Handicapping for begginners

[Horny Harry]

webcom (http://www.webcom.com/~alauck/rowe/rowe00/rowe25.html)
HANDICAPPING HINTS #25
by
Robert V. Rowe
http://www.webcom.com/~alauck/rowe/coins-2.gif
March 15, 2000
Index
If your scribe were to be asked what is the best way to improve one’s handicapping, the answer would be; study the structure of racing. In other words the selector should start by breaking racing down into proper categories and applying appropriate analysis (handicapping) to each of the segments.
This, as opposed to trying to handicap every race in the same manner. Many selectors fail because they endeavor to use an approach that is successful with one facet of racing to every facet. It can’t be done. What works with one won’t work with another.
What succeeds with sprinters will not work with routers. Maiden claimers can’t be handicapped successfully in the same manner one employs with stake races. Dirt racing is not the same as turf racing.
Broadly speaking, routes and sprints might be considered major classifications Then, beneath each of these basic headings we’d sub-divide with two additional categories i.e., dirt and grass racing.
SPRINTS ROUTES
Dirt Grass Dirt Grass
One should then recognize sub-categories; somewhat along the lines of the following.
Maiden Special Weights (2-year-olds)
Maiden Special Weights (3-year-olds and up)
Allowances
Handicaps
Stakes (Weight for Age)
Maiden Claimers
Claimers
In the foregoing, and conceding that it’s an over-simplification, we’ve created THIRTEEN distinct groupings. Each should be approached and analyzed in a unique manner; one that’s appropriate to the category being dealt with. One cannot logically or sensibly apply the same standards to all thirteen groups. Another factor that enters the picture is "class." It’s difficult, if not impossible to create valid class categories. This is so because most of the sub-categories are in a constant state of flux. This applies particularly to Maiden Special Weights, Maiden Claimers, Claiming races and Allowances.
Example: In April , Maiden Special Weight conditions attract the future stars of racing. By the end of the year the good ones have been weeded out and "promoted." Usually only the dregs remain; the future maiden claimers. Therefore don‘t assume all Maiden Special Weight type races are similar. Another example: All claiming can’t be pegged as representing a specific class. Some high-priced claimers can contain allowance and handicap horses. Even allowance races are so structured that they too could be broken down into many groupings depending on moneys earned, number of races won, age, etc.
The recognition that different principles and approaches apply to different types of racing is so basic and so important to successful handicapping that we will pursue this topic in our next article and continue until we feel we’ve covered the subject with reasonable thoroughness.
Before signing off we’d like to mention that a recent edition of the Boston Globe gave quite a laudatory spread to Aqueduct’s apprentice Norberto Arroyo, Jr. This is unusual inasmuch as the Globe’s sport section doesn’t ordinarily devote much space to thoroughbred racing.
But, even more impressive was the fact that while we were in New York our good friend Phil Johnson came over, and he too sung the praises of Arroyo. If PJ likes a rider he must be good. Additionally, we’d like to congratulate Phil on finally achieving his rightful niche in Racing’s Hall of Fame.
A final point about Arroyo: Our observation has taught us that most hot apprentices do well in sprints but rarely do they do as well in routes. Glancing at the track program for February 25th we note Arroyo has a 26.1% win average for route races as against 17.8% for sprints. Very unusual and bodes well for this bug boy’s future.

[masun]

There's an interesting discussion at Horsestreet.com along simimlar lines:
http://www.horsestreet.com/theory/thetour/thetour04.html
I find the concept of "handicapping from a different column" intriguing. Nevertheless, I wonder if the concept can be applied in HK because we have so few races in a year. Any kind of race segmentation will yield very small samples.

[Horny Harry]

The Goal
"Exploiting the errors made by the handicapping public to an extent which provides us with the level of profit and consistency we require."
It is important to note that the "levels" of profit and consistency must meet not only our financial needs but also some psychological needs as well. In other words, it must "fit our style."
Some players are quite content to play for Pic-Six hits, though they may lose for months on end. Most people, however, need something a little closer to instant gratification.
So, how do we "exploit" the public's errors? The answer lies in having better information than they do.
Consider that there are two types of information.
First there is information about the horses. That is, speed ratings, class ratings, jockey, trainer and pedigree ratings... An almost endless supply of information.
This type of information is very easy to come by. You can download it from any number of sources. One source may be slightly better than another, but remember that all data traces its way back to the same source... the original race.
We have all read the great books on handicapping. If you haven't you should. There is a wealth of knowledge there. (Elsewhere on this site you will find a recommended reading list.)
But you need to understand that any statement published in any handicapping book may be challenged and will likely prove false as often as it proves true. Even the most correct "rules" (such as the "favorites win 33%" rule used in the previous example) will most often prove to be false in a specific situation.
We have adopted the following attitude towards handicapping rules:
"All rules are true except when they aren't."

