Reading Form

[Anonymous]

Now, I’ve read a little about properly reading form to get a selection, and heard it’s the only real way to pick some good winners.

I’ve probably posted this in the wrong section but if any of the users who do ‘read form’ could give me a few pointers, or any help to start me off in trying to read form I would very much appreciate it.

Particularly any online help would be good, so I can start reading up straight away.

Thanks in advance.

[billion]

‘morning

RapsonS

,

I am just about the last man to give advice regarding form-reading but do try and google it.

I entered: –

HOW TO READ HORSE RACING FORM

One of the first results was OLBG, I do believe stands for On Line Betting (and something else, poss. gambling) which has a "school".

It may be worth trying.

Enjoy your day at Newton Abbot, I envy you living in such a beautiful part of England.

Billy's Outback Shack

[placemat2]

got no chance on here !! Although is a racing forum very little seems to be know by the majority , if they do know ,not much comes fourth unless they can get involved in a slagging match about tv presenters.

[CheltenhamSpecialist]

Now, I’ve read a little about properly reading form to get a selection, and heard it’s the only real way to pick some good winners.

I’ve probably posted this in the wrong section but if any of the users who do ‘read form’ could give me a few pointers, or any help to start me off in trying to read form I would very much appreciate it.

Particularly any online help would be good, so I can start reading up straight away.

Thanks in advance.

Are you

1. a complete novice
2. have a rough idea how to go about it

Do you prefer NH or Flat?

Can you access Racing Post and At The Races on line?

[placemat2]

Now, I’ve read a little about properly reading form to get a selection, and heard it’s the only real way to pick some good winners.

I’ve probably posted this in the wrong section but if any of the users who do ‘read form’ could give me a few pointers, or any help to start me off in trying to read form I would very much appreciate it.

Particularly any online help would be good, so I can start reading up straight away.

Thanks in advance.

The racing post is a great start but if you want to look at videos try the sporting life or attheraces(when it starts working again)

[billion]

Hello again

RapsonS

,

Now that I have found you, having the thresd relocated.

I was thinking and would like to suggest a book to you, which although may not be a true guide to "form" I think it will help start you along one avenue, perhaps.

The Tail End System by Ross Newton
Published by the Racing Post (Shop – Jumps Racing at £10.99)

But having looked on Amazon it is available £4.60 new or £2.08 used.

It only covers National Hunt racing, which I do know interests you and looks for the big priced outsider and so will not have the highest strike rate but will give you a thrill if you can find the 20/1+ winner.

It is the classic system based idea but then goes just that extra yard and applies "form" to the system and without "form" I do believe is where most systems will always fail.

The book leads you through the early days of the author and then shows reprints of the Racing Post race cards with examples pointing to winner finding.

From forum threads such as this I hope you will find ideas etc. which may eventually lead you to develop your own particular style and approach but it must always be down to you to decide what is dross and what is not, what has appeal and what does not.

Billy's Outback Shack

[Anonymous]

Now, I’ve read a little about properly reading form to get a selection, and heard it’s the only real way to pick some good winners.

Hi, RapsonS. I’d just like to suggest that you try to watch as many races as possible, so that you can form (no pun intended) your own opinions; using your own judgment in tandem with the form book tends to provide better results.

Good luck!

[billion]

Now, I’ve read a little about properly reading form to get a selection, and heard it’s the only real way to pick some good winners.

Hi, RapsonS. I’d just like to suggest that you try to watch as many races as possible, so that you can form (no pun intended) your own opinions; using your own judgment in tandem with the form book tends to provide better results.

Good luck!

Good avice

yquem21

However, now that

RapsonS

has opened the form book issue and I am also keen to add a little knowledge can you tell: –

What exactly is "The Form Book"? and where does one go to get it.

Should we get thus far, how is the best way to "read" the form?

Billy's Outback Shack

[indocine]

What exactly is "The Form Book"? and where does one go to get it.

Midweek at the races, while bunking off school, I’d often see a few priests there; a mass of priests? Anyway, they’d all be cradling a dark thickish tome, which at the time I’d taken to be the Bible. Really I did, I was thirteen. Of course, eventually I was close by them one time and saw this bible was called Raceform Up-To-Date.

