Horseracing - On My Radar Screen

Track Talk

Across The Board:
Three equal bets, to win, place and show, on one horse.

Allowance Race:
A non-claiming race which has conditions to determine the horses that are eligible to enter. For example, an allowance race might be open to horses that have not won three races.

Also Eligible:
An entered horse that will race only if a scratch occurs (at or prior to scratch time) in the body of the field.

Also-Ran:
Finished out of the money.

Apprentice:
Rookie jockey who receives weight allowances.

Backstretch:
1) The straightaway on the far side of the race track.
2) Area where stables are located.

Bear Out:
To drift or veer out toward the outside of the track.

Bit:
Metal bar that fits in horse's mouth and is attached to the reins; used for control.

Bleeder:
Horse that bleeds during heavy exertion, usually from small vessels or capillaries in respiratory system.

Blinkers:
A common piece of racing equipment that contains eye cups which limit a horse's vision and prevent distraction.

Bloodline:
Pedigree of a horse.

Blow Out:
Workout before a race to limber up a horse.

Bolt:
A sharp left- or right-hand movement by a horse.

Book:
Jockey's record of riding engagements.

Break:
1) The start of a race.
2) To train a young horse to accept saddle, bridle and rider.

Break Maiden:
When a horse gets his first win.

Breeze:
1)To run easily, under a hold, without much encouragement.
2) A generic expression for a morning workout.

Broodmare:
Female Thoroughbred used for breeding purposes.

Broodmare Sire:
The sire of the dam of a Thoroughbred.

Call:
1) To describe the running of a race.
2) A specific point in a race at which running positions are recorded.
3)A verbal contract between a jockey and a trainer.

Card:
A day's racing program.

Cast:
1) A horse that had laid down or fallen and is unable to rise.
2) Lost or thrown, such as a horseshoe.

Chalk:
The betting favorite.

Chart:
Result chart that shows all horses and their positions at various points in a given race along with the time of the race.

Chute:
Extension of the stretch allowing for long, straight runs from the gate to the first turn.

Circuit:
Tracks whose meets are in sequence, allowing stables to follow a circuit.

Claiming Race:
A type of race in which the horses are entered for a specific price and may be purchased (claimed) before the race. A claiming price helps to classify horses and keep the competition in a race fairly equal.

Clocker:
One who times workouts.

Close:
To gain ground on the leader.

Clubhouse Turn:
Usually the turn found on the right-hand side of the track as seen when facing the track from the stands.

Colors:
Jockey silks and cap done in horse owner's colors and pattern.

Colt:
A male horse that is four years old or younger.

Common:
A reference to a horse which lacks class and/or one which fails to give a full effort.

Condition Book:
Track publication for horsemen announcing conditions of upcoming races.

Coupled:
Two or more horses that have the same owners or trainers are said to be coupled. These horses run as an "entry," and a bet on one horse automatically includes the other.

Cuppy:
A description of a dirt track surface which is loose and dry, therefore tending to break away from th horses as they run.

Cushion:
The top level of the racing surface.

Daily Racing Form:
Daily newspaper of racing which provides statistics, racing news and past performance records of horses competing in races that day.

Dam:
The mother of a horse.

Dark Day:
A day when a track does not conduct racing during their regular season.

Dead Heat:
When two horses cross the finish line at the same time and are inseparable by the photo-finish camera, the race is declared a tie, or dead heat.

Dead Weight:
Tack and lead slabs that bring rider up to the horse's assigned weight.

Derby:
Stakes races for three-year-olds.

Disqualify:
To officially lower a horses's actual finish position due to interfering with other horses, carrying too little weight, not conforming to conditions of eligibility of having systemic substances above allowed limits.

Dogs:
Rubber cones placed away from the inner rail on the turf course during morning workouts in order to prevent wear and tear of the main portion of course; also sometimes used on dirt tracks when they are muddy or sloppy.

Dwelt:
When a horse breaks very slow from the gate.

Ease Up:
To slow a horse's stride to prevent undue exertion.

Eighth Pole:
Colored post inside the inner rail exactly one-eighth mile back from the finish line.

Equine:
A horse.

Farrier:
Blacksmith, one who makes and attaches horseshoes.

