

No bet today. I've been doing my football league season accumulators and some Olympics research instead!

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2945)
One bet, one winner yesterday.

1. Tennis – Haas beat Young £275 at 1.15

2. Wimbledon dogs – possibly 9:10 Tp6; and 9:45 Tps 1 and 3

3. Catterick 2:30 – possible, but I'm not usually one for Johnston shorties.

Monday 4th August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1133 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

No bet today

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2865)
Good golf win yesterday. I covered in play when what appeared to be an 11 year old was making a charge – she'll be pretty decent when she leaves the brownies. Still, a nice start to week though.

1. 3:30 NA – possible dutch Qrackers and Ellerslie Tom £275 at 1.3ish

Sunday 3rd August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1133 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

No bet today

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2773)
Ochoa looks to have blown the golf, but with her on-side there does look a greedy barking bet on the front runners – I have a feeling their names and relative anonymity are holding their prices up.

1. Golf Dutch Fudo, Shin and Miyazato £275 at 1.45

Saturday 2nd August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1079 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Still flowing along. Nice win yesterday. Those who laid the cricket draw will collect, and Ochoa is nicely placed after two rounds.

Goodwood.

Lush Lashes is a very good horse. Halfway to Heaven is from the stable that's been killing us. I'm going to dutch the two of them and hope for the best. (To answer Jonah's query. The problem with Halfway to Heaven is she may not stay, nor be much good!, so am inclined to avoid the place element, though I can see the logic).

And in the Stewards Cup I'll throw a dart.

3:30 Goodwood Lush Lashes and Halfway to Heaven dutched £20 at 6/4 and 9/2 guaranteed
3:50 Goodwood Barney McGrew £5 at 16/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £775/Current bank £2773)
I've shut up shop for the week. I couldn't find anything today (Saturday is always the hardest day – I wonder what difference if any the football season will make).

I've banked £275 for the week, and will up stakes to £275 from tomorrow.

Which is nice!

Friday 1st August

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1049 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

A good week, and I'm not going to spoil it by getting dragged into playing a Goodwood card that looks even harder than yesterday's.

The one race I do like is the first one. However, there are three warnings here, and I will be waiting until the last minute before betting, if at all. Firstly, non runners look certain; secondly, the rains could be coming; and thirdly, I want to try and sense the vibes about Sixties Icon.

Because if Sixties Icon is fit and well this is his for the taking. The other horse with very decent course form, Stotsfold, is the only challenger I'd be worried about and we should be able to construct a nice bet around that.

Something like:
£15 win Sixties Icon
£10 place Stotsfold
£2.50 win Stotsfold

We'll see.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2953)
Another good day. I'm in no rush to lose these profits – would like to bank some money this weekend.

1. Tennis – Radwanska beat Pin £240 at 1.1

2. Possible races Bangor 2:30 and 3:40; plus Thirsk 3:15. They'd have to be mighty tempting though to get me involved.

Thursday 31st July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£965 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

I think Tomina would probably have won yesterday but for the reins breaking. That would have made for an interesting treble going on to Ochoa, in addition to the double we do have. She has started nicely enough this morning so far.

Almost as soon as I dumped the cricket bet so the clouds lifted. Looks like there could be delays today, judged by the rain here, but a draw looks very unlikely, so I hope people ignored me!

Goodwood looks very difficult today – I'm well ahead this week with my new approach, but better still is I know I'd be right down in the smelly if I had bet in my old style so far this week. And today would have been an awful prospect.

Instead I'll just back Yeats. This should probably be a barking bet race as Honolulu and Mad Rush could trouble him, and 4/6 is only how I priced him, and we should probably wait in case there's a deluge. Even so.

As a companion piece I'm going to follow a few tipsters in on Indian Pace at Galway, who looks nicely prepped and will get the pace he needs.

3:30 Goodwood £15 win Yeats at 4/6
3:40 Galway £5ew Indian Pace at 12/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2855)
A loser but otherwise another good day. I dumped some of my bet on Ferrer early in the first set and, unlike the cricket trade above, that turned out to be prescient. It was only the second in-running trade I've ever done on this fund and is not a habit I intend getting into – I just had cold feet watching the first few games, but could still trade out at way lower odds than I'd backed.

