Tom Brohammer's Modern Pace Handicapping
No--that Brohammer book would be way over any newcomer's head. I like some of the basic tenants-but sometimes it comes off as a more Ragozin approach--seeing horses pure as a number-not allowing for trips/bias/and above all-lousy riders.
Personally-Ainsley's Encyclopedia is good-but a little dry. I always dig it out when I fly up to Saratoga every summer though just to reinforce some basics in my mind. I'd suggest Davidowitz/Betting Thoroughbreds and pretty much anything by Andy Beyer-Beyer on Speed or The Winning Horseplayer---both Beyer and Davidowitz are pretty good writers-can hold your attention. Quinn/Brohammer/Ainsley-while all good-may be a little complicated and deep for a beginner.
Personally-Ainsley's Encyclopedia is good-but a little dry. I always dig it out when I fly up to Saratoga every summer though just to reinforce some basics in my mind. I'd suggest Davidowitz/Betting Thoroughbreds and pretty much anything by Andy Beyer-Beyer on Speed or The Winning Horseplayer---both Beyer and Davidowitz are pretty good writers-can hold your attention. Quinn/Brohammer/Ainsley-while all good-may be a little complicated and deep for a beginner.
I really believe that Betting Thoroughbreds is the best handicapping book ever written. It is worth its price for the betting information alone. It's so informative, but not overly technical.
Another book I have been interested in lately is Michael Pizzolla's Handicapping Magic. It isn't necessarily for the beginner, but is well written and informative in its own way. By in its own way I really mean that Pizzolla presents really different ideas regarding pace and speed.
Good luck in learning the horses. It really is a great game.
Another book I have been interested in lately is Michael Pizzolla's Handicapping Magic. It isn't necessarily for the beginner, but is well written and informative in its own way. By in its own way I really mean that Pizzolla presents really different ideas regarding pace and speed.
Good luck in learning the horses. It really is a great game.
Man-you could not pick a worse card than Tues at CRC (or Tues pretty much anywhere). A full card of 2yo/3yo fillies--the most inconsistant of all nags!
Matt--best way to learn how to read the form is to go to the track with some old-timers...or handicap the races the night before--at the kitchen table-again with some old friends/some cigars/some jack black/some coffee. Bet that Tuesday calder form on paper only-wait til you get the davidowitz book-and go to the track with some older guys who use the form (and NEVER/NEVER/NEVER--handicap a race with one of those crappy overnight programs that look like a greyhound program--pure shidt!!)
Matt--best way to learn how to read the form is to go to the track with some old-timers...or handicap the races the night before--at the kitchen table-again with some old friends/some cigars/some jack black/some coffee. Bet that Tuesday calder form on paper only-wait til you get the davidowitz book-and go to the track with some older guys who use the form (and NEVER/NEVER/NEVER--handicap a race with one of those crappy overnight programs that look like a greyhound program--pure shidt!!)
go to www.handicappingmagic.com might be of some interest