[Horny Harry]

I n days of yore the serious punter could gain a much-needed edge by specializing. Example: For many years your scribe did well by keeping detailed records and concentrating on the unique abilities that specific trainers appeared to possess i.e., some excelled in routes. Others were primarily turf specialists, and still others usually meant business when one of their charges was dropped into a claimer off an allowance.
Unfortunately this type approach, that emphasized specialized knowledge, is no longer valid. For the past decade the betting public has been inundated with handicapping information via books, seminars, the ubiquitous "talking heads" ( that hold forth at most racetracks), and the highly detailed information published by companies such as BRIS.
Never before has so much handicapping knowledge been made available to so many. This situation should serve to alter the serious handicapper. s perspective.
What proved successful in the past probably no longer applies simply because what was formerly "inside information" now falls well within the public. s domain. The fact is that this broadly dispensed knowledge is not helpful when employed in the orthodox manner.. One cannot gain a much-needed edge by knowing and doing what most others know and do. A differentapproach is a prime requisite for anyone seeking to profit from betting on thoroughbred horses.
The question then arises, how does one find a "different approach"? One answer would be to concentrate more on the betting aspect, and less on such accepted factors as speed, weight, etc.
The public's interest and concentration on exotic betting produces more opportunities than ever before for the astute punter to find true overlays. This is due to the fact that most exotic wagering emphasizes the cashing of bets, per se rather than the cashing of PROFITABLE bets. In other words the public and many big bettors concentrate on "the spread."
The spread implies the combining of many likely and not-so-likely combinations in order to help insure that a bet will be cashed. The hope, of course, is that the cashed bet will return an amount sufficient to produce an overall profit.
This type approach on the general public. s part provides loads of opportunity for the intelligent player. This is due to the unwarranted play that the not-so-likely combinations get, and which in turn creates genuine overlays on the more likely combinations.
Permit me to clarify the point. It is very difficult to produce a profit from straight wagering due to fact that the public now seems to know all the angles. However, the informed individual can still use his handicapping knowledge to create logical combinations (exacta play), and avoid the mistake of resorting to the spread. This approach alone will give the controlled player a marked advantage over the betting public.

[Horny Harry]

