The Basics Of Handicapping In A Paddock Room

By Jessica Kelly


Horse racing and other equestrian endeavors have been around for so long. This practice has become A sort of symbol of the state of wealth and economy for certain people. Just like all forms of gambling, there is an art to betting that can borderline on being a science. The best part is in analyzing situations and circumstances that may be favorable to a win.

There are many ways and factors to consider when handicapping. This is the term called by those who frequent the paddock room. Handicapping, is the art of predicting which horse has the most chances of winning. The matter is quite complicated especially for beginners, but there are bound to be pointers that you can work with.

As a beginner there are always tips to help you out. The first thing to know, apart from how to bet, are the types of bets you can participate in. The most novice friendly would be the Show and Place type since they both are simple and a great way to ease in the practice of handicapping. Show bets only require two dollars and three horses that land first, second and third place.

For those that know the basics, want to delve deeper as a handicap and have the money to spare the average difficulty and the harder types may be best. Exacta and the Trifecta would need some studying for it to be more likely to win. These are inherently more expensive since the rewards are higher.

There are also Pick 3, 4 and 6, six being the most difficult. Imagine joining the lottery while still trying to know which entry would most likely win for each race in six consecutive races. You would have to be really good at handicapping and have a stroke of luck or be a really good psychic.

For the average to the harder kinds of bets reading the DRF may be required. The Daily Racing Form is a publication that feeds people information about the performance of a horse. One is released in the morning and another one at night. Not only do they have the charts, but they also give you some tips and information about horse racing.

Things to consider are also any changes done with the jockey or rider and the trainer. Some enthusiasts may even largely consider the jockey when making their bets. It is very likely that the best jockeys also get the best mounts. But there also cases where the rider can ruin their chances of winning with a bad ride.

The material that the race runs on, and that means the field, is also a huge factor to take into consideration. These can either be synthetic, grass or dirt. Since the race is done outdoors, even the weather should be considered. A good thing to remember is that horses may prefer one track over the other. Some like it dry while others like it wet.

One does not even have to bet to handicap, betting just kind of gives it more of a point. The best part of participating in these kinds of sport as an observer is the novelty it offers. The history and tradition that surrounds this have contributed many great stories of both fact and fiction. Unlike casinos and lottery, the whole family is more likely to enjoy it.




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