How to approach a Race

[philywheel]

Hi fellow TGers , I am in a major slump,cant pick a winner any more,some of my problems besides bad luck( bad break at the start , getting boxed ,Dqs , bad rides )
no sure what to do, another problem is when I look at the form everything looks the same, cant separate them. My friend says I am taking in too much info:
( I am a good capper),I play NYRA everyday.Just curious as to how some of you approach a race,(look for speed , try to eliminate a fav ,play pic 345s)

Thanks
Philywheel

[Silver Charm]

Pick fewer spots. Don\'t try and bet your way out. If a race looks even it probably is. Take the positive from your selction even if the results were negative. This will keep your confidence up in a bad streak. Enjoy the atmosphere of where you are. Helps have some fun

[PapaChach]

Step away for awhile. Playing my way out never worked for me. Handicapping during a slump begins to feel like a chore, and bets get placed with a mix of dread and indecision. Not a good way to play. I know it\'s time for a break when I\'m consistently losing and when no matter how many races I look at, I never come up with a strong opinion. No sense forcing plays at that point. Take a week off, a month, whatever works.

[dodie]

It\'s called variance, Phily, and it is the bane of every positive expectation gambler.  You\'re going to run into these streaks.  I think the advice from Silver and Papa is spot on.  Step away.  Study the first week at the Spa without betting.  Then dive back in.

[firmturf]

Create a project for yourself that allows you to watch the races but not bet on them for a specific amount of time.

Example is opening week at Saratoga. As the races conclude next Friday be able to tell us whats winning, outrunning its odds or losing as favorites in turf sprints and 9 furlong dirt races. Or, what Chad Brown horses are over bet?

You can make the project whatever you want it to be.....  

You get to analyze data that will help you later while you clear your head.

[Boscar Obarra]

Less is more.

 Try focusing on a few , and I mean a few, key aspects, and look for plays that meet those criteria clearly.

 \"another problem is when I look at the form everything looks the same, cant separate them\"

I agree with your friend, sounds like a case of information overload to me.

[moosepalm]

This makes me think of the time I was in a golf slump, which at that point, had lasted about eighteen years.  I went to the pro for advice on what I should do and he said, \"Buy a boat.\"

However, other advice posted on this thread is far more valuable for the question at hand.

[Tavasco]

philywheel Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi fellow TGers , I am in a major slump,cant pick
> a winner any more,some of my problems besides bad
> luck( bad break at the start , getting boxed ,Dqs
> , bad rides )
> no sure what to do, another problem is when I look
> at the form everything looks the same, cant
> separate them. My friend says I am taking in too
> much info:
> ( I am a good capper),I play NYRA everyday.Just
> curious as to how some of you approach a
> race,(look for speed , try to eliminate a fav
> ,play pic 345s)
>
> Thanks
> Philywheel


Sadly your dilemna is not uncommon. So some levity may be needed. You could alter your preparation regimen e.g. watch an episode of \"America\'s Funniest Videos\" or read some new jokes as step one.

Then consider who or what could be responsible for your condition. For example the last week of major meets is considered by some to have its own set of handicapping factors. Alternatively, do you have any distraction that could cause an anal cranial inversion?

Then handicap backwards. i.e. start with the last race and work toward the first race. Then start with the outside horse and work toward the rail. Choose those horse who can not win. Bet each of the remaining horses. (within reason)
If you can\'t get to a short list, pass the race.

Reward yourself in some way after success. Repeat. Then as in the trick test of years back ignore all of these suggestions.

[johnnym]

I am a firm believer some of the guys here are to smart for their own good and over analyze every race.
A break never hurts either.
I never play make believe picks either as those are the ones I usually hit.

Remember K.I.S.S

Good Luck this shall pass

[philywheel]

thanks , I allways thought i need a break, Stay away for awhile, and the KISS method

appreciate the feed back

I am a horizontal player ,maybe just some win and place wagers
Good luck all
Philywheel

[Mc990]

What happened to just Bet the Ortiz brothers and you\'ll be fine?

[Boscar Obarra]

Mc990 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What happened to just Bet the Ortiz brothers and
> you\'ll be fine?


Everyone that did that has already retired to a life of leisure

[philywheel]

very funny,
 They have been my only winners on my pic5s and 4s

[philywheel]

Hey MC , besides Castellano is their another jockey at NYRA that yoou would rahter put your money on?

[Mc990]

Never given it much thought... I don\'t bet jockeys