Form Analysis
Ever read the form and wondered what it all means?
Always be aware how many rides a jockey has for the day. If a city jockey has 2 rides at a country meet generally speaking they will be around the money. Big time jockeys won’t travel to the country unless it is worth there while.
CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE TRACK. A horse may be the best in the race but if it can’t handle a heavy track it can very quickly become the worst horse in the race. In the winter months check for horses that have form in the wet, it is crucial.
Be aware of where horses are trained. Home track advantages can more often than not be the difference, different track gradients and the degree of the turns are different for every track and quite significant on some.
The quality of the race is just as important as the position a horse finishes. First in a class 1 isn't necessarily better than 5th in a class 3. Horses dropping back in class are always dangerous.
Follow horses. Don't just take note of the horses that win, have a look out the back and watch the things that are running home strong. Keep a record of horses that may need a little more distance, or different track conditions, your own notes will tell you more than any form guide.
Look for smart money. Sometime the best form line has nothing to with how a horse is running. Watch to see where the late money is, if a horse gets backed in at the last minute include this in your selection process.
