Book Description
Just as football evolved with the introduction of the forward pass and basketball with the development of the jump shot, so too was handicapping forever changed by the use of speed figures--and it all started with Andrew Beyer's Picking Winners. This edition features a new foreword in which the author discusses the changes that have swept the sport since the book's original publication. Picking Winners remains a classic in the field of thoroughbred racing.
Customer Reviews:
Save your time and your money.......2007-03-03
Nothing against Beyer or any other handicapping writer, but devoting significant time to the study of handicapping is a fool's errand. The mathematics of beating the game are so prohibitively against the bettor that anyone with the ability to even approach break-even would be better served dedicating his/her time to more lucrative pursuits. Regardless of the race, the only thing that is certain is that the track will take about 20% for straight bets and 25% or more for so-called "exotic" wagers. In order to just break-even, you need the ability to identify errors made by the betting public of at least 20%. For any reasonable series of races in which the market is "efficient" (i.e. the betting populace has done a reasonable job of setting pay-outs) you have zero possibilty of making a profit. Studies have consistently shown that the betting public does a remarkable job in setting an efficient price. Obviously, in order to overcome the 20% "tax", you need superior information to that which is available to the general public. Given that "Beyer" speed figures are now common currency, the advantage clearly doesn't lie here. The racing form and video of previous races are common currency as well. You could take a walk down to the paddock and try to infer something there, good luck! Unless you have the ability to somehow communicate with the horse, this isn't going to really be that fruitful. Some horses look like garbage before a race and spring to life when the gate opens. Others look like Secretariat in the paddock and like a candidate for the glue factory once they hook up at full speed w/ other nags. Another point to consider is that your betting competition includes owners, trainers, stable boys, etc. who are around the horse all the time and certainly have superior information about the horses physical and mental state. Additionally, you can only speculate as to what the owner and trainer are intending from a given race. I'm not talking "fix" here, but it's not always the case that the horse's connections have entered this race with the main objective of actually winning it. Beyer is one of the leading thoroughbred writers in America and revolutionized handicapping with his speed figures, but the difficulty in beating this game should be clearly understood before you find yourself on the proverbial boulevard of broken dreams.
Funny, but not helpful........2007-01-14
It was hard for me to give three stars for this book, because the author revolutionized handicapping. But I didn't think any of the information in the book was useful to me. However, I did enjoy the book as there were a lot of funny stories that I could relate too.
Intelligent & Enlightening horse racing information!.......2006-06-25
Andrew Beyer has been a godsend to horseplayers. He has made it easy to understand and gave us an edge when making selections. Understanding horse race betting and the past performances of horses has opened doors to novice and expert handicappers alike!
Great for picking more than just horses.......2006-05-16
I've never bet on a horse race. I've actually only been to a track once in my life (we don't have a lot of it in this part of the country), and yet I still found this book tremendously useful. Why? Well, it was recommended to me as a guide to "Picking Winners," not just in the horse racing world but in the stock market as well. And, having now read the book I can say that it has proven a more effective lesson in choosing stocks than most of the investment books I've read.
Some of the areas Beyer explores which I think apply to the stock market as well (or to any investment situation as far as I can tell) are:
-the effect different track conditions can have on a horse's performance.
-considering the effects of trainers on a horse's ability to win, lose, progress, or decline in performance.
-spotting potential cases of insider information.
-When to bet on a consistent performer over an unproven newcomer and vice versa.
-detecting signs of physical malady or deterioration early before you lose money because of them.
-How to detect and hopefully stop a losing streak once one begins.
In short this book provides an incredible amount of insight into the ways of selecting the merits of one horse (ie stock) over another without discounting the influence of other factors (the trainer, ie management, for example) on the outcome. I highly recommend this book as a source of investing knowledge and insight and, were I to take up speed handicapping, would absolutely start here.
Very Informative.......2006-04-15
Andrew Beyer takes an interesting and analytical approach to picking winners at the track, while his easy style makes this a fun and understandable read. Beyer's biggest contribution is the use of speed figures - horses that show bursts of speed in their last race are usually good bets. There's also valuable information about track conditions and other factors. As one that rarely visits the track, I didn't realize that not every horse entered in a race is expected to seriously compete. This book came out in the 1970's, and the author has added additional methods for picking winners, but it still makes an interesting read.
