What's your plan to win?

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwartz

Then why would anyone ever purchase a book about handicapping?

Why would anyone ever join a forum to discuss horse racing ideas?

Why would you bother post here at all?

The knowledge gathered by reading books and joining horse racing forums is superficial; it can hardly be called "knowledge to profit". IMO, the horseplayer begins to take steps toward profitability when he realizes that success in gambling -- as in life, I suppose -- is dependent upon acquiring SELF-knowledge as well...and you can't find that in any book, or online forum.

The books and the forums are only a nudge in the right direction...with "profit" remaining far in the distance.

[Capper Al]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

The knowledge gathered by reading books and joining horse racing forums is superficial; it can hardly be called "knowledge to profit". IMO, the horseplayer begins to take steps toward profitability when he realizes that success in gambling -- as in life, I suppose -- is mainly dependent on acquiring SELF-knowledge...and you can't find that in any book, or online forum.

The books and the forums are only a nudge in the right direction...with "profit" remaining far in the distance.

Absolutely.

[BlueChip@DRF]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

The knowledge gathered by reading books and joining horse racing forums is superficial; it can hardly be called "knowledge to profit". IMO, the horseplayer begins to take steps toward profitability when he realizes that success in gambling -- as in life, I suppose -- is dependent upon acquiring SELF-knowledge as well...and you can't find that in any book, or online forum.

The books and the forums are only a nudge in the right direction...with "profit" remaining far in the distance.

So in other words: shoot for the moon because even if you fail you'll still fall among the stars.

[Dave Schwartz]

The books and the forums are only a nudge in the right direction...with "profit" remaining far in the distance.

So, books and forums will not lead you directly to profit, but will provide insight that may cause YOU to find profit by figuring it out for yourself?

[BlueChip@DRF]

So in essence, we are all scavengers.

[PICSIX]

Focus on the exacta where I feel a two horse box will cover it.

1. Best early with best late.

2. Two standouts that the rest of the field can't touch.

3. Favorite with a price horse.

Look to see if the race fits one of these situations, if not, pass.

[Capper Al]

Originally Posted by BlueChip@DRF

So in other words: shoot for the moon because even if you fail you'll still fall among the stars.

Andy Beyer once said, why shouldn't the little guy shot for a life changing win like a pick 6?The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I can afford to lose a few bucks each week and, winning a few bucks, isn't going to change my life. So what's the difference between losing and grinding, but a big win does change things. BTW, I'm talking here. I still grind it out.

[Capper Al]

Originally Posted by BlueChip@DRF

So in essence, we are all scavengers.

Unless you invented handicapping. I still don't know. Maybe using Arabic numbers would still make us scavengers.

[Capper Al]

Originally Posted by PICSIX

Focus on the exacta where I feel a two horse box will cover it.

1. Best early with best late.

2. Two standouts that the rest of the field can't touch.

3. Favorite with a price horse.

Look to see if the race fits one of these situations, if not, pass.

I watched a video on the Internet where the best early and late in an exacta was preached as the way to go.

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwartz

So, books and forums will not lead you directly to profit, but will provide insight that may cause YOU to find profit by figuring it out for yourself?

The handicapping books and the forums are to the winning horseplayer what grade school is to the brain surgeon...IMO.

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by PICSIX

Focus on the exacta where I feel a two horse box will cover it.

1. Best early with best late.

2. Two standouts that the rest of the field can't touch.

3. Favorite with a price horse.

Look to see if the race fits one of these situations, if not, pass.

I prefer a situation where I don't believe that the favorite will run 1st or 2nd. In all of the above you will usually be betting the favorite in the exacta.

[JohnGalt1]

I don't know how I categorize myself.

I look for reasons to pass races.

If my handicapping reveals three or more can win, I pass.

If I like a less than 2-1, I definitely pass. If 5-2 to 3-1 I may pass if that horse is only slightly better than others.

If no one can win, or everyone can win, I pass.

Even if I like a horse, but it "feels" like I should pass, I listen to my inner voice and pass. And when I ignore the feeling of "offness" and play anyway, most of the time I should've passed.

I pass bunches of races so I can load up on the few I play.

Now that I think of it, maybe I am a hunter or fisherman who lets the fawns and minnows pass by and waits for the big buck, or big Northern Pike to come along.

[Flysofree]

The secret to this game of beating the races is to Never take a bad number. And No, I don't know the answer to that one.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Capper Al

Trainers try to mask their numbers. Many big time trainers have assistant trainers. When they see fit for their purposes, they'll post the trainer as the assistant trainer.

Specifics?
Name and date?

I find this hard to take at face value.

[Capper Al]

Originally Posted by Tom

Specifics?
Name and date?

I find this hard to take at face value.

Of course, it's hard to catch. The next time I catch one I'll flag it. I've only caught a few. And that was more by accident.