Mom and Dad were right. Just do your homework and buckle down. It will payoff in the long run…

Most get complacent at times during the year. You need to have a few habits locked in to help your bottom line. Here are a few simple suggestions that will keep your accounts heading in the right direction.

1. Keep a log of all of your wagers, wins, losses, and daily totals. This will allow you to see your money in action, and keeping a simple log will allow you to redirect any short falls.

2. Focus on one or two tracks to wager. If you try anymore, you will start chasing your tail. Stick to your knitting!

3. Use a data service to supplement your handicapping. You will find this helps in keeping up to speed, and staying in the groove with your plays. WinningPonies is a great site, and I have seen them all. Easy to use, and is up to the latest minute by not putting out information 72 hours in advance, like some services. For the many players I have come across, most use a service to work with their handicapping.

4. Play hot rider / trainer combos. I would use 20% as a benchmark for this stat. They will win more than most, and have a proven team work plan.

5. Look for a change of equipment and a red-hot workout. A runner cannot change equipment off of a win. Sometimes you will see a horse run decent, and then comes the change up and hot work to show they are ready.

You need to keep these few tips handy before you make a wager.  You need to start back up strong for 2010. Sometimes we forget, and practicing strong habits can only make us stronger at the windows.

Good luck!

After the holidays, and the ten extra pounds I added to my waist and not my wallet, I am ready to get back in the action. I love it. I stay away for a couple of days, and I feel like a new man.

It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have a contest on the horizon. I have one on Friday calling my name. It is a “Tournament of Champions” contest, and exactly a year ago I got lucky and qualified. I am already focusing in on Friday. I will start my replay capping on Wednesday, and progress from there. Don’t look at it as a way to stay alive. I see it as way to be alive. Racing runs deep for me, and I don’t think I am alone…..Wish me luck!

This Thursday, will be our first Internet radio show of the year. We are planning on having Kiaran McLaughlin as our special guest. We spoke, and he was a very nice gent. The worst thing about having the biggies on board, is that they may have something to take them away at the last second. Either way, we are looking forward to having him on. I sure hope you tune in!

Start your bankroll. Put a little aside each week, and in a few months, you will have a wallet for the marquee races. Gulfstream will be opening in a matter of days, and that is a signal racing is coming back to life. The babies getting ready, and turf racing back in the house. What more could you ask for?

Keep a list, or start a stable of runners to watch. This will payoff in spades. You need to stay up on things, even if you have to do it after the fact. Don’t forget to look at the track biases, and try not to see things that did not happen as you handicap. This is tough, and it can be really bad for me. Sometimes you want to see a trip that needs a note, and you find yourself watching for something that is not there. Keep your eyes open, but be true in your observation.

Start watching Fair Grounds, Gulfstream, Aqueduct, and Santa Anita. The rest can be left alone for the most part, as you may not see anything coming your way for the Derby trail. The only exception is Oaklawn, and you can eliminate the statebred races. As you get closer, start focusing a little more with a few less circuits. Keep an eye on all after the fact, but you will have a better R.O.I by limiting the tracks you play.

Don’t be afraid to start a nice place parlay. Begin on a Wednesday, and make a play or two. Keep the entire amount rolling, and you may be surprised by Saturday.

Just a few refresher ideas to get you started. Always compare them to the tier levels, and if you want to play another off the wall circuit, I would put your faith in those who do the homework. It is impossible to watch every track and every race. But, you have a tool that will keep you competitive.

Good luck in 2010!

There are so many types of exotic bets available to horseplayers nowadays that novices are often confused about how to wager.

I remember back when the racetracks I visited at an early age offered only one exotic wager – the daily double. Unlike today, that bet only included the first and second races.

One of my favorite exotic wagers is the Pick 3 for several reasons:

Studies illustrate betting a win parlay covering the three races in a Pick 3 usually pays less than the exotic ticket including the same horses.

The probability of picking winners in three straight contests, depending on the races, is often higher than hitting your favorite exotic wagers in the same set of races.

I always look to single a horse in one of the races, but not a favorite for obvious reasons.

The worst payoffs occur when an odds-on horse captures any of the Pick 3 races or low-priced choices score in two races despite a longshot taking the other contest.

One of the more profitable scenarios transpires when you can identify and beat weak favorites in the first two legs because bettors love to be alive going into the third race and often include those horses.

If you can get the better of the favorite in the first and second legs, you will realize a nice return even if the betting public’s choice captures the final leg.

