Can you really make money in this game ?

[blackthroatedwind]

I would say the opposite.....


It's amazing how much information IS in the paper if only one is willing ( and able ) to dig deep enough and do the required work. The game is a LOT more logical than most people realize.

[2 Dollar Bill]

Just remember its entertainment and all the work you do, can be lost on a head bob! If you dont bet the farm, have a fun time & come home with a few bucks, how bad can it be ? When in doubt bet the grey horse..

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I would say the opposite.....


It's amazing how much information IS in the paper if only one is willing ( and able ) to dig deep enough and do the required work. The game is a LOT more logical than most people realize.

Another dart-thrower..

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Another dart-thrower..

That's me.

I just wish I was more connected to that oh-so-reliable backstretch chatter.

Oh well.

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

That's me.

I just wish I was more connected to that oh-so-reliable backstretch chatter.

Oh well.

More STEAM!

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

More STEAM!

remember, one has to know how to seperate the STEAM from the chatter...

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

That's me.

I just wish I was more connected to that oh-so-reliable backstretch chatter.

Oh well.

Whatever dude. I say it's easier when you know rather than guess, but that's just me.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Whatever dude. I say it's easier when you know rather than guess, but that's just me.

You are assuming that the people you listed " know ". I believe that, in general, they don't.

I have won over time for a long time while getting very little information. For the most part I very rarely seek information and only listen to what over time has proven reliable. For the most part I very rarely even ask.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

As they say......

"Horseplayers who make the mistake of fraternizing with horsemen will eventually regret it."

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by cal828

They seem to want to explain how it's done, but they are not saying that they're doing it.

I did it.

Happy?

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

You are assuming that the people you listed " know ". I believe that, in general, they don't.

I have won over time for a long time while getting very little information. For the most part I very rarely seek information and only listen to what over time has proven reliable. For the most part I very rarely even ask.

So the trainer of a class dropper doesn't know better than the handicapper whether or not he's trying to get rid of the horse or just get the horse a confidence-builder? That's gotta be one clueless trainer.

And the jockey aboard a lame horse just in a race to get claimed doesn't know more than the handicapper?

And the exercise riders who are aboard a horse every morning don't know better than the handicapper how well one of their horses is training?

Here's the bottom line: You can be the best handicapper on the planet.. If the trainer of a horse you like isn't in the race to win it, you're cooked. Period.

[westcoastinvader]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

So the trainer of a class dropper doesn't know better than the handicapper whether or not he's trying to get rid of the horse or just get the horse a confidence-builder? That's gotta be one clueless trainer.

And the jockey aboard a lame horse just in a race to get claimed doesn't know more than the handicapper?

And the exercise riders who are aboard a horse every morning don't know better than the handicapper how well one of their horses is training?

Here's the bottom line: You can be the best handicapper on the planet.. If the trainer of a horse you like isn't in the race to win it, you're cooked. Period.

Yep, that's one more handicapping angle.

When I've been at a track or OTB and some seasoned player is saying something to the effect of "these races are fixed!", I've often suggested "then handicap the fix."

And I've meant it.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

So the trainer of a class dropper doesn't know better than the handicapper whether or not he's trying to get rid of the horse or just get the horse a confidence-builder? That's gotta be one clueless trainer.

And the jockey aboard a lame horse just in a race to get claimed doesn't know more than the handicapper?

And the exercise riders who are aboard a horse every morning don't know better than the handicapper how well one of their horses is training?

Here's the bottom line: You can be the best handicapper on the planet.. If the trainer of a horse you like isn't in the race to win it, you're cooked. Period.

I'm in no way suggesting there is no validity to what you are saying, and certainly specific instances you give can be helpful, but in order for it to be at all helpful you have to know how good the opinions are that you are getting.

As DrugS pointed out earlier, the connections you describe are too close to their horses, and their opinions are stilted. A good handicapper, while he may not have specific information, knows how to make reasonable judgements, at least generally, about the information you are referring to. And, as he will have an even and unbiased view of the ENTIRE field, he can weigh everything together. Will he make mistakes? Of course, but over time he will have a far fairer and more balanced judgement of the races.

Believe me, I have had MANY people of the categories you describe give me poor and inaccurate insights. I have been successful trusting my judgement in the past and I will continue to do so. I will be wrong more often than I am right....but it seems to work out in the end.

Most people, over the long haul, have no chance to win. It is not a question of intelligence, education level or "inside information", but rather the ability to gather data, analyze such and make sound judgements regarding which pool to jump into and how deep to dive.

Handicapping is not a glamorous endeavor; it requires a remarkable amount of study and dedication, often without reward. By asking the profitability question you indicate, you are going thru a period of frustration with your selections and subsequently challenge anyone else's ability.

Even if you have read epics such as "Picking Winners", "Ainslies Guide..." anything by Quirin, or several dozen other great books, you are still at the mercy of understanding the past performances. Few do, perhaps one out of a thousand.

Concentrate on a specialty, preferably one with a high return. If you are a new to the game; play vertical (trifecta, superfecta etc.) and bet the minimum. Stay focused and ignore "tips" from ANYONE, especially those that offer multiple selections in the same race, without analysis. Analyze all of your plays, both before and after the race. Grow a thick skin. BBB

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

In the midst of your hidden shot on members here you forgot to add lying through your teeth about how much you make gambling in the year. That seems to be your specialty. At least I don't hide my shots....

The following is what brought tears of hysteria to my eyes....

Originally Posted by bellsbendboy

make sound judgements regarding which pool to jump into and how deep to dive.

From a guy who claims to bet under $35 a week.


BWAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

It is kind of funny the whole game that is being played. Annoying but funny.

It's not annoying. He's condescending ( you should see his act on another board ) and takes repeated cheap shots but he actually offers some decent insights into handicapping. I don't agree with some of what he says, but that's fine as there are many ways to go about handicapping, and the only truly disingenuous thing he does is suggesting he knows his ways provide an avenue to success even though HE doesn't trust them enough to actually wager.

He's a student of the game, which is great, and if he would start really betting he could probably improve. People should bet what they can afford, and are comfortable with, and perhaps that is the reason he doesn't really bet. However, to teach yourself to even have a chance to win you have to bet enough to feel the pain of losing, so ( unless you really like losing ) you will then figure out your mistakes and move forward from there.