Trying to pick a winner- what to look out for.

So you know the basics about how to pick a winner. However whether it be in real or virtual racing the great punter is a very different animal to the good punter. Greats study more than just form or age, they resemble Scotland Yard detectives looking at every aspect of the horse they go for. Lets see what these 'extra' criteria are for a winner.



I know it sounds basic but odds are crucially important. Unless you're prepared to lay down large stakes on horses with very short odds then you're wasting your time backing them atall. Indeed on Getminted records show that for one reason or another favourites win much less than in real racing. This is especially true during televised races I've been told so make use of the longer odds.

Give yourself those extra few minutes when trying to pick a winner or a placed finisher at decent odds to look at who your horse has beaten and been beaten by in the past. This as in real racing is a vital gauge but very often over looked by many punters. Once a horse has the beating of another they'll figure well against them always.

A long run of poor form is hard to end as is a long run of good form. Form is everything in horse racing so don't fool yourself by thinking a horse that was once great will return to that level again. Sometimes it just won't happen and the horse has had it's day.

Always keep an eye on horses from the more succesful stables. Chances are the horse even if it's inexperienced will be as well trained as it can possibly be and running in a race which based on training times it's best suited to.

Remember one victory in a strong field is better than three in weak fields when it comes to the big televised races. If you're thinking of backing a horse make sure you look at the quality of the fields he/she has raced in before. Many owners look for the win if they spot a weak field but for the big races a horse with such a history will be destroyed so don't be fooled by statistics.

Always check for owner previews on Getminted. Often an owner will send in a message saying his horse is running at full fitness and great training times or on other occassions they may add that their horse has no shoes so it's one to avoid. These are vital pieces or insider knowledge that people pay big money for in real racing.

Check the forums, if you see alot of owners interested in a particular horse you know he/she is set for big things. Perhaps jott the name down and keep tabs on how it performs until you find it in a race at nice odds.

Enjoy it, the amount of times I've lost are always forgotten when I win which makes it all worthwhile.