Horse Betting – Handicapping Factors You Should Know

The Following are some horse betting handicapping factors that can be used to aid in placing a wager. Make sure to read and take notes because this is proven to increase your winning chances.

1. Class. Class is difficult to define, but it is unmistakable at the racetrack. Horses seem to sort themselves into competitive levels.

2. Pace. A horse generally can’t have it both ways. That is, he can’t run extremely fast early and still have enough left in reserve to run fast late in the race. A fast pace generally means that the horses on the front will tire out and thus help the runners that are closing ground. If the past performances indicate that there are several speed horses in a race, it might be a good idea to consider a horse that likes to rally in the stretch. On the other hand, a slow pace will help the horses near the front because they should have something left for the end of the race. In studying the past performances, you might find only one legitimate speed horse in a particular race. If that horse gets loose on the front end and has the pace all to him with no pressure being applied, he figures to have something left for the homestretch and should be hard to overtake.

3. Trainers and jockeys. It’s always wise to take into account the human factor. Some trainers do well with 2-year-olds while others are particularly adept with horses shipping in from long distances. Some jockeys seem to ride better on the front end, and others are better known for their come-from-behind style. A good idea is to check the standings, which show the leading trainers and jockeys at the meeting.

4. Changes in equipment. Blinkers are used on horses to limit their vision and to prevent them from swerving from objects or other horses. It’s worth noting changes in blinkers – a horse wearing them for the first time or racing without them for the first time. Mud calks are used for off tracks. Calks, pointed extensions or cleats on a horseshoe, are designed to prevent a horse from slipping. Certain other equipment worn by the horses is noted in the past performances.

5. Trip. It is important for a bettor to watch his horse during the running of the race and again on the replays after the race to observe what kind of trip he had. Was the horse squeezed back at the start, or carried wide on the turn, or blocked at the quarter pole? A horse that loses a race because of a troubled trip might be a good bet in his next start. Usually trouble encountered by a horse in a race is shown in the past performance lines.

6. Weight. Weight, the old saying goes, will stop a freight train, so it’s especially important to notice when horses are carrying considerably more weight than they did in their last start. Conversely, it’s just as significant to watch for horses that are carrying much less weight than they did in their last outing. One theory is that weight plays a bigger role in long races, but another line of reason is that weight is every bit as important in sprints.

7. Breeding. Breeding is an inexact science, but a careful study of pedigrees can enhance a bettor’s chances on horse betting. Some horses are bred for speed, others have inherited stamina from their sires and dams and are able to run long distances.