Today's Racing Digest Handicapping Tips
"HANDICAPPING 101"
No matter what your level of expertise, it's often wise to "get back to basics" and review the rudimentary elements of this challenging, sometimes exasperating, bit of mental stimulus known as handicapping.
Everyone handicaps differently but these elements should always be addressed before making a wager. They are offered in order of importance to the overall equation.
1. FORM: Nothing else really matters if a horse is not in "form" and the first task in attacking a race is to eliminate those runners that don't appear to be fit from a condition standpoint, either through recent racing or with a string of workouts that suggest the animal is set to do its best work. A competitive recent race (accompanied by the necessary a.m. maintenance if it's last race was more than two weeks ago) is the most reliable indicator for fitness. Horses that haven't raced in 30+ days should either offer ample workout evidence that they are doing well, have a history of performing well off short (or longer) breaks and come from barns that regularly win races. The group that doesn't fit into this rather wide parameter should be eliminated from further consideration, allowing the handicapper to concentrate on the true contenders. It doesn't matter what a horse has done in the past if it doesn't look capable of running well today. On the other hand, don't be quick to draw an "x" through potential longshots that come off bad lines if they had legitimate excuses like racing at an unsuitable distance, on an unsuitable surface, fought a strong track bias, is moving from a losing barn to a winning one or has been given a freshener followed by positive workout activity.
2. ABILITY: How fast can the remaining horses in the field run on their best day? That's the next question to be answered. There are many different ways to evaluate talent in this era of speed figures and performance ratings. Whether you use Today's Racing Digest's CPRs, FIRE Numbers or Final Time Ratings, my own Fast Figs, Beyer Ratings, the "sheets", Barry Meadow's Master Win Ratings or make your own doesn't really matter but you should be consistent. The task at hand is to determine two things: What is the horse capable of doing?; and, what does it figure to do today? Those horses that do not figure within three lengths of the top contenders in the race can be eliminated.
3. CLASS: This is a tricky part of the puzzle since horses can improve and regress quickly in this day-and-age of year-round racing when trainers try and squeeze races out of horses that obviously need a rest and the track veterinarians help them do it with an array of legal medications. Often, outclassed horses will be eliminated in Step #2 but in the case of horses stepping up in class off impressive efforts, it's necessary to analyze how those figs were earned. Horses that benefitted from easy pace pictures, strong bias situations or simply raced against a bad bunch of rivals, should be viewed with skepticism when trying to step up to a tougher level. The best class jumpers to play are those that tailed off, dropped in class and are now moving back up while appearing to have regained their form. "Past Class" is a big handicapping plus and is often overlooked by many players.
4. RACE CONDITIONS: Does the horse like today's surface and today's distance? Even horses that are in form and have the ability and the class to win are generally beaten when entered in unsuitable races. Some horses move easily between sprints and routes or from dirt to turf while others do not. Before leaving a contender in the mix any longer, be relatively certain in your mind that he'll handle today's conditions.
5. CONNECTIONS: The human part of the equation is substantial. True, a great rider and an accomplished trainer can't win on a bad horse but by this stage you should have eliminated the "bad" ones. However, "good" horses can be beaten by a jock's poor decision or by a trainer who has a hard time cinching up a saddle correctly. Let the record guide you in this area. Eliminate horse's trained or ridden by traditionally low-percentage stables or jocks and take a long, hard look at short-priced types that are trained or saddled by individuals mired in ongoing slumps (consult the Digest's 'Cold Trainer's List'). Just as professional athletes in all sports go into slumps, so do trainers and riders. The more they lose, the more they think and the more they think, the more they lose. That's just the way it is.
6. BREEDING: Pedigree analysis is only significant when analyzing a horse that has not had ample (or no) opportunity to show what it can do under today's conditions. First-time-starters bred for sprint speed vs. those bred to run best going longer. Sprinters trying to go long. Dirt types moving to turf. The only time you should concern yourself with breeding is when a potential contender has survived the first five steps of this procedure. When playing a horse 'on the come', always get good value and be willing to bet against (or pass the race) when the favorites are not proven under today's conditions, even if their pedigree says they should handle the situation. Just because they're bred to do it, doesn't mean they WILL DO IT, first or second time around anyway.
After completing these six steps you should have eliminated the pretenders and whittled the field down to the contenders. The more contentious a race looks on paper, the more 'value' you should demand. It makes no sense to back the favorite in a ten-horse field where it looks like five other horses can also win. Make some kind of odds line so that you have an idea of which horses are true overlays in your own mind.
From that point on, it's just a matter of "buy low and sell high".
Class dismissed.

[Horny Harry]