1. Tennis – Wozniaki beat Laine £240 at 1.09

2. Tennis – Jankovic beat Dubois £240 at 1.12

3. Stratford – first and last races look playable

4. Nottingham 4:30 and Mussleburgh 6:40 potentials only.

Weds 30th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£900 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

No real bet at Goodwood today (barking bets below) which just shows how far I've moved away from horse betting. A couple of years ago this would be a make or break week.

I'm going to split bets today.

1. Galway. Nicholls plans these raids pretty carefully, and here he's got his horse in a perfect position in the weight by judicious placement of Hoo La Baloo. 11/2 may be a steal or a terrible price – I haven't done a tissue so can't comment. I'l still play.

2. Women's Golf. I've been waiting for Ochoa to show signs of a revival, after personal problems, and now looks the time to climb back on board.

3. Goodwood. The only bet that does appeal is our old friend Emma Lavelle's plodder Tomina. Today looks like it could be the day.

   £10 win Oslot 11/2
   £10 win Ochoa 10/3
   £2.50 win Tomina 11/1
   £2 win double Oslot/Ochoa
   50p win trble Oslot/Ochoa/Tomina

CRICKET – I've got cold feet about the draw. The weather here is terrible, and looks set in all day. Anne tells me Brimingham is clear so I should really sit tight. But I've also been musing on South Africa's need not to lose and generally decided to green up. I'll keep the bet going for accounting purposes here, and leave it up to you to twist or stick.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2757)
Very good yesterday – 8/8 for the week, and a bet ahead on profit. Cricket traders say when a batting team is going along nicely you should imagine what the price would be if they lost two quick wickets. And that's what you have to do with this fund. Keep your feet firmly planted.

1. Tennis – Djokovic beat Bolelli £240 at 1.14

2. Tennis – Radwanska beat Kurytsova £240 at 1.10

3. Tennis – Ferrer beat Lapentti £240 at 1.8

4. Goodwood 3:30 Dutch Henry and Ravens Pass £240 at 1.1+

5. Goodwood 5:50 Dutch front three £240 at 1.2+

Tuesday 29th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£900 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Jonah tells me that Escorialracing is no more. That is very sad. I enjoyed my time there and contrary to some whispers there was a never a falling out when I left. I did see that Ron had tied up with some other tipsters, something that surprised me at the time. I expect we'll see Ron back and soon – he's not one to fade away.

Goodwood today.

I was tempted to do two proper bets. The sticking point is Ryan Moore's confidence coupled with what is a mindfart of a track of a course at the best of times. Plus the heavens may open prior to racing.

Still, Conduit has an open goal here, and Infallible has been crying out for 7f. Conduit could get caught flat-footed off a slow pace as he was last time but there's no Campanologist here and Ryan shouldn't make the same mistake twice. Infallible may have had one race too many but otherwise swooping late here off a fast 7f pace looks ideal. The prices are only fair but they do look two solid bets on an otherwise typical Goodwood day of bumping and barging and gaps that don't come in handicaps you need to be mad or desperate to play.

If I was to throw names into the hat in those hopless races how about Championship Point, Bauer and Orchard Supreme. I'll tie those in with the main two in hit and hope trebles to stop me otherwise frittering money away.

£15 win Conduit 4/6 guaranteed
£10 win Infallible at 13/8+

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2504)
Good yesterday.

1. Tennis – Petrova beat Palletier £240 at 1.08

2. Tennis – Radwanska beat Dechy £240 at 1.16

3. Tennis – Azarenka beat Jackson £240 at 1.1

4. early evening races at Perth and Worcester maybe

5. Hove dogs – possible matches in 8:35, 9:25 and 9:45

Monday 28th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£950 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

I know you're all desperate to know how Bobby did at the dog show. Remarkably he came third in the “Most Handsome Dog” category. Which was nice, though naturally I bet win only. We're hoping it doesn't go to his head, but he did order a James Wellbeloved premium turkey sachet for dinner so the signs aren't encouraging.

