Ainslie's Complete Guide to Thoroughbred Racing

by Tom Ainslie

Here is the third edition of the most complete, comprehensive and reliable guide to handicapping and understanding thoroughbred racing. Through twenty best-selling years, "Ainslie's Complete Guide to Thoroughbred Racing" has taught generations of racing fans how to become expert handicappers and pick winners at the track consistently. Now, in this all-new third edition, Ainslie turns his celebrated wit, clarity and no-nonsense realism to the latest trends and changes in thoroughbred racing.

Genres: Horse Racing, Sports, Horses

349 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Jack Cuyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very much a drag. Had I not quit 2 books last year this would’ve been on the shelf prior to page 50. However there were some cool ideas discussed and I learned enough foundational handicapping knowledge to see some value in it. It’s definitely outdated but probably a must read for any real horse racing fan. Glad it’s over now, excited to get into my next 3 on my “to-read” shelf.

[Roger Bradbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is likely the bible of serious handicappers, but the style is ponderous, encyclopedic. But I will give Ainsle his due. The guy knew horses and horse racing like no one else.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those that enjoy going to the thoroughbred races and betting on the ponies, this is a great start at making handicapping understandable. Goes through the entire process of evaluating horses and riders and races to give one a feel for which horse might have the best chance. While no handicapping system is perfect, this book at least gives you a feel for the information in the program. Ainslie also wrote a companion volume on harness racing.

[Jonathan Karmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're going to spend any time at the track, it's worth reading this book in order to understand how people attempt to win money betting on horses. Unfortunately, the house takes such a big cut that it's very hard to beat the odds, even if you are better than the other players (the other bettors).