To thine own self be true...

[VigorsTheGrey]

I have a habit of listening to various handicappers covering the major circuits, well known media personalities, and others that regularly give out their free selections...I often wager on their selections believing in the “magic” in THEIR choices...I can’t tell you how often I have been disappointed...but I know the fault lies not “in our Stars” but in myself..that I am “an underling” in my own selection process...

...the problem is that when I revere the opinions of others, I get locked into their selections and tend to overbet these based on over-confidence in their selections...

It is a very difficult lesson to learn...to be able to listen to an opinion, and yet still remain independent...and to thine own self be true...

[thaskalos]

Fear not. When you lose enough money...you'll learn the intended lesson.

[Light]

I have found that the horses they tout are the ones you can throw out with confidence.

[barahona44]

Originally Posted by Light

I have found that the horses they tout are the ones you can throw out with confidence.

Or if they do win, they pay out 2.80

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by barahona44

Or if they do win, they pay out 2.80

Except when they don't.

[VigorsTheGrey]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

Fear not. When you lose enough money...you'll learn the intended lesson.

The lesson being that: Most “free lunches” are expensive...!

[therussmeister]

As I was making my first trip to the races I decided I would never listen to anyone's opinion of any race I might bet. I figured the best way to learn handicapping would be to make my own mistakes. 33 1/2 years later that is still my policy.

I like listening to the banter between "the little guy" and "the big guy", but only on days I'm not playing NYRA.

[Tom]

When I first started going, I sought EVERYONE's opinion!
I made a list of every Horse to Watch from all the racing magazines, and there were a lot of them. I ran every system from every magazine. I added in the program selections.

I stood by the $50 window and wrote down numbers that were being bet by people in suit coats or trainers I knew.

I would have been better with a job! Less work.

I soon learned to do my own handicapping.

[AndyC]

I listened to everybody because you never know when you will get a nugget of information that will help determine which horse to bet. I couldn't care less which horse somebody has picked my interests are strictly in the analysis and information used. It doesn't take long to discover which people you can rely on to provide important info.

[VigorsTheGrey]

Originally Posted by AndyC

I listened to everybody because you never know when you will get a nugget of information that will help determine which horse to bet. I couldn't care less which horse somebody has picked my interests are strictly in the analysis and information used. It doesn't take long to discover which people you can rely on to provide important info.

Imo, Matt b., Jude, and Jeff s, are leaders for me...can you think of anyone else...? Also, dan I. And mike b. Are good too.

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by VigorsTheGrey

Imo, Matt b., Jude, and Jeff s, are leaders for me...can you think of anyone else...? Also, dan I. And mike b. Are good too.

The people I get the most useful information from are not the people talking on TV. Anything of value said on TV will mean that a large audience of skilled players will get that info also.

[thaskalos]

There is a seemingly knowledgeable guy at the Wynn sportsbook that I've been talking horses with for the better part of a year or so. But my confidence in his opinions has been shaken since I learned that his house went into foreclosure a week ago. I sure hope that my own picks weren't to blame.

[Robert Fischer]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

There is a seemingly knowledgeable guy at the Wynn sportsbook that I've been talking horses with for the better part of a year or so. But my confidence in his opinions has been shaken since I learned that his house went into foreclosure a week ago. I sure hope that my own picks weren't to blame.

hey Thaskalos, your signature looks familiar
does that mean the bad guys are teaming up?


i try to avoid ever 'talking a man off' a horse...

try to have some competence, and then confidence in my own rational judgement

never hurts to get good information, but be cautious;


"Take care to get Information. We live by
information, not by sight. We exist by faith in
others. The ear is the area-gate of truth but the
front-door of lies. The truth is generally seen,
rarely heard; seldom she comes in elemental
purity, especially from afar; there is always some
admixture of the moods of those through whom
she has passed. The passions tinge her with their
colours wherever they touch her, sometimes
favourably, sometimes the reverse. She always
brings out the disposition, therefore receive her
with caution from him that praises, with more
caution from him that blames. Pay attention to
the intention of the speaker; you should know
beforehand on what footing he comes. Let
reflection assay falsity and exaggeration." - BG

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by Robert Fischer

hey Thaskalos, your signature looks familiar
does that mean the bad guys are teaming up?


i try to avoid ever 'talking a man off' a horse...

try to have some competence, and then confidence in my own rational judgement

never hurts to get good information, but be cautious;


"Take care to get Information. We live by
information, not by sight. We exist by faith in
others. The ear is the area-gate of truth but the
front-door of lies. The truth is generally seen,
rarely heard; seldom she comes in elemental
purity, especially from afar; there is always some
admixture of the moods of those through whom
she has passed. The passions tinge her with their
colours wherever they touch her, sometimes
favourably, sometimes the reverse. She always
brings out the disposition, therefore receive her
with caution from him that praises, with more
caution from him that blames. Pay attention to
the intention of the speaker; you should know
beforehand on what footing he comes. Let
reflection assay falsity and exaggeration." - BG

I apologize for not asking you for permission first, Robert...but, yes. The current developments within the game necessitated the slight alteration to your signature...IMO. As far as the "information" is concerned...I wish I were a little better "connected" than I currently am. As things stand right now...by the time any "legitimate information" gets to me...I have to think that it has already visited everyone else.

[ultracapper]

Originally Posted by Robert Fischer

hey Thaskalos, your signature looks familiar
does that mean the bad guys are teaming up?


i try to avoid ever 'talking a man off' a horse...

try to have some competence, and then confidence in my own rational judgement

never hurts to get good information, but be cautious;


"Take care to get Information. We live by
information, not by sight. We exist by faith in
others. The ear is the area-gate of truth but the
front-door of lies. The truth is generally seen,
rarely heard; seldom she comes in elemental
purity, especially from afar; there is always some
admixture of the moods of those through whom
she has passed. The passions tinge her with their
colours wherever they touch her, sometimes
favourably, sometimes the reverse. She always
brings out the disposition, therefore receive her
with caution from him that praises, with more
caution from him that blames. Pay attention to
the intention of the speaker; you should know
beforehand on what footing he comes. Let
reflection assay falsity and exaggeration." - BG

Your bold statement. Agree strongly. I'd say "heard or read"