Can't make it to the track? Want to bet on every single race across the country at any given time? These are just two of the advantages of online Horse better, probably the best one being IT IS LEGAL! No, but for real if you are a true equestrian enthusiast who loves race day but hates the track, online betting is your ticket to all the action without the crowds, noise and occasional down wind smells.
There are various options out there for online betting, make sure you research and become a member of the site best tailored to your wants and needs. The great thing is you can be apart of the Kentucky Derby while race day at Del Mar is just getting started, no matter where you are or what you are doing, every race is at your fingertips in an easy and convenient format.
Want to even bet on a horse to lose [not very nice], but if that is your game you can bet on or against a horse with fixed odds, all standard wagering is available in easy to understand format.
Imagine never being handicapped by weather or track conditions as with the click of a button you have access to each and every track and the current climate of race day. This will not only help you determine which races you will wager on but how likely your chances of winning. It has never been easier to be apart of the action than from the convenience of your own home.
Most sites also provide you with Expert Cappers, who can help you wager on the best bet to win, it is like having a "little birdy" on your shoulder come race time and proves very profitable an advantage. Imagine using the resident experts to gauge every single race determining handicaps and conditions to make the safest and promising wager; don't get much more helpful than that.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_M_Skinner
Friday, January 30, 2009
Horse Racing Handicappers Discover Equine Biomechanics
The world of horse racing handicapping is a complex game with many variables. Most handicappers are aware of the importance of time- tested data on speed and past performances. What most handicappers do not know is that a new kind of data has become available. This data, generated through a process called "equine biomechanics" assigns metrics to various aspects of horse athleticism.
Specialized analysts inspect race tapes, collecting over 50 individual observations per horse for each race. It can take up to eight hours for a trained individual to analyze a single race. The data points are then grouped into categories such as coordination, aerobic efficiency, stride quality and endurance. In each category, each horse is assigned a metric based on the data compiled. In addition to creating a quantitative measure for the purpose of comparison, the metrics can also be used to illustrate trends in performance.
While biomechanical measurement is a new development in horse racing, it has become an accepted practice in other sports. Trainers and recruiters for the National Football League, Major League Baseball and for Olympic athletes use biomechanical measurements to dissect athletic performance and ability. The NFL Combine is one of the most recognized applications of biomechanical measurement. At the NFL Combine, players perform a series of drills and tests in which their performance is measured.
In the horse racing industry, the practice of using biomechanics was first introduced by breeders. One company that has successfully used biomechanics in breeding is Monticule Farm. The best know, and most successful horse from Monticule Farm has been Big Brown, winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby and 2008 Preakness Stakes.
While some handicappers have embraced the new technology, many are hesitant to make adjustments to their existing approaches. It can take years for handicappers to develop a system. That makes it difficult to integrate a new variable. However, since the spoils of handicapping tend to favor the player with an edge, many handicappers are curious to see if equine biomechanics will provide that edge.
Currently, only one company makes data on equine biomechanics available. Case the Race offers a subscription-based service providing equine biomechanical data on horses racing in California. For those who want to test the data before buying, free trial subscriptions are also available.
According to the Case the Race website, the data is designed to complement horseplayers' existing systems, not to replace them. For example, a player who is adept at identifying winning horses by analyzing speed, pace and class variables would still employ those methods. However, they would have the additional advantage of having information on athletic ability and would be able to examine a horse's recent trends.
If equine biomechanics lives up to the promise of providing handicappers with an advantage, it will be interesting to see how quickly horseplayers will adapt. When speed figures were first introduced, those who were the first to leverage the new information were in a position to reap the most benefits. As the use of speed figures became common practice, those who disregarded them paid a price. However, because speed figures were so widely used, the benefit of using them diminished.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marla_Simpson
Specialized analysts inspect race tapes, collecting over 50 individual observations per horse for each race. It can take up to eight hours for a trained individual to analyze a single race. The data points are then grouped into categories such as coordination, aerobic efficiency, stride quality and endurance. In each category, each horse is assigned a metric based on the data compiled. In addition to creating a quantitative measure for the purpose of comparison, the metrics can also be used to illustrate trends in performance.
