Okay, you know how to figure the odds on a horse, but what about handicapping? We are here to tell you that it is sort of confusing and a lot of it is luck, but with a little brainpower, we are sure you can figure it out! Let us find out all about horse racing handicapping.

You should follow general tips on handicapping so lets list them out.

Choose a race that fits the horse
It is always good to see which horse is running which race and decide if its a sprint, which are around two to three lengths, to make sure the horse you like has good speed and is able to finish strong.

Look for good match-ups
Don’t randomly bet on every horse just because you like their name or jockey. See what horses are matched up with each other and what their records are. This way you can make good decisions on when to bet and how much you want to bet.

Know how to wager
use your knowledge of the tote board and horse payouts and remember to deduct the track cut to find out how much you would really receive if your horse won. If you bet $2 and end up winning a buck that’s not a good bet.

Understand how horses race
Find horses that are consistent in their performance and play the wait game if you have to. Look at match ups constantly after all if you’re at the track, you probably have the time to sit down and make good decisions right! Learn to pass on a race if it wont payout.

Check out the signs
if you look closely you can find marked signs at each racetrack that tell you with signals if you should play or pass on a race. If you don’t see them ask where they are.

What is the pace shape of the race?
You can ask your buddies how this works, or people at the track, but running styles are usually matched and the pace of each race is matched so find out about these types of races and see if you can bet to win.

The 4 race shapes
there are basically four kinds of race shapes, fast, lone early, honest, and slow. Use these for match up skills to determine if your horse even has a chance to place!

Separate the true contenders from the winners. Don’t waste your time on horses that haven’t won against their match ups.

Race track and field of running
be sure to analyze if the horses are running on turf versus dirt. Find out which horses do well on turf and which on dirt.

Buy a handicapping book
While this sounds like a really simple thing you would be surprised how many people don’t even consider this! Or, if you don’t like to read, find a guy who is always at the track and always seems to do well and pick his brain!

Simon M Skinner assists withruns internet marketing for BetAmerica - the top online US horse racing betting website.