3 Rules to Handicapping the Road to the Derby

by Ed Meyer

posted on March 22, 2021 in Blogroll, General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, WinningPonies.com | Comments Off on 3 Rules to Handicapping the Road to the Derby

As we swing into the next bend of the Triple Crown journey, start your real handicapping now. The real running has begun and the time to get serious is upon. – Here are three handicapping tools to make your work more productive.

 

1. As much as we’ve studied, there is still more to do. – About this time every year we start seeing new runners beginning to peak, and top runners we’ve been following have a hitch in their plans. But, not to fear. – This can all be eliminated with some extra reading. If the marquee prep races are on a Saturday, check back on Sunday or Monday for a solid weekend recap. Stories that cover the races, winner’s plans, and behind-the-scenes excuses for a poor effort. You can’t do enough reading this time of year.

 

2. Trip handicapping by watching replays and taking notes has been a secret of every professional handicapper. Look at the race with open eyes, and don’t try to make an excuse for a runner you may have had a bet on. – Be honest and open-minded. Pay attention to the fractions, track bias, breaking from the gate, or getting trapped at points in the race. – Once you have a few horses to follow, keep your eyes open for fresh works, new equipment changes, or if the barn has opted for a higher percentage riders. These are the fine-tuning efforts to get their runners performing at top speed.

 

3. As the weeks draw closer, begin a sheet of contenders, and runners who you feel are heading the wrong way. Also, keep track of defectors from the Triple Crown trail so you won’t be wasting time waiting for a horse who will need additional time. – This homework will pay off greatly down the road as final prep races are taking place now as connections are looking to stamp their dance card for the first Saturday in May.

 

Being on the Winning Ponies site is your one-stop-shop for all of your racing needs. – We offer up the most comprehensive data in examining each race and how it will take shape. There are easy-to-use color-coded tier levels that can be used from new players to the most seasoned handicappers with the E-Z Win Forms. – There is the Winning Ponies Internet Show with John Engelhardt each and every Thursday talking horses and chatting with the best racing minds breaking down the road to the Derby. If you miss the show, you can catch it on the podcast to get caught up on everything racing. – We offer up blogs, stories, and free selections to build your bankroll as the real racing is ready to begin! – Stay right where you are and think of Winning Ponies.com as your one-stop-place for everything racing. – Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies.