Post Time with Joe Kristufek

Enjoying a Day at the Track

I love horse racing for everything that it is.

Just a few words that come to mind – social, atmosphere, visual stimulation, entertainment and if you so choose, mental challenge.

I am a horseplayer. I enjoy the cerebral puzzle that a race provides.

Yes, I have a little gamble in my blood. Not everybody does, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cherish the game every bit as much as I do.

Personality simply doesn’t matter. There is something for everyone at the racetrack, but eliminating stereotypes and intimidation and knowing how to take advantage of all the experience has to offer is the key to enjoyment.
I’m here to help. 

1. Find a mentor – Attend the races with someone who knows the game and the lay of the land. The ability to ask questions during the course of the day greatly accelerates the learning process. Remember, with knowledge comes horsepower!

2. Choose your attire – Showing off your style at the track isn’t just limited to Kentucky Derby day. Hats, dresses and sport coats are welcome and individuality is encouraged every live racing day. Dress up and strut your stuff or come casual and comfortable.

3. Come prepared - Bring cash to the track. Contrary to the belief of some newbies, you can’t bet with a credit or debit card. ATM lines are often long, and the machines often run out of money. You want to avoid them at all costs. Bring a pen and maybe even a highlighter and a clipboard. If you really want to sink yourself into the action of a race, consider a good pair of binoculars.

4. Arrive early - Get to the track at least an hour before first post. Buy a track program, which is your guide for the day. Read the front pages to get a handle on the terminology, how odds work/the toteboard and how to bet. Get a feel for the facility and seating options. Learn your way around. Find a home base that’s comfortable for you. Remember, there are many ways to enjoy a day at the track, from very serious, to very social. If you want to play the races, find somewhere quiet with a clear view of TVs and easy access to betting windows. If you’re in it for a more casual experience, many tracks offer picnic areas, and some even have party areas with live bands on the weekends.

5. Arm yourself with OPPS (other people’s picks) - Most major newspapers and horse racing websites offer “expert” selections. Take a copy with you. Pay attention the to the racetrack’s on-track television analyst. This person is often dialed in to the circuit, and offers good information. In addition, listening to what they have to say about the horses and following along in your track program can help accelerate the learning process. It’s more fun to have your own opinion, but when you’re first getting started don’t be afraid to use the picks of others as a guideline and perhaps combine them with your own.

6. Understand the basic wagers - Ease your way into betting. Start with Win, Place and Show bets. Play $2-$6 per race and get your feet wet. Pool money with cohorts, share picks and wager as a team. Show parlays are fun, social and potentially profitable. Win together! Read more about them here. Graduate to high-risk /high-reward wagers and an increase in spending if your budget allows, once you've had success with basic bets and feel comfortable. Once you’re at ease with the wagering process, bet to your personality. If you are conservative by nature, stick to lower-risk bets and lower amounts. If you are a thrill-seeker, open up your wagers to trifectas, superfectas, Pick 3s and Pick 4s.

7. Learn how to read the program – For a newcomer, the material in the track program can look like it’s written in another language. The translation is not as difficult as you think. It takes me about 10 minutes to give a complete lesson. This is where your mentor comes in. Have them explain the basics of how racing works and what the information means. Many racetracks, with Keeneland Race Course and Arlington Park at the top of the list, have dedicated fan education areas staffed with passionate, friendly people. Remember, at the racetrack, every question is a good question!

8. Learn how to use the self-service wagering machines. Have someone show you the progression the first time, and you should never again need help. Not every machine takes cash, but they all accept winning tickets and credit vouchers. It’s easy once you've done it once. If you have credit left after wagering, don’t forget to end your session and take your remaining voucher. Continue to combine your winnings, and cash out with a live teller at the end of the day.

9. Savor the majesty of the horse – Horses are beautiful, powerful and amazing creatures who thrive on competition. Visit the paddock and watch a post parade down by the rail. Take note of their mannerisms. If you’re wagering, give extra consideration to the horses who look happy and healthy and project controlled enthusiasm. Those who are too aggressive or agitated are wasting valuable energy.

10. Become a fan – Locally and nationally, horse racing is a year round sport. The more you learn the more you love it. Like any other major league, racing has stars that fans can identify with – the jockeys, trainers, owners and most importantly, the horses. This is a great time of year. Follow the stakes races leading up to the Triple Crown, and on Kentucky Derby day you can impress your friends with your expertise!

Here’s a question for you.

What other form of entertainment offers participants multi-tiered entertainment at a reasonable price with the opportunity to leave with more money than you came with?

Dinner and a movie?

The zoo?

A live sporting event?

NEGATIVE! 

Follow the steps above and enjoy everything racing has to offer and chances are you’ll leave wanting more. 

It’s even fun when you lose, but much better when you win. In the coming weeks, I’m going to help put you in position to do just that, so stay tuned!