Night School: Handicapping 101

Triple Crown season approaches, and if you’re committed to cashing in on Derby Day, Horse Player NOW will school you. Weekly.

There’s little I love more in life than a good day at the races, but I’ll be the first to admit: As many afternoons as I’ve spent trackside, programs still intimate me.

But if you’re anything like me, we’re in luck, because for the second year in a row, sponsors Keeneland, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Daily Racing Form and Churchill Downs, Inc., have teamed up with Horse Player NOW hosts Jeremy Plonk and Joe Kristufekto offer free, interactive lessons in gambling handicapping.

Offered online Tuesday evenings at 8:30 EDT through November, Night School began on February 28, but the first two sessions are available for viewing in the archives (check under the “Completed Events” tab). There’s also a helpful Beginner’s Guide for those of us just starting out.

Upcoming sessions include “Speed/Performance Figures,” “Playing the Pick Six,” “DERBY CAMP” and (uh oh) “Money Management.” Last year guest panelists included Hall of Fame jockeys Gary Stevens and Jerry Bailey and Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Graham Motion. Additional study materials are available for free download, and each session features a live chat.

A full lineup of class dates and topics is available here.

Countdown to the Derby: 53 days. Mix up a mint julep and tune into tonight’s session, “Handicapping for Class,” at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

I’ll see you there.