Help me learn to "watch" a race

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

ok here is a case study..look at the ride on the 2 in the first race at belmont today fri ...wow thats a horse you can pound next out vs similar co.. 4 diffrent moves..say what you want but thats just what i look for..

Exactly Hooves, yet the DRF comment will be rallied mildly or something to that effect. You are right, textbook example.

[bogeydaman]

Unless you have A LOT of time on your hands I would pay particular attention to the lightly raced / maiden and NW1 / 2 and 3 year old races for opportunities.

It is my opinion that you know what you are going to get in most 4 year olds and up 25K claiming race up through stakes races. Just take the analysis paralysis that happens after the Derby every year with every horse that runs in the race. It is true you may see "hidden" form improvements, but I think the amount of work vs benefit pales in comparison to the former.

One example was the winner of the June 10 th 1st race at Calder (Villanage). Anyone who watched how impressive he was in that race was generously rewarded with a $16 mutual this past Friday.