Dog
racing is a sport run by greyhounds. The dogs chase a
mechanical lure, typically an artificial bone, which is called
a hare. The hare starts about half a circuit behind the start.
When it passes a point near the starting traps, it automatically
triggers the gate and releases the dogs. Should the dogs catch
or overtake the lure, the race is declared void.
 Greyhounds
can cover 480 meters in approximately 28 seconds, twice the speed
of a human athlete. A greyhound may race at 15 months of age,
but it will typically be at its best between 2 ½ and 3 ½ years
of age.
Although
the dogs are normally docile creatures, they become very excited
when they race, and there are times when a runner may turn its
head aggressively on another runner. This is why the dogs wear
muzzles when they race.
The
winner of the race is the dog whose nose first reaches the winning
line. The position of the feet is not taken into account. Dog
racing finishes are photographed. When the result is close, the
judge examines the picture before declaring the winner.
The
most popular dog racing surface today is sand. At one time, grass
was the norm as this was both picturesque and fast-running. However,
it became too difficult and expensive to maintain in a satisfactory
racing condition through the winter.
Handicapping
Terms
1.
Early Speed / Front Runners. There are two types
of early speed dogs. One type shows a strong break out of
the box - the break call is approximately four lengths from
the starting box. The other type tends to break moderately
and then rush or drive the first turn.
2.
Late Speed / Closers. Late speed dogs generally
show a somewhat slow break out of the box. They come to the
8th call following the pack. From here on out is where the
closers run their race. Some may show a gradual gain throughout
the race, while others wait until late in the race to make
their move. This type of a runner pushes hard in the stretch
passing many of the dogs and should never be underestimated.
3.
Class. Determining the class of the race can be
tough sometimes. This can depend on the stats you have available
to you. Look first to find the one showing the most "in
the money" finishes at the current grade racing. Next,
look for grade drops and how competitive the dog was in the
higher grade. Class tends to be a much stronger variable
in higher-grade races.
 4.
Time. This variable brings many arguments between
handicappers. Some tend to place this factor at the top of
the list, while others consider this lightly. Some observers
have found a strong correlation with the dogs having the
fastest times generally will also be the class of the race.
5.
Heart. This factor can be gauged as seen in our
stats. If a dog exhibits heart, he shows the ability and
determination to come back after finding trouble. This type
of competitor will either finish in the money or make a strong
attempt to do so.
6.
Trouble. Trouble is the toughest variable to be
found in handicapping. Coming into the first turn is where
most of the trouble occurs. This is where the early speed/front
runners can benefit by being out of harm’s way. The
positive aspect of trouble is that it produces the higher
payoffs. When selecting your key greyhound in a wager, consider
his trouble percentage. If he shows a high percentage of
trouble and doesn't seem to benefit by his post-position,
look to another greyhound as a key.
7.
Track Preference. Knowing where a dog likes to run
on the track can also be very important.
|
