A previous column stated we would temporarily forego providing HANDICAPPING HINTS and take the reader with us while we, like Sir Gallahad seeking the Holy Grail, would see if we could find a desirable place on the web to bet thoroughbreds. For the benefit of cynics among readers of this column let me state unequivocally that what follows is not a subtle plug. I have no connection toYoubet.com. Additionally, before going further with this saga I’d like to mention I’m NOT a computer buff. I have to do everything by trial and error, so please bear with me. I’m sure most readers will know of better ways to accomplish whatever it is I might be trying to do.

It was mentioned we tried several times in the past to find a satisfactory outlet for our betting urges but the results proved less than satisfying. What we were seeking was a web site capable of offering most of the features of an OTB, including the visual and audio aspects of a race.

We started our journey by determining to check out a full-page ad we had seen in American TURF Monthly. The advertiser was the You Bet Network and gave promise of offering everything we were looking for.

My first step was to go to Youbet.com, the web site mentioned in the ad. This proved quite impressive visually with mobiles, frames and all the other gimmicks that look nice but make life difficult for the individual seeking pure information. A category listed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). I figured this was a good place to start, but ran into a problem. My printer would only print the headings of each page of this lengthy treatise (15 pages long) and a printout was definitely needed if I was to be informed.. My solution was to copy and save the FAQs on my hard disc, and print from that. This worked okay but due to different formatting came out to 18 pages. Regardless, the information was extensive, quite impressive and too much to cite here in detail. About one-third concerned Austrailian racing, a subject in which I have little interest.interest .Suffice it to state Youbet.com would appear to meet my requirements; offering all the conveniences of an OTB without the usual hubbub and crowded environment.

One heading in FAQs provided details as to who and what the organization behind Youbet is. According to the blurb "Youbet is Amrica’s premier online racing service and operates in conjunction with ‘Ladbroke Racing Pennsylvania." Ladbroke Racing Corporation is a subsidiary of Ladbroke Group PLC, a multi-billion dollar international corporation, and is the world’s largest operator of horse racing and sports wagering properties This made them sound pretty substantial and convinced me I could trust them with my $10 and $20 betting units.

How much does the service cost? FAQs advised me that the subscription fee was $5.95 per month plus $0.75 per track, per day for past performances. "With your $5.95/month subscription fee you get unlimited online time, all track programs, live odds for all tracks, and live audio/video for PREMIUM track content." Unfortunately New York racing is not encompassed among their "premium" tracks. In fact they do not accept wagering for New York.

Nonetheless, I telephoned and requested additional information about opening an account and was advised that a CD-Rom would be forwarded . It arrived shortly by first class mail.. Our next column will reveal the contents of the CD. We’re running out of space and will continue this saga in our next edition. So far things are looking good.

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