Fast Track:
1) Dry racing surface.
2) Description of a dirt surface on which faster than normal times are being recorded.

Field:
1) Used to describe all the horses in a race.
2) Also when there are more starters in a race than the tote board is able to show odds for, the remaining horses run as a single betting option, or "field."

Filly:
A female horse that is fours years old or younger.

Foal:
1) Newborn equine.
2) To give birth.

Footing:
Condition of racing surface.

Form:
1) A horse's current condition.
2) Short for Daily Racing Form.

Fractions:
Clockings of time at intervals in races or workouts.

Free-Running Type:
A horse which tends to take a strong hold of the bit and pull its way to lead during the early stages of a race.

Freshening:
Layoff or vacation from racing.

Furlong:
One eighth of a mile; most races are measured in furlongs.

Game:
Determined.

Gelding:
A castrated horse.

Genuine:
Refers to an honest horse; one which gives everything it has in races.

Going Away:
To win while increasing lead.

Good Track:
A drying track surface between sloppy and fast.

Graduate:
1) To break maiden.
2) To describe a horse which has fulfilled one condition and moves on to a higher level.
Green:
A description of a horse which is temperamentally immature.

Groom:
Stable employee assigned to tend to a horse or horses, including bringing the horse to the paddock for a race.

Halter:
Strap or rope by which horses are led.

Hand:
A horse's height is measured in "hands." A hand equals four inches.

Handicap:
1) To study the background of racehorses to determine educated wagering choices.
2) A type of race in which horses are assigned specific weights in order to bring about an equal contest.

Handle:
The total amount of money wagered. This term could refer to a particular race, day or season.

Heavy Track:
A running surface drier than muddy and quite slow.

Homestretch:
The stretch of track from the final turn to the finish line.

Horse:
The term applied to an uncastrated horse that is five years old or more.

Horse's Birthday:
All horses become one year older on January 1 of each year for purposes of competition.

Horsing:
A filly or mare in heat.

Infield:
The area within the inner racing surface.

In Hand:
Running under restraint to conserve energy.

Inquiry:
Investigation by officials to determine if a race was won fairly and without interference.

In The Money:
1) For fans; a win, place or show finish resulting in a mutual payoff.
2) For owners; a finish resulting in receiving a portion of the purse.

Irons:
Another name for stirrups, where jockeys place their feet when riding.

Jail:
Refers to the first month a claimed horse is in a new barn (new owner and trainer) whereby racing rules require it to be entered at a claiming price above that which it was claimed, should the new owner wish to race it.

Jockey Agent:
One who secures riding assignments for a jockey in return for a percent of the jockey's earnings.

Journeyman:
A licensed jockey who has completed his apprenticeship.

Juvenile:
A two-year-old equine.

Lead Pad:
Saddle pad with pockets to hold lead weights; inserted to bring jockey up to assigned weight.

Lead Pony:
1) Horse on which outrider or pony person escorts Thoroughbreds onto track and to starting gate.
2) Any horse on the track that will not be racing.

Leg Up:
1) To build a horse's stamina and speed through exercise.
2) To help a rider up on a horse.

Length:
1)Refers to the length of the average horse.
2) Used to describe the distance between horses when a race is being run.

Live Weight:
A jockey's weight.

Lock:
An apparent "sure thing," used to describe a horse's chance of winning.

Lugging In:
Used to describe a horse which is pulling strongly to the inside while running.

Maiden:
A horse of either sex that has never won a race.

Mare:
A female horse that is five years old or more.

Morning Glory:
A horse which works fast in the morning, but fails to perform to expectations when racing in the afternoon.

Morning Line:
The track handicapper's estimate of the probable odds in a race. These odds are printed in the program and posted on the tote board.

Mudder:
A horse that prefers muddy or sloppy tracks.

Muddy Track:
A surface with a good deal of moisture in it, but little or no standing water on it.

Objection:
Interference complaint made by a jockey or trainer.

Off The Board:
1) Finished out of the money.
2) Describes the betting action on a horse which is being very heavily bet.

Off Track:
1) A running surface other than fast.
2) Wagering conducted away from the track.

One-Paced:
A description of a horse with acceleration.

