How to Handicapping a Horse Race

horse race

When betting on horse races, you need to understand the basics of handicapping. This will help you make wise decisions when placing your wagers. Here are a few tips to get you started.

The ten horses in this race had been injected that morning with Lasix, the diuretic marked on the racing form with a boldface “L.” It prevents pulmonary bleeding, which is caused by hard running. It also causes the horses to unload epic amounts of urine, twenty or thirty pounds worth. It’s the reason why you often see horses drenched in sweat in photos taken after their race.

At the walking ring before the race, bettors like to look at a horse’s coat. If it’s bright and rippling with the right amount of sweat, it is believed to be ready to run. Mongolian Groom looked good at the gate. But at the starting line, he squirmed and balked. This is a dangerous thing to do on the track, and it is not tolerated.

If he had not done so, he would have fallen out of the race, and that could have led to the death of his rider. Luckily, his rider, Abel Cedillo, a journeyman from Guatemala, remained calm and guided the gelding into the starting gate.

A jockey can “hand” a horse by sliding his hand along the top of its neck, urging it to go faster. A jockey can also use his whip to propel a horse, but the law requires that he do so gently. If he hits a horse too hard, the animal can become severely injured.

The most important factor in determining whether a horse will win is its speed. Faster horses can cover more ground in the same amount of time, which is why jockeys try to make their mounts as quick as possible. This is a difficult task, though, because horses’ muscles are very sensitive.

While many people are critical of the idea that horse racing is a sport, others think it’s okay to gamble on it as long as the horse is treated well. Despite the fact that horse racing has many inherent risks, most people do not consider these risks when they place their bets. Those who do consider the risk of injury to the horses are generally more conservative with their bets and place fewer bets. This can lead to less money lost if the horse is not successful in the race. However, it is important to note that the injuries and deaths of racehorses can occur even if all bettors are careful. This is why it’s important to know what you are betting on and only bet with money that you can afford to lose. This will ensure that you have fun and stay safe while enjoying the thrill of watching a horse race. In addition to online and mobile wagering, TwinSpires offers a wide range of television and radio options for fans to watch and bet on horse races.