Handicapping Helpful Tips - The Blood-Horse · Handicapping Helpful Tips for THorougHbred racing...

Handicapping Helpful Tips

for THorougHbred racing

Placing a bet on a horse race can sometimes be a complex task, especially when wagering exotic bets. The staff of The Blood-Horse has compiled this helpful collection of betting terms, frequently asked questions, and a sample past performance and key. This free guide is something to keep.

Section 5 mutuel payoffS .............. 27

Section 4 track codeS .................... 25

Section 3 GloSSary ........................................................... 13

Section 2 faQ ....................................................................... 10

Section 1 BriSnet.com premium pluS pps explanation ....................................................... 2

Handicapping Helpful Tips for Thoroughbred Racing 2

the handicapper’s edge

© Copyright 2007 Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. www.brisnet.com Information as to races, race results, earnings, trainer, and jockey records utilized herein

© Copyright 2007, Daily Racing Form, Inc. All rights reserved. Version 2.103

Bris Pace and sPeed Pars The average pace and speed ratings for the leader/winner of races at today’s

class level and distance.

Jockey statistics a The jockey’s record for the meet (number of mounts, winners, second place

finishers, third place finishers, and win percentage). B The jockey’s record for the year (number of mounts, percentage of winners,

percentage of in-the-money finishes, and ROI or return on investment for every $2.00 wagered).

Brisnet.com Premium Plus PPs Explanation

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c The jockey’s record with horses of this run style (number of mounts, percent-age of winners, percentage of in the money finishes, and ROI or return on investment for every $2.00 wagered).

d The jockey’s record with the trainer in the L60 or last sixty days (number of mounts, percentage of winners, percentage of in the money finishes, and return on investment for every $2.00 wagered).

e The jockey’s record at today’s distance or surface (number of mounts, percent-age of winners, percentage of in the money finishes, and return on invest-ment for every $2.00 wagered).

trainer statistics: Provides information on: a The trainer’s record for the meet (number of starts, winners, second place

finishers, third place finishers, and win percentage). B The trainer’s record for the year (number of starts, percentage of winners,

percentage of in the money finishes, and ROI or return on investment for every $2.00 wagered).

c The trainer’s record with race angles that pertain to today’s race (Number of starts, percentage of winners, percentage of in the money finishes, and ROI of return on investment for every $2.00 wagered). The statistics in this cate-gory cover the last three years.

dam statistics: Provides information on: a The dam’s best racing accomplishment (Two-year old and maiden races

only). B The percentage of the dam’s two-year-old starters which won at least one race

(Two-year old and maiden races only). c The number of starters the dam has produced (Two-year old and maiden

races only). d The number of starters to win at least one race on any surface - dirt or turf

(Two-year old, maiden, and turf races only). e The number of starters to win at least one turf race (turf races only). f) The

number of stakes winners the dam has produced (Two-year old, maiden, and turf races only).

G The Dams Production Index (dpi) which compares the earnings of this dam’s produce with the average earnings of the produce of all North American broodmares. The average is established as 1.00 so, if a dam’s dpi is 2.00 this means that her produce average earnings are twice the national average (Two-year old, maiden, and turf races only).

sire statistics: Provides information on: a AWD or average winning distance of sire’s and dam sire’s offspring. B Mud win percentage of sire’s and dam sire’s offspring. c Number of mud starts by sire’s and dam sire’s offspring. d Turf win percentage of sire’s and dam sire’s offspring (turf races only). e First time starter win percentage of sire’s and dam sire’s offspring (2yo and

maiden races only).

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f Win percentage of sire’s and dam sire’s offspring in first turf start (turf races only).

G The Sire Production Index (spi) which compares the earnings of this sire’s and broodmare sire’s offspring with the average earnings of the offspring of all North American sires. The average is established as 1.00 so, if a sire’s spi is 2.00 this means that his offspring average earnings are twice the national average.

sales statistics: Provides information on: a What sale the horse sold at and in what year. B The price the horse sold for. c The horse’s ranking in the context of all sire’s offspring sold at public auction

that year. As an example, if a filly or colt has a ranking of (13/23) that means that there were 23 horses that sold by this horse’s sire and she or he brought the 13th best price of the 23.

d The average sales price of offspring by this horse’s sire. e The stud fee of the sire at the time this horse was bred.

Horse’s PediGree, sales & BreedinG information: Provides information on:

a The color of the horse. B. = bay Gr/ro. = gray or roan Ch. = chestnut Bl. = black Dkbbr. = dark bay or brown Wh. = white B The sex of the horse. c = colt m = mare f = filly h = horse g = gelding r = ridgling c The age of the horse. d Month of birth (Two-year old and maidens only). e The sale at which the horse sold, the year of the sale, and sales price. f The sire, (the sire’s sire) and current stud fee. G The dam and (the dam’s sire). H The breeder and the state or country in which the horse was bred.

Bris Prime Power ratinG: A number that measures the quality of each horse’s most recent starts by com-

bining dozens of handicapping factors into one easy-to-use rating. Speed, class, pace, form, weight, distance, and many more factors are combined by a sophis-ticated algorithm to form this rating. The horse’s ranking in this race appears in parenthesis. For more information on Prime Power, refer to the article “PRIME POWER - USING OUR BEST RATING” found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

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run style stats: Provides information on: a The running style of the horse:

E (Early) = A horse that exhibits this run style is one that typically vies for the early lead or whose best races are run on the lead. Most horses in this category do not successfully rate behind a pace setter.

E/P (Early/Presser) = A horse that exhibits this run style is one that runs second or third within a few lengths of the lead early before trying to run down the leader. An “E/P” horse, just like an “E” horse, may run on the front end but, unlike an “E” horse, it can be expected to successfully rate behind a pace setter.

