As
with trainers, it is always worth consulting the
top jockeys table for each meeting. Certain riders do well at
certain small racecourses. Experience with all weather racing, for
example, can often prove an asset. Always be on the look out for the
he rising star apprentice who can claim 5lb off the allotted weight
in a handicap.
Watch out also for top jockeys riding in a handicap at their natural
weight. On many courses although the draw maybe of some importance,
in sprints it may not be and we do not always need to take it into
account but on others its effect is so marked that it is one of the
first things we have to consider.
Fortunately the experts in the papers make us fully aware of the
hazards, or advantages, of the draw at the tracks where it is
important. So you must always give this ample consideration, in fact
you should monitor it carefully as changes in the going could alter
the effects of the draw from one day to the next on the same course.
This is where the Racing Post really excels; its betting forecast is
what many bookmakers on course use to start laying their prices. A
comparison of the first show in the betting shops against the Racing
Posts forecast can give you an idea of horses that have been
supported prior to the opening prices going on the boards.
This is a very important point to watch as you can soon see what is
fancied and what isn't. Ideally your horse should be proven over the
trip for which you are considering it. A horse staying on strongly
at the finish could stay further. Horses that show good pace and
then fade probably need a reduction in distance.
Sometimes a horse will get the distance on fast going having
previously just failed in testing conditions. A horse may get the
trip on today's course, having failed on a more testing track but be
wary if the horse is trying a new distance for the very first time.
If you have a serious doubt don't pick it unless you know that it is
bred to run well over the new distance because maybe the trainer has
been deliberately running the horse over its wrong distance for
reasons best known to himself.
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