I never made the first wager until the winter of 2002/2003. I met a Jockey's Agent at a local establishment, and a couple hours and drinks later I was ready to push a few bucks thru the window. The next day, guess where I ended up? At dawn I am on the backside hanging out with this Agent and he is introducing me to all kinds of people and I am just taking it all in. So, as Post Time for the first race draws near, we head to the simulcast room. I swear to ya on my life, he told me to box three horses in a tri in a 7 Horse Race, and low and behold it comes in and pays a little over $100. But after that race, I learned my first lesson. He said it's up to you now, learn how to read this form top and bottom and whatever you do, don't go running around the barns every morning trying to get some inside scoop. You gotta earn peoples respect first. And then the most VALUABLE lesson I have learned so far, even though I sure as heck didn't dollow it at first, was this - he told me to never bet more then 10% of your income. Truth be told I slip up on that from time to time.
Last year was when I really took to learning about this sport. I crave information like a fire craves fuel. I still stay in touch with the Agent who introduced me to this sport, but not as much as I would like since he spends most of his time out of state. The internet, and the various message boards have provided me and of course others a VALUABLE learning tool. Once one figures out who is legit and knows their business, one can learn so much by just reading and occasionaly asking questions. Something that I have been doing for some time now is taking notes from certain posters on various message boards and sites - just a simple cut and paste. It provides me with a great resource to go back on.
This subject (Mentors) is exactly why I occasionaly love to hang out at the track, to see friends and catch up on the latest news, etc.. I learn so much by just sitting their and listening, taking it all in. Ok I am rambling. Just a couple things I have learned from Mentors in the past year or so -
Dry Runs, a huge help and really sheds light on my strengths and weak points. It does, however, take some serious control to not push money thru the windows
Video Replays - I am attempting to learn "How To Watch A Race" and man o man do I have a long, long way to go
Ticket Construction - So important a lesson I am learning when it comes to Pick 3's and 4's
I could go on and on. Thank god their are people out there who have a vast amount of knowledge and who enjoy helping others who appreciate it. I know I do.
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