Horse Racing: Global Trifecta Could Boost the Allure of Pool Betting

Pool betting has never been a huge draw for British punters, who are spoilt for choice with a wide spread of prices and specialty bets available from bookmakers, plus the relatively new option of the betting exchanges. So the Tote will be hoping for positive feedback from their participation in the first global pool bet this weekend.

Sunday's Prix de Diane Hermes - the French Oaks - at Chantilly has been chosen as the race for the launch of the Global Trifecta. Punters from 10 different countries will be invited to name the first three in the correct order, with all bets going into a single pool. British backers can place their bets through the normal Tote Direct facility although, due to French law, it will not be available online.

The potential for a rewarding Trifecta dividend is considerable and British interest will be boosted by the presence of Frankie Dettori, bidding for a third recent Classic win on the French-trained filly, West Wind. Overall, though, the Tote has been slow to explore the concept of "exotic" bets.

The Toteexacta returns regularly beat the bookmakers' Computer Straight Forecast version. There is surely scope here to extend the bet along South African lines where, for an extended stake, dividends are paid on not only the 1-2 but the first and third or second and third in a combination.

With the sale of the Tote up in the air, there are, of course, other priorities at the moment. But yesterday Tote spokesman Paul Petrie said: "We are always looking at fresh possibilities in our new bets forum."

Meanwhile the Global Trifecta will also feature in two races at Royal Ascot, the St James's Palace Stakes and the Gold Cup. In general Tote prices can offer excellent value at the big meetings, and Royal Ascot is no exception - last year, the win dividend bettered the bookies' starting price in 21 of the 30 races over the five days.

Whatever their method of punting, the betting public needs to be informed and in this day and age there is no excuse for being kept in the dark over a crucial piece of information. This is the time of year when fillies and mares can show much-improved form on the track when they are in foal, but in most cases punters find out all too late.

Last season, Aahgowangowan was a prime example of a mare in foal thriving on her racing, when she won five times before going off to the paddocks. In recent weeks, Bakhoor, Gaelic Roulette and Stolen Glance have all been winning mothers-to-be.

Trainers would almost certainly complain at more added to their work-load. But for punters it is particularly annoying to see a filly trot up, only to find out subsequently that she is in foal. Just like blinkers and cheekpieces, the information should be made public at final declaration time.

For the notebook


Bobs Surprise Goodwood 6f

The Barry Hills stable houses some smart two-year-olds this season and Bobs Surprise is up there with the best of them, judging by this impressive winning debut. He looks the right type for Royal Ascot the week after next.

Prince Namid Epsom 6f

For the second year running, Prince Namid was an unlucky second in this Derby day sprint. Hemmed in when trying to launch his challenge, he ran on well once in the clear but the winner, Song Of Passion, had got first run.

Ron Cox's tip of the day


Express Wish 3.55 Haydock

Sixties Icon apart, the Jeremy Noseda stable has been in good form of late. Frankie Dettori rode a double for the trainer at Nottingham yesterday and they can be on the mark again here with Express Wish. This lightly-raced colt looked a sprinter with a future when bolting up by five lengths at Brighton. That was a modest race but Express Wish has the potential to exploit his current handicap mark.