How to Handicap a Horse Race Using a Point System

Horse racing is a sport that is closely tied with gambling, as those in attendance often look to make money by correctly picking which horses will win. Many horse bettors like to play using a system that helps guide their decision making. The point betting system requires a stat book for the day with detailed summaries on each race, and creates a mathematical formula for choosing the winning horse. All data can be found in the "Daily Racing Form."

Examine the Beyer speed figure for each horse in its prior four races, then find the total score from each horse's two best results. Award four points to the highest score and two points to the horse with the second highest score.

Add the lengths of defeat for each horse in its prior two races, scoring zero for a win, then award three points to the horse with the lowest score and two points to the horse with the second lowest score. Do not award any points this step if two or more horses both won their prior two races.

Add two points to the score of any horse with a trainer with a winning percentage over 10 percent, and one point to any horse with a jockey with a winning percentage over 10 percent.

Subtract one point from the score of any horses in posts nine through 12 for races over a mile, or award one point to all horses within three lengths of the lead at each call in their prior race for a race under one mile.

Award one point to all horses that raced on turf in their prior race if the race is on dirt.

Award one point to any horse racing while using Lasix for the first time.

Bet on the horse with the highest score if it leads by three points or more, otherwise do not bet on the race.