Jan 26
2015
In a prior article we described the standard information available to a handicapper through result charts. And, how these once coveted pieces of paper are now available to everyone at the click of a mouse. Well, almost everyone. If you are using the printed copy of the Daily Racing Form, a racing program at the track, or any service that simply prints out the Past Performances (PPs) for each horse in an upcoming race, then you probably don’t have access to the Result Charts. Click here to read the prior article on the standard result charts available through DRF Formulator. In this article (and another to follow) we will describe the many great things above and beyond the standard result chart that are available though the Formulator software. Read More >>
Jan 18
2015
This will be my 4th consecutive year returning to Gulfstream Park race track in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Every year the length of my stay increases. After looking at some of my pictures and hearing a story, maybe you’ll understand why.
The first thing very unique about Gulfstream Park, when compared to other race tracks, is the openness to the whole facility. There are no admission gates, and you can enter and exit as you please. Behind the race track is an entire “village” of stores, restaurants, and pubs. Click here to read more about the village, including a directory and photos.
Read More >>
Jan 13
2015
One of the tricks to successful wagering is making the right wagers in the right situations … and recognizing the situation when it appears. After handicapping a race, a number of scenarios can unfold. When you’re new to horse racing, it seems like these scenarios are countless. But, after doing it awhile, you start to see patterns emerge.
One pattern I’ve discovered is what I call the “High and Low” scenario. High is a identifying a horse that you feel confident is a serious win threat, but isn’t an optimal Win play. Maybe his odds are too short, or you already have him covered in a Double, Pick-3, or Pick-4 wager. Low is marking a horse that you feel doesn’t have much chance of winning, but has a legitimate shot of finishing in the “lower rungs” of an exotic wager (like a Superfecta). Lower rungs for a Superfecta would be 3rd or 4th place. An added attraction to this play is when your Low horse is long in odds and/or the rest of the field is a wide-open affair (the combination of the two is ideal).
Read More >>
Jan 8
2015
I started this website as a challenge to myself, to give something back to a sport that I have loved for my entire adult life. And, to satisfy an internal drive I have to teach people about a sport that I feel is often misunderstood.
As I look into the future of 2015, the future of The Sport of Kings is very much in doubt. For those of you who only know Saratoga, Keeneland, or Del Mar … you might not fully realize that fact . But, every serious study within the equine industry shows steady decline in attendance, handle, and fans. As a whole, the racing industry in North America is struggling.
Read More >>
Dec 16
2014
Back in August we introduced readers to TimeformUS with the article, “There’s A New Racing Form In Town.” Since that time we followed up with articles explaining their Trainer Ratings, Speed Figures, and Perspective Comments.
Over the course of the past few months we have been using TimeformUS on a regular basis, enough so that we now feel compelled to submit our Christmas Wish List to TimeformUS. However, unlike other requests this time of year, we’re not looking for our wishes to be fulfilled by December 25. If your little programming elves can see their way to making these enhancements during the coming year, we’d be very happy little horseplayers.
Read More >>
Dec 10
2014
A frequent question asked by new fans trying to learn more about horse racing is, “Where do I begin?” My immediate response is generally, “Get to know your trainers.” While learning about topics like distance, class, and pace are important … in my opinion, none are as important as learning about the tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses of trainers. With that thought in mind, we continue our series of articles called “Know Your Trainers.”
In this series we will dig into the statistics of some head trainers and try to make sense of the numbers we find. We thought it might be fun to present the numbers in a “competitive” manner by pairing trainers. With that said, we are not trying to judge the trainers or claim that one is better than another. Our intention is to pair trainers who have statistics in comparable categories and present some plausible reasons why they might differ.
The two trainers in this article, Peter Miller and John Sadler, both work on the Southern California racing circuit.
Read More >>
Dec 4
2014
In the introductory article on Racing Form, we listed a subtopic called “Racing Into Form.” Click here for a review of the introduction on Form. Nearly every trainer at one time or another has been called into the racing secretary’s office and asked the following question: “We need to fill the fifth race on Sunday. Can you do me a favor and enter your horse in there?” The trainer knows that favors are a 2-way street when it comes to dealing with the racing secretary. So, more times than not, he/she obliges (presuming of course that his horse is sound).
However, being sound does not necessarily mean that his horse is perfectly fit. His verbal reply to the racing secretary might be, “Yea, sure … glad to help you out.” While he’s thinking to himself, I was hoping to get a couple more workouts into him before his next race, but if he wants me to enter my horse on Sunday and work him out in public … so be it.
Read More >>
Nov 28
2014
The mathematics for computing the cost of Pick-3, Pick-4, Pick-5, and even Pick-6 tickets is actually fairly simple. The more complicated task is determining which horses you are going to include on these tickets and in what dollar increment you are going to make your wagers. Also, in the case of Pick-3 wagers, determining which sequence of three races is optimal for making a wager. Most tracks offer “rolling” Pick-3 wagers, meaning that you can start a Pick-3 on any race, as long as there are two more races following that race.
However, Pick-4, Pick-5, and Pick-6 opportunities exist only on a specific sequence of races that is determined by the race track. For example, many tracks offer an early Pick-4, a late Pick-4, and a single Pick-5 and/or Pick-6. If there are ten races, the early Pick-4 might be on races 2 through 5, the late Pick-4 on races 7 through 10, and a Pick-6 on races 5 through 10. You have to look at the program to determine exactly what wagers are available on each race.
Read More >>
Nov 27
2014
There are many things for me to be thankful for this year. So many that I decided to make a list and share them with my readers. Maybe there are a few here that are on your list too.
Tom Morley and Maggie Wolfendale – As candid, interesting, funny, and accessible people as I have found in the sport … and the fact they are engaged makes me happy they found each other. I’m thankful to have gotten to know them on a personal level.
Christophe Clement – An industry leading head trainer who sets the gold standard in how he conducts his business. I’m thankful that he has permitted me the opportunity to witness his operations firsthand and share that information with the readers of this website.
Read More >>
Nov 23
2014
A frequent question asked by new fans trying to learn more about horse racing is, “Where do I begin?” My immediate response is generally, “Get to know your trainers.” While learning about topics like distance, class, and pace are important … in my opinion, none are as important as learning about the tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses of trainers. With that thought in mind, we continue our series of articles called “Know Your Trainers.”
In this series we will dig into the statistics of some head trainers and try to make sense of the numbers we find. We thought it might be fun to present the numbers in a “competitive” manner by pairing trainers. With that said, we are not trying to judge the trainers or claim that one is better than another. Our intention is to pair trainers who have statistics in comparable categories and present some plausible reasons why they might differ.
In our recent reader survey we received several requests to see trainer comparisons on young trainers. We decided to pick two that we know well and have interviewed in the past. The two trainers are on different racing circuits. Tom Morley trains in New York, while Ben Colebrook prepares his charges in Kentucky.
Read More >>
