Horse Racing questions and answers

[batt33]

It happens often enough at every track that I see it as necessary to the overall understanding of any particular TRACK or SURFACE Batt.

This is why I have spoken so much about watching every race, with no opinion, and just see what jumps out as very helpful or not at all helpful. It doesn't happen every race or maybe everyday. But sometimes it happens 3-4 times in a day. You never know. So you just watch and learn.I used to keep a folded up piece of paper in my pocket where I would write down horses names and race each day. Didn't really have time to spend on any one horse in that moment, but would record all the replays from Md. and watch them in my office at the track the next morning between sets going out or after 10AM when the track closed. In time, I had a library of replays.
Probably spent an hour a day doing that. Until about 1991, that was always for claiming horses down the road if they were placed with a price tag I thought was appealing. Never for betting. I just didn't care about that angle as I was totally intrenched in what I was doing as a trainer. After I decided ( about 91 or 92) that I was done with the track but would stay on for an undetermined period of the time, I still did claiming but added betting in order to supplement my income. A stay at home wife and three kids ages 6,8, and 10 is pricey.
This was NOT for betting on my horses, but betting horses that were unable to run their best from problems with trips, bias, rider, whatever. I had more time to do so because I did not have the clientele and therefore the money to claim horses everyday.

I still needed income so I improvised. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED claiming horses everyday. It was my everyday life for 15 years and I would probably still be doing it today.
But I did not have the backing to do so and could not gamble by claiming my own horses with money I needed to pay the bills for myself, my wife and my kids. So I divided my work hours into finding value on any horse that showed it to me but in many casers, other PLAYERS did not see. That went on for about 7 years until my mom passed away. After that, my exit strategy kicked in and a little over a year later, I walked away.

Tha1t's what illegal drugs and practices on horses on the backside did. Basically, I fell out of love with what I deemed as the rest of my life prior to 1991. But, life throws you curve balls. And as my favorite coach Earle Elliott taught me, keep you weight back, see the ball, hit the ball. So that's what I did.
Man I loved Earle as did many other kids my age. Our hero.

Thanks for sharing STR!

[str]

Thanks STR!
The one thing I found interesting was the "official clocking" vs what the horse actually did... If I wasn't part of this horse I would have never known. I just wonder how many other times this happens.

It happens often enough at every track that I see it as necessary to the overall understanding of any particular TRACK or SURFACE Batt.

This is why I have spoken so much about watching every race, with no opinion, and just see what jumps out as very helpful or not at all helpful. It doesn't happen every race or maybe everyday. But sometimes it happens 3-4 times in a day. You never know. So you just watch and learn.

I used to keep a folded up piece of paper in my pocket where I would write down horses names and race each day. Didn't really have time to spend on any one horse in that moment, but would record all the replays from Md. and watch them in my office at the track the next morning between sets going out or after 10AM when the track closed. In time, I had a library of replays.
Probably spent an hour a day doing that. Until about 1991, that was always for claiming horses down the road if they were placed with a price tag I thought was appealing. Never for betting. I just didn't care about that angle as I was totally intrenched in what I was doing as a trainer. After I decided ( about 91 or 92) that I was done with the track but would stay on for an undetermined period of the time, I still did claiming but added betting in order to supplement my income. A stay at home wife and three kids ages 6,8, and 10 is pricey.
This was NOT for betting on my horses, but betting horses that were unable to run their best from problems with trips, bias, rider, whatever. I had more time to do so because I did not have the clientele and therefore the money to claim horses everyday.

I still needed income so I improvised. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED claiming horses everyday. It was my everyday life for 15 years and I would probably still be doing it today.
But I did not have the backing to do so and could not gamble by claiming my own horses with money I needed to pay the bills for myself, my wife and my kids. So I divided my work hours into finding value on any horse that showed it to me but in many casers, other PLAYERS did not see. That went on for about 7 years until my mom passed away. After that, my exit strategy kicked in and a little over a year later, I walked away.

Tha1t's what illegal drugs and practices on horses on the backside did. Basically, I fell out of love with what I deemed as the rest of my life prior to 1991. But, life throws you curve balls. And as my favorite coach Earle Elliott taught me, keep you weight back, see the ball, hit the ball. So that's what I did.
Man I loved Earle as did many other kids my age. Our hero.

[batt33]

So true !

I need to stay away from that thread. Posters in there can type anything and usually do. Quick to judge you as with them or against them.
Not many want to read what you have to say. They just want to know if in their mind, are you friend or foe.

