No comments about Saratoga: The Ultimate Racing Experience.

No comments about 100 Strategic Games For Pen And Paper.

5 comments about Cigar: America's Horse (Revised).

1. I certainly enjoyed this book. It was well written, easy to understand, and had funny and enjoyable parts often. I don't think I sat down and didn't smile after ten minutes of reading. I loved the pictures, they were simply magnificent and portrayed the beauty, power, and grace of Cigar wonderfully. The writer really went into the emotions of the horse, not just the people associated with Cigar. The writer really told the story well, and I would read anymore of the books he wrote. I would definatly reccomend this to anyone, even if they don't know squat about horse racing, they would have a much better understanding of it after they read this book!



2. I really enjoyed reading this book, although I feel that it doesn't really say all that much about the great big bay, it mainly talks about his owner, trainer, and jockey; although Cigar is also mentioned quite alot. In the middle of the book, it contains some wonderful photographs of Cigar and his connections.



3. I am happy to report that the writer for this book is in the same league as the horse he's writing about. The result? A thoroughly enjoyable story of how Cigar, the charismatic son of Palace Music and Solar Slew, carved a name for himself in racing history and in the process became the sweetheart of the sports world.

   Author Jay Hovdey did his homework for the book, tracking down and interviewing all the major players in Cigar's life from the folks who foaled him to those who tended to his needs as he raced. He also took the time to get to know and probe beneath the surface of the public exteriors of the people who surrounded Cigar. This means that the reader has a feeling for how things unfolded behind the scenes as Hovdey relates Cigars meteroic rise to stardom. What makes it even sweeter is that Cigar was a late bloomer with delicate legs that resulted in all but one of his initial 11 races being run on grass. As it turns out, Cigar didn't like grass, and it wasn't until his bones had a chance to strengthen and someone in the stables lobbbied strongly for giving him a try on the dirt that Cigar came into his own. And what a show it was! Not only did he win 16 times in succession, equally Citation's record, but he beat out the best in international competition after being shipped to Arabia where he ran in unfamiliar surroundings on a less than ideal track.

   If this book lacks anything, it's a personal connection with the horse by the author. Although Hovdey does a great job of relating what others have to say about Cigar, you never have the feeling that he himself has connected with the spirit of the colt. He talks about Cigar from a distance, removed by time and reporting from the immediate physical presence of the animal. Time and again you read that Cigar's exercise jockeys thought he was smart, how he loved peppermints, that his trainer always knew when he was in a playful mood, that he always carried himself with dignity, but in the end these are all second hand accounts. You never get the feeling that you are actually in the presence of Cigar, running your hand down the muscled neck, smelling his sweat as he cools out, seeinig his one, white-ringed eye roll in your direction as he listens to what you're saying, the feel of his lips as he plucks one of the peppermint candies he was so fond of from your hand, smelling that sweet mix of straw, manure, linament and sweat that is so much a part of all stables. Perhaps because I've spent time around horses I missed these very personal touches which would have brought the horse alive for me.

   In the end this is a very competent, well-written book, but it lacks the spark that would have made it a 5-star recommendation for me.




4. This horse was a wonder horse and clearly deserves to have his name mentioned alongside the great Citation. Citation may have won the triple crown, but Cigar conquered the breeder's cup and Dubai world cup, things Citaion never even got the chance to do. This horse was wonderful. The trainer conditioned him carefully and fully, the owner raced him heartily and responsibly, and the jockey rode him wonderfully. Truely one of the greats of our time. I would strongly reccomend this book.



5. We continue to be completely satisfied with the excellent service we receive through Amazon.com and its affiliates. Everything is sent quickly (usually ahead of the estimated delivery date), cleanly, in excellent condition, and exactly as advertised. Thank all those involved with this process.

5 comments about Bet To Win! A Handicapping Guide To Playing The Horses.

