How do i keep my handicapping in check?

[Overlay]

What works for me is eliminating subjectivity from the handicapping and wagering process as much as possible, and concentrating on the "significant few" from a factor standpoint, as opposed to the "trivial many". That may result in missing some of the nuances or nuggets that can emerge from in-depth qualitative analysis, but, to me, the resulting time-saving and avoidance of information overload, or of endless agonizing over minutiae, more than make up for it.

[raybo]

Originally Posted by Overlay

What works for me is eliminating subjectivity from the handicapping and wagering process as much as possible, and concentrating on the "significant few" from a factor standpoint, as opposed to the "trivial many". That may result in missing some of the nuances or nuggets that can emerge from in-depth qualitative analysis, but, to me, the resulting time-saving and avoidance of information overload, or of endless agonizing over minutiae, more than make up for it.

I agree, automating things may cause you to lose an individual race or two here and there, but if your goal is long term profit, you'll probably find that missing a few because of automation, will be made up in the long term by better consistency.

[RIsurfcaster]

Thanks for your responses everyone! I appreciate it very much.

[Baron Star Gregg]

Remember when Tiger Woods reworked his swing to improve? He experienced some tough times during the process.

[pondman]

Originally Posted by RIsurfcaster

T
Fast forward to 2016. I supposedly know way more about handicapping than i did 3 years ago. Putting it all together is another story. When you're growing and learning as a horse player, how do you keep your handicapping in check? I know my best bet is to get back to the basics. I fear I'm over-thinking things. It's just when you get more tools to add to your toolbox, your first instinct is to use them. Is this a mistake?

Maybe your initial instincts were correct, and you began listening to too many other people and buying into their formulas. The best of the players have their own style, and really aren't caught up in playing for the sake of playing.