Naturally, the best returns occur when favorites fail to win any of the races, but excellent payoffs happen when second choices triumph in combination with medium-priced horses.

Combinations of favorites and non-favorites in the Pick 3 can be profitable, but a blend of medium-priced winners often pays more than they should. Good payoffs also result when two of the races appear wide open and lack heavy favorites.

I always look for a horse I feel the public won’t warm up to and I honestly give a good chance of winning the race at a nice price.

Figuring the cost of your Pick 3 isn’t difficult – just multiply the number of selections in each race by the amount bet. For example, 3 x 2 x 1 by a $2 wager is $12.

And remember that while some tracks refund parts of a ticket when there’s scratch in the first leg, if your top selection in the second or third leg doesn’t run, you usually you end up with the post time favorite.

Here are some tips that will save you to time and money:

Don’t waste your dough on low-odds favorites in all three legs because the reward isn’t worth the risk.

Spread out your Pick 3 with multiple tickets.

Don’t be afraid of adding a horse on the bubble because that’s usually the one that beats you.

Go ahead and select second and third favorites in a leg or two, but include some longshots, too.

Take advantage of the $1 wheel because that doubles your betting chances and makes it affordable to include more horses without having to spend a bundle.

Before every race, the horses saddle in the paddock. The 95-lb athletes are some of the toughest in sports. For the longest time, I have wondered about the importance of riders. Do they make the big difference, or are they just along for the ride?

Early in my years of handicapping, I was always of the opinion that they made all of the difference. But, as I have come along these many years, my thoughts may have changed; changed to be on guard for certain moves or changes.

Here are some of the things that I look for when assessing the riders in the saddle:

• I look for top-notch stables who employ a top shelf jockey. I have watched as the money is too good. There is no second chance at many levels. Look for those riders who rank with a 20% or better on the year, and especially at the meet. Add in the facts of how riders do with a particular trainer. Every good team that stays together, wins in the long run. Racing is no different, and they look at the energy they bring to the table.
• Another tidbit is watching big name riders pick up a mount for a low rated stable. This can be the work of an agent, and they can be excellent handicappers. This pays off in the long run. If you look at the year stats, runners that are low on the totem pole, with a top rated boot, usually pay near and above the $20 range. The agent has done his homework, and this is a great opportunity to pick it up and cash it in. Keep an eye peeled for this move. They usually had a bug rider or apprentice last time out, and today they have a top three standing rider in the saddle. Here is a sweet price play…..
• I like when top riders stay aboard. When they have a first time starter that ran down the road poorly, and hang on and comeback, now that is one worth watching. Loyalty does exist in the game, but it usually has limits. Watch for this move as well.

Overall, the rider plays a crucial role after all is said and done. My handicapping has taken a hard look at this move, but others still dismiss the rider and just roll the dice. I like to employ the handicapping angles I have learned over the years. When watching riders, you have to put the time in. If you watch, I think you will see the payoffs come back. Just use these angles with your data and watch your ITM % skyrocket.

If you want the inside scoop on what to look for, and what a player needs to have in hand, you are in the right place at the right time.  Just download your data, and take a look at these little nuggets.

There is no exact diagram or design for winning at Turfway Park. But here are a few tips that need to be examined to help you make your decisions.

Six furlong races – In my past experiences with the oval, I feel that you will want to stick with closers, or runners that have an ability to rate and pounce down the lane. I would not shy away from the outside posts. They are as even as the inside, and they have an advantage at times. The poly track is a flat surface. There is no crown or banked area as horses head into the turn. Pay close attention to closers from the back of the pack. Silky Sullivan would have loved this oval.

Six and a half panels – Once again, stalkers and closers rule the day. Don’t be afraid to watch for those at the back of the pack. I won’t say that some will go wire to wire, but the percentages lay with the patient closers.

Five and a half races – The rule holds even more …. Suffice it to say, the back of the pack can be the place to be.

One mile to a mile and a sixteenth – These races play more to front end runners, and those who just lay off. Funny thing, the longer they go, the better the speed.

Look for shippers from Keeneland, Churchill, and Hawthorne. No matter where the Chicago horses go, they run very well… Pay close attention to those who get a trip over the track, or who have been working at Keeneland or Turfway. They are made up of the same surface.

Riders that warrant a big look are:

John Court – He can ride tall in the saddle against this crew. He used to torture them at Ellis Park.

