NEW YEAR Handicapping “Reminders”

The New Year is a good time to reflect on your handicapping strategies.   Did you have many winning days or any “big” winning days last year?   When you were successful was it on a particular type race or track or surface?    Since, to a large degree, handicapping is analyzing variables from race to race, you should stick with whatever has worked for you in the past.  However, good handicappers regularly review and update their strategies to ensure they are maximizing the opportunities presented in every race.  

The following are a few suggestions that have been successful for me over the years.   Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to handicapping the “ponies” but I am confident you will cash more tickets if you try a few of these.

* Maiden Special Weight horses dropping to Maiden Claiming level especially if they show a good morning workout since their last race.
* Maiden Claimers dropping more than 50% in class and showing a good morning workout since their last race.
* Maiden Claimers dropping at least 5 lbs and/or getting first time Blinkers and  showing a good morning workout since their last race.
* Maidens Claimers whose last race was competitive and now have changed to a top jockey.
* Maiden Special Weight horses whom flashed speed in their last race breaking from an outside post and now have drawn an inside post.
* Claimers getting Lasix (L1) for the first time especially if they flashed speed in their last race.
* Claimers adding Blinkers for the first time especially if their last race was competitive.
* Turf Horses who lost their last race by less than 3 lengths breaking from an outside post and now draw an inside post.
* European Turf Horses making their first North American start and  dropping more than 8 lbs and/or getting fist time Lasix (L1).
* Speed Horses dropping weight and running on an off track.

Again, no guarantees, but I have been successful over the years betting competitive horses in these circumstances.

Finally, good handicappers establish a budget per race per day and are disciplined in executing it.   Personally, I like to bet equal amounts on a horse to WIN and SHOW.  My strategy in making the SHOW bet is to minimize the loss if my horse doesn’t WIN.

I hope this helps you to cash more tickets and please remember to always gamble responsibly.    Happy New Year!

Jerry “T”