learning the ropes

[ELA]

"You can't learn to ride a bicycle by reading a book"

My statement is not in disagreement with any of the posters above, however, after reading all of the books mentioned, and attending all of the seminars -- you then have to watch about a bazillion races or so, LOL.

blackthroatedwind is about a bazillion percent correct.

Eric

[Cajungator26]

Handicapping 101 by Brad Free is also an excellent read IMO.

[bugsoup]

ok thanks that is what i thought that reading is better then going to sems. and hearing about to much at one time that all won't make since to me.
do have a question i hear people talking about changeing leads what is that and what purpose does it do?

thanks

[Thoroughbred Fan]

The first thing you need to know is that you will lose money for a long while. Not to say you won't have the odd day here and there, but the ability to handicap and make the correct bets takes time. If you have the time to invest, discipline to not bet more than you can lose, and the heart to not get discouraged, you might just make it.

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by deltagulf

ok thanks that is what i thought that reading is better then going to sems. and hearing about to much at one time that all won't make since to me.
do have a question i hear people talking about changeing leads what is that and what purpose does it do?

thanks

using your avatar as an example your horse is on his right lead that is his right leg is coming out and hitting the ground first. Changing leads can be compared to a human hopping on one leg. Eventually you would get tired and would benefit by hopping on the other. This is the same thing with horses, once they hit the homestretch it benefits them by switching leads. There have been some that never switch leads but usually they are sprinters who only have to make one turn.

[bugsoup]

ok so changing leads is it hard to tell when a horse does it.

[dellinger63]

it takes a little practice but is not hard to see. Best thing to do would be to tape a race and as the horses round the final turn go to slow motion and you'll catch it. Once you see it you'll easily be able to identify 'the switch'.

[paisjpq]

also the when a horse is tracking to the left (like on a track) the "correct" lead would be the left lead...the horse will be on the correct lead when going around the turns...and switch to the "incorrect" lead for the straightaway...that way it is easier for them to negotiate the turns