1. More of a commercial and recommendation for Ultimate PP's from TSN Horse than a book on handicapping



2. I have been a recreational horse player for years and I find this book very helpful in organizing some key points for handicapping a race. With the "Contender Checklist" it gives me a guideline into handicapping each race. Although, he touts the TSN PP's, it is a very helpful tool. TSN has many handicapping figures and remarks that most of the other PP's do not offer, which by the way, is the same as Brisnet Ultimate PP's. The book, however, does have a few flaws in that his examples could be better explained by referring to an actual race, item by item. There is an appendix in the back of the book that shows the races he has handicapped, but there are pages missing and the type is extremely small. I had contacted the author by e-mail and pointed out these problems and he was nice enough to send me an actual race he handicapped recently. He e-mailed me the PP's and mailed me a completed "Contender Checklist" for that race card. Very Helpful. All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't want to get a "degree" in handicapping as a lot of the other books force you to do with all their stats and calculations.



3. THe book might be useful to those who like systems, but I do not. It's very much a "look this up and fill in the box here" rote type of handicapping. Had I known that, I would not have bought this book. Also, the printing of the sample past performances in the back of the book is of such poor quality and size as to be nearly illegible.



4. I do not know a lot about picking winners at the race track, but this book was a big help. It taught me quite a bit of the basics, and it is fairly easy to do. I like going to the races, and it is more fun when you cash tickets! Now I am doing that.



5. This book is quite simple and follows the format of many other "How to handicap" books. It provides a checklist and some pointers on each of its items. I thought it was lacking in detail for those who already know how to handicap, in that there are no new insights to analyse. For new punters this is going to be a good book which will quickly get them up to being semi-professional in their approach to handicapping. Overall its a good book but is aimed at the beginner.
   
   Good Luck.

1 comments about Ascot: The History.

1. Sir Peter O'Sulleven claims, in the foreword to this book, that Ascot is the most famous racecourse in the world. Whether it is or not, it has established itself as one of the most important racecourses in Britain over the past 200 years.
   
   Ascot's history begins almost 300 years ago, in 1711, but took a long time to establish itself. Documentation of the early history is incomplete - for example, the result of the first race staged there is not known, although a list of all the horses competing was preserved. Apparently, the person who was supposed to record the result didn't turn up to see the race. Such modest beginnings contrast sharply with what Ascot later became.
   
   This book, written with the co-operation of the royal family, explains their role down the years. You are not left in any doubt which kings and queens enjoyed horse racing and which ones were uninterested.
   
   Ascot only really started to blossom in the reign of King George III, who was the subject of the movie The madness of King George. The king was not interested in horse racing, but his son the Prince Regent was, and it was he (who eventually became King George IV) who made Ascot into a major racecourse, which it has remained ever since. The prince was also responsible for beginning all the pageantry that has now become part of the Ascot scene every June.
   
   Despite the royal patronage and the fashions, ultimately it is the racing that most of us are really interested in. Many champion racehorses have competed at Ascot and their exploits are given plenty of coverage. Although not a champion in the true sense of the word, Brown Jack was a very popular horse in the 1920's and a whole chapter is devoted to his exploits.
   
   The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes was inaugurated in 1951 and has now become Ascot's most prestigious race. Run at the end of July, it has been won by some great champions including Ribot, Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Dahlia (twice), Shergar, Dancing Brave, Lammtarra, Swain (twice), Daylami and Galileo. Plenty of coverage is given to this great race, including the exciting finish in which Grundy beat Bustino.
   
   Traditionally, the Gold Cup was Ascot's most prestigious race. Staged on the Thursday of the royal meeting in June, it is run over two and a half miles. It is still a race worth winning, but despite some popular winners such as Sagaro (who won three Gold Cups) and Double Trigger, this race is not particularly important these days. In the nineteenth century, horses who won the Epsom Derby as three-year-olds sometimes ran in the Gold Cup as older horses. They did not always win, but many did, notably Isinglass, the Triple Crown winner of 1893, as a five-year-old in 1895. No modern Epsom Derby winner would attempt to win the Gold Cup; the last one to try was the 1969 winner, Blakeney. The Gold Cup is given plenty of coverage in the book.
   
   Ascot has also seen plenty of champion milers, including Brigadier Gerard, Kris, Rose Bowl, Warning and Dubai Millennium, while steeplechasing and hurdling also get coverage. Desert Orchid won eight times there, including his thrilling victory over Panto Prince in the 1989 Victor Chandler.
   
