I don't know how they do it. My girlfriend approaches a race as a fashion contest. Looks for grooming and pleasing silks. Sure enough her selection jumps from the gate and wins in a romp.

Has anyone ever bet on something just because it looked good in the mounting yard? The form says no way but you just liked the look of it? In late races (after a few beers and the formguide is getting hard to read) I've tried hanging around the mounting yard and picking one on looks alone. I have no idea what I'm looking for - the big brown one with the pretty handler? - but I have fluked a few winners over time. A truly irrational system. Doesn't work if sober.

Hermes