Claiming a Horse

[GBBob]

I told a guy today that my biggest surprise about owning horses is how hard it is to just getting to run in a race. Whenever the phone rings and it's Chuck I figure something bad has happened. Assuming you want to run a sound horse each time, be prepared for the worse and be thrilled when you get to run.

I have claimed many horses and I usually try to adhere to two rules that I was taught by two guys that certainly know about the game.

1. Vladamir Cerin once gave me this tip. Always watch the films on a horse you are thinking of claiming. Not just his last race. But several races back. If his stride and action are not very similar. Beware. The current trainer may have done some vet work on him for his most recent race that you cannot do everytime and that could for a race or two at best mask some bigger problems that might soon resurface.

2. This one I got from Bob Bone. DO NOT claim a horse from a trainer that brings a horse to the paddock fully well knowing that horse will be claimed that day. If a guy really doesn't care if he loses his horse. Do you really want him?

3. This one's from me. There is ONE an only ONE reason to claim a horse for any price. FUN & ACTION. If making a profit is your goal. Don't do it. Chances are you won't. At one time I had all or part of 23 horses in training. I won at a 40% clip for a six month period and broke even. Claiming and then running back your claims is one of the coolest things ever invented. But it MUST be a recreational pastime done with disposable income. Pick a trainer you can interact with and have a role in the decision making process. Which race and who rides. That's the stuff that make it fun. When your horse is in invite all your friends out and make it a party day at the track.

Got Get Em!

Good Luck

VJS