Hey, this is probably a huge ask...but would it be possible to post a picture of just a random one of these charts so I have an idea of what you're talking about?Quote:
Originally Posted by regnis
Blackhole and I talking about cheating and race fixing may have given some the wrong impression. First of all, race fixing usually involves multiple trainers and owners "stiffing" their horses to wind up with set result so that the trifectas and other gimmick bets pay huge. This takes a lot of collusion--think the Black Sox Scandal. While this does happen it is not that prevalent. On the other hand, there is probably only a small number of races in which illegal drugs or other supplements are not being used. I don't consider that race fixing--the trainer is trying to win at any cost. While the use of drugs may effect the outcome, it is different than trying to lose.
I agree with Key that the percentage of losing horse players is extremely high. I do not agree with Kewl's assessment that they are all losers and non-professionals based upon what he sees at the race book. There are a lot of pros, many way better than I will ever be, and they for the most part are quiet and keep to themselves. They also keep their opinions to themselves or their group. The loudmouths that you see at the race book are exactly what you think all horseplayers are. However, you are not seeing the pros. I socialize at the track but I don't discuss my picks other than with one or two friends who rely on me. I also try to avoid hearing the loudmouth's picks because I then find myself doing the Richard Dreyfuss and taking myself off of horses that I like just because I know the idiot touting that horse is a loser. So yes--the losers you see in the race book are just that.
Kewl--the inaccuracies in the workouts etc. is probably overstated. Yes they exist. But any pro does not rely on those numbers. They either keep their own charts and/or watch every race. I know what I see--I don't need the racing form to tell me. I no longer keep my own charts because I am getting too old for the time that it takes. But I have decades of charts in organized boxes in my basement. I do try to watch every race but that also takes a ton of time. That is a reason to limit the number of tracks or races that one plays. But please don't have the misconception that we are all losers and that you can't beat the game. There are many doing just that.
