http://www.drf.com/blogs/127293/feed en http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-what-value Value has nothing to do with double-digit prices and has everything to do with the chances of each horse winning versus the listed odds. Harness Wed, 15 May 2013 14:14:47 +0000 Derick Giwner 292244 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>The word “value” tends to get thrown around in any handicapping conversation. But what is value?</p> <p>Professional handicappers spend countless hours each day trying to find value. Casual players want to win big and falsely confuse it with big prices. But value in horse racing is simply a fair return on your money. It has nothing to do with double-digit prices and has everything to do with the chances of each horse winning versus the listed odds.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-what-value" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/blue-chip-farms-where-stars-are-born You certainly get a new appreciation for the time and effort that goes into watching a race when you see the untapped product of years of hard work at its genesis. Harness Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:43:20 +0000 Derick Giwner 290208 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>As hard as it may be to believe, until Monday I had never visited a breeding farm. That is when I trekked up the NYS Thruway to Wallkill, New York. The folks at Blue Chip Farms (<a href="http://www.bluechipfarms.com">www.bluechipfarms.com</a>) were gracious enough to show me around their 648-acre facility.</p> <p>Blue Chip, which prides itself in standing the elite stallions in the business, has seven producers of champions on the grounds with another two – Shadow Play (Canada) and Bettor’s Delight (Pennsylvania) providing services out of state.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/blue-chip-farms-where-stars-are-born" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-conditions-perfect-world-record I’m not saying we will see multiple miles in the 1:46 range, but I’d be willing to wager we see at least one. Harness Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:04:27 +0000 Derick Giwner 289560 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>If the birds chirping outside your window were not enough of a clue that the harness stakes season is getting ready to heat up, then perhaps the parade of top-notch pacers in qualifying action along the east coast is a good indication.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-conditions-perfect-world-record" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-time-clearer-disqualification-rules If two reasonably knowledgeable people can watch a race and judge an infraction differently, there should be no penalty. Harness Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:40:21 +0000 Derick Giwner 288290 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>The very nature of the word “judge” leaves plenty open for discussion and debate. Whether we are talking about a court verdict, a possible infraction on the racetrack or the final scorecards from a boxing match, the job can often be subjective.</p> <p>When it comes to racing, judges are often put on the hot seat. They must make tough calls and deal with the firing line from the public. Often enough calls can go either way and I’m willing to accept that fact.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-time-clearer-disqualification-rules" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/handicapping-meadowlands-slump My handicapping statistics at the Meadowlands this year have way below par. Sometimes the best way to fix the problem is to look back at the past. Harness Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:54:38 +0000 Derick Giwner 287034 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>The numbers don’t lie. My handicapping statistics at the Meadowlands this year have been putrid. If I was just a bettor instead of a public handicapper, I could simply switch tracks or take a few weeks off to regroup. Since I don’t have that liberty, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at where I may have gone wrong.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/handicapping-meadowlands-slump" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-rocknroll-hanover-remembered With 2005 being my first year as Managing Editor of Harness Eye, Rocknroll Hanover was the first superstar standardbred I covered. Harness Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:49:32 +0000 Derick Giwner 286864 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>My deepest memories of harness racing go back to the early 1990’s. But in some ways 2005 was really the start of my journey in the sport. That was my first full year in charge of Harness Eye. It was my first opportunity to cover major races like the Meadowlands Pace and Hambletonian. Coincidentally, it was also the year which Rocknroll Hanover dominated the harness world.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-rocknroll-hanover-remembered" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-levy-series-meadowlands-horse-shortage Perhaps there needs to be a limit on the number of horses one stable can nominate to the Levy and Matchmaker at Yonkers. Harness Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:35:23 +0000 Derick Giwner 286549 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>This week Yonkers Raceway announced the nominated pacers for the Bluechip Matchmaker and George Morton Levy Memorial series’. These six-week long events which culminate in two rich finals on Saturday, April 27 present one of the best earning opportunities for older horses that the game has available.