HANDICAPPING REMINDERS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A WINNER

Although most avid handicappers are already aware of these basic rules of thumb, but it's always a good idea for all of us to be reminded. So here are just a few of the things I try to always remember when betting.

Be very selective with the races you choose to bet. Although most bettors want to beat the chalk, is it a good idea to try and beat a very strong horse with one that you know to be inferior? Have a good reason for thinking you can beat a strong horse who is a deserving favorite. Don't rely on the fact that favorites lose 70% of the time. Skip that race, there are a many others to bet on where there isn't that much to beat.

Learn to accept the low price you have to take wagering on a real good horse. You won't go broke cashing those $4.60 winners.  For your value find a good double digit odds horse to put underneath that strong horse in exactas and trifectas.

Don't rely on closers getting to the line first as much as you would with one of the speed holding up. Closers usually find trouble somewhere in the race in addition to having to run down several speed horses, not just one. And the cheaper the race class, the worse it is to bet a big closer.

Don't be so quick to eliminate a good horse that has been laid up for a while. They are star athletes and can run well the first time back, especially in races where the other horses are mediocre. Good trainers rest good horses and don't place them in stiff competition after a lay off.  Don't assume the allowance horse who hasn't run in 70 days has been laying in his stall and eating all day. Laid up cheap claimers. on the other hand, raise a red flag. A lack of races, especially with a class drop, is a sign of an unhealthy horse

Use every advantage to you can to keep your money. The states are the big winners in every race with their steady take outs. Pick 3's and 4's are the best bets available since you get to bet multiple races with one take out. Avoid IRS reporting by buying $1 tickets instead of $2 tickets. And always buy 10 cent superfecta tickets, especially when using "alls" in one, or more, of the holes.

RAY FOX IS A PROFESSIONAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAPPER FOR WWW.TURFRACE.NET AND THE AUTHOR OF RACING ARTICLES THAT HELP THOROUGHBRED RACING FANS NATIONWIDE WIN AT THE RACES.