A much less important contest takes place in our neck of the woods this week, and with Goodwood coming along tomorrow, let's get our Test bet out of the way now. The weather forecast is basically high english summer – sunshine and storms – and as lomg as no more than one day is lost I'd have thought the draw should be around 2/1.

Third Test – England/South Africa Lay Draw to lose £25 at 5/4ish

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2389)
At least I ended up in profit for the week – 18/21 bets but could have done without that third loser. Seem to be some tennis bets tomorrow and at least 6 possible races today – the first three at Yarmouth included. No obvious bet though.

Sunday 27th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£950 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

On reflection I should have been more imaginative in my betting with Papal Bull. I could have done the forecast with Duke of Marmalade and probably a match bet with Lucarno. I should also have done what Jonah did and made sure I put a lay up in-running. I nearly always forget to do that with the big races – a throwback to the “racing fan” within me. Still feel like I was mugged though!

At least Phil Taylor continues to deliver.

No bet today. We're taking our rumbunctious dog back to the RSPCA for their “rescue dog day”. I fully expect him to win best dog in show. Not sure what odds I'll get though.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2307)
I was flying along – beyond the old profit threshold but came unstuck with a late tennis play. Tennis bets are returning a small loss (98%). Needs thought. (Racing by comparison -107%).

1. Racing – Carlisle 1:55 – Possible dutch £225 front three at 1.15

2. Racing – also possible races 4:50 Carlisle and 5:00 Pontefract.

3. Golf – Senior Open – dutch Cook, Romero, Vaughan £225 at 1.3

Saturday 26th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£880 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Those who backed Buccellati yesterday did better than me. I sat on my hands.

King George for me all the way today, and regulars will already know the bet.

My tissue
Duke of Marmalade Evens
Youmzain 4/1
Papal Bull 7/1
Lucarno 12/1
Ask 20/1
Macarthur 20/1

Duke of Marmalade is solid, especially with O'Brien's form and planning, but surely not a bet at odds on. I can afford to let him win at that price, that's for sure. Youmzain is a dog – or so I bet last time out to my cost. He remains hard to win with though and I wouldn't trust the trainer to get consecutive Group 1 wins out of him. Papal Bull is also hard to win with, but this time the price more than reflects that. For me, he's been aimed at this race – an eyecatching return, and then left too much to do in the race Lucarno stole. Ryan Moore had a good relationship with him until then, and I'm not Peslier's greatest fan. On the other hand Ryan's head looks cooked at the moment so I'm not disheartened at the switch.

Papal Bull £12.50 ew 14/1

I'll treble him up with Lovelace and Pipedreamer as well.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2455)
Very good day yesterday.

1. Racing – York 3:15 – Possible dutch £225 front three at 1.2

Friday 25th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£880 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Still can't find a bet of the day for up here. Not good for a Friday. I've had a good look at the three main races at Ascot. I was tempted by Buccellati, assuming lots of pace and the Stoute horse needing the outing, but it'll probably be a typical mid-summer, small-field, tactical mind-fuck.

No bet today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2243)
The sandown race looked good in the morning at 1.2 By the off though, with withdrawals, down to 1.1 and with no certain pace, it looked terrible. Shame I'd played in the morning then! I think that's going to have to be a no no with these bets. So, I'll have to stick to pointing out the possible races.

1. Tennis – Garrigues beat Bovina £225 at 1.42

2. Racing – 3:20 Ascot possible dutch Baharah/Barshiba (and maybe Kasumi)

3. Racing – 1:30 Thirsk possible play favourite and ...

4. Racing – 2:00 Thirsk possible dutch front two.

Friday 24th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£880 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Still can't find a bet of the day for up here. Could really do with the football season starting, but need to be careful I don't get so pent up I overplay the early weeks!

No bet today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2352)
Good day yesterday.

1. Tennis – Jankovic beat Czink £225 at 1.11.

2. Racing – 2:00 Uttoxeter Dutch front two £225 at 1.22

3. Racing – 4:30 Sandown Dutch front two £225 at 1.19

4. Racing – other possibles – 2:20 Bath; 2:10 Sandown; 3:55 Sandown.

Tuesday 22nd July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£868 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

That cricket bet was nice and stress free.

