Picking a Favorite Track /GGF

[atakante]

As a beginner, I would like to seek some advice on how to go about selecting a favorite track.  Geographically I am closest to Golden Gate Fields, but it seems a sub-par venue with less quality horses and small purses.  Of course another dimension could be the payout ratios per track, which I haven\'t yet dug into.  All in all I prefer following dirt racing and quality horses/stakes races but wouldn\'t want to see an unending string of short favorites parade to the winner\'s circle either. Any advice appreciated.

[miff]

Takeout and pool size should be at the top of your list whether you are playing 10 cent supers or making substantial wagers.For the most part,blended takeout rate is close at the main venues California,NY,Kentucky, Florida with app 70% of the annual handle wagered there.

Tracks like Saratoga/Belmont/Aqueduct/Santa Anita/Del Mar/CD/Kee/GP handle app 7 billion pa and have the best quality racing overall.Many other venues have a special/big day a couple of times during their meets.

Following a few top venues closely is probably your best bet to start.

[TempletonPeck]

Agree on all counts.

This is a good place to get some helpful info:

http://www.horseplayersassociation.org/2015Sortable.html

[atakante]

Thanks for the links.  Looks like Golden Gate is not especially bettor friendly according to these figures.

[Rick B.]

atakante Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks for the links.  Looks like Golden Gate is
> not especially bettor friendly according to these
> figures.

Tend to agree, but betting situations arise at many
\"lesser\" tracks, so why not just observe and pounce?

I asked my very good friend and harness racing mentor
Frank C. the same sort of question: which track is your
favorite?

His answer: \"Anywhere I can cash a f*cking ticket.\"

And that was 25 years ago!

[atakante]

Sounds about right

[Fairmount1]

I would also add that following racing at your closest Live Venue can be invaluable even if you are only dedicating a minimal amount of time and money to that venue.  Shoot for a non-Saturday for this adventure (read below as to why).  My best, most confident and profitable angles to this day are connected to Illinois racing yet involve horses at other venues, notably Indiana and Kentucky.  I would guess there are many terrific angles to be gained from GGF that could be used when certain trainers or horses head to the Southern Cal circuit.  

The racing at the venues miff describes are much the best as far as excitement, live venue experience, exotic payoff potential, lower takeout rates than Parx, and avoiding a parade of favorites.  If you enjoy the Triple Crown and the Breeders Cup, these are the tracks to follow, especially on Saturday\'s, since nearly everyone schedules all of their stakes on Saturday\'s these days.