Watch Live Horse Racing While most of us are confined to visiting the races on our home turf, there are those of us who are privileged to attend some of the significant international events and races that take place each year at various locations in different countries across the globe
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Horse Racing Strategy
Whether you enjoy participating in fantasy horse racing or wagering on the real deal, you’ll likely already be working on a few racing strategies to ensure that your chances of success are as high as possible. Those in the know will tell you that horse betting is better not left to chance, as you will need to understand handicapping and other horse racing systems to ensure that you make more money than you lose. So have a look through our horse racing strategy pages and see if you can refine your horse betting process in any possible way.
Totesport Ebor Betting Preview
While no three-year-old has made the cut this year, thus robbing the race of its best horse in Harris Tweed (arguably), 20 top handicappers still line up and an exciting contest is assured. And one horse I'm particularly looking forward to seeing strut his stuff on the Knavesmire is the seven-year-old Overturn (13/2 Betfred), who is proving to be a revelation in 2010. Since getting his head in front for the first time over hurdles at Ayr in early March, he's won a further four times, including big-race victories in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, Northumberland Plate and last time out in the Guineas Galway Hurdle.
This represents his toughest task to date and older horses like him have a poor record in the Ebor, but he could be something special and, while his jumps rating has gone up 59lb, he remains well-weighted in this sphere off a mark just 6lb higher than what he carried to victory at Newcastle. He's going to have to do it the hard way from the front - such is his style of racing - and that won't be easy in the most competitive staying handicap of the season, but he's not short of pace and can quicken off the front as well, in which case he's going to be tough to pass.
The other well-handicapped horse in the race is Martyr (13/2 Totesport), who has won since the publication of the weights and is 6lb well-in here compared to future races. The Goodwood race he won last time has produced recent Ebor winners Mephisto and Sergeant Cecil so he's an obvious contender, although his turf wins have come on good to firm ground (currently good). Elyaadi (11/1 Betfred) has won with cut but he too prefers faster ground as he showed when chasing home Junior in the Ascot Stakes last time. off a 2lb lower mark.
Fortuni (8/1 general) won a decent handicap at Epsom back in June from Cill Rialaig, who franked the form when going one better in the Duke of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot two weeks later. An 11lb rise makes life tougher, though. Hillview Boy (11/1 William Hill) has been strongly supported in recent days and it's easy to see why as he has good form on soft ground and ran a cracker when fourth to Wigmore Hall (getting 11lb) in the John Smith's Cup last time out. However, he's now on a career-high mark of 99 and carries the same weight as Overturn, who looks more progressive.
Horse Racing Rookie
Image via WikipediaBREAD and butter, but with some jam on top for one new owner, who celebrated his first winner with his first horse. Peter Green, who spent 40 years working in the sugar industry, proudly led Barton Sun into the winner's enclosure enclosure (inclosure) n. land bounded by a fence, wall, hedge, ditch or other physical evidence of boundary. Unfortunately, too often these creations are not included among the actual legally-described boundaries and cause legal problems.ENCLOSURE. after the gelding's success under Graham Lee in the 2m 1/2 f handicap chase. Green, who hails from Droitwich, was thrilled by his winner, carrying the colours of One Day Rodney Racing. "We got him last year and even though he won for us, I always felt he was taking time to settle in," he said. "We've backed off him in his preparation and I reckon reck·on v. reck·oned, reck·on·ing, reck·ons
1. To count or compute: reckon the cost. See Synonyms at calculate.2. he was only 70 per cent fit today. But maybe that's suited him. He's certainly better undercooked than overcooked, that's for sure." Murphy had been buoyed during the morning by New Alco's final gallop before Saturday's Hennessy. "He did a brilliant bit of work. I couldn't be happier," added the trainer. Sunday City made it third time lucky when opening his account over fences in the 2m4f beginners' chase. Donald McCain's six-year-old, left in front along the back straight when long-time leader Monsieur hit the deck, was never seriously threatened thereafter, and he galloped home with nine lengths to spare in the safe hands of Jason Maguire. McCain said: "He was a bit unlucky to fall on his chasing debut at Bangor, and I just don't think he liked Carlisle last time. But he's done it well here and winning like that will help his confidence. "He was a 130 hurdler, and he's useful." Neil King saddled his second winner on the course when Thehonourablelady ran out a cosy winner of the 2m4f mares' handicap hurdle HURDLE, Eng. law. A species of sledge, used to draw traitors to execution. under a confident ride from Alex Merriam, who is good value for his 7lb claim.
