joeyspicks
06-19-2005, 09:25 PM
I hesitate to even start a thread concerning making a profit "playing" the horses. It seems as if a large pct of players dont think its even remotely possible. (at least thats my perception). As soon as someone mentions "making money" the sarcasm starts!
Now I'm no "heavy hitter" ...dont claim to be.....wont ever sell a "system" or book or method...etc etc. Just another anonymous guy "at the track" (computer these days).....but I admit to making a profit over the past several years. Not a living, but better than a part time job.
I think there must be some guys on this board who make a very decent profit but are just reluctant to say so. Why? Well......1) people dont believe you
2) people dont believe you so it seems like you must be lying? 3) its impossible to make a profit 4) some have lost for so long they believe all the above.
Why do I think some on this board must be making profits ( definition...when I say "profits" = net income after expenses for at least a year ). Well there are some VERY knowlegable people who frequent this board. I used to think I "knew" alot.....but I have been humbled by the information found on this site.
From software to how to view the individual races. Not to mention the free information you can access. Check CJ's site......learn to read his numbers. How about HTR's site? Read Ken Massa's articles wow! I know some guys are software junkies...but I ( a software NOVICE) have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge just reviewing all the old postings about software. A BIG THANK YOU to all of you on this board. I learned more about software and what to expect from certain programs than I would have ever learned on my own. Because of this I have been able to test several programs and am in the process of being dragged into the computer age. ( I have been very reluctant because I have done ok as a pen/paper handicapper and keeping all my own records etc. I just didnt want to lose that.) But its not the program that makes you money. Its the total package.....IMHO that means
First knowing your risk tolerace and having a plan (what types of bets)
Having a yearly goal.....broken down to monthly and daily
Having realistic expectations concidering your bankroll
know your "numbers" (win pct/ etc for each play you use)
Track your daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly progress)
(I keep track of everything with 2 week moving avgs/ 3 month/yearly) so I know if a play works not only long term but also recently)
then:
1.) race selection (to me this means determing if the favorite is false)
2.) handicapping
3.) knowing exactly how much to play depending bankroll/goals
4.) Having a way to determine whether its worth playing
Anyway...forgive me for rambling....I know this is "common knowlege" I only wrote that to show that IMHO the handicapping part is just another piece of the puzzle. One part out of several that must be done consistently and correctly to make a profit. Its not just the program or handicapping method. Its "thinking" differently than you have been. Not looking for excitment, and thrills ( I most definilty had more "fun" and excitment in the old days).
This has all been said much better than I ever could.....I just wanted to thank people on this board for there generosity....and maybe encourage someone out there who really wonders if you can make money. I say yes you can....but look in a different direction....instead of a new program ....check out 1) Horse Market Investing and The Opponent Method by David Schwartz or 2) 4 Quarters of Horse Investing by Steve Fierro.....
and more importantly apply what you learn!!!
note: being somewhat new to these boards I'm not sure what ok.....but rest assured I do not know any of the people I mentioned in this rather long ramble....I just respect the work they have done.
Good luck
Joe
Now I'm no "heavy hitter" ...dont claim to be.....wont ever sell a "system" or book or method...etc etc. Just another anonymous guy "at the track" (computer these days).....but I admit to making a profit over the past several years. Not a living, but better than a part time job.
I think there must be some guys on this board who make a very decent profit but are just reluctant to say so. Why? Well......1) people dont believe you
2) people dont believe you so it seems like you must be lying? 3) its impossible to make a profit 4) some have lost for so long they believe all the above.
Why do I think some on this board must be making profits ( definition...when I say "profits" = net income after expenses for at least a year ). Well there are some VERY knowlegable people who frequent this board. I used to think I "knew" alot.....but I have been humbled by the information found on this site.
From software to how to view the individual races. Not to mention the free information you can access. Check CJ's site......learn to read his numbers. How about HTR's site? Read Ken Massa's articles wow! I know some guys are software junkies...but I ( a software NOVICE) have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge just reviewing all the old postings about software. A BIG THANK YOU to all of you on this board. I learned more about software and what to expect from certain programs than I would have ever learned on my own. Because of this I have been able to test several programs and am in the process of being dragged into the computer age. ( I have been very reluctant because I have done ok as a pen/paper handicapper and keeping all my own records etc. I just didnt want to lose that.) But its not the program that makes you money. Its the total package.....IMHO that means
First knowing your risk tolerace and having a plan (what types of bets)
Having a yearly goal.....broken down to monthly and daily
Having realistic expectations concidering your bankroll
know your "numbers" (win pct/ etc for each play you use)
Track your daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly progress)
(I keep track of everything with 2 week moving avgs/ 3 month/yearly) so I know if a play works not only long term but also recently)
then:
1.) race selection (to me this means determing if the favorite is false)
2.) handicapping
3.) knowing exactly how much to play depending bankroll/goals
4.) Having a way to determine whether its worth playing
Anyway...forgive me for rambling....I know this is "common knowlege" I only wrote that to show that IMHO the handicapping part is just another piece of the puzzle. One part out of several that must be done consistently and correctly to make a profit. Its not just the program or handicapping method. Its "thinking" differently than you have been. Not looking for excitment, and thrills ( I most definilty had more "fun" and excitment in the old days).
This has all been said much better than I ever could.....I just wanted to thank people on this board for there generosity....and maybe encourage someone out there who really wonders if you can make money. I say yes you can....but look in a different direction....instead of a new program ....check out 1) Horse Market Investing and The Opponent Method by David Schwartz or 2) 4 Quarters of Horse Investing by Steve Fierro.....
and more importantly apply what you learn!!!
note: being somewhat new to these boards I'm not sure what ok.....but rest assured I do not know any of the people I mentioned in this rather long ramble....I just respect the work they have done.
Good luck
Joe