Thursday, May 31, 2012

Number 1 Money Myth That Keeps You From Winning at the Dog Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

If you've been around greyhound handicapping for any length of time, you know the myth I'm talking about. But some of the newer players may not know that something that many people tell you is the best way to make money at the track is actually the surest way to go broke.

It's been around for hundreds of years anywhere that people bet. You can find it at Cannes where high society bets on the roll of a roulette wheel. It's there at the Kentucky Derby and the English Derby and in Australia, Asia and New Zealand. Irish punters tell each other what a great system it is as they bet on their top dogs. Harness racing fans in New Jersey swear that it works because they knew someone who knew someone who had a brother in law who used it and got rich.

Well, I'd like to meet that guy, because he's the only one who ever HAS gotten rich off this system. Yet, everyday at race tracks and casinos all over the world, people are still buying this losing system and still using it to lose yet more money. The only people who get rich on it are the sleaze balls who sell it.

So, what is this system? Well, it has several names. You might know of it as the Martingale System. Another name for it is the Doubling System. That's a good name for it because it describes how it works. Basically, if you lose a bet, you double the next bet and keep doing that until you hit a winning bet.

When you do, you get back all the money you lost and make money also. It sounds plausible, until you realize that - if you have several losing bets in a row - you'll run out of money unless you have infinite resources, which most of us don't have.

It was originally based on a simple game of tossing a coin with small wagers, but it quickly became popular with bettors who played other types of games, including those who wagered on horses and dogs. I heard about it from a fellow dog player on my second trip to the greyhound track back in the 1970's. He swore he made money with it and offered to sell it to me for $10.

I passed and watched him try the same trick with other new dog players for years. I can only assume that - if he did make money on the Martingale System - he was doing it by selling it to unsuspecting newbies. In conclusion, I'd like to recommend that you use a variation on the opposite of the Martingale System.

If you bet smaller bets when you're losing and larger bets when you're winning, you'll have a much better chance of keeping your losses to a minimum and your winnings to a maximum. This is the only money management system that I've ever found that really works over the long term.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Number 1 Best Bet For Beginners at the Dog Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

The first time you go to the dog track, it's overwhelming. The crowd is noisy. The races are only a few minutes apart. The program is confusing and there's so much information that you have to absorb. If you're a horse player, especially, it can be a bewildering experience.

The horse races have much more time between them, so you have time to go over your program, get a cup of coffee, talk to friends. Not so with the dog races. You have time to gulp a couple sips of coffee and get up to the window and bet and then it's time for the race to go off.

This is why, if you're new to the dog track, you should start with bets that are easier to figure out. The double isn't a bet I play, but it's a good bet for new track goers. To win it, you have to pick the winner of the first race and the winner of the second race. Sometimes there's also a late double in one of the other races.

The reason this is a good bet for newbies, is because it only costs $2. You can pick 2 or 3 dogs that you like in the first race and couple them with 2 or 3 dogs you like in the second race. That way, you have a few chances of hitting the double.

It probably wouldn't hurt to play the program favorites, because it seems that the double is often pretty easy to pick. Maybe it's just chance, but the more cynical amongst us think that it's a good way to get people into the mood to bet the rest of the program.

Whatever the reason, the double is relatively easy to hit and can give you some practice picking winners and even quinielas in later races. Just remember not to bet more than you plan to bet when you come in the door and definitely not more than you can afford to bet. There's nothing that will spoil your dog track experience more than losing more than you can afford to lose.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Number 1 Best Bet at Any Dog Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

In over 3 decades of watching dog races, I've seen a lot of dogs. So many that it's only the ones who had something special going for them that I really remember. When I think back over the races I've watched, the dogs I respected the most were the ones who had something that almost no one talks about when they mention dog racing. But it's the absolute most important character trait for winning dogs.

Back in the 80's, at what was then Lincoln Greyhound Park, there were a couple of great dogs. EP's Yar Yar and Homespun Rowdy were champions who had terrific winning percentages. I loved to watch them run but not just because they won so often.

The best thing about both of them was that they had "heart", something that's a major factor with winners of any species. Heart is what separates the "good" dogs from the "great" dogs. It's what allows a dog to win even when everything seems to be going against him winning - or even finishing the race.

I've seen dogs that fell down and still managed to finish in the money. They just didn't give up, even though some of the people who bet on them tore up their tickets because they were so sure that the dog didn't have a chance.

I've seen dogs come from so many lengths behind that they were in another zip code, as Jimmy the Greek used to say, and nip the winner at the wire. The crowd had counted them out early in the race, but they never considered doing anything but winning.

Dogs with heart run every race to win. But if they don't win, they don't let it discourage them from running their heart out in their next race. A burning desire to be first is part of their makeup and it can overcome obstacles that daunt other dogs.

If you notice one of these dogs, put it on your list of dogs to watch. "Heart" often shows up when the dogs are just puppies, because they're born with it. Keep an eye on them and bet them when they're in a race where they look like contenders. At the very least, enjoy watching them run, because they're the best runners at the track.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

My Recycled Greyhound


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Some people believe greyhounds are working dogs that enjoy chasing a mechanical rabbit, and at the end of their exciting careers become recycled into a family pet - a nice life with the ultimate retirement. This however, is just not the way the story goes, and in the case of my repurposed greyhound, he simply beat the odds.

The real story is the life of a greyhound is not even close to nice. When housed at the race track, they spend about 20 hours of the day confined in small cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around. If their stats are below par, they are retired from racing. A retired female may end up as a brood, spending years on a farm breeding more potential racers. Some retirees end up in veterinary research labs because greyhounds have a universal blood type and because they are so docile, they are easy to handle. The lucky get adopted, and the remaining gets destroyed.

Over 15,000 greyhounds were registered in 2009(1). More were born but got culled as they were not suitable for racing. Many suffer broken legs or necks, spinal cord paralysis or go into cardiac arrest while racing and have to be put down. Some states do not require that records be kept on injuries or deaths, which I suppose is deemed too much information for the public. The industry does admit though to destroying thousands of greyhounds each year, which is estimated to be as many as 3,000(2).

I was shocked when I recently read that greyhounds tested positive for cocaine at a track in Birmingham. It's hard for me to even get my head around this act of cruelty. My husband took me to our local track to see the deal firsthand. What I saw was mostly shady characters who probably consider gambling their "job" and a few semi-normal people that might have been just looking for something different to do on a Saturday night.

Thanks though to the tireless efforts of GREY2K USA, a non-profit group headed by the talented Christine Dorchak, who serves as both President and General Counsel, only 23 tracks are still operational in 7 states: Alabama has 3 tracks, Arizona one, Arkansas one, Florida has 13, Iowa has 2, Texas one, and West Virginia has 2. Gone most recently are the tracks in Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Oregon.

This amazing group has been able to ban greyhound racing by working with state politicians to pass the "Greyhound Protection Act," while defeating attempts to keep tracks alive with subsidies and tax breaks, or the back door approach where promoters lobby for a law legalizing slot machines to save the live racing. If the tracks are successful at getting slots, they remain economically viable and the dogs continue to remain disposable commodities.

Defeating dog track owners is no easy task. It has taken the hard grassroots approach of collecting thousands of signatures in order to place a measure to end dog racing before voters. People were shown state records documenting hundreds of injuries, along with actual video footage of terrible collision that are common occurrences and photographs of the endless confinement greyhounds endure. This hard proof gave the greyhounds a voice. And the numbers and force of the people proved that small groups of people really can bring about big change.

There is currently a blogger dedicated to seeing that that last remaining track in Arizona is closed . She discusses the issues associated with this industry in no uncertain terms. There is also something like 350 greyhound rescue groups throughout the U.S. comprised of volunteers that find ways to transport, feed, medically treat, house and market these dogs to the public. If a track closes, these groups network in an effort to place dogs across states. You can imagine the constant work involved to make even a dent in the number greyhounds needing homes in a state like Florida with a whopping 13 tracks. What does this say about my state of Florida? Gambling trumps animal welfare?

I was initially put off to hear that my local rescue group was neutral on racing, but then it occurred to me that they are dealing with ruthless people and this is their way of getting in to make the saves. I had the experience of going with members of a rescue group to pick up dogs as space had become available. We went to a kennel that was full of all these beautiful dogs in all their wonderful colors stacked in crates with their almost human eyes looking so intently at us as if to say, "please pick me." It was heart-wrenching to leave with only two, and no one can convince me that another group came to that particular kennel to pick up the rest.

My greyhound Buddie, who raced for a short period under the name Mr. Pibb, is an amazing recycled dog. He is gentle and loving and gives standing hugs if allowed. He is an ambassador for his breed using his charm to get hugs and kisses by people everywhere he goes. Most tend to think greyhounds are full of energy, but the truth is they are used to lying around and being active for only short periods of time. Other things that people usually don't know is that greyhounds don't bark, they have a sweet smell and barely shed, they walk right by your side on a leash and many enjoy cats. What more could you ask for in a pet?

