Thoughts from a Novice Handicapper, Volume 2

[SentToStud]

These things I have learned....

1. If there is a low-priced favorite in the race that looks worthy of its odds, it most likely is. Don't fight it. Pass the race. In races like this, you cannot beat the takeout.

2. Your best (I'd say only) single-race opportunities are in races where you believe there is a false favorite, especially if you expect that favorite to be out of the exacta or/and trifecta. These are your best single-race bet opportunities.

3. KAsept is dead-on about "Pressing" on the horse you like the best. Having said that, when betting exactas, avoid betting combinations that will "get you even" for a race. In the long run, you are better off using those $$'s on more profitable wagers.

4. Do avoid place/show wagering. There is little sense in spending more money on a race in the hope of getting some of your money back. As with the above, keep those $$'s in your pocket and use it on a more profitable wager later. In other words, a Win/Place wager is not one bet. Look at them separately. Betting to place? No way is betting to break even, or make/lose a little money on a race a winning strategy.

5. When betting to win, you must press your advantage when given the opportunity. If you think a horse's fair odds are 3-1 and you are willing to bet it at 5-1, you need to bet more as the odds increase.... i.e., $10 @ 5-1, $12 @ 6-1, $15 @ 10-1.

This runs counter to some popular thought that longer priced bets should be considered as "action" plays and not "prime" wagers and somehow are only worthy of nominal wagers. I understand but do not ascribe to that strategy as I see it more as a "Bankroll Preservation" tactic as compared to a winning strategy.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am most certainly at least distantly related to the muttering fellow on the train.

Thanks again.

Good luck!!

[GenuineRisk]

Awww... who gave this thread a 5-star rating? You guys are so sweet...

And thank you for the responses and advice-- it's AWESOME. Please keep it coming. I'm going to save them all for future reference.

And hey, a bad day at Belmont is still usually a lot more fun than a good day most anywhere else.

[Buffymommy]

This thread is such a nice read. Glad to know I am not the only one out there who has used up the gambling money before the last race is over!

And 2 Dollar Bill, I too have put the $$$ for the turnpike in the ashtray so I don't spend it.


Thanks for sharing your thoughts Genuine. It is very insightful.

[2 Dollar Bill]

Originally Posted by Buffymommy

This thread is such a nice read. Glad to know I am not the only one out there who has used up the gambling money before the last race is over!

And 2 Dollar Bill, I too have put the $$$ for the turnpike in the ashtray so I don't spend it.


Thanks for sharing your thoughts Genuine. It is very insightful.

Its funny how we make sure we have $$$ to go home....LOL I remember one time searching under the seats, under the floor mats , Blocking traffic before we could ""throw"" the money in the toll bin... Never thinking to save a buck or two for the ride home...

[westcoastinvader]

My Dad (and Mom) always made sure we had money to buy a modest dinner out on the ride home from the track. Or perhaps a late night dinner if we were playing the trotters.

That was a big deal to 'em, perhaps cause they had their kid (and eventually kids) in tow.

I think we hit all the good eating spots on Route 8 between Cleveland and Akron.

I remember really enjoying going for midnight dinners at a family restaurant in Northfield after the trotters and pacers (which I NEVER bet these days).

I also remember fondly a place just outside of the old Ascot Park I posted about in another thread (that AGAIN no one seems to remember or care about!....... :-) ) On the corner of Bath Road and Route 8, just behind the Ascot back stretch, was "The Chickery Chick." We had dinner there after the final 8th race, or perhaps the 9th if it was a long card.

I think I had chicken at The Chickery Chick. If not, it seems like I should have!

Great Thread and topic.

I dont wager much anymore but when I do I usually play Daily Doubles or pick 3,s and occasional Pick 4.

When Im betting a daily double I usually look for a wagering opportunity where I love a median priced horse in one leg say 4-1 up and then also a requirment is that one half of the double be some pathetic non winners or maiden claimers full of 0-20 horses then I make the key My horse with All and wait for the Bomb to explode in the garbage race.

An example of this was a quarter horse night at evangeline downs while I was at the otb I just loved a horse in the first leg of the double he was 5-1 2nd choice in a 12 horse field . The second leg of the double was for maiden claimers going 350 yards and they all where absolutley horrible another 12 horse field . I loaded up $10.00 double my 5/1 shot with/ ALL in the second half . My choice in the first leg won easily , I told my friend 2 minutes before post for the second leg that I was sitting huge cause all the doubles where over $40.00 being the smallest but a 12 horse maiden quarter horse claiming , Ugh well needless to say the BOMBS went off in the second leg 35-1 wins like a champ and the double comes back $753.00 for a $2.00 wager . These are the types of things I look for at the track a big score then dont wager again for 4-6 months , I used to go everyday to wager and the grind got to me , Plus when I started announcing it was better than wagering to me , but good luck at learning its the best sport in the world.

[onebadbeast]

One Rule Is To Always Have Enough For The Last Race. I Cant Tell You How Many Times I Have Been Bailed Out With A Last Race Super! The Racing Gods Will Shine On You.