Kind of sad to see people act like that but it’s the way it is. I’m best off to not even look. It’s just that there is so much hypocrisy in there that now and then I react.

I saw your post. That’s an incredible story about your family. A lot to be real proud of Batt.

You would think that stories like yours would maybe move a needle in some of their heads but I don’t think they even see it. Just like or hate and that’s really not for me.

All the best to you and mom/ dad. Hope you guys have a great Christmas together.

Thanks STR! yeah I kinda knew better than to be in that thread....
and all the best to you and your family! Merry Christmas!

[batt33]

Nothing says professional to me more than a well written, knowledgeable write up. You folks that own these horses in this syndicate are treated to solid, informative and professional write ups. You being at the barns over the years allows you to see this.

This syndicate group is totally on point . I respect the heck out of that Batt. There was not all that much of that in my day. And when it appeared, that outfit had success.
if I see or read something that I feel is disingenuous, I would PM you and let you know. So far, I have not. That in itself speaks volumes IMO about the character of this syndicate.

Good Luck with this guy.

Thanks STR!
The one thing I found interesting was the "official clocking" vs what the horse actually did... If I wasn't part of this horse I would have never known. I just wonder how many other times this happens.

[str]

Kinda like the current political climate....

So true !

I need to stay away from that thread. Posters in there can type anything and usually do. Quick to judge you as with them or against them.
Not many want to read what you have to say. They just want to know if in their mind, are you friend or foe.

Kind of sad to see people act like that but it’s the way it is. I’m best off to not even look. It’s just that there is so much hypocrisy in there that now and then I react.

I saw your post. That’s an incredible story about your family. A lot to be real proud of Batt.

You would think that stories like yours would maybe move a needle in some of their heads but I don’t think they even see it. Just like or hate and that’s really not for me.

All the best to you and mom/ dad. Hope you guys have a great Christmas together.

[str]

Commissioned Workout Report



Commissioned breezed a solo five furlongs in 1:02.20 this morning at Santa Anita Park under assistant trainer Juan Landeros. While he received an official clocking of five furlongs, your colt left from the half-mile pole and the final furlong of this breeze was technically one furlong past the wire, which you will see was simply a gallop out.

Potentially being his final breeze--if racing proceeds on Dec. 26 with the expected rain--trainer Dan Blacker did not want to do too much this morning with him and naturally with him still being on the immature side, he does not put as much into his works being by himself compared to in company as we have seen over the past few weeks. That is not a negative, simply the fact of the difference in his works visually and from a time perspective being solo versus in company. We are still very excited for the future of this colt, but would not be shocked if he’s a race or two away from realizing what racing is all about. He may also very well show off his talent and thrive in the race atmosphere, but these are things we won’t know until race day. Joe Moran provides some additional thoughts, which can be heard in the audio update above.

We will follow up once entries are official for opening day and keep you all abreast of any changes if weather does indeed affect racing next Friday.

158

Kinda interesting if you just look at the workout final times instead of watching videos ...

Nothing says professional to me more than a well written, knowledgeable write up. You folks that own these horses in this syndicate are treated to solid, informative and professional write ups. You being at the barns over the years allows you to see this.

This syndicate group is totally on point . I respect the heck out of that Batt. There was not all that much of that in my day. And when it appeared, that outfit had success.
if I see or read something that I feel is disingenuous, I would PM you and let you know. So far, I have not. That in itself speaks volumes IMO about the character of this syndicate.

Good Luck with this guy.

[batt33]

I saw where Rudy Rodriguez is under HISA scrutiny and he is getting blasted on social media.
it’s sad how little people really know about racing and the drugs, horsemanship or the lack there of . All they can know is what they read . Unfortunately, most of it is terribly wrong.
Without knowing all the details this sounds too me that Rudy made a mistake by doing what was once upon a time, what some people did but HISA has rules in place to prevent what ultimately seemed to happen. ( At least I think it did).
Whatever the case, the knives are out and he is getting marked as a drug trainer who cheats and learned his cheaters ways from Rick Dutrow.

it is unbelievable to me that some people, the public, will read something and take it as gospel and never bother to find out the truth. Just smear the guys and screw it. Run their name through the mud. I guess that’s the world today .

Folks, I know that family and trainers tree from the Dutrow barn and abusing horses and drugging horses are not even a thought much less a reality.
It’s a shame that media can paint someone with a brush and the paint lasts forever. It’s fine if it’s the truth but not when it’s not even remotely close to the truth.

Kinda like the current political climate....