While biomechanical measurement is a new development in horse racing, it has become an accepted practice in other sports. Trainers and recruiters for the National Football League, Major League Baseball and for Olympic athletes use biomechanical measurements to dissect athletic performance and ability. The NFL Combine is one of the most recognized applications of biomechanical measurement. At the NFL Combine, players perform a series of drills and tests in which their performance is measured.
In the horse racing industry, the practice of using biomechanics was first introduced by breeders. One company that has successfully used biomechanics in breeding is Monticule Farm. The best know, and most successful horse from Monticule Farm has been Big Brown, winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby and 2008 Preakness Stakes.
While some handicappers have embraced the new technology, many are hesitant to make adjustments to their existing approaches. It can take years for handicappers to develop a system. That makes it difficult to integrate a new variable. However, since the spoils of handicapping tend to favor the player with an edge, many handicappers are curious to see if equine biomechanics will provide that edge.
Currently, only one company makes data on equine biomechanics available. Case the Race offers a subscription-based service providing equine biomechanical data on horses racing in California. For those who want to test the data before buying, free trial subscriptions are also available.
According to the Case the Race website, the data is designed to complement horseplayers' existing systems, not to replace them. For example, a player who is adept at identifying winning horses by analyzing speed, pace and class variables would still employ those methods. However, they would have the additional advantage of having information on athletic ability and would be able to examine a horse's recent trends.
If equine biomechanics lives up to the promise of providing handicappers with an advantage, it will be interesting to see how quickly horseplayers will adapt. When speed figures were first introduced, those who were the first to leverage the new information were in a position to reap the most benefits. As the use of speed figures became common practice, those who disregarded them paid a price. However, because speed figures were so widely used, the benefit of using them diminished.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marla_Simpson
The Safest Bet in Horse Racing Handicapping
Do you know what the safest bet in horse racing is? Maybe I should clarify what I mean by safe. When I write the safest bet, I mean a bet that has the highest expectancy of winning and the least of expectancy of diminishing your bankroll.
One doesn't necessarily equal the other and you will understand what I mean if you've been betting on horse races for a while. Just because you hit a winner quite frequently with a bet, it doesn't mean it won't diminish your bankroll and just because you have a bet that won't quickly diminish your bankroll doesn't mean you will cash on that bet frequently.
Some people may choose the show bet as the safest bet. The show bet, particularly on the favorite, is a bet with a pretty high rate of coming in, but there are all kinds of favorites. There are luke warm favorites at fairly high odds, like 5-2 or even 3-1. Those types hit the show payoff much less frequently than the 2-5 favorites.
Horses at extremely low odds, like 4-5 or less, often pay to show, but the payoff is often rock bottom because there is a negative pool. If you earn a nickel on a dollar with these types, you are lucky and then factor in the occasion horse that disappoints and you will soon be asking, "Where is the profit?"
Using Dr. Z's formulas, you may make a small profit on these types of high percentage bets, but you will have to risk a lot to get a little. I'm not knocking Dr. Z or his bets, he already proved they work, I'm just saying that you will have to make very large bets and risk a lot of money for a small return.
One of the problems with show betting is that breakage takes a piece of you three times. That's a heck of a price to pay. In the long run, taking a shot at win bets on those 2-5 runners may be the way to go, but statistically, you will still be a loser in the long run.
So where is a safe bet? There is no truly "safe" bet because placing wagers on horses is risky and that is why they call it gambling, however, there are safer bets. My favorite bet is to find a horse that has done what is being asked of it and is the only horse in the race who gets a check mark in each of the following criteria...
1. won at the distance before
2. won at this class level before
3. raced within 30 days and was within 2 lengths of the winner at the finish
4. won at this level and distance with this jockey and trainer
5. is racing against 3 year olds and up
This is an absolute gold mine of a bet. Doesn't come along that often, but when it does it is amazing how often the horse isn't a favorite.
