5 comments about The Handicapper's Condition Book, Revised: An Advanced Treatment of Thoroughbred Class.

1. Quinn takes class evaluation of thoroughbreds to a new level and backs it all up with statistical data to prove which horses are best suited for each race and it's conditions. Quinn explains in exceptional detail how to seperate contenders from pretenders. I don't think you want to throw a true beginner into this, but novices can substantially improve their understanding and win percentages by mining this volume for ideas of what to look for. The Appendix summarizing what kind of horse to look for in each type of race is worth it's weight in gold and is something almost anyone with even limited experience can apply to their handicapping. I can honestly say that I believe my handicapping is going to a new level as I read and re-read this book to absorb the material.



2. This book is awesome, and simply the best as it pertains to condition, class, and form. A must have, will simply improve your handicapping skills by leaps and bounds.
   
   As you can see from the others reviews; all positve, all five stars plus!!!



3. I've read several books on handicapping and wagering on racing. Some have been very good and very helpful.
   None were as helpful as this.
   As a casual handicapper, you learn to look at speed figures and try to guess who's fastest. But the fastest horse doesn't always win. Class and form are sometimes overlooked.
   This book taught me to look at who belongs and who doesn't. And who was meant to win this particular race.
   After you read this book, you won't miss as much regarding class and form. This will likely lead you to more live horses at longer odds. Especially when so many others use speed as their primary criteria and create short prices for the horses with the highest Beyers.
   And the appendicies are a tremendous tool for day-to-day handicapping. A must-read for any serious handicapper.



4. This is the most valuable book I own on horse racing. James Quinn writes so clear and knows so much about the sport. This books tells you all the different types of races and what horse is most qualified to win those races. It has helped me out so much. I don't bet, but I enter contest online and you have to be prepared for every type of race when you enter them. An excellent read for everyone.



5. Essential to any bettor's library. This book has cut my handicapping time in half as I eliminate the absolute non contenders in minutes. Combined with form analysis, this book also points out the strong favorites and chalk in just a bit more time.

5 comments about The Power of Early Speed (Elements of Handicapping).

1. I agree that early speed is important in horse racing and in particular horse racing on dirt. Klein Speed Points and Klein Track Bias Numbers as mentioned in this book give the horse racing fans some kinds of objective measurement and idea on how the speed of a race will look like and the likelihood that a horse will perform better because of the favourable change in the pace of a race as well as track bias. However, the author of this book does not explain how the formulas used to derive Klein Speed Points and Klein Trace Bias Numbers are created.
   
   Once again, I would like to stress that just knowing early speed is not enough. This is only one part of horse racing. Moreover, if everyone focuses on early speed evaluation, the inefficieny in the "horse racing market" will disappear and the profit will also disappear.
   
   This book is OK to read, but as an experienced horse racing fans who have read many books on handicapping I found no surprise in this book.



2. I liked the book mostly for the Klein speed figures, I have applied them with some success. I was disappointed though when I figured out that it was pretty uneccessary to figure them myself, TVG for example has speed figures that almost exactly mirror what I came up with using the formula from the book. But it did give me a new respect for early speed that I will continue to use in my handicapping.



3. The title says it all in that early speed is the ultimate bias. It's like in the movie Top Gun where Tom Cruise says "I feel the need, the need for speed." The stats of the sucess of early speed don't lie, & this book presents an interesting way of compiling them with an emphasis that includes field size. And a large part of the book presents charts on trainers, jockeys, etc. But concentrating on the 1st call only without the all important 2nd call & no use of fractions means that this work as providing raw numbers is only a starting point for further research. The books of Ainslie, Beyer, Davidowitz & Brohammer should be studied first, as while this effort presents a formula for early speed points, the best system is that one that compiles information & experiances using the most complex computer, the one above the shoulders.



4. I can only half-finished but will not continue the book. If the people believe or love statistic records, the book is for them. Half of the book is stats records for USA dirt track ( unfortunately I am living in Australia ). I cannot enjoy the book.



5. Horseplayers have always known that, all things being equal, the horse that takes the early lead has the best chance to win the race. In "The Power of Early Speed," veteran handicapper and columnist Steve Klein shares a formula for identifying horses most likely to take the lead at the first call. Klein also explains how to use the formula to uncover horses who are good bets to win on the front end at long odds, taking into account field size, jockey and trainer tendencies, track biases and other factors. "The Power of Early Speed" is an excellent analysis of the inherent advantage of early speed (calculated by Klein using a massive sample of horses and races) and the best ways to exploit that advantage. [...]

5 comments about Arabians.

1. i love the great pictures of these beautiful horses, and the text actually tells alot, where most books give alot of info you dont need.



2. This is a great title to add to your ever growing arabian horse book collection. It's excellent reading, as it contains everything that you need to know about this magnificant breed and is fully illustrated with beautiful graphics.



3. This book is a necessity for the library of any Arabian lover. The text and photographs take you around the world and through the passages of time. Fabulous photographs and wonderful attention to detail. What a worthwhile purchase!



4. This book has entrancing photos, and skips through a large number of countries and studs. If you are looking for in depth information on Arabians in any particulary part of the world this book is not for you. It looks at selected studs only. If you want lovely pictures you wont be unhappy.



5. Expertly edited by Hossein Amirsadeghi with enhanced with full color photographs from Rik van Lent Sr. and Rik van Lent Jr. and an informative text by Peter Upton, Arabians is an extensive pictorial documentation and understanding of a distinctive equine of historic lineage -- the Arabian Horse. Providing readers with an detailing of the breeds origin, use, recorded development, and the interesting historical significance of the prestigious and fascinating animal. Arabians is very highly recommended as illustrated compendium of detailed writings about a truly noble and enduringly popular animal.

5 comments about More Old Friends: Visits with My Favorite Thoroughbreds.

1. More Old Friends is a gorgeous book; heartfelt, beautiful and intriguing.
   Barbara Livingston is a masterful equine historian. Her work is so much more than a tribute to these senior horses; it is important history. These Old Friends will never be forgotten. Their stories and their softly graying faces are captured forever on the pages of these wonderful Old Friends books.
   I hope Barbara keeps making Old Friends books. They are treasures!
   Thank you, Barbara, for another incredible Old Friends book. I can't wait for the next one!



2. Ms. Livingston makes her living with her photos and this book will show you why. The much-too-brief stories that accompany her photos will make you smile and cry. Wonderful companion book to her original "Old Friends," which I now wish I owned!



3. Great book with lots of nice pictures. Printing quality is excellent and with detail info regarding each . Great book and really enjoy reading it.



4. While perhaps not as good as the first one (the horses are less "famous" overall) this is still an excellent book with the same great pictures and behind the scenes information. What was really heart warming about this book was how many farms and individuals, big and small, actually CARE about their oldsters and keep them happy and comfortable no matter what it takes, high vet bills, special shoes, special feeds, housing, whatever. If only ALL TB owners and breeders would do the right thing that way these farms do then precious few would end up in kill pens or low end auctions.



5. Beautiful, moving, a reasonable alternative to those of us who can't afford the first "Old Friends" ,going for c. $260 and up.

5 comments about Horseplayers: Life at the Track.

1. Every writer hopes for that one book that will define their career. Capote had his " Cold Blood" and Lee her "Mockingbird". And now Ted McClelland lands his with "Horseplayer". Yes, in it's own genre it is just that good. For anyone who ever dared to the grandstand side of the track. For anyone who ever revered Newman and Gleason dueling it out at Ames Billiards. For anyone that wondered what happened to the wagering in Seabiscuit. This is the otherside. "This is Ames Mr". No racing fan or handicapper that's worn the proud hand stains of Form print should be without a copy.



2. 
   This is a fun book for the literate two-dollar bettor or for anyone whose pulse quickens when they hear the words "Breeders Cup" or "Kentucky Derby." Mr. McClelland really captures the variety and perseverance of the dedicated handicappers who make the track their second home. I grew up going to the track with my father, and have met the same types at tracks in the midwest and Florida years ago. (Maybe old horseplayers don't die -- they just go to another meet?) Some of the characters and vignettes are funny, some poignant; and all are well-written and very entertaining. Damon Runyon would have loved it!



3. Found the book to be an easy read for me. I could relate to most of the characters in the book. I would recommend this book to anybody.



4. The premise alone invites envy and curiosity. What aspiring writer would not wish to be paid for the priviledge of researching and writing about his own vice and be given a year to do it. The author's grasp of the material gives credibility even to his introduction to the world of thoroughbreds. His exposure of the invisible(to the ordinary visitor to the track)cadre of inveterate bettors is a real introduction to the pecking order and the order of intellect. From the railbirds to the racing form studiers tucked away in their respective hideouts waiting to make their move the author brings them to life.
   
   As one who has followed the racing scene for over forty years and has spent a lot of time on the back of track I will admit to learning much more about what distinguishes horseplayers from handicappers and the art of betting the bettors and not the horses.
   
   I look forward to his next book. Apparently another paid for vacation to explore the third coast. Another very clever premise.
   
   Congratulations to the author.



5. OK but I had to struggle through it. I wouldn't recommend it for a seasoned horse player!

No comments about Tesio: In His Own Words.

1 comments about Professional Care of the Racehorse, Revised Edition: A Guide to Grooming, Feeding, and Handling the Equine Athlete.

1. Any owning or racing a horse will quickly come to consider PROFESSIONAL CARE OF THE RACEHORSE a 'Bible' of information - or will have to learn the same information the harder way, through the school of hard knocks. From grooming and basic training to understanding injuries and basic care of the feet, here under one cover is everything you need to know to keep your racehorse in top performing condition. Black and white photos and diagrams throughout add illustration wherever needed. A 'must' reference for racehorse owners.

5 comments about The Kingmaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty.

1. The book is a fine piece of research by Hunter and does a good job of telling the story of Northern Dancer's life and how his connections contributed to the game. While it is a fairly quick read, it's not a page turner on the level with some of the classics such as Nack's "Secretariat" or Schwartz's "Ruffian". The book does do a wonderful job of conveying the importance of Northern Dancer immeasurable contribution to the breed through his numerous offspring. It really is quite a remarkable legacy that the little colt from Canada has left behind.



2. Avalyn Hunter brings to life the outstanding racing career of Northern Dancer and his legacy through his sons of establishing a royal dynasty in the Thoroughbred industry.
   
   There is enough information packed into the tight 200 pages of writing for those interested in an insider's look at history or for the casual fan wanting to learn about the life of Northern Dancer.
   
   The book is about equally split on Northern Dancer's racing and breeding careers. The opening pages trace ND's bloodline, which may drag for some readers who don't have a background/appreciation in such research. But it is the past matings - along with a little luck - that set the foundation for ND to launch the spiralling prices obtained in the auction ring for his progeny.
   
   Especially interesting are the features on the people surrounding ND, including his owner, Canadian industrialist E.P. Taylor, trainer Horatio Luro and the jockeys that were aboard the multiple-stakes winner. And talk about luck, Luro had wanted young ND gelded as a means to bring better results in training and racing.
   
   There are infrequent times where a book on Thoroughbreds can deliver so much to a wide audience. The Kingmaker is a classic read.



3. Beautifully and sensitively written history of this most influential thorougbred, probably never another like him. His line still features strongly in both hemispheres. (American readers may be interested to know that our Australian Horse of the Year for 2006 - Makybe Diva - yes a filly! - won our Melbourne Cup 3 consecutive years (the first horse to do so) and amassed over US$10 million dollars, the all-time leading Australasian money-earner. Her grandsire was Danehill (USA), and his grandsire was Northern Dancer.
   Great collection of photographs, but would have loved to have seen more of the King at various stages of his career/life. AND there is an index!
   A must-have for anyone only vaguely interested in thoroughbred racing.



4. Great book and fast service. New condition that was just what I needed for gift-giving. Thanks!



5. Good insight into the impact Northern Dancer had on racing in... a lot of detail on lineage ... Enjoyed Stud a pretty good offering for pedigree enthusiasts

5 comments about A Sunday Horse: Inside The Grand Prix Show Jumping Circuit (Capital Lifestyles) (Capital Lifestyles).

1. For a book entitled "The Sunday Horse", one would expect it to have at least SOME horses discussed in the text; "The Sunday Horse OWNER" would really be a more apropos title for this lightweight tome.When I picked this book up, I was hoping that it would follow one particular rider or trainer or barn for their entire Grand Prix campaign. How interesting this could have been, getting to know one or two people in depth, learning about the horses they work with, the strengths & weaknesses, caring about their wins, losses, injuries...instead, I found 200 pages of 3 paragraph profiles of people who are either super-rich, or super-marginal.
   
   The author, Vicky Moon, lists "People" magazine amongst her credits. It shows. Her writing is very much in "People"'s style, being rather breathless puff-pieces that spend considerable time dwelling on the "Lifestyles of the Rich & Horsey" aspects of her subjects. At each horse show covered in her book, the list of local socials & celebrities attending is given more attention than the International caliber horses competing!
   
   Each chapter of this book covers one particular horse show & it's habitues, from the chairperson through the lady running a sweater shop. She opens at "Welly World" (Wellington FL, near Palm Beach) & closes at the Washington DC horse show. You may find out about the guy who directs traffic for the event, but you definitely won't know much about the Grand Prix competition itself!
   
   As a long-time horsey person who has always dreamed of competing at Grand Prix level, I found one aspect of her book continually frustrating: she does not identify the horses in her photographs! You'll see pictures of great riders past (Rodney Jenkins, Anthony d'Ambrosio) & present (Marjorie Goldstein-Engle) but if you want to know the name of their mount, you won't find it either in either the text or the photo caption. With all the discussion of multi-million dollar equine talent in the book, one would think the horses would get an acknowledgement too; after all, these are HORSE shows, not RIDER shows!
   
   Another annoying lack is one of either index or sources. Ms. Moon must have consulted literature other than show press releases; why not list them? Why make a reader page through the book looking for a mention of their particular favorites, when an index could make it so easy?
   
   Typos, mis-spellings, and confusing sentences abound as well; this is a book in need of a good proof-reader!
   
   If the only thing you know about Grand Prix show jumping is having seen it once or twice on television, you may enjoy "The Sunday Horse". If, however, you are a horse-lover who has stood at the In-Gate yourself, you won't find much here that you couldn't read in a People magazine article. What a shame.



2. Finally a good book on an often overlooked sports which deserves to be written about with the care that Vicky Moon has provided in these pages. The book has covered not just the riders and the trainers, but the grooms who work so hard. I loved the stories about the carrot man. It brings together the glamor, the glitz and yes, also the darker side. The first book to really tell it like it really is.



3. The book gave a lot of inside information on riders and owners and would be good for someone just getting involved in showing because it gave data on average prices, etc. Good insight into the showjumping world.



4. A Sunday Horse suffers from a lack of editing. The first chapter is terrible and the second is boring. Vicky Moon is a charming writer but somebody should've convinced her to either cut these two chapters or combine them into one. The book doesn't get fun until chapter three when she tells the story of a bizarre horse kidnapping. After that the book takes off with stories of grooms, writers, vets, carrot sellers, braiders, riders, and all the people who make the grand prix circuit run. One thing I really liked about the book is how Moon makes it clear that a person may not be a great rider and may never win the big shows but with talent, detrmination and flexibility they can still have a career that keeps them "in" horses.
   
   I almost gave up during the first chapter but decided to keep reading because hey, I'd already spent my money, and I'm glad I kept going. Hopefully Vicky Moon will come out with a new edition that is packaged better..



5. In the hands of a talented writer backed by good content and copy editors, this book really could have been something. Instead, it's a disjointed mishmash of name-dropping (an earlier reviewer's assessment of Moon's style as breathless is right on the money) and rambling attempts at folksy storytelling, riddled with grammar problems, non sequiturs, and typos. Let's just say I'm glad I bought it used.

No comments about Betting Synthetic Surfaces: Conquering Racing's Newest Frontier.