WagerWinning-16

Complimentary

An introduction to

WAGERING AND WINNING

Let DRF show you how to make your day at the races more enjoyable and profitable!

2 SIX SIMPLE STEPS 3
4
CONTENTS Recency-Career Earnings 6
Connections-Beyer Speed Figures
Barbara D. Livingston Last Time Out- Running Style

TYPES OF WAGERS 8
Beginner 9
Intermediate 10

Advanced

HOW TO MAKE A BET 11

ODDS 12

DRF FORMULATOR 13

TIME IN-BETWEEN RACES 14

LEVELS OF COMPETITION 15

RACING SURFACES 16

HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENTS 17

BETTING MYTHS 19

RACING LINGO 23

COLORS OF A THOROUGHBRED 28

6 SIMPLE STEPS 3

TO HELP YOU PICK A WINNER 2STEP

With all the information and statistics provided in Daily Racing Form past performances,
the process of picking a winner – called handicapping – can be intimidating at first. Let’s
examine the past performances and uncover six simple steps to help you have a more
enjoyable and profitable day at the races.

Dollface DarynOwn: Winning Stables Dk. b or br f. (Apr)
STEPBlue, White N, Blue Cap Sire: Giants Causeway (Storm Cat)
Dam: Daisy Moon (Orientate)
1 26Feb15-8Aqu Br: Spendthrift Farm
Tr: Maker Michael J (8 2 3 2 .25) 2015:(312 80 .26)
25Jan15-8Aqu
29Dec14-9Aqu
11Dec14-8Aqu
8Nov14-7Aqu
19Oct14-7Bel
6Oct14-9Bel
6 Sept14-8Bel
11Aug14-9Sar

4 RECENCY

1STEP Always note the dates of a horse’s most recent races. A horse that’s had more than 45 days between starts. Also, check the
racing at regular and consistent intervals—ideally every three workouts at the bottom of the past performances. If the horse
2STEP to four weeks—is probably fit. A horse that’s been away for a has been working out regularly, he may already be fit, espe-
while may have been sick or unsound. Be wary of betting these cially if he shows some “bullet” workouts and comes from a top
horses, as they could need a few races to get into top shape. trainer.
The layoff lines in Daily Racing Form make it easy to spot a horse

CAREER RECORD

The career box, in the upper right corner of the past perfor- Speed Figure is 111 (see Step 4 for more on Beyers). The career
mances, gives you the lowdown on the horse’s lifetime accom- box also gives you information on a horse’s record at the current
plishments, broken down into a variety of categories. For track and distance he races at today, on a wet surface and on
example, Dollface Daryn has raced 94 times total, winning 31 turf. Some horses prefer certain distances and others excel at
of those races, running second 18 times and third 11 times. certain racetracks. Compare these statistics to the rest of the
Her career earnings total $2,006,537! Her lifetime best Beyer field to help find the winner

“Its fun to win by accident, picking a lucky name or color,
but far more gratifying to win by design.”

Steven Crist, Editor & Publisher Emeritus

5

Dollface Daryn 3STEP Dk. b or br f. (Apr)
Sire: Giants Causeway (Storm Cat)
Own: Winning Stables Dam: Daisy Moon (Orientate)
Blue, White N, Blue Cap Br: Spendthrift Farm
TTrr:: MMaakkeerr MMiicchhaaeell JJ ((88 22 33 22 ..2255)) 22001154::((331122 8800 ..2266))

4STEP

3STEP WHO ARE THE HUMAN CONNECTIONS?

The abilities of jockey and trainer are extremely important when When a successful jockey has been riding two or more the horses
assessing a horse’s chances of winning. Keep in mind that nearly in the same races, he usually rides the horses he and his agent feel
80 percent of all races are won by the top 20 percent of jockeys and have the best chance to win.
trainers at each track.
Trainers are like coaches. Once they establish a winning record,
Whether it’s the top rider in the country or at your local track, they usually have an edge in recruiting the most highly sought-
the statistics in the past performances give you a better picture of after talent. And just like horses, trainers often have hot streaks.
the ability of each rider. Current meet and year-to-date statistics Most trainers will fall somewhere in the 10-20 percent win range.
follow the name of each jockey and trainer. Favor horses with jock- As a general rule, avoid trainers who are winning at less than 10
eys that have been winning at least 10-15 percent of their mounts. percent. These days it’s not uncommon to see top trainers winning
Many of the country’s elite riders win at a 20 percent clip or more. 30 percent of their races or more. Give extra special attention to
Rider changes can provide insight on how a jockey sees a race. horses trained by these conditioners.

