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General Category => Ask the Experts => Topic started by: horsegoer on January 01, 2015, 09:12:55 PM

Title: Claiming a Horse
Post by: horsegoer on January 01, 2015, 09:12:55 PM
Thinking about claiming a cheap claimer down at Tampa Bay Downs. I\'m not expecting to make money and I\'m aware this will be a losing proposition. Not doing this to make money. I still have to figure out all the monthly expenses etc. etc.

Question, besides trying to figure out based on the pattern is there a way to find out if a horse has physical problems before claiming him/her? Thanks
Title: Re: Claiming a Horse
Post by: horsegoer on January 02, 2015, 07:26:20 AM
Read an article that\'s says the trainer try to get that info
Title: Re: Claiming a Horse
Post by: TMW on January 02, 2015, 08:23:11 AM
horsegoer Wrote:
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> Read an article that\'s says the trainer try to get
> that info

Goog luck with this decision. It can be a lot of fun and of course frustrating at times. A few suggestions --

1) Get a good trainer and one that you can trust (not impossible). This is by far your most important decision.
2) The trainer should generally know the physical condition of horses on his (or her) circuit or will know folks who do (including jockey agents or clockers).
3) Target a horse that can be improved -- by changing from a bad trainer to a good trainer, by changing track surfaces or distance, or equipment.
4) Small syndicates have always been the best way to go for me. Money stretches further and is more fun.
Title: Re: Claiming a Horse
Post by: horsegoer on January 02, 2015, 08:03:13 PM
Thanks. Looking forward to it. One important aspect that may be tough is finding the right spot for the horse.