subject: Learning How to Handicap Horse Races and Pick Winners Takes Time [print this page] Many people remember the first time they went to the horse races and tried to pick winners. It may have been confusing, but it was also fun. For some people it remains nothing more than entertainment but for others it becomes a serious hobby or even a job. One thing that everyone quickly learns is that handicapping horse races and making money from your bets is very difficult.
It is no different than any other sport, it takes practice. Handicapping horse races is considered an intellectual sport. Betting against the other players or a bookie is no different than playing any other game or sport. The one who prepares the best and has the most experience usually wins, barring twists of fate.
You wouldn't expect to play in a golf tournament and win if you hadn't worked very hard and prepared yourself, so why expect to win at the race track if you don't prepare? If you really think luck is that big a component, I have news for you. Every year billions of dollars, yes, billions, are wagered on horse races. You better believe there are people who take that very seriously and prepare themselves to get their share of that pie.
The only way you are going to win in the long run is to prepare yourself. The way you prepare to be a serious horse player is by reading good horse racing books, trying systems, keeping good notes about your performance and idiosyncrasies of the different race tracks and players, and practicing. If this sounds like a lot of work, you're right, it is, and that is why so many people lose.
On a typical day, all over the world, millions of people go to the horse races hoping to get lucky. A much smaller group of people go to the races and work very hard to make sure that doesn't happen. Look at it this way, how would you like to play poker against a professional and try to beat him by getting lucky? It might happen once in a while, but overall, you're going to get your clock cleaned. The very same thing happens at the race track.
You aren't trying to beat the guy standing next to you who is a casual player at the horse races. You're trying to beat the guy who has worked very hard and prepared himself. You are also working against inside information and a little skullduggery. The only way you will win is to read the best books, study, practice, keep notes, and earn your share of the billions that go through the windows every year.
Learning How to Handicap Horse Races and Pick Winners Takes Time