6

4STEP BEYER SPEED FIGURES Exclusive!

Daily Racing Form’s exclusive Beyer Speed Figures are perhaps Beyer Figures take many variables into account, so you can trust
the most powerful tool in helping you select a winner. They the numbers to compare one horse’s performance to another,
measure how fast a horse runs, taking into account how fast the regardless if they ran in different races, at different tracks and
surface was on a given day—sometimes horses will run 1:12 for even at different distances or on different surfaces. In the case of
six furlongs, and because of a change in track or weather condi- Dollface Daryn, her recent Beyers demonstrate a downward trend.
tions, they’ll be able to run the next time in 1:10 for six furlongs. The Beyer scale runs from 0 (slowest) to approximately 125.

Beyer Speed Figures are arguably
the most powerful handicapping angle ever created.

69 74 76 83 89 91 93 101 113 115
63 75
Illustration for display purpose only

7

D ollface Daryn Dk. b or br f. (Apr) 5STEP
Sire: Giants Causeway (Storm Cat)
Own: Winning Stables Dam: Daisy Moon (Orientate)
Blue, White N, Blue Cap Br: Spendthrift Farm
Tr: Maker Michael J (8 2 3 2 .25) 2015:(312 80 .26)

510

6STEP

5STEP WHERE DID HE FINISH LAST TIME?

Each horse’s running lines tell you how a horse performed in in the running line tells you where he finished. In Dollface Daryn’s
his prior races. Daily Racing Form publishes the last 10 running case, she finished 5th in her last race. Before that, she finished
lines. The first number is the horse’s post position. Then, there 2nd in the Paumonok Handicap at Aqueduct. Note: The superscript
are several numbers indicating where a horse was positioned at numbers tell you how far back in horse-lengths a horse was from
various points in his previous race, usually in quarter-mile incre- the leader at that particular call, if he was trailing, or by how many
ments depending on the race distance. Finally, the last number lengths he was leading.

8

6STEP RUNNING STYLE

Most horses will develop a certain running style. Dollface that likes to race on or near the early lead he can often get away
Daryn would be considered a “stalker.” She likes to run within a with an easy lead and have plenty of energy for the stretch run. If
few lengths of the early lead. Assessing horses’ running styles is there are many horses with early speed, they can establish a fast
very helpful when handicapping a race. If there is only one horse pace and tire late, setting it up for a closer.

CLOSER STALKER FRONT RUNNER

10 92 71 1hd 43 32 1hd 11 1 12 11 1hd

Here are examples of different
running styles, each with four points
of call. The final number on the right
indicates the order in which a horse
reaches the finish line. In these exam-
ples, the horse always finishes first
even though his running style differs.

9

TWypAesGEofRS BEGINNER Beginner handicappers can start with

Easy Form or Classic PPs

These wagers are the simplest form of wager- Win Your horse must win.
Place
ing, and involve terms you may have already heard: Show Your horse must finish first or second.

win, place and show. Win bets offer just one chance Across Your horse must finish first, second, or third.
the Board
to win. Place bets provide two chances, since your Separate win, place, and show wagers of equal
amounts on the same horse.
horse can finish first or second, and show bets give

you three chances. However, if your horse finishes

first, the payoff for a win bet is almost always bigger

than a show or place bet.

>Horses that are the WIN 33% of the > PLACE 53% of the > SHOW 67% of the
time time time
“Betting Favorite”

TIP: You don’t have to bet on every race. Astute horseplayers bet when they have an opinion on the outcome!

10 Intermediate handicappers can can start with

TWypAesGEofRS INTERMEDIATE Classic PPs or step up to Formulator PPs

Tracks offer many bets besides standard Exacta TM Exacta – Pick the first two horses in the correct order.
win, place and show wagers. Any of these
multiple-race or multiple-horse bets are Quinella Pick the first two horses in either order.
called “exotics” and their payoffs can be much
higher – sometimes in the hundreds or tens Trifecta TM Pick the first three horses in the correct order.
of thousands!
Daily Double Pick the winners of two consecutive races.

