How to Handicapping a Horse Race
Horse racing is a sport that involves betting on the outcome of a race between horses. The game dates back to ancient times and is practiced in many civilizations around the world today, including those of Egypt, Babylon, Syria, and Arabia. It is also a popular pastime in the United States and other countries. The greatest horse races are celebrated for their drama and spectacular finishes, such as Secretariat’s 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes and Arkle’s victory in the 1964 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Before placing a wager, a handicapper must examine the horses’ records and past performance. The best way to do this is to examine the horse’s past performances from its most recent races. This will help determine if the horse is in good present form or has shown a consistent pattern of running well. For instance, a horse that has finished first or second on its last three runs is likely in excellent present form and will win the majority of races it competes in. However, a horse that has been unable to finish close in its last races may be out of shape and is unlikely to win the next race.
The odds of a horse are determined by its past performances and the amount of money customers have placed on it at the track. These odds are published in the race program and posted on the tote board before the races start. The odds change up until the race starts, depending on how much money customers have bet on each horse. The horses with the highest number of bets will have lower odds, and those with the lowest will have the highest odds.
Many tipsters select a horse because of its name, color or the jockey’s or trainer’s record. This can lead to a great deal of money lost if the horse does not win, but it is also true that the tipsters know there is no value backing most of these horses and are content to lose a few bets to make a profit overall.
Examining a horse’s recent finishing positions will also tell the handicapper how well it is in present form. Most horses have form cycles in which they run well for a period of time and then tail off. A good handicapper will avoid a horse that has been racing poorly of late and choose one that appears to be rounding into form.
A bet on a horse to win or finish first, second, or third. When a horse wins, the payout is higher than when it finishes second or third. A horse can be a part of a straight bet, in which a single bet is placed on the winner, or a combination bet, in which a single bet on each of the top three horses is made. The most common combinations are a win/place and a trifecta. The latter pays out the same as a win/place but requires the winning horse to finish in the first three spots in exact order.
Horse racing is a sport that involves betting on the outcome of a race between horses. The game dates back to ancient times and is practiced in many civilizations around the world today, including those of Egypt, Babylon, Syria, and Arabia. It is also a popular pastime in the United States and other countries. The greatest horse races are celebrated for their drama and spectacular finishes, such as Secretariat’s 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes and Arkle’s victory in the 1964 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Before placing a wager, a handicapper must examine the horses’ records and past performance. The best way to do this is to examine the horse’s past performances from its most recent races. This will help determine if the horse is in good present form or has shown a consistent pattern of running well. For instance, a horse that has finished first or second on its last three runs is likely in excellent present form and will win the majority of races it competes in. However, a horse that has been unable to finish close in its last races may be out of shape and is unlikely to win the next race. The odds of a horse are determined by its past performances and the amount of money customers have placed on it at the track. These odds are published in the race program and posted on the tote board before the races start. The odds change up until the race starts, depending on how much money customers have bet on each horse. The horses with the highest number of bets will have lower odds, and those with the lowest will have the highest odds. Many tipsters select a horse because of its name, color or the jockey’s or trainer’s record. This can lead to a great deal of money lost if the horse does not win, but it is also true that the tipsters know there is no value backing most of these horses and are content to lose a few bets to make a profit overall. Examining a horse’s recent finishing positions will also tell the handicapper how well it is in present form. Most horses have form cycles in which they run well for a period of time and then tail off. A good handicapper will avoid a horse that has been racing poorly of late and choose one that appears to be rounding into form. A bet on a horse to win or finish first, second, or third. When a horse wins, the payout is higher than when it finishes second or third. A horse can be a part of a straight bet, in which a single bet is placed on the winner, or a combination bet, in which a single bet on each of the top three horses is made. The most common combinations are a win/place and a trifecta. The latter pays out the same as a win/place but requires the winning horse to finish in the first three spots in exact order.