For my money, it is the safest bet in horse racing and with all the tracks available through simulcasting, you should be able to find enough bets to make your days profitable.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
One doesn't necessarily equal the other and you will understand what I mean if you've been betting on horse races for a while. Just because you hit a winner quite frequently with a bet, it doesn't mean it won't diminish your bankroll and just because you have a bet that won't quickly diminish your bankroll doesn't mean you will cash on that bet frequently.
Some people may choose the show bet as the safest bet. The show bet, particularly on the favorite, is a bet with a pretty high rate of coming in, but there are all kinds of favorites. There are luke warm favorites at fairly high odds, like 5-2 or even 3-1. Those types hit the show payoff much less frequently than the 2-5 favorites.
Horses at extremely low odds, like 4-5 or less, often pay to show, but the payoff is often rock bottom because there is a negative pool. If you earn a nickel on a dollar with these types, you are lucky and then factor in the occasion horse that disappoints and you will soon be asking, "Where is the profit?"
Using Dr. Z's formulas, you may make a small profit on these types of high percentage bets, but you will have to risk a lot to get a little. I'm not knocking Dr. Z or his bets, he already proved they work, I'm just saying that you will have to make very large bets and risk a lot of money for a small return.
One of the problems with show betting is that breakage takes a piece of you three times. That's a heck of a price to pay. In the long run, taking a shot at win bets on those 2-5 runners may be the way to go, but statistically, you will still be a loser in the long run.
So where is a safe bet? There is no truly "safe" bet because placing wagers on horses is risky and that is why they call it gambling, however, there are safer bets. My favorite bet is to find a horse that has done what is being asked of it and is the only horse in the race who gets a check mark in each of the following criteria...
1. won at the distance before
2. won at this class level before
3. raced within 30 days and was within 2 lengths of the winner at the finish
4. won at this level and distance with this jockey and trainer
5. is racing against 3 year olds and up
This is an absolute gold mine of a bet. Doesn't come along that often, but when it does it is amazing how often the horse isn't a favorite.
For my money, it is the safest bet in horse racing and with all the tracks available through simulcasting, you should be able to find enough bets to make your days profitable.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
Easy Dime Superfecta Horse Racing Handicapping
Dime supers have opened up the superfecta bet for a lot of people who wouldn't normally play a superfecta. This has had some good effects and not so good effects on the superfectas at horse tracks.
On good effect, as stated above, is that more people are playing superfectas than ever before. One bad effect is that now that people can play many combinations for cheap, there are fewer monster payoffs from the super pools than there used to be.
In times past, the people who played supers were often heavy hitters who had the bankrolls to play bets that cost a small fortune. They were willing to wager that money because they knew that some superfectas would pay off big. But the dime super players have lowered the expected payouts while spreading the wealth among a larger cross section of horse racing handicappers.
The thing to remember while handicapping dime superfectas is that you are trying to play as few combinations as possible and still hit the jackpot. One thing a handicapper should keep in mind is that most of the time, the first two horses across the finish line, the exacta or quinella, is made up of two horse from the top five horses in the betting choices.
Another statistic that should be kept in mind is that the favorite is in the money, first, second, or third, about 3/4's of the time. So if you are looking for horses to key on in the first two positions, it makes sense to play the top five in both spots. The payoffs are hefty when a big longshot comes in, but statistically, an exacta or quinella with longshots is not likely to happen.
Consistency is a big consideration when you have limited funds. So you want to hit the superfecta as often as possible. Playing the favorite and second favorite in the top three spots along with other likely contenders is a must. You will almost always find them in the top three in some combinations. That makes your choices for the top spots in a dime super much easier. The next step is to put the longer priced horses in the minor positions for the better payoff.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
On good effect, as stated above, is that more people are playing superfectas than ever before. One bad effect is that now that people can play many combinations for cheap, there are fewer monster payoffs from the super pools than there used to be.