P (Presser) = A horse that exhibits this run style is one that runs in the middle-of-the-pack early before trying to run down the leader. A “P” horse may at times run close to the lead but rarely, if ever, challenges for the lead early. Unlike and “S” horse, the “P” horse doesn’t typically run from the rear of the pack in its better races.

S (Sustain or Closer) = A horse that exhibits this run style is one that runs in the back of the pack early before trying to run down the leader.

NA (Not Available) = A horse that is a first time starter or who hasn’t had enough meaningful running lines to accurately assess the horse’s preferred run style.

B Early speed points. The numbers range from 0-8 and measure the Early Speed ability of the horse based on its running position and beaten lengths at the first call of recent races. The higher the number, the more early speed a horse has shown in recent races.

Bris PediGree ratinGs a The Fast Pedigree rating measures the quality and suitability of the horse’s

breeding for races run on the dirt. B The Off Pedigree rating measures the quality and suitability of the horse’s

breeding for races run over a wet dirt surface. c The Distance Pedigree rating measures the quality and suitability of the

horse’s breeding for races run at today’s distance. d The Turf Pedigree rating measures the quality and suitability of the horse’s

breeding for races run on the turf.

For more information, please refer to the article “BRIS PEDIGREE RATINGS F.A.Q.” found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

medication, equiPment, and tHe weiGHt tHe Horse will carry:Provides information on:

a Medication the horse will be using today. L = First Lasix B = Bute B Whether or not the horse will be adding or taking off blinkers today. ON = blinkers on OFF = blinkers off

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c The amount of weight, including the jockey, which the horse will be carrying for this race. If today’s jockey is an apprentice, a smaller number will appear immediately to the right of the weight. This is the number of pounds that the jockey gets as a weight allowance for being an apprentice.

denotations for today’s race: tells if a Horse is: a AE = Also Eligible for today’s race. This is seen when there are more horses

entered than can actually start in the race. A horse that is also eligible can only draw into the race if there are scratches.

B MTO = Main Track Only. This designation is seen only in turf races and means that the horse will run only if the race is moved to the main or dirt track.

c In the event that the race is a claiming race, the claiming price of the horse.

Horse’s lifetime start information: Provides information on: a Life: Horse’s number of career starts, wins, second place finishes, third place

finishes, career earnings, and lifetime best Bris speed rating. B Horse’s Current Year Record: Number of starts, wins, second place finishes,

third place finishes, earnings for the year, and best Bris speed rating for the year.

c Horse’s Previous Year Record: Number of starts, wins, second place finishes, third place finishes, earnings for the previous year, and best Bris speed rating for that year.

d Horse’s Career Record at Today’s Track: Number of starts, wins, second place finishes, third place finishes, earnings at this track, and best Bris speed rating earned at this track.

e Fst: Horse’s career record over fast dirt tracks including number of starts, wins, second place finishes, third place finishes, earnings, and best Bris speed rating earned over fast dirt tracks.

f Off: Horse’s career record over wet dirt tracks including number of starts, wins, second place finishes, third place finishes, earnings, and best Bris speed rating earned over wet dirt tracks.

G Dis: Horse’s career record at today’s distance including number of starts, wins, second place finishes, third place finishes, earnings, and best Bris speed rating at today’s distance.

H Trf: Horse’s career record on the turf including number of starts, wins, second place finishes, third place finishes, earnings, and best Bris speed rating on the turf.

i AW: Horse’s career record on All Weather tracks, including number of starts, wins, second place finishes, third place finishes, earnings, and best Bris speed rating on an all weather track.

For More information on Bris speed ratings, please refer to the article “BRIS SPEED RATINGS F.A.Q.” found in the Library of the Brisnet.com web site.

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owner & Jockey silks: Provides information on who owns the horse as well as the color of the silks

the jockey will be wearing in today’s race.

Positive and neGative comments: Positive comments for a horse will appear in the box on the left while negative

comments will appear in the box on the right.

date of race, track, and race numBer: The date, track, and race number for a horse’s last 10 starts. For a list of cor-

responding track codes, refer to the “TRACK CODES AND REPORT AVAILABILITY” link found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

surface, distance, and track condition: Provides information on:

a The surface the race was run on. The main dirt track has no designation. = inner dirt track = main turf track = inner turf track = race scheduled for turf but moved to the main track = all-weather surfaceB The distance the race was run. All races under a mile are measured in fur-

longs and designated with an “f”. One furlong = one-eighth of a mile. c Track condition denotes the condition of the track at the time the race was

run. ft = fast gd = good my = muddy sy = sloppy wf = wet fast fm = firm yl = yielding sf = soft hy = heavy sl - slow.

fractional times of leader, final time, and aGe desiGnation: Provides information on:

a The fractional time of the leader at various points in the race. For information on the corresponding distance of each fractional time, refer to the “POINTS OF CALL & FRACTIONAL TIMES CHART” found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

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B The final time the race was run in will be the last of the series of times. c The age designation for the race: A race designated with 3 would be a race for

three-year-olds and up. A race designated with 4 would be a race for four-year-olds and up. No designation means that the race was age specific.

