Feature

Often the horse with the best speed figures does not win due to the influence of pace.

All about handicapping odds - how to calculate them and use them to your advantage.

Horse racing is a structured, scheduled event. The horse must be able to run on command and perform at their best at all times. Since they are not born with this instinct, they must be trained.

Equipment changes indicate something has changed with the horse's behavior, technique, or health. It's important to keep an eye on any change of equipment for the racehorse, and attempt to gauge the reasoning behind the change.

If you can position yourself to watch the horses approach the paddock, look for those that seem eager. These horses will generally have a spring in their step without struggling against their handler, and won't be wasting energy jumping around.

Horses often have preferred post positions that align with their running styles. For example, speed horses typically prefer the inside lanes, while stalkers favor the middle posts, as it allows them to trail just behind one or two speed horses.

Dirt tracks were the earliest form of flat horse racing surfaces in Western society. Today, they remain the most frequently used type of track in the United States. Dirt is a more affordable option compared to artificial surfaces, and even more economical than maintaining grass.

Horse racing saddle cloth colors are used to distinguish horses from one another during a race. Here are the standard horse racing saddle blanket colors used in North America racing.

North American racing has a class system that horses must work their way through before becoming stars. Here’s a look at the types of races they typically run, starting at the bottom with the least competitive.

A comprehensive guide to the abbreviations used in past performance comments lines.