Want another “brick” for your Yellow Brick Road? See if this “golden” one fits.
http://www.gambleinparadise.com/JT.jpg Understanding Why You Just Lost a Bet Can Be the Key to Winning Next Time Out
by Joe Takach
Every time you lose a wager, make an exact determination as to why you lost.
What happens most often after any race is that the winners “gloat” and the losers bury their faces in the Racing Form or the track programs trying to recoup lost monies in the very next race.
I don’t know about you, but I hate to lose. Sure, it’s an inescapable part of our great game, but that doesn’t lessen the momentary pain or sense of being stupid because you didn’t have the winner that often appears quite logical as you play Monday morning quarterback when glancing back over the past performances.
But that still doesn’t answer the question at hand.
If you didn’t bet the winner, why did your selection disappoint?
I’ve always been of the opinion that only 50% of any race is handicappable. By this I mean that you can have every conceivable piece of information on every single horse in a race and still only have half of the puzzle solved before the horses exit the starting gate.
Things over which you have no control (in no particular order) include:
1----Stable isn’t sending today for any number of reasons from larceny (mutuel price too low) to an owner(s) unable to attend due to a Board meeting or illness in the family.
2----The existing running bias that clearly favors your horse suddenly disappears right after the last race. I’ve seen this happen many times. Moisture is the biggest culprit. If you abruptly go from a dry to a wet track due to a storm, prior golden “paths” can, and usually do, quickly disappear. I can recall this happening many times during long summers at Monmouth Park. The sun would be shinning and everything “bone dry” for the running of the 7th race, but a freak summer storm would come from nowhere and dump a half inch of rain on the track in 25 minutes and render it “sloppy” for the 8th event. Good bye existing bias! Additionally, I’ve seen tractors reverse direction midway thru a day’s card and the very desirable inside or outside paths suddenly became quicksand!
3----Gate problems. We’ve all been victim to this one quite frequently. It’s very difficult to get a thoroughbred to stand still in a starting gate before the beginning of a race. If you’ve ever heard a jockey yelling “no,no,no,no” once loaded, he’s trying to get the attention of the starter to let him know that his horse isn’t standing correctly and not to open the gates. Sometimes he’s not heard or the gates fly open at the exact same time he’s yelling that he’s unprepared. Other times, the assistant starter in the stall with the horse might have his head cocked the wrong way. When the gates open, the runner breaks into the gate itself and loses valuable position from the bell and most likely the race itself.
4----Loses rider. This is obviously the most serious of gate problems because you can’t win a race without a jockey in the irons. Additionally, how many times have you had a riderless horse compromise, block, or intimidate your horse causing defeat?
5----Jockey asleep on his feet. How many times have you wagered on a great looking horse who has every conceivable handicapping factor going his way, only to receive the worst ride you’ve seen in 20 years? Did I hear you say that happens to you every week? Well it shouldn’t and probably doesn’t, but it positively happens and it’s totally out of your control! (What is even more frustrating is that sometimes the same jockey comes back in the very next race and rides a 3-legged broken-down pig to victory at 35-1 and burys you again!)
6----Bad trip. It is not the purpose of this writing to go into every possible negative scenario that can cost you a race. We’ve all been victim of a bad trip---after all, we don’t ride our wagers and even if we did, some mishaps often wouldn’t even be our fault. Most times, our rider is the victim rather than the instigator of race related “trouble”, but the end result is the same. We lose! Always remember that “bad trips” are not by design (unless a “stiff” is in progress), but usually by a reaction by our rider after an incident caused by another runner.
7----Horse takes a bad step. Though not as frequent as a bad trip, this negative situation probably happens more than one might imagine. Dirt tracks are not newly paved highways where uniformity is the rule rather than the exception. If you were to walk the entire length of a mile dirt oval in the 3 path after “grading” by the tractors before the next race, you’d be amazed at how uneven the surface is though appearing quite uniform. What amazes me to this very day is that horses don’t take more bad steps than they actually do every race. If a horse does take a bad step, you have no control over it!
8----Equipment mishaps. Though infrequent and regularly inspected by trainer, groom and jockey, equipment does break during the running of a race (broken stirrups and bridles, thrown shoes etc.). Again, you have absolutely no control over this or any way of knowing that it is about to happen!
9----Internal physical problems. These situations are too numerous to mention, but here’s one that we can all relate to. Many times I’ve bet a horse that looked flawless in the paddock and got a fantastic 4 to 6 furlong pre-race warm-up only to watch him pull-up prematurely because he “bled”. This sometimes even happens to horses running on lasix. In fact every horse bleeds a tad during a race, but usually it is not enough to stop him from performing to maximum by clogging his breathing system.
The above 9 areas make up most of that 50% of a race that you can’t control! I’m sure I haven’t
listed every area known to the racing world, but once you begin to accept that the 9 areas do exist and have for quite some time, you can begin to make more money
You’ll do this by either giving your selection the benefit of any doubt and betting him right back if placed in a similar field next time, or by tossing him out when you discover that he HAD NO EXCUSE and most likely isn’t this good or hasn’t been this good for some time.
Either way, it’s a win-win situation for you! But as stated above, you have to make that determination for yourself. This requires post-race work like watching the warm-downs and inspecting every horse as he’s unsaddled regardless of finish position.
If you work tirelessly to do so every time you wager, you have to come out better than you would have by gloating or immediately burying your face in the Racing Form!
Joe Takach

[imaufo]

ACROSS THE BOARD by Steve Davidowitz

for TrackMaster - December 1, 2002


The following column represents the private views and opinions of author-handicapper Steve Davidowitz and are not necessarily those of Axcis/TrackMaster or any of it's management or personnel. Each week, Mr. Davidowitz has the freedom to express his point of view in this forum and encourages comments from readers directed to him at davidwtz@aol.com
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STEVE DAVIDOWITZ’ HANDICAPPING HINTS AND SPOT PLAYS ON THE SIMULCAST MENU FOR SATURDAY, NOV. 30, 2002

Cashed in three of four plays last week, but only made good profits on one of them.