Bris rr and cr ratinGs: a RR is the Bris Race Rating and measures the overall quality of horses which

competed in a race: the higher the number, the tougher the competition. For more information, please refer to “THE BRIS RACE AND CLASS RATING F.A.Q.” link found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

B CR is the Bris Class Rating measures a horse’s actual performance against this competition in a race: the higher the number, the better the horse performed. For more information, please refer to “THE BRIS RACE AND CLASS RATING F.A.Q.” link found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

race tyPe: tells the conditions for the race. For more information on race conditions,

please refer to the “RACE CLASSIFICATIONS” article found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

Bris Pace and sPeed ratinGs: a E1 is a pace rating that measures how fast the horse ran from the start to the

first call of the race. ( 2f Pace in sprints, 4f Pace in routes). B E2 is a pace rating that measures how fast the horse ran from the start to the

second call of the race. (4f Pace in sprints, 6f Pace in most routes). c LP is a pace rating that measures how fast the horse ran from the second call

of the race to the finish. d SPD is the Speed Rating and measures how fast the horse ran the race from

start to finish. For more information on Bris Pace and Speed Ratings, please refer to the “BRIS PACE RATING F.A.Q.’S” and the “BRIS SPEED RATING F.A.Q.’S.” links found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

Post Position, Placement tHrouGHout tHe race, and finisH: Provides information on:

a PP or the post position the horse had in the starting gate. B The horse’s position in the field and lengths behind or in front at the ST

(start), 1C (First Call of the race), 2C (Second Call of the race), and Str (Stretch Call of the race),

c FIN where the horse finished the race and his number of lengths behind or in front at the Finish.

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Jockey and weiGHt: The name of the jockey that rode the horse and the amount of weight the horse

carried, including the jockey.

medication, equiPment, and odds: Provides information on: a The medication the horse was using during the race. L = Lasix, B = Bute. B The equipment the horse was using during the race. b = blinkers, f = front wraps. c The final ODDS the horse went off at.

toP finisHers, comment, and numBer of starters: Provides information on:

a The top three finishers in the race with lengths separating them at the finish. Horses that came back to win their next race are in italics. Horses that are in today’s race appear in bold print. Horses that won their next race and are in today’s race will be in bold italics.

B The comment will tell about the trip the horse had or how he or she ran the race.

c The number of starters in the race.

workouts: Provides information on: a The date of the workout. If a • appears before the date, that means that the

work was a bullet or the fastest at that distance for the day. B The track code for the location of the workout. For a list of corresponding

track codes, please refer to the “TRACK CODES AND REPORT AVAILABILITY” link found in the Library of the Brisnet web site.

c The distance of the work and the condition of the track. Refer to Number 3, Surface, Distance, and Track Condition for a listing of track conditions. If a tr.t appears beside the track name, then the work took place at the training track. O means that the work was on the turf. Some works may occur around “the dogs” (d), a term used to describe the situation where cones are put out on the track to keep horses from working too close to the rail. This most com-monly occurs on turf courses that have been saturated with water or turf courses where there has been a lot of wear near the rail and the track atten-dants try to protect it as much as possible.

d The time of the work and how the horse worked. B = Breezing, H = Handily. If the horse worked from the gate, it will be denoted with a g.

e The ranking of the workout. If a horse was 53/70, that means that he ran the 53rd best time of 70 horses that worked at the distance.

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Bris race sHaPes: BRIS Race Shapes enable the user to quickly determine whether the pace of a

race was unusually fast or slow. The Race Shapes measure how fast the leader ran relative to the average leader time for the race’s final time.

Two Race Shape values are provided for a race. The first BRIS Race Shape value corresponds to the first call (2f call for most sprints; and 4f call for most routes). The second BRIS Race Shape value corresponds to the second call (4f call for most sprints; and 6f call for most routes). For more information on BRIS Race Shapes, please refer to the “BRIS RACE SHAPES F.A.Q.” found in the Library of the Brisnet website

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wHere can i Bet on a Horse race?Handicappers wager online, at the track, or at off-track betting facilities (OTBs).

On-track and OTB bets may be made at any window or at electronic betting ter-minals. Online, advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites allow registered account-holders to wager using pre-deposited funds.

wHat do win, Place, and sHow mean?For wagering purposes, win means first, place means second, and show means

third. If you bet to win, the horse must finish first for you to be able to cash the ticket. If you bet to place, the horse must be first or second. If you bet to show, the horse must run first, second, or third.

wHat is tHe minimum waGer?In general, bets to win, place, and show must be at least $2, while many other

wagers such as exactas and trifectas can be made for $1 or even less. Refer to your account guide or track program for specific opportunities, guidelines, and rules.

How do i know tHe numBer of tHe Horse i want to Bet on?Track websites and several horseracing sites online make race cards available

electronically, or you can purchase a track program when entering the track. The number next to the horse’s name in the program is the number you use when wagering.

SECTION 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Use a horse’s program number to bet.

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How do i Place a waGer?The proper way to call out a wager, whether straight or exotic, is as follows:

amount of the bet, type of bet, and program number of the horse you wish to wager on. For example: $2 to win on number three.

wHat is a daily douBle?The daily double is a wager that requires selecting the winners of two con-

secutive races. Many tracks used to offer the daily double only on the first two races each day; now, daily doubles often are offered on any two consecutive races.

wHat is a lonGsHot?A horse that will pay a big price if it wins is often called a longshot.

wHat do i do if i Bet on a Horse to win, Place, or sHow and He is scratcHed Before tHe race?

When a horse is scratched prior to the start of the race, all wagers on that horse are eligible for refunds.

wHat if i Have a winninG ticket?Your online account balance will update automatically to reflect successful

wagers. At the track or OTB, winning tickets may be cashed at any window. There is no hurry to cash a ticket. State laws mandate tickets may be cashed for a specified period of time. In many states, this is one year.

wHat do i do if i misPlace a (Printed) winninG mutuel ticket?Go immediately to a mutuel teller, and the teller may be able to place a

“hold” on the ticket and trace the ticket if it hasn’t been cashed by someone else.

How often do favorites win?This varies, but a general rule of thumb is that the favorite in the race — the

horse that the most money is bet on to win — will win approximately a third of the time.

wHat is an exacta Bet?An exacta involves selecting the first two finishers in a race in the “exact” order.

