One of the most overlooked and misunderstood aspects of picking winners in horseracing handicapping is simply called sight handicapping.
Sight handicapping is simply looking at the horses and making a judgment based on the looks of each runner.
I've picked some nice winners this way and have also saved myself a small fortune over the years by being aware of horses that showed warning signs of being in poor physical condition.
First of all, there are some good tapes and books written on the subject.
Bonnie Leadbetter did an excellent tape and there are some good books, too.
Unless you are an expert horseman or horsewoman, I'd advise you to get some of those reference materials and study them.
Not only is it profitable because you will understand the animals and be able to spot horses that are far superior to the competition, but it is also just plain fun to watch these beautiful animals and to understand them even more.
When I bet on a horse there are a few things I look for in the walking ring or saddling area.
The first place I start with a horse is to look at its coat.
I want to see a shiny coat of hair and just beneath the skin I want to see dappling.
A horse with a shiny healthy coat and dappling is a horse that is fit.
Another thing I look for is how the horse carries his or her head.
Lameness shows up when a horse is walking and you can see that in how it bobs its head.
If it bobs too mauch and seems to arry its head to low or too high, it can be a sign of a horse that is trying to compensate by shifting weight off its front or rear legs by how it holds its head.
Of course you should also look at the hoofs, legs, and shins.
Are the hooves cracked or split? Is it wearing front wraps? Is there any trace of a medication on the shins that would indicate it has been blistered to relieve a shin splint? These are all important clues that a horse is not ready to give its best effort.
Once out on the track look for a horse that warms up well, moving easily and showing some spring in its strides.
A horse that is literally on its toes is one that is ready to give a good effort.
Some horses will rock like a rocking horse in the post parade and seem to be more animated than the rest.
A flat footed horse that plods along is usually not a good bet unless that is its nature.
Most horses will show their energy level and gameness with a spirited stride.
Watch the tote board and see how they are bet.
There are many insiders at the track that know how to spot a good one.
If you think you've spotted one, confirm it on the tote board.
For more good insider information go to True Handicapping