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Do you know when to bet?
There could be lot of answers to this question, but since you’re here, I’ll give you mine.
The first thing you must do is have an opinion. In the racing game, that means you have a horse, or horses, that you like well enough to bet on. If you are at the track, you are probably looking at the upcoming race. If you are at simulcast or on your computer betting, then you have a particular race at a particular track that you are going to bet.
The opinion I am talking about means you have gone through your handicapping process; in my prejudiced concept that would be a scientific process. But, you might pick your runners by numbers, breeding, jockey, trainer, or any number of ways. You may even be using a picking (tip) service that you know and trust. The point being that you have firmly decided who, and how, you are going to bet.
This is a key step because you do not want to make a ‘racetrack flub’, which is to get to the betting window and start second-guessing your bet because of any number of reasons. The odds, the ‘inside info’ you just heard, the fact that your horse just crapped on the track, the jockeys silks are the wrong color, and so on and so forth.
The next thing to do is write down that bet in the proper form which is typically the track name, race #, dollar amount, type of bet (win, place, show, exacta box, etc) and your number, or numbers. Many fans are making multiple bets at the same time, so you can reduce your error factor by having it written down. This will also enable you to know how much your total dollar amount will be.
Finally, be aware of your surroundings; if you are at the track or simulcast, how long are the lines? You may be wagering through one of our online choices, which is a great and convenient way to bet. Allow ample time so you don’t get shut out, this could be as much as 8 to 12 minutes before post. Your choice usually wins when you don’t get the bet down. This can blow your mental state for the rest of the day if it happens. Been there, done that!
December 2020
Think, act, bet…..like a winner!
Does this look like a simple concept? It is. But wait, it’s easier said than done. There have been hundreds of discussions about money management and how you should only bet when you have a good chance of making money; but how do we do that?
The elite winners at the track have what is known as ‘Professional betting principles’. The good news is that these principles can be learned and followed, if you apply yourself. So, let’s review these principles and see what the professionals do.
- Discipline – This means the Pro bets logically and rationally, following a plan that is based on success. That plan might be win bets if odds are greater than 3 to 1, knowing how to spot an overlay, trifectas if there are 4 solid contenders, or pic 3 with one key horse. The point is to know how and when you are going to bet and stick to it.
- Incisive – Clear and sharp decisions that are made and supported by research.
- Fortitude – Having the strength and patience to follow your system and plan, possibly waiting several races and even days before finding a great wager.
- Impersonal – The Pro manages money as part of the business, having confidence that his plan will make money over the long haul.
- Poise – Maintaining composure during the streaks that always come, whether winning or losing, they can throw you way off your game.
You must be able to look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘Which of these things do I do well?’ Grade yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, and start working on the weak spots. If you are ready to check out some great ways to bet, including getting some bonus money, check here. For more handicapping tips and news, go to this page.
See you at the windows!
Bobby Zen
December 2020
