The drugged racehorse

[JJP]

So as handicappers, what do you look for to spot them? I have several criteria that make me suspicious. No I can't PROVE any horse was drugged, but lets not be naive here.

1. Step one: suspicious early betting action. Sometimes it hits you like a sledgehammer; the expected 8-1 shot who's is holding at 6-5 until it drifts to 7-2 late. Or it could be more subtle; the 10-1/12-1 expected odds horse who's holding at 7-2 until it drifts to 5-1/6-1 late. Connections often like to bet early to avoid getting shut out, and "value" players see great bargains late in the betting, unaware they're betting against a juiced horse, therefore the late odds rise. Of course, at small tracks, this may not be significant. But there are some tracks, (ElP, Haw and TP come to mind) where early money is a very powerful angle.

2. Sharp appearance in the paddock & post parade. On the toes, good attitude and ready to run. No signs of lethargy.

3. Improved early speed. If the horse already is a speed ball, they just carry it a lot further.

4. Often a rider switch to a better rider. It doesn't have to be Edgar Prado or JRV. It can be a move to a competent rider from a stiff.

5. Last and not least, a performance and speed figure that suggests something out of the norm.

If you suspect a horse fits these criteria and he runs big, mark him down as one to avoid next time out. There's a horse running tomorrow at a North American track who I believe qualifies. I will not name him but if you look at enough pps, you can figure it out.