In times past, the people who played supers were often heavy hitters who had the bankrolls to play bets that cost a small fortune. They were willing to wager that money because they knew that some superfectas would pay off big. But the dime super players have lowered the expected payouts while spreading the wealth among a larger cross section of horse racing handicappers.
The thing to remember while handicapping dime superfectas is that you are trying to play as few combinations as possible and still hit the jackpot. One thing a handicapper should keep in mind is that most of the time, the first two horses across the finish line, the exacta or quinella, is made up of two horse from the top five horses in the betting choices.
Another statistic that should be kept in mind is that the favorite is in the money, first, second, or third, about 3/4's of the time. So if you are looking for horses to key on in the first two positions, it makes sense to play the top five in both spots. The payoffs are hefty when a big longshot comes in, but statistically, an exacta or quinella with longshots is not likely to happen.
Consistency is a big consideration when you have limited funds. So you want to hit the superfecta as often as possible. Playing the favorite and second favorite in the top three spots along with other likely contenders is a must. You will almost always find them in the top three in some combinations. That makes your choices for the top spots in a dime super much easier. The next step is to put the longer priced horses in the minor positions for the better payoff.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Understand the Difference Between Pace and Speed to Successfully Handicap Horse Races
The old saying, "Pace makes the race," can easily be offset with, "The fastest horse doesn't always win the race, but that's how you have to play them."
At face value, they seem to be saying the same thing, but that isn't necessarily true. In a perfect world where each runner got to run its own style of race at its own pace, the fastest horse would always win, but as anyone who has suffered through the ups and downs of horseracing can tell you, the world of horse racing is not perfect.
The problem is that the horses are racing against each other and not the clock. Trying to determine how a horse will handle the other horses and the pace they set in a race is a very big part of handicapping horse races. For instance, you may like the chances of a runner in a race who is known for laying off the pace a few lengths and then making a late run at the leader. This horse wins many races by running down a tiring front runner or two. But in today's race, there is no clear front runner and not much early speed.
The gate opens and the horses practically walk out of the gate. At what seems a snail's pace they set slow fractions in the early stages of the race, and yet, because of its favored running style, your pick is still laying off the pace. The two horses on the lead have been lazily loping along, they are also horses that have some late foot, but because of the slow pace, the jockeys have placed them in front. As they enter the home stretch, instead of tiring as front runners usually do, these two put up a furious run for the wire battling each other all the way.
Your pick tries to mount a challenge but must make up several lengths against two strong runners who have dictated the pace. He just can't make up the ground and loses at the wire. The problem was, the pace was too slow and he didn't get to use his late energy on a tiring horse.
The opposite situation can also occur when a horse that prefers to run a few lengths off the front runners chases extremely fast front runners who run out of energy at the end of the race. Even though this horse may be able to run the distance in fastest time if he gets to run his own race, he is spending too much precious energy at the beginning of the race. He may pass them, but because he expended so much energy he cannot complete the race in his usual time.
What this all amounts to is figuring out which horses have the most ability and will be able to use it. Look for situations where a horse will not be able to run its own race and may be a victim of pace. The fastest horse may be the favorite, but the horse that fits the pace scenario of the race and style that wins at that distance and under those conditions (track model) the best, will have the advantage. Finding an advantage that is underbet is what successful handicapping is all about.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
At face value, they seem to be saying the same thing, but that isn't necessarily true. In a perfect world where each runner got to run its own style of race at its own pace, the fastest horse would always win, but as anyone who has suffered through the ups and downs of horseracing can tell you, the world of horse racing is not perfect.
The problem is that the horses are racing against each other and not the clock. Trying to determine how a horse will handle the other horses and the pace they set in a race is a very big part of handicapping horse races. For instance, you may like the chances of a runner in a race who is known for laying off the pace a few lengths and then making a late run at the leader. This horse wins many races by running down a tiring front runner or two. But in today's race, there is no clear front runner and not much early speed.
