The Handicapper's Routine
The average person's approach to predicting the winner of a thoroughbred race is haphazard at best. They arrive at the track unprepared, take a cursory look at the horse racing statistics found in the racing form, and make horse racing selections based upon the information that they were able to obtain in the short time between races. After losing the race, they curse their rotten luck, or they blame the trainer or the jockey. The true blame, however, lies within. Even the best professional handicappers can't make accurate horse racing selections without a proper routine at the track.
The knowledgeable handicapper does his homework before he arrives at the track. This is the most difficult and time consuming part of the process. He gathers as much horse racing statistics as possible on every horse in the race. He consults the Daily racing Form, watches videos of previous races on the Internet and gathers horse racing statistics from various online sources. The old-school handicapper would then take a pencil, paper and calculator and literally spends hours making his selections. The modern handicapper, however, makes use of computers and advanced handicapping software to analyze the horses and assist him in his efforts. This reduces the time and effort needed to make accurate horse racing selections to a manageable level. After analyzing the statistics and past horse racing results, it's time to make a preliminary selection. The knowledgeable handicapper is only interested in races where there is one clear contender. Races that have two or more horses with a good chance to win should be avoided. Only losing handicappers try to make a selection in every race. One must pick and choose his spots.
When arriving at the track, it's necessary to obtain a program. The horse racing programs available at the track provide the handicapper with vital information such as post position, jockey colors, scratches and last minute jockey changes. Some tracks now offer horse racing programs at no charge online, so this step can become part of your homework.
The handicapper should be in the paddock when the horses arrive. He watches carefully for anything that might change his predicted horse racing results. He watches for excessive activity, such as rearing up on the hind legs repeatedly or kicking the stalls, which might weaken or injure the horse. The interaction between trainer and jockey should be carefully observed. Is the trainer giving the jockey detailed instructions, or is he telling the jockey to take it easy? Many trainers use races as training aids and sometimes a horse is not entered as a serious contender. That information can sometimes be gleaned from the trainer's interaction with the jockey.
When the horses hit the track, observe your horse as he warms up. Does his motion appear loose and fluid, or does he seem tight? A noticeable limp is a clear danger signal.
A horse can eliminated from consideration during any step of the process. If you are forced to eliminate your horse, don't choose another one. Just pass on the race and wait for your next spot.
The knowledgeable handicapper does his homework before he arrives at the track. This is the most difficult and time consuming part of the process. He gathers as much horse racing statistics as possible on every horse in the race. He consults the Daily racing Form, watches videos of previous races on the Internet and gathers horse racing statistics from various online sources. The old-school handicapper would then take a pencil, paper and calculator and literally spends hours making his selections. The modern handicapper, however, makes use of computers and advanced handicapping software to analyze the horses and assist him in his efforts. This reduces the time and effort needed to make accurate horse racing selections to a manageable level. After analyzing the statistics and past horse racing results, it's time to make a preliminary selection. The knowledgeable handicapper is only interested in races where there is one clear contender. Races that have two or more horses with a good chance to win should be avoided. Only losing handicappers try to make a selection in every race. One must pick and choose his spots.
When arriving at the track, it's necessary to obtain a program. The horse racing programs available at the track provide the handicapper with vital information such as post position, jockey colors, scratches and last minute jockey changes. Some tracks now offer horse racing programs at no charge online, so this step can become part of your homework.
The handicapper should be in the paddock when the horses arrive. He watches carefully for anything that might change his predicted horse racing results. He watches for excessive activity, such as rearing up on the hind legs repeatedly or kicking the stalls, which might weaken or injure the horse. The interaction between trainer and jockey should be carefully observed. Is the trainer giving the jockey detailed instructions, or is he telling the jockey to take it easy? Many trainers use races as training aids and sometimes a horse is not entered as a serious contender. That information can sometimes be gleaned from the trainer's interaction with the jockey.
When the horses hit the track, observe your horse as he warms up. Does his motion appear loose and fluid, or does he seem tight? A noticeable limp is a clear danger signal.
A horse can eliminated from consideration during any step of the process. If you are forced to eliminate your horse, don't choose another one. Just pass on the race and wait for your next spot.
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