Harness Racing Secrets

If you are interested in participating in the spectator sport of harness racing for pleasure or for financial purposes, you've already made the first step in the discovery of a whole new world of people, events and experiences. There are a few secrets to placing bets in harness racing. Helpful techniques apply to everything about the race, from the driver to the horse's class. These are all factors to take into account when you place a bet.

  1. Driver

    • The driver is a major factor in how the horse performs. Tracks keep what's called a "Universal Driver Rating." This is a calculated average of driver placements, and anything above a .300 is considered excellent. Compare how the driver has done in the past if he has driven the horse. Top trainers are also something to look out for. A top trainer, paired with a good driver, makes a good bet.

    Classes

    • Comparing the class of the horse determines if it has been moved up or down. A class fits horses of comparable ability together, so the competition is more evenly matched. A horse that was recently moved up may be at a disadvantage, while one moved down may be racing at a higher level. Compare the purses of the previous races. If they don't compare to the purse of the current race, then the horse has changed classes.

    Time

    • A fast quarter-mile is more important than a fast race time. A horse that is consistently faster than the others in a quarter-mile will have more success. Those who have fast finish times tend to benefit from pace. Check the Comparative Speed Ratings in your program.

    Post Position

    • Many look at wins and odds of horses and bet from there. But consider the post position. A great horse with good stats and a poor post position statistically will not fare well. This is particularly true for half-mile tracks. Posts 1-4 are the best positions. They hug the inside of the track, making the distance the horses have to cover slightly shorter than that of their opponents that are on the outside of the track.

    Birthday

    • The birthday of all horses in racing events is considered January 1. No matter what month they were born, the following January the horse will turn 1, and so on. If a horse looks a little younger or smaller than the others, the chances are it's not as mature.