English racing fans--how do you decide on your wagers?

Question

I've been following English racing on a close to daily basis since At The Races started simulcasting on TVG in the states. The betting on these races seems somewhat mistifying to me at times. I'd like to know what percentage of UK punters do original handicapping and how many get their selections from touts. I work from the past performances, and I see a lot of horses at high odds that seem to me like they should be more heavily favored. What do you go on when you make your bets?

Racing is pretty much in season year round in the US, but we do have meets. For instance, where I live in southern California, Hollywood Park has a meet for a few months, then Santa Anita has a meet, then Del Mar and so on. So, yeah, I too always look at what the horses are doing during the current meet. I don't throw horses out based on odds, though; I'll take a small bet on a horse at high odds if I can find a good reason--to cite an example from an English race that kind of shocked me, there was a race last year where the horse that was obviously in form was Imperium, but the other horses were all a little suspect. The only other horse that had any good races on the paper was Activity, but his last race had been almost two years prior. Now, it's a risky bet, but if he didn't need the race he was the best horse in there. At 5-1 I would've passed, but he was 25-1. I boxed him with Imperium, just for $1 each way and when he won the return was $209.

Answer 1

No 'original handicapping' for me, don't want to work that hard. No touts/tipsters either, just a few quick form factors and a bit of guess work.

My factors are, must have won last race during current season, do you have seasons in the States? No claiming Jockey, no penalty and first or second in the Racing Post betting forecast.

Then I look at the other horses in the race, if any look to have equal or superior form then I guess its a dodgy bet and leave it alone.

I only bet horses I can get better than even money on, but tend to be wary of horses bigger than 5-1.

Hope that is of use to you Edward K

Answer 2

First of all I must point out that what you call handicapping we call something different! Over here a handicapper is someone who works for the racing authorities and allots the weights to horses running in handicap races.

Serious punters will do their research in the Form Book, keeping an eye on what trainers/jockeys are in good form and keeping an eye on the going conditions at the course on the day.

To be honest only people who try to make their living from betting do this amount of groundwork before a race - me, I prefer to only have a bet when I am on the racecourse so I get to see the horses in the flesh and see what takes my eye. I check the form in the racecard, and his ability to handle the going conditions. And finally I rely on good old fashioned gut instinct.

Answer 3

My mom and I don't really bet but we like to guess who will win and we normally get them right. We watch the horses before the race and see how they move and how much energy they have then we guess who will win bassed on that.