[batt33]

Commissioned Workout Report



Commissioned breezed a solo five furlongs in 1:02.20 this morning at Santa Anita Park under assistant trainer Juan Landeros. While he received an official clocking of five furlongs, your colt left from the half-mile pole and the final furlong of this breeze was technically one furlong past the wire, which you will see was simply a gallop out.

Potentially being his final breeze--if racing proceeds on Dec. 26 with the expected rain--trainer Dan Blacker did not want to do too much this morning with him and naturally with him still being on the immature side, he does not put as much into his works being by himself compared to in company as we have seen over the past few weeks. That is not a negative, simply the fact of the difference in his works visually and from a time perspective being solo versus in company. We are still very excited for the future of this colt, but would not be shocked if he’s a race or two away from realizing what racing is all about. He may also very well show off his talent and thrive in the race atmosphere, but these are things we won’t know until race day. Joe Moran provides some additional thoughts, which can be heard in the audio update above.

We will follow up once entries are official for opening day and keep you all abreast of any changes if weather does indeed affect racing next Friday.

158

Kinda interesting if you just look at the workout final times instead of watching videos ...

[str]

I saw where Rudy Rodriguez is under HISA scrutiny and he is getting blasted on social media.
it’s sad how little people really know about racing and the drugs, horsemanship or the lack there of . All they can know is what they read . Unfortunately, most of it is terribly wrong.
Without knowing all the details this sounds too me that Rudy made a mistake by doing what was once upon a time, what some people did but HISA has rules in place to prevent what ultimately seemed to happen. ( At least I think it did).
Whatever the case, the knives are out and he is getting marked as a drug trainer who cheats and learned his cheaters ways from Rick Dutrow.

it is unbelievable to me that some people, the public, will read something and take it as gospel and never bother to find out the truth. Just smear the guys and screw it. Run their name through the mud. I guess that’s the world today .

Folks, I know that family and trainers tree from the Dutrow barn and abusing horses and drugging horses are not even a thought much less a reality.
It’s a shame that media can paint someone with a brush and the paint lasts forever. It’s fine if it’s the truth but not when it’s not even remotely close to the truth.

[batt33]

thanks guys.

It is tough seeing so many friends start to pass on but it's the circle of life i guess.

When i think about it, i don't think your friends really completely die until you and everyone that knew them do. When i remember people, places, and things in my mind, they are still alive. It's like a scene from a movie in your head. After the hurt of them being gone sinks in and then starts to fade, the good times seem to stick around in your mind and you can play them over and over as you choose.

Maybe that is the reward we all get for being around people we liked and loved.

amen

[str]

Thanks guys.

It is tough seeing so many friends start to pass on but it's the circle of life I guess.

When I think about it, I don't think your friends really completely die until you and everyone that knew them do. When I remember people, places, and things in my mind, they are still alive. It's like a scene from a movie in your head. After the hurt of them being gone sinks in and then starts to fade, the good times seem to stick around in your mind and you can play them over and over as you choose.

Maybe that is the reward we all get for being around people we liked and loved.

[Easy-Rider 66]

I am saddened to announce that Vincent “Jimbo” Bracciale passed away unexpectedly this afternoon.

Jimbo won over 3,500 races and rode and won on the great Ruffian.

He was a longtime friend. We won together when I was a groom and as a trainer.
Just a heck of a guy.
The track will feel a little emptier without you Bo.

my condolences STR,

[JBEX]

I am saddened to announce that Vincent “Jimbo” Bracciale passed away unexpectedly this afternoon.

Jimbo won over 3,500 races and rode and won on the great Ruffian.

He was a longtime friend. We won together when I was a groom and as a trainer.
Just a heck of a guy.
The track will feel a little emptier without you Bo.

sorry about the passing of your friend str..even though he didn't realize it at the time (what the horse would become) what a great memory to look back on

[str]

I am saddened to announce that Vincent “Jimbo” Bracciale passed away unexpectedly this afternoon.

Jimbo won over 3,500 races and rode and won on the great Ruffian.

He was a longtime friend. We won together when I was a groom and as a trainer.
Just a heck of a guy.
The track will feel a little emptier without you Bo.

[str]

In case you folks wonder if horses know it’s game time.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Cz2Qkacaf/

[str]

I had a harsh “what if” thought about the one minute cutoff for CAW rapid fire betting when I heard it. I feel it should be more like 2-3 minutes for rapid fire bets. But that’s not the point.
From my limited understanding, I see NYRA making a move to help the everyday fan. Those everyday fans make the game go. Without them, the game is over.

