I noticed in the paper this morning the markets had been published for the big races at Ascot later in the month.  It was a little surprising to see that TAB Sportsbet (hereafter known as The Thiefs) were quoting the Mug’s favourite horse, Takeover Target, at $5.5 (9/2 in the old language) when all I’d heard had talked about $10 being available.

So I went on a hunt for some comparative odds.  Talk about taking the piss.

It was a little difficult to find quotes on the Kings Stand Stakes, so I thought I’d focus on the Golden Jubillee.  Here, the Target was 3rd line at $6.  Miss Andretti was at $4.6 and Bentley Biscuit at $5.  Even Magnus, which was marked at $28 last I heard, is in at $12.  The very first place I went for comparison, William Hill, was an eye opener.  Miss A at $7, Bentley Bicuit at $8, the Target at $9 and Magnus at $26. 

My immediate thought - it’s ok, our market’s will have the opposite offsets against the Brits.  But no!  Amadeus Wolf - The Thieves $7.5, WH $8.  Asset - The Thieves $9, WH $9.  Al Qasi - The Thieves $12, WH $13.  You get the drift.  I mean, what are they doing, taking money out of our pockets and just laying it over with WH.  A veritable license to print the stuff.

My recommendation - stay away from TAB Sportsbet fixed odds.  They are Thieves of the highest order.

To check out a few markets see TAB, WH, Ladbrokes.