Horse Racing Betting Tips to Handicap the 2018 Preakness Stakes.

Horse Racing Betting Tips to Handicap the 2018 Preakness Stakes

Written by on May 16, 2018

In horse racing betting, handicappers know that it is the pace that makes the race. Every single thoroughbred in the world has a running style that they are comfortable with and which allows them to be their best. Some like to get to the front and set the pace, while other sit just off the lead and wait to pounce. Then there are those horses who slowly but surely build up a head steam, mowing down the competition as they head down the home stretch. The pace is something that you definitely need to look at when handicapping, but there are also other things to take into account before placing your 2018 Preakness Stakes Betting ticket.

Horse Racing Betting Tips to Handicap the 2018 Preakness Stakes

  • When: May 19, 2018
  • Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
  • Distance: 1 3⁄16 mi (9.5 furlongs; 1,900 m)
  • Surface: Dirt
  • Purse: $1.5 million

Track Conditions

If you watched the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago, you will have seen the horses race on a sloppy Churchill Downs track that was as far from perfect as it gets. Some horses love the slop, while others hate the feeling of the mud being thrown in their face. Justify proved that he didn’t mind it that much, but it’s also worth remembering that he led from start to finish, which meant that he did not need to experience the feeling of getting splashed. If the weather gets rough this weekend at Pimlico, as it is expected to, Justify may get a dose of mud in the face, as Quip is a horse that likes to get out in front quickly. Good Magic is another one who proved in the Derby that he can handle the slop, finishing second with a strong effort, which is why he’s among the Horse Racing Betting favorites to win the Preakness Stakes.

Speed Ratings

When you are using the past performances to handicap any race, make sure that you pay attention to the speed ratings. What you need to do here is take the best two numbers from a horse last 3 races to create an average speed rating. Why is this important? Statistics show that the winner of 60% of all races comes from one of the top three speed horses in the field. This is a great way to not only pick winners but to also identify longshot picks that might be able to get in the money and boost your exotics wagers.

The Jockey

It is easy to dismiss the jockey, as it is the horses who get all the glory in racing. People make the argument that the best race car driver in the world can’t possibly win if he is in a lesser car, but it happens all the time. A good jockey knows how to steer clear of trouble and get his horse in a position where he has the best shot at winning. Analyzing the Jockey before placing your Horse Racing Betting ticket is very important. There is a reason why the best jockeys in the world win on a consistent basis, and it’s not just because they get to ride the most talented horses. You should also look at jockey/trainer combos to find out who have the best winning percentages when put together.

Workouts

In the week leading up to the Preakness Stakes, all the horses that will be in the race will be on the Pimlico track getting some workouts in. In your past performances, those workouts will be listed, and they will give you an excellent idea of how well a horse has been training in the lead up to the race. These workouts can often serve as an indicator that a horse is either ready to put in a great performance or have an off day, no matter what the Horse Racing Betting Odds say.

Last 10 Preakness Stakes Winners

  • 2017: Cloud Computing
  • 2016: Exaggerator
  • 2015: American Pharoah
  • 2014: California Chrome
  • 2013: Oxbow
  • 2012: I’ll Have Another
  • 2011: Shackleford
  • 2010: Lookin At Lucky
  • 2009: Rachel Alexandra
  • 2008: Big Brown