The Godfather of handicappers

[Grits]

All business. No distractions. Wise man, he was.

http://www.drf.com/news/godfather-handicappers-pittsburg-phil-changed-game-forever

Phil was a man of temperate habits. He did not smoke, drink, stay up late, play cards, gamble (as he saw it), or bring women to the racetrack. At the races, he focused exclusively on his business, unwilling to entertain friendly conversation or take a drink at the bar. The reason is that, besides handicapping and observing the horses, he had to follow the betting ring, where a game of hide and seek went on.

[offtrack]

He was a man born into the right time. He got to bet into a betting pool with a 5% take out, and fixed prices (no parimutual pools).

His book of racing axoms has always been a favorite of mine.

[Robert Fischer]

a legend

[Robert Goren]

He was a man born into the right time. He got to bet into a betting pool with a 5% take out, and fixed prices (no parimutual pools).

His book of racing axoms has always been a favorite of mine.Ah, those were the days. With a 5% takeout, the bettors would be coming out the woodwork. Too bad the people in charge don't see it that way.

[Spiderman]

Diligence, patience and timing are still keys to winning at the races. Very good article. Will get to read the book, someday.

[whodoyoulike]

Thank you for the link, I always thought he was a mythical character. I'm hoping DRF continues writing articles on the history of our sport.

[Edward DeVere]

For those unaware, colinsghost.org is an excellent historical site, and you can read P. Phil's book online there.

[whodoyoulike]

Thanks for the web site reference. I just spent the last hour or so reading various articles. Do you have any other site suggestions?

[Grits]

For those unaware, colinsghost.org is an excellent historical site, and you can read P. Phil's book online there.

I didn't know of this site. Thanks E.DeV for the note. As Robert said, "a legend". Its amazing that one can, today, attribute what was the very beginning of charting race results to this man.

[Spiderman]

Thanks for the website. Bookmarked it.

[On Spec]

For those unaware, colinsghost.org is an excellent historical site, and you can read P. Phil's book online there.

Another thanks for the website -- I was about to see if the book was online somewhere. Pittsburg Phil looks like someone to learn from.