My favorite tracks to bet on

[lamboguy]

1. The Mountain

2. ASD

3. Finger Lakes

4. Hastings

5. Arapahoe

6. Louisiana Downs

7. Northlands

8. Fendale

9. Turf Paradise

10. Sun Ray

[Clocker]

Are those favorites based on specific track conditions and on general handicapping principles, or based on specific knowledge from following those circuits?

[lamboguy]

i like the races that are carded in their condition books. i like betting on condition claiming races and date races.

i bet bigger tracks too, but mostly first time starters that i follow. most people follow the larger circuits and some do very well at it.

[olddaddy]

I notice that many of the tracks you play lamboguy have a high take out rate. You dont consider this?

[proximity]

2. ASD



i wish this track would get colored saddlecloths, but i enjoyed playing it.

now that i'm kicked out of the rebate shop though, my asd nights are history. :mad:

[lamboguy]

I notice that many of the tracks you play lamboguy have a high take out rate. You dont consider this?that is a big factor, those tracks after the rebate are actually much lower than the bigger tracks after their rebates. some of these places i am at less than 9% for all wagers. the bigger tracks i am over 11%. its tough to win with takeouts over 10%.

[Clocker]

i like the races that are carded in their condition books. i like betting on condition claiming races and date races.

i bet bigger tracks too, but mostly first time starters that i follow. most people follow the larger circuits and some do very well at it.

I just read an old article by Andy Beyer about track selection. He said that found that he could get better prices at smaller tracks than at places like Santa Anita or Belmont. The reason being that the locals that follow the So Cal and NYRA circuits tend to be very knowledgeable about those cicuits, and because the big ADW players prefer the larger pools and the huge carry-overs at those tracks. So the parimutuel competition isn't as tough at medium and small tracks.

I'm wondering if that is true today.

[lamboguy]

I just read an old article by Andy Beyer about track selection. He said that found that he could get better prices at smaller tracks than at places like Santa Anita or Belmont. The reason being that the locals that follow the So Cal and NYRA circuits tend to be very knowledgeable about those cicuits, and because the big ADW players prefer the larger pools and the huge carry-overs at those tracks. So the parimutuel competition isn't as tough at medium and small tracks.

I'm wondering if that is true today.when you bet the mountain, you never have an idea what price you are going to get until the race is over. that place defy's conditional wagering and tote board analysis. i think that is what i like about the place.

[Robert Goren]

I just read an old article by Andy Beyer about track selection. He said that found that he could get better prices at smaller tracks than at places like Santa Anita or Belmont. The reason being that the locals that follow the So Cal and NYRA circuits tend to be very knowledgeable about those cicuits, and because the big ADW players prefer the larger pools and the huge carry-overs at those tracks. So the parimutuel competition isn't as tough at medium and small tracks.

I'm wondering if that is true today. Not with a the computer program guys betting every track even if it is for a small amount. I doubt if there is a track anywhere that there isn't some guy with a computer making value bets. I will give you this, big track bettors think they are smarter than everybody else but I haven't seen any evidence that they actually are.
I like the Aqu inner because there are so many bias tracks and I hate Turf racing. And I am smarter than everybody else.:rolleyes:

[olddaddy]

that is a big factor, those tracks after the rebate are actually much lower than the bigger tracks after their rebates. some of these places i am at less than 9% for all wagers. the bigger tracks i am over 11%. its tough to win with takeouts over 10%.

I can see your rational and it makes perfect sense. I dont get the rebates because Im a small potatoes guy so I play the bigger tracks that have the smallest takes. So I can get nowhere near that takeout of less than 10% and you know where that puts me.

[Stillriledup]

The POE at Mtn in Race 6 was late scratched and Mtn let the entrymate run as a betting interest...none of this purse only stuff that ny has, if you're paying attention at Mountaineer, you can be able to take advantage of that.

[shouldacoulda]

I like the Aqu inner because there are so many bias tracks and I hate Turf racing. And I am smarter than everybody else.:rolleyes:

That's funny because I love turf races especially maiden sprints.

