Why do you look at the odds board?

[iesbelucky]

To see what the crowd is playing or to see whether you're getting playable odds on the horse of your choice? It should be the latter. Crowd favourites lose 66 per cent of the time; have confidence in your own analysis.

[trifecta mark]

You ask "why look at the odds board" ....I agree that you should do your selection process without influence. That gives you a frame of reference for your own perception of how the race will unfold and which horses are the contenders. It helps if you do your homework in advance. Now you look at the odds when they go up to determine if there is an overlay. A horse that you give a solid probability that is being overlooked. Perhaps you can scrutinize a favorite that you think is vulnerable under a very possible scenario. {speed duel, traffic problem due to post, etc} . That is the time to step up to the window and play. You percieve an edge or a mistake being made by the public that represents opportunity in one or several of the pools. Plenty of these errors are being made everyday. A good handicapper has solid recognition skills based on past experience. The question heard at the track is "who do you like"....the question really should be "which entry is at higher odds than it should be" based on all the possible outcomes. Every horse in the field has some chance or probability....even the slow nags in the case where there is a spill. You must restrict yourself to playing the overlays. That way you are making real decisions at the track...not just trying to pick winners.

[ken]

How much is the paddock and post parade influence on the odds board?

[guillermo1205]

odds create a frame of work; influence players; jockey and keep the house in order. every ood has a percentage of participation in the outcome of races in one day card; i can prove this point; in a long term you get a percentage.

[Mister Sanderson]

I always look in maiden events..at the action of first time starters, and horses off layoffs.. othe than that i try not to.

[Tony Rose]

I believe very strongly that bankroll management is the key to success. If you see where your selections are being bet down to short odds, then I think there is poor percentage in win bets. Your smaller number of winners have to win enough to pay for your larger number of losers. Races like this are why they invented exotics.:D

Best of luck to all.

TR