Seeking a 'jump' in class (wager-wise)

While I wait for the chalk days to pass at my favorite tracks, here is what I am thinking:

It's often  difficult for me to remember  that the the main goal of horse racing wagering is to make the most money, possible.   I get so caught up in the workings and  success of the process that I sometimes relegate profit to second position in importance.  That's easy to do with the move system paying humongous prices, overall.  But, when I pick my head up out of the sand, I still haven't discovered  the one factor that will permit me to  'load up' once a day or week to make the big score. Then, sit on my hands until the next one.

The expert advice has always been: bet fewer, bet larger. In my thirty-years-plus, I have never been able to do it. Probably, it's a matter of not having the insight or the time to discover 'a true 'confident wager' at respectable odds.

The largest wager I've made in years, was $50 to win on Orb in The Derby. Even that, was a saver to ensure I didn't lose money on the five large derby-doubles I was alive with.  It did what it was supposed to–with an $180 profit.  Hindsight, being what it is, I could have used part of the wager for  a $1 exacta  and shown a larger profit.  

Still trying to move up in class where wagers are concerned.

Profiting from 'The Rosario Effect'

As expected, everyone wants to get aboard for the ride. I am surprised that the New York betting public isn't wiser. Joel Rosario can't win every race.  But he's being bet down to 1-2-3/5 on anything. 

 I extolled the virtue of this rider in my blog on April 8 ; advancing him to automatic status at Churchill Downs–where he won the riding title..  Since then, he took the Derby aboard Orb and transferred his tack to the big leagues of NYRA.  I have no doubt he will hold his own, here,  among the best riders in the world.

In the meantime, Rosario is a boon for those of us who believe in reading the form before making a bet.  I have caught surprisingly good prices on several logical winners only because Rosario was riding something else in the race. He is automatically over-bet.  People will eventually catch on Personally, I hope it's later than sooner. 

Kentucky Derby? A Cautious Day for me

Sometimes I get so caught up in the selection process that I lose perspective.  It's on 'big' race days –The Kentucky Derby, The Breeders Cup–that I reverently remember that this game offers me an opportunity to make money. 

I've said it before and will repeat it for new readers.  There most difficult  races to handicap are fields of  the worst horses--or the best horses.

So Many, a 'mover' on the Oaks Day undercard.

As much as i enjoy the history, pageantry and hoopla, I am determined not to lose bundles of money on big race days where every horse looks as good as every other. My typical strategy is to select two numbers for exacta boxes throughout the day ($40).  Then, I study the undercard to see if a real wagering opportunity exists.

Overall, it's a day to watch the 'experts' make like weathermen without a satellite. After months of analysis, interviews with trainers, visits to the barn, reviews of breeding history–nobody knows.

Last year, a Todd Fletcher 'move horse' nearly won it all. I was quite happy to collect place and show.  If I see a mover in the big race, I'll bet it.  Otherwise, a relaxing day of popcorn and soft drinks.

FOOL ME ONCE…

After last year's near-miss, I wasn't letting Todd  catch me napping. (Three horses, better performance by the longest odds.) For that reason, alone, I caught the Princess in the Oaks across the board several times.  And, I'm alive in the Kentucky Derby daily double.  Whoopee!

Taking Time to Review

I have slowed my wagering to  a crawl to give, recently  opened, Belmont Park and Churchill Downs a chance to settle into some 'readable'  form.  So now seems a good time to review my performance, tools, and  strategy. Hopefully I will gather some clues about advancing my game.

Heavenville was a 'not exactly move.' But close enough for an across
the board wager and exacta with the favorite.

Overall, the first quarter of the year has  been better than average .  I have re-confirmed faith in my main selection methods---primariiy, 'the move.' My powers of observation have remarkably improved due to the system. 'And,  I have added Ticketmaker to my tools, while  avoiding getting  caught up in the multi-race wager craze.

I recognized and survived a slump without selling my grandchildren.

My major hurdle is time.  Never enough. As a result,  I still use the 'all button'  way too much. However, my saver wagers have performed superbly. Still searching to make fewer, larger bets. All in all, no complaints.  I'm making money.

I remain a happy $2 bettor.