Good Books

[osophy_junkie]

So I got a little bit of money for my birthday, and I'd like to get a book or two. Can anyone recommend some good books. I am intermediate to advanced, so no books on how to read PP's are needed.

[Tom]

Happy Birthday!

[Clocker]

Originally Posted by osophy_junkie

So I got a little bit of money for my birthday, and I'd like to get a book or two. Can anyone recommend some good books. I am intermediate to advanced, so no books on how to read PP's are needed.

Not enough info to make any recommendations. What have you read recently, and what did you like or find missing in those books?

[DJofSD]

Anything by Malcolm Gladwell but probably the best for handicapping "Blink."

[CincyHorseplayer]

Tailgaiting off what Clocker said,what are you into,where is your head at and what do you want to know?Definitely got the right place!

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by osophy_junkie

So I got a little bit of money for my birthday, and I'd like to get a book or two. Can anyone recommend some good books. I am intermediate to advanced, so no books on how to read PP's are needed.

If you are indeed an advanced player...then you don't need any books. The books are for the lesser players...who still need someone to school them on the fundamentals. Take your birthday money...and start BETTING with it. If you are as "advanced" as you say you are...then actual betting should not be that scary a step for you to take. And even if you lose...you will learn more in the act of losing than you can POSSIBLY learn from reading a book. The books don't teach you the stuff that really matter.

Advanced players don't need more "reading". They need more "playing".

[Dark Horse]

Barry Meadows 'Money Secrets at the Racetrack' - As dry as it gets, but definitely worth studying.

And I always had a soft spot for Carroll's 'Handicapping Speed'. Not so much because of what's in it, which is good info, but because he shows an independent and scientific way of thinking. Outside of the box, and truly in-depth research of one feature. That attitude, if contagious, is the most useful ingredient, because without it the handicapper wields but a dull sword. And unlike the first book, it's a pleasant read.

Can't leave out Brohamer's Modern Pace Handicapping. Also indepth.

The majority of books on horse racing have kind of a superficial feel. They often touch upon a topic, per chapter, but stop well before it gets interesting. Those are the bad examples, that can fool players into thinking it is that simple. The three I mentioned do not take that easy approach.

[Grits]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

If you are indeed an advanced player...then you don't need any books. The books are for the lesser players...who still need someone to school them on the fundamentals. Take your birthday money...and start BETTING with it. If you are as "advanced" as you say you are...then actual betting should not be that scary a step for you to take. And even if you lose...you will learn more in the act of losing than you can POSSIBLY learn from reading a book. The books don't teach you the stuff that really matter.

Advanced players don't need more "reading". They need more "playing".

Thask, I'm sorry but when one has asked, within their last five posts, and been patiently helped by others with answers to..

What is an overlay?
Why are there more calls than fractional times?

This person is, in no way, intermediate or advanced in their handicapping knowledge. This simply is contradictory, or delusional. I'm not sure which.

[osophy_junkie]

Recently I've read 'Extreme Pace Handicapping' and 'Precision'. I'd be most interested in learning more about how to apply Sartin methodologies to game.

[Fingal]

If you're interested in Sartin principles- if you haven't already I'd also sign up at the Sartin forum, www.paceandcap.com . By registering you get access to the Library where you can read to your heart's content books, follow ups & watch / listen to audio & video seminars, ask questions, etc.

[CincyHorseplayer]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

If you are indeed an advanced player...then you don't need any books. The books are for the lesser players...who still need someone to school them on the fundamentals. Take your birthday money...and start BETTING with it. If you are as "advanced" as you say you are...then actual betting should not be that scary a step for you to take. And even if you lose...you will learn more in the act of losing than you can POSSIBLY learn from reading a book. The books don't teach you the stuff that really matter.

Advanced players don't need more "reading". They need more "playing".

How would you know?You're too busy playing poker to talk about horseplayer dreams because it's not your dream anymore.Don't preach about shit you're walking away from.

[CincyHorseplayer]

Originally Posted by osophy_junkie

So I got a little bit of money for my birthday, and I'd like to get a book or two. Can anyone recommend some good books. I am intermediate to advanced, so no books on how to read PP's are needed.

2 books.

The late Cary Fotias is completely an awesome read.Book called "Blinkers Off".

Mike Helm-Exploring Pedigree.

The world of pedigree opens up more avenues than just bets but it's a door well worth opening.

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by CincyHorseplayer

How would you know?You're too busy playing poker to talk about horseplayer dreams because it's not your dream anymore.Don't preach about shit you're walking away from.

My friend...some players have too much gamble in them, and they cannot be confined to just one game.

But how could YOU be expected to know that?

[CincyHorseplayer]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

My friend...some players have too much gamble in them, and they cannot be confined to one game.

But how could YOU be expected to know that?

Don't talk bad about one bitch when you are with another pimp.

You have no gamble in this game.Your lament of it is one of a loser.Talk about a read.I've seen all types on the streets growing up.I see right through you.You are paper mache boy!

You bet more than me.You think that buys you validation.

[raybo]

Originally Posted by osophy_junkie

Recently I've read 'Extreme Pace Handicapping' and 'Precision'. I'd be most interested in learning more about how to apply Sartin methodologies to game.

Sounds like you're leaning towards pace handicapping, and if so, Giles' book is a great place to start. Your mention of Sartin infers that you aren't particularly interested in pace figures or speed figures, which can also be good, since so many use them basically in the same ways, thus lowering the ultimate value of those figs. And no, I'm not saying that figures, if they are good ones, cannot be used successfully, because they can. It's just that one of the keys to making profit in this game is in approaching things from a different, more unique position.

I suggest getting a good basic understanding of velocities, ala Sartin's original thought processes and calculations. His work can be found many places on the internet, at no cost.

With a good understanding of Giles' and Sartin's work, you can take off on your own and develop your own methods. Once you have your own, unique handicapping method, the wagering side becomes much easier, IMO.