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 HANDICAPPING NY TRACKS

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Speed Angle: Most handicappers use the Beyer Speed Figures or Speed ratings.

Fraction Handicapping: This one is one that I use to a certain extent. It used to involve some time and math skills and the results are worth it. But now the Daily racing Form has a program called “Formulator” that reads the Past Performances and does the math for you. This IS NOT a program that handicaps for you, it is basically a “viewer” if you will. In a nut shell fraction handicapping is breaking down a race into 3 or 4 parts, depending on the length of the race. And calculating the times for each horse in each “leg” of the race. It is very useful to spot early or late, closing speed.

Class: This is a term used to describe the competition a horse may be facing in a race. You will hear people say “I like this horse because he is taking a huge drop in class.” this means the level of competition is less than what the horse has previously faced. The reverse can also be true, a horse could be “moving up in class.” In order to understand this you need to understand some levels of “class.”

1 and 1/16 Miles, Allowance optional claiming, purse 50,000 for four year olds and upward which have never won three races other than maiden, claiming or starter, or restricted or which have never won four races or optional claiming price of $100,000. Weight 123 lbs. Non-winners of $20,400 at a mile or over since March 26th allowed 3 lbs. Non-winners of a race at a mile or over since then allowed 5 lbs.
The above conditions are pretty typical to what you will see.

Jockey / Trainer Angles: This is one that I also look at. I like to see a jock that may have had previous success on a horse, come back, once again get the mount and preferably the same distance. Horses are like people and sometimes a jock and horse connect, sometimes they don’t. Trainer angles are equally used; you can look and see the Trainer percentages with different equipment change, track surfaces, 1st time Lasix, etc.

Equipment Blinkers On: horses generally show much more early speed after adding blinkers.

Blinkers off with added distance: this is one that you seldom hear, a horse removing blinkers and stretching out in distance. This could be a very profitable angle, due to the fact horses are more relaxed without blinkers, therefore a more relaxed horse will more than likely be able to handle the distance.

Rested Horse with sudden class hike: horses are not rested for no reason, it is due to injury or illness. After they have recovered, and you see a good class hike, they are expecting this horse to pop. This is a good “longshot” angle.

Breeding: this one is widely overused, and talked about. It can be a good tool, some people just get to carried away by “who’s his Daddy”. Each horse needs to be handicapped on his on success and failures, not his Daddy’s.

Trip Handicapping: this is mostly used by the professional, who will make “trip notes” on each race. Whether a horse went 4 wide, had traffic problems, etc. It can be a very good angle though.