If you were to bet a $2 exacta on numbers five-six, your bet would pay if the five horse won and the six horse placed.i Heard someone say tHey Boxed an exacta.

You can cash a winning ticket anytime after a race is made official.

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wHat does tHat mean?If you box two horses, they may finish first or second in either order, and you

are able to cash the ticket. If you were going to bet a $2 exacta on numbers five and six, a box would cost $4, but they could finish 5-6 or 6-5.

wHat is tHe difference Between an exacta and a quinella?An exacta requires selecting the first two finishers in a race in the exact order.

A quinella means the horses may finish in either order. Because it is easier to select two horses that may finish in either order, the quinella generally pays less than the exacta.

wHat is tHe morninG line?The morning line is one handicapper’s opinion of what the odds will be on

the horses when the race is run. The final odds are determined by the bettors’ selections.

wHat is a Pick tHree?This popular wager involves selecting the winners of three consecutive races.

For example, a pick three on races four, five, and six means you must select the winners of all three races to cash the ticket.

i saw in tHe ProGram a Horse numBered 1 and anotHer numBered 1a. wHat does tHis mean?

This is called an “entry.” This means the horses are owned by the same person (wholly or in partnership) or trained by the same person. If you wager on #1 to win, you receive both horses. If either the 1 or 1A wins, you cash your ticket.

wHat is a trifecta?A trifecta involves choosing the first three finishers in a race in the exact order.

wHat does tHe PHrase “Bet down” refer to?Let’s say a horse is 10-1; then you notice his odds are 5-1, and finally when the

race starts he is 3-1. Someone may say, “He was really bet down.” It means that a sizeable amount of money was wagered on a horse, causing his odds to go downward.

wHat does “across tHe Board” mean?It means betting a horse to win, place, and show. For a $2 wager, this would

cost $6 and the ticket would be cashable on all three wagers if the horse runs first; on place or show if the horse runs second, or on only the show bet if the horse runs third.

The 1 and 1A indicate an entry.

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wHat does “wHeel” mean?A “wheel” bets one horse with all others in a race. A “part-wheel” bets one horse

with some others in the race. For instance, if you think #4 is going to win, you can use all other horses in second and bet an exacta wheel: 4 with all. If you think #2, #8, or #9 could run second, you can bet an exacta part-wheel: 4 with 2, 8, and 9.

wHat do tHe terms “Handle” and “Purse” mean?The “handle” is the amount of money bet or handled that day at the track.

The purse means the amount of money the horses can win in a particular race.

across the board — a bet on a horse to win, place, and show. The minimum bet is $6 because three wagers ($2 to win, $2 to place, $2 to show) are being placed. If the horse wins, the bettor receives win, place, and show payouts. If the horse finishes second, the bettor receives place and show payouts, and if the horse fin-ishes third, the bettor receives the show payout.

allowance race — an event other than claiming for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions.

allowances — weights and other conditions of a race.

also-eligible — a horse officially entered but not permitted to start unless the field is reduced by scratches below a specified number.

apprentice allowance — weight concession to an apprentice rider. This varies among states from five to 10 pounds. Slang term is “bug.” Indicated by an asterisk next to the jockey’s name in the program.

Baby race — a race for 2-year-olds.

Backside — a racetrack’s barn or stable area.

Backstretch — the straight part of the track on the far side between turns; slang term to describe the barn or stable area.

Bandage — strips of cloth wound around the lower part of horses’ legs for support or protection against injury.

Bar shoe — a horseshoe closed at the back to help support the frog and heel of the hoof. Often worn by horses with quarter cracks or bruised feet.

A wagering menu is given for each race in the track program.

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SECTION 3 Glossary


Bay — a horse’s coat color ranging from tan to auburn. The mane and tail are always black as are the lower portion of the legs (black points), except for any white markings.

Beyer speed figure — a handicapping tool, developed by sports writer Andy Beyer of The Washington Post, assigning a numerical value to each race run by a horse based on final time and track condition.

Bleeder — a horse that bleeds from the lungs after or during a workout or race.

Blinkers — device to limit a horse’s vision to prevent him from swerving from objects, other horses, etc., on either side of him.

Board — the “tote” or totalizator board, which displays odds, betting pools, and other race information.

Bottom line — the lower half of a pedigree diagram, indicating the female side of a horse’s bloodlines.

Bounce — a poor performance followed by an exceptionally good one.

Box — a wagering term denoting a bet in which all possible numeric combinations are covered.

Breakage — at pari-mutuel betting tracks, the rounding off to a nickel or dime, as required by state laws, in paying off winning tickets. The breakage is usually split between the track and the state in varying proportions.

Bug boy — an apprentice jockey.

Bullet — fastest workout of the day at a particular distance. A bullet (•) precedes the work time in listings.

Butazolidin (Bute) — the trade name for phenylbutazone, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

chalk — the wagering favorite in a race. The term dates from the days when on-track bookmakers would write odds on a chalkboard.

chestnut — a horse’s coat color ranging from golden to red to chocolate (liver chestnut). Mane and tail are usually the same shade as the body; also, a small, horny growth on the inside of a horse’s legs, just above the knee on the forelegs and below the hocks on the hind legs.

claiming race — an event in which each horse entered is eligible to be purchased at a set price (or "tag").

clerk of scales — a racing official whose chief duty is to weigh the riders before and after a race to ensure proper weight is being carried.


clocker — a person on duty during morning training hours to identify the horses dur-ing the workouts, time them, and report to the public their training activities. Some clockers work for the racetrack; others are employed by Equibase.

clubhouse turn — the first turn past the finish line, where the clubhouse is usually located.

colors — a horse owner’s racing silks, jacket, and cap, worn by jockeys to denote the horse’s ownership. All colors are different, and many are registered with The Jockey Club.

