I used to see an elderly gentleman from time to time at the race track that I frequented years ago and sometimes would strike up a conversation with him. He had some great stories about the famous horses he’d seen race and some of the famous men who rode them. While I worked very hard handicapping the races and betting for profit, he took a more leisurely approach and simply bet on a few jockeys and trainers who were consistently successful.

He had good days and bad days but at the end of the meet was usually up a few dollars while my efforts led to a more erratic result. He was not only a fan of racing, but also of the men and women who worked so hard to succeed at it. He was a good judge of character, as well and often spotted a newcomer that was going to make his or her mark. He would begin backing that one long before the crowd got wise.

When you think about it, unless you are working very hard to make a living by betting on horse races, there is a lot of wisdom in the approach of backing a few good riders and trainers. While I would invest in a Daily Racing Form and books that gave the latest sire stats and track models, he would simply buy a cheap program at the gate, scan it, and make his bets.

There were many days when he did better than I did, in spite of my handicapping heroics. He was always so calm and relaxed I wondered what kind of life had prepared him so well that he could simply bet on the people and then let things progress as they may without showing any real emotion. One day I finally got a chance to sit and chat with him and to finally work up the nerve to ask about his real life, something we handicappers are sometimes reluctant to do.

He had been an officer in the military and that was where he became a good judge of men. He had also learned to delegate to capable people and then to relax while they fulfilled their tasks. He was still doing the same thing, but instead of soldiers, he was trusting horse trainers and riders to carry out their orders.

Unfortunately, there came a day when he no longer returned to the track, but all was not lost. He had passed his wisdom on to someone else. I don’t bet strictly based on who will ride or train a horse, but I certainly take that into consideration and will not bet on low percentage trainers or reins men. After I make my bet, I don’t second guess the rider or conditioner. If I need reassurance I simply look at the numbers and realize that their decisions and ability have been proven in one of the toughest sports on earth and that is enough for me.

That gives me more time to look for good betting opportunities.