[shouldacoulda]

Lambo, you should check out Remington Park. If you like those tracks you should like that too. I also like playing Will Rogers Downs. Some big prices out of that track. Is Northland the old Sunland? Never did that great there.

[Track Collector]

Is Northland the old Sunland? Never did that great there.

Northlands is in Edmonton, Canada. I believe they have split seasons between Harness and Thoroughbred. Sunland is in El Paso, TX. I've never know an "old" Sunland. Just one pre and post-casino.

[Track Collector]

As to favorite tracks to bet on, they would be the ones I do well at, which seems to change from year to year. Of course I LOVE Timonium, but that only lasts for about 7-10 days every year.

[appistappis]

the mountain, fl and parx are in my top 5

[thaskalos]

I favor race types rather than racetracks.

If it's a claiming race on the dirt consisting of 9 to 12 horses...then my money will most likely be in the pools in some way -- assuming that the race is not taking place at Mountaineer, Penn National, Turf Paradise, Indiana Downs...or Keeneland.

[Maximillion]

Most comfortable at

Delta Downs (December on)
Sunland
Penn
Finger Lakes
Indiana
Remington
Canterbury
Monmouth

[RaceBookJoe]

Saratoga, Belmont, Del Mar, Santa Anita, Keeneland, Gulfstream ,Tampa Bay.

[wisconsin]

Tracks I like to play, in no particular order:

Woodbine
Tampa Bay
Turfway
Los Alamitos
All 3 NYRA tracks
Oaklawn
Hollywood
Santa Anita
Del Mar
Delaware

Tracks I absolutely suck at:

Delta
Evangeline
Mountaineer
Charles Town
Monmouth
Louisiana Downs

[mountainman]

Not with a the computer program guys betting every track even if it is for a small amount. I doubt if there is a track anywhere that there isn't some guy with a computer making value bets. I will give you this, big track bettors think they are smarter than everybody else but I haven't seen any evidence that they actually are.
I like the Aqu inner because there are so many bias tracks and I hate Turf racing. And I am smarter than everybody else.:rolleyes:

Those bettors who most influence Mnr's win pool fall a bit short of expert handicapping. Skilled, sure. Expert? By No means. And I'm MONUMENTALLY unconvinced that our nororious tote games are well-conceived-and don't, indeed, backfire on the would-be manipulators.

[shouldacoulda]

I work so I play a lot at night.
It's easier to say which I don't like. Keenland, Golden Gate, Woodbine, Fingerlakes. Turfway and Thistledown I can take or leave.
When I play mountaineer I just play what Nancy McMichaels picks.

This quote from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_is_the_best_female_television_horse_racing_ana lyst
Regional Analyst: Nancy McMichael of Mountaineer Park: She's probably one of the smartest handicappers around and has been the paddock host at Mountaineer for 11 years with her and her sidekick Mark.

Sorry MM found that amusing that you were referred to as her sidekick. You guys break down a race as good as anybody. Makes playing there enjoyable. BTW don't waste your time with Dr Zhivago. Unless you want to waste 3 hours of your life. It's definitely a chick flick. Sorry, "a womens movie" don't want to not be PC.

[Track Collector]

Seeing is better than perception, so I decided to go back and look at my records for a more factual basis using the most-recent 12-month period.

From a pure most money won/lost standpoint:

Top 5 --> Aqueduct, Fairmount Park, Parx, Hastings, and Delta.
Bottom 5 --> Laurel, Charles Town, Tampa, Calder, and Suffolk.


From a net percentage (ROI) won/lost standpoint:

Top 5 --> Fairmount Park, Parx, Delta, Saratoga, and Evangline Downs
Bottom 5 --> Laurel, Tampa, Calder, Hawthorne, and Suffolk.

In all cases above, a minimum total wager amount was taken into consideration, so that tracks with small total wagering amounts were eliminated from consideration.

