Handicapping vs Money Management

Someone asked why bet a horse to place....If you pick winners over 50% of the time then betting to place is probably not worthwhile...not that many horseplayers pick winners more than 50% of the time...if your selections run first or second a decent percentage of the time then perhaps the place bet will help to protect the bank roll...imho it is all about ROI...if your ROI is better with 2 units to win versus 1 unit win/place then you should go with straight win wagers...if you ROI is better playing the exocitcs then bet them...to me the horseracing game is a fun challenge... Playing the game is fun...however determining whether you are winning or losing the game is frequently measured in terms of did you win money or lose money....

You don't have to make money to have fun at the racetrack....but it sure don't hurt...