race selection process

[justwin]

Looking for some help in how everyone goes about selecting which cards or races to purchase. The ultimate would be to look at all the races throughout the country and select the most favorable races but the Tg costs would be too much. I\'m looking to play about $200 on a race or p3 or p4 each week. Any ideas how to go about this, should I be looking at turf races or allowance vs. stakes etc. Didn\'t get to Saratoga for the seminars this year but definitely next year.Read the board & would like to meet and discuss some handicapping with you guys. Thanks, George.

[P-Dub]

I do best with turf racing.  Great numbers, and the patterns are a bit easier to read.  Also, less chance of a horse not liking the surface or some other type of bias.

[shanahan]

Biggest fields with the best card of the week...in other words, play the biggest pools.

[belmont3]

Justwin,

First, I would suggest tracking your play.
Keep records of what types of races that you bet: maiden specials, mcls, conditoned claimers (2life, 3life etc.) open claimers. allowances, stakes etc.

Then break down by sprint, route turf, dirt, poly etc.

After some time, a pattern may emerge where you have particular strengths and weaknesses.
For me, I seem to win higher % in MCL sprints, turf routes, dirt sprints and stakes. Not so good at claiming routes, MSW, turf sprints.
Slight edge in vertical bets versus horizontals.

Then, try to stick with your strengths.

I use the create a card for that purpose.

Bob

[Lost Cause]

Definitely the biggest fields in a sequence with the biggest pools (example would be the late p4 at SAR tomorrow)...Stay away from the maiden races if possible as the sheets don\'t have as much value there.

[justwin]

Thanks guys. All very helpful info. Being an accountant I can keep track of my plays very easily. I have been very haphazard and found that when I like a race I do much better than playing for the hell of it. I need to get much more disciplined.

[P-Dub]

justwin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I need to get much more
> disciplined.


Who doesn\'t???  Good luck.