Most apprentices are capable of breaking a horse fast, which is great in sprint races, and the majority of their wins are usually accomplished under such circumstances. However, in route races (distance of longer than 1-1/8 miles) they usually do not perform as well. This is not necessarily because they are lacking in basic ability but because they are lacking in the experience needed to properly measure the pace of a race. An experienced jockey can enable a front-running sprinter to perform as well in longer races.

Also, give an extra point to an experienced jockey on obstacle racing than on flat racing. A jockey's ability becomes even more important in obstacle racing because no matter how fast the horse is if the jockey falls off or the horse pulls up, the race for that horse is over. There is not even a possible second or third place.

Look for value odds as much as likely winners. If you keep looking for them, you will learn to spot them fairly quickly. Look for a horse that has a fair chance of winning and is not overly backed. This is usually a good value bet in the long run. On odds of say, 10:1, you need to win once in ten attempts to break even. Anything more is net profit. Horses backed heavily by information services and computer handicappers may win more often, but are usually poor value bets.

The offshore sportsbook sites or bookmaker webpages are very well informed and have a long experience determining the odds. Their starting prices are usually excellent indicators as to which horses are likely to be among the first three in a given race. Sometimes the mass of the punters will put a lot of weight and money on a horse which will then go to a false price and because of that the other prices of horses will drift in the market, that is get longer. As a result a horse shown favorite or second favorite in the early starting prices may then drop down the list as the start of the race approaches and his odds improve significantly, that is get longer. This doesn't happen very often, but when it does, bet on the horse that was initially favorite. It is always a good value bet and in the long run you should make a profit.

When the track is slow or heavy, give preference to fast starters. Slow, muddy and heavy track conditions usually favor the horse that takes an early lead. A straight bet is simple, manageable and not too difficult to win. Play it but always weigh up the odds. Avoid favorites and long shots (outsiders) too. Be selective - don't bet on anything or everything. When betting straight, consider betting to win and show, or each-way, if the odds are relatively high.

If a horse is heavily backed just a few minutes before the start of the race and his odds are sharply reduced, bet on it. This is a strong indication that somebody has reliable favorable information about the horse that nobody else is aware of.

The horses to look out for in Lightweights Handicap Races are those whose overall form shows that they are capable of winning, regardless of the class of race in which they compete. Two or more wins in the form shown in newspapers are often indication of a possible big win by a low weight. An added bonus is they usually start at big prices.

When making selections, always give preference to a horse that ran recently. A horse that has not raced for several weeks may have suffered some setbacks like an injury or an illness. No matter how good his form was if it is not recent, chances are the horse will not win.