I think I'll have another play in the darts today.

Ronnie Baxter looks to be in the form of his life at the moment with only Taylor beating him. Conversely, Andy Smith is struggling. I was going to do this as a barking bet, with 1.5 being the minimum price for the bets in this fund. But we can get 1.5 and with nothing else appealing today we may as well put it in the main fund.

Darts - Baxter £25 beat Smith 1.5+

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2367)

A good start for our newly increased fund (thank god). As an aside my father once worked for a boiler company in Seattle called Evans Boilers. It was going bankrupt at the time, but he dreamt of rescuing it and finally making his pile. He intended to buy a yacht on which to pootle around the Puget Sound. He was going to call it “Thank Evans”. Sadly, only the story remains.

Two winners and a void bet yesterday. I'm not sure there's a tennis bet today. Three possible races though.

1. Racing – 3:15 Yarmouth – possibly fave with one or two others.

2. Racing – 3:00 Salisbury – possibly front four

3. Racing – 7:00 Bangor – possibly a match bet, if we can get 1.1

Monday 21st July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£823 – 3 bets inplay – accounted)

Golf just about Ok in the end but that snowman from Choi on the last cost us our profit!

No bet today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £2250)
I've invested another 1k in this fund to beef up the bets. A show of confidence despite no profit for a few weeks.

1. Tennis Warwrinka beat Bolelli £225 at 1.42

2. Tennis Baghdatis beat Polansky £225 at 1.1

3. Tennis Robredo beat Niemayer £225 at 1.12

Sunday 20th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£820 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

Bankable – only in name.

Golf:
Garcia – outside chance of sneaking a top 7 place.
Choi – still there but looked like the wind had finally broken his rhythm yesterday. Holding on for a place would help. (I layed out for a free bet on the place at 1.6 yesterday.)
Harrington – looks most likely and would get most our money back.
Allenby – unlikely but still in there.
Ames/Leonard – one player will go out and shoot a clubhouse score that could worry and sneak a place!

So, all is not lost...

Our final top-up consists of simply picking the two players most likely to launch an attack from afar, and hope for Norman to crumble having spent the night realising quite where he is.

Anthony Kim £4.50 at 20/1
Stenson £3 at 33/1

Today's bet though is an obvious one. And at what looks to be a loss leader of a price from the sponsors. Phil Taylor is back in town.

Phil Taylor £25 win Darts Champs at 4/5

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1233)
A terrible bet yesterday in a conditions 2 year old race – not at all what this fund is about. Still cross about it, and about another week getting nowhere.

Saturday 19th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£835 – 4 bets inplay – accounted)

The cricket could hardly have gone better day one. You could take insurance out at 8/1. I'll let it ride.

Golf – well Snedeker has gone, and Garcia all but joined him with that ridiculous missed putt at 18. It was his approach putts that were the problem overall though. On the other hand yesterday's pick KJ Choi isn't looking too bad. With him in good shape let's add to our portfolio. I took Ames in play yesterday at 66s and he'd have been a pick today but is down to 25s. So instead, with the winds forecast I'm adding three players proven at dealing with bad conditions.

Harrington £2.50 at 12/1
Allenby £2.50 at 16/1
Leonard £1.25 ew at 125/1 (Tote go 150/1 but would only offer me a £2 bet at that amount –ridiculous!).

Today's betting is back with the horses.

Newbury 2:20
All about Corrybrough. To be honest we can let him win at 6/5. this 6f should suit, but he has hit a flat spot in his races so far, and I'm not sure he can afford to do that up in class today. Strike The Deal and Edge Closer look fairly priced in opposition.

Newmarket 2:35
Folk Opera and Ronaldsay have penalties and face three progressive 3 year olds here. Splitting the three isn't easy – as you know I'm a fan of Geoff Wragg and his filly, but Icon Project was unlucky in the Ribbledsale and Dar Re Mi looks solid for a trainer who loves this race. I'd give them close to 70% chance dutched. We should be able to play at around 4/6.

