I gave up a long time ago trying to try to judge horses by looking at them, I wasn't due to lack of tying just something I don't have an aptitude for. The only thing I can grasp is the glaringly obvious like a first timer that is all wide eyed and nervous. The biggest gaffe I ever pulled was on a harness horse named Placerville. This was probably 40 years ago. He was a cheap claimer and had a habit of breaking, but if he could get the lead and set reasonable fractions and would win at a fairly decent price. He had a good win percentage. I actually bet before watching the warm up after the post parade. He was lathered up quite a bit and it was a cool evening he was the only one like that, I sprinted to the window and cancelled my bet.
Race goes off and I just watch as he gets the lead a fairly quick half for a 2:00 miler and fends off all challengers to win going away. The rail bird next to me is jumping up and down obviously cashing on him. I inquired if he noticed how washy he was. He said the sweatier he is the better, saying if he isn't washy he breaks stride. I pulled a max bet off him.
|