Hi Gang:
First let me say that it warms the heart of this ol' handicapper to know
that a number of members of this board were able to make money following my
picks on the Derby. It makes me still feel relevant as an observer of the
thoroughbred racing scene. It doesn't always work out that way but with Super
Saver (2010 Derby), Drosselmeyer (2010 Belmont) and now Animal Kingdom and
Nehro coming through for me I seem to be settling into a good groove on
these Triple Crown races.
To answer Chris, before retiring in 2004 I was a professional handicapper
for the New York Post and editor of the Daily Racing Form for over 25 years
and did an in-depth, horse-by-horse analysis on the Triple Crown races
during my time at the Post.
As far as my handicapping methodology goes, there are a number of factors I
consider, some of which (but not many) include math. Those would include
race fractional times, horses' in-the-money records, trainer and jockey
won/loss percentages, Beyer Speed Figures, historical trends etc.
But if I had to pigeon-hole myself I would say that I was a "trip
handicapper" first and foremost. I love to watch race replays over and over,
analyzing trips, track conditions and biases, pace and things like that. For
races like the Derby and Belmont, breeding also plays a big part as well as the
horse's current condition and his adaptability to the track on which the
race will be run.
Then, it all boils down to which horses appear to be ready to turn in a
peak performance.
It surely is an inexact science because horses are flesh and blood, not
machines, but if you can whittle down the contenders to a precious few in a
field of 12-20, there can be excellent value if the odds are right. Usually,
in the Derby those conditions always exist.
I hope this answers some of the questions posed recently and I hope OUR
success continues in the Preakness.
Regards,
CoachVee
PS: Yes, I did have a win bet on Animal Kingdom and caught the exacta so,
all in all, it was a very good day!
<For someone to question the "math" of a retired professional handicapper
is insulting. Coach V is a pro annd anyone who's been a member of this
board for as long as the rest of us know this. Having this board hijacked for
the purposes of self promotion is annoying, to say the least. I vote with
you, Pat.>
<I did not know Coach V is a retired professional handicapper. I hope the
Coach can share some info on his career. I would be very interested to
hear the details of the process from a professional. Chris.>
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