TicketMakerfeaTtMure Exclusive! www.drf.com/ticketmaker

Learn how to create smarter multi-race wagers using strategies from DRF’s Steven Crist.
This FREE tool helps you optimize tickets using your picks and bankroll. Make smarter wagers to
maximize your ROI by visiting www.drf.com/ticketmaker today!

TWypAesGEofRS ADVANCED 11

Formulator PPs The ability to customize past performance and

trainer data is a powerful, revolutionary tool, one modern players
cannot live without.” Mike Watchmaker, National Handicapper

As the saying goes, the greater the risk, Superfecta Pick the first four horses in the correct order.
the greater the reward! If you have a strong Pick 3 TM Pick the winners of three consecutive races.
opinion on multiple horses in a race, you Pick 4 TM Pick the winners of four consecutive races.
are in the position to make more money. Pick 6 TM Pick the winners of six consecutive races
DRF’s TicketMaker tool becomes even more
valuable to help you easily recognize and
remove unprofitable bets.
Visit DRF.com/ticketmaker today!

TM TicketMaker Exclusive!

Using DRF Ticketmaker, I hit the Santa Anita Pick 6 for $75,000

- B. Bishop, DRF Bets Member

12

HOW TO MAKE A BET Examples “Saratoga, race one, two
WIN
BET dollars to win on the five.
Step 1 Say the track and race number.

Step 2 Say the amount of your wager. EXBAECTTA Keeneland, race one, two
EBXBAOECXTTA dollar exacta, two and five.
Step 3 S ay the type of wager you wish to make.
Churchill, race one, one
Step 4 Say the number of the horse or horses dollar exacta box on the
two and five.
involved in your wager.
DDBOAUEIBLYTLE Santa Anita, race one,
“Boxing” your choices in exacta, trifecta, and superfecta two dollar double on the
bets makes your wager more expensive but allows you to two and five with the one
win if your selected horses finish in any order! In addition,
using more horses in your wagers raises the price of your ticket, ”and four.
but gives you more chances to win.

Be sure to check your tickets before you leave the window

13

ODDS ODDS Payoff ODDS Payoff ODDS Payoff
1-10 $2.20 8-5 $5.20 7-1 $16.00
The tote board provides the current odds for each 1-5 2.40 9-5 5.60 8-1 18.00
horse, but how much you will win is determined by 2-5 2.80 2-1 6.00 9-1 20.00
how much you wager. The following chart shows 1-2 3.00 5-2 7.00 10-1 22.00
the payoffs for a $2 win ticket. ($2 is the standard 3-5 3.20 3-1 8.00 12-1 26.00
wager for all Win, Place and Show bets.) A $20 win 4-5 3.60 7-2 9.00 15-1 32.00
ticket would then payout 10X the amounts listed. 1-1 4.00 4-1 10.00 20-1 42.00
6-5 4.40 9-2 11.00 50-1 102.00
7-5 4.80 5-1 12.00 60-1 122.00
3-2 5.00 6-1 14.00 99-1 200.00

SADDLECLOTH COLORS All tracks use the same color scheme for saddlecloths, to offer consistency

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Red White Blue Yellow Green Black Orange Pink Turquoise Purple

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Grey Lime Brown Maroon Khaki Copen Blue Navy Forest Green Moonstone Fuschia

14

Exclusive!

The World’s Most Powerful Handicapping Tool.
LOFORKEE!
Formulator past performances from DRF.com are
completely interactive and intuitive. With the same look

as traditi onal DRF PPs, Formulator is ideal for for any

horseplayer looking to raise their game.

You can customize and uncover statistics to see A NEW RACE
patterns and opportunities instantly.
& VIDEO
Visit DRF.com/Formulator
See Formulator AVAILABLE
Scan with smart phone to learn Race of the Day at EACH DAY!
how to use DRF’s Formulator
DRF.com/race-of-the-day

to sample Formulator PPs for FREE!