The gate opens and the horses practically walk out of the gate. At what seems a snail's pace they set slow fractions in the early stages of the race, and yet, because of its favored running style, your pick is still laying off the pace. The two horses on the lead have been lazily loping along, they are also horses that have some late foot, but because of the slow pace, the jockeys have placed them in front. As they enter the home stretch, instead of tiring as front runners usually do, these two put up a furious run for the wire battling each other all the way.
Your pick tries to mount a challenge but must make up several lengths against two strong runners who have dictated the pace. He just can't make up the ground and loses at the wire. The problem was, the pace was too slow and he didn't get to use his late energy on a tiring horse.
The opposite situation can also occur when a horse that prefers to run a few lengths off the front runners chases extremely fast front runners who run out of energy at the end of the race. Even though this horse may be able to run the distance in fastest time if he gets to run his own race, he is spending too much precious energy at the beginning of the race. He may pass them, but because he expended so much energy he cannot complete the race in his usual time.
What this all amounts to is figuring out which horses have the most ability and will be able to use it. Look for situations where a horse will not be able to run its own race and may be a victim of pace. The fastest horse may be the favorite, but the horse that fits the pace scenario of the race and style that wins at that distance and under those conditions (track model) the best, will have the advantage. Finding an advantage that is underbet is what successful handicapping is all about.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
Be Prepared For the Ups and Downs of Horse Racing Handicapping
One of the funniest comments I ever saw in a horse's running lines was, "Stepped on goose." I wish I could remember which horse and race it was, but it escapes me at the moment. I have seen some strange things while watching races, though, and stepping on a goose is just one of many things that can happen to a runner.
Mishaps also happen to jockeys. I have seen a few fall off when they were just cruising along. One fell off in the stretch and I often wonder if he "fell" or jumped off because the horse was going to win. I hope I won't sound too cynical when I say that I suspect the horse was not meant to win by the connections or other betting interests and the rider was under orders to fail or else.
When his mount was such an overlay compared to the others, it easily scampered to the lead and opened up such a wide margin there was no way for him to pull it back, so he did the next best thing. The horse may have crossed the finish line first, but without the rider, it was not declared the winner. For the price of a few bruises and a scolding or fine from the stewards, the jockey may have preserved a lot more or even gained. But like I said, maybe I'm just being cynical.
On the other hand, a little cynicism can be healthy when wagering on the ponies. There have been a few times when I have said, "Gee, I never heard of that jockey before." On more than one of those occasions, the unknown rider won. I didn't forget his or her name after that. When a jockey shows up out of no where at a track and gets a decent mount, don't discount it just because you don't know who the jockey is or what he or she can do.
I've seen horses veer sharply, jump shadows, run up on other horses, jump the rail and do a number of crazy and dangerous things. My experiences with them has been that they are big, strong, and unpredictable. Therefore you must be prepared for anything in a race.
Just how do you prepare for the unexpected? The first rule is, "Don't bet all your money on one race." No matter how good a horse may look when compared to the rest of the field, things can happen and often do.
The next rule is to take things in stride and be philosophical if at all possible. If your horse falls down or suffers some other mishap, it didn't happen just because you bet on it. The animal may have suffered from the fall and so may the jockey. On top of that, many other people bet on it as well so they lost, too. Fate didn't punish all those people and the poor animal just to take your money.
Only risk what you can afford to lose and keep a sense of humor. Remember, there's always fresh (tomorrow).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
Mishaps also happen to jockeys. I have seen a few fall off when they were just cruising along. One fell off in the stretch and I often wonder if he "fell" or jumped off because the horse was going to win. I hope I won't sound too cynical when I say that I suspect the horse was not meant to win by the connections or other betting interests and the rider was under orders to fail or else.
When his mount was such an overlay compared to the others, it easily scampered to the lead and opened up such a wide margin there was no way for him to pull it back, so he did the next best thing. The horse may have crossed the finish line first, but without the rider, it was not declared the winner. For the price of a few bruises and a scolding or fine from the stewards, the jockey may have preserved a lot more or even gained. But like I said, maybe I'm just being cynical.