Is any other track doing that? Honest question. I don’t follow the game well enough anymore to know.
But if the answer is pretty much no, then what every fan should consider is taking their business to the track that is showing an effort to help them. What a loud and clear message that would be.
Don’t think every jurisdiction won’t be paying close attention because they will.

Support this change and stop supporting places that don’t and your voice will be heard loud and clear.

Something for everyone to consider. In many businesses money talks but no more so than in horse racing parimutuel.

I hope everyone considers this.
Good Luck.

[str]

Just a heads up to those that might play at Oaklawn.

Like I said in Pigpens thread, watch the days where all inside or all outside horses seem to dominate the day.

When those that ran poorly , especially when expected to run well, run back, you might want to give them a 2nd look.

Consider it info that most do NOT have.

Any questions about that, fire AWAY.

gl.

[str]

yes I took what you said as there's a real future for this horse beyond just being a flashy debut winner .. took a while (which I guess means there were some issues) but certainly showing the talent level you thought she might

my guess would be gulfstream is her next stop and will keep an eye out .. be another good one to follow through the new year

I think she would be great to follow.

Thanks JBEX.

[JBEX]

Yeah JBEX, I think she showed that she was going to be a real player in her first race. When I say something like that, it kind if code for, good luck beating her anytime soon. She is super talented. And sitting outside and a clear right eye in 49 and change, made that race easy peasy. Not a big filly at all but not too small I don't think. Seems a filly can get away with that more than a boy can in the long run.
She is a ultra nice horse with most likely a big upside next year. She is smooth.
Thanks JBEX.

yes I took what you said as there's a real future for this horse beyond just being a flashy debut winner .. took a while (which I guess means there were some issues) but certainly showing the talent level you thought she might

my guess would be gulfstream is her next stop and will keep an eye out .. be another good one to follow through the new year

[str]

hey str

this was your comment after watching fully subscribe break her maiden in debut last October (2024) at aqueduct as a 2yo ..was on the shelf for over 10 months and i missed her first 2 starts as a 3yo which were both good efforts in allowance races. won the comely stakes at aqueduct yesterday (4th off layoff) and took the mother goose stakes the race before that and both were accomplished in easy fashion at 9 furlongs (which I like even more) .. think she will be a real player as a 4yo next year

Yeah JBEX, I think she showed that she was going to be a real player in her first race. When I say something like that, it kind if code for, good luck beating her anytime soon. She is super talented. And sitting outside and a clear right eye in 49 and change, made that race easy peasy. Not a big filly at all but not too small I don't think. Seems a filly can get away with that more than a boy can in the long run.
She is a ultra nice horse with most likely a big upside next year. She is smooth.
Thanks JBEX.

[ProSportsEdge]

This is where I might be behind in the times. There is soooo much info out there today that did not exist 10 years ago that I do not want to tell you the wrong thing. To my knowledge DRF.com ( Daily Racing Form) is still the leader in info. But be aware that their is SO much for you to learn and so many variables involved that if you bet more than 2.00 dollars a race at this point , I would say you are crazy. Probably best served to watch as many races as possible and just start to get a feel for the game.
So, with that said, please do me 2 favors.
1st. READ THE CHARTS of the races you watch the next day and review what you think you saw.
2nd. Learn to watch replays of every race you witness. Both angles. Even if you do not know what you are watching yet, you will see things along the way and become a better handicapper for it.
Most handicappers are only as good as there routine. Make sure that yours is better than the guys you are playing against , namely all the other bettors out there.
Keep me posted.

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate you breaking it down. You’re right, there’s so much info now that it can get overwhelming, so I’m keeping the bets small and focusing on the basics. I’ll start watching more races, checking the charts the next day, and going through replays like you suggested. I’m going to work on building a solid routine and learning things the right way. I’ll keep you posted, and thanks again for the guidance.

[JBEX]

if you do watch the replay see if you agree that this horse is really small .. usually don't notice things like this but thought it really stood out here

[JBEX]

So professional. So impressive. At no point in the race was she anything but the winner.

The 1 post presented no problems whatsoever.

hey str

this was your comment after watching fully subscribe break her maiden in debut last October (2024) at aqueduct as a 2yo ..was on the shelf for over 10 months and i missed her first 2 starts as a 3yo which were both good efforts in allowance races..won the comely stakes at aqueduct yesterday (4th off layoff) and took the mother goose stakes the race before that and both were accomplished in easy fashion at 9 furlongs (which I like even more) .. think she will be a real player as a 4yo next year

[str]

I need to, point something out to fans that do not have the opportunity to see how the sausage is made at the racetrack.

