First, allow us to say that we've been handicapping at racing ovals for over 30 years. We know our way around the track – both frontside and backside.

We take into consideration the traditional speed, class and pace handicapping factors as well as dozens of other variables including post position, trouble, workouts and track bias. The process is designed to keep one from spending countless hours handicapping at home and allow more time for such valuable activities as paddock and post parade inspection - not to mention odds-board watching.

In addition, we have access to backstretch knowledge. We know many trainers personally and talk to them often. We are also familiar with how their horses perform in the mornings. The final time of an a.m. exercise very often is not a true indication of how the horse worked. For example, if you see a 'bullet' work in the Daily Racing Form, that doesn't necessarily mean it was the best drill at the distance. Other horses may have recorded slower times but did so more effortlessly. We've also studied the success of trainers after a claim and are privy to what they are looking for when outlining a horse's 'game plan'.