Formula One 1
Formula one might not appeal to those who see it as betting on technology rather than a true sporting occasion but it offers everything punters could want - competition, changing fortunes and the chance to make a profit.
Yes, even a great driver cannot win a race in a terrible car, although he can still wring a better lap time out of it. Just as importantly, a bad driver won't necessarily win in a good car.
So what factors, other than the surname Schumacher, should be considered in the search for a grand prix winner?
HORSES FOR COURSES
Knowing the relative strengths and weakness of the competing cars (there are currently ten teams of two cars of the grid) is paramount.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that the teams finish in the same order at every event because one car is faster than another every time. Certain tracks suit certain cars better than others and knowing who should prosper at which venue is a great path to finding winners.
Try to get to grips with the make-up of the circuits. Those with long straights separated only by chicanes such as Montreal in Canada and Monza in Italy will play into the hands of teams with the most powerful engines - aerodynamic brilliance will not matter much when you are not going around fast corners.
At the other end of the spectrum is the historic Monte Carlo street circuit, venue for the Monaco Grand Prix. There, grip and acceleration away from the painfully slow corners are far more important than a car's top speed.
For example, in the 2004 season Ferrari and BAR had cars which worked well at most circuits. Williams had plenty of power but took their time getting their aerodynamic performance together. Renault were quick and nimble but lacked top-end speed early in the season and former giants McLaren were saddled with an uncontrollable machine which proved neither fast, easy to handle nor reliable.
Bookmakers can be very slow to react to a change in the status quo, particularly when a midfield team makes genuine improvement. Have confidence in your own views and make them pay.
Simply assessing the prevailing conditions at the start of a meeting can narrow your race selection down to three or four likely candidates even before the first car has left the garage.
The horses for courses principle applies to drivers as well as their machines. All competitors have their own individual driving style - Rubens Barrichello always goes well in Japan for example, while Jarno Trulli is a master at Monaco. Listen out for interviews where drivers mention if they either love or hate driving at a circuit - it can make a big difference. Otherwise, past form is a valuable tool, particularly if, for example, a driver has dragged a poor car into the points at a circuit which he will now be tackling in a better machine.