PEDIGREE

The most important application of pedigree in handicapping, by a wide margin, occurs in grass racing. Sires that transmit an aptitude for the turf do a terrific job. Their progency win more often than statistics would expect, and pay well.

Handicappers should prepare to back horses having outstanding grass sires on their 1st and 2nd starts on the turf. Odds of 5-1 and greater should be part and parcel of the play. Let favorites and low priced contenders go. They do not win frequently enough.

Other applications of breeding in handicapping that count:

First starters
Three-year-olds and Two-year-olds
In the mud and slop
Stakes for Three-year-olds at 1 1/4 mile.

With first time starters, prefer the sires having a Win% at .11 and greater.
On wet tracks, the sires Win% should be .18 and greater.

Once young and still developing horses show they can run fast and perform impressively a classic or impressive pedigree becomes an extra added attraction. If the horses cannot run fast, the pedigree is irrelevant.

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