Rules. Mavericks and misfits might not like to admit it, but it's especially true in gambling that some solid guidelines are a major help in formulating a strategy to beat the bookies.

There's no short cut to making money backing horses. The bookmakers work full-time at getting money from punters, so backers shouldn't expect to have to do anything different.

Victor Chandler, for instance, not only has a form expert but a speed ratings buff, a breeding analyst and a man whose job it is to collate inside information.

Punters need to take their betting just as seriously, but if they take the following 37 Commandments on board, they will give themselves a much better chance of getting in front and staying there.