Reading form for Dummies!

GreenHorn

Lads, thought this might be a good idea for a sticky...

How about explaining for the unitiated the basic methods of reading form. Sometimes all the info in race programmes gives ya a head ache if ya not sure what it all means!

Just an idea...

Tush

course
distance
class
race details
finishing position (last race)
finishing distance
age, weight, headgear
jockey
allowance
draw (flat)
going

Just some of the things taken into consideration when I read the cards,but I agree with you,a sticky on reading the form would be a great idea.But I am not the man to do it as I would only confuse people as I confuse myself at the best of times when studying the form.

Healio

While i agree its a good idea to have a "dummy's guide to reading form", it will never happen, for the main reason that we all do it differently. We might have two/three things in common but after that it turns into "i fancy this but X Mc X is riding it!! " whereas someone else will reply "X Mc X is a very talented jock who is up and coming etc, etc."
What Tush has posted is some of the key things to keep in mind, but everyone does it different. (and just to add, everyone is an expert when they unveil a winner!!)

TOm Kelly

This is a good starting point for a newbie:

http://www.expertbettingadvice.co.uk/horseracingguide.html

cwat69

thanks tom kelly that links pretty helpful