If you are interested in learning more about greyhounds or adopting go to .

(1) National Greyhound Association, Breeding Stats, 2009.

(2) National Greyhound Association, KABC Channel 7 ABC TV, February 20, 2009.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Making a Living at the Dog Track - Is it For You


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

I've gotten more questions about making a living at the dog track from my readers than any other subject. I can't figure out why this is, but it raises some interesting points.

* I'm not the only one who knows that there are people who make a living at the dog track

* A lot of people are very dissatisfied with the jobs they have now and would like to do something else for a living

* Someone needs to write a book about how to make a living at the dog track

That's not going to be me, however, although at the present time, my income does come mostly from handicapping. It wasn't always this way. When I was younger, I had a "regular job" to support my family and the track was only a some-time thing, mostly for entertainment and a little extra "fun" cash.

That changed when we needed a downpayment on a house and had no other way to get it other than robbing a bank or picking some winning trifectas. I opted for the latter and managed to come up with the downpayment, but also realized that I hate betting on dogs under that kind of pressure. It makes it a lot harder to handicap, as far as I'm concerned.

So, I went back to handicapping to make money for fun stuff like vacations and little extras that I couldn't afford on my paycheck. With only a few exceptions, including one memorable 4-day blitz to get funding for private school for my kids for a year, I haven't tried to earn a living at the track.

If you have nerves of steel, a big bankroll to get you through the inevitable slumps where you don't win for days, and can survive on very little sleep and can thrive on "track food", you might be very successful at making a living at the track. Of course, that's assuming that you have a good handicapping system that consistently picks winners.

If you do decide to go this route, make sure that you do it right. Use your system carefully and consistently. Keep good records and refine your handicapping method constantly, with the data you collect from your records.

Most importantly, don't try to hide your winnings from the IRS. Keep records of your winnings and what you lose. Get a good accountant - one who understands the tax laws related to gambling winnings. Treat "making a living at the dog track" like a job, because that's what it is.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Make More Money in Less Time With Your Own Greyhound Handicapping System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

I admit it. I'm an old dog. It's been a long time since I've learned any new tricks. Well, until a short time ago when I stumbled on something that I wish I'd learned years ago. Now, I've been doing fine with the handicapping systems I've used for years. Don't get me wrong. But, as I learned recently, there's always room for improvement.

Like most dog players, I used to get frustrated because there's just so darned much information to go over on a program. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I just don't notice little details like I used to and once in awhile, I'd miss something on a program and it would cost me money.

That bothered me. I don't expect to hit every bet I make, but I don't like missing a bet because of stupid mistakes. So, I worked on how I could stop missing information that I need to figure out races. It took me awhile, but I came up with what I think is a great approach.

You can do the same thing, if you put your mind to it. Just figure out which information is the most important when you're handicapping and organize it logically and graphically. Then you have to figure out how to weight it so that different factors matter more. That's after you figure out which factors those are.

When you get it all organized, find some way of presenting it so that the information just about jumps off the page at you - especially if, like me, you're no spring chicken. Then the next step is to figure out how to use that information to pick winners.

It helps if you've been handicapping for years and years, but even if you haven't been, you can learn. It might take a while, but stay with it. It's worth it. Of course, the easiest thing to do, instead of putting all this effort into something new, is to stay with your old system. However, if that old method doesn't work, maybe you should consider replacing it either by coming up with your own method or with something else.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Make More Money at the Track With a Graded Greyhound Handicapping System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

To win at the dog track, you need to be smarter than 90% of the people there. That's the percentage of people who lose at the track. Does that scare you? Well, think of it this way, that means that 10% of the people have figured out how to pick winners often enough to walk out with a profit.

So, all you need to do is figure out what they're doing that you're not doing. I can tell you one thing they're doing. The bettors who cash tickets have found a handicapping system that works for them. I can also tell you that they've tweaked and improved and refined that method so that it gets better all the time.

It's that simple. To make a profit at the dog track - or anywhere else - all you have to do is find something that works and improve it until it works consistently. You do that by starting with the best handicapping system you can find - one with a money back guarantee.

If it doesn't say that on the sales page, email the seller and ask. If there's no way to contact the seller, don't buy the system. If you do and it doesn't work, or you have questions about it, you'll be left high and dry with your questions unanswered and no way to get your money back.

When you get the system, don't run off to the track to bet the farm on it. Download some old programs and handicap them with the new method and then check the results to see how it works. Try it at a few tracks and see if you need to adjust it for track bias or other factors.

Once you're comfortable with it, try it out at your favorite track, but ease into it. Don't bet heavily until you're sure you know what you're doing with the new method. Even if it makes a profit "right out of the box", continue to work on making it better.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Make Money by Learning How to Compare Dogs in Greyhound Races


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Greyhound handicapping is mostly just comparing one dog to another and figuring out which one is faster, better and more likely to win. It sounds so simple when you put it like that, but when you actually put it into practice, it gets more complicated. The first and most important question you have to answer before you do any comparisons is this: What exactly are you comparing to what?

Most people would probably say that it's simple. You're just weighing each dog's factors against the same factors for the other dogs. Speed, post position, running style - all the usual suspects. But that's not really an explanation for how you're going to do that. For instance, let's take speed.

First, of course, we have to define what we mean by "speed" in greyhound races. Right there, if there are two people in a room, you'll get two different answers for what speed really is. Is it how fast the greyhound ran in its last race i.e. its time? Is it the greyhound's average speed? Or is it that dog's speed only in that grade at that distance?

Some people find "speed" by comparing a dog's time in its last race to the track record, to the best time the dog's ever had or to some speed rating that their handicapping software has come up with. While any and all of these methods have their merits, there's one thing that all of them are missing. What about the other dogs?

This is the basis of handicapping as far as I'm concerned. While I look at several speed factors, I know that all of them have to be evaluated against the same factors for the other dogs in THIS race. So, comparing a dog's last race time to the track record only applies if you do that with all 8 dogs in a race and then, somehow, come up with a way of giving each dog weight for that result.

I'm not saying that the above factor has any bearing on how well a dog will do in any given race. What I'm saying is this: you have to compare each dog to the other dogs in the race, not to outside factors like that dog's best time that may have been a year or more ago and under a very different set of circumstances as far as track condition, running room and even weather are concerned.

The bottom line when you handicap a greyhound's possible performance in a race, is that you have to consider how it will do against the other 7 greyhounds in this race. How it did in the past and all the other information you have about this dog is only relevant as far as it has an impact on the race it and the other 7 greyhounds are running today.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Make Money Betting on Dogs by Not Being a Gambler


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Most of the people who go to the dog track are gamblers. They don't have a clue, when they go in, whether they'll walk out with more or less money than they walked in with. They don't spend a lot of time looking at the program, but they DO spend a lot of time praying, hoping and wishing that their dogs come in. This is no way to make money at the dog track.

I'm not a gambler. Gamblers rely on luck to win. I'm a handicapper. Like someone who plays the stock market, I know before I go in to the track that I have a better than average chance of hitting more winners than losers. I've done my research. I've worked at getting better at what I do, which is handicapping greyhounds.

I don't rely on lucky numbers, sitting in a lucky spot, playing my kids' birthdays or praying to St. Bernadino, the patron saint of gamblers. I do rely on my skill at picking winners that other people don't know how - or won't learn how - to spot.

I've spent a lot of time learning my craft. However, it's nothing that almost anyone can't learn if they put enough time and effort into it. Like a lot of people who have gotten good at something, I'm even willing to share what I know. So, why is it that so few track-goers spend more than the minimum time on getting better at handicapping?

I think most of them really believe that dog races are impossible to handicap with logic and practice. Most of the crowd is still convinced that it's all luck, and luck isn't something you can learn to get better at. Well, they're entitled to their opinions, but I think they're wrong.

I think that's why so few people at the track are successful. They're gambling, while people like us are handicapping, studying and learning, and getting better all the time at picking winners. So, are you a gambler or a handicapper?

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Make Money at the Dog Track With This Little-Known Fact About Switchers


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

I don't know how many times I've heard it. Someone tells his friend not to bet on the 2 dog because it's switching from routes to sprints. They're bad bets, he tells his friend. Don't ever bet on a dog that's switching from long races to shorter races.

The only thing I hear more often is that you should never bet on a dog that's switching from sprints to routes, because you're wasting your money. You might have heard the same thing, but do you know why so many bettors believe this? And is it true?

Most people think that dogs get used to whatever distance race they usually run. If they're in sprints, they learn where the finish line is and start slowing down after they pass it. So, if they're in a route race, it's natural to think that they'll do the same thing when they've run as far as most sprints are - about 550 yds.

Alternatively, if a dog runs routes, it'll break more slowly and pace itself, because it knows that it's running a longer race. So, it will start behind the other dogs rather than breaking out of the box. Plus, it won't realize that it's reached the finish line, so it won't pour on the speed just before the finish. It will still be expecting its race to be as long as a route race - about 660 yds.

