Things You'll Need:
- Racing form
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Step 1
Purchase a racing form prior to race day. The racing form presents the facts about the horses that are running in the present day's races. Past performances say a lot about a horse's capability.
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Step 2
Factor in the condition of the track when placing a bet. If the horse did not do well in the past on a particular track surface, chances are it won't do well again.
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Step 3
Pay attention to the jockey of the horse you are betting on. Did the original jockey change to a different horse prior to the race? Most jockeys, who switch horses, know something the rest of us don't. Follow the jockeys choice and increase your chances of winning.
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Step 4
Check to see how well your horse did running a particular distance. Each race is listed with the distance the horses will run. If your horse failed miserably in the past running a track and a half, chances are it won't fare too well this time, either.
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Step 5
Check the handicap weight of the horse you are betting on. Handicaps are given in horse racing to give equal opportunity for winning to each horse in the race. Make sure your horse's handicap is fair in comparison to the other horses.
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Step 6
Determine your horse's starting position before you place your bet. Some have argued that position is unimportant, but statistics prove that the starting position of a horse can determine whether it wins or loses.
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Step 7
Pay attention to the flow of money. Follow the money to the people's choice. The horse the majority is betting on is usually a proven horse. Word of mouth and local commentaries can lead you in the right direction.
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Step 8
Avoid putting all of your money on one horse to win. Placing a bet to show means that you are a winner if the horse comes in first, second, or third. You might not win as much, but at least you're not a loser.
