I know that there are several online betting Betfair customers who try to win the so - called 'free money' by taking on the big outsiders at massive prices. The obvious down side with laying a no - hoper at 50 to £10 for example, means that it's pay up time to the tune of £490 if the horse happens to win. However, I am about to reveal a method of laying that may just alter your betting ways for many years to come!

One thing for certain in my humble opinion, is that we should never treat every situation the same in the world of betting. The reason behind this statement, that if we were to back every favourite at the Cheltenham Festival year after year, we would all end up in the same home together - the Salvation Army!

The Tote Placepot is thought of as an interest bet by the vast majority of horse racing punters, who believe that they can win a lot of money for a small outlay. You have seen the advert in the Betting Shop windows haven't you? 'Yesterday's Ascot Placepot dividend paid £435.60 for a £1 stake, so come on in and try your luck.'

Before you decide to have your next wager on the horses, I wish to let you know that 'maidens' on the Flat are capable of providing a source of income on a regular basis if treated correctly.

The vast majority of horse racing punters are, for some unknown reason, put off by the sight of a 'favourite' in a race. They somehow believe that they can win money with online betting by ignoring the most fancied runner in the field and backing a differen t horse at a bigger price...

The well-known racing term odds-on has a habit of putting off the average backer, but the plain fact of the matter is that the high street bookmakers do not relish the prospect of taking a single on the red-hot favourite in any particular race...

Staged in Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, and run over a gruelling 3200 metres, the Emirates Melbourne Cup is one of the sporting highlights of the Aussie racing calendar, with the entire nation literally set to 'stop' in eager anticipation of the hugely competitive two-mile showpiece.

Gareth Topham previews one of his favourite races at Royal Ascot, the 2m6f Queen Alexandra Stakes, and casts his eyes over the runners.

Gareth Topham looks ahead to the Hardwicke Stakes on Saturday afternoon, and has all his faith in Maraahel to secure a third win in the race.

Gareth Topham now looks ahead to one of his favourite flat races of the year, the Gold Cup.