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My $50,000 Year at the Races (1978)
The Winning Horseplayer (1983)
Beyer on Speed (1993)
By Andy Beyer
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.
Saratoga
Saratoga opens for the 143rd year on Friday, July 22 for an outstanding 40-day meeting that includes over 50 stakes races and 17 Grade 1 races. The marquee event of the meeting is the $1 million Travers Stakes (G1) on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Michael Dempsey will be providing his full card selections throughout the meeting. Mike’s Reports include his selections, analysis, fair odds, and wagering recommendations for every race.
Get your day off to a good start with Michael’s Free Pick of the day from Saratoga.
For information on Saratoga including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here.
Keeneland
Get info on racing dates, stakes races scheduled and track contact information by Clicking Here
Get Free Racing Picks for Keeneland from professional handicapper Michael Dempsey or purchase his top selections by Clicking Here
Churchill Downs
The spring/summer meeting at Churchill Downs gets underway on Saturday April 30, with 24 graded stakes on the betting menu. The marquee events are the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
Michael Dempsey will be providing Full Card Analysis for Churchill Downs from Friday through Sunday each week.
Each racing day Michael will be providing his Free Betting Selection of the day for Churchill Downs.
For information on Churchill Downs including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here
Belmont Park
Racing in New York shifts to Belmont Park on Friday April 29 for the spring / summer meeting, which includes the Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday June 11.
Michael Dempsey will be providing Full Card Analysis for Belmont Park each racing day from Wednesday through Sunday.
Each racing day Michael will be providing his Free Betting Selection of the day for Belmont Park.
For information on Belmont Park including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here
Gulfstream Park
For information on Gulfstream Park including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here
Get Free Selections for Gulfstream Park from professional handicapper Brian Mulligan or purchase his highly rated selections by
Clicking Here
Aqueduct
For Aqueduct racing info including racing dates, stakes schedule, track layout and contact information, Click Here
Get Free Picks for Aqueduct races from professional handicapper Michael Dempsey or purchase his top selections by Clicking Here
Daily past performances, track entries and race results.