Book Description
In Exotic Betting, the horseplayer takes a colorful wagering ride by learning to maximize profits by betting on a multitude of exotic wagers including the daily double, exacta, trifecta, quinella, superfecta, pick 3, 4, and 6.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect Book .......2007-08-16
Steve explains the math behind exotic betting and perfect rationale for using multi-race bets. A must read for the fan who wants to get more from the track.
Solid review of sound wagering strategies.......2007-07-12
I thought this was a pretty solid book on the proper ways to construct exotic betting tickets. I found Crist's discussions of exacta and trifecta plays to be particularly interesting. Specifically, Crist tells the player to get away from the boxes (and other "chance plays") and go for big payouts by trusting your handicapping skills. Anyone can throw five longshots into a $1 exacta box and get lucky once and a while. Crist's philososphy, and that of many professional players, is to play less combinations at a greater price. Key your top horse over your second choice for $10. Then the top horse over a longshot play for $5. Crist encourages the player to structure bets in a manner that will reward them the most when their handicapping is spot on.....not just when they get lucky by throwing every longshot on the borad underneath and exoctic play. Why play four horses equally in a leg of the Pick 4 when you like two of them much more than the other two?
This book, along with Steve Davidowitz's classic, is an excellent read for the intermediate player who wants to learn to take his bet structuring to the next level. My only complaint is that the book wasn't longer....I would love to be able to sit down with Steve Crist and talk betting strategies all day. The only caution that I would give is that this book is not at all about how to pick winners. In fact, this book is not going to be valuable at all to a player who does not possess solid handicapping skills. If you have trouble picking winners to begin with then its probably not a good idea to try and get creative with exotic betting.
VERY READABLE INTRO TO EXOTIC BETTING.......2007-04-20
Steven Crist has been a horse-racing columnist, CEO of the Daily Racing Form and is the author of three other books on horse racing. His latest book, EXOTIC BETTING, attempts to fulfill a need, he explains, to glean more profits from racing through "exotic betting" at a time when shorter horse fields and more information available to savier handicappers has made it harder to make money with "straight bets": win, place and show. In EXOTIC BETTING, Mr. Crist patiently and lucidly lays out the mathematics behind daily doubles, exactas, trifectas, pick threes, etc., the so-called exotic plays. At one time, these bets were exotic when win, place and show predominated. But now, exotic betting is a feature at every racetrack. EXOTIC BETTING focuses on intrarace exotic bets like the exacta and trifecta and interrace exotic bets like the daily double and the pick three. Mr. Christ offers betting strategies for each of the exotic bet types. While I have seen most of these ideas in different places elsewhere, Mr. Christ brings them all together in one reference and explains them in very readable prose. Using the principals presented in the first part of EXOTIC BETTING, he finishes by taking the reader through his actual betting at the 2005 Breeder's Cup. A few more examples of the strategies discussed could have been interesting if not necessary but, all-in-all, this is an excellent book and I highly recommended EXOTIC BETTING for the casual or more serious horse player who wants to be a better exotics player.
Take the "Gamble" Out of Gambling.......2007-04-12
Learn how you can start making a profit at the track with these betting techniques. You'll also find out why it's cost-effective to develop a personal strategy for betting.
Guide to making profits on exotic bets.......2007-03-09
I was very interested in the way Steven Crist shows that developing a strategy for creating exotic bets, with your selections, can be both rewarding and mathemetically cost effective. I am currently using his system to develop wagers for exactas and trifectas without boxing horses. After I have become efficient in winning these bets, I will start wagering on superfectas. My overall goal is to cut my expenses and eventually make a profit at the track. I think this book will help me reach that goal.
Book Description
Recognized as the king of adventure racing, Ian Adamson has won all the world's major events and been named 'toughest man on the planet' by RailRiders Adventure Clothing. Now, with the help of Runner's World magazine, Adamson reveals strategies and secrets that have made him a household name in the sport. Offering assistance to beginners and useful tips to racing veterans seeking advice from the very best in their sport, Adamson offers his hard-earned expertise on: lWhat you need to get started lWhy teamwork is your most valuable tool lFoot work, cycling, paddling, rope work, and navigation lWhat to eat, how much to sleep, and how to steer clear of the dreaded hamburger foot lThe gear you need and how to get the sponsorship to make racing a reality Along with action photography, Adamson provides invaluable tips to master the fundamentals of racing while enjoying the adventure of a lifetime!
