Archive for December, 2009

What To Buy?

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 20, 2009 in General Discussion | No Comments >>

I was sitting in my office last week. I have to admit, I was looking at Tampa for a value play or two… The phone rang, and the nicest young lady asked what she should get her father for Christmas.  He loves the ponies, and she had no clue what to get him… Boy, was […]

What’s a Bettor to Do? So Many Exotic Ways to Go

by Greg Melikov

posted on December 17, 2009 in Educational Articles, Handicapping | 2 Comments >>

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 […]

I’ll Bet…

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 17, 2009 in General Discussion | No Comments >>

As a player, I am always looking at new wagers. I want folks to have fun, and the track will make money and survive.  Everyone wins…. Here are a couple of ideas me and some other track execs have tossed around. Let us know what you think… After all, your vote is the important voice. This one […]

Holiday Happiness

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 14, 2009 in General Discussion | No Comments >>

Tracks are always looking for ideas to bring back players. There is no one size fits all, but here are a few ideas that may keep ’em coming. Friday Night Parties – I have seen a few tracks do this well…. Have a band, $1 beers, $1 dogs, and $1 wagers… Get in for free, […]

Money Monday [Free Selections]

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 14, 2009 in Free Picks and Tips | No Comments >>

Folks usually are coming back to work off a hangover, and thinking about their favorite football team and how they played. Most have forgotten about the races, and want to focus on next week. But, we may have a few reasons to be glad on Monday morning again…. I agree, there is not the usual bevy […]

Tough As They Come

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 10, 2009 in General Discussion | No Comments >>

We would all like to work as long as possible. It gives us a sense of purpose, and keeps us active in many degrees. But for Martin Brown, life has been a ride for this youthful 65-year-old jockey. Martin Brown cut his teeth the way many riders do in Louisiana. He began at age seven, […]

Thursday Steamers [Free Selections]

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 10, 2009 in Free Picks and Tips | No Comments >>

I like to start the weekend a few days early.  I can’t wait, no matter what the weather. Even though mother nature may be dealing from the bottom of the deck, we will pull out some plays that may heat up your day. We will begin were there is some warmth and sunshine.  Let’s go […]

Several Sires Buck Downward Trend of Stud Fees

by Greg Melikov

posted on December 10, 2009 in General Discussion, News | No Comments >>

The declining U.S. economy has impacted the horse racing industry in many areas, especially when it comes to breeding. Stud fees that began falling in 2007 continued this year. Citing the economic situation that face breeding and sales in North America and Europe, Sheikh Mohammed’s operation at Darley, Ky., recently announced fees for 37 of […]

Cutbacks at All Levels

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 10, 2009 in General Discussion | 1 Comment >>

The NTRA is the “big brother” of racing. They keep that watchful eye, and ensure the integrity and safety of our sport. But now, they are going to lose a little wallet weight by cutting the budgets 25%. I have an idea that might hold a little water. It won’t cure all of the ills, […]

Riders Up!

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 10, 2009 in General Discussion, Handicapping | No Comments >>

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 […]