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There's no one right way to play the races.
Every player has an angle, which means no one way is foolproof. But even as a casual player, you'll win more often if you know how to size up the horses.

• Guide to Racing (PDF)
• From Paddock to Winner's Circle
• Learn the Lingo
• What to Tell the Mutuel Clerk
• Payoffs

We asked our Facebook fans, "If a friend who knows nothing about handicapping asked you for one key insight, what would it be?" They said:

• Class figure
• Jockey & trainer: individual performance, performance together, or changes -- "At Turfway trainers are the key. Then I look at the class droppers and start positions. If I was going to bet from one thing on the program....trainer!!! They know the horses, jockeys, and track better than anyone."
• Consistency; for example, finishing in the money with maidens
• "Horse for course"--proven record on the specific track
• Distance specialist--proven at the distance
• Drop in class; for example, from maiden special to maiden claiming
• Speed figures
• Running style--"My handicapping has improved tremendously since I started paying attention to how many stalkers, closers, and front runners are in the race and how the pace is set to be affected by these."