| There are many very smart people who handicap | | | | board and spotting a live horse, you may be missing |
| horse races. There are also many people who aren't | | | | other horses that are ready to win. In other words, |
| so smart who handicap and bet on horse races. All | | | | just be cause the stables usually bet their horses the |
| the bets, the smart ones and the not so smart ones | | | | same way when they know they have a live one, |
| get pooled together and are noted on the tote | | | | you don't have to be a "one trick pony." There are |
| board. | | | | different ways to spot money in the pools that is |
| Tote board watchers try to follow the money to | | | | smart money. It starts with keeping notes for a few |
| see when a horse is receiving smart money. They | | | | weeks until you get to know how each stable bets |
| realize that though past performances are important, | | | | its horses. |
| there are many factors involved in horse racing that | | | | If you know that stable A is a win only stable, then |
| can't be found on paper. | | | | you will look for their money in the win pool. If on |
| For instance, when a trainer has made a change in a | | | | the other hand, you know they also go for the |
| horse's training and sees a marked improvement in | | | | exactas and doubles, you'll look for an inordinate |
| the animal, he or she may tell the owners who keep | | | | amount of money on the horse in those pools. If |
| the stable afloat financially that the horse looks good. | | | | their horse should be at 20-1 according to your |
| The owners, otherwise known as the stable, will then | | | | handicapping and yet, the horse is at 5-1 and the |
| take advantage of that information and bet the | | | | exactas with that horse are lower than they should |
| horse. How they bet it will depend upon several | | | | be, then you know the horse is live. |
| factors. | | | | The point is that you have to observe the |
| If they think it will win, they may bet it to win and | | | | differences in the stables and then watch for them |
| win only. On the other hand, they may spread the | | | | to make their moves. Keep a list of each stable's |
| money through the pools because they think it may | | | | betting habits and you will know what you are |
| not be the best horse in the race or just because | | | | looking for in the pools. Knowing how to follow the |
| they like to back their bets up. Each stable may have | | | | money and watch the board is one of the most |
| its own unique way of betting its horses. | | | | important talents a horse racing handicapper can |
| So if you have only one way of watching the tote | | | | develop. |