WINNING WITH WORKOUTS
FEBRUARY 17, 2005
In this regular weekly feature, Handicapper’s Report will present examples of
how to use workouts in your handicapping using actual results with horses
featured in our reports. To access the HR reports and to see highlights of
our recent results,
click here.
Today’s Topic: The value of workout information with horses returning from
layoffs
One of the more significant uses of workout information is when evaluating
the fitness of a horse returning from a vacation. Normally, a
horse needs a race prior to returning to peak fitness. However, some trainers
are good with horses that have taken some time off. Now, all we need to know is
how the horse is performing in the morning to cement the prospect of cashing a
ticket in the afternoon.
Scott Lake, a good layoff trainer, had a horse return to the races in the 7TH
race at Aqueduct on January 29. TIE BREAK (Storm Boot), who had been off for
eight months, had five good works recently in which he showed good speed, and
had also worked well a couple of times with Grade 2-placed Our Bobby V. (Majesterian).
His half-mile work on December 14 was particularly significant and landed ‘BREAK
on our Fit and Ready list, drawing the comment “impressive” from our clocker.
Tie Break won and paid $16.40.
| TIE BREAK | — | BEL 12/14/04 B+ FT 47.0H |
| Showed very high speed in fractions of
22/4, 47, and was asked through the stretch. Responded well when asked. Impressive. |