This sounds logical, but it's completely bogus. Think about it. Dogs run because they're chasing a lure, not because they know they're in a race. If you could see into a greyhound's brain while it's racing, you'd be able to see that it's only concerns are catching the "prey" and beating the other dogs to the "prey".

As long as the lure operator keeps the lure going in front of the greyhounds, they'll run. The only limitation they have is their physical ability to keep running. So, whether the race is a dash, a sprint, a route or a marathon, the dogs give it their all, as long as the lure keeps going.

Next time someone tells you that a dog is a bad bet, because it's in a longer or shorter race than it was in the last time it runs, just smile and let them think that. Why give away the secret that can help you cash more tickets?

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Make Money at the Dog Track by Being Picky


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

I'm pretty easy-going. I'll eat just about anything that's put in front of me. I don't really care that much about what I wear, as my family and friends will tell you. I'm just not that picky - except when it comes to the races I play.

When I started out, I played every race on the program. Then as time went by, I realized that I wasn't hitting a lot of them. I analyzed which ones I hit and which ones I missed and found out something surprising. The ones I hit the most are at both ends of the grade scale: M races and A races.

I have some ideas on why that's so. I really like to watch young dogs run, so I tend to pay more attention to the M races. I find it easier to remember M dogs' names than I do the other grades from C to B. I look them up in the Greyhound Data Base and find out who their litter mates are so I can play them if it looks like they'll be good too.

With A dogs, it's a different story. While the M dogs are just starting out, the A dogs have already shown me what they can do. There aren't that many at each track, so it's easier to keep track of them. They're more consistent than the dogs in the middle grades. They run smarter and they're more likely to avoid trouble, so the races are "cleaner". There isn't all the bumping and shuffling that happens more often in the lower grade races.

Of course, that's just my reasons for handicapping the grades I do. You probably have your own likes and dislikes when it comes to races. You may find that you do better at routes than sprints or are particularly good at picking winners in D races.

Whatever your strengths, use them to make money. Don't try to handicap all the races to "give yourself a better chance of winning", because that doesn't work. Play to your strong points and stick with the races where you've shown a profit.

The best way to find out what grade or type of race you do best in, is to just track those races for awhile and see how you do. If you make a profit consistently, stick with what works. Sometimes, being picky is a good thing, especially if it makes you more money.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Lucky Greyhound Handicapping Systems


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Have you ever had a hunch that something was going to happen - and it did? Maybe you had a feeling that you should stop and get a lottery ticket and it came in and paid you a little bit of money.

Maybe you looked at a dog and felt like you should bet it and it won. We all get hunches and feelings from time to time. Sometimes they pay off and sometimes they don't. So is there a way to get better at hunches and feelings?

Believe it or not, there is. Because scientists know that hunches or feelings are actually based on things that you "know, but you don't know" if that makes any sense. What happens is that part of your mind knows something or notices something and tries to tell you about it.

Since the part of your mind that forms hunches isn't directly in contact with the rest of your brain, it has to give you the message in a subtle way. So you get a hunch, because that part of your brain notices that the 1 dog is a dog who loves to run the rail and the other dogs near the rail are slow to get out.

You look at the 1 dog in the program and think maybe you'll bet it, but you don't know why. It doesn't look that good percentage-wise and it's not the classiest dog in the race. Why, you ask yourself, do I like this dog?

Well, if your subconscious mind could answer you, it'd tell you about the inside post factor, but it can't so you may or may not bet the dog. Some people pay attention to hunches and some people don't. It may depend on whether your hunches have paid off in the past.

Anyone can get better at hunches and feelings though, if they pay attention to little things, make notes and keep track of all the factors that predict winners.

That way, when your mind notices something that could help you handicap, it'll nudge you with a hunch or feeling about the dog. If you get used to this, you'll be able to use it to pick winners.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Learning Speed Handicapping in Greyhound Racing


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Speed comes up almost constantly in greyhound handicapping. Why wouldn't it? Speed is what gets one dog around the track faster than the other 7 dogs. Obviously, if you can figure out which greyhound has the fastest speed, you can pick the winner of any race. But that's easier said than done. Believe me, learning speed handicapping in greyhound racing can take a lifetime.

I think most of us handicappers start out by looking for dogs with the fastest times in their last races. When we realize that doesn't work, we may switch to dogs with the fastest "best time" if the program provides that information. Many of them do. But that's not really a true picture of how fast the dog will run in any race. Even if the conditions and dogs of the "best time" race were exactly the same, there's no way to tell how fast a dog will run.

The weather might have been different that day. The track might have been soft near the rail or roughed up or particularly hard if the "best time" is a lot faster than the dog's usual times. Speed is more than just numbers. Speed has to be compared to grade, class and post position. In other words, there's no way to compare speed between dogs without taking other factors into account.

There are some dogs who are speed demons if they catch a good break, can see the lure throughout the race and don't get cut off by other dogs. But when they race against dogs who don't have quite as much speed, but who run the same kind of race whether or not they get the break or can see the lure, these dogs can lose their speed advantage if things don't go just the way they want them to.

What I mean is that speed only works if the dog also has determination, catches a good break and is able to run where and how it wants. Trying to figure out whether all of this will come together today for this particular dog is the first step to learning speed handicapping in greyhound races.

There are many, many sports betting systems that purport to translate speed figures into a mechanical formula that allows you to compare dogs' speed ratings between grades, but I've never found one that worked. Maybe it's partly because I'm not big on crunching numbers with a calculator or software when I'm handicapping. But maybe it's also because you can't really use prior speed to absolutely calculate today's speed in a greyhound race.

True, if you look at a race and see that one or two dogs are consistently faster than the other dogs, you'd make a mental note of that as you look at the other factors in today's race. But you wouldn't stop right there and play those dogs just because they look fast. You'd keep handicapping and looking for how they're going to get out, what their running style is and how the other dogs are going to affect them.

So, speed is one factor in greyhound handicapping, of course it is. But learning speed handicapping isn't the whole secret to winning at the dog track. If it was, we'd all be rich and it wouldn't take half as long to handicap our programs. Learn to handicap for speed, but then go on to post position, running style, class and the other factors that help you pick winners, quinielas and trifectas.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Keeping Greyhounds As Pets - Good Idea!


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Greyhounds as pets have become extremely popular during this past decade, and the growth in popularity was spurred on by the efforts of the greyhound rescue and adoption heroes who made us aware of this dog's plight off the race track and begun placing them before they were destroyed. Life on the track can be terribly grueling, unforgiving, unrewarding, and bleak for these lovely sprinters, and those who saw the pet potential in the breed have worked hard to bring their cases to justice. Now, it seems that more and more people are breeding and seeking greyhounds as pets before they even the chance to hit the racing circuit, and we enthusiasts are mighty grateful for the ensuing improvement to the lives and future of this breed.

If you are thinking about greyhounds as pets, you may want to look in to the rescue and adoption effort first. These folks are constantly saving abused, neglected, and doomed animals from unworthy owners off the track and from concentration camp-like kennel situations. The good news about this breed, however, is their absolute gentleness and willingness to forgive. Most of these rescued and rehabilitated dogs make such wonderful and loving house dogs, and they train and bond so easily with those who show the slightest kindness. They need a family; you need a dog, so why not look into this avenue and save a deserving greyhound?

Greyhounds as pets are affectionately known by their owners as 45 mile per hour couch potatoes, and this title fits most of them to a tee. Though they are the fastest dogs on earth, capable of reaching speed of 46 miles per hour within 4 seconds of launch, they are really, how shall I say it? Well... they are lazy! They never ask for much, just a cool place to lay and a bit of a pat now and then, and they are happy as they can be. Most greyhounds are highly tolerant of children, and will more than likely downright enjoy them being around. Other pets are not usually an issue either, as per the breed standard for territorial behaviors, but each dog is different, so don't quote me that your cat won't end up in a tree from time to time!

Greyhounds as pets are worthy of much praise and devotion, and they offer the exact same in return. A short walk is all he will require for exercise if you don't have a fenced yard, but he is bound to be that dog who will stay by your side no matter what else is going on. Should you choose this breed, shedding won't be too much of an issue, either, as they have no under coat and the hair is extremely short and fine.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Is This the Reason Youre Losing at the Dog Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Do you pick winners and still lose money at the dog track? Do you have days when you can't seem to do anything right, but then you'll have a day where you pick one winner after another? Wouldn't it be nice if you could do that consistently?

Well, you can, but it takes time and experience and effort. You say you've put in a lot of time and years of experience and all kinds of effort and it still hasn't paid off? Well, have you put in enough money?

I can hear you laughing when you think of all the losing bets that have emptied your pockets over the years, but that's not the kind of expenditure I'm talking about. I'm talking about an investment in educating yourself about how to win at the track.