One-Run Type:
A horse which tends to lag toward the back of the pack during the early stages of a race before mounting a late run.

On The Nose:
A bet to win.

Outrider:
An official on a lead pony who leads the Thoroughbreds onto the track and to the gate; the outrider enforces the rules regarding conduct on the track.

Overlay:
Odds higher than they should be, based on horse's chances of winning.

Overnight:
A listing of the next day's entries.

Overweight:
Weight over the amount officially assigned to a horse because the jockey is too heavy.

Pace:
The tempo set by the leaders in the early and middle stages of a race.

Paddock:
The area where horses are saddled prior to a race.

Pari-mutuel:
A system of wagering in which the total money wagered is distributed to winning ticket holders, less a fixed percentage returned for race track management, state tax and the racing industry. So, fans are wagering against each other and not the track.

Photo Finish:
Practice in which a photo is used to determine order of finish in a race.

Plater:
1) Claiming horse.
2) A farrier.

Plodder:
A slow horse; one which lacks acceleration.

Pool:
The total amount of money wagered on type of bet.

Polytrack:
A multi-layered racing surface that promotes vertical drainage to maintain uniform footing, even following inclement weather.
The surface's top layer is comprised of silica sand, recycled fibers, and wax.
This cushioning surface rests on aggregate and rock under-layers that allow drainage while providing a firm foundation.

Post:
1) The starting gate.
2) The time a race will begin.

Post Position:
The horse's position in the starting gate, numbered from the inside rail.

Quarter:
1) Quarter mile, or two furlongs.
2) The side of the hoof.

Rabbit:
A horse which is entered in a race to insure a fast pace.

Racing Secretary:
The race track official who writes the conditions for races, and also assigns weights in handicap races.

Racing Times:
A daily racing publication providing statistics, feature stories and analysis.

Rank:
A description of a horse which fights the rider's attempt to relax it during the early or middle stages of a race.

Ridgling:
A male equine with one testicle.

Route:
A long race, usually a mile or more.

Salute:
The wave of the whip by jockeys to the stewards after a race in customary request to dismount.

Scale of Weights:
Official listing of weights carried in a race by horses according to sex, age, distance of the race and the season.

School:
To train a horse, especially in the paddock and starting gate.

Scratch:
Withdraw a horse from a race.

Set Down:
1) To suspend a jockey, trainer, etc., from racing for a specific period of time.
2) To ask a horse for speed.

Sex Allowance:
Weight allowance given to females in races against males.

Shadow Roll:
Roll of sheepskin strapped across a horse's nose to keep it from looking down and shying from shadows.

Shed Row:
Track barn area.

Shoe Board:
A sign listing the kind of shoes to be worn by each entrant.

Shut Out:
Failing to get a bet in before the race begins.

Silks:
Jockey's jacket and cap, also called colors.

Sire:
The father of a horse.

Sloppy Track:
A running surface in which water stands on the surface prior to sinking in and running off.

Slow Track:
A running surface wetter than good but not as thick as muddy or heavy.

Sophomore:
Three-year-old equine; termed a sophomore because horses don't start racing until they are two years old.

Sound:
Free of physical problems.

Sprint:
A short race, usually 7 furlongs or less.

Stewards:
Three racing officials, who apply racing law to human and equine conduct at a race meet.

Stud:
A breeding stallion.

Sucker:
Refers to a horse which has the ability to win races but fails to go through with its run when faced with the prospect of taking the lead.

Tack:
The equipment that goes on a horse along with the jockey.

Take Out:
The money deducted from each wagering pool and apportioned to the state and the track.

Take Back:
To restrain a horse back off the pace.

Take up:
To pull a horse up sharply during the running of a race in order to avoid making contact with another horse.

Teletimer:
Electronic timer that flashes on the tote board; it is activated by breaking a light beam.

Tongue Strap or Tie:
A cloth or leather band used to tie down a horse's tongue to prevent the tongue from interfering with breathing during a race or workout.

Tote Board:
Located in the infield, it provides odds to win on each entrant in a given race, plus individual and total amounts wagered to win, place and show; also provides fractional times of race, minutes to next race and other information.

Turn of Foot:
Acceleration.