Newbury 4:30
Bankable was unlucky in the Hunt Cup where the jockeys showed their brainpower to the max. These are a moderate bunch of listed class animals and he should blow them away. 5/4 for me so 13/8 looks big.

Newmarket 2:35
Dutch Dar Re Mi, Icon Project and Arthurs Girl £12.5 at 4/6

Newbury 4:30
Bankable £12.5 at 13/8

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1328)
A couple of races yesterday dragged me into small profit on the week. The early races at Newmarket and Newbury are possible plays today.

Friday 18th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£870 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Golf: Garcia's approach putting was pretty awful yesterday and he's started similarly today. It seems to me long putting is vital to succeed at links golf. The player who did this best yesterday (as far as the cameras showed) was K J Choi, who did so in the worst of the weather. I've added him to the portfolio. Snedeker tiptoed around unnoticed to be in contention.

KJ Choi £5ew at 33/1 (40/1 available with mickey mouse bookies)

Today's bet though is on the cricket, where I'll play up the luck I had with my barking bet last week. Headingly is a result pitch – only one draw in last ten tests. It also plays wickedly under cloud cover which looks certain. The weather could crush us, but the odds look even more lopsided than they can be.

Lay Draw 2^nd Test to lose £25 at 5/4

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1266)
Good, simple, quiet day yesterday – one tennis player, one horse race.

No obvious bet today.

Thursday 17th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£870 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Golf – weather just like when we went to Birkdale. With any luck the wind will die down just as Garcia steps up to the first tee!

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1206)
A better day yesterday – still £100 to recover this week though!

1. Tennis Andreev beat Traver £125 at 1.3

Weds 16th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£895 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

It's golf time again. Run and hide my children!

I'll do a daily bet today, and then top it up each day to an overall total of another daily bet.

So, our starters:

I actually went to Birkdale ten years ago – on the Saturday. It's the only golfing event I've been to and it was very instructive. It was a very windy day and the players were blown all over the place. Woods hit something like a 77. We sat and watched most players play the first hole and the average score was over +1. Every player made the same mistake, letting rip, and having the wind catch the ball and take it into the rough. The only player who played it below the wind and then fashioned a second shot to the green was a young amateur with a big reputation. Sergio Garcia.

That shot's been in my mind all week. For the last couple of years I've always said he's consistently the best player tee to green, but wouldn't beat me on a round of putting at Rottingdean pitch and putt. The last few months his putting has been sensational. If it holds up he looks a worthy favourite. The bet gets better though because we can take 10/1 ew first 7 places. Considering his Open record that's a great concession.

To accompany him I was looking at the nationality markets. The player who looks to have slipped under the radar is Brandt Snedeker. I can't vouch for his links play and I made a similar bet last year with Zach Johnson which soon looked foolish. Still, for a player with top tens in both majors this year, swimming in a shallow pool of stateside talent, 33/1 looks big, big, big. Well, slightly overpriced anyway.

Sergio Garcia £7.50 ew at 10/1 first 7
Brandt Snedeker top American £5ew 33/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1136)
Another loser, this time in a Brighton match, where the jockey rode like a .....
The opening races at each of this afternoon's cards look possibles.

1. Tennis Verdasco beat Moncourt £125 at 1.14

2. Tennis Starace beat Koellerer £125 at 1.23

Tuesday 15th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£895 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

That's 7 horse race losers in a row on here. Not good for the bank balance or humour or confidence.

I'm getting very keen for the football season to start!

Still, at least my dog passed his obedience test. It was a strange evening with form turned upside down in the white heat of competition. The german shepherd everyone was terrified of was cajoled and humoured and expertly handled by the trainer herself to sneak a pass. Meanwhile the hot favourite, who had been the star of ten weeks training failed his sit and stay, showing signs of coltishness to boot. Our Bobby also came close to failing the only two things we were confident of him passing. A lesson in what my old profession calls the “impact validity of assessment” - or in real words how the occasion itself can affect your performance. I think Ryan Moore is suffering something similar! (I also wondered to myself what effect having Fallon haunting the gallops might be having on the young lad - I can't see a positive myself.)

