Study trainer patterns from "summary" of The Skeptical Handicapper by Barry Meadow
Studying trainer patterns can help you become an expert handicapper. It involves analyzing data and identifying patterns that can be used to gain an edge in betting on horse races. Understanding the strategies of successful trainers can help you to make more informed decisions when placing bets.- Identifying trainer patterns is a key to successful horse racing handicapping. Certain trainers consistently outperform others and bettors can take advantage of this knowledge by watching out for these patterns.
- Trainers tend to choose the horses they think are most likely to win or finish in the money, so being able to spot these trends gives one an edge when selecting their own wagers.
- Doing your homework on a particular trainer's recent stats can give you more insight into the trainer’s tendencies. Consider running records at current meets, mounts-to-wins ratio, claim success percentage, course form, average earnings per start, number of first places, times returning from layoffs and off track performance.
- Check the condition reports for any other signs that a trainer has found a winning formula. Some common cues include unduly anxious bids or jockeys requests for mounts, especially those disqualified from claiming races.
- Top trainers rarely offer value as the market prices the chances of them hitting the winners circle, however lesser known trainers who have similar strengths to the top trainers often offer great value bets.
- Trainer patterns are constantly changing with quality trainers leaving some tracks and new ones emerging elsewhere. It pays to pay attention to the smaller circuits such changes are more noticeable than in the larger venues.
- Oddly enough trainer form seems to work better with less experienced riders, partly due to their low fees, therefore do not rule out backmarker’s.
- Age is also an important factor. Indeed many trainers specialize in certain age categories such as 2 year olds or juvenile long runners.
- Significant training changes can be another clue. If a trainer switches aerobics workouts, feed, or barn location, look out because he/she may have spotted something wrong with the horse’s typical routines.
- Familiarise yourself with the careers of leading trainers, past performances and overall record to get the upper hand over opponents.