Unerlay:
An underlay is a overbet horse. See Kep's handicapping tips for more information.

Ungenuine:
Refers to a horse which fails to put forth a full effort, especially during the critical stages of a race.

Unsound:
Suffering from physical ailments.

Valet:
One who takes care of a jockey's clothing and equipment and delivers his tack to the paddock.

Weanling:
A newly weaned horse.

Weight:
Refers to the weight assigned to each horse. Includes the jockey, his saddle, and other equipment. Lead weights are carried in saddle bags if needed.

Did You Know



In American Quarter Horse Racing, weight does not play a major factor in short races.

In American Quarter, workouts from the gate are electronically timed.

A horse running erratically and is wearing blinkers for the first time might be a good bet.

Some horses know that they are in a competition.

Sires pass on traits to their offspring.

At large tracks pay attention to horses with front bandages.

The rail post may be slow after it rains.

Don't bet on a maiden claimer that has lost in a maiden claiming race before.

Maidens do well after they run 2nd or 3rd in there last race.

Some trainers have a weight barrier of 121 lbs. Don,t bet on a horse unless the horses gives some sign that he is willing to win this race.

Early speed has the advantage in the sloppy track.

Claimers don't usually win, when moving up to allowance races.

Females don't beat male at big tracks.

Horses that don't race soon after a win, or drop in class after a win are not playable.

Fillies don't do well after 2 or 3 hard races.

Speed horses have more success stretching out.

Don,t bet on a horse with a unfavorable jockey change.

A jockey weighting 115 lb. and running tonight race at 115 lbs. is lighter than a jockey weighting 110 lbs. and carrying 5 lbs. of steal plates ( which is know as dead weight ).

Horses finished close to the wire after leading in the stretch is a poor risk next time out.

Horses ahead in the stretch and fades ( 6-8 ) lengths is a potential winner next time out.

Never wager on a horse which won his 2nd and 3rd to last races. the odds are 10:1 against him.

Any horses which is admitted from the Also Eligible list is a potential winner.

When betting exactor never bet on even money or less. Use the next 2 best rated horses.

When two horses have the same rating, the one with recent earning is least preferred.

Don't change your bet 5 minutes before the race standing in a line ups. The public is wrong 2 out of 3.

When a horse receives a high rating, and has bad past races, he is a potential threat today.

Always look for horses dropping in value. They don't always win but are worth recognition.

Watch for horses that closed ground but did not finish too closely to the winner.

Don't be oversold on a horse. If this happens, start looking around for another possible winner.

If a horse has a good 2nd and 4th to last races he can be labelled as a contender in todays race.

Good breaks in the last, and 3rd to last race are important. Second to last races are least important.

In turf races, indicators are better over rating, particularly in the breaks.

Don't be influenced by the tote board. It is wrong about 2/3 of the time. Make your bets then look.

Disregard the public opinion. It is only right 1/3 of the time, and they are mostly the favorites.

Do not allow your own judgment to determine if a horse not be rated, often times they are winners.

Horses skin are sensitive to vaccines, which forms a swelling around the injection site.

Fat horses have a barrel like body with a gully running down the spine.

Examine the horses in the parade before making your wager is very important.

Avoid betting a horse with an outside position where there is a short run to the first turn.

Australia Sandown, 1600m-outside barriers have a slight advantage.

Australia Sandown, there is a rise of 0.65m from the 400m to the winning post.

Australia Warwick Farm, 1000m >1600m -inside barriers have a slight advantage especially in larger fields.

At Santa Anita the inside post has an advantage.

Look for equipment changes in maiden races.

In maidens races look for speed in past performances or workouts.

Maidens stuck on the rail are often intimidated by it.

Resting the foot on the toe can be a sign of tendon or ligament sprain.

The quarter pole means the last quarter of the race.

Large hooves is a sure-sign of a good turf runner.

Two thirds of a horse weight is carried by the front legs.

A sore horse can easily be seen, while trotting or jogging.

If a horse bobs his head and neck sharply,every stride he walks, he may have some problems.

Gelding = castrate males of any age.

Horses will be at their best at seven or eight years old

Calder is well know for their dead slow track.

Horses south of the equator are about 6 month younger than horses north,because of a different breeding season.

