subject: Why Harness Racing is So Well Suited to Horse Racing Systems [print this page] There are some similarities between harness racing and thoroughbred racing but there are also some differences as well. Both forms of horse racing can be challenging for people who take it seriously and want to make a profit by betting on the races. As in any form of gambling or investing, a systematic approach is best, but particularly so in harness racing.
The reason is that there are more constants than in thoroughbred racing. For instance, the field size at most harness tracks is pretty well set and many races have exactly the same number of horses. The distance is also another big factor in consistency. Almost every race is a one mile race over dirt. Thoroughbreds, on the other hand, race on synthetic surfaces, dirt, and grass and the distances can vary from four and half furlongs to over a mile and a half.
One of the big pluses in handicapping harness races is the fact that you can make better comparisons because the horses have raced at the same distance and over the same track. Another variable is the weight the horses carry or pull. The weight of a harness driver has little effect on the results of the race, but in thoroughbred racing, the difference of five pounds can amount to lengths at the end of the race.
Post position and the length of the track produces predictable results with pacers and trotters. Depending upon whether a race track is a half miler or a mile track, or something in between, there are good statistics that indicate how much advantage or disadvantage a horse has. That makes post position a big factor and helps the smart handicapper who can see a horse that is going to have an advantage or improve from its last effort. When you are looking for an edge, being able to put together a few key factors like post position and driver skill can make a big difference in harness racing handicapping.
What does this all add up to? It means that a harness racing handicapping system can lean heavily on statistics and past performances and the comparison of factors is fairly predictable. I'm not saying it's easy to find good priced winners, because it isn't. On the other hand, for the person who is willing to put in the time and effort and master a system, it is possible to find some good winners and that is the whole key to making a profit betting on horses.
Why Harness Racing is So Well Suited to Horse Racing Systems