15

TIME IN-BETWEEN RACES

Time to do your preliminary Head to the paddock and check After the call to post, it’s time Head to your seats. Watch the Get out your binoculars or get
handicapping. Get out your
Daily Racing Form and a pen out the horses as they’re being to head inside and place your horses in the post parade and to a TV to make sure you can
and scan through the past
performances of each horse. saddled. Look for horses that bets. Peruse the Daily Racing as they warm up on the track. follow the action. Check your
Circle the major contenders
and identify the longshots. exude energy and give the Form one last time. Write down Identify the horses you’ve bet tickets one last time. Get ready
Glance at the toteboard to get
a feel of the odds. Discuss the impression they can’t wait to all your bets before you get to on by their saddle towel color to cheer for your horses, and
race with your friends to gain
additional insights and, most run. Give extra consideration the teller. Be sure to get in line and jockey silks so you can most of all have fun!
importantly, think creatively!
to horses “on their toes” and early enough to avoid getting follow them during the race.

arching their neck. These are shut out. After you place See page 12 for saddlecloth

all good signs. Note any horses your bets, double-check your color chart

that appear agitated or very tickets to make sure they are

nervous or sweaty. These correct before you leave the

horses may not be at peak window. If you’re not heading

performance levels. to the betting windows, now’s

a great time to grab a drink or

>Live! TM a hot dog!

Visit live.drf.com to get up-to-the-minute news
& wagering tips prior to races at up to 5 major tracks

16

LEVELS OF COMPETITION

MAIDEN RACE CLAIMING RACE ALLOWANCE RACE STAKES/HANDICAP RACE

A race exclusively for horses which The most common of all races, One step above most claiming races, The highest class of race reserved
have never won a race. Once a horse stipulating a price (such as $25,000) the conditions of eligibility are very for the best horses. Derived from the
has “broken its maiden” by winning, it for which any horse in the race may similar except that the horses are word “sweepstakes,” and along with
must progress into one of the catego- be purchased. In essence, the owners not for sale. Allowance horses are handicap races applies to the highest
ries described below. put their horses up for sale, knowing generally being prepared to compete caliber of race offered. Owners typi-
the horses may be claimed (bought) in stakes events but are eligible for cally pay an entry fee to nominate,
prior to the running of the race. When these “conditioned” races. enter, and run their horses. Handicap
the starting gate springs open, a and stakes races offer the largest
claimed horse becomes the property purses of all the various types of
of the new owner, although any purse races.
money earned in that race goes to the Handicap Race: A race for which
previous owner. Different claiming weights have been assigned by the
levels provide a point of reference to racing secretary after evaluating
different class levels. entrants’ past performances. The
idea is to burden the horses with the
best records, and therefore improve
the chances of the less-accomplished
horses in the field.

17

RACING SURFACES

DIRT TRACKS TURF COURSES

The most common racing surface in North America. Grass racing. Many racetracks in North America feature both a
Dirt surfaces are highly influenced by changes in weather. Dirt and a Turf course, one outside of the other.

fst F AST TRACK Footing at best, dry, fast and even. fm F IRM A dry turf course with a slight give to it (corresponds with
gd GOOD TRACK Condition between fast and muddy. fast on a dirt surface).
wf WET-FAST A track that is wet on the surface but firm underneath.
my MUDDY TRACK Deep condition of racetrack after being soaked with water. gd GOOD A relatively firm turf course containing some moisture and
sly SLOPPY Condition of footing. Wet on surface with firm bottom. slightly more give.

Usually this indicates there is visible water on the surface. yl Y IELDING A very wet turf course that is deep and produces
sl SLOW Footing that is not fast, between sloppy and heavy. slower times.
hy HEAVY Condition of track similar to, but even slower than, muddy.
Past Performance codes sf SOFT A turf course that contains a good amount of moisture and
Past Performance codes substantial give.

hy HEAVY A deep, heavy and often waterlogged turf course that
produces very slow times.

SYNTHETIC SURFACE

A man-made racing surface believed to reduce injuries to the horse and withstand weather changes. Used only at Arlington Park (IL),
Golden Gate Fields (CA), Presque Isle Downs (PA), Turfway Park (KY) and Woodbine Racetrack (Canada).

