1) Bet What You Can Afford: This should be an obvious tip, but it’s insane how many times people don’t follow it. My biggest rule of thumb is this: There’s no such thing, as a sure thing. Therefore, never wager what you can’t afford to lose. If you’re a beginner, wager to have fun, not to win your retirement fund.

2) Do Your Homework: If you’re new to reading a form, at least check over the speed figures for a race- as that is typically the easiest thing for beginners to sort through. Why bet blind? Do some research and help yourself out before heading to the races. Not to mention that nobody appreciates you making last minutes decisions at the ticket window.

3) Never Bet To Show: This is a sucker’s bet. If anything you should be doing exactas, trifectas, and other exotic wagering. However, if you aren’t feeling comfortable with those types of wagers, only bet to win/place. For example, if you like one horse out of the field, bet him to “WP” or Win/Place. If he wins you’ll get that money, as well as the Place price! Never bet the WPS or “Win/Place/Show” unless you’re absolutely positive… but as we all know, nothing is a sure thing…

4) Don’t Overplay: If you’re doing your homework and you run the numbers at all of the races for a particular day’s track and you can only find one race you like…. Well, only play that one race! I can’t tell you how many times I look at the form and see only two or three races that I feel sure enough about to bet. There’s plenty of days ahead for racing, be patient and pick your spots.

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