The potential value is WAY more than just the 12.5%
The full repercussions of GRI’s decision to reduce tote retention to 12.5% for tonight’s Boylesports Irish Derby quarter final card won’t be known for some time. Their potential though is huge, on both sides of the Irish Sea – writes Star Editor Floyd Amphlett.
The 12.5% win and place (an almost 45% reduction in their takeout from the normal 22.5%) retention trial kicks in for the first time and it’s not just on-course where the value can be found .
The GRI and new CEO certainly seem to be doing all they can to give the new low margin model every chance of successfully getting off the ground with the same take out available to Barking Buzz customers.
Also, for the first time ever at Shelbourne Park, anyone who has an account with Tote.co.uk or Tote.ie can also play directly into the pool with the same 12.5% take out and watch the races live on their website.
When Lifford was first granted its license by the GRI, its CEO at the time, Ger Dollard, described their low margin tote betting model as “innovative“.
While not blessed with huge local crowds, the County Donegal venue – which has a 10% deduction – has nevertheless proven a success. Indeed, Lifford has just been added to the SIS schedule.
Encouraged by the data, the new CEO Tim Lucey’s decided to take an inspired punt and allowed three of the biggest meetings in the calendar to form the next stage of the plan.
Common sense and old betting habits suggest that the ‘12.5% plan’ will take a while to play out.
But for punters at Shelbourne, and those betting at home, the initiative is a ‘no-brainer’. It is impossible to imagine that they won’t fare better than the traditional Shelbourne Saturday night SPs.
(The track bookies needn’t miss out either don’t forget, they can, and almost certainly will, lay-off their bets on the tote)
The comingling with the Tote’s (the company) own pools are just a taster of what is possible should Lucey’s experiment work, and the potential for the UK tracks to go down the same route is obvious.
Linton quickest in Classic
Bramble Linton was the fastest qualifier from the PGR Classic semi finals at Sunderland on Friday night.
Steve Anderson’s black reversed first round form following another epic battle with Brindle Bully and held on by half a length in 26.74.
