| Steps | Handicapping a Race Step by Step |
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Step 1 |
Always check the race description at the top of the Past Performances first.
The race description will always determine which strategy should be deployed. Distance,
purse, race type (Claiming, Allowance or Stakes) determine which strategy is best.
Checkout handicapping Distance Races Step 1A
Differrent purse types Step 1B
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Step 2 | Next handicap the chalk. Despite what some may say
there is only one
chalk (favorite) in a
race. It is always better to be handicapping while observing the tote board so you will know
which horse is actually the chalk. The track handicapper may have published the morning line
indicating that one horse is the favorite. But, the betting public may decide otherwise.
If you know the chalk, you can try and figure out if any of the other horses can beat him.
Chalkie CHalk Chalk Step 2A
Chalkin Step 2B
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Step 3 |
Next scan the power ratings or average Beyer for the horses. Sometimes this will eliminate
the need to handicap some horses thus saving time and energy. Remember they go off in
20 minutes.
power ratings, beyer figures and timeform - Step 3a
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Step 4
| I have discovered that the best way to find a horse whose trainer really
wants a win is to check the workouts. It is important to note where and when the horse was
worked. Less important though not useless is the actual time of the work out. Workouts are
also a great way to find a winning long shot.
Win with workouts - Step 4a
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Step 5 | The second most important thing to check
is the previous races that the horse ran. A horse that has run in
higher dollar races has
a definite advantage. It is hard to find a good long shot like
this as most handicappers
know this trick.
Class Capin - Step 5
find a shot - Step 5a
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Step 6 |
Most PP's (Past Performances) show at the bottom of each horse's stats
the trainer's stats. This is a good way to find horses with some odds. You could find a
horse trainer who hits a high percentage at this type of race, remember you checked race
description at the top that’s number step 1 on this list. If not, go back to step 1.
Trainer Angles - Step 6
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Step 7
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Yes i have jockey as number seven. Jockey is too easy most people only think of jockey when
handicapping a race. it makes it hard to get a good bet on the jockey alone.
Jockey Angles - Step 7
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Step 8 |
Horse age is
important, especially in low dollar races and some sprints. I have seen 11 year olds win
races. But they are hard to predict.
Age? - Step 8
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Step 8
| Breeding is important to trainers to determine a horses potential.
However after the horse has a few under his belt it doesn't tell that much.
Breeding? - Step 9
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Step 10
| Lifetime
winning divided by races.
Trick? - Step 10
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Step 11
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Previous race splits help determine a horses pace (running style) this way, or maybe determine
how he ran in a previous race which was similar.
Splits - Step 11
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Step 12
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Running Style: Early Speed, closer or pacer. Sometimes one style may have an advantage.
Pace Step 12A
Readthe Bias Step 12B
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Step 13
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Horse type is important. Geldings, Colts, Horses, Phillies and Mares are all very different.
Yes they are often in a race for different reasons.
Horse type - Step 13
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Step 14
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Previous race comments, explain the previous races events for the horse in one short
statement. Such as bumped out of gate or wired field.
PP Comments - Step 15
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Step 15
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The weight which the horse is carrying is important for obvious reasons. I have read that weight maters
more in sprints than distance. But I don't believe it.
Jock Weight - Step 15
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Step 16
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Horses are given lots of performance enhancing drugs. Lasix being the most famous. First time might be
important.
Jock Weight - Step 16
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Step 17
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On some equations the owner is important but rarely.
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Step 18
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The purchase price of the horse can show how they are being brought along.
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