Think about it. If you were going to train for any other job or career, how would you do it? If you were going to be a chef, for instance, you'd probably sign up for lessons that would cost you a pretty penny. You might even go to a culinary arts school that cost thousands of dollars!

But you, and millions of other bettors, assume that you can learn how to handicap dogs with no investment in training except the cost of admission and a program at your local track. It isn't going to happen unless you have incredible luck or a really good mentor who'll guide you through the training process for free.

Nope, the only way to cut short the steep learning curve and turn off the bad bets that are draining your bank account, is by putting your money where your mouth is and paying for knowledge that you can't get for free.

Whether you opt to buy tip sheets or full-blown greyhound handicapping systems, you'll be much better off than trying to go it alone unless you're much more intelligent than the average bettor.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Is There Only One Top Dog Handicapping System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

If there were one perfect method of greyhound handicapping it would make it a lot easier to pick winning dogs, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, although there probably thousands of different systems, some of which work and most of which don't work, there's no "one perfect system" that works for everyone.

When you think about it, that makes sense, because no two people handicap dog races the same way. Even if you use the exact same system as your buddy, he does it just a little differently than you do. For instance, if the system gives points for each dog who improved since its last race, you each might have a different idea of what indicates improvement.

If the handicapping method you're both using says you should play dogs who are coming back from a layoff, what's your definition of a layoff? A week? Two weeks? A month?

We're all different. We all have our preferences and little quirks and ways of doing things. One big difference between handicappers is how much effort and time they're willing to put into using a system. Do you hate to write things down? Well then, a system that involves lots of marks on the program isn't going to work for you.

You'll use it for a short time and then go back to whatever method you used before - one that doesn't call for writing at all. Do you hate math? Well then, a system that has you figuring percentages and speed figures will definitely turn you off the first time you use it.

This is why there is no one system that works for everyone. Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash for a greyhound handicapping system, make sure that it isn't something that is so complicated, math-heavy or time-consuming that you won't use it.

No matter how well a system works, it's useless if you don't use it. So be selective. Do your research and choose a system that fits your style of handicapping. Then try it out on paper first before you make real bets. That's one system that works for everyone.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Is the Greyhound the Right Dog For Me


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

One of the oldest breeds of dog, the Greyhound is recognized the world over as a racing animal. However, the Greyhound also makes a wonderful family pet, loyal companion and affectionate friend. Greyhounds are known for their loving, devoted and docile temperament, which has endeared them to the hearts of many dog lovers.

Where Does the Greyhound Come From?

Brought to the Untied Kingdom in the 5th or 6th century B.C., the Greyhound is thought to be descended from herding animals. Due to their intelligence, speed and superior eyesight, the breed's potential as a hunting dog was soon spotted.

Being the fastest breed, they were soon bred as racing animals and are still used as such today. Incredibly, a Greyhound can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour. However, paradoxically, they are among the laziest breeds of dog and would rather sit by the fire than run.

The name Greyhound is from old English, but does not refer to the dog's color. Instead, 'grey' is though to have meant 'fair', which seems to suggest the breed's easy-going nature.

Size and Appearance

As with many animals and breeds of dog, there is a disparity between the sizes of the sexes. A male Greyhound will measure approximately 28-30 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88lbs, whereas the female will reach 27-28 inches in height and 60-75lbs in weight.

The coat of a Greyhound is short and smooth. Of course, this coat will shed, but, because the breed has no undercoat, it is often a suitable pet for those with allergies. In addition, Greyhounds usually only require a moderate amount of grooming.

Greyhounds come in a multitude of colors, including black and white, white and black, blue brindle, blue, black, fawn and red.

Character

Because dog breeds were created by breeding from the same gene pool, there is often a temperament or character that is specific to the breed. In the case of the Greyhound, the typical temperament is known to be laidback and surprisingly lethargic. As mentioned above, some Greyhounds will favor sitting in front of the fire to going for a walk or run. Therefore, contrary to the common misconception, the Greyhound does not need excessive amounts of exercise and is content with one half an hour walk per day.

Moreover, the Greyhound is known to become attached very quickly to his, or her, owner. This brings a wonderful bond and loyalty, which we humans find extremely attractive in dogs. However, in the case of the Greyhound this may overstep the boundaries somewhat. In other words, a Greyhound may want to be with his, or her, owner all the time; following you everywhere and even wanting to sleep with you. This arrangement suits some dog owners, but will not be to everyone's tastes, so you may need to set clear rules.

It is also important to consider how much time your dog will have to spend alone, because Greyhounds can become very distressed if left for long periods of the day. Therefore, the breed may not be suitable for a busy working family.

Medical Problems and Life Expectancy

Typically, Greyhounds experience relatively few health concerns. Unlike many breeds, they do not have an array of genetic problems and can therefore live to a reasonable ripe old age of 12-15. However, due to the lack of undercoat it is important to keep a Greyhound warm at all times. Therefore, it is not advisable to keep Greyhounds outside and when going out on a winter's day, it is a good idea to provide your dog with a coat or blanket.

Additionally, because of the lack of body fat, Greyhounds are susceptible to sores and problems with their joints when forced to sleep on hard surfaces. So it is crucial to supply your pet with lots of soft bedding.

The Greyhound can make a wonderful family pet, but it is wise to consider your lifestyle and financial circumstances before welcoming a pet into your family.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Is Love Keeping You From Winning at the Dog Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

In order to win at the dog track, a greyhound handicapper has to keep his wits about him. He has to focus on the program, then the race, then take notes after the race before he cashes his ticket or goes over why his ticket was a loser.

It's hard to do this at a noisy track where hundreds of people are talking, yelling, arguing and cheering on their dogs. It's even harder to do this if you bring your kids with you, but many people do just that. I'm a parent and I've taken my kids to the track more than once, but never when I was seriously handicapping. Here's why.

If you're a decent parent, whenever your kids are with you, a big part of you is focused on them. It's only natural and it's a good thing. Kids need a lot of attention and their safety and well-being should be our main concern at all times.

However, this just doesn't work when you're trying to handicap a race. I've seen fathers - and mothers, too - so deeply involved in their programs that they didn't notice that their toddler was wandering away. Dog tracks are pretty safe places, but I wouldn't let my young children wander around one on their own. It's just common sense to make sure that your kids are by your side and under your eye whenever you're in a crowd.

I think some parents bring their kids to the dog track because they feel guilty about going so often and leaving the kids behind. If that's the case, maybe they should rethink whether the dog track has taken over too much of their lives.

You can't raise a family if you're never there. Maybe it's time to take a day off from the track and spend it with your family. Maybe, better yet, you should designate one weekend day for family outings or just spending time together. And it's also only fair that your spouse should be able to have some time off from the responsibility of the kids too, so don't forget to make time for him or her too.

If you want to take your kids to the track, go as a family and focus on the kids. Don't handicap heavily while you're there. Either get the program early and put your bets down right when you get there, or just bet for fun. Let your kids pick numbers or colors or names.

Don't bet too much. Just have fun with your kids and save the heavy handicapping for when you go by yourself. Balancing family and greyhound handicapping isn't easy, but it can be done. If you do it right, you can be a winner at the track - and at home.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Is Late Money a Factor in Greyhound Handicapping


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Late money is why the payoff you get isn't always the payoff you think you're going to get when you cash a ticket at the greyhound track. You put down a bet on a dog that's at 3-1. It wins. You look up at the board before you go to cash your ticket and are surprised to see that it's now at 9-5. What happened?

Well, the late money jumped on the dog and bet it down to where you're not going to get as much as you thought you'd get. Of course, a winning ticket is still a nice thing, but what if you bet more than you get back? If you boxed the dog with another dog in a quiniela and its low odds brought down the odds on the quiniela, you could actually win and still lose money on the race.

So, should you wait until the absolute last minute before you make your bets so that the late money won't lower the price after you make your bet? No. You should bet dogs that you think are contenders at odds that make sense. There's not a lot you can do about the effect late money has on the payoffs.

However, if you notice that the odds on a dog are lower than they should be, you might want to wait until you see if the odds are going to get really low as all the "me-too" bettors jump on it. This is especially likely to happen in a race where there are no real standouts, but gradually one dog's odds get lower and lower than all of the other dogs' odds.

People in crowds tend to follow the leaders. If the leaders like a dog in a race where most people don't know who to like, watch for it to become a bigger favorite than it deserves to be. Bet accordingly and expect that the late money will very likely bet it down to nothing.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Is Horse Racing Going to the Dogs


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Are you a dog person or a horse person? Or both? Do you go to the horse track only to think about the dog track and wish you'd gone there instead? Or do you wonder who's winning at Santa Anita when you're at Palm Beach Kennel Club?

It's human nature to want what we don't have. If you consistently find yourself wishing that you were at a different track though, betting on a different type of animal, maybe you should listen to your heart. Some people are purely horse players and should stick with that.