18

HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENTS

Handicapping contests and tournaments are offered year-round at - John O’Neil
racetracks, casinos, OTBs and online. Horseplayers of all skill levels can
complete in both real money contests and those with mythical bank- 2015 NHC Winner
rolls, for cash prizes, trips and more. Daily Racing Form sponsors the DRF Bets Member
largest and arguably most-prestigious handicapping tournament – the
Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship – held
each January in Las Vegas. DRF also hosts NHCQualify.com, along with
BCQualify.com and DRFQualify.com, offering opportunities to win entry
into the NHC, Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, and other high profile
tournaments.

Newcomers to horse racing can get their feet wet by participating at
PublicHandicapper.com. This fan-friendly contest site is completely free
to enter and play, and offers cash prizes, seats to the NHC, and more.

19

To learn more about handicapping contests, read “The Winning
Contest Player” by Peter Thomas Fornatale. The author inter-
views champion contest players to uncover the strategies and
secrets they use for success. Available in hardcover at DRF.com,
or e-book at Amazon.com, iBooks, and BN.com.

“The best book ever on handicapping contests! The Winning
Contest Player contains dozens of winning insights by successful
horseplayers who talk specifically about their private strategies and
preferred angles. I recommend it highly.”

--Steve Davidowitz,
author of Betting Thoroughbreds for the 21st Century

and successful contest player himself

20 Don’t bet favorites,
or horses less than 2-1
BETTING MYTHS
The key to riches is finding horses whose chances of winning
You can beat a race, are HIGHER than the odds reflected on the tote board. For
but you can’t beat the races example, if your handicapping says that a horse has roughly a
one in five (20 percent) chance of winning, and the tote board
This phrase has become the rallying cry of losing horseplay- reveals that your hero is being offered at 8-1 (12.5 percent), a
ers everywhere. However, nothing is further from the truth. wager is in order. Do not let the tote skew your thinking on what
While racing luck or unforeseen circumstances may prevent “value” is or isn’t. Value can come in the form of 6-5 or 20-1.
your “mortal lock” from winning every race, sound handicap- It’s all based on the probability of your horse winning in relation
ping and effective money management will enable you to beat to the corresponding odds offered by the totalisator. After all,
this game over the long haul. Racing is the sole game in town how many of you wouldn’t take 6-5 on a random coin flip? You
conducted through “pari-mutuel wagering.” The phrase means wouldn’t win every event (see #1), but long-term profits would
“wagering among ourselves.” Unlike casinos, lotteries, and ensue.
other forms of legalized gaming, racing has no preconceived
set of odds. In pari-mutuel wagering the player is pitted against
his/her fellow player. The “house/track” takes its cut for provid-
ing this service. Simply, if you can handicap better than guys
next to you, you win.

21

BETTING MYTHS

Never bet on horses who A horse being offered at far Always box
are attempting something above his morning line is your exactas
new in today’s race always an overlay

Anyone can read in DRF that a horse is 5 for 6 Remember, the morning line is set by a track A boxed exacta ticket always means at least
on the turf, or 4 for 5 at today’s distance. Their handicapper who is trying to GUESS how he one ripped-up ticket. A much better hedge play
odds will suffer accordingly. Often times, “price thinks the public will bet. Mistakes in his judg- is a straight exacta, coupled with a quinella using
plays” can be found using info that is not readily ment, or changes in track conditions can lead the same horses. This offers protection should
apparent to the majority. A little research may to a flawed morning line. Once again, the key your top choice get nosed out by your second
reveal that a certain sire’s offspring score at an wagering decision factor is the comparison of choice, with the chance of cashing both tickets.
amazing rate of 34 percent first time they try the your analysis of the race, with what is being If you’ve no strong opinion between the horses,
grass. Or trainer Jones has clicked with three of offered at the windows. Only then, can true and cannot decide who should top your exactas,
his last four first-timers sporting the same slow “overlays/underlays” be isolated. SKIP THE RACE. Chances are you have no signifi-
work tab. How about an even-running sprinter cant “edge.”
who’s not quick enough to “clear” a group of
sprint specialists, but should appreciate today’s
soft fractions when facing a bunch of plodding
routers. If the price is right....