colt — a male Thoroughbred horse (other than a gelding or ridgeling) that has not reached his fifth birth date or has not been bred.

commingle — combining mutuel pools from off-track sites with the host track.

condition book — a series of booklets issued by a racing secretary that lists the races to be run at a particular racetrack.

conformation — the physical appearance or qualities of a horse.

controlled medication — a term widely used to mean that some drugs, primarily phenylbutazone and furosemide (see Lasix), are permissible under controlled cir-cumstances that allow veterinary administration of predetermined dosages at prede-termined intervals prior to race time.

coupled — two or more horses running as a single betting unit. Also known as an entry.

daily double — a type of wager calling for the selection of the winners of two con-secutive races, usually the first and second on the race card but can be any two con-secutive races.

dam — the female parent of a horse.

dark bay or brown — a horse’s coat color that ranges from brown with areas of tan on the shoulders, head, and flanks, to a dark brown, with tan areas only in the flanks and/or muzzle (nose). The mane, tail, and lower legs may be black.

dead heat — two or more horses finishing on even terms.

declared — a horse withdrawn from a stakes race in advance of the scratch time on the day of the race.

derby — a stakes race for three-year-olds.

distaff — a race for female horses.

dosage — A technique for classifying Thoroughbred pedigrees by type based on aptitu-dinal characteristics inherited from selected sires, called “chefs-de-race.” The degree of


inheritance attributed to each of these “chefs” was essentially constant in all pedi-grees, the absolute value (or Dosage figure) varying from sire to sire. “Chefs”, chosen on the basis of their observable prepotence for type, are assigned to one or two of five aptitudinal groups (Brilliant, Intermediate, Classic, Solid, and Professional) covering the spectrum (from left to right as you read the dosage profile) of speed to endurance. The assignments are made to best reflect the traits that these stallions predictably and consistently transmit to their offspring. Only one winner of the Kentucky Derby since 1940 (Strike the Gold), and only three winners of the Belmont Stakes over the same time frame (Damascus, Conquistador Cielo, Creme Fraiche) have had a DI above 4.00. This is in direct contrast to stakes winners in general, of which about one-quarter to one-third have a DI greater than 4.00 and for which the average DI is slightly above 4.00.

eighth — an eighth of a mile; a furlong; 220 yards; 660 feet.

entry — two or more horses representing the same owner and/or trainer and run-ning together as a single betting entity. (See Coupled.)

exacta — a wager in which the bettor must pick the first- and second-place horse in the exact order.

exacta box — a multiple horse wager in which the bettor bets all possible out-comes for the horses selected to finish first and second. For example, a 1-2-3 horse exacta box is actually betting on six different outcomes: 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2. A $2 exacta box costs $12, $2 for each combination.

exotic wager — also called a combination wager; a wager that involves two or more horses.

far turn — the turn or bend in the racetrack opposite the first or clubhouse turn.

fast (track) — condition of the track surface whereby the footing is dry, even, and resilient.

field — mutuel field; one or more starters running coupled as a single betting unit. Usually horses determined to have a small chance to win are grouped in the “field.” Also used as a term for all the horses in a race.

filly — a female Thoroughbred that has not reached her fifth birth date or has not been bred.

firm (track) — condition of turf course surface corresponding to a fast surface on the dirt or main track.

first turn — the bend of track beyond starting point. Also known as the clubhouse turn.

flat race — a contest on level ground as opposed to a hurdle race, a steeplechase, or a harness race.


foul — an action by a horse or a jockey that hinders or interferes with another horse or jockey in the running of a race.

fractional time — intermediate times in a race. For example, a quarter-mile after the start, half-mile, three-quarters, etc.

front-runner — a horse whose usual running style is to get to the lead or near the lead soon after the start of the race and stay there as long as possible.

full brother (or sister) — horses that have the same sire and dam.

furlong — one-eighth of a mile; 220 yards; 660 feet.

Gelding — a male horse that has been castrated.

Good (track) — condition of track surface between fast and slow as surface dries out.

Graded stakes — the richest, most prestigious races in North American racing. Graded stakes race designation is awarded by the American Graded Stakes Committee, which assigns a grade level of I, II, or III, depending on past field quality, among other factors. American races were first graded in 1973.

Granddam — the grandmother of a horse.

Grandsire — the grandfather of a horse.

Gray — a horse’s coat color that is composed of a mixture of black and white hairs. Beginning with foals of 1993, The Jockey Club classifies a gray horse as “gray/roan.”

Group race — also known as pattern races; the overseas equivalent of graded stakes.

Half brother (sister) — horses that have the same dam. Does not apply to horses that share only the same sire.

Hand — the unit of measure commonly used to indicate the height of a horse from the ground to the top of its withers. A hand is equal to four inches.

Handicap — a race in which the racing secretary determines the weight each horse will carry according to his assessment of the horse’s ability relative to the other horses in the field. The more talented the horse the more weight he would carry to give each horse a theoretically equal chance of winning.

Handicapper — someone who handicaps races, officially or privately; expert who makes selections for publication. Also, name given to the racing secretary who assigns weights for handicaps at his track. Also, a horse that usually runs in handicap races.


Handicapping — the study of all factors in past performances to determine the relative qualities of horses in a race in order to place a bet. These factors include distance, weight, track conditions, trainers, jockeys, breeding, etc.

Handle (mutuel) — the amount of money bet on a race, a daily card, or the total amount bet during the meeting, season, or year at a track.

High weight — highest weight assigned or carried in a race.

Homebred — a horse bred by its owner.