Customer Reviews:
Readable, informative.......2005-08-17
If you are a fan of adventure racing (AR), the author's reputation is quite familiar to you. Adamson is among the very best adventure racers in the world, with loads of big race experience.
He is also a good writer. The book is clear and readable. Most of the material will not be new to you if you have significant experience already, but there are tips and tricks and anecdotes that are both entertaining and illustrative.
The sport is so varied and demanding that no book, and certainly not one as brief as this one, can be complete in its coverage of it. However, there is a lot of good, accessible information here and you will not regret including this book in your AR library.
Note that as to gear recommendations, the equipment available is changing very quickly, and some preferences are just personal, so update your information before spending a lot on gear if your only reason for buying was because Ian likes it.
Expert job.......2005-08-12
This book is a expert job by a man who knows his trade! Is a must to anyone interested in this subject.
An Adventuring Racing Classic.......2005-07-26
Whether you're a veteran or a rookie just starting out in adventure racing, this is one book you should never miss in your collection. This is a classic reference written in clear and understandable language by adventure racing's Michael Jordan. Each page contains a veritable treasure of information, from training, to equipment selection, to navigation and sleep management, culled from years of racing across the world in diverse terrains and climates. If there was only one book you can buy to learn about the history and discipline of adventure racing ---this is it.
OUTSTANDING BOOK!.......2004-06-22
I have read two other books on Adventure Racing that were published before Ian's book came out in the market. Those two books were also good, in fact Ian wrote the foreword on both. But Ian's book came out a cut above the rest. His book offered his and his teamates "winning strategies and experiences". The book was intelligently written and commanded authority on all topics discussed such as proper training, purchasing and use of the right equipment, proper nutrition, good leadership and teamwork skills, sleep strategies etc. For sure the book will inspire and guide beginner racers to the sport, and will further provide veteran racers of new knowledge and valuable proven race strategies and techniques from Ian and his awesome NZ and OZ teamates. Ian is truly one of the best adventure racers in the world along with his mates John Howard and Steve Gurney. To sum it all up, this is an outstanding book, I can't wait to buy the second edition.
adventure god.......2004-06-04
imagine you are shipwrecked on an island, and the only other companion you will find yourself with is an adventure racer, well, you better make sure that the fellow is ian adamson.his book on the sport is easy on the head and heart, written in a breezy, informative way. when he explains techniques and tips of the trade, it's not like you have to bash a few coconuts to figure out what he means. i recommend this how-to guide to both novices and experts, wanna-be Survivors (hey, there's a bunch of wilderness stuff here) and weekend warriors. thank your lucky navigational stars that ian has set forth in one volume years of accumulated wisdom as one of the toughest men on the planet.
Book Description
AI Game Programming Wisdom 3 grants you an insider's look at cutting-edge AI techniques used by industry professionals in such games as Fable, Halo 2, and the Battlefield series. Successful commercial games like these require years of research and development in order to deliver exciting, new gameplay experiences. The wealth of knowledge gained through this hard work is invaluable and by sharing it, the 50+ authors in this book have generously given you the tools and techniques you need to build top tier games. In AI Game Programming Wisdom 3, you'll find an entirely new collection of exclusive tips, tricks, techniques, algorithms, and architectures that can't be found anywhere else. And as with previous volumes, the goal of this book is to offer useful, insightful, and clever ideas to help expand your own personal AI toolbox. New to this volume is the inclusion of longer and more detailed articles that allow for a more in-depth exploration of each topic. With this book, you'll be standing on the shoulders of game industry giants and taking advantage of their hard earned wisdom and insights. So take these techniques, build upon them, and lead the industry toward innovative gameplay and the next generation of games.
Customer Reviews:
The State of the Art as it Exists Today.......2006-03-31
Computer gaming continues to grow at a very rapid rate. In fact much of the development of the new higher speed chips and of course the high performance video cards are being driven by the needs of the gaming people.
Computer gaming software also continues to grow, perhaps even faster than gaming itself. Because of the rapid state of software development, no one author could possibly keep up with all of the changes that are taking place.
