The 2022 horse racing season is heating up, and the best horse racing events are about to happen. Some of these events are more prestigious than others, and some offer more excitement for the spectators. Regardless of the event, though, there is always a certain air of excitement and anticipation surrounding horse racing. The Cheltenham Festival, for example, is the highlight of the year, and if you want to learn more about it you can check out the British Racecourses’ guide. And no matter what event you will attend, or you just want to bet from the comfort of your home, you need to know how to choose the right horse. Here are some tips to help you out. First, consider the horse’s pedigree. You want a horse that has a strong bloodline and a good track record. Next, look at the horse’s fitness level. Make sure that it is in good shape and has been well-trained. Finally, assess the competition. Many great horses are running in the race, but only one can win. So, do your research and make your pick!
Look at the Horse on the Day
If you want to choose a winning horse, then one of the most important things you will need to do is to examine the horse, or horses, you are thinking of betting on, on the day of the race. There is so much information that you can get from just looking at the horse, and if you know what to look out for, you will be able to pick a winner.
For example, if you want to know what head space the horse is in, pay attention to how it behaves in the stables. A nervous horse will be sweating profusely, as well as biting, rearing, walking around in circles, or pacing. This type of horse shouldn’t be bet on since it is using a lot of its energy before the race. If you want to know if the horse is feeling unwell, pay attention to how much it is sweating around the kidney area. In terms of fitness, generally a horse that has a very dull coat isn’t very fit.
Rest Periods and Fitness
The next thing that you are going to want to pay attention to when choosing a winning horse is when did it last have a break, and whether or not it is fit. In terms of when it last had a break, there are many theories. Some people say that a horse that has had a break will run better, and some say it won’t. Well, it’s a yes and no. Horses need breaks for longevity, so if they have great form it will help to retain it. However, if a horse has had a long break, it will take a few races to get back into form.
In terms of fitness, while this is important, it also depends on a few other things. For example, what quality of horses is your horse going to be racing against? An unfit horse from a higher class will beat a fit horse from a lower class, if the race isn’t too long.
The Going
Perhaps one of the most important things you will need to research is the going of the track that the horse will be racing on, and the previous races the horse has had. These two elements play vital roles in picking a winner, if you know what to look for. The going describes the condition of the track the race will take place on. It could be described as good, soft, hard, firm, and more, but you can break it down to wet or dry.
Knowing this is important, especially when you pair it with the previous races the horse has taken part in. Why? Because some horses do very well on one track, and not so well on another, and a large contributing factor to that is the going. This means you should find out what surface the horse prefers, and which it doesn’t.
The Jockey and Trainer
Finally, the last consideration you will need to make when choosing a winning horse is the jockey and the trainer. If you have been betting on horses for long enough, you will begin to see patterns. For example, you might see that a specific jockey will win at specific tracks or races, especially when paired with specific horses.
More than this, you might also notice that certain jockeys will win more often when paired with horses that have had specific trainers. Finding these patterns, and knowing which combinations produce winning results is key to choosing winning horses.