I'm a dog player. Even though my friend Willie keeps telling me that horses are easier to handicap because they run truer to form, I stick with the puppies. Willie plays both and does well with both. (Of course, he uses my systems at the dogs.)

But what is it about the dogs that makes them more attractive to me and less attractive to another bettor? Well, I don't like the fact that there are jockeys in horse races. No one sits on the dogs I bet on, telling them what to do.

Other people, though, like the fact that they can use a jockey's stats to handicap, as well as the horse's. They like the fact that horse have workouts that are clocked, instead of just schooling races like the dogs have. I like the fact that the dogs don't get disqualified if they bump each other. Horse players go ballistic when they bet on a dog that gets bumped by another dog.

I guess it all comes down to which sport you can handicap the best. If you're good at figuring out how a dog race is going to play out. If you can picture the whole thing from the break to the finish line and see where each dog should be. It's obvious that you'll do better handicapping greyhounds.

However, if you remember jockey standings, workout times and how the horse ran on a muddy track two years ago at this distance, you're likely to do well at the horse track. It's an individual thing and we all have to decide the best way to make money at the track.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Is a Greyhound Handicapping System Worth the Money


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Are you your own worst enemy? Are you working against yourself when you go to the track? Or do you have a good grasp of how to pick winners and bet them to your best advantage? If so, this article won't tell you much that you don't know.

But if you're not doing as well at the track as you'd like and can't seem to figure out how to pick and bet dogs, read about why a greyhound handicapping system might be just what you need to put you on the road to cashing tickets.

Sometimes, we don't realize that we're being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Maybe you're one of the people who won't invest in a system, because you don't want to spend "all that money." Think about it.

If you keep spending money on dogs that don't come in, how long will it take before you've spent way more than the cost of a greyhound handicapping system? A week? A month? Well, for some of the reasonably priced systems, you could spend more in a day than you'd have to spend to buy it.

Sure, there's a chance that you'll get better at handicapping with time and - if that's the case - you don't really need a system, do you? Well, only if you want to take a big shortcut to making more money than you lose.

Or maybe you're just going to try this betting on dogs thing for awhile and if it doesn't work, you'll quit going to the track and try something else to have fun and make money. If so, you shouldn't waste money on a system, of course.

But if you're going to continue to go to the dog track and bet money, either you should get good at it - fast - or plan on putting a big dent in your bankroll. Most of us don't have that much money to lose. Most of us would rather pay a little now to make more later.

If you're in that category, shop around and get the best deal you can. Don't throw a wad of money at a high-priced system that promises the moon. Handicapping isn't an exact science, although it can be learned and can make you a nice little pile of money if you go about it the right way.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Win at the Dog Track - Honestly


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Everyone loses at the dog track. The trick is to win more than you lose. The people who can do that - and I hope you're one of them - are winners, even if they do lose once in awhile.

Some people won't admit that they lose though. To listen to them talk, you'd think that they never picked a dog who faded in the stretch or backed a favorite that ran out of the money. While they may think that this makes them look good to their friends, they're really only hurting themselves.

Bank balances don't change based on what we say we won at the track. They only change when we really DO win. So telling your friends that you "did okay" when you lost $100 doesn't do them - or your - any good. It just adds dishonesty to lousy handicapping.

No matter what you tell your friends, your spouse or yourself, you know when you're denying the truth. So, if you're not winning enough to cover your losses - and then some - come clean. Stop saying you won when you lost.

Once you do that, you can do something about WHY you're losing. Do you need to pay more attention to the program? Do you need a good handicapping system? Or should you find someone who can mentor you and guide you to being a winner?

You're not going to get better at handicapping with denial. It just puts off the day when you have to admit to yourself and everyone else that you're not very good at picking winners. If you'd like to get better at it, lose the denial and get some help with handicapping.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Win at the Dog Track - A Tale of Two Bettors


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Joe and Bob both go to one of my favorite tracks. I see them there all the time, sitting at a table near the window that looks out over the finish line. You'd know the track if I mentioned it, but its name doesn't matter. I'm sure there are plenty of "Joe's" and "Bob's" at your favorite track.

Bob drinks coffee by the gallon and smokes outside between races. He's a nervous kind of guy. Always moving around, tapping his pen on the table, clearing his throat, tapping his foot. He'd drive Joe crazy if they hadn't been friends for so long that Joe doesn't even notice it any more.

While Bob flips back and forth through his program, looking for really good-looking winners, Joe carefully and methodically handicaps his program with a system that he's been using for years. It hasn't made him rich, but it helps him consistently pick winners, quinielas and sometimes trifectas. It's the reason he goes home a little richer at the end of the day.

Bob, on the other hand, doesn't believe in systems. He thinks they're all rip-offs and scams. He likes to handicap the program himself. After all, he's been going to the dog races for twenty years, so who knows more about how to pick winners than he does?

Well, apparently, a lot of people do, because they take Bob's money every time he goes to the track. Sometimes, he makes a few dollars, but over the long haul, Bob loses from $20 to $75 dollars on most of his track trips. He's a loser and a lousy handicapper, but he'll never admit it.

When he gets home and his wife asks him if he won anything, he always says, "I won a little." He's lying and his wife knows it, but she loves him and doesn't give him a hard time. She wishes he'd get a clue about how to pick dogs though, because she knows he hates losing.

Joe's wife knows that he wins more than he loses, because he tells her what he lost and what he won. He talks a little about the dogs that made him money that day, but only a little, because he doesn't want to bore her to tears. He knows she just wants to know if he won or lost, not every little detail.

Joe's wife was a little doubtful back when Joe bought a lot of handicapping books and reports, but now she's glad that Joe did. It gives him an advantage that the other bettors don't have. Bob's wife wishes Bob would get a clue and find someone who could help him figure out the dog races.

Joe and Bob are both smart, sharp and determined to make money at the dog track. One of them will make money at the track, and the other one could if he'd get a winning strategy for greyhound handicapping. If you're like Joe, you know what I'm talking about. If you're like Bob, what are you going to do about winning at the dog track?

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Win at Dog Tracks by Doing Things Wrong


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Have you ever had this kind of day at the dog track? You pick some dogs and bet on all of them. All but one loses. One wins. You go home with more money than you came with. I've had it happen to me.

One day at a Florida track, I made 4 quiniela box bets for $12 each. In every one of them, only one of my dogs was first or second, so I didn't cash a ticket. I had one bet left, but I almost went home instead of betting it.

Luckily, I stayed and bet one more quiniela box. The two longest shots in my quiniela box came in first and second and I cashed a ticket for $102. Then I went home. So, I bet $48 and got $102 for a profit of $54. It's not a fortune, but it's better than a loss of $48.

So, that day, I did four things wrong and one thing right and still left the track with more money than I came in with. That's not the only time that's happened to me either. There were other times when I cashed a ticket on the first bet I made and then lost the rest of my bets and still came out ahead, because the first ticket had paid big.

This shows how important it is to stick to your system. If you handicap selectively like I do, you should know before the first race goes off which races you're going to bet, what kind of bets you're going to make and how much money you're going to spend.

Then, you have to stick to your plan, even if you lose. If you go back and forth between betting your picks and not betting them, you'll almost always lose. You have to be consistent and persistent. That's what pays off at the dog track.

At the end of the day, it's not whether you won every race that matters. What matters is that you hit enough winners to offset your losing bets. If you give up too soon, because you're losing, you'll miss the bets that would have paid for those losses and made money for you too.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Friday, May 25, 2012

How to Use a Graded Greyhound Handicapping System at Any Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Most dog players use the latest handicapping method - one that's based on grade. They do this because older methods didn't take into consideration where a dog was on the classification ladder. These old-fashioned systems treated a dog in A the same way as a dog in D. Of course, this just doesn't make sense.

True, some of the older systems pick winners, but how many more would they pick if the bettor combined them with a newer system that uses grade as well as the other factors that tell you that a dog is ready to win? Not using it is like leaving out half of your handicapping helpers.

To use one of these new methods, it's important that you understand WHY dogs have to be handicapped separately depending on what level they're racing on. The factors that point to a contender in D, aren't the same ones that tell you that an A dog is ready to cross the finish line first. But how many people take this into consideration? Do you?

Let's make a comparison with sports. There are farm leagues, minor leagues and major leagues. The players in the farm league are not at the same level as the players in the major leagues. They may get there someday, but they don't start out with the same level of ability as the major league players do.

The same is true of greyhounds. Dogs in the lower grades are very different from the dogs who have reached the top. Puppies may be just as fast as some of the better dogs, but they haven't learned to run as "smart" as the best dogs at the track. They don't have the experience.

Then there are dogs who were in the top bracket, but have slowed down due to age. They may still win, but not as often. A good graded greyhound handicapping system will help you find these dogs, who pay very well when they DO come in.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Test a Greyhound Handicapping System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

A good greyhound handicapping system can make the difference between going home a winner or driving home knowing that you're down a hundred bucks. Again. If you find one, you're very lucky, because many of them aren't worth the paper you print them out on.

