Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies

Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is packed with information that teaches you the ins and outs of the racetrack. You’ll learn how to improve your odds, avoid common betting mistakes, and just plain have fun at the races. This is a spectator’s easy-to-understand guide, so you’ll have no trouble identifying the racing breeds with their strengths and weaknesses, sizing up the jockey, understanding the importance and role of a trainer, placing bets, managing money, and beyond. Can’t make it to the track? No worries! You’ll get the scoop on online betting with off track betting sites and apps. This update covers the latest changes in the betting world and in the racing world, so you’ll know just what you’re wagering.

• Learn about the different types of horse racing
• Discover and identify the best racing breeds
• Know your jockeys and trainers
• Make smart wagers and manage your funds

For beginning betters, Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is your ticket to well informed wagers and a winning edge. Already know the ropes? You’ll love the market trends and insider tips you’ll find inside.

Richard Eng has been involved in thoroughbred horse racing for more than 40 years. Eng was a former researcher/writer for ABC Sports when they televised the Triple Crown races (The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and The Belmont Stakes). He retired from the Las Vegas Review-Journal after a 20 year career as the turf editor and handicapper for the newspaper. He also authored the first edition of Betting On Horse Racing For Dummies.

Introduction 1

Part 1: And They’re Off! Horse Racing and the Betting Scene 5

Chapter 1: Playing the Ponies for Pleasure and Profit 7

Chapter 2: All Horse Races Are Not Created Equal 15

Chapter 3: Getting a Handle on Parimutuel Wagering 29

Chapter 4: The Skinny on Betting 39

Chapter 5: Visiting the Racetrack 55

Part 2: How the Players and Factors Impact the Race 71

Chapter 6: Studying Horses in the Paddock and During the Post-Parade 73

Chapter 7: Riders up: The Importance of a Jockey 81

Chapter 8: Trainers and Owners: Calling the Shots 93

Chapter 9: Knowing the Track Surface and Conditions 103

Chapter 10: Zeroing In on Equipment Changes 119

Part 3: Gaining a Competitive Edge 131

Chapter 11: The Daily Racing Form: America’s Turf Authority 133

Chapter 12: Trying Your Hand at Handicapping 147

Chapter 13: Planning Your Wagers 169

Chapter 14: Making the Most of Your Bankroll 175

Part 4: Risky Business: Tackling More Advanced Bets 185

Chapter 15: Betting Exotic Wagers 187

Chapter 16: Getting Into Sophisticated Handicapping 209

Chapter 17: Handicapping Tournaments 227

Chapter 18: The Race for the Triple Crown 237

Part 5: Playing Different Ponies and Different Venues 249

Chapter 19: Harness Racing: It Will Drive You Wild 251

Chapter 20: American Quarter Horse Racing: Don’t Blink, or You’ll Miss It 267

Chapter 21: Visiting Your Local OTB: Off-Track Betting 273

Chapter 22: Betting From Home 281

Chapter 23: Viva Las Vegas 295

Part 6: The Part of Tens 307

Chapter 24: Ten Best Racetracks to Visit 309

Chapter 25: Ten Best Track Announcers of All Time 317

Chapter 26: Ten Best Horse-Racing Movies 323

Appendix: A Glossary of Horse Racing Lingo 329

Index 339

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