Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies

by Richard Eng

Overview

Cash in big on multiple races and horses

Make well-informed bets and gain the winning edge

Hoping to win at horse racing? Whether you're betting at the track or online, this easy-to-follow guide helps you improve your odds, explaining everything from the different types of racing and planning wagers to handicapping and managing your funds. You'll understand the ins and outs of the racetrack — and even see how to pick the next Kentucky Derby winner!

Discover how to

• Make smart wagers that pay off
• Size up jockeys, trainers, and their horses
• Read the Daily Racing Form and race track programs
• Avoid common betting mistakes
• Follow racing on radio, TV, and online

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764578403
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	04/01/2005
Series:	For Dummies Books
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

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.

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Table of Contents

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