However, there are some that can actually help you make money at the track. How do you know which kind you have? Well, try it out, of course. But won't that cost money if it loses? And even if the thing DOES work, it's pretty likely that it'll take some getting used to. So how do you try out a new system on real races without risking any money?

The way I do it is by using old programs I save or by downloading programs for past performances and then downloading the results of those races. I put the results aside so that I won't "cheat" and I handicap the races using the system, just the way I'd do it if I were at the dog track.

Then I compare the results. If the system made a profit, even a small one, I know that I've found a good thing. Any kind of profit is an indication that the method works. And I've found that if I can find something that works, I can make it work better to the point where I'm making good money with it.

If it doesn't make a profit over the course of as many programs as you can stand to go over, it doesn't mean it's a dud. It might mean that you need to get better at using it or give it a little tweak to make it fit your track.

It might even be that the type of bet you're making doesn't fit the system. I use a trifecta system that I developed when I tried to tweak my quiniela system. The little tweak I discovered didn't work on the quiniela system, but it sure did make my trifecta system work better.

Tweaking a system is how I discovered all of my handicapping methods and you can do the same thing. Just make sure that you test each system on paper before you use it for real. If it doesn't work after a good trial, then you know that it's not the system for you.

But if it does work, don't just use it and rest on your oars. Make it better. Look for other angles and try it at different tracks with several types of bets. Remember that good handicappers never stop looking for ways to make good things better. That applies to systems and to everything in life.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Save Money and Pick More Winners at the Greyhound Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

If you can make money "sometimes" you can make money all the time. It's trite, but true. Can you spot a winner often enough to go home with a profit, at least once in awhile at the dog track? Well, if you can, then you've mastered the basics of greyhound handicapping.

Now, all you need to do is learn how to make that work for you consistently, and you also need to work on money management. Nine times out of ten, when decent handicappers aren't making a profit, it's because they're losing money through poor betting judgment.

The idea of betting on dogs, is winning enough to put some money aside. If you spend as much as you win, where will you get the money to go to the track again? Right, from your bank account and that should be where your winnings are going. You need to put aside a percentage of your winnings every time you win.

How many bettors do that? Not many. That's why, oftentimes when they go to the track, they don't have enough money to make all the bets they want to make. So, what happens? They only make some of the bets they wanted to make and miss some winners.

So, if you want to pick more winners, you have to have the money to do it. Unless you have an unlimited income, you need to invest the money you make on more bets by putting some of it away for the future. That way, if you have a losing day, you'll be able to draw on the money you've saved to play the next program.

One way to save money is by automatically setting aside ten percent of what you win, every time you go to the track. If you do every time you win a bet, then deposit the money into the back on the way home or early the next day, you'll have what you need next time you go to the track.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Pick Winning Dogs Over and Over Again


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

One of the biggest factors in greyhound handicapping is consistency. Dogs who are consistent run in the top grades and have much more successful careers than dogs who are inconsistent. So do handicappers, in a manner of speaking. If you can pick winners once in awhile, you may hit some big pay offs, but you're not going to be able to make a steady profit at the dog track. Only the people who can pick winners and bet them correctly, over and over again, are in the ranks of the top earning greyhound handicappers.

So, would you like to reach the top rank? If you would, then you're going to have to learn how to turn your once in awhile ability into something you can depend on. How do you do that? Well, surprisingly, you may have to stop being so focused and widen your handicapping lens.

The first step, if you're inconsistent at picking winners, is to go over your past picks. Mark the ones that came in and then use a different mark for those that didn't come in. Now, go over both lists - winners and losers - and see if you can remember or figure out why you picked each dog.

Was it early speed? Good kennel? Post position? Running style? Whatever made you pick that dog to win, write it down next to the dog's name. When you've done that for each dog, look at what you've written. It will tell you what factor you use the most to pick dogs.

If it's early speed, maybe you need to focus on the whole race and not just the break to first turn part of it. If it's kennel ranking, please don't forget that this is a statistic that changes day to day, week to week and month to month. Whatever you use as a major factor, you're limiting yourself by using it.

If you want to pick dogs consistently, you need to widen your focus when you handicap. Be wary of letting one or two factors outweigh the other factors. Handicappers who get too focused often miss the forest for the trees. Weigh all the factors that matter and you'll make many more trips to the window to cash tickets.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

How to Pick Winning Dogs For Exotic Bets


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Do you pick winning dogs and go home with less money than you came to the track with? If so, maybe you're not playing them right. If your favorite bet is a straight win bet, you're missing the boat. Take those winners and bet them in exotic bets, and you'll be surprised at how much better you'll do.

For instance, if you like the 2 dog in the first race to win, find a dog in the second race who also looks like a winner to you. Put them together and you have a Daily Double bet. It's a $2 bet, but it can pay off well if either or both of your picks aren't the favorite in their race.

Or, if you like a dog to win, look for the dog that you think is going to be chasing it across the finish line. Let's say the 2 dog in the first race is a speedball and you know it'll break out of the box. Look at the 1 and the 3. Does it look like one of them will be able to run right along with the 2?

When you do this, look closely at each dog's running style to make sure that it's not going to interfere with the 2's running style. If you can visualize the break and what happens to the first turn and you can see the 1 or the 3 having a clear shot at running with the 2, maybe you want to bet a 1/2 or 2/3 quiniela or even a trifecta key.

What about Pick-3's? If you like a dog to win in each of the Pick-3 races, and you have the money, why not play a straight Pick-3 with those dogs? It's hard to make money just playing dogs to win, so if your bankroll allows it, find other ways to play them in exotic bets and see if it pays off for you.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How To Pick Winning Dogs At the Greyhound Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Before I even think about handicapping a race or a dog in that race, I like to look at the shape of the race. What's that? Well, for me, it's what the race will look like as it unfolds. Will it be a race where early speed is a big factor? Are there a lot of dogs with trouble lines for the turns, which means that there could be a lot of them flying the turns or knocking other dogs off the turns? Is it a higher grade race, a lower grade, or is it a puppy race? The grade of the race really affects the shape of the race, especially in M and the lower grades.

So, to find the shape of a race, here's what I do. I look at the dogs first, but only in a general sort of way. I look at their names to see if I know any of them from previous races. Although I don't follow every dog at every track, of course, I do keep track of some of them, even if it's just to know their running style or little quirks. (Knowing that a dog never wins or always wins from a certain post position, is like finding gold in the street, for example.)

Next, I look for early speed, because that is so often a factor in races. I look at the Break and 1/8th calls for each dog and also look to see whether they close at the end of the race or lose position. I circle the fast breaks and 1/8th calls and the last call for closers. Then I look for trouble lines in their comments. If I find too many dogs with trouble lines, I pass the race. It's impossible to handicap races where more than a couple of dogs will probably get into trouble or cause trouble for the other dogs, so for me, the shape of those races is a big fat zero, because that's probably what I'll win on them.

If the race looks playable, I handicap the other factors that I use and this gets into the other shape that matters in racing - the shape of the dog. Is it in form? Has it been running up to its best potential? Is it in the winner's circle at least a third of the time if it's in the higher grades, and in the quiniela at least half the time? Has it just dropped down or is it moving up? If it's moving up, has it run in this grade before and, if so, how did it do? This will tell you if the shape of the dog fits the shape of the race. Once you get used to doing this for every race, it gets to be automatic and doesn't take much time at all.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Pick Winning Dogs at Multiple Tracks


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Sometimes, I miss the "good old days" of greyhound racing when live racing at one track was your only option if you wanted to play the dogs. There were no slots, no card rooms, no simulcasts. You bought your program. You watched ten live races and you went home.

At the time, it seemed like enough to most of the people who went to the track. Most tracks had both matinee and evening performances, so you could usually get in 20 races at least three or four times a week. That would never satisfy bettors now, would it?

The tracks I go to have many days when they have no live racing, only simulcasts. I miss the live racing and it'll always be my first choice, but I like the choices I get from having more tracks to choose from. In the old days, if the live races at your track weren't too hot, you had the choice of playing them or going home. Nowadays, if you don't like the races at a track, there are several others that might have something you want to bet on.

But with the addition of more tracks, comes more chances to make mistakes if you don't pay close attention to what's going on at every track that you're following. Myself, I can bet on two to three tracks, but not every race, without having a problem. But if I try to keep up with more than that or bet every race on the cards, I get lost.

Most people, from what I've seen, if they're decent handicappers, can handle up to 3 tracks. Some people - and I think you have to have ADHD - can handle up to 5, but not every race. If you're going to play more than one track, it's crucial that you have a system and follow it closely. It's easy to miss something and then it seems like you can never get back on top of things.