So in this book Steve Rabin, of Nintendo of America has gotten almost sixty of the most advanced gaming software developers to write articles explaining the state of the art as they are helping to develop it. The writers come from a mix of software companies, universities, independent consultants, and game hardware developers. This is the state of the art in the development of artificial intelligence for games.
Book Description
Analyzes and documents the impact of early frontrunning ability, and how it can transform into huge paydays for todays modern handicapper.
Customer Reviews:
The Power of Early Speed (Elements of Handicapping) .......2007-09-30
I can only half-finished but will not continue the book. If the people believe or love statistic records, the book is for them. Half of the book is stats records for USA dirt track ( unfortunately I am living in Australia ). I cannot enjoy the book.
Interesting presentation.......2006-08-24
The title says it all in that early speed is the ultimate bias. It's like in the movie Top Gun where Tom Cruise says "I feel the need, the need for speed." The stats of the sucess of early speed don't lie, & this book presents an interesting way of compiling them with an emphasis that includes field size. And a large part of the book presents charts on trainers, jockeys, etc. But concentrating on the 1st call only without the all important 2nd call & no use of fractions means that this work as providing raw numbers is only a starting point for further research. The books of Ainslie, Beyer, Davidowitz & Brohammer should be studied first, as while this effort presents a formula for early speed points, the best system is that one that compiles information & experiances using the most complex computer, the one above the shoulders.
Speed Kills.......2006-08-21
I liked the book mostly for the Klein speed figures, I have applied them with some success. I was disappointed though when I figured out that it was pretty uneccessary to figure them myself, TVG for example has speed figures that almost exactly mirror what I came up with using the formula from the book. But it did give me a new respect for early speed that I will continue to use in my handicapping.
Early speed is important. However, what is the meaning of the formulas in this book?.......2006-07-22
I agree that early speed is important in horse racing and in particular horse racing on dirt. Klein Speed Points and Klein Track Bias Numbers as mentioned in this book give the horse racing fans some kinds of objective measurement and idea on how the speed of a race will look like and the likelihood that a horse will perform better because of the favourable change in the pace of a race as well as track bias. However, the author of this book does not explain how the formulas used to derive Klein Speed Points and Klein Trace Bias Numbers are created.
Once again, I would like to stress that just knowing early speed is not enough. This is only one part of horse racing. Moreover, if everyone focuses on early speed evaluation, the inefficieny in the "horse racing market" will disappear and the profit will also disappear.
This book is OK to read, but as an experienced horse racing fans who have read many books on handicapping I found no surprise in this book.
A fabulous piece of research.......2006-04-12
Handicappers and writers have long talked about the importance of early speed, but now Klein brings a massive research project to the table to show exactly how powerful this factor is. Most handicapping books bring select examples or limited samples of a few hundred races results to the table, but Klein calls on the Daily Racing Form database to inclued over 1.6 million starters. He then details by track, condition, and class to provide more insight into return on investment for each. The idea isn't revolutionary, but the data that backs up his ideas leave no doubt as to the "Power of Early Speed." Klein's speed points appear on the surface to be better than Quirin's technique that he developed 20+ years ago.
I wish Klein had given his point technique somewhat of a test run and provided results of his test. It's easy to look back and talk about return on investment for early leads after the race is run, but I would like some proof of how effective the Klein points are at identifying leaders because that is what will produce results.
Customer Reviews:
One of my favorites.......2006-11-03
Ainslie breaks down several factors that should be looked at when analyzing a race - speed, pace, trainer, class, form, etc. His writing style is great, the info is great, and it is a great primer for anyone just getting into the sport or wanting to improve their skills. Some of the jockey/trainer info is a little outdated, but I refer to the book often. Highly recommend.
Still a classic.......2006-01-06
What an eye opener it was when I stumbled on this fifteen years ago! Some of the material is dated, but the fundamentals are well covered and still relevant. Still a terriffic primer for someone wanting to learn the game.
Dated, but worth mining through..........2005-02-24
Let's start with the obvious. Ainslie wrote in a different time: before exotic wagering, which he considered a gimmick, became 70+% of the daily handle. His specific advice about WPS betting and money management, as a result, should be discarded. Likewise, his advice about which trainers and jocks to follow has aged poorly.