On the other hand, a little cynicism can be healthy when wagering on the ponies. There have been a few times when I have said, "Gee, I never heard of that jockey before." On more than one of those occasions, the unknown rider won. I didn't forget his or her name after that. When a jockey shows up out of no where at a track and gets a decent mount, don't discount it just because you don't know who the jockey is or what he or she can do.
I've seen horses veer sharply, jump shadows, run up on other horses, jump the rail and do a number of crazy and dangerous things. My experiences with them has been that they are big, strong, and unpredictable. Therefore you must be prepared for anything in a race.
Just how do you prepare for the unexpected? The first rule is, "Don't bet all your money on one race." No matter how good a horse may look when compared to the rest of the field, things can happen and often do.
The next rule is to take things in stride and be philosophical if at all possible. If your horse falls down or suffers some other mishap, it didn't happen just because you bet on it. The animal may have suffered from the fall and so may the jockey. On top of that, many other people bet on it as well so they lost, too. Fate didn't punish all those people and the poor animal just to take your money.
Only risk what you can afford to lose and keep a sense of humor. Remember, there's always fresh (tomorrow).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
Horse Racing System Secrets - Handicapping & Appearance
Handicapping is a very complex process involving a myriad of possible variables that can overwhelm and frustrate even the advanced horse player.
That being said, I'm going to go over several popular handicapping strategies here that you can use to try and find value in the races. These are certainly not all of the handicapping ideas and strategies, and depending upon your particular favorite strategy, some will be more important to you than others.
First of all, I will outline a few major handicapping strategies that people employ. Horse bettors generally find a niche that they decide they will watch closely and attempt to become an expert in so that they might gain their edge based on that.
It would be nearly impossible to keep track of all handicapping variables and angles at once.
So it makes more sense for the average and even advanced player to find one or two areas of focus that they will spend more time on. Then, the angles and value plays associated with those strategies will be more obvious when they appear to these bettors.
Appearance
Many old-school track enthusiasts tout appearance as one of the main overlooked factors in horse racing today.
The fact it is with online betting and the ability to play the horses without ever going to the race track, bettors are less likely to actually see the horses.
If you are fortunate enough to be at the track and able to see the horses in the paddock and walking ring before the race, then here are some things to look for.
The horse should look healthy. It should have a nice bright shiny coat that lies down evenly. The ears should be pricked.
What you don't want is a horse that looks unhealthy - a coat looks dull or you can see the horse's ribs.
You don't want to see a lot of sweat - especially kidney sweat between the flanks. You also do not want a horse that seems overly nervous, unruly or out of control.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joey_Scaglianetto
That being said, I'm going to go over several popular handicapping strategies here that you can use to try and find value in the races. These are certainly not all of the handicapping ideas and strategies, and depending upon your particular favorite strategy, some will be more important to you than others.
First of all, I will outline a few major handicapping strategies that people employ. Horse bettors generally find a niche that they decide they will watch closely and attempt to become an expert in so that they might gain their edge based on that.
It would be nearly impossible to keep track of all handicapping variables and angles at once.
So it makes more sense for the average and even advanced player to find one or two areas of focus that they will spend more time on. Then, the angles and value plays associated with those strategies will be more obvious when they appear to these bettors.
Appearance
Many old-school track enthusiasts tout appearance as one of the main overlooked factors in horse racing today.
The fact it is with online betting and the ability to play the horses without ever going to the race track, bettors are less likely to actually see the horses.
If you are fortunate enough to be at the track and able to see the horses in the paddock and walking ring before the race, then here are some things to look for.
The horse should look healthy. It should have a nice bright shiny coat that lies down evenly. The ears should be pricked.
What you don't want is a horse that looks unhealthy - a coat looks dull or you can see the horse's ribs.
You don't want to see a lot of sweat - especially kidney sweat between the flanks. You also do not want a horse that seems overly nervous, unruly or out of control.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joey_Scaglianetto
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