The Smart Bet: An Outline of a Successful Day at the Track

Every racing enthusiast has a game plan before they reach the track on race day and so should you. The best way to get started is to pick up a reputable racing magazine that publishes the odds of upcoming races in your area. Do a little research on the horses in the field. Find out who the favorite is for each race and why. Also determine the underdog and locate any articles that explain why this horse is not favored. Based on your research at home, pick a few horses to look for at the track and head to the race early.

If you are a die-hard race fan, you might be able to attend morning workout sessions at the track. Some tracks close these workouts, but others open them to the public. You can learn a lot about a horse by watching it work out the morning of the race. You can get a feel for its experience level, maturity, talent, and attitude just by watching it run in a noncompetitive setting.

If the track doesn’t offer open workouts, be sure to arrive early enough to catch a moment at the paddock before the race. Jockeys mount up in the paddock and walk their horses here while waiting for the post parade. The behavior of a horse immediately prior to a race speaks a thousand words. Ask yourself these questions about a prospect: Is he alert? Distracted? Sweating? Every horse behaves differently before a big competition. Based on the research you’ve done, you should have some idea of what your prospect does before a race. Make sure your research matches what you observe at the paddock.

If possible, watch the horses in the post parade before placing a bet. This is your last chance to observe abnormal behaviors. Remember to look for a fluid gait. If the post parade goes well and there are no changes in your prospect, place your bet. As mentioned before, it’s wise to stick with a bet once it’s placed. As the saying goes, always follow your first instinct.

Regardless of how the race develops after the bell rings and the gates open, remember that professional horse racing is a sport. Take the time to enjoy yourself and don’t dwell on lost bets. If you’ve followed the advice outlined in this guide, you didn’t bet any money you can’t afford to lose.