Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Some Things to Look For When Handicapping

Good Form
Harness horses tend to be a fairly consistent breed. Horses that have shown the ability to race well at a certain class level are often the most likely candidates to win a particular race.

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

Top Drivers
The top four or five drivers at most racetracks will win a disproportionate amount of the races. A list of top drivers appears in the official track program and each driver's UDR (universal driver rating) appears next to the driver's name.

Top Trainers
As with drivers, top trainers will often dominate in the win standings at a racetrack. The trainer's rating appears next to his/her name in the program and a listing of the trainer's standings is also contained in the program.

Inside Post Positions
Generally speaking, the closer to the rail a horse starts, the better his chances of success. An inside post makes it easier for a horse to get good early position.

Horses That Have Had Excuses
Sometimes horses have had their chances compromised by a number of things beyond their control. Some examples: Poor post positions, interference, breaking, being parked out, being overmatched in class.

Horses Dropping In Class
Often a horse will demonstrate poor form because it has been competing against horses that are superior in ability. There is a relationship between class and form, and a horse dropping in class often displays a marked improvement in form.

Article: Written by and permission to reprint granted by Don Beilak.