| Finding a long shot that wins at a good price is one | | | | jockey, it is also true that the jockey can only go as |
| of the great thrills for a handicapper, but there is | | | | fast as the horse can run. I have seen mediocre |
| usually a good reason for a horse going off at long | | | | jockeys beat Hall of Fame jockeys because they had |
| odds. Therefore, if you chase long shots, you're | | | | the better horse. Therefore, if you are looking for a |
| bound to go broke real fast. | | | | good long shot bet in a horse race, try to find a |
| The fact that the trainer or rider of a particular horse | | | | favorite that is being over bet because the jockey is |
| hasn't won many races will often drive the odds up, | | | | a favorite of the crowd. |
| even though the horse is a solid contender. That is | | | | It also helps if the horse being ridden by the top |
| because too much emphasis is placed on the abilities | | | | jockey is dropping in class. Though a drop in class |
| of the people involved with the horse and too little | | | | often helps a horse, if the horse's form is declining, it |
| emphasis is placed on the horse's ability. | | | | may have lost its ability to win, even at a lower level. |
| The reason so many handicappers place so much | | | | That top level jockey may have stayed on the |
| importance on the jockey or trainer is that most of | | | | mount out of gratitude to the owner or trainer, but |
| the races are won by just a handful of top jockeys | | | | he or she may also realize the horse has little chance |
| and top trainers at most tracks. Every once in a | | | | of winning. When an animal starts to lose its physical |
| while an obscure trainer or low percentage jockey | | | | conditioning, it often loses its will to win and will |
| manages to win a race, and usually at good odds. | | | | disappoint, even at a lower class level. |
| The reason this happens is that the average bettor | | | | Therefore, find a top jockey on a horse that is over |
| likes to be reassured that he or she is betting on a | | | | rated by the crowd in a race with a solid contender |
| proven professional conditioner or rider. | | | | being ridden by a little known jockey and you may |
| While it is true that the horse can't win without the | | | | find an excellent long shot bet. |