At the same time, there's information in here that's invaluable, such as the sections on understanding trainer intent, and on post parade and paddock behavior.
This book has a special place in the history of handicapping, and for that reason alone, is worth having, but in the modern player's arsenal, it should be an added coloring and not the central philosophy.
The Horseracing Information Bible.......2004-12-28
I had read nearly a dozen books on horserace handicapping before I read Ainslie's book. This should have been the first book on horseracing that I read. Ainslie covers every aspect of handicapping and the racing game imaginable. He writes in a simple, concise, easy style -- easy on the eyes, easy to absorb.
It is well-organized. Each chapter covers a specific aspect of the game. Perhaps what I enjoyed the most (and have put to good use) is Ainslie's 60 item list on how to handicap a race --what to look for: angles to be aware of in class, form; speed; jockey/trainer angles .. and on and on and on. The beauty of this book is that the reaader is exposed to so many different topics and subject areas that he will able to find his nich, his own style in handicapping. If you are like me, after you read this book, you will have a list of several more books that you will simply have to have. Thanks to Ainslie.
Ainslie doesn't tout any particular handicapping style; he simply informs the reader of all the many different angles there are instantly adding to the reader's knowledge of the game and providing instant improvement to his handicapping. This is the racing book you would keep on your bedside table; this is the book that you will be referring back to time and time again -- there is that much in this book. Tell you one thing, I envy Ainslie's friends who are able to get tips and suggestions from the author.
If the reader is buying this book in paperback, perhaps he should buy two copies. Surely, he will wear this book out. I have.
Once the best...Still the best.......2004-05-22
Some things don't change. Horses still have four legs. And Tom Ainslie still reigns as the Triple Crown Champion of handicappers. Forget the Beyer speed figure
and pace gurus and go with the fundamentals. You'll also be treated to cogent
and lucid prose, a rarity in racing books. This is The Bible, both Old Testament and
New.
Book Description
The Winning Horseplayer offers the sophisticated bettor invaluable advice on a full range of topics and introduces the concept of trip handicapping. Beyer offers an unbeatable combination of case studies and lively anecdotes through which bettors can substantially improve their chances of making a profit.
Customer Reviews:
Only for the daily handicapper. .......2007-06-08
As a part-time horse player this book is just not a good fit. To benefit from everything this book offers you would have to be a full-time handicapper. There are some great hints and tips that can be pulled out for any horse player, but to truly implement everything involved in this book you would have to be at the track every day. Maybe when I retire and I can be at the track every day I can pull out this book and use it to pick winners all day long, but until that point just 2 stars.
A great book for the part-time player is Brad Free's book Handicapping 101.
Rehash of same old thing.......2007-05-10
This book was a reissue of an old book with nothing new worth buying it again.
Gaining An Advantage At The Wagering Window.......2007-04-27
Andrew Beyer revolutionized Thoroughbred handicapping in the 1970s with the introduction of the Beyer Speed Figure.
Found in most racing forms, the speed figure gives the handicapper a guide to how the runner rates against others in the field that day no matter if they competed in races at different tracks and/or against a variety of levels of competition.
In The Winning Horseplayer, Beyer takes his analysis to trip handicapping, which takes into account the type of journey a Thoroughbred has in a race, with a focus on being compromised due to any trouble in the start and turns, what path was taken around the track and if there was any stress due to the pace.
What has been perhaps the most subjective handicapping tool is given a firm foundation by Beyer, which can be utilized by horseplayers who take the time to take trip notes from replays of previous races.
In an updated version of the book that was originally published in 1994, there are numerous case studies and witty anecdotes, along with a new preface penned by Beyer.
This is not a book for beginners to handicapping races. But for those with experience - and are looking for a possible betting edge or simply a great read on handicapping - this is the winning ticket.
Book Description
There's a new definition for "Fast Lane". . . .
·Strategy for all single- and multiplayer challenges
·Every secret and unlockable
·Detailed stats for every car, motorcycle, and upgrade in the game
·Pull-out poster map of Oahu*
·All key locations revealed
* Poster Map is for print guide only.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book, but only for Xbox 360.......2007-06-07
It doesn't mention it, but this particular guide is for the xBox 360. Other than that, it is very thorough and informative.
