Tags are the method I use to give brief insights on the horse without getting wordy. Taking 100% of handicapping from you is not my goal. the tags are to be used as easy tools. Example: / Class drop of 100%+, this is not good on it's own because often more then one horse is dropping class but it is important to know this.

You may at times disagree with what the tag is telling you. Example: the tag has flagged the horse with a ( / ), indicating a drop in class of over 100%. Your formula may prove different. Just remember, the tags are tools, they are to help you in your handicapping, and for those who are not handicapper's, these tags gives some insight about the horse I feel you should know that is important.

You can analyze a horse or horse race, until the cows come home. And believe me, as many handicapper's as there are, that is how many different opinions there are on who will win a particular race. Most good handicapper's are right 30% of the time.

There are literally over a hundreds variables that would be in favor of any horse's ability to overcome another horse in a race. On the other hand, the same horse could have hundreds of variables NOT in his favor.

Any horse in a race can have five or six positive variables combined, that is strong enough, to over come all of the another horse with more positive variables.

A horse that has been marked as the horse to beat in a race may have more positive variables, but may not have the right combination that will be needed to win the race. This is where long-shots come in to play, these long-shots most of the time, have less positive variables, but has the right combination of a few variables to beat everyone in the race. This can become quite nerve racking as you very well know.

Because of the reason above, you will not find me analyzing any race or race horse, I let the programs I wrote do that task for me.

The top four contenders more often then not are the horses most likely to win. All you need to do is to understand the TAGS and apply your skills at handicapping. The more skilled you become as a handicapper along with this site, the more successful you will become.

I have confidence that, anyone using the picks provided by this site, can be successful once they understand the TAGS and the track they are using.

Picking horses who win or are in the money is only 50% of what horse racing is about. If you really want to be successful at this game you need to spend just as much of you time learning good money management. A good handicapper who is averaging a 30% in the money rate can make money with good money management. This site contenders averages 100% to 150% 1st and 2nd when you add them, need I say more.

C = Upper case C indicates that in general the class is good, but maybe not at the distance.

c = Lower case c indicates that it has good class at the distance. Often seen with C.

$ = Very good class, higher than average, general class. Note: if no (#) showing then this tag would be best to watch.

# = Very good class, higher than average, at the Distance, best tag over all.

^ = I have a my own par for work-outs, if the horse worked out at par or better, then it gets a carrot.

\ = The horse is dropping in class over 50%.

/ = The horse is dropping in class over 100%.

F = Informing you this horse has competitive speed compared to other horses in the field. This F tag shows up often in many Stake races or high class Races. If you only see one F in a race and you think the horse have some other advantages today, then this horse would be a good bet.

L = Lone late speed (CLOSER). If there are several early speed horses, then a late speed horse may come form behind, after the early speed horses burn themselves out. Note: some horses are capable of both ( L ) & ( E ) Tag.

E = Lone early speed. This is good in a sprint race 7 furlongs or less. The lone early speed horse often comes in 2nd, sometimes wins. Note: some horses are capable of both ( E ) & ( L ) Tag.

{?#} = This horse has a good chance to be in the money. Several good variables have lined up to give the horse an edge over the others in the race. Keep in mind that a long shot is a long shot for a reason, but I give the {?#} tag if I think the horse will give a good effort for a win or be in the money.

I have found chasing after long shots is a bad investment in the long run this tag will improve on that.

Note: Backup your bet with a place or show bet because often the PLACE and SHOW horse will help recover some of you money if the horse does not win.

I have been asked by several members if there was a way to ran the Long Shot Tag at the time I did not have a way. For the last few months I have been developing a way to rank the Long Shot tag.

Again these horses should show an interest in the race and give some kind of effort to be in the money.

You will also notice that from time to time these horses are scratched either by the Track VET, Track Condition or some other reason.

I give the Possible Long Shot tag to odds of 6-1 to 20-1. Yes many would say 4-1 would be a good start and yes many 4-1 odds that are show as part of my picks do win, I had to have a cut off point some were.

