| One of the wonderful things about a day at the track | | | | around the track, "If it walks like a sailor it will be a |
| is how well it helps you to know whether a horse is a | | | | trailer." |
| good bet. There are things you just can't know by | | | | That means a horse with an excessive roll to its gait, |
| reading past perfor4mances to handicap horse races. | | | | from side to side, is shifting weight because of pain or |
| While past performances are important, they are just | | | | discomfort. Looks for that in the saddling ring and |
| that, in the past. | | | | when they go out on the track for the post parade. |
| Being at the track gives you the ability to see the | | | | Another thing to look for is a horse that is holding its |
| horses in real time and decide how fit and ready they | | | | head high to shift its weight off the forelegs or a horse |
| look. While some horses can compete even when | | | | holding its head too low to shift its weight off the hind |
| they are in pain, others will show they are lame and | | | | legs. |
| that means they are a poor bet. | | | | There are other things to look for as well. Notice which |
| Some horses get washed out before a race, meaning | | | | horses are wearing front wraps on their forelegs and |
| they are covered with sweat before they are asked | | | | if they had them last race. Also, and this is very |
| to run. While some sweating is natural, especially on a | | | | important, make notes of horses wearing tongue ties |
| hot day, excessive sweating is a very bad sign and | | | | and when they race again, see if they are wearing |
| such horses should not be included in your wagers. | | | | them. If you notice a horse that is wearing a tongue tie |
| Handicapping means telling which horses are true | | | | for the firs time, it could be a winner. |
| contenders and horses that are lathered up before | | | | For the right horses, tongue ties make a very big |
| they race usually have lost a lot of fluid and energy | | | | difference. Learn to do your own horse watching and |
| prior to the race. | | | | keep notes. Get to the track as often as you can |
| Another bad sign is a horse that is showing lameness. | | | | afford it and do your homework. You'll be handsomely |
| You don't have to be a vet to spot a lame horse. It | | | | paid for your efforts and also watch one of the |
| just takes a little practice. There is an old saying | | | | greatest sports on earth. |