I keep track of when the races go off at each track and write it in big numbers at the top of the pages of the races I want to bet on at that track. That way, I don't suddenly realize that I have one minute to get my bet in. Ideally, I like to make my bets in advance, so that I can concentrate on the races and replays, instead of trying to bet and pay attention to the monitors at the same time.

When I'm betting more than one track, I don't socialize until I have all my bets down. I've found that talking to other people and listening to them can really mess up my system. I save it for before and after the races.

I keep records for each track by making notes on each race and then taking my program home so I can go over it later. I make notes as I watch the replay also. I find that I notice a lot more when the race is over and I'm not so focused on the dogs that I bet on. I can take in the whole race during the replay and see what happened to all the dogs.

More races bring more opportunities to win - and lose, of course. Take advantage of multiple tracks by using a good handicapping system and you'll have more chances to cash tickets.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Pick Winning Dogs at Derby Lane


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

First of all, if you're a longshot player, don't expect to get rich at Derby Lane. The ratio of longshots to favorites coming in there is pretty small. However, if you like high grade dogs who run consistently, then Derby Lane is the place for you.

There's big money at this St. Petersburg Florida track, too. It handles more money than any other greyhound track in the country, although Wheeling is catching up. If you like to bet trifectas, you'll find some good payouts here. Perfectas are a good bet too, because they pay more than quinielas and are almost as easy to pick.

So, how do you make money if the dogs are so good and so consistent? Well, for one thing, don't bet against the superstars at Derby Lane, because it's a losing proposition. If you want to bet the top grade races, bet the favorite with another dog you like in quinielas, perfectas or trifecta key bets.

My favorite grades at Derby Lane are the mid grade and M races. I handicap the mid grade races with my usual approach of graded greyhound handicapping. The secret here is paying attention to early speed. Dogs that can get to the first turn first at Derby Lane very often cross the finish line first, also.

For puppies in M, I use techniques that work on M races at better tracks, which I've mentioned before. Look for outstanding puppies here, because trainers from all over the country send the "pick of their litters" here. If you can catch them before the crowd realizes how good they are, you can make a profit.

If you want to see the best dog racing in the country, head for Derby Lane or catch a simulcast of it at your local track.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

How to Pick Winners at the Dog Track Without a Greyhound Handicapping System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

First of all, class is the most important factor in handicapping. Whether it's horses, greyhounds or humans, class counts for a lot. It sometimes get beaten by youth, luck or perseverance, but it's usually one of the top handicapping factors.

Figuring class is tricky, although the rule of thumb is that the class dog is the one with the most races in the highest grades. So, in an A race, for instance, if there's a dog who has had six races in B or better and none of the other dogs has had more than five races in B or better, that's the class dog.

Then there's consistency, the second most important factor in handicapping greyhound races. That's harder to pin down. Consistent dogs are dogs who are in form i.e. at their peak. They win and place on a regular basis. Inconsistent dogs may win a race, but then they may run 7th twice, come in 2nd and then not run in the money for a few races.

With those two factors alone, a smart handicapper can pick winners and make some money. Of course, if he goes on to consider other factors such as early and late speed, post position, running style and a few other things, he can make even more money.

If you're not picking winners, it might be time to look at your method of sorting out the dogs. Consistency is just as important to handicappers as it is to greyhounds. So is class. Are you at the top of your form and picking winners more often than most of the crowd? If not, you might want to consider upgrading your methods.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Pick Winners at A Dog Track With a Quick Little System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Greyhound handicapping takes time. That's why I'm always saying that you shouldn't do it in a hurry. But there are times, even with me, when life just doesn't let you take your time. Sometimes, no matter how we try, we're late.

If this happens to you and you still want to bet on the races, here's a quick little mini-system you can use to increase your odds. It's not a sure-thing, of course. Don't expect it to make you rich. But it's a nice little tool for when you're not able to do an in-depth job of picking dogs.

Look at the 1/8th call in the program. That's the third column over from the left. Find a dog with the most 1's and 2's in that column. Circle the column for that dog. Now, go over to the times for each dog's last race. Circle the lowest number. If the same dog has both of those circles, play it to win and place.

If two dogs have both of those circles, play them in a quiniela. If more than two dogs have circles, look at the next race. Of course, it doesn't hurt to use your handicapping skills as well as this mini-system. Take a quick look at Class and see how that will figure into the race.

Look at the times the dogs have been running and see if there's one dog that has been running faster times than that in its last couple of races. In other words, do as much handicapping as you have time to do while still leaving yourself time to bet.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Pick More Winners at the Greyhound Track


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Greyhound racing is a lot easier to follow not that all the tracks have web sites. You can download programs, watch races, see the odds in real time and keep track of all the statistics. A lot of people just download a program, handicap it and then check the results the next day.

If they live in a state where internet betting is legal, such as Florida or Oregon, they don't even have to go to the track to place their bets. In other states, many people go to OTB parlors, place their bets and then catch the results on the track's web site later on.

These days, a bettor doesn't even have to go to a track or watch races to win at the greyhound track. Of course, you can lose just as easily without going to the track. This is the mistake that so many people make. They bet without even watching the races they bet on.

It's so much easier just to download the results pages or even look at it online without downloading it, than it is to watch the live races or replays. If you're "too lazy" to watch the races, either at the track or with online replays, you're letting laziness steal your money.

Watching races is the only way you'll know what happened. What good is betting on a dog, losing and not knowing why the dog lost? Was it bumped? Did it get off to a bad start? Or is it just in a slump? If you don't know what's going on with the dogs you bet on, how will you know whether to bet them when they're in future races?

You won't. That's the bottom line. If you don't care enough to watch the replays and keep track of the results with comments on your programs, you'll never be a really good handicapper. Believe me, there are a lot of other people out there - your competition - who DO keep track and watch replays.

Some people watch them more than once, analyze them and memorize a list of dogs to bet on next time they run. I keep a list of what I call "Watch Dogs" that ran good races or gave me reason to think that they'll come in next time they run.

I can't count the number of times one of these dogs has come in at good odds and paid me for my efforts. So, if you want to increase your odds of winning, don't be lazy. Watch the replays and file the results for future reference.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Pick a Winner at the Dog Track With a Simple Trick


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

If you handicap by picking the best dog out of 8 in a greyhound race, there's a common problem. Many times, there are two dogs that look just as good. You don't want to bet them both. That would be betting against yourself. So what do you do?

There are a few options, but this is the one that has worked the best for me over the years. I compare them with a little list I've come up with. Then, if they're still evenly matched, I look for the one thing that indicates that one of them is more likely to come in this time.

First, I look at their class, running style, post position in this race as compared to their last race, post position that they like and whether they're in form right now. If there doesn't seem to be any difference between them based on those things, I look for any little thing that one has going for it that the other doesn't.

Usually, when I handicap greyhound races I don't take minor factors into account. But when it gets down to two dogs who are evenly matched, I look at things like age, kennel standing, time of their last race etc. If one of them is 3 yrs old and the other is older, I'll go with the younger dog.

I'll look to see if either of them has won a race by several lengths recently, gained position on the leaders in a fast race or is from a kennel that is burning up the track at the moment. I even check to see if one of them has had more days between races than the other. That can actually make a difference sometimes.

If I look at all these factors and can't find any significant differences, there are two options that I see. I can lay off the race and find another race I like better. Or I can play them in a quiniela, which is what I usually do.

I never play two dogs to win if they're evenly matched. There are some other rare situations when I play two dogs to win, but this isn't one of them and I don't recommend it. Check for any advantage one has over the other and if there isn't one, play them in a quiniela or don't play them.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

How to Perfect Your Greyhound Dog Training


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Most of us know that having a pet dog is comparable to having a loyal friend who wants nothing but to please you. But what some of us do not know is that having a retired racing dog such as the greyhound is far different from having a chihuahua. Apart from the apparent difference between the two breeds which is the size, greyhound is also different from chihuahua when it comes to personality and traits. The greyhound, though seems tough and energetic considering the size and appearance, is actually not a high-energy and is known as quiet, gentle and affectionate breed. This factor is one of the things that must be considered when one aims to perfect the so-called greyhound dog training.

That being said, owners must make sure that the training method to be used suits the breed's personality well. When it comes to greyhound training, many experts recommend the use of positive training method. Positive training suits best to greyhounds knowing that they are sensitive kind of breed. Their gentle, quiet and affectionate personality makes them responsive to gentle praises and rewards. Rewards could be praise, favorite treats, toys or time to play. Determine the things that your dog find rewarding to increase their motivation to learn and obey the command. When giving verbal reward or praise, make sure that you are saying it in a happy and excited tone to convey that you like what he has done.

