If you challenge yourself to become a better person, it is possible. If you want to be a better cook, worker, student, neighbor, believer, it is possible. So, can it be possible to be a better gambler, handicapper, and sharpen your focus to win? Yes. – Nothing is easy, but it can be achieved. Like most things, it takes practice, dedication and preparation.

As children, we were given homework. It was not to punish but rather sharpen our focus to learn the lesson at hand. – Doing your homework prior to wagering is the answer and making moves depending on weather, track conditions, and biases that erupt are the keys. Not shooting from the hip hoping to hit the jackpot. Put the time in and examine with an open eye. Look at the factoids of top riders, trainers, shippers from outside tracks. Keep an open eye to all that is going on and you will start seeing the small differences that determine your outcome.

No blame game. It is not the guy smoking a cigar or talking too loudly that causes you to lose. It is your lack of focus and preparation. – If you won, was it because of external forces that has you cashing? No. – It depends on your ability to take in the info and pay attention to all of the small factors around you. Keep laser focus and patience and you are getting closer with every step.

Weather is key. When a sudden storm arises and washes away the track when you handicapped for a fast track. It may be time to go on a “scouting mission.” – This is where you observe the races and take notes for future races. This will enlighten you into how some runners fair in the mud or off going. Keeping copious notes is the weapon of all great handicappers. Nobody can how each track played out and referring back to your notes is a tool that will raise your game. Taking notes is just like in school it will help you prepare for a test down the road.

Watch replays. This is worth a million when it all comes down. I’ve paid attention to Equibase chart callers who really are a master of their craft. You can go back and look with open eyes how the race took shape. Don’t make things happen or the process is worthless. Look with an unbiased eye and look for horses with a poor start but made-up ground, checked multiple times but still was in the race when the real running begun, and was boxed in with a handful of horses with nowhere to go. All are nuggets of gold.

You choose 5 races on the card. Whatever you like. Long, sprint, turf. Your call. – Now, cut it back to the top three races. Of these, choose where 20% of your bankroll will go on two races and 60% on your top race. – Let me know how this works out for you. I bet you’ll have a couple of successful betting stories.

 

If going to the track. Get there at least 30 min early and find the seat you like. If reservations are needed, do it the day in advance. Get your mind heading in the right direction. – If you’re wagering from home. Start the same time and listen to the track handicappers. You don’t need their selections, but they will bring you closer with advice about the condition, bias, and weather in the area. All are key to finding how your handicapping will be used.

 

Give it a try and let us know how your day at the races played out!