It is great, and very helpful.......2007-03-09
Incredibly detailed, excellent guide, the whole game is explained in deep detail, every car, every challenge, every extra, it covers every aspect of the game! and includes excellent tips.
And the map included is awesome, a great help to locate everything in the game, it's wort every cent!
You'll Need This.......2007-03-09
If your the type of person that doesn't like to waste your money or time then you need this guide. The pull out map alone is worth the money. The map just pointing out all those hidden races and challenges why not submit and get the guide you need it. Another item I'd classify worth every penny! If your stuck or tired of looking invest in this guide you'll thank yourself in the end.
Book Description
This second edition is bigger and better then ever. It still presents 50 essays its author considers to represent the field at its best and brightest.
Customer Reviews:
The best of the best.......2007-03-08
This book is outstanding, well written, insightful, and pulls together so many different angles on handicapping. The only problem is trying to digest all that is here. Excellent work.
Terriffic book- 5 plus stars!.......2006-01-06
Drawing from so many experts in the field and publishing their original material makes for a great work. Of the dozen or so handicapping volumes I have, this is the one I refer to most often because every each aspect from handicapping factors to money management and tote watching is covered by a true expert in that field. What I discovered after reading this is that I started looking for volumes by the writers herein that contributed chapters of interest. It has introduced me to a lot of guys I would never have found without this book.
Add this one to your library.......2005-08-24
I have read the first edition of this title over and over and the latest version is only an improvement on a fine work. I agree that a lot of the information provided in the chapters in not in great depth, but it's difficult to take a 200 page book and condense it into a few pages. Quinn has done a great job of doing just that. And since the author provides information on the various sources, it gives the reader the opportunity to reach out to those sources if they have interest in the topic. This is definitely a great addition to any handicapper's library. I have had the opportunity to meet Quinn and he is just as wonderful a person as he is an author.
Break out of your handicapping ruts!.......2005-02-24
The beauty of James Quinn's updated anthology is not any one revelation that he brings to the table, but that he's synthesized so many voices and give you so many more angles to consider. Those of you who play regularly know how easy it is to identify the obvious chalk-- and how hard it is to get past the two or three "best on paper" types to get to live, mid-priced overlays. You know, the horses that are the difference between a minus day and a wildly profitable day.
In addition, the fact that he has brought so many voices together on money management-- the topic I see the least amount of literature on-- alone makes this worthwhile.
This isn't the type of book I'd toss to a novice, but it will make the intermediate player much more flexible and creative.
A Must-Read for the novice handicapper.......2004-08-25
This book is an almost encylocpedic digest of current theories of thoroughbred handicapping. None are covered in such detail that you can run off and start making money at the track, but each points you to a source for more comprehensive information on the theory that interests you.
If you are willing to ignore books on "handicapping made easy," this book is probably among the best starting points for the novice. It explores a variety of approaches, leaving you to select what you like, and follow a path toward mastery.
Book Description
Andrew Beyer shows the handicapper how to make his Beyer Speed Figures the focal point of a horse wagering strategy for pursuing spectacular profits. Intended for the serious horseplayer, Beyer on Speed explains how to relate speed figures to such factors as pace, track bias, and track conditions. It helps the bettor utilize the new opportunities for picking winners, such as video replays or a successfully structured pick-six ticket. Written in Beyer’s engaging, rapid-fire prose, Beyer on Speed reveals optimal use of the figures based on computer analysis of more than 10,000 races. This invaluable book on wagering is a classic of the sport and can be enjoyed by the novice as well as the advanced player.
Customer Reviews:
Beyer on Speed New Strategies for Racetrack Betting.......2007-05-18
This is not a "NEW" Beyer book. It was orginally published in 1993. The only "NEW" is a six page preface. If you have the original Beyer on Speed, you don't need to purchase this one.
Buy Today, Read Tomorrow, Start Using The Next Day.......2007-01-08
Shhhh.....don't tell anyone, but I'll give you a tip based on some recent observations; the early speed at Tampa Bay Downs is holding up in a number of races. I recently joked with someone while watching simulcast racing at Thistledown that Tampa Bay is Keeneland south (that is, before the synthetic track that was recently installed has taken most of the speed bias out of that Kentucky track).
But how can a handicapper - from a casual fan to a serious player - get an understanding on what runners - especially the ones who may have decent odds - in certain races have the type of pace to hold up from gate-to-wire, with you cashing a nice ticket & others tossing their tickets away?
