I can certainly vouch for the fact that unless you are prepared to spend a fair bit on the horse you cant expect much of a return via winnings.
But in my 4 years of syndicate life I have done nicely from information received (excluding current trainer).
With horse racing your a step closer to winning by just knowing that your horse is gonna be trying. Also trainers talk a lot and a few times we have been told of horses in the same race that would be "having a warm up" thus reducing the field further.
The financials for my syndicate are:
Approx 25 Members
Cost Per Member/Month £20 All In (10% share in Horse)
Winners 4 (over 4 Years

)
Prize Money £11000 approx (10% Share)
Badges available on raceday - Minimum of 6 - Up to 12
More interestingly we have been given winners at 9/1, 16/1, 20/1 and each way placers at 8/1, 14/1 and 33/1 twice and those are out of approximately 12 bits of info received from the stables.
Hope this helps