Horse — any Thoroughbred regardless of sex; specifically, an intact male, five years old or older or any male that has been bred.

inquiry — when track stewards review the video replay of a race looking for a foul or other infraction of the rules of racing, usually after a jockey has filed an objec-tion or complaint. Also, a sign flashed on the tote board on such occasions to alert bettors to hold their tickets until the race is made official.

in the money — when a horse finishes either first, second, or third.

intertrack wagering — ITW; wagering on a simulcast race from another track.

Jockey — a professional race rider.

the Jockey club — the official registry of the American Thoroughbred. Incorporated in 1894 in New York City, The Jockey Club maintains the American Stud Book, a register of all Thoroughbreds foaled in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Jumper — a steeplechase or hurdle horse.

Juvenile — a two-year-old horse.

key horse — a single horse used in multiple combinations in an exotic wager. For example, in a Pick 3 race, in which a bettor is picking the winners of three con-secutive races, he might pick 1-2-3 in the first race, 5 in the second race because it is a heavy favorite, and 6-7 in the third race. The 5 horse in the second race is the key horse.

lasix — the former brand name for furosemide, a diuretic commonly administered to racehorses. Denoted in programs by an “L”; the medication's brand name for horses is now Salix. The medication is given to prevent the rupture of capillaries in the lungs while racing. Horses that have this condition are called “bleeders.”

late double — a second daily double offered during the latter part of the race card.

lay-up — a racehorse sent from the racetrack to a farm or training center to recu-perate from injury or illness or to be rested.


lead — the leading leg of a horse. A horse usually leads with his inside leg (the left leg in American racing) around turns and with his opposite leg on straightaways.

length — a measurement approximating the length of a horse from nose to tail, about eight feet. Distance between horses in a race; calculated as one-fifth of a second in terms of time.

listed race — an ungraded stakes race.

maiden — a racehorse of either sex that has never won a race; a female horse that has never been bred. Also, a race classification open only to horses that have never won a race.

mare — a female Thoroughbred five years old or older, or younger if she has been bred.

medication list — a list maintained by the track’s veterinarian and published by the track showing which horses have been treated with legally prescribed medications.

minus pool — a mutuel pool caused when a horse is so heavily bet that after deduc-tions of state tax and commission, there is not enough money left to pay the legally prescribed minimum on each winning bet. The racetrack usually makes up the difference.

morning line — odds quoted in the official program at the track and are the odds at which betting opens.

mudder — a horse that runs best on a muddy or soft track.

muddy (track) — condition of track surface that is wet but has no standing water.

mutuel pool — pari-mutuel pool; sum of the wagers on a race or event, such as the win pool, exacta pool, etc.

mutuel window — a place at a racetrack or other betting facility where a person goes to make a wager or to collect winnings.

near side — left side of a horse; a horse is mounted from this side.

oaks — a stakes event for three-year-old fillies.

objection — a claim of foul lodged by one jockey against another.

odds-on — a payoff that would be less than even money.

off side — right side of a horse.

off track — a track that is not fast.


official — a sign displayed on the tote borad when results of a race are confirmed. Also, a term for a racing official, like a steward or patrol judge.

off the board — describes a horse that finishes worse than third.

off-track betting — OTB; wagering at legalized betting outlets away from a race-track. Wagers at OTBs are usually commingled with on-track betting pools.

on the board — describes a horse that finishes first, second, or third. Means the same as in the money.

out of the money — a horse that finishes worse than third. Means the same as off the board.

overlay — a horse whose odds are greater than its potential to win. You may see a horse whose morning line odds are 4-1, which is a reflection of the track handicappers assessment of the horse's ability to win. Before the race, the actual wagering may have increased this horse's odds to 6-1. The betting pub-lic doesn't like this horse as much as the track handicapper. This horse is an overlay.

overnight — a sheet published by the racing secretary’s office listing the entries for an upcoming race card.

overnight race — a race in which entries close a specific number of hours before running (ex: 48 hours), as opposed to a stakes race for which nominations close weeks or months in advance.

Pacesetter — a horse that is running in front or on the lead.

Paddock — area where horses are saddled and paraded before a race.

Pari-mutuel — the form of wagering existing at all U.S. tracks today in which odds are determined by the amount of money bet on each horse. In essence, bettors are competing against each other not against the track, which acts as an agent, taking a commission on each bet to cover purses, taxes, and operating expenses.

Parlay — a multi-race bet in which winnings are subsequently bet on each succeed-ing race.

Part-wheel — using a key horse(s) in different, but not all possible, exotic wagering combinations.

Past performances — a line-by-line listing of a horse’s race record, plus earnings, connections, bloodlines, and other pertinent information.

Patrol judges — officials who observe the progress of a race from various vantage points around the racing strip.


Pedigree — a written record of a Thoroughbred’s family tree.

Photo finish — a result so close that the stewards have to review the finish-line photo to determine the order of finish.

Pick (number) — a type of multi-race wager in which the winners of designated races must be picked. Ex: pick three, pick six.

Placed — finishing second or third in a race. A stakes-placed horse is one that has finished second or third in a stakes but has not won a stakes.

Place bet — a wager in which the bettor collects if the horse finishes first or second. However, if the horse wins, the bettor receives only the place payout.

Plater — a horse that runs in claiming races.

Points of call — a horse’s position at various locations on the racetrack where its running position is noted on a chart. The locations vary with the race distance and usually correspond to the fractional times also noted on the chart.

Pole — markers placed at measured distances around the track and identified by distance from the finish line. Ex: The quarter pole is a quarter of a mile from the finish.

Pool — the total money bet on entire field to win, place, and show.

Post parade — horses going from the paddock to the starting gate (post), parading past the stands.

Post position — a position in the starting gate from which a horse breaks. Numbered from the rail outward.

Post time — the designated time for a race to start.

Prep — training; an event that precedes another, more important, engagement.

