Magic Tricks?

Got any type of magic trick you like to employ when handicapping? - Everyone has a special secret weapon they feel gives them as edge; and as long as gambling occurs players will look for a little extra help before going to the windows.

I've heard plenty and even have a few of my own. Here are some of the good, bad, and guessing I have heard over the years.

Play the grey on a rainy day. I'm sure I've bet a couple winning grey runners and it may have been on a rainy day, but I've never heard anything that makes this hold true.

Horses taking a dump on the track during warmups - I guess I'd feel much better before running a race, but there is no evidence in moving up a runner who relieves themselves prior to the race. I've known a few Harness drivers who have told horror stories of a horse letting it loose during the race which comes back on them making it a little tough.

Bet the #5 in the 5th - Usually there is a good story about a win on a number that matches the race, kind of like the grey horse theory with no merit. Horses can't read the number on their side and have no idea what race it would be.

Here are a few of mine that I have gathered over the years.

Cutting back in distance - They may not have liked the mile last out, and 6 1/2f looks to fit much better today. Also see if they showed speed going long as today may find themselves stalking up close and ready to make a move with an honest pace.

Look for a quick work before a race - Maybe it wasn't their day and had a compromised trip. A sharp and ready work tells me all systems are go and the trainer wanted to see something for that work after a dismal effort to check all things.

Look for the better rider move - Agents gather round the counter when they draw for entries and change riders all the time if they are double entered by a couple trainers. They are trying to find the better mount as they make their money on what the rider earns. - Look at a low percentage rider two races back and today they have one of the top dogs aboard. Remember, the agents make the decision for the riders minus stake races as that is more a conversation between trainer and agent and who may give them the best chance of winning**.**

Look for the workout pattern - Look to see if they have a 7-day break between works and the race day fits in as well. The number of days depends on trainers but look for that calendar work schedule as they may be looking for a top effort with a regular timed work and when they keep the same for the race day, the connections are targeting a race**.**

Hot apprentice riders for a top shelf trainer - "Bug" riders or apprentices get up in the morning to work horses where many journeymen riders sleep in. The trainers are looking for the apprentice allowance or weight they don't have to carry that day. 5 lbs. can make all the difference in the world in the final 1/16th of the race. Hungry apprentice riders are a good angle to keep an eye open for.

Keep an eye on the ovals - They may have never raced over the track but sport two sharp works which could be a great sign. They like it in the morning and could love it on race day.

Gamblers have to put in some homework if they want an edge. Unlike the random slot machines, horse racing can be helped along if you do a bit of reading, race replays, and late works. I've always enjoyed horse racing as my favorite betting choice. I know they run the race on the track and not on paper. But the reading you do may give you a few insights into the connections targeting a race, or if a horse may like today's race before getting saddled. Go ahead, put the time in. It may be just what you were looking for.