22

BETTING MYTHS

Bet more when you’re Follow your
winning, less when you’re instincts
losing
While heavy or late action on a first-timer or a
Every player will encounter spells of seemingly comebacker is often a good sign, remember one
losing every photo or nose-bob and, conversely, thing: The quickest way to riches in this game
experiencing feelings of handicapping invincibil- would be to find a way to legally open up shop
ity. DON’T let this affect your money manage- and “book” the wagers of all trainers, jockeys
ment. The amount of the wager should be based and owners. Their understood complete lack of
SOLELY on your perceived edge in the upcom- objectivity for the upcoming race translates to
ing event. If the bankroll gets so small you find poor handicapping decisions. Talk to five jocks
yourself pinching on the “prime” opportunities, before the race, and you’ll hear touts for five
stop playing until the wallet becomes fat enough “mortal locks.” Some analysis and a little hard
to resume normal money management. work makes YOU the “insider.” Make your opin-
ions and stick to them.

BETTING MYTHS 23

A successful player must be on-track The track has influence or
a vested interest in which
The subjective analysis of horse- horse wins
flesh is a difficult task and does
require a player to be at the track The effects a huge carryover can have on
should this be your specialty. attendance and handle aside, the racetrack has
However, the great thing about NO care in the world who wins. The track takes
racing is that there are more than its cut, posts the results, and pays out the same
a few ways to “skin this cat.” Pace, amount of money regardless of who wins. A
figure, trip, or comprehensive favorite winning means more people cash for
handicappers can excel without the less money. A longshot concentrates higher
benefit of “being there.” Simulcast- payoffs in fewer bettors’ hands.
ing greatly increases the volume of
potential plays that would other-
wise be missed should you solely
concentrate on one circuit.

24 BANDAGE Strips of cloth wound around the lower BLINKERS Device to limit a
part of a horse’s legs for support or protection horse’s vision to prevent him
RLaINcGinOg against injury. from shying from objects or
other horses on either side.
ACROSS THE BOARD A bet on a horse to win, place, BAR SHOE A horse shoe with a rear bar to protect
and show. If the horse wins, the player collects an injured foot; bar shoes may be worn with exacta box on horses #3 and #6. You win if #3
three ways; if second, two ways; and if third, one aluminum pads to protect a bruised frog, or may wins and #6 places OR #6 wins and #3 places.
way, losing the win and place bets. be worn alone. The same method can be applied to boxing a
trifecta or a superfecta.
ALSO-ELIGIBLE A horse officially entered, but not BLANKET FINISH Horses finishing so closely BUG A weight allowance for an apprentice rider.
permitted to start unless the field is reduced by together they could be “covered by a blanket.” BULLET (WORKOUT) The best time for each distance
scratches below a specified number. on the workout line for a given day, designated by
BOX If you have two or more horses that you a black dot.
ALSO-RAN A horse who finishes out of the money. think will finish in the top spots, but your are not BUTE (BUTAZOLIDIN) Trade name for phenylbuta-
sure of the order, you can box them. Example: an zone, an analgesic permitted for use on horses in
APPRENTICE A novice jockey who has not yet ridden some racing jurisdictions.
for a full year past his or her 35th winner, or some
other time frame specified by a given state’s
racing rules. While jockeys serve their appren-
ticeship, they are accorded a 5-10 pound weight
allowance, or reduction from their respective
weight assignments in all races except stakes.
The slang term for an apprentice allowance or
rider is “bug boy.” The term comes from the
asterisk that usually accompanies an apprentice
rider’s name in the entries.

BACKSTRETCH The straight area of the track
between the turns. Also, the stable area.