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-levy-series-meadowlands-horse-shortage" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-congress-thoughts Doesn’t including all Open stakes from participating Grand Circuit tracks give the illusion that all stakes are created equal? Harness Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:40:19 +0000 Derick Giwner 285917 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>Once again the industry convened to discuss new ideas and the issues which may hinder the ultimate success of harness racing. And once again we learned some interesting things from panelists and discussions, but anyone who thinks these get-togethers ultimately solve anything are really fooling themselves.</p> <p>At the end of the day, it would probably be a success if even a few representatives came away with a good idea or two to help their racing product.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-congress-thoughts" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-pace-lures-only-30-possible-contestants The Meadowlands Pace is no longer a “must start” event because there are plenty of other similar options. Harness Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:01:25 +0000 Derick Giwner 285320 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>The racing at the Meadowlands has been spectacular this year. Drivers are keeping the holes closed and handling their horses more aggressively than I have seen in many years. Handle is through the roof. Each racing day seems to set a year-over-year record for handle as the track reported a 33% increase from 2012.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-pace-lures-only-30-possible-contestants" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-twitter-perfect-sounding-board Ron Burke, who is the perennial leader in training wins and earnings, is clearly fed up with hearing about the use of illegal drugs in the sport. Harness Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:14:59 +0000 Derick Giwner 284656 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>There is a clear perception issue in harness racing that many trainers are cheating. It is seemingly obvious or why would Meadowlands operator Jeff Gural spend so much time and money trying to catch wrongdoers?</p> <p>I have argued many times that I will not convict without evidence. I may suspect and certainly handicap accordingly, but I will always give the likely “cheater on paper” the benefit of the doubt.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-twitter-perfect-sounding-board" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-selections-and-yonkers-driving-battle While people see the Yonkers driving title coming down to George Brennan and Brian Sears, Matt Kakaley is actually second in the standings. Harness Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:54:32 +0000 Derick Giwner 284177 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>It recently came to my attention that people miss me. It is always nice to feel wanted and apparently my Saturday selections from the Meadowlands are in higher demand than I thought. Quite a few people have approached me lately asking why I stopped making picks for Saturday and when I would start again.</p> <p>First off, let me say that my Saturday replacement, Jay Bergman, is a first-rate handicapper and I would be glad to use his picks to accompany my handicapping. Secondly, my Saturday selections should return in late March or April.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-selections-and-yonkers-driving-battle" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-looking-new-grandstand Perhaps my favorite part of the new building and the spot you are most likely to find me is the fourth floor outdoor terrace. Harness Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:11:13 +0000 Derick Giwner 283127 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>Like many others I am eagerly awaiting the opening of the New Meadowlands grandstand being built on the current backstretch of the track. Currently scheduled to open in November of this year, the new facility will feature some first-rate amenities and great sight lines for viewing the action.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-looking-new-grandstand" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-will-captaintreacherous-be-hit-or-miss Including all the 2-year-old pacing champions from the last 10 years, the average decrease in total earnings from 2 to 3 was a hefty 29%. Harness Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:19:24 +0000 Derick Giwner 282423 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>Captaintreacherous was the golden boy of the 2012 rookie pacing crop. The son of superstar Somebeachsomewhere earned $918,253 while winning 8 of 10 races during a spectacular campaign which was only tarnished by a Breeders Crown defeat.</p> <p>Captaintreacherous enters this year as the winter book favorite to win most of the big events. The North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace, Adios and Breeders Crown are all his for the taking. The sky is the limit. Or is it?</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-will-captaintreacherous-be-hit-or-miss" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-12-horse-fields-and-garcia-herrera-thoughts The 12-horse fields at the Meadowlands produce more confusion than results, especially at the one mile distance. Harness Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:05:08 +0000 Derick Giwner 281836 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>Amidst all of the early season success at the Meadowlands, one thing has been eating at me. I just do not understand the need or reasoning for carding 12-horse fields at the distance of one mile.</p> <p>For a short time last year while Freehold was closed, the track experimented by carding 14-horse races at 1 ½ miles for $7,500 claimers. While having four trailers (when Meadowlands gets more than 10 horses they must start from the second tier) and racing cheaper horses at the longer distance wasn’t ideal, those races provided some visually exciting on-track results.