| An aggregate is a collection of parts that equal a total. | | | | It doesn't have to happen in a maiden race though, it |
| For instance, the separate states of the United States | | | | can also happen in any other kind of race. Sometimes |
| equal a country. The states are an aggregate, a | | | | the changes are subtle, like a tongue tie or Cornell |
| collection of parts that equal a whole. Often it is said | | | | collar and a rider switch. What makes that so |
| that the sum of the parts is greater than the total. | | | | auspicious is that another rider got on and may be |
| What that means is that each part separately doesn't | | | | better at getting that horse across the finish line. Check |
| amount to as much as the whole shebang. Or in other | | | | to see if it is a rider with a higher winning percentage |
| words, by being joined together, the parts gain value. | | | | or the trainer's go-to jockey. |
| Now let's apply that theory to horseracing | | | | When you see a change look for something else to |
| handicapping and see what that can do to help you | | | | go with it that indicates it has made a difference. For |
| pick more winners. | | | | instance, the addition of blinkers today may or may not |
| When I am looking for value I like to see a horse that | | | | aid the horse. But how about checking the runner's |
| has some things going for it that the crowd has | | | | recent workout times and comparing them to the past |
| underestimated. Little things don't mean much, unless | | | | times? Do you see an improvement? Is another rider |
| you put them together. This is particularly true of | | | | getting on or is the horse getting some unexpected |
| maiden races where a trainer is trying his or her best | | | | action on the toteboard that may be coming from the |
| to find out what will help the horse run faster. | | | | connections of the horse? Each one of those things |
| They say the biggest drop in class is the drop from | | | | may be small but they all add up to a very promising |
| the maiden special weight ranks to a maiden claiming | | | | outcome that may not be seen by the crowd. |
| race. That is probably true. How about also adding a | | | | Learn to check the details and then put the parts |
| switch in jockeys and the addition of lasix? Those are | | | | together and you'll pick more winning horses and make |
| all positive signs. Each one may make the horse win | | | | more profit at the race track. Horseracing handicapping |
| but together it is a huge red flag that good things are | | | | help is often found in the details. |
| about to happen. | | | | |