Five Top Things for Horse Rase
Though simulcast wagering and satellite coverage of horse racing has done so much for the worldwide following of the sport, there are free horse racing tips that veterans collect from race tracks that novices may overlook when they follow events from a distance. Workouts a day before an important competition, for example can tell a keen punter so much about race outcomes the next day. Betting odds can be affected without such vital information. These are matters for satellite networks and video counters to consider if they wish to build up growing and sustainable following for their investments by bringing horse racing from abroad to local punters. Here are 5 top things to look for or to find out before you decide on serious horse racing betting.
1. Trainers often use fairly strenuous but short duration work outs to let excited colts work off excess energy, so that they reach peak form the day before a key event. This calls for a good understanding of a horse's temperament. Most of them are moody and stay at top levels for short bursts. Trainers have to hold back so that they reach the pinnacles of their forms not earlier than a day before the race. You should therefore consider bursts of speed that a horse is able to achieve on straights compared with its best known speed trips.
2. Some horses are not ready for noise and crowds. There can be big gaps between performance in the peace of a farm and what is achieved in the heat of battle. Close observation of horses as they are loaded and in the presence of crews, as well as the movement of its ears can tell you whether a horse is relaxed and confident, or whether it feels ill at ease and is easily distracted. Similarly, gait and stride give away signs of persistent damage from past injuries or may indicate vulnerability to breaking stride or a tendency to hang. It helps to get inputs from people who have opportunities to watch horses exercising without the trainer or owner knowing that you are observing matters.
3. Have you taken race track conditions in to account? Is there a chance of an overnight shower which will make the turf wet and put heavier loads at a disadvantage? Some tracks even water sections intentionally in very dry weather. Wind conditions can call for additional endurance and cunning to break away from the pack. Track conditions matter most for horses which have just traveled in from abroad or even from distant places in the same country. Horses which are familiar with a track, especially the bends, and which are fully acclimatized with local conditions, are always at an advantage.
4. Top race horses are vulnerable to infections, especially in stables with poor hygiene and relatively unrestricted access. Rules allow quite a few medications to be administered right up to the day of a race. Racing sheets should mention this, but it is always better to double check before placing sports bets in horse racing.
5. Last minute declarations also require close scrutiny. Though race horses love competition, a change in the number and nature of horses at the starting gate can upset calculations. Owners do not resort to sudden declarations without good reason, and it always pays to know what it is before you place bets on wins and places!
2010 Whitney Handicap Invitational
Image via Wikipediasix talented horses will enter the starting gates of the Whitney Handicap Invitational, which is set to be a showdown to remember. With posts drawn and contenders gearing up for a spectacular performance, the stage is set for one of the most prestigious Grade 1 horse racing events of the season. The race will be hosted by the Saratoga Racecourse and there will be eleven races on the card, with the Whitney Handicap Invitational being the tenth race for the day. The Whitney Handicap Invitational is a race for older horses and carries a purse amount of $750 000. It will be the 83rd year that the race is being held and the favorites for the race have already been established. The six contenders in this year's event are: Mine That Bird, who drew post 1 and is ridden by Calvin Borel; Blame and jockey Garrett Gomez will be leaving from post 2; Johnny Velazquez and Quality Road will be in post 3; Haynesfield and Ramon Dominguez drew post 4; Julien Leparoux will be riding Jardim on Saturday out of post 5; with Rajiv Maragh and Musket Man in post 6. Quality Road, trained by Todd Pletcher, is one of the horses thought to stand the best chance of winning as he has brilliant victories to his name, such as the Amsterdam Stakes, Metropolitan Mile and Donn Handicap. There is only one stumbling block when it comes to Quality Road, and that is muddy tracks. But if the weather stays clear and the track remains dry on Saturday, there should not be any reason for Quality Road's performance to be anything less than spectacular.Blame, on the other hand, is another horse to look out for, as he has won six of his career starts and has not lost either one of his races this year. He comfortably won the Stephen Foster, which was held at Churchill Downs, and prior to this race he enjoyed victory at Pimlico Racecourse in the William Donald Schaefer Stakes. Al Stall, Blame’s trainer, has only praise for his horse, saying: "We gave him a tremendous break during the winter, we let him mature, let his pedigree take over, let him develop on his own, brought him back meticulously.
