Why do I keep losing on the first two or three races of the day (pre-race)?

[Derek27]

It's not affecting me mentally, or holding me back in any way, it's just neutral, but, nevertheless, I can't seem to nip this pesky habit in the bud...

I'll see how it plays out, but I think I might have to drop stakes for the first few races of the day, which doesn't sit well. Maybe it should sit well. I don't know...

I always drop stakes on the first race of any meeting to see if it's trading any differently than normal. Markets vary from day to day, meeting to meeting and yes, I've been caught out a few times on the first races.

What is the main cause for markets to change characteristics so frequently? Automation? Can never remember it being like that around 5/6 years ago, or maybe I was just oblivious to it as I was just starting out

I would put it down to the multitude of people and different behaviours trading the markets, people smashing in favourites and following up when beaten, following jockeys on a roll, etc.

[Tuco]

...it's all random - do it long enough and you won't lose on the first two or three races of the day, you'll lose on the last two or three races of the day!