Thoroughbred Betting Tips
Below are some things to consider when betting on
thoroughbreds and some simple tactics which may be helpful to a
new bettor:
1. Wager on the favorite.
The favorite is the horse with the lowest odds or the one on
which the most money has been wagered. Favorites win
approximately one third of the time. This is not necessarily a
sound wagering strategy as favorites can pay very little.
2. Purchase a tip sheet or handicapping aid.
These are prepared by professional handicappers and may provide
useful wagering selections. They are available for purchase.
3. View the horses.
Watch the broadcast signal while the horses are in the paddock
and in the Post Parade.
Following are some handicapping factors that can be used
to aid in placing a wager:
1. Class.
Class is difficult to define, but it is unmistakable at the
racetrack. Horses seem to sort themselves into competitive
levels.
2. Pace.
"Pace makes the race." This old racing expression points to
another element to consider when placing your bets -- the pace
of the race. A horse generally can't have it both ways. That is,
he can't run extremely fast early and still have enough left in
reserve to run fast late in the race. A fast pace generally
means that the horses on the front will tire out and thus help
the runners that are closing ground. If the past performances
indicate that there are several speed horses in a race, it might
be a good idea to consider a horse that likes to rally in the
stretch. On the other hand, a slow pace will help the horses
near the front because they should have something left for the
end of the race. In studying the past performances, you might
find only one legitimate speed horse in a particular race. If
that horse gets loose on the front end and has the pace all to
himself with no pressure being applied to him, he figures to
have something left for the homestretch and should be hard to
overtake.
3. Trainers and jockeys.
It's always wise to take into account the human factor. Some
trainers do well with 2-year-olds while others are particularly
adept with horses shipping in from long distances. Some jockeys
seem to ride better on the front end, and others are better
known for their come-from-behind style. A good idea is to check
the standings, which show the leading trainers and jockeys at
the meeting.
4. Changes in equipment.
Blinkers are used on horses to limit their vision and to prevent
them from swerving from objects or other horses. It's worth
noting changes in blinkers - a horse wearing them for the first
time (or for the first time in a number of starts) or racing
without them for the first time. Mud calks are used for off
tracks. Calks, pointed extensions or cleats on a horseshoe, are
designed to prevent a horse from slipping. Certain other
equipment worn by the horses is noted in the past performances.
5. Trip.
It is important for a bettor to watch his horse during the
running of the race and again on the replays after the race to
observe what kind of trip he had. Was the horse squeezed back at
the start, or carried wide on the turn, or blocked at the
quarter pole? A horse who loses a race because of a troubled
trip might be a good bet in his next start. Usually trouble
encountered by a horse in a race is shown in the past
performance lines.
6. Weight.
Weight, the old saying goes, will stop a freight train, so it's
especially important to notice when horses are carrying
considerably more weight than they did in their last start.
Conversely, it's just as significant to watch for horses that
are carrying much less weight than they did in their last
outing. One theory is that weight plays a bigger role in long
races, but another line of reason is that weight is every bit as
important in sprints.
7. Breeding.
Breeding is an inexact science, but a careful study of pedigrees
can enhance a bettor's chances at the races. Some horses are
bred for speed, others have inherited stamina from their sires
and dams and are able to run long distances and certain horses
are bred for grass racing.
8. Condition.
Condition may be the most difficult handicapping factor to
master. It is defined as the fitness of a thoroughbred - how
prepared he is to run a particular race. The dates of the
horse's most recent workouts and races and the probable effects
of this activity on his current condition are highly important.
If a horse is racing for the first time in a month or so, a
steady pattern of workouts is a good indication of fitness. A
good time for a workout generally is when a horse covers the
distance in 12 seconds or less for each furlong - 36 seconds or
less for three furlongs, 48 seconds or less for four furlongs,
etc. A "short" horse is one not trained up to the last ounce of
his energy and thus not fit enough for the race he's running in.
He'll tire, and his stride will shorten before the end of the
race.
9. Medication.
Lasix and Butazolidin are medications administered to
racehorses. Lasix, a diuretic, is used to control bleeding
(certain horses bleed from a ruptured vein - or veins - in the
nostrils, the pharynx or the lungs), and Bute is an
anti-inflammatory medication. Some handicappers pay close
attention to a horse racing on Lasix or Bute for the first time,
believing that these medications might enhance that runner's
performance.
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