Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies »

Richard Eng, a former researcher/writer for ABC Sports, has been involved in thoroughbred horse racing for more than 20 years. He currently hosts a radio show on horse racing.

How to enjoy a day at the races-and bet to win!
The last two years have seen a record number of Americans tune in for climatic Triple Crown races featuring Smarty Jones and Funny Cide; in 2004, television viewership jumped a whopping 61 percent over the record set in 2003, and the Belmont Stakes race itself drew a record crowd of more than 120,000! This easy-to-understand guide shows first-time visitors to the track how to enjoy the sport of horse racing-and make smart bets. It explains what goes on at the track, what to look for in horses and jockeys, how to read a racing form and do simple handicapping, and how to manage betting funds and make wagers that stand a good chance of paying off. Complete with coverage of off-track and online betting, it's just what anyone needs to play the ponies-and win!
Richard Eng (Las Vegas, NV) is a racing writer and handicapper for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a columnist for the Daily Racing Form, and the host of a horseracing radio program in Las Vegas. He was formerly a part of the ABC Sports team that covered the Triple Crown.

Introduction.

Part I: And They’re Off! Horse Racing and the Betting Scene.

Chapter 1: Playing the Ponies for Pleasure and Profit.

Chapter 2: All Horse Races Are Not Created Equal.

Chapter 3: Getting a Handle on Parimutuel Wagering.

Chapter 4: The Skinny on Betting.

Chapter 5: Visiting the Racetrack.

Part II: How the Players and Factors Impact the Race.

Chapter 6: Studying Horses in the Paddock and during Post Parade.

Chapter 7: Riders Up: The Importance of a Jockey.

Chapter 8: Calling the Shots: Trainers and Owners.

Chapter 9: Knowing the Track Surface and Conditions.

Chapter 10: Zoning In on Equipment Changes.

Part III: Gaining and Keeping a Competitive Edge.

Chapter 11: Starting with the Right Tools: The Daily Racing Form and More.

Chapter 12: Trying Your Hand at Handicapping.

Chapter 13: Planning Your Wagers.

Chapter 14: Making the Most of Your Bankroll.

Part IV: Risky Business: Tackling More Advanced Bets.

Chapter 15: Betting Exotic Wagers.

Chapter 16: Getting Into Sophisticated Handicapping.

Chapter 17: Taking On Handicapping Tournaments.

Chapter 18: The Race for the Triple Crown: Picking a Kentucky Derby Winner and More.

Part V: Playing Different Ponies and Different Venues.

Chapter 19: Harness Racing: It’ll Drive You Wild.

Chapter 20: American Quarter Horse Racing: Don’t Blink or You’ll Miss It.

Chapter 21: Visiting Your Local OTB: Off-Track Betting.

Chapter 22:Betting from Home.

Chapter 23: Viva Las Vegas.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 24: Ten Best Bets and Betting Angles.

Chapter 25: Ten Best Racetracks to Visit.

Chapter 26: Ten Common Betting Mistakes.

Appendix: A Glossary of Horse Racing Lingo.

Index.