How to Pick a Winning Horse at the Race Track

Horse racing is exciting to watch and can be emotionally charged. Many people take the sport very seriously by investing countless hours studying racing forms, and following the reputations of breeders, jockeys and owners. If you don't want to make the sport your second job and you're out for a little fun, the following tips can help you win some money doing it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Racing form
• Betting money

1. Capitalize on levelheadedness. If possible, make your betting choices before arriving at the track. By acquiring the racing form in advance and picking your favorites before you arrive, your emotions will not come in to play when making decisions. The stress of putting your money on the line and getting caught-up in the excitement around you can influence your decisions

2. As with any gambling venture, set a limit for what you will spend and don't exceed it.

3. All of the following horse elimination suggestions should be used when making decisions prior to arriving at the track. Expect some losses and expect to come out ahead at the end of the day and you are guaranteed a good time!

4. Eliminate any horse that has not run today's distance at today's track. Horses can be sprinters or long term stayers, but usually not able to win doing both. Race track distances vary from 5 furlongs to 2 1/2 miles

5. Eliminate from your picks any horse that has not run at least one race at today's track this season. Most horses are sensitive and require a period of adjustment to a new place. Several races at the new track are usually required to show good form.

6. Eliminate any horse that has not run a race within one month of today's race. Statistics show that a great majority of all winners have run a race within the past 21 days.

7. Eliminate any horse that has "performance notes" stating that the animal "bled, ran sore or was lame. The horse may be perfectly sound for today's race, but there is no need to take that chance.

8. Eliminate any horse that in its last race did not finish in the money (first, second or third place). Also, eliminate any horse did not finish within eight lengths of the winner in its last race.

9. After all these eliminations you should have a clear winning choice. Sometimes you will have two or three. Your final decision can be made based upon the jockey. A small percentage of jockeys win the majority of the races. In other words, a large percentage of jockeys never win. Check your jockey's history. Many races are won by a nose and it's the jockey's decision how to run the horse. There is great skill involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Many people get bitten by the racing bug and wish to improve their knowledge and skill. There are many good books available on how to handicap races. The racing industry can be a fun sport to follow, and even more fun armed with knowledge of the industry as your winning rate improves. Education and knowledge are key!