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-12-horse-fields-and-garcia-herrera-thoughts" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-track-records One of the best parts of these statistics is how simple they are. There is no formula involved and no human error possible. Harness Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:03:05 +0000 Derick Giwner 281299 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>Speed is the name of the game.</p> <p>Trips, drivers, classification and other factors are all important, but if your horse is not fast enough the rest is a moot point.</p> <p>As a harness racing nerd of sorts, the speed angle led me to some research on track records. About 90% of the tracks in North America list records on their websites. Going from site to site, I compiled a list of the fastest of the fastest at each track (I take no blame for inaccurate information or tracks that were omitted because they do not provide the information on their site).</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-track-records" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-handicappers-delight-opening-weekend For the Thoroughbred handicapper who has always wanted to try harness racing, this weekend at the Meadowlands is the time and place. Harness Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:39:42 +0000 Derick Giwner 279959 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>As a master of the obvious, I can point out that the Meadowlands is opening on Friday. For the Thoroughbred handicapper who has always wanted to try harness racing but shied away from the perceived short fields and even shorter prices, this is the weekend to dip your feet in the ice-cold swamp waters of East Rutherford, New Jersey.</p> <p>Each of the 25 races over the two days features a field of at least nine horses, plus one race on each day will offer a 12-horse field. So, check off the quantity box on your handicapping wish list.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-handicappers-delight-opening-weekend" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-voting-anomalies Rockalmation's third-place finish in the voting proves that name recognition is very important in these awards. You have to be flawless to overcome stars from former years. Harness Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:19:15 +0000 Derick Giwner 279616 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>The champions of the harness world in 2012 were revealed this week. But some strange voting anomalies were produced which seem worth mentioning.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-voting-anomalies" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-my-horse-year-ballot Rocklamation may not be the fastest mare, but sometimes slow and steady wins the race, or the award in this case. Harness Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:34:22 +0000 Derick Giwner 278910 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>Everyone has an opinion, but only a bit fewer than 200 get to have their voice heard. By next week (deadline to submit is Dec. 15) we will know the 12 divisional pacing and trotting champions of 2012. While the individual votes are kept secret, I have elected to disclose my selections. Feel free to criticize my thinking as you see fit.</p> <p><strong>2-year-old trotting colt</strong></p> <p>Although Wheeling N Dealin never set foot on U.S. soil, he should win this in a runaway. He went undefeated (9-for-9) and won the two richest races in the division.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/harness-racing-my-horse-year-ballot" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-gural-adds-older-stakes The best horses regardless of age will take the stage at the end of the year and do battle. Harness Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:04:13 +0000 Derick Giwner 278313 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>On Thursday the Meadowlands announced that they will introduce a few new stakes events geared towards older horses. The most exciting of the bunch is a Free For All series which will in theory cover almost the entire stakes season and culminate with two rich finals at the end of November.</p> <p>While details are still being developed, the series will include many of the events for top older horses at the Meadowlands (Graduate, Nat Ray???), the Breeders Crown finals, the Allerage finals at The Red Mile and a bunch of $50,000 Opens to be raced at the Meadowlands in 2013.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/meadowlands-gural-adds-older-stakes" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/blogs/december-wagering-conundrum For the harness handicapper, the mass track closures in December mean fewer opportunities and more variables. Harness Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:03:18 +0000 Derick Giwner 269054 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-carryover"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-blog-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Derick Giwner </div> </div> </div> <p>We will be flipping the calendar to December in the coming days. In Harness Racing, December is the time when multiple tracks across the country shut down their live racing operation from anywhere between two weeks and three months.</p> <p>Pocono Downs is already closed for the winter, with Harrah’s Philadelphia, Saratoga, Freehold, Yonkers and others all wrapping up their 2012 seasons in the second and third weeks of the month.</p> <p>For the handicapper, the mass closures mean fewer opportunities and more variables.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/december-wagering-conundrum" target="_blank">read more</a></p>