How Important Is Horse Race Handicapping?
The title of this article might seem a bit stupid.
After all, handicapping is commonly used by most bettors to win their wagers.
The Daily Racing Form and the track programs perpetuate it.
Serious punters look at the morning line odds, performance charts, past races, previous workouts, medication and such other information available to guide their decision as to where to place their bets.
Other factors, such as pedigree, trainer and jockey riding the horse and whether the horse performs well on the turn or on dirt are also carefully considered by handicappers in their quest for the win.
However, the question has now arisen as to whether handicapping the horse races is really that gainful.
How important is it? And is it that beneficial? First off, let's separate those who bet once in a while just to enjoy an occasional day at the races.
They don't need to handicap any race.
Their bets largely depend on Lady Luck's mercy.
For those who do spend a fair amount of time at the races, handicapping is an advantage to be had.
If you know how to analyze the race form and the track program, chances are, you'll be putting your money on the most winnable equine.
However, this form of betting generally has a short-term view attached to it.
If you really want to make money from betting at the races, the long-term view must be taken in mind.
And this involves more than handicapping any race.
In other words, you've got to look for long odds that you cannot find on the race form but will surely make a difference in the outcome of the competition.
For example, a horse whose skills aren't as highly rated might have undergone an entirely new training regimen which shows itself in its gait and form (if you've taken the time or the trouble to watch it).
Or a previously timid cold might have turned into one determined gelding who could really sweep the match.
Diet changes may even play a huge role in the performance of a particular horse.
And if you know the effects of certain medications on equines, then you'll be able to figure out where to place your bet.
Sure, handicapping the races has its advantages.
But to really win big at the races, you've also got to learn to look elsewhere, at the less obvious odds that make a crucial difference.
After all, handicapping is commonly used by most bettors to win their wagers.
The Daily Racing Form and the track programs perpetuate it.
Serious punters look at the morning line odds, performance charts, past races, previous workouts, medication and such other information available to guide their decision as to where to place their bets.
Other factors, such as pedigree, trainer and jockey riding the horse and whether the horse performs well on the turn or on dirt are also carefully considered by handicappers in their quest for the win.
However, the question has now arisen as to whether handicapping the horse races is really that gainful.
How important is it? And is it that beneficial? First off, let's separate those who bet once in a while just to enjoy an occasional day at the races.
They don't need to handicap any race.
Their bets largely depend on Lady Luck's mercy.
For those who do spend a fair amount of time at the races, handicapping is an advantage to be had.
If you know how to analyze the race form and the track program, chances are, you'll be putting your money on the most winnable equine.
However, this form of betting generally has a short-term view attached to it.
If you really want to make money from betting at the races, the long-term view must be taken in mind.
And this involves more than handicapping any race.
In other words, you've got to look for long odds that you cannot find on the race form but will surely make a difference in the outcome of the competition.
For example, a horse whose skills aren't as highly rated might have undergone an entirely new training regimen which shows itself in its gait and form (if you've taken the time or the trouble to watch it).
Or a previously timid cold might have turned into one determined gelding who could really sweep the match.
Diet changes may even play a huge role in the performance of a particular horse.
And if you know the effects of certain medications on equines, then you'll be able to figure out where to place your bet.
Sure, handicapping the races has its advantages.
But to really win big at the races, you've also got to learn to look elsewhere, at the less obvious odds that make a crucial difference.
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