   A chapter is devoted to the extraordinary day in 1996 when Frankie Dettori rode all seven winners, a feat unlikely to be matched in my lifetime.
   
   This is a magnificent book, well worth the price, which tells you everything you need to know (up to the time of publication) about one of the greatest racecourses in the world.

5 comments about Investing at the Racetrack.

1. The author's premise -- that placing bets at the horse track can be as reliable as investing in the stock market -- may be a bit hard to swallow at first... but handicapper William Scott makes the concept appear quite plausible. Scott shows a refreshing willingness to break with established traditions as he provides the racegoer with a well-explained handicapping method that attempts to remove "luck" from the equation.

   Readers new to racing will gain valuable insights into the science and art of the sport, while experienced bettors will appreciate the fresh perspective on the "accepted" methods of rating horses and their past performances.

   The methods detailed in the first half of the book are explained in easy-to-follow detail, supplimented by charts reprinted from various regional editions of the bible of the racing industry, the "Daily Racing Form." While the examples and calculations are explained in easy-to-understand terms, Scott never talks down to his audience -- even the experienced horseman won't be bored. The last half of the book, which shows Scott's methods in use in each race over a typical week at Belmont, serves to cement the lessons learned.

   Experienced handicappers may shudder at some of Scott's play-it-safe suggestions, and businesspeople with their 401(k) statements may roll their eyes at the idea of blowing money on the ponies, but both should put "Investing at the Racetrack" to the test. After all... it's only money...




2. Simply put, this book actually does what it says. I won't go so far as to say that it is safer than the stock market. I will say that after reading this book and studying the formulas, that I had the same results (or better) when I took a vacation and spent 2 weeks actually betting at the track, than the author did during his week at the track that he describes in his book.

   The book tells you how to figure out the speed, endurance and stamina of a horse to see if he has what it takes to be up at the front when the finish line comes rolling around. I have to say that even if you don't believe what he is selling, and even if you don't follow all his little rules, the major tips he gives you in this book will definitely help out the novice handicapper and make a day at the racetrack much more fun. I mean why not, winning money is more fun than losing money. Right?

   My average was on $20.00 bets. I made $70.00 per day per track bet. My worst day I lost $80.00. My best day I made $700.00

   Good Luck




3. IS THE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTABLE?
   I bought this book back in the late 80s when I went through my gambling phase, trying horseracing and counting cards at blackjack (which btw actually works but you need to bet big money b/c the margin is so slim), among other things. I used to drive 20 minutes to buy the Daily Racing Form, come back to my house and methodically key in the race histories of the horses in that day's races, and this was back in the days of the Apple II computers when there was no Internet. I wrote a spreadsheet program (in Lotus 1-2-3, remember that?) that took the data, applied the formulas and concepts in this book, and spit out what bets I should place on each race.

   Well, nowadays the Daily Racing Form has all of its data available for download in spreadsheet format so if you have some decent MS Excel skills, the number crunching process can probably be accomplished quickly in the morning, allowing ample time to get to the track (I haven't actually downloaded the DRF's data, lest I slip back into my gambling phase, which I'm happy has passed).

   DID IT WORK FOR ME?
   Yes it worked for me. I crunched the numbers, followed the betting rules pretty much to the letter, and overall had a positive outcome over the course of 8 to10 race cards. My rate of return (net winnings/total bets placed) was pretty low, but it was positive. The system itself is very easy to implement if you can automate the data entry and calculation part of it. If you can automate that through DRF Online, the tweaking process afterwards is pretty easy and can be done at the track. Those that can do math in their head quickly and well (and think in fifths and fractions) may actually be able to pick up a DRF at the track early and get the crunching process done in their heads. For everyone else (like me) that can't do that much math in your head (say within the 15-20 minutes between each race), the system is a little overwhelming and the principles can only serve as a guideline then.

