According to the Chinese Zodiac, The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compared to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 – 476 BC), the dignified Chinese official title of marquis was pronounced ‘Hou’, the same as the pronunciation of ‘monkey’ in Chinese. The animal was thereby bestowed with an auspicious meaning. – This in mind, we all feel it’s the year of the horse just because we love the majestic animal. But the true meaning may be pretty easy. Just don’t let the races make a monkey out of you !

I surveyed 5 friends who love racing. They all have their New Year’s resolutions in pocket to start, and after about three weeks they will take out the paper and use it to write down their multi-race wagers. If you’re not into the tradition, you have saved yourself ten minutes and countless headaches wondering where you went wrong. But in keeping with the tradition, here are the thoughts of five real horse players who would be welcome patrons at any track or OTB.

 

#1 – ” I hate resolutions. It is nothing more than a waste of time, and I could’ve been reading the newspaper or taking a nap. What a joke.”

 

#2 – ” I always keep a journal of how I’m doing. The notes allow me to go back after the fact and see how I’m leaving money on the table. – My resolution is to become a smarter player, watching fewer races from less tracks. This should allow me to focus.”

 

#3 – ” Resolutions are fun, but who takes them seriously. New Year’s is a big party, and we’re the same person a minute later after the ball drops. How many people do you see toss away their champagne glass at midnight vowing not to drink ? – The same thing goes for reading past performances. I’ve never seen anyone toss away their program vowing to hang it up. – It’s all about fun.”

 

#4 – I want to take my game to another level. I can’t keep up on all of the races due to time at work, but I’m going to utilize a data provider to help me get in touch. As time gets short, I don’t want to miss any possible wagers due to not being able to read up and do my homework. This is the year I use an outside source to give me an edge and help me make an informed decision.”

 

#5 – My resolution is to make my biggest wager and stop looking at the tote board. When investing we’re told to follow the money. Whose to say anyone at the track or betting from home doesn’t have too much money and no real opinion. – This year I am sticking to my guns as I left much money on the table allowing a (5-1) to get away chasing exotic wagers.”

 

If you asked 200 players, you would have 200 unique answers. This was taken on a day close to the Christmas break, and horse players always have an opinion. What are yours ? – Do you think it’s a joke ? – How is your record keeping on your wagering ?  – Do you just do it for fun or take it serious ? – Does the tote board make up your final wagers ? – How much money have you left on the table ? – All good questions, and you’ll get a million answers. I like my friend’s idea of taking his game to the next level. I have him looking at the E-Z Win Forms to allow for maximizing his wagering strategies, and for my friend who looks too much at the tote board he is on board as well. When I told him the top tier selection is not always the favorite and many times they are double digit odds, he found it something he wanted to use. Anyway you slice it, Winning Ponies is off and running for 2016. Be sure to check up and see everything in real time for results, and you’ll see the tier level selections and where they finished. But don’t say I didn’t tell you so when that sweet (12-1) shot scores as the top tier and you were looking at making a bet on the (6-5) chalk. – May the New Year bring you health, wealth, and hopefully a better rewarded handicapper !