Professional in Training

by Ed Meyer

posted on September 17, 2012 in General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing | No Comments >>

Everyone has known someone, or even been a part of trying your hand at gambling as a profession. I did once, and it was a great ride. I began with a losing streak that gave my grey hair, and had a winning streak that began with wagering $1,000 to place on a 5-1 shot. Yep, I tried my hand, and man was it exciting. There is a young gun that hangs out at Turfway Park. He tries to rationalize his wagers, but there is no need. The clerks don’t care how much you bet, or if you win a million dollars. But just like poker, there are still a few that   love your grandfather’s game.

Ryan is a player, and he follows with great confidence. I once told him to be a professional gambler that you needed three things:

1. Money – 2. A great understanding of the game – 3. Confidence

I have seen some of the best come through my life. I have heard stories of bookmakers that would be up $10,000 on Saturday, and be asking for lunch money on Monday. Or, how about the guys that make these $20,000 show wagers ? They plunk down that kinda’ dough, and line up on the bridge. The quiet know-it-all cracks me up to great lengths. They act as if they received tommorow’s newspaper today. The race track is the greatest melting pot in history.

There is a man in Lexington, Kentucky that makes his living off the races. But, as always, I would never mention his name as privacy is utmost for players. He makes $5 trifecta wheels, $100 part wheels, and goes after the pick-three’s and four’s with a fury. I have met many that have claimed to know, but you wouldn’t guess his occuaption if you had ten trys. He is class personified, and if they only made about three of him for every track. Well, you would see many problems that face racing dissapear.

He pays very close attention to detail, and has no fear in pulling the trigger so to speak. The money, understanding, and confidence make all of the difference in being a guy who bets, to a guy who wins. The cherry on the sundae is in order to show a long run profit, you have to be consistent. But, no matter what your finacial staus, playing the races takes a toll. When I tried, I would scout, or compile data on Monday – Wednesday, and on Thursday begin watching replays of weekend runners. I would watch the weather, how the track plays on weather days, and the overall colony of riders and trainers. I did poorly at first, and a nice run from the Breeders’ Cup and a trip to Florida got me going strong. I had to put it away, and I don’t regret a moment. I didn’t lose it, and I know it can be done. It takes great time, and patience to wait. Someday you take notes, and scout for the future. The labor was one of love, and as The Governator has said; ” I’ll be back.”

Ryan pay heed to the money players. Don’t worry about how they play, or who they like. Watch what makes them succesful, and use this to your advantage. Stay away from getting loaded while betting, and going with a crew to make it a frat party. Take some time away each week. This will allow you the option of getting fresh, and keeping your notes clear. Far be it that I am one of the greats. I have had the pleasure of watching some good ones, and especially taking note of the bad ones. Take your time kid, and enjoy each race.

An article in Colin’s Ghost about Pittsburgh Phil gave me one of the greatest of insight into betting. ” Sphinx-like, he would watch his favorites come down the stretch. No man could ever discern from his facial expression or action whether he bet a cigar or a fortune on a race.”  In his last days at an Asheville sanitarium, he ws said to “have laid on his bed in a delirious fever calling out wildly the names of his horses, and then fall back onto his pillow shouting words of victory.”