I’ll never assume that I have all the answers when it comes to wagering or handicapping. I am constantly asking questions and trying to learn from both my fellow OTWL members and other horse racing friends. I wanted to use this blog to hopefully spur some conversation so we can all learn together. This week, I wanted to discuss something I call ‘making the minimum’.

This weekend, I was VERY high on Dynadrive and Sifting Sands in the Lure at Saratoga on Saturday. By the time the race came around, I was dead in the early pick 5 but I hit a nice exacta and win bet in the Lure. I was also live in the first leg of the middle pick 5 using just those two horses. I got to the payoff leg of the pick 5 and was live to Hot Peppers for ~$7300 and Matareya for ~$2400 only to be Rosarioed and left with only my original hit on the Lure. I couldn’t help but think I should have made more. Should I have played Doubles and Pick 3’s? Am I just being results-oriented since I got boomed in a payoff leg?

So my question today for everyone is, what is your strategy for maximizing value on an opinion in a single race?

-Josh @CherryDrank