Guest Blog: FROM HORSEPLAYER TO OWNER: CAN THE SKILL OF HANDICAPPING HELP IN CHOOSING A HORSE TO OWN?

 by Mark Cramer

Julian Brown is a Maryland horse owner who got his start back in 1994. I had known Julian as a talented horseplayer. Most of the horseplayers I knew would never become owners. Some owners I know became good handicappers only after owning horses. Julian's path to ownership seemed unconventional.

Julian's Black & Tan Stable is, he explains, "a play on the ethnic diversity of my family and also a tribute to the Duke Ellington Classic, Black and Tan Fantasy."

Mark: Tell me Julian, just how does a handicapper horseplayer like you end up owning horses?

Julian (right) winning a bike race

Julian: I think that most handicappers dream of being horse owners, but are restricted by the fact they already have a very expensive hobby (betting horses), which requires them to protect their bankroll. But when some bettors see horses dropping in claiming races to winning spots, especially in racing jurisdictions where slots have subsidized purses, those bettors realize a more effective bet on the horse may be buying it rather than playing a win wager on it. Similarly, handicappers that study bloodlines begin to track undervalued stallions and mares and want to buy these horses rather than bet them first out or first time on turf. Or maybe even the pedigree handicapper wants to claim the horse to try something new based on pedigree, like a stretch out or on the turf. Still there are other handicappers who simply want the limelight they see as they watch the races at the OTB or television.

Mark: I wonder if your handicapping skill has helped you in choosing horses to buy or claim.

Julian: I think my handicapping has helped me pick the right trainers and horses, but sometimes it has worked against me. For example, my handicapping research showed the effectiveness of 3 and 5 furlong works before races. When I asked my trainers to do so, it would conflict with the training methods that enabled them to have great statistics. That 3 furlong work may have an effect on the horse's physical condition that would prevent the horse from lasting very long. If my research showed that 2 weeks off was optimal for horses to return to the races, that research could conflict with the trainer's judgment that they are used to looking at a horse and know he is ready to run. Maybe a particular horse runs better once a month because of physical restrictions or dietary (or respiratory) reasons.

Mark: Any one aspect of handicapping that's a most effective bridge between playing the horses and owning them?

Julian (3rd from right) in the winner's circle.

Julian: I have learned over the years that the best use of my handicapping skill is to pick the trainer and to help him pick horses for me to buy. Once we both agree on a horse, I have to allow the trainer to manage the horse according to his or her best judgment. I do have a strong opinion about racing tactics, but I make sure that the trainer shares my opinion and gives the instruction to the jockey himself. I have learned that my judgment as to tactics is generally wise, but sometimes I need to sit back and allow the jockey and trainer to figure it out themselves, even if it's the wrong tactic. A meddling, know-it-all owner motivates nobody. In the long run, though, my opinion will be heard and will win more races.

Mark: So then, why did you choose your trainer?

Julian: I chose Damon Dilodovico because of his high win percentage and low profile. Damon and his assistant Mike Geralis have refrained from loading their horses with drugs, unlike most winning trainers who employ medication near the legal limits. Keeping the horses happy in this old-fashioned way has extended the horses' careers."

Mark: Run us through how the handicapping process helped you buy Lady Outflanker.

Julian: I claimed Lady Outflanker for 10,000 in her second race. She had run a deep closing 4th in her debut at $14,000. It was the only two-year old I have ever owned. I liked her because she is by Outflanker (great for 2 year olds, great going short, great going long, great on mud, good on turf, great soundness) but really because of her mother, Lady Barbizon, who was a Grade 3 winner who ran a 101 Beyer figure back in 1988. That's a ton of pedigree for 10,000. Plus she was Maryland Million nominated. She didn't look great in the paddock, only okay, but she has developed into a beautiful horse. She's a one paced mare that I've about broken even with. I've enjoyed having her though, and she could be worth quite a lot as a show horse when her racing days are over.