Harness Racing Handicapping

By: Richard Bleuze

Harness racing handicapping

When you handicap a harness race, there are some things to look for when you do harness racing handicapping.  My top suggestions are:

1.  Good Form
Most harness horses tend to be a fairly consistent breed.  Make sure that the horse has excellent form.  Most harness horses have shown the ability to race well at a certain class level and are often the most likely candidates to win a particular race.

2.  Consistency
Harness horses that have demonstrated that they can win consistently at a particular level often yield very solid selections to win a race.

3.  Top Drivers
At most harness racetrracks, the top three or four drivers will win a disproportionate amount of the races.  You can usually find a list of the top drivers in the official track program.  In addition, each driver's UDR (universal driver rating) appears next to the driver's name.

4.  Top Trainers
At most harness racetracks the top trainers in addition will often dominate in the win standings at a racetrack.  You will also find this information in the offical track program

5.  Inside Post Positions
As a rule, the closer to the rail a harness horse starts, the better that  chances of success.  This also applies to most horse racing.  It has been shown, that an inside post makes it easier for a horse to get good early position.

6.  Horses That Have Had "Bad" Luck In The Past
Sometimes horses have had their chances of being in the money lost because of   things beyond their control.  A few examples would be: poor post positions, interference, breaking, being parked out, being overmatched in class.

7.  Horses Dropping In Class
Look for a harness horse that has dropped in class to show wll in a harness race.  You will often find that a horse that has dropped in class in the race has demonstrated poor form in the past because it has been competing against horses that are superior in ability.

I hope that the above tips will make you a better harness racing handicapper.  It is a fun sport and if you can make money at it, the better you will enjoy harness racing!

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About the Author:

Richard provides articles and information about horse betting on his website at http://www.bettingthehorsesonline.com


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