When betting straight, Always  cover your  bet,  Example: $5.00 Win $15.00 Show if the odds are high enough to break even if horse shows or play  Win / Place, Place / Show getting back something is better then nothing.
                                       
If a horse is heavily backed just a few  minutes before  the start  of the race and his odds are sharply reduced, bet on it.  This is a  strong indication that somebody has reliable favorable information about the horse that nobody else is aware of.

The  horses to  look out for in  Lightweights  Handicap Races  are  those whose overall form shows that they are capable of winning, regardless of the class of race in which they compete.

Two or  more wins in the form shown in  newspapers are  often  indication of a possible big win by a low weight.  An added bonus is they usually  start at big prices.
 
When making  selections, always give  preference to a horse  that ran recently. A horse that has not raced for several weeks may have  suffered some  setbacks  like an injury or  an illness.  No matter how good  his form was  if it is  not recent, chances are the horse will not win. Give an extra point to an experienced  jockey on longer distance races (over a mile). A jockey's ability assumes greater importance as the distance increases.

In general Apprentices are capable to break a horse fast, which is very good in sprint  races,  and the  majority of  their wins are usually accomplished under such circumstances.  However, in  route races ( distance of  longer than  1-1/8 miles) Apprentices usually do not fare as well. This is not necessarily because they are lacking in basic ability,  because they are  lacking in the experience needed to properly gauge the pace of a race. An experienced jockey can enable a front-running sprinter to perform as well in route races.
 
It is best not to replay your winnings,  at least not immediately.  If you want to be in control, you must put back in your pocket some or most of what you have won. Do your homework before signing up to an online sportsbook.

Four important things you should look for in a sportsbook:

1. Are they members of a known Gambling Association?
2. How quick do they pay out?
2. How accessible is their customer service?
 

Watch for hot jockeys or trainers who are doing particularly well. A hot jockey sometimes will get the choice of top mounts, and a rider usually will go with the horse most likely to win. Check the standings in the Official Program.

Notice how jockeys and trainers pair up. Some trainers will invariably use a certain jockey when they have promising runners. Look for the favorite jockey in the race at the track.

Keep in mind the the best Trainer, Jockey, Horse often do not win. You need to watch out for the back door horse and that is where I come in to help you find those horses.

Barn changes should be considered. A claimer moving from a modest stable to a successful one will be worth consideration. Horses often will respond to the change in surroundings and other factors - such as a change in feeding or in horse-shoeing - may result in a rapid turnaround.

Give preference to winners. Choose a horse that has won before.

Avoid betting on a horse that has just moved up in class. Look for value odds as much as likely winners. If you keep looking for them, you will learn to spot them fairly quickly.

Look for a horse that has a fair chance of winning and is not overly backed. This is usually a good value bet in the long run. On odds of say, 9/1, you need to win once in nine attempts to break even. Anything more is net profit.

When the track is slow or heavy, give preference to fast starters. Slow, muddy and heavy track conditions usually favor the horse that takes an early lead.

A straight bet is simple, manageable and not too difficult to win. Play it but always weigh up the odds. Avoid favorites and long shots (shippers) too.