Can anyone refer me to a handicapping book devoted to just the horse’s Class? November 1st, 2009
This is a long answer, but worth reading..
Keep in mind there are many forms of handicapping. In fact, the methods may be limitless. Common types are class, speed, pace, trip and computer handicapping.
Class handicapping is very difficult to explain mostly because, like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. Class is hard to define. Some of the most rousing arguments in horse racing has to do with the definition of class. Generally, class handicappers are willing to say "Horse A ran at this level, which is perfect, and Horse B has never won at this level." Horse A is therefore classier than Horse B and should beat Horse B. However, handicappers are also looking at Horse B to determine whether form is improving. Perhaps Horse B is young and destined for better things, while Horse A is losing a step?
Speed handicappers use different types of speed figures. Speed figures measure how fast the horse ran, taking into consideration the track variant (how fast or slow the track played in the last race), class and other variables. Some people purchase speed figures (Thorograph or Ragozin). Others use the speed figures provided by the Daily Racing Form (Beyer Speed Figures).
Pace Handicapping is based upon the turn times of horses, as well as the "pace of the race." Is your horse a front running type? Are many of the horses front runners that will run at about the same speed? Pace theories basically state that this kind of race might set up for a come from behind horse to pick up the pieces after the speed burns itself out. Pace numbers are assigned to the horses so that when a lot of speed is in the race, the handicapper can tell which horse is faster and thus able to run ahead of the others. For example, Horse A might be a front running horse, but not as fast as Horse B which is also a front runner. If there is no speed save one horse, this is called "lone speed." Many handicappers believe that horse will be able to steal the race. Bloodstock Research Information Services (BRIS) uses pace numbers as do other Internet services.
Trip handicappers make it a point to watch nearly all the races run during a meet. They take extensive notes and watch for trouble during a race. They make it a point to also watch the race replays every night and often tape them for review before attending the races in which "their" horses are running. They may make a note on certain horses to bet next time out. The list they develop is usually called "horses to watch". Many of the free on-line links we furnish have "horses to watch" lists.
Computer handicapping is fairly straight forward. Someone develops a computer program, you buy it and use it to handicap the races. Today, BRIS and a few other sources allow you to download the races to your computer to "tweak" the race card to come up with your selections. There are countless computer programs on horse racing. Many are suitable; some are not. Caveat emptor.
Most people use a blending of these various methods. Some people use other services. The Del Mar website is a great source has provided Free Links and Commercial Links on handicapping. Keep in mind racing there is July-September. Visit for educational purposes.
The above will give you a kick start. Understand handicapping is a skill that takes years to develop, so it won’t be a quick study. The Internet has many sources, may want to check to see what suits you. Good Luck to you and have fun learning.
Also, if you’re new at handicapping, the book - Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies, is fun LOL! It’s great! Best if just starting out though, for more info. http://horseracing.about.com/od/bookreviews/gr/aapr053005.htm
Sandra S.
October 25th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
This is a long answer, but worth reading..
Keep in mind there are many forms of handicapping. In fact, the methods may be limitless. Common types are class, speed, pace, trip and computer handicapping.
Class handicapping is very difficult to explain mostly because, like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. Class is hard to define. Some of the most rousing arguments in horse racing has to do with the definition of class. Generally, class handicappers are willing to say "Horse A ran at this level, which is perfect, and Horse B has never won at this level." Horse A is therefore classier than Horse B and should beat Horse B. However, handicappers are also looking at Horse B to determine whether form is improving. Perhaps Horse B is young and destined for better things, while Horse A is losing a step?
Speed handicappers use different types of speed figures. Speed figures measure how fast the horse ran, taking into consideration the track variant (how fast or slow the track played in the last race), class and other variables. Some people purchase speed figures (Thorograph or Ragozin). Others use the speed figures provided by the Daily Racing Form (Beyer Speed Figures).
Pace Handicapping is based upon the turn times of horses, as well as the "pace of the race." Is your horse a front running type? Are many of the horses front runners that will run at about the same speed? Pace theories basically state that this kind of race might set up for a come from behind horse to pick up the pieces after the speed burns itself out. Pace numbers are assigned to the horses so that when a lot of speed is in the race, the handicapper can tell which horse is faster and thus able to run ahead of the others. For example, Horse A might be a front running horse, but not as fast as Horse B which is also a front runner. If there is no speed save one horse, this is called "lone speed." Many handicappers believe that horse will be able to steal the race. Bloodstock Research Information Services (BRIS) uses pace numbers as do other Internet services.
Trip handicappers make it a point to watch nearly all the races run during a meet. They take extensive notes and watch for trouble during a race. They make it a point to also watch the race replays every night and often tape them for review before attending the races in which "their" horses are running. They may make a note on certain horses to bet next time out. The list they develop is usually called "horses to watch". Many of the free on-line links we furnish have "horses to watch" lists.
Computer handicapping is fairly straight forward. Someone develops a computer program, you buy it and use it to handicap the races. Today, BRIS and a few other sources allow you to download the races to your computer to "tweak" the race card to come up with your selections. There are countless computer programs on horse racing. Many are suitable; some are not. Caveat emptor.
Most people use a blending of these various methods. Some people use other services. The Del Mar website is a great source has provided Free Links and Commercial Links on handicapping. Keep in mind racing there is July-September. Visit for educational purposes.
The above will give you a kick start. Understand handicapping is a skill that takes years to develop, so it won’t be a quick study. The Internet has many sources, may want to check to see what suits you. Good Luck to you and have fun learning.
Also, if you’re new at handicapping, the book - Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies, is fun LOL! It’s great! Best if just starting out though, for more info. http://horseracing.about.com/od/bookreviews/gr/aapr053005.htm
References :
http://www.dmtc.com
Don
October 25th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
http://www.racingdigest.com
References :
certified expert with great advice
BrB
October 27th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Don Scott was the first to specialize in this area.
Pick up a copy of his book. Winning in the 90s.
it covers many areas and has tables in the back with reference
to weights, margins and class. Although some of these have changed over
the years,its a good starting point.
References :