John McKee – This young lad always looks good in the saddle.  Many times he has been compared to Pat Day.

Israel Ocampo – This fella’ looks good in the saddle. He has never really gotten the quality of horses to show his ability, but now he will. Look for him on speed runners. He loves a quick break.

Leandro Goncalves – This is going to be my best bet of the meet.  Barring any injuries, he is very talented. This should be his meet. He had one of toughest upbringings as a child. But, he is as kind and happy as one could be. He is young, energetic, and patient. Add them up, and you have a contender.

So, here it is. The best place to get your data, and a little inside info from playing the oval on a regular basis. I sure hope you get a chance to wager on a few races, and be sure to tune in this week to our Internet show as we will have Turfway Park President Bob Elliston as our special guest.

Enjoy the winter, and spring will be here before you know it……

To uncover the Breeders’ Cup can be like finding the Holy Grail…. Things can be overwhelming.  Just take a deep breath and take a peek at the following.

The handicapping gurus are leaning toward the stalkers and closers in all races. You can throw out speed, and look for the back of the pack runners.

Be ready for surprises. The price runners can jump up at every time, and bite you in the wallet. Stretch out to get these runners in your tickets. Don’t waste your time over-capping for one winner. Be sure to use multiple runners that need a good combing over for exactas and trifectas.

It is wise to reach beyond your normal comfort level. Box up those price runners, as everyone is trying during this time.

At Santa Anita, here are a few ideas of who is winning from where:

Stalkers – 14/32  – Deep closers – 12/32 – Euros – 5/32 – and the speedsters – 2/32……

Foreign runners have taken well to the turf course. Don’t be afraid that they will not acclimate to the heat and be washed out. They seem to love the California racing. Speed is 2/24, and Closers are 15/24… Most of the foreign horses have had a start in the USA, and have had finishes of 2nd place or better. I would focus on closers, and don’t discount layoff runners for top barns.

Some of the smallest payoffs have come in the Ladies Classic – $3.00, and the highest have come in the Marathon – $26.80, Classic -$29.00, and the Turf Sprint $75.00. The rest lay in between, and it is up to you to find the value. History has been a good factor in finding which races favor chalk, and the ones that lean towards prices.

Playing straight tri’s and supers seldom works. You will need to build down, and you can find this on your lower tiers. There is great value to be had on theses levels. Don’t be afraid to stretch out.. This is a day where you will want to bring along a bankroll, or find partners in bigger tickets.

Your final stop will happen this Thursday night on our Internet show. We will break down both days, and offer out some great exotic plays. So be sure and tune in, and pick up the latest info to prepare with your data to find winners.  It starts at 8:00 p.m. EST / 5:00p.m. PST, and you can call in if you have a hot runner or insight into the races. You can contact us at 1-888-346-9144.

Best of luck, and hope to talk to you on Thursday night….

Mom would say there is a place in purgatory for me for saying something like that. But, I will see you at church…. Churchill…..

Sunday opens a new meeting in Kentucky. Keeneland closes, and it is time for the Twin Spires to shine in the autumn sunlight.

I would like for you to dig in deep with WinningPonies for this meet. Last year, I did very well using the data. You will also want to keep up on charts and races, but the data is as strong as it gets.

Lets kick things off with a couple of tidbits. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Always use Dale Romans in your exotics. He smashes CD… He owns the place….
• Play runners who have run well in the past.
• Give poly track runners a race, unless they have trained well over the course or are running on the turf.
• The turf favors stalkers and closers. Throw out the outside posts, and focus on posts 3-7 to get to the winner’s circle.
• Use the track condition dropdown for weather changes, as the weather gets dicey this time of year.

With this in mind, let us give you one on the house to build around and start off the meet in fine fashion. Race #3, use #1 Stately Victor (8-5). If you get these odds, you have been leading a lucky life…

This 2-year-old exits a G-1 over the poly track.. I know, I remember… Take a look at the last four workouts. They are all bullets, and they take place in Louisville.  Albarado is in the irons for Mike Maker, and both do very well at this oval… Go back two races and you will see a handsome victory at Saratoga, as Albarado got through on the rail. I see this to be a small time win payoff, but a good opportunity to get fat on multi-race wagers…..

You have heard me talk in the past about making winning runs by using the chalk, instead of throwing out the obvious. Well, here comes another and it is going to be huge….

