Ah, I go way back, N. My dad was a big fan of all sorts of racing (cars, ponies, etc) back when I was growing up and it passed on to me. This is going back almost 40 years now. I've always been a fan, but didn't really start capping until the early 90's when I used to go to Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg on occasion. It really wasn't until 2004/05 when I started capping more regularly, though, and it's only been over the last year when I've started capping all levels of racing at whatever tracks are running that day.
That's a great rule you have. I learned that one the hard way about a decade ago when I had a sportsbook account and was betting every sport under the sun. Terribly at that. I also personally have trouble tailing others picks too. I think the only two guys I have tailed outright on here (or anywhere) were
@t6p and
@BluntTrauma21, but that's because they were giving out picks based on a system we all helped developed together so the trust was there. I do always look at races/picks other people post on here, though, especially on turf. If I see some reasoning I'll tail the pick in a sense on occasion. The fun for me is doing my own capping, coming up with unique angles, and looking at races differently than others do. Unless you're just extremely lucky with who and when you bet, it's virtually impossible making money in this game using the same handicapping methods most others use. Original and unique ways of capping races is essential or else you just wind up playing the same horses every one else does and losing in the process.