Del Mar Race Track Secrets For Successful Horse Racing Handicapping Where the Surf Meets the Turf

Del Mar race track has been called "The housenature of it has more to do with shippers, horses
that Bing Built," because of its ties to thatcoming from other race tracks or even other
legendary horse fancier, Bing Crosby. Known forparts of the world. There are just too many
the cooling breezes from the ocean and the laidvariables to take into consideration. For that
back lifestyle of summer in Southern California,reason I have a few rules, call them caveats, for
handicappers are often lulled into a false sense ofbetting on the ponies at Del Mar. First of all, never
security.take a short price.
If you are going to do any horse racingI usually won't take anything less than 2-1, but
handicapping there I think it is fair to warn youwhen I am betting on horses there, I raise it to
that the laid back atmosphere and warm fuzzy7-2. Experience has taught me that anything less
feeling that many patrons get there quickly fadewill mean a loss at the end of the meet. If you
if they bet on favorites. Like Saratoga in the East,can survive on less, my hat is off to you.
the race track by the sea is known as, "theSecondly, be cautious in your approach and take a
graveyard of favorites.""show me," attitude. Try to keep most of your
Some people blame the surface of the track forbets on horses, jockeys, and trainers who have
the disappointing performance of so manyproven themselves capable of winning there.
favorites. It has been suggested that the oceanFinally, my advice is, if you can possibly make it
somehow undermines it and adds moisture to itto Del Mar, visit that historic track and enjoy the
from below. Why that wouldn't affect all horsesambiance. An afternoon spent by the sea
racing on it, and not just the favorites, has neverwatching beautiful thoroughbreds is well worth the
been explained.trip.
I think the reason for the seemingly unpredictable