[billion]

indocine

,

Thanks for the reply.

I am quite prepared to make a fool of myself here but in the interest of helping a young fella’ I will now ask a couple more questions.

I googled Raceform Up-to-Date and found the year books going back to the 1940’s, obviously collectors items, whatever. I did not see any current 2010/11 so will make the assumption they are available in shops or on line.

My question is any printed book can only be current up to the date of print and therefore how can form be read throughout the present season – unprinted.

Billy's Outback Shack

[indocine]

billion,

Back then it was a loose leaf binder, with an old shoe lace to thread the punched holes. They used to post you update pages which you would just add to your binder.

That was Raceform BC. Before computer. Try raceform.co.uk
But really, racingpost.com is just dandy and cheaper too.

[billion]

Thank you

indicine

again for your reply.

I have run the RaceForm interactive demo and amazed at the amount of info available. Mind boggling to say the least and certainly hope it will be of some value to

RansomS

and may be easier for a young mind to assimulate than this tired old one of mine.

Billy's Outback Shack

[Anonymous]

But really, racingpost.com is just dandy and cheaper too.

It’s always worth comparing the Post’s comments in running with those available on the Sporting Life’s website, just to see how opinions vary; needless to say, they’ll both differ from your own reading of the race!

[Marginal Value]

Now, I’ve read a little about properly reading form to get a selection, and heard it’s the only real way to pick some good winners.

I’ve probably posted this in the wrong section but if any of the users who do ‘read form’ could give me a few pointers, or any help to start me off in trying to read form I would very much appreciate it.

Particularly any online help would be good, so I can start reading up straight away.

Thanks in advance.

What is form and how does one “read” it?

You say you have done a little reading, so you will know that there is a little bit of calculation and a lot of subjective adjustment.

You will know that the calculations involve (for each horse and race you consider):

For the horse: age, gender, weight, draw, going preferences, distance preferences, pace preferences, gaps between races, time of the year,etc, etc.

For the race: distance, going, course configuration (right/left, tight/galloping, undulating/flat, etc.) pace of the race, draw bias, etc, etc.

Add the subjective adjustment about the effects of: first run of the season?, using the race as a prep for something else, getting a good handicap mark, only running at that track because the owner lives nearby, etc, etc.

Put them all into your own computer (brain) and calculate the relative merits of the horses in the race you are considering. Back the highest rated – for the best chance to win today. Back the best value (odds available in relation to your rating) – for longer term betting profit.

Bit of a doddle, isn’t it !!!

Except that many of the things that the calculations are based on change over time, eg draw bias, going descriptions, etc. Never mind all the subjective things that change.

Even if you could work it all out, you would still be surprised by the many “forces of nature” in the game, such as Sir Mark Prescott sending a seemingly untalented horse to Hamilton, to start at unbackabley short odds giving no value at all and beating your highest rated by several lengths.

The alternative to reading and understanding form is to immerse yourself as best you can in in the game as a whole. Read the Racing Post online or on paper, go to the races and look at the horses, watch races. We all have our own way of trying to win against the odds, mine is to find out what trainers actually do and see the patterns that emerge and use them. Over the years that has included Michael Roberts riding for Richard Hannon on once-raced, and unplaced, two year olds: John Dunlop three-year-olds running in twelve furlong handicaps after three OK runs at seven to ten furlongs. All this changes every year. If you keep in touch every day you have a chance of spotting the patterns other people have yet to see.

Sorry about the long response. I just got carried away a bit.

Best of luck.

[Pegwell Bay]

Two good books that cover the basics of reading form are:

Betting For A Living: Nick Mordin

Value Betting: Mark Coton

[Anonymous]

Theres no real secrets to reading form, just watch as many videos as you can and assess each horse as if you had money on them and you’ll soon come to conclusions.

[Ardrossthegreat]

"Let your eyes be the guide and your money the last thing you part with" is the best advice i can give. Was given to me many many years ago.

[Author]

Posts