The Training Game: An Inside Look at American Racing's Top Trainers

by Karen M. Johnson

The author's first-hand investigation of some of the country's most successful and lucrative Thoroughbred-racing training facilities offers a wealth of information for handicappers and racing enthusiasts. An entire chapter is devoted to each conditioner, which uncovers many profitable training methods. These top-notch outfits have clearly separated themselves from the thousands of others struggling in this competitive business. What's their secret? What do they all have in common? Each chapter follows the trainer and his staff through a typical day of barn preparation and management, which is sure to uncover some sound wagering advice during live afternoon racing.

Genres: Horse Racing

198 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2009

Reviews

[Marshall · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Training Game by Karen Johnson (daughter of Hall of Famer P.G. Johnson) claims to "pull back the curtain on the biggest and most successful training operations in racing today, revealing the stories and methods of the conditioners who coax greatness from unschooled and unproven young racehorses." The eight trainers profiled are Steve Asmussen , Rick Dutrow, Bobby Frankel, Neil Howard, Allen Jerkins, Carl Nafzger, Todd Pletcher, and Nick Zito. Unfortunately, the book had nothing insightful to say whatsoever about each trainer's methods. Instead their career was profiled with extended discussions of the major stakes winners and big wins. Absolutely nothing about training regimen, supplements (Gastroguard?), legal drugs administered (Clenbuterol?), the role of the vets, farriers, assistant trainers, grooms, workouts, etc. Instead it was filler - 8 pages, for example, of Street Sense's career with commentary from Carl Nafzger (no exciting or even new insights). The chapter on Todd Pletcher was the best with a discussion of workouts and the differences between training turf and dirt horses (2 pages). I'm still looking for the part of the book where "each trainer candidly reveals their systems and techniques."