Claiming a horse

[Mstrlucky74]

Me and my dad are thinking about claiming a cheap 10-20k claimer. We\'re aware of the costs and fact that it\'ll more than likely be a losing endeavor. Concerned about claiming a horse with injuries, health problems etc. I understand most horses at this level are not the soundest. Are trainers able to get feedback on a horses health issues or lack of prior to putting in a claim? If so how? Thanks

[Wamsutta]

Generally speaking, if you could know everything about the horse before putting in a claim .... there would be fewer claims .... Do you have a trainer lined up? If so, she or he ought to be able to fill you in. If not ... maybe you want to look at that first. Here is a link https://www.gaming.ny.gov/pdf/legal/New%20York%20State%20Gaming%20Commission%20rules%20Chapter%20I%20,Subchapter%20A%20(Thoroughbred%20Racing)%20updated%202017-02.pdf to the NY Gaming Commission rules on thoroughbred racing. Even if you\'re not in NY, it will give some ideas what you\'re getting into. Claiming Races section starts page 120.

[Agastache]

My partnership always seemed to have its best luck claiming late season 3 year olds that are about to turn 4. Thus, you\'d be able to take advantage of a horse maturing and coming to hand at the right time.

[headstr8ner]

In the claiming business you will not have access to exact vet history nor any idea of what trainers used to treat that horse prior to a race. However, there is the \"talk\" on the backstretch that may give one a clue, if you wish to place credibility to that kind of talk. Such info may come from the horses\' former trainers, past and current grooms and hot walkers, exercise riders, merchants who sell \"over-the-counter\" products, jockey agents, the track Clocker and even former owners. In an ethical world none of these people should ever be talking about any horse while under their care or watch. But unfortunately some do.  Competent trainers and experienced horse people \"should\" know from just watching the prospective horse while it’s on the track during workouts, races and walk overs to see if there are visible red flags.  Bottom line is to have faith in your trainer, fill out the claim slip and once it\'s in the claim box start singing...\"luck be a lady tonight\" .

[hellersorr]

\"Bottom line is to have faith in your trainer.\"

And the line (written in invisible ink) just below the bottom line is to have a trainer worthy of your faith.

[Strike]

hellersorr Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> \"Bottom line is to have faith in your trainer.\"
>
> And the line (written in invisible ink) just below
> the bottom line is to have a trainer worthy of
> your faith.


I have a lot of experience claiming horses in CA. Since you asked --

1. Find an honest trainer (not easy to do) who has success -- 15% win percentage and above.
2. Share the thrills (and pain) with a group. Monthly bills for Always Dreaming and a $10,000 claimer are roughly the same -- $3,000-$3,500 per MONTH.
3. I like 2-year olds turning 3 to claim. There are a lot of races restricted to 3-year olds only. Vet bills can also be lower for lightly raced horses.
4. There are certain trainers who are great to claim from. They can be very conservative; don\'t use illegal drugs; and baby their horses. A good trainer will know who to target for a claim.
5. Timing is important. For instance if you live close to Saratoga, time a claim for at least several weeks before that meet.
4. Don\'t expect to lose money. If you do you will.

(#1 above is the hardest to accomplish and by far the most important).

[beastofeast]

This is probably too simplistic. Do not claim horses from good trainers. You will most likely not make them better.

[hellersorr]

I\'m not entirely sure Strike said to claim from good trainers.  Point #4 could be interpreted in more than one way.

[Mstrlucky74]

Agastache Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My partnership always seemed to have its best luck
> claiming late season 3 year olds that are about to
> turn 4. Thus, you\'d be able to take advantage of a
> horse maturing and coming to hand at the right
> time.

That makes sense. Have enough races that you can gauge soundness and still enough development left to payoff.

[Mstrlucky74]

headstr8ner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> In the claiming business you will not have access
> to exact vet history nor any idea of what trainers
> used to treat that horse prior to a race. However,
> there is the \"talk\" on the backstretch that may
> give one a clue, if you wish to place credibility
> to that kind of talk. Such info may come from the
> horses\' former trainers, past and current grooms
> and hot walkers, exercise riders, merchants who
> sell \"over-the-counter\" products, jockey agents,
> the track Clocker and even former owners. In an
> ethical world none of these people should ever be
> talking about any horse while under their care or
> watch. But unfortunately some do.  Competent
> trainers and experienced horse people \"should\"
> know from just watching the prospective horse
> while it’s on the track during workouts, races
> and walk overs to see if there are visible red
> flags.  Bottom line is to have faith in your
> trainer, fill out the claim slip and once it\'s in
> the claim box start singing...\"luck be a lady
> tonight\" .


Good insight, thanks.

[Mstrlucky74]

Strike Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> hellersorr Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > \"Bottom line is to have faith in your trainer.\"
> >
> > And the line (written in invisible ink) just
> below
> > the bottom line is to have a trainer worthy of
> > your faith.
>
>
> I have a lot of experience claiming horses in CA.
> Since you asked --
>
> 1. Find an honest trainer (not easy to do) who has
> success -- 15% win percentage and above.
> 2. Share the thrills (and pain) with a group.
> Monthly bills for Always Dreaming and a $10,000
> claimer are roughly the same -- $3,000-$3,500 per
> MONTH.
> 3. I like 2-year olds turning 3 to claim. There
> are a lot of races restricted to 3-year olds only.
> Vet bills can also be lower for lightly raced
> horses.
> 4. There are certain trainers who are great to
> claim from. They can be very conservative; don\'t
> use illegal drugs; and baby their horses. A good
> trainer will know who to target for a claim.
> 5. Timing is important. For instance if you live
> close to Saratoga, time a claim for at least
> several weeks before that meet.
> 4. Don\'t expect to lose money. If you do you will.
>
>
> (#1 above is the hardest to accomplish and by far
> the most important).

Thanks great info.

[Mstrlucky74]

BTW Looking to claim at Tampa...should I use Ness? Not!! Lol.
Would like to get an honest trainer down there around the 12-15% range. Will be down there in about a month and hopefully start some conversations with trainers.

[heatherk]

Joan Scott good trainer.

[vired]

have been in and out of the claiming business many times. i always wanted my trainer yo take a piece of the horse. seems like with a piece they pay more attention. just my 2 cents

[bellsbendboy]

Sophomores in the fall have generally no conditions left, or can\'t run.  Soon they will face 4yo\'s and be at a disadvantage.

Age aside, if looking for a horse to claim, while always a crap shoot, one could recommend dropping a slip for a horse that has other \"conditions\" not previously attempted.  Such as turf, routing, blinkers, etc.  There is more immediate and ongoing upside.  bbb