Another thing owners must remember during training is to avoid physical punishment. Never hit your greyhound if you discovered tattered underwear under your bed or if you see a heap of dog feces beside the couch. Hitting or rubbing his nose on the spot will do him no good. He will not understand that he is being punished for eliminating on a prohibited spot or for chewing the garments your left lying on the floor. What will be imparted into his mind is the thought that he is punished for coming to you, thus will more likely avoid or not come to you the next time you call him. The best way to correct the undesirable behavior is to catch him in the act of doing it. If you catch him urinating at the foot of your bed, make a noise to distract him. Then take him to the designated area at once. Let him finish there and give reward if he does. Accident is inevitable. If this happens, clean the area thoroughly to prevent him from doing it in that same place.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Make Money at the Dog Track Without Gambling


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Are you a gambler? Do you like to take a chance on making money? Are you a risk taker who gets a thrill out of putting your money where your mouth is? If so, I doubt very much that you're doing very well at the dog track.

Gambling isn't handicapping. Gambling is taking a chance, sometimes just for the sake of taking a chance. It can be thrilling, but it can also be expensive. I know professional gamblers who have won and lost several fortunes and they're not happy people.

It might sound glamorous to describe yourself as a professional gambler to other people, but there's nothing impressive about depending on luck to win money. That's what gambling is really.

Handicapping, on the other hand, is using a tried and true method to predict which dogs will be first over the line, based on factors that have predicted that many times in the past.

To my mind, this is the only sensible and rewarding way to approach making money at the track. A professional handicapper is a person who uses intelligence and logic to pick winners. Professional gamblers use luck and hunches and very unscientific ways to pick dogs. And the ones I know don't pick enough winners to pay their bar tabs, never mind their bills.

If you want to make money at greyhound handicapping, find a system that works and forget about luck and hunches and betting on dogs that "look good". Use proven factors that reliably predict which dog has the edge over the others.

Take time and put in effort, instead of relying on luck. As the old saying goes, "Luck favors the prepared man." Greyhound handicappers prepare for the races by weighing each dog against the other dogs. Gamblers waltz in and depend on luck to make their picks for them.

If you want to have a thrill and don't mind paying for it, be a gambler. But if you want to make money and consider cashing big tickets thrilling enough, take the time and put in the effort to be a handicapper.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Make Money at the Dog Track With Hunches


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Some people are just plain lucky. Whether it's coincidence or whether it's lucky vibes or intuition or whatever, some people seem to have all the luck. They look at the dogs before the race and say that the 3 dog is going to win, and it does. Or they say the favorite doesn't have a chance and it loses, even though it looked like the best dog in the race.

Why does this happen? That's a good question. Unfortunately, after a lifetime of trying to figure it out, I'm no closer to offering an explanation. What I do know, though, is that we all have the ability to use our intuition to some degree. Most of us don't listen to that little voice that tells us that something is going to happen, but maybe we should.

I'm not talking about only playing numbers or guessing or throwing dice and playing those numbers. I'm talking about those solid hunches we get every once in awhile that pan out. You've had them. Everyone has. All of a sudden, you feel almost certain that something is going to happen - and it does.

It's probably because of little things we've noticed and haven't consciously thought of, but whyever it happens, it works. Well, let's be honest. It works some of the time. This is why hunches can be a double-edged sword. When they work, it's wonderful and we remember how well they worked.

But when they don't work, we tend to forget that they didn't work. So, the next time we have a hunch, we remember all the times our hunches paid off and forget when they didn't. This is why, in order to make money with your hunches, you have to be selective and conservative.

The only time you should bet a hunch is when you're far enough ahead so that the bet won't affect your bankroll to any big extent. For instance, a $2 win bet when you're $40 ahead is one thing. A $24 trifecta wheel when you're only ahead by a few dollars is not a good bet.

You should also consider whether hunches fit into the greyhound handicapping system you use. If you use a flexible system, this might work, but older, more rigid systems don't have any room for hunches.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Make Money at the Dog Track Over and Over Again


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

If you've ever picked a winner at the dog track, you know how great it feels to figure out who's going to beat the pack. It's kind of like YOU beat the pack too, because you did something most of the crowd couldn't do. You figured out what was going to happen in that race.

This is handicapping and it's something that can make you a nice little profit, if you learn to do it well enough. Do you think that only geniuses can pick winners consistently? Nope. Ordinary people go home from the dog track everyday with more money than they came with.

You can do it too, if you're willing to learn to handicap. How do you do that? Well, it helps if you have a system to help you. Get a good one, work with it on old programs and practice until you really understand WHY it picks what it does.

That's the secret to handicapping dog races or anything else. It's not enough to be able to pick winners, you have to know why they were the most likely dog to win. If you can figure out that, you're well on your way to being a success at the greyhound track.

One way to do that is by going over races where you already know the results. You look for patterns, factors that point out which dogs are contenders and which aren't worth betting on in this race. After a while, you'll see that the same pattern keeps occurring over and over. This is how we come up with greyhound handicapping systems that work.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

Monday, May 21, 2012

How to Make Money at the Dog Track in the Summer


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Greyhound tracks have to compete with a lot of summer time activities. People are out enjoying the nicer weather. They can go to the beach, picnic or take in a movie without contending with icy roads or cold weather.

So, to get them to go to the track, many venues offer rewards or special promotions. Some of these may include prizes as big as new cars or as small as free sodas, cheap beer and food. All of it is designed by their publicity people to get more people to come to the track.

Sometimes, someone gets the bright idea that music will get people into the track. Why this is, I've never been able to figure out. If I want to listen to music, I turn on the radio or put my MP3 player's earbuds in. If I want to handicap dogs, I sit down where it's quiet and go over my program.

But someone, somewhere, came up with the idea that dog racing fans will show up in bigger numbers if you offer them a more "carnival-like" atmosphere. That's why you'll find booths and umbrellas with radio dj's broadcasting live and NASCAR drivers signing autographs in the clubhouse.

This is all well and good, but if you're smart, you'll ignore it and get as far away from it as you can. This is all designed to attract people who don't usually go to the track. It's not of any use to the serious handicapper, who is at the track to make money.

When the carnival comes to the dog track, the best thing you can do is remember to keep your eye on the center ring, where you can make money by picking the winner out of 8 dogs. Ignore the sideshows and glitter and focus on why you're there - to make money.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How To Handicap Dog Racing With Any Handicapping System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Do you ever stop to think about why you lose money at the dog track? Or do you just keep on "keepin' on" doing the same thing and expecting a different result? Why should what you're doing work next time, if it didn't work the last time?

Sometimes, we get so caught up in what we're doing that we don't ever put our heads up and look around and see what we're missing. So, if your handicapping methods aren't working, why not analyze what you're doing and find out why it's not making you money?

You could do this by going over your old programs and seeing what you bet and what came in. Maybe you're betting the right dogs, but not in the right way. Or maybe you're betting too many races, junk races that you can't handicap because the dogs are just too inconsistent.

True, dog racing isn't an exact science. Things happen even when you have a good system and good money management skills. But most of the races and the dogs are pretty consistent, especially in the better grades, so a good handicapping system can work at least well enough to make you a small profit.

Be honest with yourself when you go back over those old programs and bets. If you didn't always follow your methods, but expected to win anyway, admit it. If you won but you don't know why, admit that too. Don't take credit for figuring something out if it was just a random accident that helped you win, because you can't keep replicating random events.

You know that no one wins every bet they make, but you also know that there are people who win enough of the time to make a profit, and those are the people who find a good handicapping method, use it consistently and also use good money management.

Greyhound Dog Racing.

How to Find the Perfect Greyhound Handicapping System


Greyhound Dog Racing Tips.

Greyhound handicapping systems can be a big help but the wrong one can be worse than just trying to go it on your own. This is why you have to think long and hard about the kind of system you want before you buy one. The best bet is one that doesn't cost much more than a day at the track.

There is absolutely no reason to spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars on a greyhound handicapping system. True, the person who developed it spent many hours and dollars figuring out how to help you pick dogs with a good chance of running in the money. But selling knowledge for more than you have to is just gouging in my view.

If the system seller is honest, they'll admit right upfront that no handicapping method - including theirs - can pick winners every time. Dog racing isn't an exact science and even the best handicappers lose races. Of course, what matters is their profit to loss ratio.

If a dog handicapping method picks enough winners, quinielas and trifectas you'll make a profit. It does this by making enough money on in-the-money dogs to cover the dogs that don't come in. No system makes money by picking winners in every race, at every track, every time.

So, why do some sellers claim that their method picks such a high number of winners? Because they want to sell their high-priced systems. To do that, they rely on the greed and gullibility of their potential buyers.

That's just not the way to sell anything. I think you'll agree that a sale is a promise on the part of the seller that the product does what the seller claims that it does. Anyone who claims that they can pick a winner in every race is breaking their promise to their customer.

So, what should you look for when you're shopping for a greyhound handicapping system? Look for a reasonable price, first of all. Then look for one where the ad copy is honest and doesn't claim a 100% success rate.

And, of course, a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee is crucial. Only the best sellers give it, but they're also the only ones who stand behind their product because they know that it works.

Greyhound Dog Racing.