Many handicappers don't pay attention to the equipment that is being used on the horses they bet on. In horse racing, a little thing like front wraps can make a big difference, so it pays to pay attention to the details. First of all, let's be certain that we know what we are talking about. Bandages are sometimes wrapped around the forelegs of horses when they race.



They can have a positive or negative effect. How they affect the runner will depend upon the individual animal and what its physical condition is. Sometimes those bandages are used for support. If in a previous race the horse injured a tendon, then the addition of the extra support can help it to feel more confident when it is running and therefore turn in a better performance.









Some horses have a tendency to clip their foreleg hocks with their hind hooves when they are running. Obviously, this is painful to the horse and also may cause a cut or bruise that will slow the animal down. The addition of some padding for protection can cushion the blow so that it will not hamper the runner when it is extending itself.



Of course, the addition of front wraps is not a good sign and I would rather not see them on an animal I am planning to bet on, but they may actually improve performance. When I see them on a horse I am planning to bet on I look to see if there has been some recent decline in its times or level of performance. For instance, let's say it had been winning races, but then seemed to slow down in its last few races. The trainer may have realized that the horse's front legs are sore or that it needed more support. I then look to see if there have been any recent works, and if there have been recent works, I look to see an improvement in those works that may coincide with the traine adding the extra support.



In claiming races, the bandages may be a clever ruse by a wily trainer who is trying to win a race, but make his charge look sore or injured so others won't claim it. Claiming a horse is always a guessing game and the addition of front bandages can be one ploy used to discourage would be claimers. The problem is, that you never know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing until the race is over and it is too late to put in a claiming ticket.



Another time that the addition of "fronts" can be a problem is on an off track. If the surface is wet and muddy the cloth bandages may absorb moisture and make the horse's legs heavier so it has to work harder. Some trainers will also wrap cellophane around the bandages to keep them dry. If you spot a horse sporting them and it isn't waterproofed and the track is wet, I advise you to pass that one. And while we are on the subject of wet tracks, let me pass along one more tip. If a track is muddy or sloppy and the horse has a long tail that isn't wrapped and tied, it is probably not going to win and the trainer hasn't bothered to tie it because he or she knows that. A long tail that is covered in mud and heavy with moisture can be a problem for some horses so a good trainer will usually tie them up if he or she is sending the horse for a win that day.

By: Bill Peterson

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Learn how an insider handicaps horse races by visiting Bill Peterson's website williewins.homestead.com. To see the systems Bill uses, go to williewins.homestead.com/handicappingstore2.html or williewins.homestead.com/truecb.html. 50 yrs. Experience!