RICHARD HILLS

Richard Hills mentioned by a someone as him being his biggest earner since the introduction of BETFAIR has got me intrigued.

I am always looking for an EDGE to find winners, so will follow RH's progress this season and try and idnentify a winning strategy.

Some of the info I have found is detailed below and not neccessarily 100% accurate:

Richy is interesting when one looks at his strike rate by course over the last 5 years:
Beverley 31%
Bath 24%
Brighton 22%
Chester 21%
Ayr 20%
Epsom 19%

Although Richard is 0/7 this year, his strike rate was 17% (73/420) in 2007 and 15% (265/1786) over the last 5 years - not the worst return, by any means.

He returned 31% winners for Sir M. Stoute in 2007 and 25% for the same trainer over the last 5 years. His strike rate for the bigger yards (Johnston, Jarvis, Dunlop, etc) was generally 13% or better over the same periods.

Richy is interesting when one looks at his strike rate by course over the last 5 years:

Beverley 31%
Bath 24%
Brighton 22%
Chester 21%
Ayr 20%
Epsom 19%

Contrast this with his record at some of the game's 'elite' tracks (Ascot, Doncaster, Newbury, Newmarket, York) where his return is only around 10-12%.

It's interesting to recall that Kieren could be masterly at some tracks (Newmarket, Pontefract) but rode several stinkers at others (Goodwood and Sandown come to mind).

The lessons of the above are clear - concentrate on certain tracks/trainers when following Richard. For good measure, note that he is at his best when front-running, but frequently finds trouble when called on to come from behind or ride a more tactical race.

The lad will always come in for stick because of the high profile horses he rides, some of which, by the nature of the game, will disappoint. He is in truth though, little better or little worse than the majority of middle-ranking riders. As ever, bet when the odds are in your favour!