Customer Reviews

The Winning Horseplayer: An Advanced Approach to Thoroughbred Handicapping and Betting

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Andrew Beyer revolutionized Thoroughbred handicapping in the 1970s with the introduction of the Beyer Speed Figure.

Found in most racing forms, the speed figure gives the handicapper a guide to how the runner rates against others in the field that day no matter if they competed in races at different tracks and/or against a variety of levels of competition.

In The Winning Horseplayer, Beyer takes his analysis to trip handicapping, which takes into account the type of journey a Thoroughbred has in a race, with a focus on being compromised due to any trouble in the start and turns, what path was taken around the track and if there was any stress due to the pace.

What has been perhaps the most subjective handicapping tool is given a firm foundation by Beyer, which can be utilized by horseplayers who take the time to take trip notes from replays of previous races.

In an updated version of the book that was originally published in 1994, there are numerous case studies and witty anecdotes, along with a new preface penned by Beyer.

This is not a book for beginners to handicapping races. But for those with experience - and are looking for a possible betting edge or simply a great read on handicapping - this is the winning ticket.

One of the better handicapping books, Beyer, a great turf writer, goes into detail about some of his plays, excellent learning tool that touches on important things like Track Bias and Trip Handicapping.

As a part-time horse player this book is just not a good fit. To benefit from everything this book offers you would have to be a full-time handicapper. There are some great hints and tips that can be pulled out for any horse player, but to truly implement everything involved in this book you would have to be at the track every day. Maybe when I retire and I can be at the track every day I can pull out this book and use it to pick winners all day long, but until that point just 2 stars.
A great book for the part-time player is Brad Free's book Handicapping 101.

This is a great book on handicapping or punting as we call it in Australia. Sure it has been around for many years now but much of the wisdom contained in its pages has universal application especially in relation to 'trip handicapping'.

Beyer has an always engaging writing style and the book is replete with anecdotes many of them humorous to underscore his assertions. Applying just a few of his pearls will surely increase your odds of beating the game.

For my money one of the best books of its type I have ever read.

This book was a reissue of an old book with nothing new worth buying it again.