I am taking a vacation to “chalkland.” I am not ashamed. I am not embarrassed. I am going to make seven plays between here and Breeders’ Cup to bankroll my weekend. Here is my seven-step program.

Day one. I am going to start with $100. I will look over New York, Kentucky, California, and Florida for one play of the day… No more, no less… All I need is 1-2 on my money.. I will bet it to place or show… But, it is coming……

I find my first wager, and lock it in. We find five to six each day and skip it due to price. I bet my $100 and get back $150. My second wager yields me the same 1-2 and my wad is up to $225. Bet three takes me to $337.50. I cannot believe it is growing… Number four gets me – $506.25, and bet number five takes me up to $759.38. I am starting to sweat, but my capping is getting more focused. Number six wager rolls me into – $1,139.06. I finish up my Breeders’ cup bankroll with my seventh wager. I find 1-2 on my money and I get back $1,708.59.

This is hard to grasp… Can you believe that betting $100 on a 1-2 payoff can yield this amount? This will get my bankroll up to a nice number. I only invested a hundred clams, and I have $1,700 to wager. Normally, I could not see $1,700 in pocket unless I am out of town, or it is Breeders’ Cup… But to start with such a small amount compared to what I will have is incredible.

Stay away from small circuits. Stay away from off tracks. Keep away from large fields. Don’t use a new bug rider. Use trainers who bat better than 20%. Don’t use maiden races. Stay away from cheap claimers… This should get you where you need to be. You have to be careful, and there must be some ground rules. These are mine.

Think about it, and let me know your thoughts. Good or bad, just let me know what you think. Seven times in the batters box, and you could be having a helluva Breeders’ Cup weekend…

I can still see Goldikova rolling down the lane. Freddie Head’s filly ran bigger than life…. I know, time cures all. If you did not cash, then your memory can grow short. All of which can be a good thing.

The historical bias says that closers, stalkers, and “Silky Sullivan” types do well in here. The majority of runners in this 8 furlong affair tend to favor this method. In the past, so have I at the windows…

Less than 20% have went gate to wire in this affair. You will want to start your process by searching for a pace that will set up what type of closer. A blistering job on the hook can assure they will come rolling like the cavalry. A medium to average pace may favor a tactical runner who can weave their magic 4-5 lengths off the pace.

Post position means a lot in the history of this race. You will want to go back through charts, and see what post has taken the beating. The outside has been a bad place to be. I would look for a middle post where a runner can dive in or out if needed. I don’t like the rail where the competition is all great. You can get shut off quicker than an unpaid electric bill.  Just go back through the charts. It will pay off.

Big preps on the radar screen for this heat have been the – Q.E. II Stakes, Prix Jacque le Marois, Prix du Moulin, and the Sussex Stables. Goldikova won her last prep in the Prix du Moulin.

Here are some contenders that may need a look if they make the trip: Artiste Royale, Awesome Gem, Bold Chieftain, Colonel John, Cosmonaut, Courageous Cat, Cowboy Cal, Ferneley, Get Serious, Ghanaati, and Gio Ponti.

Just keep your eyes open, and be ready to employ the rules. The handicapping will be easy to find.. It is under WinningPonies, and believe you me they will be ready….

This race has always been good to me…. I sure hope I have not angered the wagering gods with that last statement, as they have no sense of humor when man thinks he does well on a race or surface…Hence, poly-track was created….. And it took more than seven days.

We are returning to Santa Anita. I loved my first trip last year, and the weather was great. I could not have asked for anything more, other than to conquer day two as I did on day one.

Beware of the weather. Do not play Euros that only love soft or yielding courses. Sometimes the turf can be sun baked. If the clouds open up, it can and will offer up a giving course. The funny thing is that European runners love this sod. Be sure to make sure they have run well on whatever type 0f surface is going on.  16 out of the last 25 have handled the sod of the day. Make sure to give bonus points for those who won their last time out..

Take a chance on a longshot. Turf runners can hold their ability for a long run. You should look for a runner that has run and won in the past 30 days. 12 out of 25 winners have followed this method.

Early speed fades… It will go the way of the dinosaur.. Far off pace runners who wheedle through the pack fare very well down the lane. I would not look for a gate to wire effort, and better focus on closers. Only 6 out of 25 speedsters have rolled….

Now is the time to brush up on breeding. For the babies it is really important. The grass runners always go back to this. You can throw out grass breeding for an 8-year-old weed runner. I think they have proven their point. It makes all the payoffs in the world to pay attention to the juvenile breeding.