This week’s Daily Double Criss Cross is at Aqueduct where the weather is quite cold and there was a light dusting of snow during midweek that has not been cleared from the ground. Temperatures are expected to rise into the high forties and low fifths, with showers in the forecast.

First Race. . . .6 Furlongs. . .Claiming, $30,000, 3 year old fillies. #5 PARTY TO PARTY has been going well in Delaware and is sensibly dropped into this claimer against her own age group at the end of the year when all 3 year olds depreciate in value as they prepare to meet older in a few weeks.

Second Race. . .7 Furlongs. . .Maiden 2 year olds.

#2 GRAND LUCENCI made a solid run after an awkward start in his second c areer outing for Billy Turner Jr., who did hall of fame work with Seattle Slew. Be tough in this spot.

#3 REMIND has been working sharply for Billy Mott, who can get a first timer ready despite his relatively modest statistics. Bailey takes the mount.

# 9 WINGED FOOT WILLIE, a $675,000 yearling, didn’t show much in his debut despite taking a lot of money at the windows. Sharp outfit that rarely uses Lasix, likely to improve quite a bit at added distance from favorable post.

The Play: $13 DD’s 5 in the first with 2,3,9 in the second. ($39)

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Seventh Race. . .1-1/8 miles. . .81st running of the $200,000 Demoiselle, Grade-2, for 2 year old fillies.

#6 FIRCRFOFT won her most recent over the track and distance, Oct. 27 for trainer rusty Arnold and jockey Jean Luc Samyn with nice steady move from fifth of sixth to a clear driving win. Daughter of A.P. Indy is bred for wet track too. One to beat.

#1 ROAR EMOTION was dynamite in her 10 length winning debut at Belmont then failed at 15 cents on the dollar in allowance company after stumbling going a mile, Oct. 18. Supposedly had breathing difficulties that have been corrected and will be a major factor at better odds from the rail in her two turn debut here with John R. Velazquez.

#9 SUMMER SCENE was trained by Rusty Arnold in her two maiden races, which were very good. Been training in Kentucky for Bobby Frankel, might surprise in her first route try, but logic says she may need some seasoning.

The Play: $50 win #6.

$20 Exacta 6 over 1.

$5 Exacta 6 over 9.

Total $75

Eighth race. . .1-1/8 miles. 89th running of the $200,000 Remsen, Grade-2, for 2 year olds.

#2 EMPIRE MAKER powerfully bred and built youngster by Unbridled was very impressive winning his debut at one mile with strong surge for Bobby Frankel. Likely to show more of his natural speed here from good post with Bailey and might even be a fair price given his lack of seasoning.

#3 TOCCET, the Champagne stakes winner at Belmont was hampered by the outside post in the BC Juvenile and returned with facile win on a wet track in the Laurel Futurity, Nov. 16. Worked sharply, one to beat.

#5 BHAM won an allowance race at this distance with very good figure while setting the pace, Nov. 11 and will take plenty beating if allowed to creep along on the lead as he did that day. Velazquez keeps the mount for red hot Todd Pletcher.

#1 OUTER REEF got bombed by Toccet in the Champagne, but did run well for second behind undefeated Added Edge in the Nashua at one mile, Nov. 2. Has the rail and Prado, must consider for upset.

Exactas:

$30 Win #2

$20 Exacta Box: 2 and 3. ($40)

$15 Exactas: 2 over 5 and 1. ($30)

Total $70

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Ninth Race. . .One Mile. . .14th running of the $400,000 Cigar Mile Handicap, Grade-1, for 3 year olds and up. The weights are ridiculously low, as they are for all handicap races these days. Plenty of early speed in the field if all go.

Prefer late runners #7 RED BULLET and #6 ALDEBARAN and I find it hard to choose between the two, although Aldebaran has been prone to second place finishes this year. Using both at equal strength in Trifecta spreads. Red Bullet prepped for this with strong win at Delaware. Aldebaran had big time trouble in the BC Mile has several good finishes with similar and better this year.

