Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies [Paperback]

Richard Eng (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005

How to enjoy a day at the races-and bet to win!
The last two years have seen a record number of Americans tune in for climatic Triple Crown races featuring Smarty Jones and Funny Cide; in 2004, television viewership jumped a whopping 61 percent over the record set in 2003, and the Belmont Stakes race itself drew a record crowd of more than 120,000! This easy-to-understand guide shows first-time visitors to the track how to enjoy the sport of horse racing-and make smart bets. It explains what goes on at the track, what to look for in horses and jockeys, how to read a racing form and do simple handicapping, and how to manage betting funds and make wagers that stand a good chance of paying off. Complete with coverage of off-track and online betting, it's just what anyone needs to play the ponies-and win!
Richard Eng (Las Vegas, NV) is a racing writer and handicapper for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a columnist for the Daily Racing Form, and the host of a horseracing radio program in Las Vegas. He was formerly a part of the ABC Sports team that covered the Triple Crown.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Cash in big on multiple races and horses

Make well-informed bets and gain the winning edge

Hoping to win at horse racing? Whether you're betting at the track or online, this easy-to-follow guide helps you improve your odds, explaining everything from the different types of racing and planning wagers to handicapping and managing your funds. You'll understand the ins and outs of the racetrack — and even see how to pick the next Kentucky Derby winner!

Discover how to

• Make smart wagers that pay off
• Size up jockeys, trainers, and their horses
• Read the Daily Racing Form and race track programs
• Avoid common betting mistakes
• Follow racing on radio, TV, and online

About the Author

Richard Eng, a former researcher/writer for ABC Sports, has been involved in thoroughbred horse racing for more than 20 years. He currently hosts a radio show on horse racing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764578405
• ISBN-13: 978-0764578403
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Horses > Racing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to impress your friends while making money, August 29, 2005

By 

Mark Osterstock "Mark O" (Ladera Ranch, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies (Paperback)

I went to the track for the first time with some friends recently. Afterwards, I figured there had to be more to handicapping than picking the prettiest horse, or the one with a catchy name. So, I ordered "Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies", and read it over a weekend. It demystifies the racetrack experience, explains all the jargon, the various types of bets, etc. It also teaches you how to read the Daily Racing Form like a pro. Perhaps best of all, it explains how to interpret odds to maximize your return.

The next time we went to the track, I really impressed my friends with my knowledge. I could read the Racing Form like a newspaper column, and explained things like "overlays" and "trifectas" with confidence. Best of all, I picked the winner in the first three races! Yes, I had a "Pick Three" bet down, and won a nice pot. What a great start to a fun day at the track. "Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies" helped make it happen!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Well Written, Clear, & Packed With Information., June 27, 2005

By 

P. Quon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies (Paperback)

This book is a great pleasure to read. I was amazed as I went from page to page with just how much information was packed into each page and how clearly the information was laid out, and how quickly you could pick up a lot of facts. I would ignore the single negative review that was written earlier. The breadth and depth of knowledge displayed about thoroughbred horses and pointers on handicapping is very good and shines throughout. This is clearly a writer who knows his stuff and the pages just draw you in. Don't just take my word for it, look for a copy at your local bookstore and just peruse the pages and see for yourself if that isn't true. What I also really liked about the book was the feel about the way it was written in that that the writer shows a clear respect for his readers and doesn't try to water down or dumb down a complex topic, but tackles it clearly and firmly with
good explanations and little wasted effort. I'm a much smarter, more intelligent bettor for having spent time with this book, and the bottom line is - isn't that what this book is supposed to be all about?

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm a beginner, and I already made my money back thanks to this fantastic book!, March 4, 2006

By 

Frank S. (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies (Paperback)

I browsed through some of these reviews before I purchased this book, and let me just say that the $12.99 price on Amazon is a bargain if you wish to learn more about horse-racing betting. I'm a young fan and I knew little before picking up this book. After visiting the racetrack a couple of times, I already picked some winners, including a trifecta I hit, thanks to the tips and extensive research throughout this book. I couldn't be more happier to have chosen this book. If you serious about learning more about this wonderful sport and the many betting options, then do yourself a favor and buy this book immediately. You will not be dissapointed!