 This is the Points ranking system used on the Posable Long Shot Tags
 If points are --> or equal to 400 Then posable Long Shot Tag = {?1}
 If points are between 300 and 399 then posable Long Shot Tag = {?2}
 If points are between 200 and 299 Then posable Long Shot Tag = {?3}
 If points are between 118 and 199 then posable Long Shot Tag = {?4}

Many Long Shots may be showing as part of my picks with no tag because many fall below the 118 points level, again I had to have a cut off line some were and yes some do win with 117 point and less.

I am not done with this tag and hopefully will continue to make it better, picking Long Shots is a tough challenge for handicapper's as you very will know or picking any winner for that matter.

{C} = You can bet either horse even though if the other coupled horse is not showing. Or if either horse is scratched including the one showing the other is still okay to bet. The reason for this is often I like both and when they are both being used as top four picks I loose the fifth choice which is often a long shot that now can move from 5th choice to 4th choice, on your pick sheet.

* = This horse was claimed last time out. Many handicapper's believe owners wants to get back there investment as soon as they can, so often they enter a horse with the honest will to win. ( Not In The Race For Just a Workout).

r = I Feel this horse is competitive towards a good ROI. If the price is to high ( over 10-1 or higher ) may want to pass this horse for now. This tag may be stronger on one track but not another, keep an eye on this tag.

Keep in mind however many factors will change this including having more then one of this type of horse in a race. Also be aware that the other horses who have the (r) could be below the top four CONTENDERS shown on your pick sheet.

H = This tag makes you aware that this horse may have one or a few hidden variables ( not showing on the Daily Racing Form ) that could be strong enough to push this horse over the top for a WIN or a good PLACE bet.

h = Not as strong as the (H) tag above but has a few variables going for the horse that should not be over looked, that could be strong enough to push this horse over the top for a WIN or a good PLACE bet.

J = Several handicapper's requested this tag. I don't use Jockey's or Trainers as part of my handicapping because of a low steady hit rate, however I did make some adjustments that may give the Jockey/Trainer TAG a better hit rate of over 30% not the normal 20% with no adjustments.

K = I have been asked many times if I have my own CLASS/PACE/SPEED FIGURES similar to Dr. William Quirin Class figures or Andrew Beyer Speed Figures. The answer to the question is yes. The ( K ) tag represents the top 2 of my figures, keep in mind that no one system is 100% (I Wish), In my handicapping I use over 20 systems that work in tandem with each other.

k = Same as the ( k ) above but I can't quite commit to what the figures are showing me or the point spread not large enough to put ( k ), this will happen now and then and depending if the other horses are not feeling up to par then this ( k ) has a good chance of winning or a good place bet.

(Upper Case) X = Furoseomide

Also called Lasix or Salix, used to pull fluid from the body. Helps manage exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (“BLEEDING”). Reduction in bleeding may help performance. This drug is Legal on race day. Usually given 4 hours prior to post. Keep in mind most horses in any given race are using this drug, the ( X ) is if today is the first time the horse is using this drug.

(Lower Case) x = NSAIDs

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Phenylbutazone ( Bute ), Banamine And Ketoprofin, Aspirin we take is in the same medication class works to reduce inflammation. Used to reduce inflammation associated with athletic competition. May improve performance of horse because inflammation causes pain and reduced mobility. Allows to train through minor aches and pains. Typically withdrawn 24 to 48 hours prior to race day. Keep in mind several horses in any given race may be using this drug, the ( x ) is if today is the first time the horse is using this drug.

(Zero Tags) Some times more then I like a horse will have no tags at all don't disregard this horse because don't forget I am using over 20 horse racing handicapping systems and for whatever reason this horse pop's up as my 3rd or 4th choice and often a good paying horse because other handicapper's have dismissed this horse ability to give a good effort. This Horse can mess-up your exotic plays if you don't include this horse, same goes for the Posable Long Shot Tags above.

Sincerely ... Kep, "The Handicapper"