How to Pick a Winning Horse Race Handicapping Bet
The horse race is an equestrian sport in which horses are ridden over a designated distance. It is also an entertainment and gambling activity that has been popular for centuries. Several countries and regions have their own horse races, including the American Triple Crown series and the international favorites like the Dubai World Cup and Royal Ascot.
How to Pick a Winning Horse Racing Bet
You might be a diehard fan of the sport or just want to learn more about it. You may even have a horse you’ve been wanting to bet on but aren’t sure how to do it.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when handicapping a race that can help you pick the winner and win big. These tips will be especially useful if you are new to betting on horses.
First, examine the horses’ past performance records. Look for horses that have consistently finished in the money at least 50% of the time. A good consistency record will make it easy to identify a top contender in any given race.
Another key point is to look at a horse’s past performance at the distance that he is running in today’s race. Most horses will perform better at certain distances than others through breeding, conformation, running style, or training techniques.
If a horse hasn’t shown an ability to run at the distance you are considering, bet against him. The same goes for a horse who hasn’t shown an ability to run well at a particular track. This is called a track bias and will usually be the case at most tracks.
Check the post position for a horse’s last race. The post position is a crucial factor in how a horse performs. The post position will influence a horse’s speed and stamina, and is directly correlated with his running style. A horse that runs best from an inside post is more likely to be able to move up and pass other horses in the field.
Likewise, a horse that isn’t suited to an inside post is a less likely candidate for winning the race. The post position draws at many tracks can lead to dead loser situations for both horses and bettors, so you should be sure that you are picking a horse that will be able to move up in the field without being trapped by a post that isn’t optimal for him.
Some people are apprehensive about picking a horse that has come off a layoff. These horses are more likely to perform well this time out because they will be fresher and healthier than they were in their previous races.
You should also watch the horses in the paddock before the race to get a feel for their temperaments. They should be peppy and eager to race, and not jittery or mopey. They should also be displaying the signs of a healthy body: they will have big dark splotches on their coats, and sweat spots in their kidneys.