   WOULD YOU WANT TO IMPLEMENT IT?
   Should you be able to "invest" money at the racetrack and expect a certain rate of return? Well, let's examine the traditional investment - stocks. You should expect a positive rate of return from the equity market (over time) because you are lending money to others who take that money and invest it in a productive process that adds value. How about card counting in blackjack? Yes, you should expect a positive return when counting cards in blackjack - the odds are slightly against you without counting cards (and following the "optimal" hit/hold strategy), but altering your betting scheme and hit/hold strategy based on face cards left in the deck has been mathematically proven by IBM mathematicians (and others after them) to allow the player to have the statistical edge on the house (see "The Worlds Greatest Blackjack Book"). So then horseracing? Races are determined by the events primarily within the power of dumb (and I mean that in the biological sense) animals, with intervening events like weather, race fixing/throwing, injury, jockey error, etc. Barring your knowledge of non-public information like a jockey's intent to throw a race, there are no theoretical or mathematical reasons why you should be able to make any money (especially not counting the house fees you are paying) betting on horses. The pari-mutuel system reflects the collective public knowledge of those betting - it's not enough to simply choose the horse that will win (or place/show), you also have to choose the horse with more consistency than your fellow bettors.

   BOTTOM LINE: If you want to have more fun at the race track and have a more structured approach toward horse selection and betting, this is a great book. If you are looking for the next best handicapping strategy, please get some help at GA, really.




4. william scott's ability times, which are the meat and potatoes of this book don't work to get you profits if you follow the books method of handicapping
   surprisingly his "ability times" have found their way into popular software and are often mentioned. to be honest they are just mumbo jumbo with numbers.
   i don't know how mr. scott remains popular in the handicapping world as his information is worthless if applied in betting on horses.



5. This is easily the best horseplaying book I've ever read, and brother, I've read a ton of 'em. Really, it's the only guide I've ever used that works at all. Its principles and betting rules are easy to understand and implement. Since it incorporates the two basic elements in the game that handicappers are forever trying to quantify-pace(or class) and speed-into one factor that he calls "internal ability time" it will make epiphanal sense to any veteran railbird. Anyone who has spent hours perusing every aspect and measurable available in the densely numbered Past Performance Charts will appreciate the simplicity of Mr. Scott's approach. Anybody who can do basic elementary school subtraction and addition and can afford a two dollar calculator can go to the track or OTB 20 min. before post time and easily handicap each race on the card before they're run. Unless you're a dolt it shouldn't take you more than 15 min. to figure a race out.
   However, it is important that you follow his selection rules to the letter, which means you will come across some races which simply are not bettable. If you have the will power to NOT bet races that are too uncertain, you're three-quarters of the way to becoming a successful handicapper anyway. Go ahead and try it yourself. Put his theory to the test. Read the book and go out and try some $2 win and place bets. Win/Place is all he suggests for his program. These are the only bets that a longtime player can steadily make money at. He also suggests some money management strategies for your bankroll which are commonsense--but that does seem to be a commodity that is in short supply.
   Your % return on this method will be better than the better mutual funds. You should in the long run earn somewhere between 10% and 20% but you gotta be willing and available to sit around a betting parlor for several hours a day in the company of degenerate ill-informed blabber-mouthed gamblers which can fray one's nerves. Personally it all drives me nuts but I am thousands of dollars ahead in my horse betting ventures.

5 comments about Phar Lap.

1. This book was never written to be a novel it is meant to be factual history of Big Red and the race scene at the time and it shows our Australian Culture at the time of the Great Depression which is when the he raced, how desperate people were for money and also the snobbery that was part of the AJC and VRC in Australia. The photos were of particular interest as a lot of them haven't been seen by people who never saw him race (like myself).
   The final listing of his all of the races he ran and amount of stakes money that he won in the Depresssion was also enlightening. The mind just boggles if he was alive and racing today with the prize money that is around.
   
   The chapter that was devoted to his death finally explained to the world and particularly Australia what happened to this great horse and the sad fact that the veterinary practices at the time couldn't have saved him.
   
   This book for me is a collectable and will be an heirloom. The picture on the front cover has been taken where he finally stands in the Melbourne Museum, where he is the most visited display in the Museum.



2. Phar Lap is still considered one of the best, if not the finest Thoroughbred champion from Australia.
   
   The book is an outstanding history of the racer and the impact he made in Australia and the potential career he made have had in the United States. Phar Lap died under mysterious circumstances before his scheduled debut in the U.S.
   
