In The Winning Horseplayer , Andrew Beyer builds on the strategy of speed handicapping that he detailed brilliantly in Picking Winners by introducing the concept of trip handicapping. Through an unbeatable combination of case studies and lively anecdotes, Beyer shows the smart bettor how to combine past performance data with an understanding of trips, track bias, and pace. This advanced guide to handicapping, which includes a new preface by the author, offers a generous dose of the wit and wisdom that have made Beyer a legend in the sport.
A great Beyer book to start out with, but this is not for beginning horseplayers. This book is quite philosophical at times and emphasizes that a winning bettor must have confidence and parimutuel awareness. Moreover - big surprise - following the sport and actually watching races improves your handicapping. Going with the crowds and being a prisoner of the moment do not lead to long term success in either life or gambling - that is what I got out of Beyer's book.