the saratoga handicapper 2006

[blackthroatedwind]

I could argue both sides of this issue, I think, very well.

I don't disagree that using the past can be a very slippery slope in a lot of cases and if you are familiar with a circuit, and the participants, I don't necessarily think the Mazur books are for you. I am certainly NOT a handicapper that relies on trainer patterns, as I think they lead you in the wrong direction more often than not, and prefer " simple " handicapping.

On the other hand, when I first went to Florida in the mid 90s to play, and was totally unfamiliar with the trainers, I used Jim's books quite a bit and feel they were a great help. They can teach the uninformed a solid outline, at least, on certain trainers as to who often comes out firing and who may well use one start....etc.

However, those are problematic concepts for Saratoga, where pretty much everyone would at least like to come out firing.