Books Written By A Trainer

[DeoVolente]

Does anyone know of any published books written by a trainer. I know that Phil Johnson was featured in a chapter of a book I once read. But I'm in the market for for a book that has a trainer point of view. Any information?

Thanks

[kenwoodallpromos]

So am I! Whitaker's book is ok. "A Day At The Races" has some good comments by trainers on methods."Horse Whisperer" series if that is for you.

[Whirlaway]

Traits of a Winner: The Formula for Developing Thoroughbred Racehorses by Carl Nafzger.

See also: Where to Stick the Needle by Robert Frankel (foreward by Jeff Mullins.)

[Dan Montilion]

Training Thoroughbred Horses. Preston M. Burch. Published 1953.

Dan Montilion

[delayjf]

I know of one controversal book on training horses by Tom Ivers, which deals with the use of interval training which I guess is simular to how humans employ interval training. I think it's called "the fit racehorse"

[DeoVolente]

I was thinking more of how a book written by a trainer can help the handicapper. It is said that trainers are poor handicappers but I think there are nuggets of information concerning how these folks condition their horses that can help us.

[sq764]

Hmm, I happen to think the best trainers are the best handicappers.. For one reason - They put their horses in the best spot to win..

They understand conditions..

[plainolebill]

Frankel was a gambler, no one is better at placing horses than he is. According to him he doesn't bet the horses any more because he doesn't need to.

[twobet]

I bought the following book back in the early '90s and thought it was a great read. Don't know much about the author but gather from the book that he has a trainer's insight into handicapping. A little self-promotion showed. However, it is a book I go back to on occasion although some material may be dated.

"Thinking Man II - The Golden Guide To Handicapping, Training and Racing" by Katcha Goodwon (I'm pretty sure that name is just a catchy pen name). Publisher: Westcliff Publications.

... Twobet

[ranchwest]

Originally posted by twobet
I bought the following book back in the early '90s and thought it was a great read. Don't know much about the author but gather from the book that he has a trainer's insight into handicapping. A little self-promotion showed. However, it is a book I go back to on occasion although some material may be dated.

"Thinking Man II - The Golden Guide To Handicapping, Training and Racing" by Katcha Goodwon (I'm pretty sure that name is just a catchy pen name). Publisher: Westcliff Publications.

... Twobet

He talks in one of his books about having trained the horse Needles, back in the 50's, I believe. That should disclose his true identity.

[takeout]

Originally posted by twobet
I bought the following book back in the early '90s and thought it was a great read.

Me too. I liked his chapter on trainers and the way he didn't beat around the bush. It helped me understand some of the lunacy that I had been seeing in the PPs but never understood before.

[Figman]

Jack Price from Florida owned and trained NEEDLES. I believe he is deceased. The regular jockey was Dave Erb who lives in Greenfield Center, NY not too far from Saratoga Race track. Dave is a real pleasant fellow with whom I had a great conversation last year during the Saratoga meet about "the good ole days!" I don't know who KATCH GOODWIN is but Jack Price was one colorful character.

[Figman]

The trainer was Hugh Fontaine (not Jack Price as I had previuosly stated, for Jack Price was the trainer of CARRY BACK). NEEDLES was owned by the D and H Stable. So Katcha Goodwin may very well have been Hugh Fontaine.

[delayjf]

Steve Collison's "Inside the claiming game" is very good. His Wife was a trainer and it gives a lot of insights into the backstretch.

[DeoVolente]

Thanks for all the information. I'm reading Thinking Man now and it's a good read. I'll give Inside the Claiming Game and look next.