#3 Harlan’s Holiday went well in two outings before the BC Classic, training well.

#4 Crafty C.T. was very good second and third in Ancient title and BC Sprint in last two, was third in Met Mile at Belmont in May.

#5 Congaree, won the Wood Memorial here last year and has very strong speed for the distance.

#8 Windsor Castle rallied for placings with good Beyer Figs in a pair of two turn route stakes, has some other credentials from off the pace at one turn distances.

$1 Ticket A: 6 and 7; with 6,7,3 and 5; with 6,7,3,5,4 and 8. (24 combos/$24)

$1 Ticket B: 6 and 7; with 6,7,3,5,4; with 6,7,3,5,4. (24 combos/$24)

$1 Ticket C: 6 and 7; with 6,7,3 5,8; with 6,7,3,5,8. (24 combos/$24)

$3 Ticket D: 7 with 6; with ALL. (Eight combos/$24

$2 Ticket E: 6 with 7; with ALL (Eight combos/$16)

Total $112.

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AQUEDUCT

7,8,9th RACE PICK THREE

$2 Ticket A: 6,1,9; with 2,3,5,1; with 6 and 7. (24 combos/$48)

$2 Ticket B: 6; with 2,3,5,1; with 6 and 7. (8 combos/$16)

$2 Ticket C: 6,1,9; with 2,3; with 6 and 7. (12 comos/$24)

$1 Ticket D: 6,1 with 2,3; with ALL (40 combos/$40)

Total $138

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Best of Luck and good handicapping/Steve Davidowitz

[imaufo]

Thoroughbred Report


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding the Thoroughbred Report
By John Pricci
Posted Dec 12, 2002, 8:20am



Graded contenders are delineated in four categories: Strong, Solid, Longshot potential and Underlay potential.

When factoring these contenders into your analysis, you must decide whether a race is playable, whether the reward justifies the risk. You must also determine when these horses give you a significant advantage over the crowd. If and when they do, you can fashion your play for optimal results.

Strong contenders are, first and foremost, ideal win bets. Betting to win is the constant that provides true value. Should odds be prohibitively low, strong contenders should be used to key multiple-pool wagers but no matter how strong, short-priced contenders should be used first and second in multiple-pool wagers. Using them second is not a sign of weakness but it allows for the vagaries of racing luck, producing the occasional windfall payoff. Strong contenders make ideal keys to the usual array of sequential multiple-race wagers. TIP:For best results, bet single strong contenders to win only.

Solid contenders are any horses with a good chance to win. A race with as many as five or six solid contenders but no standout is potentially a big-profit opportunity. In these situations, players should seriously consider betting longshot or designated solid contenders to win and as multiple-pool keys. The relative safety of a "boxed wager" is viable when odds and/or field-size dictates. TIP:For optimum long-term results, favorites should be excluded from "boxed" exacta wagers.

Underlays are horses to avoid in the win pool and, in some cases, excluded from multiple-pool bets. The determination can be made only after assessing post-time odds in both straight and multiple pools.

Longshots are horses providing excellent value but do not, by definition, win at an acceptable rate. They can be played to win and be used in multiple-pool wagers with any designated contender including favorites since value is assured in the straight pool. However, try to assess the true probability of a longshot victory, never accepting a deflated price. Double-digit odds are required for best long-term results. Best longshot results occur most frequently in chaos races lacking strong-contender favorites.

The Thoroughbred-World methodology has less to do with picking winners than making the correct wager. If you cannot gain a viable edge over the crowd after you design your play and consult the tote board, your best play is to pass and move on to the next race. If remaining in action as a recreational bettor is the goal, you can disregard the above. If winning is paramount, your approach to wagering should always remain long term.

-- John Pricci, Executive Editor

[imaufo]

A day at the races from Belmont/ pace advantage (http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=12570)

[imaufo]

http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=15617

My years as a professional player

Mr. Universe and a couple of others seemed interested in hearing more about my time that I earned my living as a full time horseplayer, particularly my typical day and why if I was successful, I would burn out.

I'm going to start by describing my basic method. I played multiple tracks a day, when i was on site I usually was limited to the 3 or 4 tracks that California was allowed to simulcast. I rarely played my home track because the fields in Northern California tended to be small and I never did figure out Russell Baze. When playing on the internet I find 5 or 6 tracks the most I can handle.