This is a question that every horse player asks on a daily basis.

There are NTRA contests and Horse Player World Series Contests. Poker has one, and so does racing. Both have a pot over a million dollars.  You have to qualify for the NTRA contest by placing in a satellite. For the HPWS, you can qualify or you can buy in for $1,000.  Either way the experience will be intoxicating.

I have known everyday players who have qualified, and they now focus all of their efforts on returning. Take the World Series, Super Bowl, and the best players in the country. Shake them all into a plush casino, have the press and ESPN covering the event, and you have the biggest gambling weekend of your life.

I see most players shooting from the hip. Others have wild “Hail Mary” plans, and some just play the longest shots in hopes of hitting the big one. Here are a couple of ideas from a regular player:

• Never play anything under 5-1. Chalk plays just don’t cut the mustard.
• Take time to study the night before. Know all track conditions, scratches, and changes.
• Have your handicapping material a day in advance. I have seen good and bad, and WinningPonies.com is very solid.  The numbers speak for themselves, and you already have access to some of the most user friendly data available. You will want to have this with you the night before when you handicap.
• Make a list of 20 possible races to play. Have a 5-1, 10-1, and a bomb to set your plays. Use the odds as a barometer of where to mix in your plays.
• Of the 20 races, be prepared to seriously use 10 of these. Of the 10, focus on your best five races. The rest can be used as long shot plays.
• Now, recap your plan: Never play anything under 5-1, EVER. It just won’t pay in the long run. Be sure to handicap and allow yourself enough time the night before. Don’t hit the town, there will be plenty of time for that after you hit it big. Get your handicapping info ASAP.  Start finding your top 20 races to use as optional races to play. Of those, use your best five.

Now you have the secret. All you have to do is qualify. That is the best part of the game. You will meet new friends and have the time of your life. When you step off of that plane in Vegas, drop us a line. Let us know if you are walking on clouds. It is all within your reach, and all you have to do is get in the game. The best part is that I would advise it for the novice to the hardcore player. Both have a chance with a little discipline. Good luck player…..