| Del Mar race track has been called "The house that | | | | nature of it has more to do with shippers, horses |
| Bing Built," because of its ties to that legendary horse | | | | coming from other race tracks or even other parts of |
| fancier, Bing Crosby. Known for the cooling breezes | | | | the world. There are just too many variables to take |
| from the ocean and the laid back lifestyle of summer | | | | into consideration. For that reason I have a few rules, |
| in Southern California, handicappers are often lulled into | | | | call them caveats, for betting on the ponies at Del Mar. |
| a false sense of security. | | | | First of all, never take a short price. |
| If you are going to do any horse racing handicapping | | | | I usually won't take anything less than 2-1, but when I |
| there I think it is fair to warn you that the laid back | | | | am betting on horses there, I raise it to 7-2. Experience |
| atmosphere and warm fuzzy feeling that many | | | | has taught me that anything less will mean a loss at |
| patrons get there quickly fade if they bet on favorites. | | | | the end of the meet. If you can survive on less, my hat |
| Like Saratoga in the East, the race track by the sea is | | | | is off to you. Secondly, be cautious in your approach |
| known as, "the graveyard of favorites." | | | | and take a "show me," attitude. Try to keep most of |
| Some people blame the surface of the track for the | | | | your bets on horses, jockeys, and trainers who have |
| disappointing performance of so many favorites. It has | | | | proven themselves capable of winning there. |
| been suggested that the ocean somehow undermines | | | | Finally, my advice is, if you can possibly make it to Del |
| it and adds moisture to it from below. Why that | | | | Mar, visit that historic track and enjoy the ambiance. |
| wouldn't affect all horses racing on it, and not just the | | | | An afternoon spent by the sea watching beautiful |
| favorites, has never been explained. | | | | thoroughbreds is well worth the trip. |
| I think the reason for the seemingly unpredictable | | | | |