Fiarmount Park Horse Racing
Image via WikipediaFairmount Park has long held its position as one of the top racetracks in the State of Illinois. It is home to the Fairmount Derby which is widely considered to be one of the best races in the country. The legacy of the Fairmount Derby started right near the beginning of the track’s history and it certainly has not lost popularity over the years. Construction on the racetrack originally began in 1924 under the direction of Culflash & Edwards. However, a number of complications arose and the track was only completed the following year by Colonel Bradley and Matt Winn. The track was fashioned after the already renowned Churchill Downs and as a result is a favourite when training for meets at Churchill Downs.
The track is roughly one mile in length and it takes the shape of the classic racing oval. It has a clay and sand surface which ensures a springy surface in good weather. There are two chutes – one caters for six furlong races and the other provides room for 1 ¼ mile races. The homestretch is roughly 1,050 ft and the track is between 70 and 80 ft wide. There are 1,080 stalls, 22 barns and enough seating on the grandstand for 2,198 people.When you’re not watching the races you can enjoy some great food at any one of the three restaurants. On the first floor of the clubhouse you’ll find the First Turn Café while on the second floor you’ll find the Black Stallion Dining Room. The Top of the Turf restaurant offers delectable dishes served in exquisite style and it is located on the third floor. Together these restaurants can cater to about 950 people. There is also enough parking for 4,140 cars and simulcast racing is available. Races take place between March and September and make for great fun.
Arlington Park Horse Racing Track in Illinois
Image via Wikipedia a long and prestigious history at the centre of the horse racing community in the Chicago region of Illinois. Situated in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the racetrack was once one of six racetracks in the area – the largest number of horse tracks in any metropolitan area at that time. It not only has a reputation for being the first site of a million-dollar purse horse race, but also of being a technology leader in the horse racing industry.Arlington Park has enjoyed a number of technological firsts in the racing industry over the years. For example, it was the first track to install a public address system. It was also the first to employ Clem McCarty, a pioneering race caller at the time. An electronic totalisator enabled less time to be spent between races while a photo finish camera installed in 1936 ensured that there was no doubt as to who had won the race. The first electric starting gate was installed at the track in 1940 and the largest closed circuit TV was installed in 1967. Today, despite a minor setback between 1985 and 1989 when a fire destroyed the facility, the racetrack still enjoys competent management and presents a number of championship races. Current races include the legendary Arlington Million, the American Derby, the Washington Park Handicap, the Arlington Classic Stakes and the Pucker Up Stakes.The track is 1 1/8 mile in length and takes the form of a dirt-surfaced oval. There is also a smaller one-mile turf oval. The facilities are fairly large and the track can seat as many as 50,000 people with room for extension. There is also enough stabling for 2,000 horses and plenty of great facilities to cater to trainers, jockeys and owners as well as the general public.Del Mar Horse Racing
- Hat Contest: Although fancy hats are the theme through the entire summer’s races, The Opening Day One and Only Truly Fabulous Hat Contest is well known and gives everyone an excuse to throw on the fanciest hat they can find. The competition has four categories: Most Glamorous, Best Fresh Flowers, Best Racing Theme and Funniest/Most Outrageous. Check out past fashion for some ideas on what you should wear this year.
- 4 O’ Clock Fridays: If you are a fan of free live music, don’t miss the races on Fridays. After the last race on Friday people rush from the grandstands to grab a good spot for the free concert that day. Bands like Pinback (July 23) and The English Beat (September 3) will be rocking the Seaside Stage at Del Mar. Saturday concerts at the Infield Stage will be hosting great shows as well including Weezer (August 21), The B52s (August 6), and the Reggae Festival (August 14) to name a few.
- Donut Days: July 24 and August 21 from 8-10am will host the “Donut Days” where you can get a behind-the-scenes look into the life of thoroughbred racing. Guests jockeys and trainers will be speaking while you are watching the horses warm up for their big race that day.
- Free and Easy Wednesday: Are you on a tight budget this year? The Del Mar Horse Races understands and is helping out by offering free admission on Wednesdays along with a free program and half price beer, soda, and hot dogs at the concession stands. The only trick is that you need to sign up for the free Diamond Club membership which will give you even more great savings.
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