Breeders Cup Handicapping Challenge?

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by outofthebox

HRTV had Helmers on the set between races and he said he is going to be very aggressive. I laughed when he said bettors need to have balls to win these contests..Apparently he got to the bottom of his....

He's 100% right. If you are afraid to go to zero you shouldn't bother to play them

[tywizard]

Would anyone that has qualified in the past care to share your general strategy in the qualifiers (realizing there are a limited number of spots and you may not care to do so)?

Do you enter the contests that have a prelim and final or the one day event? What's your general philosophy?

Relatively new to the contest concept but this one definitely sounds worth it.

Thanks in advance.

[randallscott35]

The whole thing has been watered down. I think it is silly to pay money to qualify for Vegas and not be playing for prize money in the process. It used to be you had to win or place in contests where real money was to be won. That venue then put up your entry fee. Now people sit there and play online qualifiers to get to Vegas which offers nothing more than a chance and a bigger pot to play at....I won't play a contest if there is no money in it right then and there. And all contests you play should be returning 100% of the entry fees in the prize money.

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

The whole thing has been watered down. I think it is silly to pay money to qualify for Vegas and not be playing for prize money in the process. It used to be you had to win or place in contests where real money was to be won. That venue then put up your entry fee. Now people sit there and play online qualifiers to get to Vegas which offers nothing more than a chance and a bigger pot to play at....I won't play a contest if there is no money in it right then and there. And all contests you play should be returning 100% of the entry fees in the prize money.

I agree with Randall in general. The NHC used to be the main event. Very few serious tournament players think of it as such anymore. It has grown from less than 200 the first year I qualified to 500 players now (if they can sell that many spots).

My best advice is to be an educated consumer. Look for contests with small or no takeout, good location, and prize money. These contests are always worth playing. The Breeder's Cup, Wynn, anything run by NYRA or Keeneland all fit this bill.

Avoid contests with huge takeout and no prize money other than an NHC spot. These are a bad proposition over time.

Paul

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by pweizer

I agree with Randall in general. The NHC used to be the main event. Very few serious tournament players think of it as such anymore. It has grown from less than 200 the first year I qualified to 500 players now (if they can sell that many spots).

My best advice is to be an educated consumer. Look for contests with small or no takeout, good location, and prize money. These contests are always worth playing. The Breeder's Cup, Wynn, anything run by NYRA or Keeneland all fit this bill.

Avoid contests with huge takeout and no prize money other than an NHC spot. These are a bad proposition over time.

Paul

Very true. I've played in the NHC and BCBC. No comparison, the BCBC is superior. Great contest.

[Kasept]

BCBC winner Peter Behr on ATR today. Criminal Attorney from London, ON.

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

He's 100% right. If you are afraid to go to zero you shouldn't bother to play them

I agree with this in principle. But, you should reach a point where zero is no longer an option. I am not afraid to make a big bet but I can assure you that if I was sitting on $65,00 with four races left, there is no way I end up with zero.

Paul

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by pweizer

I agree with this in principle. But, you should reach a point where zero is no longer an option. I am not afraid to make a big bet but I can assure you that if I was sitting on $65,00 with four races left, there is no way I end up with zero.

Paul

That is true as well.