Andrew Beyer takes the reader through the blueprint of effectively using speed figures as an effective betting strategy. He introduces such topics as pace, track bias and track conditions into the equation and provides a highly-readable plan that a handicapper can immediately utilize.
Since the 1995 reprint, the greatest change in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. has been the introduction of synthetic racing surfaces that are replacing dirt tracks. The book is still a great resource - coupled with this unique variable - if the reader follows the action at these "new" tracks.
There are numerous books available to assist the handicapper, but Beyer On Speed has held up over the years due to its practical application of an important angle that can get lost in the shuffle of handicapper's "overload" when trying to figure out how to wager on a race.
Beyer brings it together.......2006-01-07
While probably not the best handicapping book even from the Beyer set, this is one of the more entertaining handicapping books around. You should read his earlier stuff first to see how he evolved as a handicapper to incorporate some ideas such as pace, trip, and form cycles, where earlier he had largely dismissed those. Where I spent a lot of time taking notes from other handicapping books, I spent more time turning pages and just enjoying a good read here.
A safe bet........2005-10-27
A very well written book. Easy to read, entertaining and full of useful information, this book makes otherwise complex theories easy to follow. The use of anecdotes and real life examples allow for easier understanding of the ideas presented. This is a useful addition to the library of any horseracing fan. The serious student of horse racing handicapping should easily recover several times the price of the book from using the information presented - that is a safe bet.
Handicapping Classic.......2005-03-22
Andrew Beyer is the godfather of speed figures in thoroughbred racing. In preparing to bet the Kentucky Derby and other races this year I read Andrew Beyer's fantastic book "Beyer on Speed" and Joe Cardello's book "Speed to Spare". These two books fundamentally changed the way I handicap races. It is simply careless to handicap races without understanding Beyer Speed Ratings and use them to your advantage. This book explains the origins of the Beyer Speed figures and walks you through an understanding of how the speed figures are calculated and how they work. I used the information on "Beyer on Speed" and "Speed to Spare" this year (March, 2005) to hit a big trifecta at Santa Anita - without Beyer Speed ratings and the information they provide, I would have never made the bet I made.
Andrew Beyer is not only a great author, but he is at the forefront of making a day at the races enjoyable to all. "Beyer on Speed" is a book that will absolutely make your trip to the track more enjoyable than you can imagine. Beyer doesn't sugar-coat the various elements that make handicapping a less-than-perfect science, but he does help you understand the fundamentals in a very concise way.
I appreciate Andrew Beyer's commitment to racing/handicapping that is so evident in this book and in all his other writings. Andrew Beyer remains at the forefront of the war against doping in racing and other honesty/integrity issues. Andrew Beyer is one of the reasons that horse racing is such a great sport. This book is for anyone wanting to know how to quickly understand the joys and pitfalls of handicapping - and why thorougbred racing is so much fun.
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- Popular Voices in Latin American Catholicism (Studies in Church and State)
- Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture
- Proposals That Work: A Guide for Planning Dissertations and Grant Proposals (Proposals That Work: A Guide for Planning)
- Rat Pack Confidential: Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter, Joey and the Last Great Show Biz Party
- Revolutionary Road
- Right from the Gecko (Reigning Cats & Dogs Mysteries)
- Signs of Life in the USA: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers
- Sixth Covenant (A. D. Chronicles, No. 6)
- Sixty Days and Counting
- Sociology of North American Sport with PowerWeb
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Strategy Paradox: Why committing to success leads to failure
- Pots in the Garden: Expert Design and Planting
- Macromedia Flash MX for Dummies
- Mastering German Vocabulary: A Thematic Approach
- Learn Chess: A Complete Course
- Rhinoceros Tap: 15 Seriously Silly Songs
- Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Daytrading Like a Pro
- Financial Accounting Theory I: Issues And Controversies
- Wiley CPA Examination Review 2005, Regulation
Track Betting
| Gambling
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Beyer on Speed: New Strategies for Racetrack Betting
Handicapping 101: Finding the Right Horses and Making the Right Bets
Jim Cramer's Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World
Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich
Betting Thoroughbreds: A Professional's Guide for the Horseplayer: Second Revised Edition
