Handicapping Information

Now that you have the basics, here is additional information on what to look for when handicapping the races.

• Current Race Conditions - Shows what level the race is being run at today. You can compare how a horse has done at this class level in the past. This may help you predict how a horse will run in the current class for today.

• Jockey - Jockeys guide the horse. They are the only human factor that can affect the actual horse race. Jockeys with skill should guide the horse accordingly. Also, look for jockey changes on a horse. Jockeys need to win to make money, so they will usually ride the horse they think will win.

• Trainer - Horses can improve with trainers that are skilled. Good trainers usually produce good horses. Look at the trainer’s standings and win percentages.

• Medicines/Equipment - Important to look for changes in equipment and medicines. A first time lasix or blinkers can improve a horse dramatically.

• Current Track Conditions - Some horses run well on different track conditions (fast or sloppy). You can catch a longshot on a sloppy track if you find a horse that usually runs good in the slop.

• Post Position- You’re just looking for trouble here. Will a horse from post 1 get trapped? Will a horse from the outside post get caught wide? Look at the past performances of the horses to see how it has done out of this post-position.

• Weight - You’re just looking for something abnormal here. Apprentice weight allowance that may give a horse a distinct advantage (especially one that gets out in front)… or a handicap race where a horse must carry extra weight because he is that much better.

• Distance - Some horses run better at certain distances (long or short). A horse that is shortening up for the current race and was close last time when running a further distance may have an advantage.

• Speed - Very important! Shows which horse will get the lead. You can predict how a race will setup by knowing the speed of a horse. A lot of speed - pick a closer. 1 horse with speed - may go wire-to-wire.

• Workouts - Important for 1st time starters and horses coming off of a lay-off. Did they produce a “bullet-work”? Are their works spaced out evenly?

If you would like to see what our track handicapper has picked,
see our Eye In The Sky Handicapping Picks!