It's Post Time with Joe Kristufek - Let's Get Physical

There is more than one way to pick a winner, but veteran horseplayers and newcomers alike must always remember: horses are much more than speed figures and troubled trips — they are living, breathing animals.
Horses have aches and pains. They get sick. Some days they feel like a million bucks, others they may wake up on the wrong side of the hay.
Whether you’re an expert horse player or a complete novice, the ability to evaluate racehorse physicality can greatly increase your chances of winning.
Here we will break down horse physicality and how to use the information to your advantage at the betting windows.
10. It’s Better Live!
It is possible to assess horse flesh on a television screen but there is no substitute for being at the racetrack live.
Prerace, horses are saddled in an easily accessible area called the paddock, where fans can get a close-up look at the competitors for each race.
RACING 101: THE PADDOCK

Especially with young, inexperienced horses, it’s important to see how they are handling their surroundings in the walking ring.
Are they calm and professional (good) or nervous and upset (bad)? Do they look alert and interested, or dull and indifferent?
A horse’s attitude can change a lot between the paddock and the racetrack. A disinterested racehorse could very well perk up once their hooves hit the track and they realize they’re about to compete.
Ten minutes before race time, horses are called to the track for the post parade. This is the optimum time to evaluate each individual.
RACING 101: THE POST PARADE

9. Built for Speed or Stamina?
Horses, just like humans and automobiles, have different body types.
In sprint races, look for horses who are built like a Mustang - compact, big chest and hind end.
In route races, look for a horses who are built like a Ferrari - sleek, long and athletic.
8. Turf and Synthetics Specialists
Horses who perform well on turf often have big, wide, paddle-type feet.
Horses who relish synthetic racetracks often have a very narrow build.
7. Mudders
Smaller, more compact horses often handle off-tracks best. They’re more agile and tend to skip over the ground better than longer-striding horses who tend to get in their own way.
6. Positive Signs

Overall alertness
On their toes, nudging the pony
Prancy, but not too prancy
Well defined muscle tone
Shiny coat - one that glistens in the sun. Dappled out, like freckles on a human.
Bright eye
Satellite ears
Horses with their neck bowed feel invincible
Front bandages off may be a sign that a horse is getting over some physical issues.
Fluid gait when they walk, jog or gallop

5. Negative Signs

Sweating on a cool day. Look for a frothy substance on the neck and kidney area. It’s a sign of nervousness. Sweaty horses are said to be “washed out.”
Front bandages on for the first time. Often a sign of a horse having some physical issues. Proceed with caution.
Dull and disinterested – walking with their head down like they just woke up from a nap. Take note, the lazy look may not be a negative for classy, seasoned veterans who have been to battle many times and understand their job.
Rambunctious - horses who are overly excited are wasting valuable energy.
Incessant tail swishing – a sign of being mad or upset.
Are they fat? Don’t laugh! If a horse isn’t tucked up underneath and appears to be carrying a belly, they may need a race or two following a vacation to tighten up their fitness. We all know that feeling!

4. Read Between the Lines

Horse relieving themselves. Often a sign of nervousness, but if done causally with other positive signs, don’t read too much into it.
Early warm-up. When a horse breaks off of the post parade early to warm up, you can look at it a couple ways. A) A horse in good form warming up away from the pony is professional, and often times talented. B) Cheaper horses may be trying to work the “kinks” out before the race. Not a good sign.
Young horses don’t have a lot of miles on them, so chances are most of them are going to look good physically.
The more professional young horses look and act, the better chance they have to run a big race. Remember, they’re still learning their trade.

WATCH A HORSE'S BEHAVIOR ON THE TRACK

Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
3. A Weapon for the Novice
Even if digging deep into past-performance information is not your thing, you can still formulate a fantastic race-by-race opinion based solely on evaluating horse flesh. Take notes your program. If a horse looks good, give them a +. If they look REALLY good, give them multiple +s. Key on the horses you think look best in your wagers. If there are negative signs, toss those horses out.
2. A Weapon for the Expert
If you’re an experienced horseplayer, horse physicality can be used as the last evaluation tool prior to constructing your wagers.
Personally, I rarely wager before the post parade. Horses can be upgraded or downgraded based upon how they look and act on race day.
You might not like a horse very much on paper, but physical hints are ones that should not be ignored. Often including such horses in your gimmicks, or in the first leg of a multi-race wager (if you have not developed strong opinion to begin with), can be a winning proposition.
1.  The Cheaper the Better?
When betting a racetrack I’m not familiar with, particularly those with a lesser caliber of racing, I often toss out the past performances and bet solely on post parade looks. You can come up with a lot of longshot winners that way!
Horses can’t talk, but they can speak to you with their body language. Those who listen cash more tickets!