Purse — a race for money or other prize to which the owners do not contribute.

quinella — a two-horse wager in which either horse can finish first or second.

rabbit — a speed horse running as an entry with another, usually late-running horse. The rabbit is expected to set a fast pace to help tire out the horses with early speed and set up the race to help its stablemate’s chances.

race-day medication — medication given on race day; most medications, with the exception of Lasix, are prohibited in almost all racing jurisdictions.

racing secretary — an official who drafts conditions for races, writes the condition book, and usually serves as handicapper.


restricted race — a race restricted to certain starters either because of their state of birth or their previous winnings.

roan — a horse’s coat color that is a mixture of red and white hairs or brown and white hairs. The Jockey Club classifies this color under the label “gray/roan.”

route — broadly, a race distance of longer than a mile and an eighth.

run down — when the pasterns of a horse hit the track in a race or workout, caus-ing abrasions. Also a bandage to prevent injury from running down.

saddle cloth — a cloth under the saddle on which the number denoting the horse’s post position is displayed for races. Saddle cloths are now color coded so it is easier to following specific number in a race. For example, the 1 horse is always red, 2 is always white, and 3 is always blue.

scale of weights — fixed imposts to be carried by horses in a race, determined according to age, sex, season, and distance.

scratch — to remove a horse from a race before the race goes off.

show — third position at the finish.

show bet — a wager in which the bettor collects if his horse finishes first, second, or third, but he only collects the show payout.

silks — the jacket and cap worn by riders.

simulcast — a live television transmission of a race to other tracks, off-track betting facilities, or other outlets for wagering.

sire — the father of a horse; a stallion that has produced a foal that has won a race.

sixteenth — one-sixteenth of a mile; a half-furlong; 110 yards; 330 feet.

sloppy (track) — condition of track surface in which it is saturated with water and standing water is visible.

slow (track) — condition of track surface in which the surface and base are both wet.

soft (track) — condition of the turf course with a large amount of moisture.

sophomore — a three-year-old horse.

soundness — term used to denote a Thoroughbred’s health and freedom from disease or injury. A horse that has not physical ailments is said to be sound.


speed figure — a handicapping statistic used to assign a numerical value to a horse’s performance. Speed figures are designed to be comparable with the per-formances of other horses at other tracks under similar conditions. Meaning a horse that runs a 100 speed figure at a mile at Track A should have comparable ability to a horse with a 100 speed figure on Track B. See Beyer speed figure for background on the first commonly used statistic of this type.

sprint — a race distance of less than one mile in Thoroughbred racing.

stakes — the highest class of race. A race in which an entry fee is paid by the own-ers of the horses starting and those entry fees are added to the purse; thus, a stakes is often referred to as an added-money race. Also, invitational races (no entry fee required) with a large purse (usually $50,000 or more) are regarded as stakes races.

stakes-placed — when a horse finishes second or third in a stakes.

stakes horse — a horse that competes mainly in stakes race but that may not have actually won a stakes.

stallion — an intact male horse used for the purpose of breeding.

starter — a racing official in charge of the starting gate. A horse that runs in a race.

starter allowance — a particular kind of race written to allow claiming horses that have improved from their earlier form to run in a non-claiming event.

starter handicap — the same type of race as a starter allowance except that the horses are assigned weights by the handicapper rather than determining them from allowance conditions.

state-bred — a horse bred and/or foaled in a particular state in a manner that meets all the criteria set down by state law and racing commission rules, and thus is eligible to compete in special races.

stayer — a horse that can run long distances.

stewards — racing officials who uphold the rules of racing at a racetrack. They answer to the state racing commission, and their decisions can be appealed to that body.

steeplechase — a race in which horses jump over a series of obstacles on a turf course.

straight wager — a wager to win, place, or show.

stretch — the homestretch; straightaway portion of a racetrack in front of the grandstand.


stretch runner — a horse that runs its fastest nearing the finish of a race.

superfecta — a wager in which the bettor must pick the first four finishers in a race in exact order.

takeout (take) — commission deducted from mutuel pools that is shared by the track, horsemen, and the state.

thoroughbred — a distinctive breed of horse used for flat and steeplechase racing.

tongue-tie — a strap or tape bandage used to tie down a horse’s tongue to prevent it from choking him in a race or workout.

top line — a Thoroughbred’s breeding on the sire’s side (sire line). Also, the visual line created by the horse’s back.

top weight — the high weight in a race.

totalizator — an intricate machine that sells betting tickets, records total of straight win, place, and show pools, and keeps track of amount bet on each horse in the three categories; shows odds to win on each horse in the field and complete pay-offs after the finish.

tote board — the electronic totalizator display in the infield, which presents up-to-the-minute odds. It also may show the amounts wagered in each mutuel pool as well as information on jockey and equipment changes, etc.

track bias — a racing surface that seems to favor a particular running style, such as front-running, or position, such as the rail.

track record — fastest time at various distances made at a particular course.

trifecta — a wager in which the bettor must pick the first three finishers in a race in exact order.

trifecta box — a trifecta wager in which all possible combinations using a given number of horses are bet upon.

turf — grass as opposed to dirt racing surfaces; when capitalized in a sentence, denotes the entire racing industry.

turn downs — rear shoes that are turned down three-quarters of an inch to an inch at the ends to provide better traction on an off track. This kind of shoe is illegal in some racing jurisdictions.

underlay — a horse bet at shorter odds than would appear warranted judging by its past performances.

walkover — a race in which only one horse competes after all others are scratched or no other horses are entered.


