The Happy Horseplayer

by Ed Meyer

posted on February 2, 2018 in Blogroll, General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

The New Year is underway and by now we’re starting to think about our favorite winter ovals. Mother Nature has been dealing from the bottom of the deck with wicked weather all across the nation. But, that’s winter. – The Happy Horseplayer is ready and chomping at the bit for the stakes that will lead us down the road to the roses. But don’t get too anxious as we have 98 days until we hear “My Old Kentucky Home.”

I like to play New York. For years I have I have spoken about my affinity for the circuit and it still continues. Oh, I enjoy Florida and Kentucky and finish up with California on good days but that probably fits many of us. – New York used to be a haven of early speed and the inner-track was a golden highway of early foot. – It plays much better these days and the bias that used to hold sway has been replaced. When Mother Nature allows racing to be conducted “The Big A” can be a good oval to start your day.

For some of the best value in daytime winter racing just head to Florida. No, not Gulfstream. But, it is starting to heat up the competition day-by-day. That we can always count on. I’m talking about Tampa Bay Downs. – Good field sizes which equal to better payoffs. A solid turf course which offers up good racing on the sod. Player’s seem to always bet a little more on the green and the bigger pools are the difference between having a 7-2 shot versus that 5-2 number in the win pool. – You’ll see runners coming in from Gulfstream that are looking to fit into a better slot and returning horses that relish the oval. Solid jockey colonies and trainers who point their charges toward TBD. – For me, this is a great place to spot play. I love turf racing and TBD allows you to rebuild your bankroll.

Santa Anita is the jewel of the left coast. The sun is always shining and the place glistens with the San Gabriel mountains as a backdrop. There are the usual names and players who hold court. We’ll see them in claiming races and graded stakes. The track plays fair and the turf course is one of the best in the country. – “The Great Race Place” is a super way to end your day and if you find yourself looking for a full-packed pick-four pool look no further than a $500,000 plus guaranteed pool on Sunday. I always play and it is worth the try to end your weekend with a solid score.

It is the job of every horseplayer to find value. These are just a few examples of finding the hidden gold that awaits. – Be sure to download the Winning Ponies E-Z Forms to allow you to see how the race will take shape. With handy icons, past performances, Composite ratings and color-coded tier levels. The first time user to the hardcore handicapper will be able to use and take advantage of the one-of-a-kind information that only Winning Ponies can offer up. Best of luck from the Happy Horseplayer!