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If you're new to horse racing, or you just haven't been to Del Mar yet, this is the place for you! We
have all the basic information, directions, and rules listed out on the left. Whether you are a serious handicapper,
or just coming out to enjoy the crowds,
your day at Del Mar will be pleasurable and exciting.
Arriving at the Track
Are you the
type of person that likes to wander around and get to know a place? If you purchase
Stretch Run admission, you need to know that you are not allowed full access to the track.
Clubhouse admission allows you to wander all over (except for the Turf Club and a few other
places). Many people get confused, but it is not much different than at a football game or
basketball court where seating is defined by the amount of admission you've paid. Also,
the admission price to a track does not include a reserved seat. You must purchase a seat
separately. For your convenience there are photos which show the site lines of each
seating area, as well as frequently asked questions about seating. You may also order your
tickets in advance, on-line.
Once you have your seats, and you've arrived at the track, you'll need to know a few
things.
Questions
Five Customer Service booths are conveniently located throughout the facility. Customer service representatives in Hawaiian shirts and khaki pants or skirts are available to answer your questions.
The Horse
Horse racing is as wonderfully compelling and complex as you want to make it. Some
people come specifically to watch the horses run and do not bet. No
Thoroughbred can start at a recognized pari-mutuel track unless it is registered with the
Jockey Club. Before a Thoroughbred foal is approved, the registry requires that the color
and all markings be clearly set forth in the application, such as a star, blaze, stripe,
snip and stocking. A lip tattoo is also necessary. The tattoo is required before the horse
ever races. If you want more information on the horse and the history of the Jockey Club,
see The Jockey Club site.
The Track
Many fans love the pageantry and attend the races to visit the paddock where the horses
are saddled. In this area, the owners gather to watch their horses and the horses are led
around so that everyone can see their condition. Some handicappers do not miss watching
horses in the paddock. They want to know if their future wager is walking well, looks
healthy and is relaxed enough to win a race. It is here that the jockeys come out, get
instructions from the trainers and then are booted up onto the horse.
The Thoroughbred Owners of California has a handbook on-line for owners. Chapter 2 -- The Game does
a great job of explaining horse racing. And while Chapter 16 -- Race Day is
specifically for owners, it also explains what happens on race day. To give you a flavor
of the complexities of this sport, Chapter 20 -- Did you Know
explains many of the rules that face the owners and trainers in this industry. Most of
these rules protect the fan, but some rules protect the owners and the horses.
Handicapping
There are many forms of handicapping. In fact, the methods may be limitless. Common
types are class, speed, pace, trip and computer handicapping.
Class handicapping is very difficult to explain mostly because, like beauty, it is in
the eye of the beholder. Class is hard to define. Some of the most rousing arguments in
horse racing has to do with the definition of class. Generally, class handicappers are
willing to say "Horse A ran at this level, which is perfect, and Horse B has never
won at this level." Horse A is therefore classier than Horse B and should beat Horse
B. However, handicappers are also looking at Horse B to determine whether form is
improving. Perhaps Horse B is young and destined for better things, while Horse A is
losing a step?
Speed handicappers use different types of speed figures. Speed figures measure how fast
the horse ran, taking into consideration the track varient (how fast or slow the track
played in the last race), class and other variables. Some people purchase speed figures (Thorograph or Ragozin).
Others use the speed figures provided by the Daily
Racing Form (Beyer Speed Figures).
Pace Handicapping is based upon the turn times of horses, as well as the "pace of
the race." Is your horse a front running type? Are many of the horses front runners
that will run at about the same speed? Pace theories basically state that this kind of
race might set up for a come from behind horse to pick up the pieces after the speed burns
itself out. Pace numbers are assigned to the horses so that when a lot of speed is in the
race, the handicapper can tell which horse is faster and thus able to run ahead of the
others. For example, Horse A might be a front running horse, but not as fast as Horse B
which is also a front runner. If there is no speed save one horse, this is called
"lone speed." Many handicappers believe that horse will be able to steal the
race. Bloodstock
Research Information Services (BRIS) uses pace numbers as do other Internet services.
Trip handicappers make it a point to watch nearly all the races run during a meet. They
take extensive notes and watch for trouble during a race. They make it a point to also
watch the race replays every night and often tape them for review before attending the
races in which "their" horses are running. They may make a note on certain
horses to bet next time out. The list they develop is usually called "horses to
watch". Many of the free on-line links we furnish have "horses to watch"
lists.
Computer handicapping is fairly straight forward. Someone develops a computer program,
you buy it and use it to handicap the races. Today, BRIS and a few other sources allow you
to download the races to your computer to "tweak" the race card to come up with
your selections. There are countless computer programs on horse racing. Many are suitable;
some are not. Caveat emptor.
Most people use a blending of these various methods. Some people use other services.
The Del Mar website has provided Free Links
and Commercial Links on
handicapping.
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Page last updated: May 7th, 2004
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