Insider’s Tips

Within every sport there are hints or facts that only the seasoned professionals know about. The information that these people have can serve as helpful tips to new spectators and make the overall experience more enjoyable. The horse world in particular has a lot of well-kept secrets that most people don’t know about. This section provides some insider’s tips that might help you place smart bets on race day.

Thoroughbred racing starts with horses ages 2 and up. Unfortunately, it is a fact that 2 year old Thoroughbreds do not have the developed bone structure of an older horse, so they are more prone to injury. Many trainers treat these injuries with pain relievers such as Bute or Lasix that only numb the pain and do not cure the problem. If you notice a horse in the paddock that is moving with a shortened, awkward stride, it could be a sign of fatigue, injury, or soreness that is treated with a pain reliever. Also, if a horse jerks its head unnaturally at the walk or jog, they may be experiencing an injury. Consider the racing history of this prospect and the odds before placing a bet on a horse that doesn’t seem to be moving fluidly.

When studying the history of a prospect, consider how many races they’ve run in the recent past and whether or not they’ve won. Fore example, if a filly has run three races in a short period of time and won each race, she might be getting tired. Consider that there is a breaking point for each horse. Even if they are a proven winner, they might be getting over-worked by an ambitious trainer.

Also, consider the jockey when reviewing horses. If a horse has been ridden by the same jockey consistently over the past few races and there is a last minute jockey change, think about choosing another prospect. The new jockey does not know this mount and may not be able to acclimate to the new horse quickly enough to have a successful ride.

Finally, once you’ve done your research and feel confident placing a bet, don’t switch your wager at the last minute based on an odds change or the favorite of the crowd. Statistics show that the crowd is wrong 2 out of 3 times. Trust your research and instinct when placing a bet and you will have a more rewarding experience at the track.