Quote:
Originally Posted by whodoyoulike
I don't know very much about it. Most of my observations and resulting decisions are to eliminate my contenders with a few which I consider is a good sign for the way a horse is feeling for that day's race.
In the post parade (pp), I see the horse placing his neck over the accompanying pony. Is that a good sign?
During the pp, the jockey after passing the stands takes off in a slight trot or gallop. What does that usually mean? Is it good i.e., a dominating personality?
Same as but, the jockey encourages the horse farther away but after the horse has walked up to that point. Why do they do this? I've assumed it was to stretch them but the distance involved is not very far so uncertain how beneficial it is. Is it a good sign?
During the pp, the jockey is seen moving up and down while slowly walking the horse. What does it mean (possible jock itch etc.)?
In the paddock and walking ring, after the horse is led around, the groom usually stops and the horse is standing still. What should we be looking at (or for)? I usually check to see if the horse's ears are pricked and if the horse is not listless but appears aware plus a bunch of other things.
During the pp, what should we be looking for? As far as the jockey and horse's action because most times it appears the horse is just walking up to the gate. I check for how the horse enters the gate i.e., reluctance but, it's too late to change my bet.
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Ok . Here you go.
In the post parade (pp), I see the horse placing his neck over the accompanying pony. Is that a good sign?
A. Not a good sign or a bad sign. It is individualistic. Only way to know it's different is if you watch said horse warm up every time and realize it is different. If so, it still means nothing in most cases as far as betting on or against. There are reasons though, in most cases, but it doesn't pertain to the bet.
During the pp, the jockey after passing the stands takes off in a slight trot or gallop. What does that usually mean? Is it good i.e., a dominating personality?
A. No. Typically, if a horse has hind end muscles that are tighter than a trainer or rider might want, the riders will be told to jog the horses a good ways before breaking into a gallop. Especially so in horses asked to show speed or close position.That will help loosen up the hind end for more strength in the push off from the gate , but that is also assuming the trainer has a clue or the rider has a clue. Kind of depends which track you are watching. Not that lesser tracks have all idiots training, but... that is where plenty of idiots do train. Not to slight minor tracks, the smarter trainers and or riders will typically be the high% people as they simply shine over the competition. At bigger name tracks, almost all have a solid idea of right and wrong.
Has little to do with personality of the horse. They are athletes and some need to stretch much more than others, just like people, depending largely on age and confirmation. Again, knowing these horses habits beforehand and seeing progression or regression is a solid indicator but that is a monster commitment time wise. Probably not worth it for anyone but a major daily player.
Same as
but, the jockey encourages the horse farther away but after the horse has walked up to that point. Why do they do this? I've assumed it was to stretch them but the distance involved is not very far so uncertain how beneficial it is. Is it a good sign?
They typically walk if the horse gets all hyped up near the gate and does not need to loosen up more than normal. Might see the riders feet out of the stirrups as well if this is the case. Trying to keep the horse mentally cool and kill time before having to get too close to the gate and the horse start to fret, if indeed that is the case.
Trying to save wasted energy. Again, knowing what to anticipate from previous warmups is huge.
During the pp, the jockey is seen moving up and down while slowly walking the horse. What does it mean (possible jock itch etc.)?
No, although it's probably happened. Lol.
They might be deciding if their irons are in the right spot or they need to be jacked up or let down a notch. If so, it's a strap under the skirt of the saddle which is under each riders thigh when they are sitting on the horse. You can see them adjust them if indeed they do.
Other than that, it could mean several things but nothing bad as far as the horses physical state.
In the paddock and walking ring, after the horse is led around, the groom usually stops and the horse is standing still. What should we be looking at (or for)? I usually check to see if the horse's ears are pricked and if the horse is not listless but appears aware plus a bunch of other things.
Good observation. But not only the ears, because they could have heard or seen something that bothered them, and are listening for more to be aware of whatever it was. So DO look at their eyes. There are stories to be told in some horses eyes. Not that often, but often enough for me to tell you to look for it. It might take a while for you to see it, but do give it a shot. And take notes for after the race.
During the pp, what should we be looking for? As far as the jockey and horse's action because most times it appears the horse is just walking up to the gate. I check for how the horse enters the gate i.e., reluctance but, it's too late to change my bet.[/QUOTE]
Reluctance is a big factor but yep, it's generally too late.
If you don't compare from race to race it is tough to spot something because you don't know if it's the norm or out of the ordinary.
It's great that you are looking though. That tells me you want to know more. Always a good sign IMO.
Hope some of this helps.
Good luck.
Follow up if you have any further questions.