JC / Railbird

Handicapping Archive

Saratoga Tipsheets Part of Tradition

“The tipsheet salesmen and their colorful wares are among the first images greeting a visitor to Saratoga, about 175 miles north of New York City, and are a reminder of horse racing’s roots, when tracks featured a carnival-like atmosphere redolent of state fairs.” The sheets are more than just local color though: “For those who visit Saratoga for a leisurely day at the races, the tipsheets cut through the dizzying data consumed by handicappers. And some days somebody else’s picks pay off handsomely. As the racetrack saying goes, even a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut.” (New York Times)

Posted in Handicapping on August 15, 2004

Eat or Be Eaten

“If you’re playing the race, you’re screaming for a big-price horse. If you’re not playing that particular race, it’s time to become the world’s biggest chalkhead. You don’t want your competitors nailing a 20-to-1 shot, so you wind up rooting (but not aloud) for the race favorite to clunk home” (ESPN).

Posted in Handicapping on July 4, 2004