Utilizing horseracing angles is mandatory in this sport in order to get a jump on the competition. It is far from an exact science but those that become adept at utilizing horseracing angles, profit big time in the long run.
Due diligence is a must when being involved in any serious transaction and for horseplayers it’s no different. You have to try to get an edge, get some information that has been hidden a bit and run with it. Utilizing horseracing angles uses the same logic.
With that said, there are some angles that must be considered to try to get that edge and then it’s a matter of execution and if the stars are aligned.
Speed is dangerous day in and day out at every track in the country and one of the best angles going is when a player can identify a horse that is dropping a bit in class and has lone speed. When a horse gets loose on the lead they can perform like little kids. They run around, try to play tag and if they get a loose enough advantage, they can smile at the wire.
There have been some Classic examples of lone speed runners. One of the ones that comes to mind is the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner in 1991 Black Tie Affair. Trained by a salt of the earth conditioner named Ernie Poulus, the runner was guided by Hall of Fame rider Jerry Bailey in the Classic and that win earned Black Tie Affair a Horse of the Year title.
Going into the race, it was evident that the runner would get the lead, but many did not think he could keep it. He did exactly that at an honest 4-1.
Bailey sent Black Tie Affair to the front, or perhaps more accurately, allowed the horse to carry him to the front and then managed the pace so that the horse had enough gas left in the tank.
Black Tie Affair’s victory was a perfect example of not only utilizing horseracing angles to make money but an ideal illustration of the always true adage ‘pace makes the race’.
Of course, one of the latest editions of a lone speed horse winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic was 2 years ago when American Pharoah benefited from the defection of the other speed runner and the injury to Beholder to make the race a run away.
One angle I became aware of personally was when I was doing a radio show with Ron Charles, a prominent owner of thoroughbreds in Southern California and a former president of Santa Anita.
Sometimes we would do the show at a recording studio in Hollywood, California, sometimes at Ron’s house and sometimes we would go to Las Vegas. Ron, who owned the show, had hired some of the best sports betting handicappers in the game to give their insights.
It was at a studio program when Ron talked about utilizing horseracing angles and one particular angle that he loved. It involved a runner that had flashed early speed in his last race but caved in badly. If the runner was coming off a long layoff, all the better since many would figure the racer had lost a step or two.
If that racer returns in a spot with a paucity of speed, an ideal situation may prevail. Horses can get brave when they look around and nobody is there.
Utilizing horseracing angles demands knowledge of the local success of trainers and if they have a good eye for a purchase or a claim.
One powerful angle I’ve used over the decades is when a runner is claimed and scurries up the claiming ladder. Say he was claimed for $20,000 and in his very next race, in a short time, is entered back for say $40,000 or maybe even $50,000.
This kind of move exudes confidence and when it is conducted by a sharp guy, double down.
Utilizing horseracing angles can also refer to workout patterns. This type of angle needs a lot of homework but will pay dividends. Certain trainers just condition horses one way and certain trainers condition horses another way.
When scrutinizing workouts, it can be more important to note the days between the works rather than the times. Bill Spawr, a successful trainer on the Southern California circuit, seldom asks for speed from his horses in the workouts.
Bob Baffert, on the other hand, is known for putting in fast, strenuous works for his horses. Both trainers are successful.
Bettors also should pay serious attention to gaps in the training pattern. The most ideal pattern would be evenly spaced works of five to seven days. This type of situation shows there is a game plan involved and the horse in question is progressing daily. If a horse with this kind of pattern also works a fast three furlongs a couple of days before entered for a race, dig into the wallet and get down.