Anyway – I'm joining the Tour de France in calling this a rest day.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1200)

The cricket an unexpected bonus. But yet again my first bet of the week was a loser – this time a novice hurdle at Newton Abbott. Nothing obvious today.

Monday 14th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£920 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

Chris P put it perfectly in the comments below, and here we are again with another Group 1 conundrum.

I'm happy to stick with Doctor Freemantle, part of my Derby portfolio. However we need to cover O'Brien. As for prices I suspect Pmu maybe the way to bet here. However my puppy attends his obedience exam tonight (my exam really, as he's fine when the dog trainer handles him- I'm the one who can't seem to master doglish) so I won't be able to check. 4/1 looks just about fair anyway.

£20 win Doctor Freemantle at 4/1
£5 win Alessandro Volta 9/2

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1200)

The cricket may be a winner yet! Either way we'll tread quietly.

Sunday 13th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£946 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

I hope some of you did save on Archipenko. A friend e-mailed to say he was put off by the price drift to 14/1 – whereas that was all the encouragement I needed to take a little insurance.

"Kemberton's WI treasure hunt and cream tea" is the highlight of this sunny Salopian day, meaning I'll miss the two big races. They both look mighty competitive. The obvious bet is Moonstone and O'Brien to sweep up another Group 1, but I just can't bring myself to back a maiden in such a race at under 2/1.

Besides I feel like playing up yesterday's free insurance money on a couple of longshots. In the Irish Oaks I'm going to follow Rae Guest. He and Geoff Wragg are the trainers I always keep an eye out for improving fillies. Rosa Grace has no chance on form here, but it looks like the step up in trip is going to help and she could just be a summer bloomer. Either my modest bet has caused Stan James and co to dive for cover this morning, or someone else is also having a tickle.

The second bet is at Chantilly where I'm going to give a second chance to the horse who would have made me rich in the derby had he (a) stayed and (b) been good enough! This time, back to a more suitable trip on a track that should suit, Kandahar Run will try to atone for my Derby sin of hope over reality!

Rosa Grace £5ew at 40/1
Kandahar Run £7.50ew at 22/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1086)

I've put the cricket down as an accounted loser which leaves us with a horror week. It's our first week of real losses – only 7 wins from 11 bets. The good news is that the staking system looks to have saved us, and we're still in the game. I'm more positive about this approach than I was when I started, and seeing how we can survive horror weeks is reassuring – as long as we don't have another one next week that is!

Saturday 12th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£971 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

We'll ignore the fact I let Marchand D'or go unbacked yesterday and move on.

Anne has just cracked a joke on Saturday Kitchen – at least I think it was a joke. A somewhat sad fifteen seconds of fame which no doubt I'll have to watch on sky plus in perpetuity! Still, three friends we haven't spoken to in years have already e-mailed – one way of reminding people you're alive I guess. I wasn't aware anyone watched the show!

Anyway more importantly is whether Frank Spencer is going to atone for his sins in the Queen Anne and get Cesare home in front today. The main competition all have penalties and Ramonti should be being prepped here. The money may come for Ramonti and Cesare could drift, or the money could suggest Ramonti really needs the race. Your gamble. I'll take 6/4 and may save on the much improved Archipenko.

£25 win Cesare at 6/4

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1240)

Nothing obvious.

Saturday 11th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£971 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

Ryan Moore has made a few mistakes this year and I think they may be playing with his mind. He's only young after all, and look what I'm like after a few losers! He's generally exceptional at putting a horse in just the right place in a race – a skill much prized when swimming in a very shallow gene pool. But he's been caught late on having gone for home too soon in a couple of big races, and over the last few weeks he's also left it too late a few times. Yesterday was the worst says my pocket, despite the kinks in the horse (and no doubt instructions to not overstretch him). I hope he gets back on an even keel soon. He was one of the few I trusted with my money.

What with that sort of disappointment (no winners this week), and variable going, I'll miss putting up a bet today. Marchant D'Or could have been a bet, but frankly not as favourite and Pricewise pick. I'm not overly worried about ignoring Ascot form, that was a silly race, but am worried that he hasn't actually won outside of France. Plus it's a Group 1 and Aiden has a runner, and when it comes to these races and that outfit, my minds as scrambled as Ryan's seems to be.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1230)
(Clawing back to where we were but it'll take longer than this week). There are some races early this evening that I could play. Iusually miss evening racing as part of maintining a happy home. However, Anne is away at her sisters – they are guests on Saturday Kitchen, a terrible morning cookery show – sorting out her wardrobe and cookery related bon mots).

