Handicapping / Graduation Day

Put on your cap and gown. It’s time to learn the process of becoming a full-fledged horseplayer. – In this chapter as you walk down the aisle to move to the next level. Here are some wagering tips that you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled on.

 

1. – Before betting, go back and take a look at how the track has been playing the past week.- Most ADW’s have race replays for free.

2. – Know the weather conditions for your selected tracks. – When the track is sloppy and off the turf, this can affect your handicapping greatly.

3. – If you have ten races you’re going to play. – Cut it back to your favorite six races. – From there, bet your best 4 races. This process will allow you to only bet your best selections and keep your bankroll growing.

4. – If you like turf races know which riders and trainers have the best percentage on the weeds.

5. – Look for trainers fresh off the claim. – They must have thought something of this runner to talk an owner about spending $10,000.

6. – A rider switch to a top percentage jock can make all the difference. – Their agents will book them for the best possible chances as they only make money when the rider does.

7. – Take a look at the trainer stats. – Some do better with 2-yr-olds, claimers, turf – dirt switches, and equipment changes.

8. – In bigger races look for runners coming off a layoff on the turf with a few solid works.

9. – Look for bad trips found in the comment lines at the end of the past performances.

10. – Cutting back in distance, and pay close attention to dropping down in class.

11. – Look for ship-in runners with last race troubles.

12. – First-time two-year-old’s for top-shelf barns – Looking for top riders who take the mount, and good workouts from tracks or training centers shipping in to run.

13. – Speed horses going 6f – 7f stretching out to longer distances. – Sometimes it’s magic with added distance. They can wire a field as the fractions can be slower.

14. – Top trainers making a claim. – They were watching this runner and can move them up with different care and training.

15. – The middle move. – A runner makes a good charge and just holds in place (ex) 4 3/4 – 5 1/2 – 4 1/2 – 4 head. – This is a sign of race that has a horse moving forward.

16. – When a horse is a beaten favorite and runs back in the same conditions, or better when they drop in class.

17. – Pay attention to a runner working multiple times. – If there are 3 works take a look at the middle work. It is usually the best. – Also, pay attention to how many days in between works and how many from the last work to race day. – If they are on a 7-day spacing and then move up to come back 5 days to race. – Keep your eyes peeled for a top-notch effort.

 

There will be plenty of little-handicapping notes and over time you’ll develop your own. – These are a few of mine and before long you’ll be playing the greatest sport. – Now toss your tassel to other side of your cap and get to the races. – What are ya’ waiting for? – It’s almost post time! – Best of luck from Winning Ponies!