Horse Handicapping is cyclical in nature and historical data is the proof. Time and time again, you will see the same set ups and opportunities. The ability to learn from your handicapping successes and failures, and using those experiences to evaluate what is in front of you at the racetrack, you will have a significantly greater chance of profit. Historically speaking there are ten handicapping angles that appear on a regular basis.
1. Horses That Break Through the Starting Gate
Horses that break through the starting gate before a race begins, will always use a lot of energy, usually guaranteeing a very poorly run race. If a horse that breaks through the gate figures prominently in the wagering it is an ideal time to immediately step up and bet against that runner. Although this has proven to be an exceedingly strong wagering angle, you will have a limited time, approximately thirty seconds, to secure a wager.
2. Top Ranked Jockeys and Trainers
If you bet only to Win, (not recommended), then only bet jockeys and trainers to win that visit the winner's circle on a regular basis. It is more likely that a good jockey or trainer will turn around a poor horse, than a good horse will benefit from a negative jockey or trainer switch.
3. The Tote Always Tells the Story
Carefully watch the Horses that are favored in the doubles or pick-three wagers...if they open up at long odds on the tote board, they are usually bad investments. The public will naturally knock down the price before the wagering is over. Beware...don't be suckered in on this classic sucker wager.
4. Betting Longshots to Win and Show
Each wager that is placed for a longshot to win, must also include that longshot to show as well. Historically speaking, if you wager on longshots, then this is the only way to play it. You don’t want to miss this opportunity, if the longshot just misses the wire.
5. Limitations of the Public Handicapper
Always recognize that public handicappers send in their selections 24 to 48 hours in advance. They are missing the advantage of seeing the current weather or track-bias. To be a winning player, you must learn to take that into consideration, after looking at the choices of a promising handicapper.
6. The All Button
Players should only utilize the All button after 2 conditions are met...The player is dead set against the favorite in a race and there are a few longshots in the race. Remembering that using the all button can become very expensive for those attacking the pick-four or pick-six. Also remember to apply money management rules for this one.
7. The Clocker and the Workouts
The Clocker knows the truth about the workouts, because they have viewed them first hand. The average player does not have the ability to compete in this area. Thus, the gravity of actual money on the tote board far outweighs any workout, especially with first-time starters.
8. Streaking Jockeys
One of the oldest historical plays around the racetrack says that once a Jockey wins 2 races on the same day, you should bet him to win a 3rd. For a number of reasons, Jockeys can get on a good roll, especially apprentices. Bet the hot jockeys, day-by-day and week-by-week.
9. Reversing Exactas
Wagering and expecting to win exactas can be frustrating. Historically, picking 2 horses from an entire field to finish in exact order is difficult at best. Reversing your exacta plays, even if it's only a small insurance bet is the play of experienced and seasoned handicappers.
10. Beware of the Tip
The best Historical Tip of All...There is no such thing as an inside tip. Insider information and the tip from a stranger is for fools. You're far better off handicapping to the best of your ability. Falling prey to this tactic will lead to failure as a handicapper.
For More Information on How to improve your Horse Handicapping Skills or How to Become a Professional Horse Handicapper Visit: www.HorseRaceHandicappingCollege.com
the Diamond Eagle
