Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.
If you want to start an argument at the dog track, just tell someone how you pick winners. Tell them what you look for when you go over your program and they'll probably tell you that at least one of those things is all wrong.
While we all get the same program and watch the same races, few of us agree on which of the many points of greyhound handicapping are the most important ones. Here's my take on it, but remember, your mileage - and handicapping approach - may vary.
1. Class. To me, class is defined very simply as the level at which a dog "should" be running. In other words, it's where he can win at least often enough to stay in that grade and compete with the other dogs on a regular basis.
2. Consistency. This is a biggie. As you go up the grade ladder, the dogs get more consistent until you get to the top where they consistently stay in A. Those are the best dogs. The inconsistent dogs are at the other end of the ladder.
3. Post Position. I've said it before and I'll say it again, to some dogs, post position is everything. But to every dog, it's something to consider when you go over the race. Even dogs who are flexible have post positions that they do much better from.
4. Running Style. For this, I ask myself if the dog's running style is favored or hampered by the running style of the other dogs in the race. For instance, if the dog breaks to the inside and is in the 8 box, is there a dog that will break with it and cut it off?
5. Makeup of the race as a whole. This is the toughest factor, because it's mainly a judgment call. This is where watching hundreds of races at the same track pays off.
So, there you have it. Those are the factors that I consider the most important when I handicap a greyhound race.
Greyhound Dog Racing.