Dave Litfin's Expert Handicapping: Winning Insights into Betting Thoroughbreds (Hardcover)

by Dave Litfin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Litfin's approach to analyzing thoroughbred races is eclectic rather than systematic, which is another way of saying he refuses to simplify the game's fascinating complexity. Instead, he focuses on certain recurring situations in which an observant handicapper can gain a clear betting edge, either by backing underbet horses on the verge of improvement or by going against false favorites. Some of his insights pertain specifically to New York racing, which Litfin covers as the highly respected racing analyst for the Daily Racing Form, but most are equally valid for racing throughout North America. Litfin knows his stuff, and his book is among the most useful to appear in this crowded field. Dennis Dodge

Product Description
In the first comprehensive look at thoroughbred racing in years, the Daily Racing Form's handicapping columnist provides an arsenal of new information, strategies, and competitive angles for smarter, more successful betting. Filled with hundreds of examples to illustrate real-life situations and trends, this book gives the reader a winning edge.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 294 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (T); 1st edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316527815
• ISBN-13: 978-0316527811
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,172,165 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written, useful esp. for NYRA tracks, December 17, 1997

By A Customer

Litfin has written a very good book that contains much useful information. Most of the examples in the book are from races at Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga. Litfin also devotes a fair amount of space to the "sheets". If you use Ragozin or Thoro-gragh data, this book is definitely for you. If you play races in New York extensively, this book will give you a greater insight into the three tracks operated by the New York Racing Association.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid, good ideas and examples, October 2, 2006

By	David Bridgforth (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

Litfin has a winner with this book. He has excellent form/cycle anaylysis using both "Sheets" style figures and Beyer speed figures. He recognizes and illustrates how to spot several useful patterns and what they mean. In the second part of the book, he takes pattern recognition a step further by dealing how trainers tip their intentions with regards to having a horse ready to run his best race. Overall, there is a lot for the intermediate level handicapper to take from this work and improve his game with.

5.0 out of 5 stars great handicapping information, June 29, 2009

By	R. JANISH "Racing Buff" (Houston, Tx. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dave Litfin's insight to thoroughbred handicapping was very informative and challenges the handicapper to look further into the past performance of a horse. Looking at the past performance is not enough and one must learn to interpretate the data as to the horses physical fitness, trainer intention and racing angles. Dave explains each principle in detail and gives concrete examples so the reader can grasp the concept visually by reviewing actual races and results.