HorseRacePlayer

Horse Racing Gambler’s are known as handicappers, and it requires the player to accurately assess the likelihood of a given horse’s chance of winning, compare that probability with the odds that are shown on the tote board, and make a decision as to the value of the bet. The idea is that if the handicapper believes that the public is underestimating a horses chances, that is, he thinks that the odds on the tote ought to be lower than they are, then he takes advantage of that disparity and places a wager on the horse that offers value – this type of play is an called an overlay. 

There are many factors that the handicapper must weigh and consider in assessing the likelihood of a given horse winning. One of the most important factors is the jockey, the person piloting the horse.  

Watch for jockey changes –  sometimes a jockey will jump ship when he sees a better mount, and this applies especially to the successful jockeys. When a successful jockey has been riding two or more of the horses entered in the same race, usually the horse he feels has the best chance of winning is chosen, though in some cases, the jockey may be obligated to ride for a certain stable. But usually the better jockey’s can be more selective in their mounts, and thus when a jockey chooses one horse in a race over another than he had been riding, pay close attention to the switch. 

Trainers are responsible for sheltering, feeding, training, medicating, and plotting the course of when

and where to race their charges, and the more successful trainers generally always have their charges ready to run and in fit condition in any race in which they are entered. When a horse is coming off of a long layoff, presumably due to some physical ailment, be cautious of the less known trainers, as they are generally not as adept at preparing their horses off such lengthy intervals. 

Some of the most common wagers that handicappers make include the following:

Win: A Win wager requires the bettor to simply pick the horse that finishes first in a race. The minimum win bet is generally $2 at most tracks.

Place: When you bet a horse to place, you win if your horse finishes first or second. The chances of a Place ticket hitting are greater than that of a Win ticket, but the payoff is also less.

Show: When you bet a horse to show, you win if your horse finishes first, second or third. The probability of this type of wager coming in is greater than a Place bet, but it also generally pays less.

Exacta: This is a wager that requires you to pick the first two finishers in a race, in their exact order of finish.

Trifecta: This bet requires the bettor to pick the top three finishers in a race in exact order.

Pick Three: To win a Pick Three, you must select the winners of three designated consecutive races. Wagers must be placed before the running of the first of the three races. There are usually 8-10 races per day at most major tracks and this bet is offered for all races (except the last two races of the day).The minimum bet is generally $1.

Pick 6: To win the Pick 6, you must pick the winners of six consecutive races which make up the Pick 6 sequence. If the Pick Six is not hit, a percentage of the net pool (generally about 70%) is "carried over" into the next day’s racing Pick 6 pool until a carryover until six are picked. The minimum bet is generally $2, though it is $1 at certain tracks. In Southern California, the last 6 races of the day comprise the Pick 6, except on special racing days such as the Breeder's Cup on which it can vary.