English racing fans--how do you decide on your wagers?

Question

I've been following English racing on a close to daily basis since At The Races started simulcasting on TVG in the states. The betting on these races seems somewhat mistifying to me at times. I'd like to know what percentage of UK punters do original handicapping and how many get their selections from touts. I work from the past performances, and I see a lot of horses at high odds that seem to me like they should be more heavily favored. What do you go on when you make your bets?

Answer 1

First of all I must point out that what you call handicapping we call something different!  Over here a handicapper is someone who works for the racing authorities and allots the weights to horses running in handicap races.

Serious punters will do their research in the Form Book, keeping an eye on what trainers/jockeys are in good form and keeping an eye on the going conditions at the course on the day.

To be honest only people who try to make their living from betting do this amount of groundwork before a race - me, I prefer to only have a bet when I am on the racecourse so I get to see the horses in the flesh and see what takes my eye.  I check the form in the racecard, and his ability to handle the going conditions.  And finally I rely on good old fashioned gut instinct.

Answer 2

My mom and I don't really bet but we like to guess who will win and we normally get them right. We watch the horses before the race and see how they move and how much energy they have then we guess who will win bassed on that.

Answer 3

No 'original handicapping' for me, don't want to work that hard. No touts/tipsters either, just a few quick form factors and a bit of guess work.

My factors are, must have won last race during current season, do you have seasons in the States? No claiming Jockey, no penalty and first or second in the Racing Post betting forecast.

Then I look at the other horses in the race, if any look to have equal or superior form then I guess its a dodgy bet and leave it alone.

I only bet horses I can get better than even money on, but tend to be wary of horses bigger than 5-1.

Hope that is of use to you Edward K