1. Tennis – Verdasco beat Rehnquist £155 at 1.06

Thursday 10th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£995 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

Bougereau nearly made the shortlist but with niggling doubts about trip and going we can miss Evens.

The Princess of Wales race asks more questions than healthy. Anna Pavlova will love the gorund but is carrying a penalty, is better beating up fillies, and goes best fresh. Papal Bull can be good or awful, won this last year, and whilst not worried about going, am worried about a lack of pace and that this is a prep for the King Geroge (for which I would really fancy him). Lucarno has a penalty and both he and Sagara have been very disappointing this season.

I have Anna Pavlova and Papal Bull in as joint favourites at 9/4. You've seen my doubts so don't feel the need to join me, but I'm going to go with my feeling that Papal Bull could yet deliver great things this season.

£25 win Papal Bull at 3/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1151)
(Another tennis loss and we're in a bit of trouble now. I need to pare down my tennis bets even more.)

1. Tennis – Soderling beat Rochus £155 at 1.24

2. Racing – Newmarket 2:00 Dutch front four £155 at 1.13

3. Cricket – Lay England first test to lose £155 at 1.26

Weds 9th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£995 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

I'm waiting for the weather and probably non runners prior to the Falmouth. Heaven Sent will form the main part of any bet, and I'm keeping the two strangers on-side as well. Seems to me Infallible (unlikely to stay stiff 1m in soft) and Finsceal Beo (overraced?) make the market.

And then I'll waste money chasing an unlikely jackpot!

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1286)
(Start the week with two tennis losses AGAIN. Tennis remains only break even on this fund – which is a bit disappointing, not least because those are the bets I'm able to list here, unlike the racing bets, which are last-minute price dependent, but doing very nicely.)

1. Tennis – Szavay beat Klepac £155 at 1.15

2. Tennis – Verdasco beat Eleskovic £155 at 1.12

Tuesday 8th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£995 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

A very dull start to the week. No bet today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1571)

1. Tennis – Seppi beat Meffert £155 at 1.16

2. Tennis – Lapuschenko beat Marosi £155 at 1.24

Monday 7th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£995 – 1 bet inplay – accounted)

Allenby and Furyk – tied. Ho hum.

Great tennis final. A lot of angst for a short priced winner though!

No bet today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1550)The week ended in small profit, which is great – just need to avoid starting the week with a couple of imbecilic bets now! There are possible races this afternoon. Not sure I'll bother to hang around though. Ripon this evening also possible but I'll be at dog training letting my puppy down as usual.

1. Tennis – Cilic beat Ouanna £155 at 1.11 (match just started I'm afraid)

Sunday 6th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£964 – 2 bets inplay – accounted)

Allenby and Furyk – still only one stroke in it.

I have Battledoyle fatigue I'm afraid. I think I'll throw a few quid at King of Rome in the German Derby – he was an eyecatcher at Ascot – and it seems much easier than bothering with form!

I'd play the race as a daily challenge bet but I just don't know the German form so it would be misleading to pretend.

So, instead, a wet Wimbledon tops the agenda. The McEnroe/Borg tiebreaker match remains a big sporting moment in my life. Although Borg went on to win that match there was a real sense that the tide was turning. And McEnroe came back to claim the crown the following year. Watching last year's final I had the exact same feeling. And here we are a year on – where without question Nadal has improved enormously. Federer on the other hand has at best stood still. True, he has been imperious this week. Then again he hasn't played anyone decent. The price for Nadal went weeks ago and is now looking very skinny for a supposed value seeker. But I'll trust my memories and my gut and I'll play.

£25 Nadal win Wimbledon at 5/4

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1500)

I hope some of you got that 1.33 on the Williams sisters – some price – and it didn't last long after the singles final. Long enough to rescue the week. There are a few possible races early on at Ayr and Brighton. Watching and waiting.