Parmutuel betting was invented in France.

Fillies = female horses up to the age of five. The older ones are called mares.

Colts = male horses up to the age of five. The older ones are called horses.

Gulfstream is well know for their fast track.

Speed horses that like to be in front do better on hard tracks. (ie. frozen)

The worst natural breeding months are February and March.

All horses in a claiming race, are for sale at there sale price.

Anyone who claims a horse must be prepared to take the horse right after the race,regardless of how the horse finish the race. (as long as the horse started the race )

Sloppy track with puddles on top is favored for speed horses who like to be in front,at the start.

Undetected sores will throw any odds on favorite off form.

Horses need a routine to build their confidence.

3 and 4 years olds tend to fall in class because they start racing against the older veterans.

Moroccan Legend. A white spot on the right hind leg is a sign of swiftness.

Front legs make or break a racehorse.

Facing the horse, a straight line down should divide the leg perfectly, balance on both sides, without toeing, in or out.

An ideal horse moves along with little effort.

Good sprinters! Huge hind ends, thick chests and short legs.

Bandages weigh down the legs especially when wet.

Horses should look bright and interested in everything.

Ears held loosely to the sides may be signs of sickness.

Underweight horses have a dip in front of the wither.

What’s in a tail?

Tails are readily visible during the entire viewing time via TV just as they are if you’re on track working the paddock. Tail positions reflect both attitude and current disposition to racing. If a runner is interested in his surroundings and the goings on in the paddock, his tail will be slightly raised and completely off his rump. If, on the other hand, the tail is flush against his hindquarters, he has very little interest in running.


More often than not, a flat tail is found on a dull-looking and dull-coated horse. It more or less complements his non-attitude. Most are willing led around the paddock with their heads low and bobbing. The groom probably has him on a very loose lead chain. This horse isn’t going to run away----he simply doesn’t have the energy. There are a couple other positive and negative tail positions.


Positive tails come in only 3 varieties.

As stated above, well off the rump is the most common of the positive tails and the one that you’ll see most often on winning horses before the race. Of all the positive tail positions, I’d guess that this type of tail wins 95% of the time. What you want to see is at least 2 to 3 inches of “air” between the tail and the rump itself.


Once in a great while you’ll see an arched tail and its name is exactly what it implies. The tail is not only raised and off the rump, it is literally arched. This signifies peak readiness and guarantees the horse is about to put in an exacting performance. Since you’ll see this tail in about 1 out of 100 winning horses, most good physicality handicappers lay in the paddock just waiting to see such a tail. And this type of tail can readily be seen on TV. When you see such a positive tail, either bet the horse or stay out of the race.


About 3 to 4 out of every 100 winning horses display what I call a North-South tail. You’ll see this tail on horses who are either urging their groom, jockey or lead pony onwards. Their tails will literally pop North and South. Quite often gentle false starts or playfully lurching forward will accompany the North-South tail popping. It’s a sign of superiority. They feel good and want to get this thing over with as soon as possible and are letting the other horses in the paddock know it. As with the arched tail, horses with North-South tails should either be bet, or stay out of the race. Never be foolish enough to bet against either one of these extremely positive tails. And again, this is all visible via TV for free!


Like positive tails, negative tails take 3 forms.


We’ve discussed the basic and generic flat tail that merely lays against the rump suggesting a lack of energy and lack of interest in racing. A lower half East-West tail is self explanatory. A horse swishes his tail from east to west and back to east in a constant lower half non-stop motion. It looks as if he’s trying to rid himself of annoying insects. Horses with this tail position are mildly upset about this whole racing “thing” and have very little desire to compete.

Horses with East-West tails usually walk with their heads low and bobbing. At times you’ll see flopped over ears with a total disinterest in everything going on around them. If their tails ever stop going east and west, they will quickly lie flat against their rumps. They’ll offer no trouble to more willing and spirited horses who are interested in running.

Tucked tails are the 3rd variety of negative positions. However, you won’t see this type all that often. It is most often associated with a very frightened horse. The tail itself will almost disappear between the hindquarters. Horses displaying a tucked tail are usually quite fractious and at times have a very wild look in their eyes.

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