What does a handicapper need to know to win money at Woodbine during the 2007 season? Here are my impressions, some obvious, some not. Firstly, say it with me!, Woodbine is a speed favouring course. An animal with front running talent or tractable speed will enjoy important advantages. The tact taken when approaching a days handicapping should be to lean to the speed types and stalkers. Secondly, the inside, on the turn for home, is almost always not the place to be. This peculiarity is rarely mentioned. Even on days when the inside has been favourable, a horse on the rail on the final turn will be required to expend energy to maintain positon. These types must be noted and are often wonderful overlays in subsequent engagements. ( Those on the rail on bad inside days are completely bogged down at this critical juncture ). Noting the position of horses on the turn and tracking their performances is an intregal part of handicapping at Woodbine. Thirdly, the usual rules of tote watching have been beneficial in the early days of the meet. Develop, with care and as much precision as reasonably possible, your early line. This will allow you to be concious of noteworthy differences of opinions between your odds and those of the public. With certain trainers, most of with whom you will quickly develop familiarity, the late surge in betting dollars is an indication of a sharp performance at hand. Surprisingly, you will find a collection of trainers where the late money is rarely an indication of anything but an overconfident, and likely loquacious, conditioner. Finally, the last piece of information concerning winning in Toronto revolves around speed figures. The Beyers at Woodbine are massaged, particulary with high profile horses. Horses on the same day, races apart, are occasionally handed figs which are completely at odds with the final running tinmes. You will uncover these nuggets by creating your own figures. Now, for the most part, your figs and the Form's will be very close. But there will be occasions when they are wildly divergent. Andrew Beyer has commented on this phenomenom ( in a general sense, not Woodbine specific ) and stated that, when differences in numbers arise, the local handicapper will likely have the correct appraisal, as the official Beyer fig is generated by an employee responsible for a large number of tracks and, therefore, often distracted.

Thats it! Read the Card as often as possible, use the above, and you'll enjoy a hardy laugh the next time you're told you can't make money at Woodbine!

 

Home | Weekly Review | The Card | Essentials | Schedule | Links | Contact