In addition to the thrill and excitement that horse racing has to offer, it can also bring in a profit if you have the right information in hand. Use these insider tips to help increase your chances of winning.

1. First, it’s a good idea to evaluate the horses’ past history before you make any decision on placing bets. Experts have learned that the higher a horse’s speed rating, the more likely that horse is to consistently win races, making these horses a choice with greater profit potential. This is even more true in the case of sprint races, so be sure not to overlook this critical information.

2. Make sure that you analyze how consistently the horses have won in recent races. This is crucial, and you should refrain from making bets on horses that haven’t participated in any races within about the past month. Rather, try to find horses that have placed among the top three in the past few races in which they’ve competed. This is usually a sign that the horse is in fine form and has a good shot at winning an upcoming race.

3. Don’t overlook the importance of evaluating a horse’s class when you’re trying to choose a winner. Specifically, check to see if a horse is coming up in class. If the horse has been winning races recently in the current class, this may indicate that the horse is more likely to remain on a winning streak. Be aware though that this is not a surefire path to success, but rather one indicator among many that you should consider.

4. Whenever you can, try to assess the condition of the track on the scheduled race day. If you know that the track will be muddy due to poor weather conditions, choose a horse that likes to take an early lead. Horses that prefer to take a front lead early in the race are more likely to win on a muddy track.

5. Finally, realize that a horse that has lost their most recent race isn’t always a bad bet, particularly if they were a favorite. The horse might very well be in great shape and have a fighting chance at winning future races. Make sure to evaluate the odds on the morning of the scheduled race to make a final determination about whether or not this is the right horse to bet on.

Simon Skinner has worked in the online gambling industry since 2000. He has worked for some of the top online sportsbooks and now runs internet marketing for BetAmerica - the top online US horse racing betting website.