   There has been controversy swirling over his death in the U.S. and there were those who felt Phar Lap was poisoned deliberately, though it was ruled then by natural causes. A 2006 necropsy - obviously not in this edition of the book - revealed that he was poisoned through a high-level of arsenic.
   
   Phar Lap - nicknamed "Big Red" - was bred in New Zealand and grew to be slightly over 17 hands tall. He captured 37 of the 51 races and was not highly regarded as a juvenile; being bought at auction for a small price due to his pedigree.
   
   But from the humble beginning came a legend who certainly can be compared with two other racers who carried the "Big Red" tag; Man o' War and Secretariat.



3. Phar - Lap is one of my favorite racehorses, but I have to agree with some of the other people on here.....It is hard to get into. Not very well written. have to force myself to read it.



4. What really happed to the racehorse Phar Lap? Why did they call him a freak. I want read the story and find out.



5. I have owned this book ever since its first release on the American shelves.
   It has beautiful pictures of Phar Lap. The pictures of him galloping up close are astounding.
   The book gives an accurate history of the freak horse.
   I definitely recommend it to everyone who loves Phar Lap.

1 comments about Great Horse Treks of the World.

1. Having done some of the treks mentioned in the book and many more in the mountains of Colorado... anyone who loves backcountry riding, will love this book.

5 comments about The Race for the Triple Crown: Horses, High Stakes and Eternal Hope.

1. In my opinion, this book did not live up to its fantastic reviews. I am a huge fan of Fusaichi Pegasus (...)And also, the other Big Red-Man o' War-was better.), and enjoyed reading the chapters on FuPeg. However, as a previous reviewer posted, this book was like a giant list of names. Name after name after name appeared, it could confuse even an expert at horse racing, which I do not claim to be. Overall, an average book, though it depicts the connections of each horse quite well.



2. Forget Seabiscuit. This is the racing book of 2001. Drape has taken an otherwise foregttable year in racing, and crafted a rivetting, memorable, behind the scenes look at the personalities, egos, hopes and dreams that live on the backstretch. Drape offers the well earned insights of a man who not only has pushed a bit of money thru the windows at tracks across the world, but has even owned a hard-luck pony of his own. I loved this book!



3. Drape took on the task that all of us outside the world of racing should be grateful, that is, giving us an inside look at the horses and connections that take a 2 year old colt from Derby wannabe to Triple Crown contender. What I found disappointing was the lack of detail in the races themselves. Drape sufficiently builds up the Derby and details the race, but the other prep races, Preakness and Belmont are slighted. I guess I am used to William Nack's detailed descriptions of Secretariat's races. You won't learn anything new about Lukas or Baffert here that you haven't already read. You will at least learn a little about Todd Pletcher, Neil Drysdale and Jenine Sahadi.



4. This is not a bad book, but it isn't going to be a dog-eared favorite, either. The main problem is that there is no continuity. The author jumps around from character to character, story to story, with no way of knowing how (or if) anything is connected to anything else. The behind-the-scenes gossip and backgrounds of the major players in Thoroughbred racing was interesting, and the writing was smooth and graceful, but I became more and more frustrated the more I read. Maybe the audience best served by this book is made up of people who like horses but only read during five minute bathroom visits.



5. Decent job of getting some insight on the connections, but overall just not that good.

3 comments about Remembering the Derby.

1. This book explores the stories that come with a race as big as the Derby. The author writes of horses, people, and their experiences at the Derby; wether they won or not. A must for racing fans.



2. REMEMBERING THE DERBY is the second book in the five-book series written by the late Jim Bolus, the man who knew all the stories and all the trivia of the great race. Like the other books, this is a must-have for racing fans.

   Included in this volume is a chapter on Flip Sal, a horse who was injured in the centennial running of the Derby in 1974, another on Sir Barton, the first Triple Winner, one on Northern Dancer (1964), a chapter on the 1957 Kentucky Derby in which Bill Shoemaker misjudged the finish line, and who could forget to read about Silky Sullivan?

   Your racing library would be incomplete without the Bolus series.




3. Jim Bolus offers yet another memorable book filled with vivid recollections and Derby stories. Highly recommend. You don't have to be a horse racing aficionado to enjoy this book, but Thoroughbred enthusiasts will find it of particular interest.