RLaINcGinOg Clubhouse 25

CALLER (OR CHART CALLER) One who calls the COUPLED Two or more horses running as an entry CLUBHOUSE TURN
running positions of horses in a race. in a single betting unit. Generally, the turn closest
CHALK (Chalk Player) Horse favored in a race. to the clubhouse.
Bettors who wager on favorites. DAILY DOUBLE Type of wager calling for the selec-
CHECKED Description of a horse whose momen- tion of winners of two consecutive races. EQUIPMENT Whip, blinkers, etc. Gear carried by a
tum is interruped by its jockey for an instant horse and/or rider in a race.
because the horse is cut off or in tight quarters. DAM Mother of a horse. EQUIVALENT ODDS Mutuel price horses pay for
Also steadied, taken up. each $1 bet.
CHUTE Extension of backstretch or homestretch DEAD HEAT Two or more horses finishing in a tie EXACTA A wager in which the first two finishers
to permit a straightaway run from start. at the wire. in a race, in exact order of finish, must be picked.
CLAIMING RACE Race in which horses are entered FIELD The horses in a race.
subject to being purchased for a specified price. DISQUALIFICATION Change in order of finish by FIELD HORSE (OR MUTUEL FIELD) Two or more start-
CLOCKER One who times workouts and races. officials for an infraction of the rules. ers running as a single betting unit, when there
CLOSER A horse who runs best in the latter part of are more entrants than positions on the tote
the race, coming from off the pace. DRIVING Strong urging by rider in stretch. board.
COLORS Racing silks (jacket and cap) worn by FILLY Female horse age 4 or younger.
riders to denote the owner(s) of horse. EASED A horse pulled up before the finish of a FIRM A condition of a turf course equivalent to
COLT Male horse under 5 years of age. race, usually due to injury. fast on a dirt track.

ENTRY Two or more horses owned by the same
stable or (in some cases) trained by the same
trainer and thus running as a single betting unit.

26 About 9 feet LENGTH Length of a horse
from nose to tail, about 9 feet.
RLaINcGinOg HEAD OF THE STRETCH Beginning of the straight run Also distance between horses in
home. a race, equal to .17 of a second.
FORMULATOR Premium Daily Racing Form Past HORSE An ungelded male horse 5 or older.
Performances which allow players to customize IN THE MONEY Finishing first, second or third. MARE Female horse 5 years old or older. Also,
statistical data. See pages 20-23 for more infor- INQUIRY Reviewing the race to check into a possi- female of any age who has been bred.
mation or visit DRF.com. ble infraction of the rules. MORNING LINE A linemaker’s estimate of the final
LASIX Term for a diuretic medication used in the odds will be in a race, made before betting begins.
FRACTIONAL TIME Intermediate time recorded in a treatment of bleeders. MUDDER A horse who races well on a muddy
race, as at the quarter, half, three-quarters, etc. LOCK Slang for a “sure thing” winner. track.
MAIDEN A horse who has not won a race. Also NOSE Smallest advantage a horse can have at the
FRONT-RUNNER A horse who usually leads (or tries applied to non-winning rider. finish.
to lead) the field for as far as he can. MAIDEN RACE A race for non-winners. OBJECTION Claim of foul lodged by rider. If lodged
by a patrol judge or other official, it is called an
FURLONG One-eighth of a mile; 220 yards; 660 inquiry.
feet. ODDS-ON A horse whose odds are less than even
money. A horse whose odds are 4-5 is said to be
GATE Starting mechanism. odds-on.

GELDING Castrated male horse.

GRADED RACE Races designated as most presti-
gious. Thoroughbred racing has Grade 1, 2 and 3
races.

HANDICAPPER One who assigns weights for hand-
icap race. Also one who makes selections based
on past performances.

HANDLE The total amount of money wagered into
wagering pool.

RLaINcGinOg POST Starting point or position in starting gate. 27

OFFICIAL Sign displayed when result is confirmed. POST PARADE Horses going from the paddock to PHOTO FINISH A result so close
Also a racing official. starting gate, past the stands. it is necessary to use a
ON THE BOARD Finishing among the first three; finish-line camera to determine
sometimes the first four. POST POSITION Position of stall in starting gate order of finish.
ON THE NOSE Betting a horse to win only. from which a horse starts.
OVERLAY A horse going off at a higher price than RIDDEN OUT Mild encouragement by rider in the
he appears to warrant based on his past perfor- POST TIME Designated time for a race to start. stretch.
mances.PACE Relative rate of early movement in ROUTE Race at a distance of a mile or longer.
a race, especially by the leader (setting the pace). PURSE Prize money distributed to owners. ROUTER Horse who performs well at distance
PADDOCK Structure or area where horses are races.
saddled and kept before post time. QUARTER POLE Marker one-quarter mile from the SADDLE CLOTH Cloth under the saddle on which a
PARI-MUTUEL PAYOFF The posted amount each finish. horses program number (and sometimes name)
bettor will receive for a winning mutuel ticket. is displayed.
PAST PERFORMANCES A compilation in Daily Racing QUINELLA Wager in which the first two finishers SCRATCH The withdrawal of a horse after the
Form of a horse’s record, including all pertinent must be picked, but payoff is made no matter entries are announced but before racetime.
data, as a basis for handicapping. which of the two wins and which runs second. SHADOW ROLL A lambswool-covered noseband
PLACE Finished second in a race. positioned halfway up a horse’s face to keep him
PLACE BET Wager on a horse to finish first or RACECARD A full day’s races at one track. from seeing shadows on the ground.
second.