I found a few surprises on this list, so as you already know, ALWAYS review your records to see what the facts say. Don't go on perception which can often times be wrong. ;)

[Racey]

top 5 : Belmont, Santa Anita, Churchill, Woodbine, Gulfstream

Remington & Mountain are night plays

bottom 4 Penn, Parx, Laurel, Del, Delta

[pondman]

Those bettors who most influence Mnr's win pool fall a bit short of expert handicapping. Skilled, sure. Expert? By No means. And I'm MONUMENTALLY unconvinced that our nororious tote games are well-conceived-and don't, indeed, backfire on the would-be manipulators.

+++++

The best advice for mountaineer is to be mingling with the people. And load up when someone's got a plan. It's about the most non-competitive track. The long distance player is the enemy. Occasionally an outsider will show up with their own rider and you can use common skills and make money on their work, but for most races it's a load of hat passing.

[Stillriledup]

+++++

The best advice for mountaineer is to be mingling with the people. And load up when someone's got a plan. It's about the most non-competitive track. The long distance player is the enemy. Occasionally an outsider will show up with their own rider and you can use common skills and make money on their work, but for most races it's a load of hat passing.

I like the Mountain. Bombs win, closers win, speedy chalk dies if it gets pressed hard (on most nights) and the bettors don't appear all that smart (which is why i fit in nicely :D )

[Vigorish]

Interesting thread,

I have noticed that many people exclude tracks with synthetic surfaces from their top selections. Most of my favorite venues have synthetic main tracks. My ROI is substantially higher for AW surfaces. Furthermore, I like their overall safety profile.

Also, I prefer betting later at night given my schedule. Thus, my favorite selections are biased towards venues that have late afternoon or night racing.

TOP 5

1) Keeneland - My absolute favorite, both for online wagering and live racing. A visit to Keeneland is worth the 770 mile drive. They have fabulous camping facilities, a great race library, drive-through betting, and are located next to historic horse farms.
2) Del Mar - I love their online handicapping challenge. The takeout is too high except on WPS/pick 5's. However, my highest ROI is at this track, perhaps because I hone in on it and have a good feel for track maintenance and other variables.
3) Presque Isle
4) Fairmont Park - excellent takeout through my ADW, plus I visit the track several times with my buddy who lives next to it. I like the 7:30 starting time as well.
5) Woodbine

Honorable mention: Kentucky Downs, w/ the best takeout in N. America. Small meet, but love the course and full fields.

Bottom Five:

1) PARX - The track has earned a boycott from me. In part, because their management has made so many divisive comments about price-sensitive players. Also, I find it difficult to support a venue that thinks takeout (at least on tri's and supers) should be indexed to state lottery scratch off tickets.
2) Mountaineer- I do admit to playing it occasionally, but almost always hating myself afterwards. Although I'm very familiar with their jockey colony and trainers, I seem to do very poorly for some confounded reason. I suspect it would be to my benefit to improve my knowledge of the conditions for their claiming races. Also, the odds fluctuations are a constant nuisance. To their credit, as others have noted, they have an EXCELLENT live show.
3) Assinobia - In a recent industry presentation they argued for 22-25% takeouts on ALL wagers. They claimed slot players didn't question takeouts and they shouldn't adhere to the 'big bettor myth.' Although I get an awesome takeout through my ADW, I forfeited my action on principle.
4) Turf Paradise - Insanely high takeouts including 20.75% on WPS. Plus, it's hard to support Arizona racing given their contempt for customer choice (i.e. closing down the ADW's).
5) Aqueduct - Winter racing in New York isn't too exciting for me. First, field size becomes a serious issue. Also, the issue of horse safety is hard to ignore. I was hoping they would replace the inner track with a synthetic one for winter racing (of course, I have selfish motivations for this given my preference for polytrack and other AW surfaces).

[Clocker]

my favorite selections

Thanks for the details. A list of tracks without explanation provides no information to anyone not familiar with the tracks.

[Capper Al]

The wager options and field sizes make it for me. I like dollar rolling doubles, 50 cent trifectas for each race, dime superfecta, and dollar exactas. For field size, all races should be at least 6 horses averaging 8 or 9 in field size for the whole card. This is what I like, but what I play is whichever race that I happen to be handicapping for one contest or another.

[sammy the sage]

tine to bet Penn...it'll be clean for a week maybe :rolleyes: