Anything can happen in a horserace. Frank Carulli, however, has some tips and tools when it comes to navigating the world of handicapping and laying down dough on the ponies.
A good place to start is Carulli’s live in-house television broadcast. Prior to each race, the Pimlico handicapper offers his picks and analysis of the field.
“I’m looking for vulnerable favorites and betting more on those races because I think the favorite has no value and probably isn’t going to win—that’s going to make value for that race,” says Carulli.
“I will go on air and say number 7 is a vulnerable favorite and here is why, ‘He had a perfect trip last time, the speed collapsed, he got first run in the closure, and he still couldn’t win. I would go against this horse today.’”
Pimlico’s Live Racing Program provides a synopsis of the card, as well as a simplified guide to betting, including explanations of the various kinds of wagers.
“I like exactas,” Carulli says. “I think exactas are, by far, the best bets to make because you get some value and, again, if you attack when you think a horse is vulnerable, that’s when you get your big payoffs.”
For serious players, Carulli recommends purchasing the Daily Racing Form’s “Formulator.” The interactive software tracks past performances and provides quick links to video replays, trainer patterns, and an array of other features.
“It’s the absolute greatest tool,” he says. “It has everything you need—100 percent.”
Of course, you don’t have to be an expert on bloodlines to enjoy a day at the races. Using a little bit of logic and a little bit of luck, perhaps you’ll leave with a few extra bucks.
“Play your favorite colors, your favorite numbers, it doesn’t matter,” Carulli says. “If it comes in and it’s the right ticket and the right odds, it’s a home run.”
