Some of you horse guys have probably heard me talk about Saratoga being the one meet that I actually do bet on each day. That meet doesnt begin until 7/29, but I've decided to get a head start and prep for that with Belmont the next 2 months. Each night I will post my full card for the following day's Belmont races. Many of these Belmont runners will be making their way upstate to Saratoga, as will the jockeys and trainers. Last year I did this more around late June, but I can easily cap the card each night starting now. I'll keep a running net total each day. Here are some notes:
- all races will be $20 Win/$20 Place bets
- any races that i bold in blue with an ** next to the selection will be considered stronger plays that I will bet $40 Win/$40 Place
- I will not be playing any exotics
- I will not list any backups (except for some turf races that could get switched to dirt) - so scrathes will just result in no action for that race.
Thursday May 28th will be the next day of racing from Belmont.
My selection process is nothing too crazy - i do like to look at Beyer Speed Figures. I also like looking at workouts - the horses results at that track/ distance. There are also several jockeys/trainers I like to follow in certain scenarios (ie, castellano on the grass, linda rice in turf sprints etc). I also do focus on post positions for various distances or surfaces (ie, inner turf etc). My selections are never really deep longshots, but more or less horses around 3/1 on average. I try to always beat the ML favorite in turf races. Those who watch turf races know that many times 4-5 horses are right there at the wire. I'll have no problem backing a 4/5 ML favorite, if i cant find a horse who i think can beat him/her. I'm betting the full card, so not ripping up tickets is key (along with finding value horses in some spots).
*I am not looking for a following, as again (like with sports) am looking to simply light a fire under myself by posting my selections in a highly visible/popular public forum. If you do tail me, please dont bet over your head as I'm not claiming to be a professional who wins each day. As with sports, Ive had good seasons and bad seasons with this - but do feel that my approach/knowledge/money mgmt techniques gives me a good chance at making a few bucks - more importantly, having fun with this as a hobby. I have a day job, so I am not here trying to tout plays etc....Basically, dont blast me if we are having a bad day.
Net Meet Results: +$86