I think it's because of flexi betting. Prior to this, the minimum you could have on a trifecta was a 50 cent unit for 50%. Now you can get down to say 100 combinations for a 1% return, and this leads to more people playing them, but also many more people having the correct combination.

Also companies want more $$$ these days so im guessing a larger chunk of the pool is taken for them.

Utility won a race during the Spring Carnival at $51. I had Utility as a standout funnily enough in a First 4 bet as a bit of fun. The bet cost me roughly $50 and unfortunately I had 3rd and 4th in the wrong order, missing out on 15k by a small margin.

Was just one of those days, and to make matters worse, I didn't back Utility.

That would have tipped me off. lol

Must have been angry afterward.

I believe with photo finishes you remember the ones you get beat in and forget the ones that go your way.

Yeah probably true mate. Maybe if I thought about it for a while I'd think of a few that had gone my way but Might and Power in the Cup of 97 was the last winning photo finish I can remember and thats not a joke lol.

Maybe a few less sheep back in the old days. Or it might be that we are better informed.