BC Racebook Newsletter - December 24, 2024

Fraser Downs Boxing Day Racing

First Race : 7pm (PT)

Three Easy Ways to Bet Harness Racing

Betting is betting, and gambling is gambling. The money you make is the same whether you are playing sports, Thoroughbreds, or Standardbreds. If you have never played the harness game, here are some ways to get started.

First, learn who the big players are at the track you are playing. Although the odds can be lower, the chances of cashing tickets are much greater when you focus on the top trainers and drivers. Beginning your handicapping process by identifying where the top drivers have landed can quickly steer you to the potential major players.

Next, look at the last three races in each horse’s past performances. Harness races almost always take place at one mile, so it is easy to compare final times between competitors. Give preference to horses that are dropping in class, were parked on the outside in their last race, or who started from an outside post position. Bad finishes can be excused if there was a lot of ground lost on the turns or if the horse was too far back early in the race to have an impact.

Finally, fine tune your analysis with a quick look at post position statistics. Most people automatically assume that the rail is the best post, but often it is the middle of the gate that produces the most winners. This is a lesser factor that can be used to help you decide between two closely matched entrants.

Harness racing is a fun sport to watch and to bet. Always play responsibly and have fun!

Meet trainer Alina at Fraser Downs

Alina MacLeod is a third-generation horsewoman with a deep commitment to harness racing that began at the age of 12. Despite working seven days a week, her passion for Standardbreds remains strong, and she continues to find excitement in her work. Alina takes great pride in her career as a trainer, and you can see the horses she trains competing at Fraser Downs.

Matthew Ruhlman