Please read this short statement in regards to the fiasco that happened last week in New York when the jocks refused to ride.

"Additionally, NYRA plans to install surveillance cameras to record the weigh-in and weight-out process for every race at all NYRA facilities. The cameras at Aqueduct are expected to be in place by year’s end".


OK?? By YEARS END.

If this was something deemed even the least bit important, management would have them installed overnight !!! They had 3 days after this fiasco. Whose installing them, Mack and Meyer for hire or the three stooges ?

This is exactly the crap I put up with in Maryland which led to me walking away from the game I had dedicated my life to, when all trainers were notified in BOLD print, everywhere we went, that starting in 2 weeks , the drug blah, blah, blah, would be tested for and be a positive if found. IT WAS ALREADY A POSITIVE !!

So they give every friggin cheating SOB, 2 weeks notice so they can stop giving the illegal drug they built their reputations with. On to the next drug !

What a slap in the face to every trainer and by extension, owner, who abided by the rules and never took advantage of the inept , underfunded, test lab that tested all blood and urine samples or in this case, the weigh ins and outs.

Memo to all the people that are cheating their asses off, "stop using a certain drug so you don't get caught. Here is 2 weeks notice. Find as new drug to cheat with and if we come up with a test for it, we will give all you cheating pricks 2 weeks notice. again.


And in the case of the riders, we are giving everyone 3 weeks to drop a few pounds that have gone unreported so you won't look bad when the cameras are installed. And we won't look bad either !!

And that's the REST of the story. Do I know that for sure? NO. Hope that's not the case this time. But it has been in the past. And everyone knows that that is true.

[str]

Yeah, that makes sense. Some charts are super helpful, but others… you can tell they were thrown together. The big tracks usually give you solid info, but with the smaller ones you really have to use your own judgment. After a while you can spot which charts are actually worth your time.

In most cases, these smaller tracks just don’t spend enough money for the chart calling position.
I always thought of it as yet another example of how the public is an after thought . And while it is a big edge for players that spend the time to monitor trips, I always thought it was wrong of tracks to not provide better information to the players.
But, having never had to deal with a racetrack budget, it’s probably unfair for me to judge. I know it’s easy to take the betting public for granted. Just doesn’t seem like a solid business model too me.

[ProSportsEdge]

As a follow up to reading the charts in my previous post, not all racetrack charts will be worthy of reading. The major tracks will probably be fine, some even better than fine. Very informative. But I have seen charts from secondary tracks and in some cases, a monkey with a keyboard would have been more informative.
You will know the difference.

Yeah, that makes sense. Some charts are super helpful, but others… you can tell they were thrown together. The big tracks usually give you solid info, but with the smaller ones you really have to use your own judgment. After a while you can spot which charts are actually worth your time.

[str]

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it. You’re right, there’s so much info out there now and it can get overwhelming. I’ll keep the bets small for now and focus on watching races, checking the charts the next day, and going through replays. Building a good routine makes sense, and I’m going to work on that. I’ll keep you posted.

As a follow up to reading the charts in my previous post, not all racetrack charts will be worthy of reading. The major tracks will probably be fine, some even better than fine. Very informative. But I have seen charts from secondary tracks and in some cases, a monkey with a keyboard would have been more informative.
You will know the difference.

[ProSportsEdge]

This is where I might be behind in the times. There is soooo much info out there today that did not exist 10 years ago that I do not want to tell you the wrong thing. To my knowledge DRF.com ( Daily Racing Form) is still the leader in info. But be aware that their is SO much for you to learn and so many variables involved that if you bet more than 2.00 dollars a race at this point , I would say you are crazy. Probably best served to watch as many races as possible and just start to get a feel for the game.
So, with that said, please do me 2 favors.
1st. READ THE CHARTS of the races you watch the next day and review what you think you saw.
2nd. Learn to watch replays of every race you witness. Both angles. Even if you do not know what you are watching yet, you will see things along the way and become a better handicapper for it.
Most handicappers are only as good as there routine. Make sure that yours is better than the guys you are playing against , namely all the other bettors out there.
Keep me posted.

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it. You’re right, there’s so much info out there now and it can get overwhelming. I’ll keep the bets small for now and focus on watching races, checking the charts the next day, and going through replays. Building a good routine makes sense, and I’m going to work on that. I’ll keep you posted.

