How to use the racecard to pick a winner

Part one

Read the race before the runners

Begin with the distance, the going and the course. Has the horse stayed this trip before? Has it run well on similar ground? Does the layout of this track appear to suit it? Matching all three is a useful starting point.

Form and recent runs

Look at the last two or three races, but read beyond the finishing position. A placed effort in a strong race or a run with an excuse may tell you more than an easy win in a weaker one. Comments such as “ran on well” or “eye-catcher” can point to a horse worth another look, though they are opinions, not promises.

Distance, trainer and jockey

Some horses are specialists at a particular trip. A change in distance can bring improvement or expose a limitation. Note whether the trainer’s horses are running well and whether the jockey knows the horse, especially when making a comparison between otherwise similar runners.

Draw and weight

On some courses and over some distances, the starting stall can affect a horse’s route or early position. The effect changes with the field size and going. In handicaps, compare the weight carried with the horse’s recent performances and mark; weight alone is rarely the answer.

The market and your selection

Shortening odds may indicate support, but prices move for many reasons. Compare the available odds with your own assessment rather than following a market move blindly. A bigger-priced horse with sound credentials may offer better value than an obvious favourite.

These clues can help you make a more informed selection, but none guarantees a winner. DoubleHandful also explains the different types of bets, from straightforward singles to multiples, for readers who want to understand that side of racing.

Part two

Race comments: how to read them

The short written comments beside a horse’s previous results describe how it travelled and finished. They can reveal more than the bare finishing position. Here are some of the terms explained in DoubleHandful.

Travelled well

Moved smoothly and appeared to be going comfortably.

Prominent / held up

Raced close enough to challenge, or was restrained early for a later run.

Keen

Pulled hard early, potentially using energy unnecessarily.

Made headway / quickened

Improved position, or produced a change of pace.

Ran on / stayed on

Made late progress. A horse may have finished more strongly than its position suggests.

No extra / weakened

Its effort faded, or it lost ground under pressure.

Short of room / not clear run

Was blocked or denied a clear passage at a key stage.

Bumped / interference

Had contact with another runner or was impeded.

Eye-catcher / never nearer

May have shown more than the result suggests, especially if it finished strongly.

Race comments are indicators, not conclusions. Consider the pace, ground and strength of opposition as well. A horse that ran on well or lacked a clear run may be worth noting for another day, particularly under more suitable conditions.