Jockey Switches Can Signal a Win or Loss Depending On These Handicapping Factors

One of the most confusing factors horse racing handicappers have to deal with is when a jockey gets off one horse to ride another. What does is mean? First of all, how good is the rider who got off the mount and how good is the new one? That will tell you a lot.

Secondly, what experience has the new rider had with the horse? While we're on the subject of experience, what is the jockey trainer combo winning percentage? Yes it is tricky and that's why so many would-be horse players struggle with it.

The subject of horse racing handicapping is a complicated and risky business. There are no black and white, yes or no answers to these questions. The obvious answer, however, is often the right one. For instance, if the jockey who got off the horse has a far better win average than the new reinsman, then it is a pretty good bet that he or she has chosen a better horse and has given up on the other mount.

Winning riders get those high percentages and win riding titles at race tracks because they or their agent can spot a good mount and can also pick the better of the two when given a choice. Therefore, using the other handicapping factors of speed, class, pace, and recent form, which of the two mounts looks better, more likely to win?

If your handicapping picks the same horse the top jockey chose, then you are probably correct. Experience has taught me that when it comes to a choice between two horses, most jockeys do choose the right one. On the other hand, and here is where this all gets so tricky, you have to shop for value in your bets if you are going to make a profit betting on horses.

The rest of the horse players will also notice the switch and will probably lay off the horse that was abandoned by the better jockey. That means the odds will be higher, perhaps producing an overlay, on the horse that was left behind. Using your best handicapping skills, ask yourself what the horse should go off at and then increase it by at least 25%. Why increase your line on the horse? Because there may very well be something that the jockey knows about that horse that you don't know.

In almost all of these situations, even using your best handicapping and taking into consideration the odds offered, you will find the horse is not a good bet and should be left alone.

If you want to learn how a horse owner and insider handicaps just go to http://horse-racing-handicapping.co/ and get the truth about betting on horses and winning. Bill Peterson is a former race horse owner and professional handicapper. To see all Bill's horse racing material go to Horse Racing Handicapping, Bill's handicapping store.

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Don't Make These Simple Betting Mistakes When Handicapping Horse Races

They say that God is in the details and it's the little things that mean a lot. In that case, perhaps when it comes to betting on horse races, little details can make or break you. In fact, just changing a few simple things may turn your luck around and you'll find a way to finally make money betting on horses.

First of all, however, let's get one thing straight. If you're trying to make a living as a horseplayer you've chosen one of the toughest ways to make money. The simple truth is that there is no easy money to be made playing the ponies. While a lot of pundits and public handicappers will try to tell you that horse racing betting is like finding money in the street, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Money management is the single most important factor in making money at anything you do. I don't care if it's selling fruit, running a restaurant, or playing trifectas and doubles and trying to pick winners. No matter how good you may be at any of those pursuits, if you don't manage your money right, you stand the chance of losing it all.

The first and biggest lesson then is simply this. Have a plan and stick to it. That plan should set betting limits that will keep you in the money through hard times and winning streaks. Bet size should be dictated by the size of your bankroll, not how sure you are of your bet. In plain English, if a wager is worth making then it is worth a full wager unit.

Handling longshots and horses that are favorites or at low odds is one area that a lot of people have trouble with. First of all, do you know which type of runner you make the most profit on? There should be an odds range that you do best at and once you know that, it should be your main betting choice. If you have to see that other people are backing your horse then you are probably insecure and unsure of your choice. If that is the case, then you probably shouldn't buy a ticket on that horse.

While it's true that you shouldn't chase losses, it is very difficult not to place a sizable wager on a favorite late in the day if you've been on a losing streak. Many handicappers get desperate and figure that the favorite is bound to win so they plunge on a big favorite late in the day. Just take a moment and think about that. Why is there so much money bet on that favorite late in the day? The answer is that hundred of other punters are taking the plunge and hoping to recoup their losses.

That means that if that same horse was in an earlier race it might only be a lukewarm favorite. Earlier in the day the favorites get less action compared to their probability of winning because the horse players are still trying to hit something big on a longshot or a horse at a good price. As the day wears on the money goes more and more toward the favorite until it is finally a stampede. Think about that a bit and you'll see that I'm right.

If you want to learn how a horse owner and insider handicaps just go to http://horse-racing-handicapping.co/ and get the truth about betting on horses and winning. Bill Peterson is a former race horse owner and professional handicapper. To see all Bill's horse racing material go to Horse Racing Handicapping, Bill's handicapping store.

View the original article here