Online since 1997.
Getting Started: The Basics
No matter how much you know about this wonderful pastime, you can't pick every race correctly. Too many things effect the outcome of a race for that. Not all of the factors effecting outcome can be handicapped. There is always "noise" in the system. You can however show a nice profit in the long run by betting intelligently. Our reports can definitely help you by providing some very valuable information. But this information cannot be applied blindly. Here are three simple rules to help you get started on the road to increasing your horse playing enjoyment and income.
Understand our Reports
Take the time to understand our reports. Learn what they can and cannot do for you --- before you bet. Our reports are potentially very helpful but they are not magic. Our Diamond and Platinum reports contain text paragraphs with a capsule description of each horse in each race. Many of our subscribers like this better than just having tables of number information. All of our reports contain tables of information with numbers and letter codes . For many people the terms used and the tables themselves seem a bit intimidating at first. Spending some some time with these tables will allow you to become more comfortable. It will be time well spent. All of the terms used are defined for you in our
glossary section . This would probably make a good first stop if these terms are new to you or if there were some terms you aren't quite sure about.
There is something very important about all of the numbers and codes appearing on the tables. All of them are "predictors" of racing outcomes even just by themselves. In other words, they will all predict race outcomes better than chance (e.g.. Using dice or tarot cards). Some are more powerful predictors than others.
One of the most powerful is our "power rating" or "power figure" which appears on our Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Classic reports. It does not refer to any one thing about the horse. It is a combination of factors and the formula is our own. It will
consistently predict outcomes better than almost all other single predictors. Why then include the others?
Because there are some very specific circumstances when the other predictors will actually be more powerful. We try to help you on the Diamond and Platinum reports by using graphic icons to call your attention to certain predictors. But, this is where all that stuff about keeping notes and paying attention to detail comes into play. The more you do this for yourself, the more effectively you can use all of the information which is available on the reports. We will be providing additional information in future articles about using all of these predictors more effectively.
Let's face it. Many of us don't always like to do our homework. It's all good, but keep it in mind that record keeping, although often a bit tedious can provide big rewards when it comes to handicapping. If you're a beginner or not a note taker, I truly believe you can do OK just focusing on the "power rating" and the "true odds" which appear on our Best Bets, Top Longshots, Diamond, and Platinum Reports.
That's providing you also follow the next two rules.
Manage your Money The most important thing is to manage your money properly and choose the bets which you make carefully. I really believe that if you were the type of individual who would blow his family's grocery money on a bet, you wouldn't be reading this now. And even if you did, my saying it wasn't a good idea probably wouldn't stop you. But the need for a sensible money strategy goes way beyond this pathetic scenario. Even if you're disciplined enough to use only money you can spare, you can never make a profit in the long run if you let your emotions influence your betting. And, you need a very solid and consistent plan for knowing exactly how much you will bet and when. Not all types of bets are appropriate for all bankrolls and all levels of player.
The first step is to decide how much money you can afford to lose during a specific period of time. Stay with that figure --- no matter what.
A good rule of thumb is a maximum of 4 or 5% of your budgeted amount when you really feel good about a bet. And if you don't have a good reason to bet --- DON'T BET!
A common trait among the most successful horseplayers is that they don't put money on a race just to have action.
If you're going to be playing exactas or other bets which involve more than one horse,
keep a separate budget for these wagers.
If you're not an experienced horseplayer or have a small bankroll, stay with betting one horse to win and keep it small. And remember, you don't have to bet every race.
Be Aware of Payouts You need to be aware of payouts. This is your return on investment. The payout on a race should effect your selection just as much as the likelihood of the horse winning.
The odds posted on the big tote board at the track are there for a reason. They tell you what other people think of the horses running in the race. They change all the way up to post time. If a horse is running at 3 to 2 at post time, He's probably the "favorite" and everyone likes him. If you bet on this horse you stand a descent chance of winning. Those other betters are likely to know something. Statistically, the average person who bets does much better at picking winners then you would expect. The problem is that these odds are not just the
likelihood of winning. They also represent the payout after the track gets it's cut. A 3 to 2 payout really isn't that exciting. And if you keep betting along with the crowd your chances of making a long run profit are statistically dismal. The same goes for betting "longshots". There are usually good reasons if no one likes a horse. If you bet on horses simply because they are "longshots" you will not make a long term profit.
To make a long story short, when you have quality information that a horse is really better than what the crowd thinks of him, you have an "overlay" situation. There are exceptions to the rule, but overlays are what you look for. And, this is one of the things our reports will help you find. The "true odds" figure on our Best Bets, Top Longshots, Diamond, and Platinum Reports, will identify possible overlay situations. Unfortunately the reports aren't done at post time. You need to check that part for yourself. When the overlay is as high as 50% or better approaching post time, you have an ideal betting situation.
Following the three rules I've outlined and and using the true odds, even beginners can make a profit. Still, there's no substitute for developing your handicapping skills and being able to bring your own specialized experience to this selection process. Keep checking this section. They'll be more articles on how to do this.
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OUR REPORTS
1. DIAMOND REPORTS
- The latest update and an enhanced
version of the Platinum Reports. These reports are ultra detailed handicapper
analysis reports. This report also contains
the powerful parameters contained in the Gold reports.
2. PLATINUM REPORTS - These reports are ultra detailed handicapper
analysis reports. This report also contains
the powerful parameters contained in the Gold reports.
3. GOLD REPORTS - The latest update and an enhanced
version of the Classic Reports. These reports contain fantastic figures and ratings for pace, speed,
class, form, distance, workouts, and more!
4. BEST BETS REPORT
- Best bets for all tracks on one report!
5. TOP RATED LONGSHOTS REPORT - Best longshot plays
for all tracks on one report!.
6. CLASSIC REPORTS - These reports contain figures and ratings for pace, speed,
class, form, distance, workouts, and more!
7. C-P-A REPORTS - Class-Pace-Angles report.
Every type of horseplayer can benefit from our reports.
Whether you are a novice, an experienced player or anyone
in between. The reports can be used with
or without other handicapping information.
AVAILABLE DAILY - 7 days per week: Expert selections, detailed handicapper analysis, true odds
& detailed handicapping sheets for almost all tracks in the United States and Canada!. |