[str]

There is a YouTube short floating around of Tony Dutrow being asked a question last summer at Saratoga. The question was:

"If you could change one thing about racing, what would it be ?"

He gave a one word answer.

Without hesitation, Tony said, CHEATERS.

I love it !

[Optional]

“They don’t respect us, they don’t care about our feelings, they don’t care about making us feel like we’re the head of the sport

And other jockeys voted in support of that argument??

You'd think horse racing was in a boom time to see that sort of wrong headed thinking spoken out loud.

[str]

On Sunday, the riders decided to shut down racing after the first race at Aqueduct. They cited "a lack of respect".

“They don’t respect us, they don’t care about our feelings, they don’t care about making us feel like we’re the head of the sport because we are the jocks. We do make the show go on,” Carmouche said Sunday. “It’s the jockeys and the valets standing up for what’s right.”

Somebody might want to point out to Kendrick and all the riders that without fans, there is no game.

Without management, owners, trainers, grooms, hot walkers, exercise riders, betting tellers, gate crew, the parking lot people, track maintenance, medical staff, Stewards, racing officials and and many more, jockey's have nothing.

The game is made up of a hundred different groups and races cannot be run and bets cannot be made without all of them .

After Sunday, they had three dark days to resolve this but decided to screw everyone involved for an ego trip.

Sorry Kendrick, and every jockey who voted with him, you were WRONG.

Let's hope the fans don't decide to have an ego trip of their own, much less any of the other groups.

One would think that someone might point that out to the jockey's who might think they make the show go, but don't.

It takes a village Kendrick.

[str]

A follow up. I have another meeting next Friday with the VP and whoever else she is bringing in.

THIS WILL HAPPEN !

The question is... to what extent.

People that I have witnessed work their asses off for decades and might not have much money, more than make up for it with the class, and dignity I saw.

They will NOT be forgotten. Not if I have anything to say about it.

I'll let everyone know, and thanks for the support.

We are making headway with Race Horse Heroes. Had a nice talk with the President of the MTHA ( Maryland Thoroughbred Horseman's Assn.)
In the meantime, the help has already started with a few people in need.

It is my wish to grow this thing to something special. Might as well use my connections I formed many years ago for a deeply needed cause. I saw where Mike Smith just signed for a movie deal that will benefit riders, etc.
I don't have his rep but with any luck, I can work out a conversation with him or his reps once we are up and running.

Stay tuned.

[str]

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone that reads this thread.

When some days seem to remind us of what we dislike, today should be used to remind us of what is right in each of our worlds.

Be thankful. I know I am.

Enjoy the day !

[str]

I just answered a post in PT about an out of control gambler who will lose everything.
If anyone reading this is even considering making reckless bets , you need to stop and get professional help immediately.
This should be fun and recreational, not all in and reckless.
Check yourself while you still can. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Good luck.

[str]

Str, thanks for sharing. Great to hear about his stuff straight from the trainer's mouth.

I've ran a 'few' times into a horse that looked great, only to find out too late that the trainer was using the race as exercise, because the horse's next race was the real deal. Is there a way to weed out these type of efforts, and (probably not) is there a way to know the horse's next planned race? Thanks.

I found the quote. It's # 34.

I will stand by my answer but... I do need to add a certain situation.

The situation would be, for an extremely nice horse. A horse that is running because the main objective is NOT the race today, but the next race.

For instance, a horse who is prepping for the Ky. Derby . That horse already has enough points to be a Derby starter for sure and most likely the favorite. But, there is too much time between it's last race and the Derby. The horse needs to stay on schedule for the next race, it's most important in it's life.

In that case, the rider would most likely be reminded that the main objective is the next race. Now that does NOT mean that the trainer wants to lose. What it does mean is if another horse is running the race of it's life, try not to empty the tank because the main focus is the NEXT race, not the race that day. In no way, shape or form is that trying to lose IMO. And, I would recommend if that situation would come up, to try as a handicapper to be aware of that situation and try, if you see something, to maybe take a swing on another horse that DOES need to win to get into the Ky. Derby.

As a handicapper you must be aware of the circumstances and ask yourself, what trainer with the obvious best horse, would want to have his horse have to run as hard as it possibly can with the Derby on deck? No trainer would. Hope that makes sense.



When I read this, I assume my mind went to the old "pull the horse thing", that did exist way back and probably still does at those very low purse tracks where almost everyone is broke. Of course, that is my opinion and not a fact every time the situation appears.

I hope that clears that up. If not, please let me know.