Review by Michael Dempsey

To review just one of Andy Beyer's books just does not do him justice. When I read Picking Winners in 1978 it changed the way I bet on horse racing, and ultimately changed my life. He devoted three chapters of the book on speed handicapping, explaining and teaching the reader how to develop speed figures that are now readily available in The Daily Racing Form.

But before Beyer sold the rights to publish the figures (first to The Racing Times, then to The Form), any horseplayer using Beyer's teachings to create their own speed figures had a distinct advantage at the track.

I carried around a small black notebook as I compiled speed figures which I updated daily. I compiled pars for Laurel Park, Pimlico, Delaware Park, and Charles Town by spending three days at the local library poring over old copes of The Daily Racing Form. Yes, those were the days before something called the Internet became all the rage.

My homemade speed figures, as taught by Beyer, were invaluable. I spent the better part of the next ten years feeling I had a huge advantage over the rest of my fellow horseplayers.

The strength of Picking Winners is not just the speed figure primer. Beyer explains the basics of handicapping, trainers, class, track biases and money management as well.

Sprinkled into his books are interesting anecdotes of some of his betting coups, bad beats, and strange things that can happen to a horseplayer.

I did not think Picking Winners could be topped, but Beyer On Speed came close. I found Speed to be one of his most entertaining books. He included a chapter called "A Week in Las Vegas." You've heard the saying, "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas," but I'm guessing Beyer has not left much of his bankroll there.

In Speed, Beyer covers the value of speed figures, and also topics such as pace, turf racing, and exotic betting.

Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned everyday player, Beyer's collection is a must-have for any successful horseplayer.