"Always Back Winners" - a horseracing punting book

"Always Back Winners" - a horseracing punting book by Stewart Simpson



(OK, OK, I am in bed recovering from tick bite fever.)

I still have this book which I read in the early 80's and I think has since turned into somewhat of a cult book. A google will reveal that the author has a fan base and the book seems to have had many reprints.

Before I am accused of plagiarising I like the summary from www.redcafe.net/f12/horse-racing-tips-323930/index2.html "In it he (the author) concentrated on punting handicappers rather than the big races. One of his key tenets was looking out for fast finishing winners, horses who would only lead inside the last furlong but who still managed to win by a length or so. He figured that these animals had a lot in hand and that the handicapper wouldn't raise their mark high enough to stop them winning again under similar conditions. Obviously horses who qualify don't win every time but given that one plays in competitive events with prices at 6/1+ means one doesn't need a great strike rate". Its about trying to identify those horses who have not yet been caught by the handicapper.

For those who may like to read the following snippets. (Some is not rocket science, some we may disagree).

"The power of acceleration - it is the footballer or runner who can suddenly quicken or change pace who becomes the star. Note those horses. The most important requirement in a horse is that it wins its race by producing an acceleration in the final two furlongs".

"Back older horses - rather four year olds and above".

"Ideal distance is 2000m with limits of 1400m and 2400m.

"Do not back horses at the highest level as decent prices cannot be got".

"No sellers, no maidens".

" 'never bet in handicaps' is the biggest fallacy in racing".

"Back the horse who has won by less than a length and by a 'turn of foot' ".

"But sometimes high class gallopers can knock the guts out of good accelerating handicappers, especially on straight courses:.

"When is the ideal time for it to win again? Preferably the same distance, the same ground, the same going, the same company (or plus 1) as when it impressed. Wait until the horse is among the top weights in a future handicap".

"Jockeyship is of paramount importance in spite of all the ratings and mathematical calculations".

"But if the horse arrives with attributes we are seeking then even the most moderate of trainers can prepare it to win good races".

"What is important is the way a horse wins. Not necessarily whom he has beaten nor how many races he has won".

"Front runners who can still quicken when in the lead are even rarer than the ones with a turn of foot".

"Do not use paddock observations to find winners".

"Some classic prospects turn out to be good handicappers".

"Some horses don't really mature until they are four or even five".

"How many bookmakers and their employees do you see drinking alcohol?"

"Dabble in the 4/1 to 10/1 region".

"Understand how handicapping works".

"Concern yourself only with winners and the way in which they won. Not losers. This book is based on impressive winners, not on studying form books and crystal ball gazing".

Printed by Coronet Books
ISBN 0-340-32823-1

Next time "How To Win At The Races" by Sam (The Genius) Lewin

Aishhhh, Tick Bite Fever SUCKS BIG TIME