I wanted to stick £100 on Fulham yesterday, and looking at the coupons 4/5 was available at Hills, Ladbrokes and Coral. I couldn't get 1.8 online anywhere, so I drove into town to place the bet in cash. Hills had shortened them into 8/13, and when I walked into the Ladbrokes opposite, they had done the same. Back to the car, a couple of miles down the road and into the nearest Coral.

Up to the counter I sauntered, and gave a cheery, "Hello." The guy behind the counter looked at me, and said nothing. Undaunted, I asked the cashier if he could check the price on Fulham for me as the other bookmakers had shortened them. "4/5", he said. "Super", said I, and filled in my coupon. "£100?", he asked. "Yes", said me (not a man of many words, this chap - he wasn't encouraging conversation!). "I'll have to make a 'phone call", he told me, in a rare verbal outpouring.

Five minutes later, and the cashier was having trouble with his 'phone. I suppose being a man of so very few words, using a gadget which involves talking probably doesn't come too easily. So, I thought I'd use the time effectively - do a little detective work as it were. I edged over to the other cashier, a young (and not unattractive) lady who I would like to think I had made a favourable impression on in the last few months, but that's probably wishful thinking on my part. I asked her why the need for a 'phone call to facilitate a £100 bet on a Premiership team at odds of 4/5. The answer was (mildly) interesting - it was because I had mentioned that other bookmakers had shortened the price. Shan't be doing that again, then. You live and learn.

Today's Action

Very quiet day's racing - only two services in action. On The Nose had one selection (Good Fella - Naas - 25/1) which finished third to provide a nice profit, which was then wiped out by PJA NH not finding a winner (and only one placed) in four.

On The Nose: Staked 1pt, +2.626pts.
PJA NH: Staked 3.25pts, -2.75pts
Financial loss on the racing of £2.48.

Football Elite. Not their best day...0/2. Better for Football Investor and Shaolin Betting which both put up Liverpool, Shaolin as DNB.

Football Elite: Staked 2pts, -2pts.
Football Investor: Staked 1pt, +2pts.
Shaolin Betting: Staked 1pt, +1.17pts.
Financial loss on the football of £111.50.

Sunday 6th March: Staked £350, -£113.98.
Week: Staked £3,572, +£220.29.
Month to date: Staked £3,442, +£199.29, roi 5.78%.


So, who's looking forward to Monday morning, then?