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In my opinion, Jim McGrath is the most overrated pundit in racing. In all my time watching the Morning Line (in the background, you understand) I have never heard him offer an original insight. His tips are poor and he seems to me to cruise along on his reputation as a shrewdie. John Francome is no punter but is the only reason the awful programme is worth watching- occasionally he’ll say something from his knowledge of the horse which will make me change my thinking. McGrath? for the birds.
His ignoring of the outsiders, which is pretty much what he and his televised representation of timeform are about (think hes only there to explain why the favs are timeforms top rated), would probably be better suited to BBC racing with their 12-1 bars etc, the beeb barely ever mention a horse at less than that price, unless its won a race on the bbc in the past and the presenttors know it.
To be honest I don’t pay much attention to jim mcgrath as he seldom has anything to say that interests me, and he just takes up a space really, at least mccrirrick is somewhat animated and will say something worthwhile once in a blue moon.
He has a very odd habit of closing his eyes when he talks…
Someone once told me that was a sign of intelligence !!!!!!
Nick Shiambourous – Betting.Betfair website tipster and Betfair radio tipster.
The guy isnt actually that bad but he is so over rated its unbelievable. If im at my girlfriends she doesnt have RUK or ATR so I tend to listen to Betfair radio if I have any bets on. The guy loves himself and so does everyone who surrounds him. Its truly sickening, he is made out to be some sort of god, he really isnt.
Jim McGrath is highly knowledgable and while it would be impossible for everything he says to be earth-shatteringly-original if you listen closely enough he usually has something pertinent to offer. Good, common sense approach. I don’t think he’s over-rated at all.
Well as an owner of ‘council’ telly rather than satellite I can only comment on BBC (no, don’t laugh!) and Channel 4.
I don’t particularly like the ‘style’ of Channel 4, but I think McGrath is still a very, very good analyst.
BBC is woeful, but I think La Balding is a very good presenter.
Corm, I challenge you to listen to his output in the next few months and tell me something truly insightful or useful that he’s said.
Jim McGrath is highly knowledgable and while it would be impossible for everything he says to be earth-shatteringly-original if you listen closely enough he usually has something pertinent to offer. Good, common sense approach. I don’t think he’s over-rated at all.
I would mostly agree, at least in so far as he seems to be an endless source of Timeform Perspective type material and of pedigree stats. It also seems to be there ‘on tap’, so to speak, rather than well-researched (in anticipation of a question), and that can be impressive. All that said, I wouldn’t want to have to sit next to him at dinner for a couple of hours!
Nick Shiambouros is stunningly annoying ~ constantly referring to AP McCoy as "TMac" (as if he needs a new nickname) among other idiosyncracies I can live without.
I think Jim is a pretty shrewd guy.
However, would C4 want him going into detail on ratings, sectionals etc? They seem to view their output as to the general public rather than racing enthusiasts given the way they treat their viewers as morons.
I’m not sure Timeform (or betfair rather) would want Jim to be giving out information that people are subscribing to. Nor would Jim be giving out information he is aware of from trainers….
Whether this means his participation is somewhat limited may be true, but he still stands out amongst the general dross on C4 (and the beeb for what it’s worth).
I’m not sure Timeform (or betfair rather) would want Jim to be giving out information that people are subscribing to. Nor would Jim be giving out information he is aware of from trainers…..
… that might well explain why he often closes his eyes before giving an answer to a question, or before making a statement!
I’m not a Jim fan, in fact I’m struggling to think of any pundit I really rate. I guess thats because the majority of them are all in ‘the circle’ and get each other jobs, just looking after there mates. It means its rare for someone original and different to break through which is a shame. The majority of people everywhere seem to be ex timeform employees which means we are treated to one way of looking at things. Racing isnt just about timeform and I would love to see a few new fresh and original pundits appear from somewhere. I like Nevison actually as he appears to be his own man, though I wouldnt ever take any notice of his actual opinion on a race.
If the racing media dont get some fresh faces involved then there is nothing to draw future generations into racing, because most young people cant relate to the majority of todays pundits. (sorry pundits who are reading but thats my opinion).
In my opinion, Jim McGrath is the most overrated pundit in racing. In all my time watching the Morning Line (in the background, you understand) I have never heard him offer an original insight. His tips are poor and he seems to me to cruise along on his reputation as a shrewdie. John Francome is no punter but is the only reason the awful programme is worth watching- occasionally he’ll say something from his knowledge of the horse which will make me change my thinking. McGrath? for the birds.
Am I right in thinking we are talking about thee Jim McGrath here and not that Astralian guy. Used to be very good Jim and was known for hitting the bookies with some shrew bets way back but can’t comment on the current position as I don’t see the programme these day.
BUT Francome not a punter? must have found religion
John Banks Royal Vulgan stewards………… ah those were the days.more to Mr Fancome that meets the eye……..I think he and Jonjo bought their smiles out the same shop Are we classing Thommo as a pundit lol? Hey nobody can be as bad as Chris Kamara is at football…. he tips the same bet up every week but I digress
I am trying to think of any tips Thommo has done that he has given some logic behind it but am giving myself a headache so will stop.I think I am the only person I know who thinks Thommo is brilliant. OK I can admit as a tipster he is useless but as a presenter there simply isnt a better one in racing. He is the only man in racing TV I am aware of who would be able to host a prime time program, absolutely top quality presenter. I for one think he is brilliant, now I may be on my own on this one but he makes me laugh is good to watch and has an interesting racing past. Best mates with Bob Champion, he was involved in some way in the Shergar kidnap (not as the kidnapper I may add), he has some genius one liners and he would put every other racing presenter in the UK over his knee and spank them. Pure quality.
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