It is this time every year that we sit down and make a deal to lose weight, eat better, and call our mother every week. But as a horse player you should be looking to 2013, and making this your year to be a better player.

1. Money Management

It doesn’t matter how much we talk about this. It always creeps up, and we need to watch where our money is going. If we pass on that dead-lock even-money shot, or bet more when we are losing it is our own fault. I am going to keep both ears open, and my one mouth shut. If we don’t pay attention, it will be a short day at the races.

2. Too Many Tracks

I know the ADW’s and your local tracks offer up the best in simulcast action. So logic dictates that you can’t follow every track. This is where you focus on your ovals and find a service that helps you stay active following the ponies. I, once upon a time, would never have used anyone’s selections, but now I use it as a tool to find hidden value, hot runners, and big payoffs that may have escaped. You are already here, and just take a look at the E-Z Win Forms from Winning Ponies. They caught my attention bringing selections to the table that can be tailored to conditions, weather, and bias. Everything is in real time, as time is of the essence.  2013 is the year that you take your game to the next level.

3. No Tap Dancing

I like to tease my dad, and he hates this. I call it “tap dancing.” This is where you just hit a small winner, and now you are betting just by looking at the tote board, or shooting from the hip just to have action. So keep your dancing for the club, and leave gambling to those with patience and opinions.

4. Don’t Try To Make Things Happen

When we get down a bit, and start on a bad run. I have found myself trying to make things happen to change my luck. Coming clean, I just looked at the 7th at Aqueduct. I loved Irad Ortiz aboard a runner making a second off a layoff, and owns a great mud figure. He is 8-1, but there is a strict 2-5 shot that looks as tough as a nickle steak. So I tried to make it happen by taking the chalk over my runner, and I knew this would change my luck. Well, the 2-5 shot was carried wide, and the 8-1 shot led from flag fall to finish. I tried to force the bet, and should have just went with my handicapping. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. In 2013, I am going to make every effort to overcome this habit. By the way, he paid $18.20 to win, and the exacta paid $38.60…

5. Stop Listening To Backside Steamers

This can be tough to overcome, as many trainers love their horses that day. For the many years I have worked at the races, I have never known a claiming trainer who didn’t like his horse. I used to find it hard to dismiss the talk.  I have had trainers stop by my office and tell me about runners coming up in the next few days. If you had a fat runner who could pay lights out, would you tell every John Q. Racetrack? That answer is simple, no… Just stick to your handicapping, and the data in your hand. Don’t be that guy or gal from the movies who runs around listening to hot runners and sure things. They sometimes win, but if you take a poll you will lose your shirt on the year.

So, hoist your glass or mug as we usher in 2013. Just keep your thoughts on how we can improve our game. This could be your year, and all that you have to do is re-up your commitment level to doing the right things. For me, I have been my own worst enemy at times. But, the New Year offers a fresh start, and a new beginning. Cheers! On behalf of Winning Ponies, we wish you and yours the best in 2013!