RL28aINcGinOg STRETCH CALL Position of TURF Grass. The most common racing surface
horses at the eighth pole, when in most of the world, excluding North America
SHOW Finishing third in a race. where dirt is more popular.
SHOW BET Wager on a horse to finish in the one furlong remains in the race.
money; third or better. WIRE The finish line. It’s an imaginary line running
SIMULCAST Televising a race to other tracks, OTB STICKERS (MUD CAULKS) Caulks on shoes which give between the poles.
offices or other outlets for the purpose of wager- a horse better traction in mud or on soft tracks.
ing. TAKEOUT The percentage of tax taken from each YIELDING Condition of turf course between firm
SIRE Father of a horse. betting pool at the track and distributed accord- and soft
SOFT Condition of a turf course that usually indi- ing to state law among the state, horsemen
cates the worst type of footing. (purses) and racetrack. On average, 17 percent is
STARTING GATE Mechanical device having parti- taken out of win, place and show pools, with 83
tions (stalls) for horses in which they are confined percent returned to winning bettors.
until the starter releases the doors in front to TOUT One who gives tips on racehorses, usually
begin the race. with expectation of some personal reward in
STATE-BRED A horse bred in a particular state return; to give tips.
and thus eligible to compete in special races TOTE BOARD A computerized display with odds,
restricted to state-breds. time, payouts and other race details.
STEWARDS Track top officials responsible for TRIPLE CROWN Any 3-year-old horse that wins the
enforcing the rules. Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont
STICK A jockey’s whip. Stakes wins the Triple Crown.

29

COLORS OF A THOROUGHBRED

BAY BLACK CHESTNUT DARK BAY/BROWN GRAY/ ROAN
The entire coat of the horse The entire coat of the The entire coat of the horse The entire coat of the horse The majority of the coat of
may vary from a yellow- horse is black, including may vary from a red-yellow will vary from a brown, with the horse is a mixture of
tan to a bright auburn. The the muzzle, the flanks, the to a golden-yellow. The areas of tan on the shoul- black and white hairs, red
mane, tail and lower portion mane, tail, and legs, unless mane, tail, and legs are ders, head and flanks, to a and white hairs, or brown
of the legs are always black, white markings are present. usually variations of coat dark brown, with tan areas and white hairs. The mane,
unless white markings are color, unless white markings seen only in the flanks tail, and legs may be either
present. are present. and/or muzzle. The mane, black, gray, chestnut or
tail and lower portion of roan, unless white markings
the legs are always black, are present.
unless white markings are
present. Barbara D. Livingston

30 Visit Daily Racing Form at: DRF.com @DRFDerby
facebook.com/racingform @DRFFormulator
Social @DRFInsidePost

FRuerathdienrg To learn more about handicapping, visit DRF.com/bookstore or look for these
digital books available at e-retailers:
Beginner/Intermediate Handicapping 101 – by Brad Free
Intermediate/Advanced The Complete Handicapper – by James Quinn
Handicapping Contests The Winning Contest Player – by Peter Thomas Fornatale

Visit DRF.com/tournaments for links to some popular handicapping contests

LMeoarern To learn about: NTRA.com National Thoroughbred
New Fan Programs Racing Association

Championship Racing Breederscup.com Breeders’ Cup World Championships
Racehorse Adoption
Thoroughbred Ownership Thoroughbredaftercare.com Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

TOBA.org Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders As-
sociation

HELPFULL TIP Quickly locate the rest of your card

Occasionally a full racecard may need to be separated
in order to accommodate multiple tracks in your edition.