One Tip Deserves Another

Unless I get the message straight from the horse's mouth or another part of the anatomy - aggressive, controllable behavior, shiny coat or a fluid transition from a walking gait to a gallop in the post parade - I rely on the science of handicapping.

However, I'm not opposed to following sensible advice on making those selections such as:

Avoid first-time starters on the rail, especially in sprints, because they often are intimidated by horses breaking to their outside.

Bullet workouts are good indicators, but pay attention to fast works within a week of the current race.

Watch for a steed entered in a sprint after racing first or second near the far turn in a route before weakening.

Pace-setters with veteran jockeys and the inside post have the edge on off tracks, but should be in the money at least 25 percent of the time racing on a less than fast surface.

Post positions mean more when a horse shows a preference for winning from the inside or outside.

Look for thoroughbreds who exhibit improvement by the decreasing number of beaten lengths and increasing speed figures.

Weight comes into play in routes and a five-pound advantage can be worth a length.

Horses encountering traffic problems in large fields should be tabbed when part of a small field.

Consider betting on a horse with spotty performances and high odds when a top jockey climbs aboard.

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