Track Code Racetrack Location

alB Albuquerque Albuquerque, New Mexicoaqu Aqueduct Jamaica, New YorkarP Arapahoe Park Aurora, ColoradoaP Arlington International Arlington Heights,Illinoisasd Assiniboia Downs Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadaatl Atlantic City Atlantic City, New JerseyBm Bay Meadows San Mateo, CaliforniaBmf Bay Meadows Fair San Mateo, CaliforniaBel Belmont Park Elmont, New YorkBeu Beulah Park Grove City, OhioBrd Blue Ribbon Downs SalliSaw, Oklahomacrc Calder Race Course Miami, FloridaceG Calgary Calgary, Alberta,CanadacBy Canterbury Park Shakopee, Minnesotact Charles Town Charles Town, West Virginiacd Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentuckycnl Colonial Downs Richmond, Virginiadmr Del Mar Del Mar, Californiadel Delaware Park Wilmington, Delawareded Delta Downs Vinton, LouisianaelP Ellis Park Henderson, Kentuckyemd Emerald Downs Auburn, Washingtonevd Evangeline Downs Lafayette, LouisianafG Fair Grounds NEw Orleans, Louisiana

washy — when a horse breaks out in a nervous sweat before a race.

weight-for-age — fixed scale of weights to be carried by horses according to age, sex, distance of race, and month.

wheel — betting all possible combinations in an exotic wager using at least one horse as the key.

wire-to-wire — to lead in a race from the gate to the finish line.

work — to exercise a horse; a workout.

yielding — condition of the turf course with a lot of moisture in it causing horses to sink into it noticeably.

SECTION 4 Track AbbreviationsRACETRACkS AND TRAiNiNG CENTERS



fmt Fair Meadows Tulsa, OklahomafP Fairmount Park Collinsville, IllinoisfPx Fairplex Park Pomona, Californiafer Ferndale Ferndale, Californiafl Finger Lakes Farmington, New Yorkfon Fonner Park Grand Island, Nebraskafe Fort Erie Fort Erie, Ontario, Canadafno Fresno Fresno, CaliforniaGs Garden State Park Cherry Hill, New JerseyGPr Grand Prairie Alberta, CanadaGP Gulfstream Park Hallandale, FloridaHst Hastings Park Vancouver, Br. Col., CanadaHaw HawthoRne Chicago, IllinoisHia Hialeah Park Hialeah, FloridaHol Hollywood Park Inglewood, CaliforniaHoo Hoosier Park Anderson, Indianaind Indiana Downs Shelbyville, Indianakee Keeneland Lexington, Kentuckykd Kentucky Downs KentuckykHc Ky Horse Ctr Trng Ctr Kentuckylrl Laurel Race Course Baltimore, Marylandls Lone Star Park Texasla Los Alamitos Los Alamitos, Californialad Louisana Downs Bossier City, Louisianamed Meadowlands East Rutherford, New JerseymtH Monmouth Park OceanPort, New Jerseymnr Mountaineer Park Chester, West VirginianP Northlands Park Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaoP Oaklawn Park Hot Springs, Arkansasotc Ocala Training Center Ocala, FloridaPay Payson Park Trng Ctr FloridaPen Penn National Grantville, PennsylvaniaPHa Philadelphia Park Bensalem, PennsylvaniaPim Pimlico Baltimore, MarylandPnl Pinnacle Race Course New Boston, MiPln Pleasanton Pleasanton, CaliforniaPm Portland Meadows Portland, OregonPmf Portland Meadows Fair Portland, OregonPrm Prairie Meadows Altoona, IowaPid Presque Isle Downs PennsylvaniarP Remington Park Oklahoma City, Oklahomaret Retama Park Selma, Texasril Rillito Tucson, Arizonard River Downs Cincinnati, Ohiorkm Rockingham Park Salem, New Hampshirerui Ruidoso Downs Ruidoso, New Mexicosac Sacramento Sacramento, CaliforniaHou Sam Houston Houston, Texas



slr San Luis Rey Downs T/Ctr Californiasa Santa Anita Park Arcadia, Californiasfe Santa Fe Downs Santa Fe, New Mexicosr Santa Rosa Santa Rosa, Californiasar Saratoga Saratoga Springs, New Yorksas Saskatoon Saskatoon, Saskatch., Canadsol Solano Vallejo, Californiastp Stampede Park Edmonton, Alberta, Canadastk Stockton Stockton, Californiasuf Suffolk Downs East Boston, Massachusettssrp Sun Ray Park Farmington, New Mexicotam Tampa Bay Downs Tampa, Floridatdn Thistledown North Randall, Ohiotim Timonium Timonium, MarylandtuP Turf Paradise Phoenix, ArizonatP Turfway Park Florence, Kentuckywrd Will Rogers Downs Claremore, Oklahomawo Woodbine Rexdale, Ontario, Canadayav Yavapai Downs Prescott, ArizonaZia Zia Park New Mexico

odds Payoff

1-9 $2.20

1-5 $2.40

2-5 $2.80

1-2 $3.00

3-5 $3.20

4-5 $3.60

1-1 (even money) $4.00

6-5 $4.40

7-5 $4.80

3-2 $5.00

8-5 $5.20

9-5 $5.60

Listed below are the payoffs for a $2 bet made for the corresponding odds. In horse racing, what you win includes both the amount you wagered plus the profits from a winning wager.

SECTION 5 Mutuel Payoffs

odds Payoff

2-1 $6.00

5-2 $7.00

3-1 $8.00

7-2 $9.00

4-1 $10.00

9-2 $11.00

5-1 $12.00

6-1 $14.00

7-1 $16.00

8-1 $18.00

9-1 $20.00

10-1 $22.00

Handicapping Helpful Tips - The Blood-Horse · Handicapping Helpful Tips for THorougHbred racing...

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Transcript of Handicapping Helpful Tips - The Blood-Horse · Handicapping Helpful Tips for THorougHbred racing...