Saturday 5th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£989 – 2 bets inplay - accounted)

Many Volumes pleasing yesterday – shame about the rule 4!

Allenby and Furyk – only one stroke in it.

Coral Eclipse today. For me Phoenix Tower and Pipedreamer have been running really well, especially in the best race so far over distancethis season. Phoenix Tower also was second to Creachadoir. Mount Nelson on the other hand has it all to prove and a muddling Queen Anne didn't prove anything. The O'Brien factor makes him very short, and whilst it's proving the quick way to the short house I'm against him today. Of the rest, Campanologist could steal it, and I'm hopeful Multidimensional will play the spoiler role; whilst Maraahel could surely place in a weak group 1 by his standards.

£8 win Pipedreamer 5/1
£10 win Phoenix Tower 4/1
£7 place Maraahel at 3/1

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1450)
A blank Saturday again unless a couple of races change complexion.

Friday 4th July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£974 – 2 bets inplay - accounted

Looks like a lovely day to go to my favourite racecourse. I'll have to sit here and hope for a couple of winners instead.

My racing fund will be playing a couple of longshots who look value on the old tissue approach – Many Volumes (who looks long if you forgive seconditis) and Jeer (who should be much closer to Kateeb in the betting based on Newmarket form).

Here, let's play both races dutching a few at around evens.

4:00 Sandown £12.50 dutching Stage Gift/Many Volumes/Charlie Farnsbarns/Escape Route at better than evens

4:35 Sandown £12.50 dutching Kaateb/Caravel/Jeer at better than evens

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1400 roughly – bets in progress)

(I did the Williams sisters in the end and some nice racing bets. Getting the week back on track. Federer and Nadal very short (straight sets latter maybe). And not many races appeal – maybe warwick 2:40. In no rush. I think we've learnt the importance of patience in this fund, despite the need to turnover bets to make a meaningful profit)

Thursday 3rd July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£999 – 1 bet inplay - accounted)

I did this bet last week and think I'll promote it to the challenge bet. I apologise for the fact it's a golf bet, and regulars will no doubt be running for cover. I'm indebted to Jeremy Chapman of the Racing Post who has been keen to point out the very poor form of Jim Furyk. He has the look of a man in decline, ranked a long way down the field in overall stats this season. We took him on last week with an in-form Kenny Perry (who actually went on to win, which would have been a much more profitable bet!), and will take him on again this week with an in-form Allenby.

£25 Allenby beat Furyk – 72 hole match bet – at Evens.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1400 roughly – bets in progress)
(Creeping back. I was close to putting both Williams sisters up, but will sit tight. Four maiden races today look possibles. Backed Taylor/Wade/Barneveld yesterday for the Las Vegas darts).

Weds 2nd July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£999 – 1 bet inplay - accounted)

No bet today.

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1200 – one bet inrunning – unaccounted)
(A non runner has ruined an obvious bet at Perth, Worcester 2:40 possible).

1. Federer beat Ancic £150 at 1.07

Tuesday 1st July

“£500 Challenge Bet” (£1024)

Oh well, that's tennis match betting consigned to the “not in this fund” pile – along with, um, golf!

Was going to skip today but the RFO paper drew my attention to a bet even worth tying our money up for the best part of two years. There's no need for an explanation I'm sure – especially to any students of my “20 reasons why the prices might be wrong” treatise (you'll find it on here somewhere).

£25 Croatia to win Group 6 qualifying group for World Cup at 13/8 or better

“Barking Bets” (Banked £500/Current bank £1200 – one bet inrunning – unaccounted)

(That was a dark day. The two tennis losers – which really shouldn't have been bets in this fund – were joined by a bet in the Wolves maiden. The fave only just prevailed there. Otherwise, added to Youmzain Sunday, that would have been four losers in a row. There's a thread on betfair of someone doing something similar to me and his staking plan is 25% of fund. I have wondered whether mine was too cautious – as usual – but if any good came out of it yesterday it was the reassurance that caution has its place even at this end of the market)

It's going to be a real schlepp to get back to where we were. And I won't chase today.