| As summer racing in New York returns to | | | | champions, but whatever the case may be, |
| Saratoga, it is time to shift gears in our approach | | | | caution is needed when expectations of form are |
| to handicapping. One secret that I have learned | | | | raised. Expect the unexpected, if you can figure |
| about betting horse races at the "Spa" is that you | | | | out how to do that. |
| have to look for high odds to compensate for the | | | | One thing that does hold up at Saratoga is the old |
| lack of consistency. | | | | maxim, "Horses for courses." Fourstardave was a |
| Like its West Coast counterpart, Del Mar, | | | | prime example of that. He was nicknamed "The |
| Saratoga Race Track is difficult to figure out | | | | Sultan of Saratoga," because he won at least one |
| because of the many variables. For one thing, | | | | race a year there from 1987 to 1994. In fact |
| there are many shippers and many trainers. | | | | there is now a graded stakes race there that |
| Horses coming from so many different tracks to | | | | bears his name. |
| compete at the legendary New York track can | | | | My advice, the secrets I would like to share with |
| create nightmares for handicappers who are | | | | you are, demand a fair price and lay off favorites. |
| trying to compare the merits of each entry. | | | | Also, look for jockeys and trainers who have |
| Sometimes it just can't be done. This is why each | | | | fared well in the past at that track. The same is |
| track has earned the nickname, "The graveyard | | | | true of horses who have raced there before. |
| of favorites." | | | | Finally, wait a week or so and see who is hot and |
| The horse that ships in with high speed figures | | | | who isn't. It seems that every year finds a new |
| may run like a classless old plug and another entry | | | | trainer or jockey that suddenly takes off at the |
| that looks like it will be lucky to make it around | | | | Spa. For that reason, I never bet a favorite during |
| the oval without oxygen can surprise and run like | | | | the first 10 days there and only bet them after |
| Seabiscuit. Is it the climate or the surface? Maybe | | | | that if they have proven their mettle there |
| it's the ghosts of past handicappers and | | | | before. |