Examines the history of horse racing, the three racing breeds and their characteristics, the roles of the trainers, jockeys, drivers, and track officials, the different courses and racetracks, and betting, odds, and bookmaking

A day at the races, with its colorful variety and fact-paced action, appeals to people from all walks of life. Not surprisingly, the idea of going home with a few more dollars than when one arrived is part of horseracing's charm. In this entertaining but substantive volume, two distinguished economists, who happen to be horseracing buffs, outline a tested strategy for placing bets that will increase the reader's chances of a happy outcome at the track. The authors are the first to point out that getting rich at the racetrack is unlikely. They do maintain, however, that with attention to their systematic approach, the racing fan can achieve the best possible chance at winning. In the process, the reader learns some of the most important measurement techniques in the social sciences, as well as the basic methods of market analysis.

This step-by-step guide takes the intimidation out of betting at the racetrack. Readers learn about types of wagers from straight to exotic, how odds are set, and how to place a bet and cash a ticket. In addition, the guide explains how to read past performances. Workouts, medication, and equipment as they relate to wagering are also discussed.

Written in Beyer's clean, rapid-fire prose, this book explains how to relate speed figures to such factors as pace, track bias, and track conditions. It discusses exotic wagers such as the pick six and reveals optimal uses of the figures based on computer analysis of more than 10,000 races. Blending colorful anecdotes, it presents a revolutionary way to play the horses.

"The author describes the handicapping of thoroughbred horse races, covering such factors as the use of computers, what to watch before a race, and the best jockeys and horse trainers. He also explains 60 ways to build a betting system"--Library of Congress description