As a fan of horse racing, I tend to watch a lot of races, especially those on the New York circuit (Aqueduct-Belmont-Saratoga). From time to time, I will notice a horse who, due to bad rides, track biases, or other factors, wasn’t able to show its best on a given day. My concept for this site is to maintain a fluctuating list of these horses to watch, keeping them there until they run back. Then once the horses are entered back, I can assess whether or not a betting opportunity has presented itself. Some horses I may keep on the list for more than a few races if I feel that I’m still waiting for the right spot to capitalize on what I’ve seen.
To keep things interesting, I will also offer some weekly handicapping opinions and probably cover some stakes action from around the country. In the My Bets section, I will make some mythical win or exacta wagers and keep track of how I’m doing throughout the year with my Bankroll (which is starting at $1,000).
I hope you find this site to be a valuable tool and I welcome your comments!
*****
ABOUT ME
I’m 26 years old and have been a lifelong fan of horse racing. I started going to the races as kid with my father and uncle, who became fans of the sport when their first exposure to horse racing was a trip to Belmont Park on the day Secretariat won the Triple Crown. I grew up studying my father’s old horse racing VHS tapes and reading books by great handicappers like Andy Beyer and Steve Crist, not to mention my first bible, the forever relevant Handicapper’s Handbook, by Tom Ainslie. I soon started intensely following the sport on my own as I became more fascinated by the challenge of picking winners. In recent years, I’ve been greatly influenced by trip handicappers like NYRA’s excellent Andy Serling and have also taken an interest in studying pedigrees as a useful tool.
While it’s great to have opinions about the races, it’s better to discuss them with people, which was my impetus for starting up this blog. I don’t post my picks for any financial gain other than to hone my own handicapping skills and learn from my mistakes. I merely write those long, sprawling entries because I love to do it and enjoy healthy debates about the opinions I put forth.
I graduated from New York University in 2010 with degrees in Computer Science and Music.
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13 comments
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gib.
October 19, 2012 at 11:27 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m excited to discover you. I’ll be back to winter with you at Aqueduct.
David Aragona
October 19, 2012 at 11:35 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for the feedback. Aqueduct in the winter should give me plenty to discuss in terms of bad rides and track biases.
nebraska jim
December 12, 2012 at 5:43 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
have been betting for 49years. am very impressed with your opinions. you have a very bright future in the greatest game.
David Aragona
December 12, 2012 at 6:17 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! I’ve put some hard work and careful consideration into a lot of what I’ve posted here so I’m glad to find out that people are enjoying it.
Gerard
January 5, 2013 at 7:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hello, David. I’m 48 years old. I began horse racing when I was in my teens. I used to watch my mom read the paper and go to OTB to make her bets. As I got older, I bought my first handicapping book, “The Complete Guide to Racetrack Betting” by David Rosenthal. It helped me become a better horse player. Over the years, I picked up some other books. I also taped every race I could get my hands on. I have all of the Breeders’ Cup races from 1986 on up on video tape. You’re still in the dawn of your horse racing years. The fun is just beginning as you go along. I’ll be following you, since I just discovered your site. Last year for me was a bomb. Worst finish ever, but that’s horse racing. This year started off good, so maybe, you can add to my tool box. I’ll be looking forward to your insight. Have fun and good luck with the blog.
David Aragona
January 6, 2013 at 10:57 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks. I hope you enjoy reading and good luck in the new year!
elle
January 21, 2013 at 1:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
just found this site…..thanks for all your comments….
Sean
January 26, 2013 at 3:06 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
24 year old, almost full-time player here.. man am I glad I stumbled on this site. It was immediately apparent you’re a talented handicapper and I even took the leap of faith to bet Orb blind after perusing the site for only a few minutes. So thanks for that. Since I operate virtually on my own island with little to no outside influence, it sure would be nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of, commiserate with, and learn from. If you’re interested in doing the same, please shoot me an e-mail. I play the P4 and P5 at Gulfstream almost exclusively when GP’s open, ergo I have nothing to offer in the way of inner-dirt racing, but once GP shuts down I migrate back to NYRA (the state I’m from).
dave
February 21, 2013 at 6:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nice analysis on NYRA races.
Bruce
February 24, 2013 at 6:38 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
After your wonderful analysis before Orb’s last win i had no doubt that you would come right back with him again. i really enjoy reading your write ups. Good luck to doing what you have a passion for.
David Aragona
February 24, 2013 at 4:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks, it’s great to hear that.
jack killion
May 13, 2013 at 1:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
David, your site is terrific.Jack K.
David Aragona
May 13, 2013 at 2:27 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks, Jack!