Selecting winners in horse racing isn't rocket science, however it can be quite difficult, baffling and perplexing all at the same time. Picking winners in horse racing is known as handicapping.

It is the art of selecting winners, using all the information and statistics available. It is more of an art or skill as opposed to a science.


One thing is for sure, the people that win more often, know what to look for when studying the racing form. This only comes with know-how and experience, of course a little luck is involved. Anyone who tells you that you don't need some luck when betting on horse racing is simply being dishonest.

We offer you a detailed list of factors that in our opinion, will help you select more winners, more often. With our guide, you can
learn what it takes to pick a winner.
 

One of the first questions people ask me about horse racing is how do i place a bet? It is relatively simple to place a bet on a horse race, althought there are many different types of bets available in today's modern wagering game. The most simple forms of betting are traditionally win, place and show bets.

A win bet means that you are only betting on the horse that crosses the wire in first position. Place means the horse can finish in 1st or 2nd position and a show bet allows you to finish in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place.
Horse Racing has its own language, as do many other sports. People in the know or those who work the backstretch or gamble on horse races may speak a foreign language to you. Here you can learn many of the terms that make horse racing the "Sport Of Kings".

These horse racing terms, often permeate everyday language, especially during election times. Talk of a "dark horse" , "two horse race" and "down to the wire" , are all commonly used and come directly from the sport. Check out our complete horse racing terminology dictionary to learn more.
 

Handicap The Races Ahead of Time for Better Results - Serious handicappers all have one thing in common. They do their homework in advance. That way they have a good idea of what they want to bet on before they hit the racetrack. To seriously get into a racing program it takes me at least an hour of handicapping time. That way I can access each horses running lines, post positions, jockeys, trainers, etc.

Handicapping should be fun, after all it is a hobby. Hobbies are supposed to be fun. Give yourself time to relax and enjoy the process of selecting winners. I like to get the form the night before and read it before I go to bed. Its kind of like a bedtime story for me, hopefully one with a happy ending tomorrow afternoon. Read more here

 
Stay up to date with our latest horse racing articles related to the sport of kings. Our horse racing news is on topic, informative and best of all free. We focus on some of the biggest races and names in the sport. Click here to see our latest horse racing news.

If you want to learn more about handicapping angles, or just to improve your skills. Check out our horse racing specific handicapping articles, we teach you how and you are the one to profit.
 
Understanding the Economic Impact of The Breeders' Cup - The Breeders' Cup is not just a celebrated event in the world of horse racing. It's a significant economic force that ripples through the industry and beyond.
Horse's wearing blinkers for the first time can improve a horse's racing performance, sometimes exponentially. Learn more about trainers adding blinkers to a horse first time in this informative article.

How Does Weather Play a Role in Horse Racing? Let’s face it - any sports that take place outside are affected by weather conditions.
2 Minute Tips Horse Racing Series - If you are looking to learn more about handicapping horse races, you can benefit from watching our video series where we focus on a short tip that can help you pick more winners. These informative videos, lay out some of the things you can look for to improve your skills.

Future Champions Festival Shakes up 2021 Classic beting - Newmarket is the headquarters of British Flat horse racing with good reason, given the number of Group races which take place on its Rowley Mile and July courses. The two-day Future Champions Festival in the autumn during October always throws up clues for punters looking ahead to the following spring’s Classics as top two-year-olds take to the track.

87 Go Forward In The 2020 Grand National - The Grand National is one of the world’s most spectacular horse races. Every year nearly 600m viewers tune in to watch the event from around the world, with the winner writing themselves into the history books.

How To Manage Your Money When Betting - Managing your money at the racetrack, casino, or for sports betting is crucial. If you do not learn how to manage your money when gambling, you will always end up a loser. Many people are good handicappers, but lack the necessary skills or discipline to manage their money.

Sometimes A Banker Horse Is Key - If you find a horse in a race that you think has a good chance to finish in the top 3, using this horse as an anchor in your exotic wagers, might be a good option.
Early Money, Late Money? - Some people watch the tote board closely to see which horses are taking the most betting action. This article explores betting trends in races and what to watch out for.

Apprentice Riders Can Offer Good Value - Looking to bet on horses that are good value or maybe even a live longshot? Apprentice riders are up and comers that are not always well known or followed by racetrack veterans. 
Draw Stats Sometimes Overlooked - What post position a horse draws in a race can be very important. Don't forget to pay attention to your horses starting gate.

What Is Tactical Speed? - Horses with tactical speed are more versatile, allowing jockeys more options during a race.
Find A Horse That Loves The Distance - Some horses have strong track records at a particular distance, these runners often known as distance specialists. Identifying these types of horses when they are racing at their preferred distance can be a good betting angle.

Horses For Turf Courses - Certain horses like certain turf courses, here we examine this phenomena.
Top Trainers Can Improve Runners - Just like a good coach makes a player better, so too does a top trainer with a racehorse.

Lasix, The X-Factor - When a horse adds the legal medication salix / lasix for the first time, it can sometimes dramatically improve their performance.
Layoff Horses, What To Do? - Sometimes horses returning from a layoff are difficult to assess. Is the horse really ready for todays race, or will they need a race or 2 to return to peak form. This article explores what to look for with horses returning from layoffs.

Jockeys Jumping Off, Can Be a Tip-Off - Make no mistake about it jockeys want to be on the best horse in the race, or at least what they feel is their best chance of winning. The better jockeys often get to choose between mounts in races. So it's a good idea to pay attention when a jockey has a few options of which horse to ride.
Try to visualize the race - Trying to predict how the race will unfold when the gates open, is why many top jockeys are so good at winning. Try to envision how the race will unfold, before its run, this can be a key to betting successes.

Betting angles: numbers plays & post positions - This game pays if you have the right number combinations, it does not matter how you come up with those winning combinations.
The "all button" can be a horseplayers best friend - In a multirace bet such as the pick 3 or pick 4, you may come across a race that is very difficult to handicap. When there is no clear standout in a race and you feel that the favorite could be vulnerable. What is the best play?

Strong Form Lines Can Make You Money

Horse Racing in the movies has always been a fun topic covered by Hollywood. There have been some great movies made about horse racing. Some have been thrilling, some have been funny, some even insiprational, but most all were entertaining. Check out our Top Horse Movies List compiled by us.

1 - Let It Ride (1989) (our all time favorite) - An average kind of guy who has a slight problem with gambling goes to the track, and mystically, it seems as though he can't lose, no matter how he bets; and he has an incredible day.  Funny as heck, as good as it gets. Why can't we all have just one day like that? Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Jennifer Tilley
 
Horse Racing: Horse's Body
 
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