The winter winds are blowing in Florence, Kentucky and the synthetic track is always fast. I work as a racing official and watch every single race. Sometimes I’ll look at the program making “mind bets” as who I thought looked the best. – After a few weeks, here is what I have found.

It is one of the toughest tracks in the nation to handicap. That means if you score you can count on a sizeable payout. Good news.

Playing horses from Churchill, Woodbine, and Horseshoe Indiana has been solid. Keep your eyes peeled for ship-ins from these tracks and look for a couple of works over the Turfway oval. – Trainers are limited to 2mm grabs on shoes and you are allowed to run without shoes. The track is kind and plays fair which makes handicapping tougher for bias players.

Trainers to keep on your list of ones to play:

William Morey

Jonathan Thomas

Mike Maker

Mike Stidham

Ian Wilkes

Dale Romans

Paulo Lobo

Brad Cox

John Ennis

Brendan Walsh

Jordan Blair

 

The rider colony is one of the best in the country for a winter/night racing track:

Gerarado Corrales

Declan Cannon

Walther Rodriguez

Axel Conception

Yarmarie Correa

Adam Beschizza

Julio Felix

Several apprentice riders can win at a huge price as well.

 

Stay off the rail with your selections

Turf to dirt is a good angle

Look for Presque Isle horses coming into Turfway Park

Gulfstream runners shipping North

Speed wins, but not very much

Stalkers that move at the 3/8th’s pole are dangerous

Steer clear of dead last horses closing strong. They seem to flatten out.

 

If you’re going to make a pick-four, p-5, or p-6 wager. Get ready to have plenty of coverage in your tickets. You may seek out a group ticket to keep down your cost.

 

Winter racing is smoking hot. The purses are huge and the field sizes are strong. Just have patience and enjoy the red-hot action in the cold of winter.

 

Best of luck and keep your wagers small as the payoffs have been solid!