In this book we have examined the various elements in handi­capping harness races, and their relationship to each other. It remains now for you, the reader, to try out the ideas we have proposed.

I would like to suggest that you obtain a few back pro­grams from any of the major harness racing tracks, and attempt to analyze them just as you would if you were at the track. The only difference will be that you will not be under the pressure of time, money, and excitement. I think that a serious undertaking of this type in a few hours will answer any remaining questions that you have in your mind about the helpfulness of this book.

Certain points should be re-emphasized, such as the limit­ing of our wagers to two or three races per card, due to the many factors affecting the success of your handicapping in general. Also, the time which is generally allotted between races is not sufficient to be able to handicap more than three races intelligently. Of course, for practice purposes, you will have all the time you need. But, when you are actually wagering on selections, it is imperative to be able to select only those races which have a fair probability of showing a reasonable selection, within a reasonable period of time. We will refrain from betting on horses in cases where we would have to chase under even money. This will be un­profitable in the long run, even if 75% of this type of selec­tion won the race.

We must be quick to understand at this point that certain races must be passed, because of their nature. This has been previously explained, and might be further recalled at this point. Some of these might be as follows: Cheap trots; or trots where many breakers are present; stake races, or top feature races, where competition is keen; or other races which have such inherent difficulties as to make them un­desirable for wagering purposes. Prior to beginning your "exercise in handicapping," I suggest that you consult Ap­pendix 3, for a quick run-down of the guideposts to winning which are summed up there.

I have long had a leaning to straight place betting, as the method which works out best in the long run. However, either straight win, or straight place, if followed strictly, are acceptable methods of wagering. I think that if the exercise races represented actual plays, I would play them straight place. However, for the sake of the material herein listed, and so that you sharpen your bets to the "Best Bets" you might try playing under the assumption of win bets—although the final method is up to you. If you recall, the fact that one chooses place betting, does not at all alter the choice of the horse, but simply the chance of being in the money more often. Play the horse that you think will win—to place! In playing place you definitely should not stab—or play another horse to beat the "winner" or apparent winner.

For the sake of clarity, I will list the steps that we have discussed with some detail as to how to go about them. I suggest following the outline below, as it should improve your handicapping immeasurably.

Outline for Successful Handicapping

1. How the race will be run

First check the various horses in the race and attempt to see which horse should have the best chance to win the race due to its make-up. If the race is composed of front runners, then will the front runners be able to stay in the lead or will a stretch runner win it? Attempt to narrow your choice down to two or three horses which should win the race due to its make-up.

2. Post position and speed

Check the post position; if your choice is running from the 7 or 8 post, check him carefully! Which horse has the best chance because of (1) how the race will be run and (2) post position?

3. Driver

Is the driver a winning driver or a losing driver? Remem­ber, never bet on a losing driver! Attempt to narrow your selection to no more than two horses at this point.

4. Guideposts to winning

Make sure that your selections are not in violation of the Guideposts to Winning in Appendix 4.

5. Subjective judgment

Using all of the rules set forth above, which one of the two choices should win and why? Remember, % post position, /3 driver, and % "How the race will be run."

At this point the selection should be apparent. If it is too close to separate then forget this race and go on to the next. Never force a wager!

A particular race which figures to be very close or in­separable, should be avoided, regardless of the fact that one wishes to play the race. I know some players who, when confused between two and only two horses, will play both to win. This is assuming that the difficulty is between two and only two horses, and that both are at medium-to-long prices. I don't know whether this can be recommended as a method of play, but I have seen excellent results with it and it can be used in some situations. Generally, playing two horses in one race, is one road to bankruptcy. However, this form of handicapping is tailored to certain circumstances and at such a time it may be recommended.

In suggesting that you try an "exercise in handicapping" before actually using the ideas in this book, it should be apparent that I do not claim that I or anyone else can pick winners in every race—this would certainly be absurd. I do claim that an intelligent approach, the utilization of common sense, and the coupling of a reasonable method of wagering, will produce successful spot wagers. In order for this to be done, one must seriously understand the running of a race, and how this will be attempted by the various contenders. Sometimes, the running of a race will be so clouded that any attempt at handicapping it will be useless. In this case, the intelligent thing is to forget it.

If then, an intelligent application of values is made, the art of handicapping can be conquered, and a person with average intelligence can profit in his wagering. The key is to:

1. Know why you are wagering—to win.
   
   
2. Make your bets best bets.
   
   
3. Apply intelligent handicapping principles, including "how the race will be run."
   

If you follow the advice I have given you, I am sure your interest in harness racing will be pleasurable and profitable. Good luck!

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